Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke (full name Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewan Burke) is an English singer, who won the fifth series of UK music contest the X Factor. Born 25 August 1988 in Islington, London, Alex is the daughter of former Soul II Soul member Melissa Bell.
Burke is no stranger to music contests - in her early days, aged just 12-years-old - she entered TV talent show Star For A Night. Sadly she was beaten by Joss Stone, who won the competition.
Upon leaving school, she began working as a singer in small clubs and also toured with the Young Voices charity (that raises awareness and money for children with leukemia).
In 2005, Alexandra than entered the X Factor and joined Louis Walsh's category 16-24 year olds. She made the final seven of his group, but her mentor felt she was too young.
Three years later in 2008, Burke entered the X Factor again where she made it into the Girls category and was mentored by Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole. Alex won the show on Saturday December 18, 2008 after gaining 58% of the total votes.
Her debut single - a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' - was released days later and at the time she became the first British female to sell over 1 million copies of a single.
Alexandra then headed out to Los Angeles in Spring 2009 to record her debut album.
