Alexandra Burke（1988年8月25日）英国音乐艺术家和词曲作者、第五季《X-Factor》冠军，她签约了三大唱片公司：Epic唱片、RCA唱片和Syco音乐公司。赢得《X-Factor》冠军后，自己发行了作为胜利者的出道单曲《Hallelujah》，成为欧洲在24小时内、一天卖出105000纪录的保持者，超越了《X-Factor》导师谢丽尔·科尔的首支个人单曲《Fight for This Love》。2009年与Syco音乐公司发行了自己的首张录音室专辑《Overcome》，这张专辑取得了全球商业上的成功，在英国和爱尔兰被认证为铂金唱片，获得了城市音乐奖的最佳专辑提名。
Alexandra Burke在她5岁的时候开始唱歌，9岁时就已经和她妈妈一起登台演出。12岁时，她以最小年龄参加了一个名叫”Star for a Night”的歌唱比赛，惜败于Joss Stone——目前大红的英国R&B女歌手。
其实早在2005年，Alexandra Burke就已经参加了X-Factor的选秀，可惜的是Walsh没有给她机会参加决赛，因为他觉得Alexandra年龄太小，并不适合。所幸Alexandra Burke没有就此放弃。2008年，Alexandra Burke再一次站在了X-Facor的舞台上，并一举夺得冠军。她也是继Leona Lewis后，第二名女性冠军
在比赛后，Alexandra Burke收到Beyoncé关于英国巡演的邀请。除此之外，她还被50 Cent邀请参加他的Music Video制作。
随后，Alexandra Burke的首单Hallelujah在UK Singles Chart上大放异彩，不仅打败了同门师姐Leona Lewis的单曲，登上榜首，还打破了A Moment Like This的单日82,000次的记录，短短一日就卖到105,000张。Hallelujah第一周销量超过47万，英国女歌手历史最高。
在2009年的全英音乐奖上，Alexandra Burke的Hallelujah和Hero双双被提名为最佳年度歌曲奖。
After winning The X Factor, Burke released the winner's single "Hallelujah", which became the European record holder for single sales over a period of 24 hours, selling 105,000 in one day, and became the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK and the UK's Christmas 2008 number one. By January 2009, the single had sold over one million copies in the UK alone, a first for a British female soloist. In 2009, Burke released her debut album, Overcome, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and spawned four number-one singles on the UK Singles Chart and the Irish Singles Chart—"Hallelujah", "Bad Boys", "All Night Long" and "Start Without You"—and the album became one of the most successful albums of that year in the UK. The singles released from the album earned her three BRIT Award nominations. The album saw the release of UK top 10 hit, "Broken Heels" and "The Silence". "Elephant" was released as Burke's comeback single in February 2012, and "Let It Go" served as the second single and Burke's second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.
In June 2014, Burke replaced Beverley Knight in the lead role of Rachel Marron in the West End musical The Bodyguard, at the Adelphi Theatre, touring with the production in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 In 2016, Burke commenced a 12-month residency in Sister Act The Musical, leading the cast as Deloris Van Cartier. In 2017, she took part in the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. That same year, Burke signed a record deal with Universal Music Group's Decca Records. Her third album, The Truth Is, was released on in March 2018.
Early life and career beginnings
Alexandra Burke was born in Islington, London on 25 August 1988, daughter of David Burke (born 1954) and Melissa Bell (5 March 1964 – 28 August 2017). Her mother was a soul and R&B singer, and featured as a singer in the band Soul II Soul. She is of Dougla, Afro-Jamaican, and Irish descent.tation needed
Burke has four siblings, Sheneice, David Jr, Aaron and Jahzeel.tation needed Burke shares the middle names Cecelia Ewen with her mother and her sister, Sheneice. Burke said that she had to grow up very fast, at a very young age as her mother was always touring with her band and that she had to look after her young brother, which included taking him to and picking him up from school. Burke's parents broke up in 1992, while she was still young, but the pair continued to co-parent their children.
Burke began dance classes at a very early age, and began singing when she was as young as five years old. She went on to sing on stage at the Bahrain when she was only nine years old, where she sang with her mother, who was still in band Soul II Soul.
When she was aged twelve, Burke entered the television talent show, Star for a Night and was the youngest person in the competition. She was the runner-up after she was beaten for the winners title by Joss Stone. At the age of twelve, her mother put her in contact with Stevie Wonder who rang Burke and she sang down the phone to him. Her mother, Bell, also asked her to sing to Jean Carne who was said to be so impressed by Burke's vocals that she asked her to perform with her at one of her shows the following night.
