Alesha

Alesha Kurdadze (born Alesha Grafton on 14 March, 1984) is an English recording artist, actress, and entrepreneur. Born and raised just outside of Manchester in Trafford, England, Alesha moved to the city in 2001 to achieve her dreams of becoming a singer. After performing as the lead vocalist of underground dance group Soho Kills, Alesha signed a solo record deal with breathemusic in 2003. She released her debut album Look Out Below in 2003 and won Best Newcomer at the 8th Urapopstar Awards, despite her modest sales.

A series of hit singles from her third studio album Buried Underneath (2005) transitioned her into global recognition, while Alesha Is the Queen (2007) turned Alesha into a pop icon for pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in popular music and receiving widespread media coverage. Expanding on the use of religious imagery with The Second Coming (2008), Alesha's image as a popular yet controversial figure grew as she received praise for the diverse musical productions in her albums, while at the same time receiving backlash from religious conservatives and the Vatican. Alesha's 2009 album Bigger Than God became her fourth to debut at number one on the albums chart. 2010's "Good Mourning" and "The Last Temptation" became the most successful singles of Alesha's career. She continued her success into 2011 with The Martyr and Prime Cut.

Considered to be one of the most influential women in contemporary music, Alesha has been known for continually reinventing her music and image. Alesha has sold over sixteen million records in the United Kingdom alone and a further three hundred million worldwide. She was the best selling female artist in 2007 and 2008 and the third best selling overall. Forbes magazine ranked Alesha as the most powerful celebrity in the world for three consecutive years (2007-2009). With twenty Urapopstar Award wins to her name, Alesha was honoured with the prestigious Artist of the Decade award at Urapopstar Awards 18 in August 2010.

1984-2002: Childhood and discovery
Alesha Grafton was born on 14 March, 1984 in Trafford, England, just outside of Manchester. Alesha's biological mother, Louise Grafton, walked out on her when she was still an infant. As a result, Alesha was raised in a middle-class family by her father Dennis Grafton and her stepmother Patricia Halliwell. Alesha has a biological sister, Maria Grafton, one year her senior, and a stepsister, Phoebe Halliwell, who was a member of the all-female rock band Innocent. Alesha was raised both Catholic and Jewish, due to the religious differences between her father and stepmother.

According to an official biography, Alesha first became interested in singing after she saw a Karlie Minogway music video on TV at the age of three. She started attending lessons with a vocal coach, as well as taking part in ballet, jazz, and modern dance classes. At the private Catholic school Alesha attended, she began developing a rebellious attitude and achieved notoriety for her unconventional behaviour. Over the next few years, Alesha had already begun to involve herself in the Manchester club scene. Alesha has revealed that she first started doing drugs when she was only thirteen. In 2001, at the age of seventeen, Alesha moved to a bedsit in downtown Manchester and became the singer and face of underground dance-rock act Soho Kills. The band was approached by multiple independent record labels in 2002. Unhappy with the musical direction and stylistic choices of Soho Kills, Alesha left the band to pursue a solo music career. She toured a number of Manchester clubs, singing her own compositions as well as Sophie Ellis-Beckham and Hailey Klass covers.

2003-2004: Early success
Alesha had developed a small, low-key fanbase by the time she was approached by an breathemusic A&R representative. Alesha was offered and accepted a two-album deal in the summer of 2003. Alesha's first single "Predictable" became a surprise top-ten hit. The single was followed by her debut album Look Out Below, mostly self-written with production from MC Labels and breathemusic's own in-house record producers. The album failed to enter the top ten but sold steadily, eventually receiving a platinum certification. Alesha released four more singles from the album to varying degrees of success, including duets with 4tune and Larynx Trasher. Alesha's private life started to receive tabloid attention. In January 2004, Alesha and Ben Parker announced their engagement after just a few months of dating and broke the news that they were expecting a child.

