Ricki-Lee Coulter

Infobox musical artist
Name = Ricki-Lee


Img_capt = Ricki-Lee on stage in February 2008
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Ricki-Lee Coulter
Born = birth date and age|1985|11|10
Auckland, New Zealand
Died =
Origin = Queensland, Australia
Instrument =
Genre = Pop, R&B
Associated acts = Young Divas (2006-2007)
Occupation = Singer-songwriter
Years_active = 2004–present (Solo)
2006–2007 (Group)
Label = Shock Records (2004–present)
Pony Canyon (2007–present)
Ministry Of Sound(2007–present)
URL = [http://www.ricki-lee.com Official Site]

Ricki-Lee (born November 10, 1985) is a New Zealand-born Australian pop singer. She came to fame in 2004 as a contestant on the second series of "Australian Idol", before signing a record deal with Australian Independent Label, Shock Records.

Biography

Early life

Coulter was born in Auckland, New Zealand on November 10, 1985 (rather than October 10 as confirmed by Ricki-Lee on myspace) and moved with her mother Loretta to Queensland, Australia when she was 3 weeks oldMusic Australia. [http://www.musicaustralia.org/apps/MA?function=showDetail&currentMapsRecord=destra%20Media~E81D298D-2BA4-41C2-929D-B1E1B48990D9&itemSeq=4&total=5&&returnFunction=searchResults&scope=scope&simpleTerm=paulini&sessionId=reuseSearch7C30BB1D7BA3BC0EBE57A9917E6AE9CA1218243372519 Ricki-Lee Biography] "Ricki-Lee Biography". Accessed August 23, 2008.] . In Queensland, her younger sister Jodie was also born. Ricki-Lee developed a keen passion for playing netball, playing for Queensland and was on the verge of playing for Australia when serious knee injury requiring reconstructive surgery however ended her netball careerMusic Australia. [http://www.musicaustralia.org/apps/MA?function=showDetail&currentMapsRecord=destra%20Media~E81D298D-2BA4-41C2-929D-B1E1B48990D9&itemSeq=4&total=5&&returnFunction=searchResults&scope=scope&simpleTerm=paulini&sessionId=reuseSearch7C30BB1D7BA3B0EBE57A9917E6AE9CA1218243372519 Ricki-Lee Biography] "Ricki-Lee Biography". Accessed August 23, 2008.] .

"Australian Idol" 2004

Ricki-Lee auditioned for the second series of "Australian Idol" where she became a defined crowd favourite. Considered a major contender to win the Australian Idol competition, Ricki-Lee was unexpectedly voted out in 7th place. The judges described her departure as a scandalThe Age. [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/12/1097406541083.html Fallen Idol] "The Age". Accessed August 23, 2008.] .

"Australian Idol" Performances

* Audition: "Don't Let Go" - En Vogue
* Top 30- "Can't Get Enough of Your Love Babe" - Barry White
* Top 12- Australian Hits: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" - Olivia Newton-John
* Top 11- Pop: "Work It Out" - Beyoncé
* Top 10- 60's: "Proud Mary" - Tina Turner
* Top 9- Disco: "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" - Michael Jackson
* Top 8- Idol's Choice: "I Have Nothing" - Whitney Houston
* Top 7- The Beatles: "We Can Work It Out" - The Beatles Eliminated

Musical career

2005-2006: "Ricki-Lee"

After declining a deal from SonyBMG, Coulter signed with Australia's biggest Independent Label, Shock RecordsThe Age. [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/30/1127804648650.html On the road with Ricki-Lee ] "The Age". Accessed August 19, 2008.] , and released her first single "Hell No!" in June 2005. The single, written in collaboration with Audius MtawariraGumtree. [http://brisbane.gumtree.com.au/c-Events-events-gigs-nightlife-Luscious-Fridays-presents-AUDIUS-MTAWARIRA-Live-W0QQAdIdZ65490976 Luscious Fridays presents AUDIUS MTAWARIRA Live] "Gumtree". Accessed August 19, 2008.] , debuted at #5, spent three weeks in the Top 10 and 3-months in the Top 40australian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . Her second single "Sunshine" also went Top 10, peaking at #8 and spent four months in the Top 40australian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . "Breathe", her third single release, debuted Top 20, peaking at #14australian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . The S-T album "Ricki-Lee" debuted at #30 and was certified goldaustralian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.]