2005–2008: The X Factor
Burke auditioned for the second series of The X Factor in 2005 (which was eventually won by Shayne Ward). She made it through to the final seven in Louis Walsh's 16–24 category, effectively the top 21 of the competition; however, Walsh did not choose her for his final four as he felt that she was too young for the competition. Burke however did not give up and went on to seek professional singing lessons over the next three years, proving her dedication and commitment to becoming a popstar. Burke's second bid to win The X Factor came in 2008. Falling into the "Girls" category, she was mentored by Girls Aloud's Cheryl who selected her for the finals—a series of ten weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote. On the first live show, Burke performed Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". For the second live show she covered "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5. In week three, big band week, Burke performed Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" and received her first standing ovation. For the disco-themed fourth live show, Burke performed Donna Summer's "On the Radio". During Mariah Carey week on 8 November, Burke and the other finalists met Carey for individual masterclasses, with Carey complimenting Burke on her voice. Burke performed "Without You" and received a standing ovation from the judges who all gave her positive comments. In weeks 6 and 7, Burke received positive comments from the judging panel for her performances of "You are so Beautiful" and Dan Hartman's "Relight My Fire" (the popularity of which in the UK is mostly a result of Take That's 1993 revival thereof). The quarter-final saw her replace Diana Vickers as the bookies' favourite after performing Britney Spears' "Toxic" and Beyoncé' "Listen", for which she received yet another standing ovation. In the semi-final, Burke performed Rihanna's hit song "Don't Stop the Music".tation needed
2009–2010: Overcome, international breakthrough and All Night Long tour
On 13 February 2009 it was reported that Burke signed a £3.5 million, five-album US record deal with Epic Records. Burke's first album was originally scheduled for March 2009, however, Simon Cowell confirmed that her album was scheduled for release later in the year to allow Burke to polish her skills and find the right songs for the album, so that it would not be rushed. The album was released on 19 October 2009 in the UK, titled Overcome. Burke's first commercial single from her debut album is titled "Bad Boys", which features Flo Rida. The single premiered in the UK on The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 on 25 August 2009. On 18 October 2009, Bad Boys topped the UK Singles Chart. After visiting Burke in the studio, Beyoncé spoke of possibly recording a duet with her and also asked for Burke to join her for Beyoncé's second European leg of her I Am... Tour. Bad Boys was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry on 7 January 2010.tation needed
On 19 July 2009, Burke confirmed that she had signed a six figure contract with Italian fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana, to become the face of a new fashion line. She will also model their clothes and accessories in her music videos. Burke performed on the Royal Variety Show on 7 December 2009.
It was confirmed by Burke on 17 November 2009, that "Broken Heels" would be the second commercial single, (third overall), from Overcome. She also confirmed via her Official Twitter page that the video was shot in Los Angeles on 22 and 23 November 2009. On 18 January 2010, Burke began her European Promo Tour in Brussels, Belgium. On 12 March 2010, Burke confirmed on Twitter that "All Night Long" will be her new single, featuring Pitbull. She appeared on Dancing on Ice during the semi-final to perform All Night Long. On 29 April 2010, Burke entered FHM's poll for the world's top 100 sexiest women 2010 at number 75. This is her first appearance on the poll since she rose to fame in 2008. It has been since confirmed that Burke's next single will be a completely new song, "Start Without You", which is set to be released on 5 September 2010. The video for "Start Without You" debuted on 19 August through VEVO on later premiered on The BOX. The song was performed at T4 on the Beach on 4 July 2010, and later released internationally.
Additionally, Burke was announced as the first ever brand ambassador for Sure Women, for which she starred in a television advert. Burke gained her fifth consecutive top ten hit, and her third number one single, after "Start Without You" stormed to the top of the charts, beating Katy Perry to the top spot. The re-packaged edition of Overcome is to be released of 29 November 2010. Music Week reports that the deluxe makeover includes three brand new tracks; "Perfect", "Before the Rain" and "What Happens on the Dancefloor" featuring Cobra Starship; as well as three number one and two Top 10 singles (including "Start Without You"). A DVD accompanies the release featuring seven videos, including an exclusive promo for the track "The Silence". The magazine also confirmed that Burke will promote the record with a performance on The X Factor. A new track on the album was said to be a duet with "an amazing group", the group was later announced as Cobra Starship. On 25 October, Burke announced via her Twitter that a new version of "The Silence" will be the album's fifth commercial single being released in early December. The official music video for "The Silence" was released on 27 October 2010, via MSN Videos UK. It was confirmed that there would be no further singles from the album after "The Silence".