In August 2004, after marrying Parker and giving birth to her first child Ana-Marie Roxanne Grafton-Parker, Alesha released her second studio album Hungry for More. Alesha's provocative new image made her a sex symbol. Hungry for More was a success, nearly outselling her debut album in half the time. Its commercial performance was helped by the success of its lead single "Let Me Take You There", a disco-inspired number which charted at number two. Despite this success, the album was suddenly shelved after the disappointing reception to the second single "It Sucks to Be Me" (later famously covered by Gingers+Jesus). Alesha stayed in the public eye with her first foray into acting, playing the lead role in the independent film Let Me Tell You How I Died (a thriller based on the novel of the same name). She also released a second duet with 4tune, as well as the risqué "Midweek Sex" with Kandi and CeCe Winston. Alesha was promoted to co-owner of breathemusic which merged with Andrea Twain's record label to form Baa.Music. Following a management dispute with Britney Aguilera, Alesha and Twain abandoned the label and created Visionary.Music.

2005-2006: Rise to prominence
During the first half of 2005, Alesha began writing and recording her third album. She released her third studio album Buried Underneath on 3 July, prompting Rolling Stone to say that "it sounds as if it comes from the heart." The album marked a change in direction for Alesha, employing a new guitar-oriented singer-songwriter sound. Eventually peaking at number one, the album was certified triple platinum. The album's lead single, "Little Green High Heels", was penned by Delta Nu, while the second and third singles "Infernal Superstar" and the Neyssa duet "Close the Door"/"He's Done It Again", became Alesha's first number ones. Following months of tabloid coverage constantly hinting at affairs and marital problems, Ben Parker filed for divorce in July 2005. Shortly afterwards, Alesha became good friends with Neyssa, also a divorcee and single mother. It was reported and later confirmed that the pair were a lesbian couple, resulting in the coming out of both women. Alesha also abandoned Visionary.Music following a feud with Twain; the label later became Alias Records while Alesha joined Ensemble Entertainment.

Alesha released a duet with Sarah Summers, "Happy Slappers", which peaked at number two in February 2006. A growing riff between Summers and Alesha kept the pair in the press. Alesha was quickly becoming exhausted as she expected her second child with fiancee Neyssa. In May of 2006, Alesha and Neyssa had their first child, Maribba Nikia Kurdadze, through a sperm donor (Neyssa's brother). Alesha also received thousands of complaints and an extremely large fine after her and Neyssa "accidentally" aired their sex tape on Saturday morning kid's TV. The pair co-hosted the 12th Urapopstar Awards, a controversial choice by producers.

Following her participation in Celebrity Big Brother, Alesha released a Naomi-written ballad "Gone". The single coincided with the release of Alesha's first greatest hits compilation, Chic/Freak. As well as being a greatest hits, there was a second disc of new material. Both releases fared well in the charts. Alesha also signed up to take part in the first Tango Challenge. Alesha was paired with her ex-husband Ben Parker of all people, but they channeled their hatred into the song "Go Fuck Yourself". The duet became another top ten hit for Alesha.

2007: Commercial success and backlash
In 2007, Alesha redefined herself again with her fourth studio album Alesha Is the Queen. Alesha took artistic risks while maintaining her commerciality; she explored the commercial sides of pop music while also drawing influences from electronic and hip-hop. Although mostly self-written and produced, the album contained songs written by Buffi and Kati, in addition to duets with Josie Matthews and Neyssa. The recording of the album and its launch was chronicled by MTV in a documentary of the same name. The album debuted at number one and was eventually certified diamond, becoming one of the best-selling albums of time. Alesha Is the Queen was awarded Best Album at the 14th Urapopstar Awards. The album's lead single "Fashion Kills", a Buffi-written electro pop track, became Alesha's third number one single after an extensive promotional campaign. It has been said that it "heralded a new era of success" for Alesha by The Guardian. Alesha's next two singles, the Matthews duet "Just for the Thrills" and "London Brat", were also top five. Following a threesome with Alfie Outcast and Matthews, Alesha feuded with Matthews and declared Outcast for herself despite her relationship with Neyssa. In a mentally unsafe state, Alesha drove her car into a lake with Outcast a passenger, sabotaging both of their lives. She publicly apologised and checked herself into a mental health care facility. Alesha made up with Matthews and Outcast, who later married, and reunited with Neyssa.