2006-2007: "Young Divas"

In 2006, Coulter joined Australian Idol, Paulini Curuenavuli, Emily Williams, and Kate DeAraugo, to form Young Divas projectThe Herald Sun. [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,22196026-5013148,00.html Through the Idol years ] "The Herald Sun". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . Their first single "This Time I Know It's For Real", a remake of the Donna Summer 1989 song, was a major success, reaching # 2 on the Australian chartsaustralian-charts. [http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Young+Divas&titel=Young+Divas&cat=a Young Divas chart peaks ] "australian-charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] , while the self titled album reached # 4australian-charts. [http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Young+Divas&titel=Young+Divas&cat=a Young Divas chart peaks ] "australian-charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . On June 23, 2007, Coulter officially announced she would be leaving the group. After months of rumours and speculation of infighting, she stated that she was leaving to focus on her solo career, saying "I just couldn't do it all - I really had to get back to doing what I love doing, and that's my solo career The Daily Telegraph. [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21959962-5006002,00.html Ricki-Lee quits Young Divas ] "The Daily Telegraph". Accessed August 19, 2008.] ."

2007-2008: "Brand New Day & International Record Deals"

In August 2007, Coulter released her first single (from her second album), "Can't Touch It", which debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts australian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . "Can't Touch It" achieved Platinum Status through ARIA. Ricki-Lee's second solo album, entitled "Brand New Day" was released on August 11 and went Top 40, achieving gold statusaustralian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . The album was re-released with a bonus second CD - her first S-T album Ricki-Lee, in December 2007. The second single from the Brand New Day album was Love Is All Around. This single debuted at # 5, making it the second highest new entry for the week after Kylie Minogueaustralian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . "Can't Sing A Different Song" became Ricki's third consecutive Top Ten single from her current album when it debuted into the ARIA Chart at #8 making it her sixth consecutive Top 20 single since she hit the charts in 2005australian-charts.com. [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ricki%2DLee&titel=Can%27t+Touch+It&cat=s Ricki-Lee chart peaks ] "Australian-Charts.com". Accessed August 19, 2008.] .
On the December 9 2007 Ricki-Lee announced that she had signed with Japan's biggest independent label Pony Canyon undercover.com.au. [http://www.undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=3617 Ricki-Lee Scores Ministry Of Sound Deal] "Undercover.com.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] and also signed to the major UK label Ministry Of Sound after a representative of the label heard "Can't Touch It" on the radio and approached her managementundercover.com.au. [http://www.undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=3617 Ricki-Lee Scores Ministry Of Sound Deal] "Undercover.com.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . Her single "Can't Touch This" was released as “U Wanna Little Of This”, a remix by Hed Kandi of "Can't Touch It", which peaked at #1 on the UK Commercial Club Pop Charts and #2 on the UK Upfront Club Charts in 2008shock.com.au. [http://www.shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=877 Ricki-Lee Takes The UK Charts By Storm] "Shock Records". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . Ricki-Lee announced in January 2008 her Australian first solo tour, The Brand New Day Tour, kicking off in Queensland on March 6th, 2008 and finishing up in Sydney on March 31st, 2008 in Sydneyaccessallareas.net.au. [http://www.accessallareas.net.au/data/EEAAZulkFuEWuHZSpJ.php Ricki-Lee announces tour!] "accessallareas.net.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] .

2008: "New Single - "Wiggle It"

It was announced that Ricki-Lee would release a new single called "Wiggle It" which was co-written by Australian R&B artist Israel CruzAccess All Areas. [http://www.accessallareas.net.au/music_news/EkEZAEyVAFcjvPHudO.php Ricki-Lee Wiggles It with New Single!] "AccessAllAreas.net.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . The single was written in 2006 and was initially meant to be released with her sophomore album Brand New DayAccess All Areas. [http://www.accessallareas.net.au/music_news/EkEZAEyVAFcjvPHudO.php Ricki-Lee Wiggles It with New Single!] "AccessAllAreas.net.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . "Wiggle It" is due for a physical release on September 13, 2008 & digital release on September 16, 2008Access All Areas. [http://www.accessallareas.net.au/music_news/EkEZAEyVAFcjvPHudO.php Ricki-Lee Wiggles It with New Single!] "AccessAllAreas.net.au". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . The track features the a chorus sample from 90's hit "Wiggle It" by 2 In A Room.

