Gabriella Cilmi

She has a strong Italian pedigree but Gabriella Cilmi's sunny disposition and bright pop approach somehow seems quintessentially Australian. Growing up she idolised Nina Simone and started out in a covers band performing hits by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jet and Silverchair. When only 13 she sang the Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash at a community festival in Melbourne was spotted by a record company executive and suddenly became hot property, offered recording deals by four different labels. Gabriella eventually signed to Island and teamed up with production team Xenomania to release her first album Lessons To Be Learned, released in 2008. She also sang the theme to the UK TV series Echo Beach, toured with Sugababes and had an international hit with the single Sweet About Me. With a jazzy tinge to her voice Gabriella found herself compared to Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray and was well received at the 2009 Glastonbury Festival.