Alesha teamed up with her close friends and recurring collaborators Buffi, Shell Ruin and Taylor Brookes in July 2007 to release "Power Power", which they described as an "epic tour-de-force". The EP consisted of two brand new tracks, the titular song and "Cherry Bomb", in addition to collaborative versions of songs taken from their respective albums. Adverts ran on Channel 4 throughout the campaign and both songs were A-listed by BBC Radio 1 within the first week of their initial release. The released experienced extreme setback during early stages of promotion when all four musicians were arrested. It emerged soon after that the police had unearthed plans for the women to copycat the Moors murders of the 1960s. The girls adopted Myra Hindley's appearance — mirroring her eye makeup, hair style and sardonic attitude. However, their stint behind bars was short-lived and they were soon released and given a timely amount of community service, which included cleaning the doorstep of Jill Dando. The video, which showed the girls hellbent on world domination, also proved controversial. Despite the highly publicised promotional campaign and hype, the song failed to set the charts alight - it didn't even enter the top ten. "Power Power" has become famed as a trainwreck and one of the most shocking singles of Urapopstar. While fans and some fellow celebrities felt that the low charting was undeserved, a large number of people thought it was justified. All four parties received criticism for their controversial antics. The song was voted the Worst Single of the Year, Worst Collaboration, and Most Deserved Flop at the 2007 Shit Awards. Alesha maintains that the single is one of her favourite memories.

In an attempt to appeal to regain the public's support, Alesha targeted a new audience with the fifth single from Alesha Is the Queen. "The OH in Ohio", inspired by crunk music, and "Candy Cigarettes", a darker electro-ballad, were chosen. Promotion was launched at the Urapopstar Awards 14, as Alesha put on a mind-blowing performance of "Ohio" with Twist which poked fun at Camilla Holmes, Dalisay, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Lady Lou, and Lavina. She also created a clothing line for high street chain River Island, furthering her appeal to the chav youth of Britain. "The OH in Ohio"/"Candy Cigarettes" proved Alesha's career was still thriving when it peaked at number two in September 2007. The album's final single, the Neyssa duet "Those Who Love Me Can Take the Train", also peaked at number two. Alesha fathered London's son Bob, who was born in late 2007. She was also linked to Jack Stevens and close friend Putanovska. Alesha and Neyssa are reportedly okay with such situations, referring to their relationship as an open one.

2008: Career development
While recording her fifth studio album, Alesha released The Good That Won't Come Out, a collection of demos, outtakes and rarities to celebrate Alesha's five years in the industry. The album was accompanied by "Diamonds & Dollar Bills", a joint EP with Putanovska. Both the single and the album entered the charts at number one, with the Putanovska collaboration becoming her best-selling single at the time. Alesha also performed a live acoustic Unplugged concert for MTV. Furthermore, Alesha and Neyssa finally married on 22 June, 2008 in Los Angeles, after same-sex marriage was legalised in California. They held a much larger and high-profile ceremony in London shortly afterwards.

Alesha released her fifth studio album The Second Coming on 2 June, 2008. Written and produced in collaboration with Shell Ruin, Rolling Stone hailed the album as "...as close to art as pop music gets." The album featured many religious references, with Alesha referring to herself as the Second Coming of Christ among other things, and was condemned by the Vatican. Ryan Dawson, Jon Farley, and Jack Stevens all feature on the album. The Second Coming, Alesha's third consecutive number one album and second to go diamond, was nominated for Best Album at the 16th Urapopstar Awards but lost. The Ruin-penned lead single "Tsunami of the Soul", nominated for Best Single and Best Video at the awards, was another success for Alesha when it peaked at number two and went platinum. Alesha and Ruin headlined Glastonbury 2008 with a twenty-six song set that spanned three hours, a precursor to Alesha's 2009 worldwide arena tour, the Jesus Christ Supertour. Alesha's next single, the Ryan Dawson duet "Original Sin", became her fifth number one single. "Disciplinary"/"Guerilla" also hit the top spot, outselling all of Alesha's previous singles. The Second Coming's era was ended with the "Crucify" EP, which featured four album tracks and two exclusive songs. It continued Alesha's streak of singles to chart within the top two. Alesha also hosted the radio show Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1 while Jo Whiley was on leave.