2010–2012: New record deal and Heartbreak on Hold
Rock bottom for Alexandra was her split for Jermain Defoe in 2012. Since April 2011, Burke has supported T4's Battlefront show, helping young campaigners Hope and Abby raise awareness about the organ donor register for their Sign Up, Speak Up, Save Lives project. In October 2011, Burke joined Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos on the judging panel as a guest judge during the fourth week of the live shows of series 8 when Kelly Rowland had a throat infection.tation needed Burke's lead single from the album titled "Elephant", which is produced by Erick Morillo, was released on 11 March 2012. It debuted and peaked at number-three on the UK Singles Chart. The second single from the album, "Let it Go", premièred on Kiss Radio on 13 April 2012. She announced in mid-April 2012 that her second studio album's title would be Heartbreak on Hold which was released on 4 June 2012. On 18 April 2012, she was confirmed for T4 on the Beach 2012. In February 2012, it was reported that Burke had left the Syco label to join RCA Records. In June 2012, Burke parted company with her management company.
2012–2014: Renegade, U.S. launch and other projects
In September 2012, it was revealed that Burke would take part in Les Misérables for Children in Need. Burke later announced that she was working on an album for a US release. Again in October 2012, Burke revealed that she was working on a follow-up album to Heartbreak on Hold, which would be released in 2013. On 3 November, she performed "All The Lights" at MAMA Awards with Zico, leader of the k-pop group Block B, as part of a special stage from H-Artistry in Malaysia . Burke said she wanted to go back to her original sound which was featured on her debut album, Overcome. She told fans to expect "R&B bangers" on her third album. Simon Cowell asked Burke to record a version of "Live and Let Die" in order to use throughout the live shows of The X Factor USA, when the judges are announced and walk out.tation needed In December 2012, Burke released her first holiday extended play, Christmas Gift, which consisted a cover of "Silent Night" and a new track titled "Christmas Time".
On 10 February 2013, it was revealed that Burke was recording two new songs a night for her third album and aimed to have around 60 in total to choose from. She also revealed that she was recording the album in the United States and at her home studio; "I've actually built a studio in my house, downstairs, I'm literally in it every day, recording, I'm flying to the states a lot, I've been in Los Angeles and New York a lot, and if the producers can't fly to me, I fly to them." On 13 February, she explained that her third album would focus on live instruments and would channel Soul music. On the same day, she revealed that she was taking acting classes and had hopes to pursue a career in films, musicals, theater. On 25 March 2013, it was announced that Burke would perform a concert version of Lady Sings the Blues at the Royal Albert Hall between 4 and 8 June in the venue's Elgar Room but the shows were postponed. The concerts sold out in under a week. In May 2013, it was reported that Burke signed a deal with a US management company after impressing former Def Jam president Kevin Liles during a meeting with him in New York. In June 2013, Burke parted ways with her record label, RCA, over "differing views" between herself and the label regarding her third studio album.
Burke made her U.S. performance debut at Apollo Theater on 10 June 2013 as part of the line-up for The Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame 2013, honouring the induction of Chaka Khan. Burke shared the stage with other artists including Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, and Jennifer Holliday. On 30 August, Burke released her second EP, #NewRules. The EP contains 5 tracks, including a cover of Coldplay's "Fix You". On 20 November, Burke revealed that the lead single from her upcoming third record had been decided and a video was to be shot in the coming weeks. She previewed two new songs on her Facebook page on Christmas.
On 5 January 2015, Burke announced that she would be releasing an EP in March called Renegade. She said "This EP is extremely close to my heart. It marks what is set to be a new chapter for me both personally and artistically. I have worked extremely hard on this, there has been laughter, tears and sweat. Renegade touches upon themes and experiences that I have never spoken out about before. Since the last album, a lot has changed in my life, but most importantly I have changed. I'm in a great place, healthier and stronger than ever. I feel as an artist its important for one's music to grow with them. I'm now twenty-six and having taken time out of the musical ring, I now have the gloves firmly back on."
