Ashley!

Ashley Adams (née Roberts) (born on February 17th, 1991), more likely known mononymously as Ashley!, is an American singer, songwriter, actress and model. Born in New York, America, she moved to England during her childhood where she first became interested and connected to music and acting. She was propelled into the spotlight when her first single made the top 5 in 2011, with her debut album following later than year, released through Vampire Crypt Records, after being singed by Bella May. She later signed a deal with Strawberry Records, before finally signing to Fusion Records, becoming one of the labels biggest acts, where she has remained since.

Throughout her career to date, Ashley has released twenty singles from four albums, including ten number one singles and three chart topping albums, with all of her albums being certified at least Diamond. In 2011, she released her debut album, New York Dreamer, which including a re-released edition and gave the singer five top 10 singles. It was followed by 2012's Exclamation Declaration, which gave her two number one singles, as well as three other top 10 singles. Ashley considers her 'turning point' to be with release of Silver Lining, which saw all but six of the singles released hit the top spot, including her biggest hit to date, Light Up The World. Her fourth album, Let The Light In was released in October 2014 and became a critical and commercial success, with lead single Glitter and follow-up singles, One Kiss Before Midnight and I Think I'm In Love hitting the top spot. A fourth single from the album is to be released, with a repackaged version also expected.

Ashley has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including a top five placement on the Uraps Rate 20, and Best Collaboration single at 2014's Urapopstar Award 25 for Take Your Breath Away, with Kleo. During her career, she has sold over 5,000,000 singles and 4,000,000 album sales, making her one of Uraps' biggest pop acts of its times. She has also gained praise for her acting career, which has included a role in L.E.X's Identity (which won her an Academy Award), The Hunger Games franchise and the lead role in original action thriller drama, Fragments. As well as this, she has embarked on a number of worldwide tours, made celebrity endorsements and released fragrances. She also owns her own confectionary brand, Sugar Rush, with the main store situated in London, and five more launched across the UK in late 2014. In Summer 2014, she married fellow popstar, Caymon in a secret wedding. She is confirmed to be a new judge on a revitalised talent show, coming in Autumn 2015 and ranked at number four on FORBES Power List in the same year, up from number eight the year before.

1990-2010: Childhood
Ashley grew up in New York with her mother, father and sister. She is the youngest sibling, and has a close relationship with her family, and despite the distance, is always in contact with them and pays for them to fly over to visit her. She is currently looking for a place for them to live in London, so they live closer to her. Along with her family, Ashley moved to London, until Ashley was 19, and the family returned home without her. Ashley said she felt she was "thrown in at the deep end" but she felt in made her the strong person she has turned out to be. Speaking about her childhood, Ashley has always referred to it as a 'dark place' but has never offered any reasons to this. She has said, that paticularly in her second studio album, inspiration was drawn from this, as she finds it the best way to express her opinion.

In 2012, she revealed that her sister Amanda Roberts was kidnapped from the family home when Ashley was just five, and her whereabouts are still unknown to this day. She stated that the family have never given up 'looking for her and saving a place in their heart for her'

During her childhood in the UK, living with her Grandparents, Ashley always expressed her thoughts and ideas through music, writing songs about her days at school, and created a band titled 'The Movement' but they did not pull through to the Uraps industry. She often brings segments of her old songs, rewriting them into new, updated songs. An example of this is, 'Ready To Go' on her debut album's re-release.

(2010-2012) New York Dreamer
Ashley was brought into the spotlight by fellow pop artist Bella-May who acknowledged Ashley's talent, signing her up immediately to her record label, Vampire Crypt Records in September 2010 and began working on upcoming releases. During a press conference, it was stated Ashley has signed a contract offering a high budget, unlimited singles and support and artists control, which in particular appealed to Ashley. The release of her debut single. Animal was originally planned for February, as a collaboration with Ruby and the Gems but was cancelled due to scheduling difficulties, and little promotion time. Re-scheduled for March 14th, this time on her own, Ashley refilmed a video, (produced by Sophie Muller). The single charted at #5 in the URAPS single chart and sold 123,078 copies, just missing a silver certification, but considered a success nonetheless.