Prior to the release of her sixth studio album, Alesha released "Filthy Preacher"/"Shoot to Kill" with Indigo Peak. The release was met with a controversy similar to 2007's "Power Power", with Alesha and Indigo Peak embarking on a controversial campaign where they worked as Paedofinder Generals, targeting alleged criminals such as Phoenix Rising's Alexei Monaghan and Mahlee Wohp. Alesha and the Cassenove brothers were eventually arrested in Los Angeles after an investigation into the government-funded movement determined that it was based on "speculation" and "falsified evidence". The trio were released on bail for an undisclosed sum reportedly in the hundreds of thousands. The trio came under fire for the controversial music videos and their "blasphemous" acts. The single, however, charted at number one.

2009: Artistic growth and personal troubles
Alesha began working on a sixth studio album with Shell Ruin in the final months of 2008. By spring, the album was ready for release. The very week that the Indigo Peak collaboration charted, Alesha announced her the album's title, Bigger Than God, which became Alesha's most critically acclaimed album. A more introspective release, Pitchfork Media said that "it feels like one of the landmark pop albums of the century so far." The album garnered Alesha her highest first-week sales for an album to date and the Best Album title at the 17th Urapopstar Awards. Its lead single "Apocalypse City", which charted at number one upon release, was awarded Best Single. The release was soon followed by "Brooklyn to Brixton" and her first stadium tour, Apocalypse City Live. Alesha also confirmed her third pregnancy. After "Brooklyn to Brixton" became Alesha's first single to sell less than 300,000 copies in almost two years, Alesha reportedly held her daughter Ana-Marie hostage in her own home and refused to relinquish custody to ex-husband Ben Parker. Reportedly "intoxicated", Parker's assistant called the police. Alesha was taken to the hospital where she had her stomach pumped, having either accidentally or purposefully overdosed on pills. Alesha was placed under suicide watch. She later miscarried. Some media outlets made accusations that it was Alesha's own fault, having been photographed smoking and drinking in addition to the prescription drug abuse.

The album's third single, "Bear Dance", was released on 17 August. Paired with a cover of the late Michael Jackson's "Earth Song", recorded for The King of Pop: A Tribute to HIStory, the single was another disappointment for Alesha when it controversially entered the chart at number six. Not only did it miss the top five, but it Alesha's first single to miss the top two since September 2007. In a live television interview called "Being Alesha" (as a part of ITV's Tonight series) that occurred the following night, Alesha broke down and exhibited strange behaviour, such as being interviewed in her bikini. She was also involved in a hit-and-run incident as she crashed her car into a house and casually drove off while on her way to a Los Angeles airport. Various tabloid reports of Alesha's bizarre antics came out following the underperformance of "Brooklyn to Brixton", "Bear Dance" and Alesha's personal troubles. However, "Bear Dance" miraculously rose to number one the following week. Alesha also released Wanderlust, a collection of covers of artists who have inspired Alesha's more recent work. Despite being released in the middle of its campaign, Bigger Than God was not abandoned. Alesha said, "This is just me wanting to give a gift to my fans while honouring the artists that have inspired me so much. It's not a proper album, but I've still poured my heart and soul into it." Wanderlust includes duets with Ruin and Putanovska. The album charted at number one. "The Pretty Ones", named an album highlight by critics, was released on 21 September and reached number two. The song features vocals from Romo, China, and Emily Henning.