2014–2017: Musical theatre and Strictly Come Dancing
Burke made her West End debut as a leading cast member in the £5 million production of The Bodyguard on 2 June 2014, at London's Adelphi Theatre, taking over the lead role from Beverley Knight. Based on the 1992 movie of the same name and made famous by Whitney Houston, Burke played Rachel Marron – a superstar receiving threats from a love stricken obsessed fan, who falls in love with the new bodyguard hired to protect her. Burke was approached to play the role two years prior to her 2014 debut, but due to scheduling commitments was forced to turn down the opportunity. Two years later Alexandra was again invited to audition for the role and was subsequently offered the part.
An original cast recording featuring Burke was released in June 2015 to accompany the nationwide tour.
It was announced on 8 January 2016, Burke would be taking over the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in an all new UK tour production of Sister Act The Musical. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Burke commenced a year long residency in the show, making her debut on 30 July 2016 at the Curve Theatre Leicester. Alexandra's final performance in the critically acclaimed production took place on 27 August 2017 at Wintergardens, Blackpool. On 21 August 2017, Burke was announced as a contestant for the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Márquez. and made it to the final where she was beaten by Joe McFadden.
2018–present: The Truth Is and return to musical theatre
On 22 December 2017, it was announced Burke had signed with Universal Music Group's Decca Records with her third record, The Truth Is, was released on 16 March 2018. The album's lead single "Shadow", was released on 23 February 2018. Burke then announced her first full UK and Ireland tour in seven years; encompassing 13 venues, would commence in Southend on 1 September 2018, but this was canceled in June.
In February 2018, it was formally announced that Burke would be returning to musical theatre starring in the first West End revival production of Chess since 1986. Burke performer as Svetlana, a role made famous by Barbara Dickson in the 1980s. The production had a run of five weeks at London's Coliseum Theatre, playing opposite theatre icon Michael Ball. Opening night took place on 26 April 2018. In July 2018, it was announced Burke would take to the stage as guest cast member, playing Roxie Hart in the London West End cast of Chicago for an eight-week run.
In 2019, Burke reprised her role as Rachel Marron in the touring production of The Bodyguard with a worldwide tour that finished in late 2019.
Alexandra Burke（1988年8月25日）英国音乐艺术家和词曲作者、第五季《X-Factor》冠军，她签约了三大唱片公司：Epic唱片、RCA唱片和Syco音乐公司。赢得《X-Factor》冠军后，自己发行了作为胜利者的出道单曲《Hallelujah》，成为欧洲在24小时内、一天卖出105000纪录的保持者，超越了《X-Factor》导师谢丽尔·科尔的首支个人单曲《Fight for This Love》。2009年与Syco音乐公司发行了自己的首张录音室专辑《Overcome》，这张专辑取得了全球商业上的成功，在英国和爱尔兰被认证为铂金唱片，获得了城市音乐奖的最佳专辑提名。
Alexandra Burke在她5岁的时候开始唱歌，9岁时就已经和她妈妈一起登台演出。12岁时，她以最小年龄参加了一个名叫”Star for a Night”的歌唱比赛，惜败于Joss Stone——目前大红的英国R&B女歌手。
其实早在2005年，Alexandra Burke就已经参加了X-Factor的选秀，可惜的是Walsh没有给她机会参加决赛，因为他觉得Alexandra年龄太小，并不适合。所幸Alexandra Burke没有就此放弃。2008年，Alexandra Burke再一次站在了X-Facor的舞台上，并一举夺得冠军。她也是继Leona Lewis后，第二名女性冠军
在比赛后，Alexandra Burke收到Beyoncé关于英国巡演的邀请。除此之外，她还被50 Cent邀请参加他的Music Video制作。
随后，Alexandra Burke的首单Hallelujah在UK Singles Chart上大放异彩，不仅打败了同门师姐Leona Lewis的单曲，登上榜首，还打破了A Moment Like This的单日82,000次的记录，短短一日就卖到105,000张。Hallelujah第一周销量超过47万，英国女歌手历史最高。
在2009年的全英音乐奖上，Alexandra Burke的Hallelujah和Hero双双被提名为最佳年度歌曲奖。
After winning The X Factor, Burke released the winner's single "Hallelujah", which became the European record holder for single sales over a period of 24 hours, selling 105,000 in one day, and became the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK and the UK's Christmas 2008 number one. By January 2009, the single had sold over one million copies in the UK alone, a first for a British female soloist. In 2009, Burke released her debut album, Overcome, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and spawned four number-one singles on the UK Singles Chart and the Irish Singles Chart—"Hallelujah", "Bad Boys", "All Night Long" and "Start Without You"—and the album became one of the most successful albums of that year in the UK. The singles released from the album earned her three BRIT Award nominations. The album saw the release of UK top 10 hit, "Broken Heels" and "The Silence". "Elephant" was released as Burke's comeback single in February 2012, and "Let It Go" served as the second single and Burke's second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.