It was then confirmed a second single was planned to be released alongside the album. For the single Guide Me To Love, Ashley enlisted the help of fellow newbie to the scene Kleo. Reviews for the song were generally mixed reviews from critics, with many stating Ashley and Kleo's relationship was refreshing in the industry but the song itself was formulaic and generic. Mid-way through promotion Ashley fell ill, leaving Kleo to manage most of the promotion herself, leading to a mis-understand between the pair, resulting in them a small disagreement. Due to Ashley missing alot of the singles promotion, the single sold a mere 58,886 copies, and charted at a #12, which is to date, both the artists poorest charting record and sales. Before moving on to the re-release of the album, Ashley wanted to release the fans favourite track, Show You How To Love. The song penned by Kleo, had been the favourite among fans and critics since the album was released. Ashley announced the release at the end of June. The single was released 11th July, backed up with a video and a strong, yet short round of tv and radio promotion. The single charted at #11 on the official URAPS single chart, but climbed to #10, securing Ashley another top 10 hit. Ashley was transferred over to Fusion Records after Strawberry Records entered Administration.

On 18th July Ashley began posting teasers of her brand new single, set for release 8th August. The song received an official radio premiere on 22nd July. What It Do? featured vocals from Just Ginger who wrote the song for Ashley. The single received strong airplay, and was commended by critics who praised the single and collaboration. The single was described as 'little suggestive, a little raunchy, a little flirty, a little racy, a little Catholic schoolgirl with a darkside' and considered a change in tone for Ashley. The single charted at #6, and sold 201,002. It was announced later in August, that Ashley has planned to release her next single, later named, Turn it On, later in September time. She flew out to New York later to record the video. Both the single and the album received positive reviews, which reviewers praising Ashley's 'obvious maturity' since the album's original release. The single peaked at #7, selling 147,580 copies overall. Ashley then re-released the album on November 7th under the title of (I Am The) New York Dreamer. The end of 2011 saw the album sell 709,803 copies, and was the years 27th highest seller. As of the 1st April, the album sold over 1,000,000 copies, receiving a diamond certification. Ashley sent a video thanking their fans stating she was 'over the moon' with the success. Our Futures, the only ballad from the album was due for release in November, but due to schedule difficulties, and Ashley needing promote in the US, the UK release of the single was cancelled. The last single from the New York Dreamer album was confirmed as fan favourite, Proud Mom which was written by, and features the vocals of Bella-May. A video was shot in London as was released as part of the final day of a promotional arce, named 'Ashley's 12 Days of Christmas'. The video sees Ashley walking through a 'fairytale' view of London, with Bella making a cameo. The song has been praised again, with many commenting on it's fun style. The single was released on January 30th, and debuted at #4. A week later the single climbed and peaked at #3 becoming her highest peaking single to date.

(2012 - 2013) Exclamation Declaration
In January, days before the release of Ashley's 'Proud Mom' it was confirmed Ashley was among 11 others to take part in 2012's Tango Challenge. She was paired with urban artist Honey. Ashley promoted the single well, but critics questioned her duet partners whereabouts, and her little promotion. Despite this, the single, Scaredy Cat charted at #7.

Leading up to the release of Scaredy Cat, Ashley told reporters that she was already raring to go with releasing her next single. It was confirmed that the single was a duet with a different Tango Challenge artist. Tayla White was the front runner up to be the mystery collaborator in the lead up to the premiere, and therefore people were surprised when the collaborator was revealed as No Little Thing, noted for their difference in sound. The single, titled Privacy premiered on April 1st, and Ashley was 'confirmed' as the frontwoman of No Little Thing, it was later revealed however that this was indeed a April Fools prank, but the single was indeed going ahead. During the lead up to the release rumours of a '4D Gig' were spread, which was later confirmed by No Little Thing's, Kip. The one-off gig was held to critical acclaim, with many dubbing it a 'sensational experience form start to end'. The single was released on May 7th, and charted at #1 selling over 100,000 upons it release. Ashley discovered the news at Radio One, and broke into tears of happiness, thanking fans on her first ever number one. As thanks for her single charting at #1, Ashley revealed the title of her next single, Here I Am. Released on June 25th, the single charted at #4 in the official single chart, selling over 80,000 copies. On the same week, the album charted at #1, becoming Ashley's first album to do so.