Following the miscarriage and her career troubles, Alesha was portrayed as a "victim" by the tabloids, cementing her comeback. Alesha's public persona was held to an even higher esteem when she spearheaded the revival of Romo's SAVE URAPS organization. Working closely with Ruin, the pair wrote and produced "Hold Fire" and organized the foundation's second telethon. Alesha and Ruin also collaborated on their first "proper" duet, "Delusions of Grandeur". Self-hyped as one of their best singles yet, the song received universal acclaim from music critics. The song's video was filmed at Chile's Cape Horn and portrays Alesha and Ruin as immortal warriors. "Delusions of Grandeur" topped the singles chart upon its release. Alesha and Shell Ruin hosted the 17th Urapopstar Awards. After the awards ceremony, Ruin was involved in a serious car accident outside of London's Earls Court. It was thought that Ruin had died, but later revealed she had faked her own death. "Good Mourning", released as a tribute to Ruin, was the first number one of 2010. The singles became Alesha's first single to sell at least 400,000 copies. "Delusions of Grandeur" won Best Collaboration at the 18th Urapopstar Awards, while "Good Mourning" was nominated for Best Single and Best Video.

2010: Greatest hits
In spring 2010, Alesha announced that she was pregnant and intended to retire. She released her second greatest hits collection Last Judgment. The album's first disc chronicled the last three years of Alesha's career, while the second disc served as her final studio album. The release was met with critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone declaring Alesha "the finest single artist Britain has produced this decade". Last Judgment became Alesha's seventh number one album; the lead single, "Heavens Above Me", also reached the pole position. Alesha embarked on The Reckoning, a worldwide stadium tour with Putanovska. The tour reached a number of venues across the globe, causing a media frenzy and a worldwide phenomenon. The record-shattering tour was met with widespread acclaim.

Alesha soon announced the release of "The Last Temptation", marketed as her final single. Backed by an intense promotional campaign and an acclaimed music video, the single spent two weeks at number one, selling over 118,000 copies in its first week. The single quickly became the best-selling single of Alesha's career. It ultimately received a double platinum certification, indicating sales of over 500,000 copies. It was the second best-selling single of the year. Both the song and video received multiple accolades and awards nominations, including the Urapopstar Award for Best Single. A box set edition of Last Judgment was released alongside the remix album Ghost Dance and the video collection Theology. Alesha also released an autobiography Líf and the incredibly lucrative documentary film Ragnarök, which grossed $299 million worldwide. She performed a sold-out concert, Judgment Day, at London's Wembley Stadium on 12 June, joined by a number of close friends and fellow musicians. Alesha gave a show-stopping performance at the 18th Urapopstar Awards on 7 August, where she paid tribute to Shell Ruin with "Good Mourning", recreated her iconic awards performances, and closed with "The Last Temptation". Alesha was honoured with reputable awards such as Best Overall Artist and Best Songwriter, but most notably she was given the prestigious title of Artist of the Decade.

On 24 October 2010, Alesha and Neyssa welcomed twin sons into the world, their first male children. The babies were conceived through in vitro fertilisation. The sons were bizarrely named Rafiki and Zazu Kurdadze after characters from The Lion King.

2011: The Martyr and Prime Cut
In December 2010, Alesha announced the release of a new studio album, The Martyr. The album ponders themes of fame and its effects on lifestyle, privacy, and relationships. Despite having announced her retirement half a year earlier, Alesha claimed that close friend Putanovska convinced her to return to the music industry. It was also revealed that Shell Ruin had faked her own death as she returned with a new album; however, Alesha and Ruin had fallen out. The Martyr contains themes of anger towards Ruin, while Alesha was the target of Ruin's The Original Doll. The album peaked at number one, earning Alesha her highest first-week sales for a studio album to date. It was preceded by the single "Silent Holocaust". Performed for the first time on the 2010 Christmas Chart Show, the song was released in January and ended Alesha's number one streak, but earned Alesha her seventeenth consecutive top two hit and was quickly certified platinum. Following tabloid reports of martial problems, Alesha and Neyssa separated in the New Year. Alesha officially filed for divorce weeks later. It was reported that Alesha had begun seeing Just Ginger. On 28 February, Alesha launched another worldwide stadium tour, the Heathen Tour. Alesha hosted the 19th Urapopstar Awards with Putanovska and Ginger in February, winning five awards and performing at the ceremony with Putanovska and Shell Ruin (who Alesha had now reconciled with). "The Hunted" was released as the album's second single to coincide with Urapopstar's tenth anniversary. Alesha performed at the URAPS Legends concert the day before the single's release. "The Hunted" charted at number one on the singles chart, while the album returned to the pole position once more. The single was soon followed by "Sister", continuing a three-year streak of top-two hits. Alesha also appeared on newcomer Candi's second single "Gold"; Candi appeared on a remix of "Sister" to return the favour.