Discography

*"Ricki-Lee" (2005)
*"Brand New Day" (2007)

Awards and nominations

Radio career

On January 14, 2008 Ricki-Lee joined Brisbane radio station B105 FM as part of their breakfast team for 6 weeks to replace dj Camilla Severi, who had given birthCourier Mail. [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23042851-7642,00.html Battle of the airwaves] "Courier Mail". Accessed August 19, 2008.] .

Television career

In 2005, Coulter performed with legendary Marcia Hines on the television program, "An Audience With Marcia Hines", which was broadcast on FOXTEL. Rick-Lee was one of the celebrity performers on the Nine Network's series, Celebrity Circus. She also appeared on several TV shows, including Channel 10's "Friday Night Games", Rove Live, Sunrise, TODAY Show and in "Bert's Family Feud Celebrity Challenge".

"It Takes Two"

It was announced that Ricki-Lee is a new mentor on the celebrity singing show, It Takes Two on Channel 7 CourierMail.com.au. [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23046405-5012980,00.html Ricki-Lee scores Paulini's TV gig] "Courier Mail". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . Ricki-Lee mentored former tennis star Scott Draper. On Tuesday the 4th of March, Coulter and Draper were eliminated from It Takes Two. Both returned for the Grand Final episode on April 22nd, 2008TV.com. [http://www.tv.com/it-takes-two/season-3-episode-4/episode/1182711/summary.html?tag=ep_list;title;3 It Takes Two:Season 3, Episode 4] "TV.com". Accessed August 23, 2008.] .

"It Takes Two" Performances

These are the songs performed by Ricki-Lee and Scott Draper performed on the showIt Takes Two. [http://au.tv.yahoo.com/it-takes-two/songs.html It Takes Two Song List] "It Takes Two". Accessed August 23, 2008.] :
* Episode 1 - Pop: "Playing To Win" - John Farnham
* Episode 2 - Rock: "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Aerosmith
* Episode 3 - Movies/Musicals: "Summer Nights" - Grease - John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
* Episode 4 - Ballads: "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" - Michael Bolton Eliminated
* Episode 6 - Special group performance (girls): Crazy In Love - Beyonce Knowles & Boogie Wonderland - Earth Wind & Fire Medley
* Episode 10 (Grand Final) - Group performance: You Don't Have To Be A Star - Marilyn McKoo & Billy Davis Jnr

"Australian Idol"

Ricki-Lee confirmed on Friday May 30th, 2008 that she will return to the next season of Australian Idol as part of the hosting team alongside James Matheson and Andrew G. [cite news
url = http://www.yourtv.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=136570
title = Ricki-Lee returns to Idol
publisher = ninemsn
accessdate = 2008-05-31]

Personal life

Coulter married childhood sweetheart, Jamie Babbington in September, 2007The Courier Mail. [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22388173-5012980,00.html Australian idol Ricki-Lee Coulter secretly weds] "The Courier Mail". Accessed August 19, 2008.] . A copy of the wedding invitation was printed in Australian women's magazine Woman's Day. Coulter and Jamie currently reside on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Face Of Jeans For Genes

Ricki-Lee is the 2008 face of Australia's Jeans for Genes Day, a charity fund raising event that benefits research into childhood genetic diseases. Ricki-Lee had worked with the charity for three years and raised over $100,000. [cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23911674-5012327,00.html|title=Ricki-Lee fits the bill nicely for Jeans for Genes Day|date=June 24 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph|publisher=New Limited|accessdate=2008-06-30]

References

External links

* [http://www.ricki-lee.com Ricki-Lee's Official Site]
* [http://ricki-lee-official.skyblog.com Ricki-Lee's Official French Blog]
*imdb name|id=1703171|name=Ricki-Lee Coulter
* [http://www.myspace.com/rickileeofficial Ricki-Lee's Official Myspace]
*New story on Europe and Asian record label signing and release http://www.centralstation.com.au/articles/shownews.asp?newsid=6742
* [http://www.bellaboobabe.com/story/100308/110/celebrity-access-ricki-lee Bellaboo interview with Ricki-Lee]