In June 2014, Burke replaced Beverley Knight in the lead role of Rachel Marron in the West End musical The Bodyguard, at the Adelphi Theatre, touring with the production in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 In 2016, Burke commenced a 12-month residency in Sister Act The Musical, leading the cast as Deloris Van Cartier. In 2017, she took part in the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. That same year, Burke signed a record deal with Universal Music Group's Decca Records. Her third album, The Truth Is, was released on in March 2018.
Early life and career beginnings
Alexandra Burke was born in Islington, London on 25 August 1988, daughter of David Burke (born 1954) and Melissa Bell (5 March 1964 – 28 August 2017). Her mother was a soul and R&B singer, and featured as a singer in the band Soul II Soul. She is of Dougla, Afro-Jamaican, and Irish descent.tation needed
Burke has four siblings, Sheneice, David Jr, Aaron and Jahzeel.tation needed Burke shares the middle names Cecelia Ewen with her mother and her sister, Sheneice. Burke said that she had to grow up very fast, at a very young age as her mother was always touring with her band and that she had to look after her young brother, which included taking him to and picking him up from school. Burke's parents broke up in 1992, while she was still young, but the pair continued to co-parent their children.
Burke began dance classes at a very early age, and began singing when she was as young as five years old. She went on to sing on stage at the Bahrain when she was only nine years old, where she sang with her mother, who was still in band Soul II Soul.
When she was aged twelve, Burke entered the television talent show, Star for a Night and was the youngest person in the competition. She was the runner-up after she was beaten for the winners title by Joss Stone. At the age of twelve, her mother put her in contact with Stevie Wonder who rang Burke and she sang down the phone to him. Her mother, Bell, also asked her to sing to Jean Carne who was said to be so impressed by Burke's vocals that she asked her to perform with her at one of her shows the following night.
2005–2008: The X Factor
Burke auditioned for the second series of The X Factor in 2005 (which was eventually won by Shayne Ward). She made it through to the final seven in Louis Walsh's 16–24 category, effectively the top 21 of the competition; however, Walsh did not choose her for his final four as he felt that she was too young for the competition. Burke however did not give up and went on to seek professional singing lessons over the next three years, proving her dedication and commitment to becoming a popstar. Burke's second bid to win The X Factor came in 2008. Falling into the "Girls" category, she was mentored by Girls Aloud's Cheryl who selected her for the finals—a series of ten weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote. On the first live show, Burke performed Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". For the second live show she covered "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5. In week three, big band week, Burke performed Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" and received her first standing ovation. For the disco-themed fourth live show, Burke performed Donna Summer's "On the Radio". During Mariah Carey week on 8 November, Burke and the other finalists met Carey for individual masterclasses, with Carey complimenting Burke on her voice. Burke performed "Without You" and received a standing ovation from the judges who all gave her positive comments. In weeks 6 and 7, Burke received positive comments from the judging panel for her performances of "You are so Beautiful" and Dan Hartman's "Relight My Fire" (the popularity of which in the UK is mostly a result of Take That's 1993 revival thereof). The quarter-final saw her replace Diana Vickers as the bookies' favourite after performing Britney Spears' "Toxic" and Beyoncé' "Listen", for which she received yet another standing ovation. In the semi-final, Burke performed Rihanna's hit song "Don't Stop the Music".tation needed
2009–2010: Overcome, international breakthrough and All Night Long tour
On 13 February 2009 it was reported that Burke signed a £3.5 million, five-album US record deal with Epic Records. Burke's first album was originally scheduled for March 2009, however, Simon Cowell confirmed that her album was scheduled for release later in the year to allow Burke to polish her skills and find the right songs for the album, so that it would not be rushed. The album was released on 19 October 2009 in the UK, titled Overcome. Burke's first commercial single from her debut album is titled "Bad Boys", which features Flo Rida. The single premiered in the UK on The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 on 25 August 2009. On 18 October 2009, Bad Boys topped the UK Singles Chart. After visiting Burke in the studio, Beyoncé spoke of possibly recording a duet with her and also asked for Burke to join her for Beyoncé's second European leg of her I Am... Tour. Bad Boys was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry on 7 January 2010.tation needed
On 19 July 2009, Burke confirmed that she had signed a six figure contract with Italian fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana, to become the face of a new fashion line. She will also model their clothes and accessories in her music videos. Burke performed on the Royal Variety Show on 7 December 2009.
