Alexis Jordan

Inspired by the likes of Billie Holiday, Rihanna and Beyoncé, a nervous, 14-year-old Alexis Taylor first came to attention when she delivered a pitch perfect version of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing at an audition for the first season of America's Got Talent in 2006. Championed by judge Brandy, the South Carolinian made it to the semi-finals of the TV talent contest and was widely acclaimed for her cheery, upbeat personality and sugar sweet voice. After the show ended Jordan started uploading self-made performances to YouTube and received millions of views from besotted fans. Spotted by Rihanna's producers Stargate and taken to New York to record, Jay-Z overheard Jordan in the studio and made her his first signing to his new StarRoc label. Full of soulful pop and easy-going R&B, debut album Alexis Jordan (2011) reached Number 11 in the UK and produced the Top 10 hits Happiness and Good Girl. She went on to feature on Sean Paul's single Got 2 Luv U before returning in 2012 with the electro influenced Acid Rain.