In July 2011, Alesha made another foray into film with the motion picture Prime Cut, which stars Alesha as a prostitute and Putanovska as her matron. The soundtrack, released alongside the film, featured songs from the movie as well as songs inspired by the movie. It was promoted with "Alpha & Omega"/"Who Do You Think You Are", a collaboration with co-star Putanovska. The former was a previously unreleased track which portrays Alesha as God and Putanovska as the Devil, while the latter is the theme to Prime Cut. The duet became another top-two hit for Alesha, while the soundtrack to Prime Cut became Alesha's ninth number one album. In August, Alesha released God Save the Queen, a collection of Alesha's favourite songs from throughout her career, whether they be singles, album tracks, or otherwise. A budget greatest hits album entitled Crown Jewels was also available in select retailers.

2012–present: Retirement
Alesha has been in retirement since August 2011, seldom making public appearances. She attended the 84th Academy Awards in February 2012 where she and Putanovska won Best Original Song for "Who Do You Think You Are" from Prime Cut. Alesha gave a rare interview to Oprah Winfrey in January 2013 for her OWN original programme Oprah's Next Chapter. Alesha stated that she was happily raising her children and living with Just Ginger. "I could see myself doing something in the future, when the kids are grown up. A residency, maybe, in London or Paris," she said. She also mentioned that she remains very close with Putanovska and Shell Ruin.

Other endeavours
Alesha has become known as a business woman in addition to being a renowned musician. Alesha was named a boss at breathemusic in 2004, later merging the label with Andrea Twain's Baa.Music. Following disputes with Britney Aguilera, Alesha and Twain set up Visionary (which would later become Alias Records). Alesha left when Twain decided to override a decision of hers (Alesha wanted to drop Ellen Fitzpatrick). Alesha signed with Ensemble, staying there from 2005 until its closure in 2010. Alongside Putanovska and Shell Ruin, Alesha set up Holy Trinity Music Group. In 2011, Alesha purchased Saturdays Records, leading to the creation of Holy Trinity/Saturdays. As well as lending her face and name to many major brands and products over the years, Alesha has made forays into fashion, film, television, and even the literary world. An autobiography entitled Líf was released on 31 May 2010, coinciding with Alesha's second greatest hits collection.

Fashion
Alesha has become recognized as an international style icon. She has been closely linked with the fashion industry since the release of her 2007 number one single "Fashion Kills". Alesha has appeared in numerous fashion editorials for magazines across the world, such as Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and W magazines. Media coverage of her appearance on British Vogue ' s February 2008 cover boosted the magazine's circulation to 240,000 – its best ever February figure. She has also modeled for Chloé, H&M, and Just Cavalli. In 2011, she appeared in advertisements for Calvin Klein alongside Indigo Peak. In a poll by the Style Network, Alesha was voted best dressed woman of the year and style icon of the decade. She was also included in both British and U.S. Vogue ' s end-of-decade best dressed lists. The Guardian called Alesha "a couturier's dream."

Alesha designed a limited-edition street style collection for British high street chain River Island in 2007. The range, entitled "SHUT UP HO!", consisted mostly of basics. Bernard Lewis, the founder of River Island, commented that Alesha "not only understands fashion and trends but has been a trend-setter and fashion icon for years." In 2010, Alesha launched her own upscale fashion line, Grandeur by Alesha. The women's clothing brand is sold exclusively at Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States and at Selfridge's in the United Kingdom. It broke sales records by becoming the fastest-selling celebrity fashion line in history. Alesha has routinely been releasing new collections for the line with each season. In January 2011, Alesha added both handbag and footwear ranges to the brand.