It was confirmed by Burke on 17 November 2009, that "Broken Heels" would be the second commercial single, (third overall), from Overcome. She also confirmed via her Official Twitter page that the video was shot in Los Angeles on 22 and 23 November 2009. On 18 January 2010, Burke began her European Promo Tour in Brussels, Belgium. On 12 March 2010, Burke confirmed on Twitter that "All Night Long" will be her new single, featuring Pitbull. She appeared on Dancing on Ice during the semi-final to perform All Night Long. On 29 April 2010, Burke entered FHM's poll for the world's top 100 sexiest women 2010 at number 75. This is her first appearance on the poll since she rose to fame in 2008. It has been since confirmed that Burke's next single will be a completely new song, "Start Without You", which is set to be released on 5 September 2010. The video for "Start Without You" debuted on 19 August through VEVO on later premiered on The BOX. The song was performed at T4 on the Beach on 4 July 2010, and later released internationally.
Additionally, Burke was announced as the first ever brand ambassador for Sure Women, for which she starred in a television advert. Burke gained her fifth consecutive top ten hit, and her third number one single, after "Start Without You" stormed to the top of the charts, beating Katy Perry to the top spot. The re-packaged edition of Overcome is to be released of 29 November 2010. Music Week reports that the deluxe makeover includes three brand new tracks; "Perfect", "Before the Rain" and "What Happens on the Dancefloor" featuring Cobra Starship; as well as three number one and two Top 10 singles (including "Start Without You"). A DVD accompanies the release featuring seven videos, including an exclusive promo for the track "The Silence". The magazine also confirmed that Burke will promote the record with a performance on The X Factor. A new track on the album was said to be a duet with "an amazing group", the group was later announced as Cobra Starship. On 25 October, Burke announced via her Twitter that a new version of "The Silence" will be the album's fifth commercial single being released in early December. The official music video for "The Silence" was released on 27 October 2010, via MSN Videos UK. It was confirmed that there would be no further singles from the album after "The Silence".
2010–2012: New record deal and Heartbreak on Hold
Rock bottom for Alexandra was her split for Jermain Defoe in 2012. Since April 2011, Burke has supported T4's Battlefront show, helping young campaigners Hope and Abby raise awareness about the organ donor register for their Sign Up, Speak Up, Save Lives project. In October 2011, Burke joined Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos on the judging panel as a guest judge during the fourth week of the live shows of series 8 when Kelly Rowland had a throat infection.tation needed Burke's lead single from the album titled "Elephant", which is produced by Erick Morillo, was released on 11 March 2012. It debuted and peaked at number-three on the UK Singles Chart. The second single from the album, "Let it Go", premièred on Kiss Radio on 13 April 2012. She announced in mid-April 2012 that her second studio album's title would be Heartbreak on Hold which was released on 4 June 2012. On 18 April 2012, she was confirmed for T4 on the Beach 2012. In February 2012, it was reported that Burke had left the Syco label to join RCA Records. In June 2012, Burke parted company with her management company.
2012–2014: Renegade, U.S. launch and other projects
In September 2012, it was revealed that Burke would take part in Les Misérables for Children in Need. Burke later announced that she was working on an album for a US release. Again in October 2012, Burke revealed that she was working on a follow-up album to Heartbreak on Hold, which would be released in 2013. On 3 November, she performed "All The Lights" at MAMA Awards with Zico, leader of the k-pop group Block B, as part of a special stage from H-Artistry in Malaysia . Burke said she wanted to go back to her original sound which was featured on her debut album, Overcome. She told fans to expect "R&B bangers" on her third album. Simon Cowell asked Burke to record a version of "Live and Let Die" in order to use throughout the live shows of The X Factor USA, when the judges are announced and walk out.tation needed In December 2012, Burke released her first holiday extended play, Christmas Gift, which consisted a cover of "Silent Night" and a new track titled "Christmas Time".