In August it was announced Ashley will be touring worldwide, playing in countries such as USA, France, Germany, aswell as headlining arenas in the UK. Ashley was also nominated for four awards at 'Uraps 22 Awards' including 'Best Breakthrough' (despite winning the same award the year previous), Best Live (for the 'Privacy: 4D Extravaganza), Best Download Single (Privacy: 4D), and Best Collaboration for her part in Privacy, alongside No Little Thing. Despite not winning any of the four awards she was nominated for, Ashley was personally invited to perform at the awards, signing a mash-up of Here I Am and Privacy (which brought Smoke from No Little Thing onto stage). Ashley also charted at #12 in Uraps Rate; the highest position of her career, receiving 80% of the possible score charting above well established acts such as MIDNIGHT, Kazimiera and Ace Rejects. She latter supported the latter during a one-off gig as a goodbye.

Ashley then went onto release the albums fourth single, which was decided by a fan vote to be Marionette. It went on to chart at number one and has since becoming her highest selling track of her career at this point. The single was followed by a short break before returning for the 2013 Tango Challenge, where she released We've Got A Problem alongside Aimee Stevens. The song charted at number four, and was contained on the singers mini re-release of the album. Ashley confirmed this would be the last track before moving on to a new era. She embarked on the Ashley: The ! 2013 Tour to round off the era and promote the acoustic rerelease further.

(2013 - 2014) Silver Lining
After a short break and despite rumours of a full blown re-release of Exclamation Declaration, Ashley has confirmed that she instead had began working on her third studio album, due for release in the Summer of 2013. On 6th July, Ashley official website went black before an uploaded lyric picture and the caption 'coming soon' appeared, many speculating it was indeed the start of the new era. A few days after, Ashley revealed that her new single Light Up The World, written by Crystal Barker, would be the lead single from the new album, later revealed to be titled Silver Lining. It was announced shortly after the release of the album that Ashley would partake on a worldwide tour titled Silver Lining Showcase with dates for Leg One beginning in April in arenas around the UK. She would also visit US and Canada in the second leg. After the success of the lead single hitting the top spot and becoming the biggest track of her career, Ashley immediately began promotion on the second lift from the album, with the sexy pop single, Hershey Kisses. Released a year on from Marionette, the song matched the success and hit the number one spot upon release. Concurrently with the single release, Ashley launched a boutique in London specialising in chocolate and confectionary, selling old favourites and unique recipes created and designed by Ashley.



In October 2013, the film premiere of 'Identity' was held and Ashley received mainly positive reviews for her role in the film, with critics mentioning it was 'refreshing' to see such a versatile celebrity. The following month saw the release of the second of two films starring Ashley, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. She once again received mainly positive reviews for her role in the film. Due to the runaway success of the album, more dates were added to the Silver Lining Showcase tour.

Roberts confirmed her participation in the Christmas Chart Battle of 2013, and it was later confirmed she would be releasing Love In Your Eyes with Eoin O'Neill. Throughout promotion for the single, romance links were made between the two, which Ashley actively shot down, but were reignitied when the official video and Chart Show performance was aired, with Ashely and Eoin seemingly very intimate with each other. After a harsh battle and the biggest budget Ashley has ever used on a single (combined between Ashley and O'Neill's labels) the single charted at number two, just behind label boss Syd Wolfe. Longevity in the first months of release, meant it to become one of Ashley's biggest sellers of her career. At the end of the promotion run, Ashley announced her involvement in a new television series between CBS and Sky, titled 'Fragments' with Ashley taking the lead role.