Legacy
According to Rolling Stone, Alesha "remains one of the greatest pop acts of all time." Alesha has been "the world's highest earning female singer" and was the best selling female singer of 2007 and 2008. Apocalypse City Live became the highest grossing concert tour by a solo artist. Alesha has amassed fourteen number one singles in the United Kingdom, third only to Jack Stevens and Emily Henning (see artists with multiple number one singles). She holds the record for the most top forty releases, with 30 of her 40 singles charting within the top five. Alesha was inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Alesha was also an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008. She has won twenty Urapopstar Awards throughout her career and has also broken multiple Guinness World Records. Alesha has been named in the Top 5 Most Searched Celebrities by search engine Google yearly since 2004. She is considered a gay icon, due to her homosexuality, LGBT rights activism, and popularity within the gay community.

Alesha's work is universally acclaimed and she is considered to be one of the most influential and original female artists in the history of music. In 2008, TIME magazine placed Alesha in their list of the world's most influential people for having "influence across many genres." It was argued by a 2008 piece in Vanity Fair that Alesha "transformed the art of modern pop music". She was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power." In 2008, Billboard described Alesha as "the hottest single phenomenon since Lucreacia". Daily Telegraph writer Tom Utley called her an "extremely important figure in the history of popular culture" and a "genius". Her total lifetime earnings from royalties on her solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts and endorsements, and work for other artists have been estimated at $750 million. As one of the world's most famous figures, Alesha's highly publicized personal life, coupled with her successful career, have made her a staple of popular culture.

In 2010, Alesha was named Artist of the Decade at the 18th Urapopstar Awards. She was ranked the 3rd Artist of the 2000–10 decade by Billboard, behind Lucreacia and Jack Stevens. Alesha was invited to perform at 2011's URAPS Legends concert, which celebrated the website's tenth anniversary.

Discography
For a detailed list of releases, see: Alesha discography and List of Alesha songs


 * Studio albums
 * Look Out Below (2003)
 * Hungry for More (2004)
 * Buried Underneath (2005)
 * Alesha Is the Queen (2007)
 * The Second Coming (2008)
 * Bigger Than God (2009)
 * The Martyr (2011)


 * Official compilations
 * Chic/Freak (2006)
 * Last Judgment (2010)
 * God Save the Queen (2011)
 * Other albums
 * The Good That Won't Come Out (2008)
 * Wanderlust (2009)
 * Prime Cut (2011)

Tours and concerts

 * Headlining tours
 * Riot Girls Tour (with Innocent) (2004)
 * Pussywhipped Tour (with the London Brat Pack) (2005)
 * Chic/Freak Tour (2006)
 * The Queen Tour (2007)
 * Jesus Christ Supertour (2008)
 * Apocalypse City Live (2009)
 * The Reckoning (with Putanovska) (2010)
 * Heathen Tour (2011)


 * Notable performances
 * Alesha Unplugged (2008)
 * Glastonbury (2008)
 * All That Glitters: A Tribute to Shell Ruin (2009)
 * Judgment Day (2010)
 * URAPS Legends (2011)

Urapopstar Awards

 * Urapopstar Awards 8
 * Best Newcomer (won)


 * Urapopstar Awards 10
 * Best Collaboration ("Midweek Sex") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 11
 * Best Collaboration ("Close the Door") (nominated)
 * Best Female (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 12
 * Best Collaboration ("Happy Slappers") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 13
 * Best PR (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 14
 * Best Album (Alesha Is the Queen) (won)
 * Best Collaboration ("Just for the Thrills") (nominated)
 * Best Female (nominated)
 * Best Live (The Queen Tour) (nominated)
 * Best Single/Album Art ("The OH in Ohio") (nominated)
 * Best Songwriter (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 15
 * Best Collaboration ("Those Who Love Me...") (nominated)
 * Best Female (won)
 * Best Promotion