On 10 February 2013, it was revealed that Burke was recording two new songs a night for her third album and aimed to have around 60 in total to choose from. She also revealed that she was recording the album in the United States and at her home studio; "I've actually built a studio in my house, downstairs, I'm literally in it every day, recording, I'm flying to the states a lot, I've been in Los Angeles and New York a lot, and if the producers can't fly to me, I fly to them." On 13 February, she explained that her third album would focus on live instruments and would channel Soul music. On the same day, she revealed that she was taking acting classes and had hopes to pursue a career in films, musicals, theater. On 25 March 2013, it was announced that Burke would perform a concert version of Lady Sings the Blues at the Royal Albert Hall between 4 and 8 June in the venue's Elgar Room but the shows were postponed. The concerts sold out in under a week. In May 2013, it was reported that Burke signed a deal with a US management company after impressing former Def Jam president Kevin Liles during a meeting with him in New York. In June 2013, Burke parted ways with her record label, RCA, over "differing views" between herself and the label regarding her third studio album.
Burke made her U.S. performance debut at Apollo Theater on 10 June 2013 as part of the line-up for The Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame 2013, honouring the induction of Chaka Khan. Burke shared the stage with other artists including Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, and Jennifer Holliday. On 30 August, Burke released her second EP, #NewRules. The EP contains 5 tracks, including a cover of Coldplay's "Fix You". On 20 November, Burke revealed that the lead single from her upcoming third record had been decided and a video was to be shot in the coming weeks. She previewed two new songs on her Facebook page on Christmas.
On 5 January 2015, Burke announced that she would be releasing an EP in March called Renegade. She said "This EP is extremely close to my heart. It marks what is set to be a new chapter for me both personally and artistically. I have worked extremely hard on this, there has been laughter, tears and sweat. Renegade touches upon themes and experiences that I have never spoken out about before. Since the last album, a lot has changed in my life, but most importantly I have changed. I'm in a great place, healthier and stronger than ever. I feel as an artist its important for one's music to grow with them. I'm now twenty-six and having taken time out of the musical ring, I now have the gloves firmly back on."
2014–2017: Musical theatre and Strictly Come Dancing
Burke made her West End debut as a leading cast member in the £5 million production of The Bodyguard on 2 June 2014, at London's Adelphi Theatre, taking over the lead role from Beverley Knight. Based on the 1992 movie of the same name and made famous by Whitney Houston, Burke played Rachel Marron – a superstar receiving threats from a love stricken obsessed fan, who falls in love with the new bodyguard hired to protect her. Burke was approached to play the role two years prior to her 2014 debut, but due to scheduling commitments was forced to turn down the opportunity. Two years later Alexandra was again invited to audition for the role and was subsequently offered the part.
An original cast recording featuring Burke was released in June 2015 to accompany the nationwide tour.
It was announced on 8 January 2016, Burke would be taking over the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in an all new UK tour production of Sister Act The Musical. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Burke commenced a year long residency in the show, making her debut on 30 July 2016 at the Curve Theatre Leicester. Alexandra's final performance in the critically acclaimed production took place on 27 August 2017 at Wintergardens, Blackpool. On 21 August 2017, Burke was announced as a contestant for the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Márquez. and made it to the final where she was beaten by Joe McFadden.
2018–present: The Truth Is and return to musical theatre
On 22 December 2017, it was announced Burke had signed with Universal Music Group's Decca Records with her third record, The Truth Is, was released on 16 March 2018. The album's lead single "Shadow", was released on 23 February 2018. Burke then announced her first full UK and Ireland tour in seven years; encompassing 13 venues, would commence in Southend on 1 September 2018, but this was canceled in June.
In February 2018, it was formally announced that Burke would be returning to musical theatre starring in the first West End revival production of Chess since 1986. Burke performer as Svetlana, a role made famous by Barbara Dickson in the 1980s. The production had a run of five weeks at London's Coliseum Theatre, playing opposite theatre icon Michael Ball. Opening night took place on 26 April 2018. In July 2018, it was announced Burke would take to the stage as guest cast member, playing Roxie Hart in the London West End cast of Chicago for an eight-week run.
In 2019, Burke reprised her role as Rachel Marron in the touring production of The Bodyguard with a worldwide tour that finished in late 2019.
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