After the collaboration with O'Neill, Ashley announced that before heading out on her Silver Lining Showcase in the Summer, she would first release one more single, another duet. After weeks of speculation, it was announced that previous collaborator and best friend Kleo would join her in releasing a new version of album track Take My Breath Away. After the embarrassment of their previously release in 2011, which is both girls poorest selling and charting single to date, the girls took the opportunity to recover from the disaster. Promotion was on a huge scale, with their first performance being performed across the World, with Ashley performing in New York, Kleo in London and numerous other dance mobs situated in other countries. Due to the massive global scale of the performance, it went on to chart highly in numerous places, most noticeably in America, where it charted at #3, becoming a personal best for both girls. The single followed well, charting atop the Uraps chart. It was announced that Ashley had married fiancee and fellow artist Caymon in a secret summer wedding ceremony, with Kleo performing at the wedding.

The final single from the album was announced as being the emotional power-ballad, Rise From The Ashes, both Ashley's favourite, and a fan favourite since it's initial release. Scheduled for release on July 7, a day after the announcement of the albums beginning in 2013, the single became the fourth single from the era to go to number one, and did so on all the major Uraps charts. It also charted in the top 10 in America, ending the era with a bang.

(2014 - Present) Let The Light In
It was confirmed that despite initial rumours that she would re-release Silver Lining in the final quarter, Ashley confirmed that she has begun work on her fourth album, for a fresh start. Before the new album campaigning began, Ashley collaborated again with Eoin O'Neill, releasing Atmosphere, a track which began as the b-side to their first collaboration, Love In Your Eyes, before being upgraded on to Eoin's second album, and finally released as a single. Promotion was strong enough to see the duo top all three of the main Uraps chart, beating previous collaboration to number one.

After the release, and the news that it hit the top spot, Ashley announced that the new album was titled Let the Light In, with lead single Glitter being released on the same day. It was later announced that it would feature Syd Wofe. Both Glitter and Let The Light In hit the top spot upon release, with the former managing two weeks at the top - Ashley's first solo single to achieve this feat (Atmosphere was her first). Glitter became her second highest selling single, behind Light Up The World. One Kiss Before Midnight was released as the second single from the album, and earned Ashley her ninth number one overall, becoming a commercial success.



At the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015, Ashley became project organiser and joined up with Raphael and James Moss to bring together an all-star line, later named Uraps United, to perform on a track to help raise money for LGBT charities following the suicide of trans-gendered teen Leelah Acorn, who was dismissed by her parents. The track titled 'Who I Am (Golden)' was written by the trio and produced by Kloss Mafia (James Moss and Kleo). The track became a critical and commercial success, gaining acclaim and support from the general public and the LGBT community, as well as the charities it raised money for and promoted. The single hit number one upon release in January and sold over 145,516 copies in the first week to become the highest selling single of the year to date. Ashley became one of an exclusive few to chart at number one for two weeks running with different tracks, with One Kiss Before Midnight following Uraps United to number one.

The third single lifted from the album was Crystal Barker-penned I Think I'm In Love. This is the second track Ashley has released to be penned by the Australian singer, with Ashley 'Love' acts as the follow up to 'Light'. The track was promoted with Ashley making her first appearance on the cover of Vogue, as well an ITV2 premiere of her latest tour in support of the album. The single hit the top spot upon release, and became her tenth number one single - this makes half of the songs Ashley has released during her career number one hits. See The World followed with a November release, promoted alongside the second series of Fragments, which saw viewership highs and critical praise. During this promotion stretch, she also performed the song as part of a mash-up with I Think i'm In Love at the Urapopstar Awards 27, in which she picked up one award of her eight nominations - Best Live, which is the second time she picked up the award in her career.

Singles

 * still in chart

As the end of the Silver Lining era (Rise From The Ashes), Ashley has sold a total of 5,107,936 singles in the Uraps chart.

Guest appearances

 * "N/R" &mdash; Denotes that the song was not released as a single.