Ricki-Lee

Born in Australia on November 11, 1985, Ricki-Lee Coulter initially pursued athletics until a leg injury redirected her energies. Her mother soon recognized her exceptional vocal ability, prompting participation in musical theater from age 15, where she appeared in productions including Hair, Cats, Rent, Miss Saigon, and others. In 2004 she tried out for the second season of Channel Ten's Australian Idol, the local edition of the Idol series. Strong stage presence and ability carried her into the final 12, where she became a favorite among both judges and viewers before an unexpected elimination during the final-seven week.

Although Sony BMG was anticipated to sign her, as it had other Idol finalists, she instead joined Shock Records, Australia's largest independent label. Her self-titled debut album was recorded in Melbourne with input from Audius Mtawarira and Israel. Lead single "Hell No!" entered the ARIA charts at number five, held the Top Ten for three weeks, remained in the Top 40 nearly three months, and earned gold certification; follow-up "Sunshine" likewise went gold after debuting at number eight. Third single "Breathe" peaked at number 14, while the album itself opened at number 30.

In early 2006 she teamed with fellow Australian Idol alumni Paulini, Kate DeAraugo, and Emily Williams to form the Young Divas, initially assembled by Sony BMG as a promotional quartet. Their ARIA number-two single "This Time I Know It's for Real" achieved platinum status and prompted a three-month national tour, forcing Ricki-Lee to delay her wedding. A second release, their cover of Lonnie Gordon's "Happenin' All Over Again," also reached the Australian Top Ten. Buoyed by those results, the group recorded a full album; Young Divas debuted at number four and was certified double platinum. Third single "Searchin'" entered the Top 40 in March 2007.

The next month, after personal deliberation, Ricki-Lee exited the Young Divas to resume her solo path. She returned immediately to the studio for second album Brand New Day. Its lead single "Can't Touch It" became her biggest hit to date, opening at number two. The album arrived August 11, 2007, debuting at number 37; second single "Love Is All Around," written by Agnes Carlsson, reached the Australian Top Five. A Ministry of Sound deal delivered U.K. club success in 2008 when "Can't Touch It" was remixed and issued as "U Wanna Little of This."

Ahead of the 2008 compilation Ricki-Lee: The Singles, she increased her visibility through regular co-hosting slots on Australian television and radio programs. A 2009 stint in the U.S. yielded electro-influenced singles "Don't Miss You" and "Hear No, See No, Speak No." Back home she served as a full-time breakfast DJ through most of 2010 and 2011 before signing with EMI. Early releases under that deal, upbeat tracks "Raining Diamonds" and "Do It Like That," returned her to the Australian Top 20.