 * Urapopstar Awards 16
 * Best Album (The Second Coming) (nominated)
 * Best Alternative/Rock (won)
 * Best Banner ("Diamonds & Dollar Bills") (won)
 * Best Collaboration ("Diamonds & Dollar Bills") (nominated)
 * Best Female (nominated)
 * Best Live (Jesus Christ Supertour) (nominated)
 * Best Single ("Tsunami of the Soul") (nominated)
 * Best Single/Album Art ("Disciplinary") (nominated)
 * Best Video ("Tsunami of the Soul") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 17
 * Best Album (Bigger Than God) (won)
 * Best Alternative/Rock (won)
 * Best Female (nominated)
 * Best Live (Apocalypse City Live) (nominated)
 * Best Misc. Art (Brooklyn to Brixton Promo Tour) (nominated)
 * Best Promotion (nominated)
 * Best Single ("Apocalypse City") (won)
 * Best Single/Album Art ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)
 * Best Songwriter (won)
 * Best Video ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 18
 * Artist of the Decade (won)
 * Best Banner ("The Pretty Ones") (nominated)
 * Best Collaboration ("Delusions of Grandeur") (won)
 * Best Female (nominated)
 * Best Live (The Reckoning) (nominated)
 * Best Misc. Art (Apocalypse City Live DVD) (nominated)
 * Best Overall Artist (won)
 * Best Promotion (nominated)
 * Best Single ("Good Mourning") (nominated)
 * Best Songwriter (won)
 * Best Video ("Good Mourning") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 19
 * Best Alternative/Rock (won)
 * Best Collaboration ("Neon Milkshake") (nominated)
 * Best Female (won)
 * Best Live (The Reckoning) (nominated)
 * Best Overall Artist (nominated)
 * Best Single ("The Last Temptation") (won)
 * Best Single/Album Art ("The Last Temptation") (won)
 * Best Songwriter (won)
 * Best Video ("Neon Milkshake") (nominated)
 * Best Video ("The Last Temptation") (nominated)


 * Urapopstar Awards 20
 * Best Album (The Martyr) (nominated)
 * Best Alternative/Rock (nominated)
 * Best Banner ("Sister") (nominated)
 * Best Collaboration ("Gold") (nominated)
 * Best Female (nominated)
 * Best Live (Heathen Tour) (nominated)
 * Best Miscellaneous Art (Prime Cut poster) (won)
 * Best Overall Artist (nominated)
 * Best Single ("Silent Holocaust") (nominated)
 * Best Songwriter (won)

Other awards

 * Popjustice £20 Music Prize
 * 2009: "Apocalypse City" (3rd)
 * 2010: "The Last Temptation" (4th)


 * 2007 Shit Awards
 * Act You'd Like to See Leave (2nd)
 * Most Annoying (won)
 * Most Deserved Flop ("Power Power") (won)
 * Most Overrated (won)
 * Worst Collaboration ("Power Power") (won)
 * Worst Model Change (3rd)
 * Worst Single ("Power Power") (won)


 * 2009 Video Music Awards
 * Best Alternative/Rock Video ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)
 * Best Female Video ("Apocalypse City") (won)
 * Breakthrough Video ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)
 * Video of the Year ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)
 * Viewer's Choice ("Apocalypse City") (nominated)


 * 2010 Video Music Awards
 * Best Alternative/Rock Video ("Delusions of Grandeur") (won)
 * Best Art Direction ("The Last Temptation") (nominated)
 * Best Collaborative Video ("Delusions of Grandeur") (won)
 * Best Female Video ("The Last Temptation") (nominated)
 * Best Pop/Dance ("Neon Milkshake") (nominated)
 * Best Pop/Dance Video ("The Last Temptation") (won)
 * Breakthrough Video ("Neon Milkshake") (nominated)

URAPS Rate

 * 5: 29 (July 2004)
 * 6: 32 (November 2004)
 * 7: 66 (April 2005)
 * 8: 20 (November 2005)
 * 9: 38 (April 2006)
 * 10: 37 (October 2006)
 * 11: 20 (April 2007)
 * 12: 6 (May 2009)
 * 13: 10 (December 2009)
 * 14: 15 (July 2010)
 * 15: 31 (January 2011)
 * 16: 24 (July 2011)