Ricki-Lee Coulter
Encyclopedia
Ricki-Lee Coulter is an Australian recording artist and television and radio presenter. In 2004, Coulter was placed seventh place on the second season
of Australian Idol
. Although she did not win the talent show, Coulter was offered a recording contract with Australian independent label Shock Records
.
In 2005, Coulter released her debut studio album, Ricki-Lee
, which spawned two top-ten singles on the ARIA Singles Chart
—"Hell No!
" and "Sunshine
"—and both were certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA). In 2006, she became a member of all-girl pop
group Young Divas
, and released their commercially successful eponymous debut album
. The release was certified double platinum and produced two top-ten singles. Coulter left the group in 2007 to resume her solo career. In August 2007, Coulter released her second studio album, Brand New Day
, which was certified gold by the ARIA. The album produced three top-ten singles, including lead single
"Can't Touch It
", which debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum.
In 2009, Coulter released "Don't Miss You
" and "Hear No, See No, Speak No
" as the first two singles from her then upcoming third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No. However, Coulter told her record label to cancel the album's release due to the lack of commercial success of the two singles. In 2011, she ended her contract with Shock Records, and went on to sign a global record deal with EMI
. Coulter released "Raining Diamonds
" through the label in October 2011.
Apart from her work in music, Coulter has also launched a career as a radio and television presenter. She co-hosted Australian Idol for seasons six
and seven
. In 2010, she served as a full-time radio presenter for the Sydney Nova FM breakfast show. Coulter has previously co-hosted radio shows on Brisbane's B105 FM
and Melbourne's Fox FM
.
in Australia, when she was three weeks old. She is the elder sister of Jodie Coulter. During her schooling years, Coulter developed a passion for playing netball
for Queensland. However, after a serious knee injury requiring reconstructive surgery, Coulter was told she would never play netball again. Her singing talent was discovered months later when Coulter's mother overheard her singing in her bedroom. From then on, Coulter held gigs around the Brisbane
and Gold Coast areas with live bands. She also participated in school productions, as she secured lead musical roles in Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Cats, Rent, The Boyfriend, Phantom of the Opera, Grease and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
's "Don't Let Go
" at her audition. She received praise from all three judges and progressed through to the theatre rounds. Following the theatre rounds, it was announced that Coulter had made it into the top-thirty semi finals. During this stage, Coulter was a part of the third group of performers and sang Barry White
's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
". Coulter, along with Casey Donovan
and Dan O'Connor, were the three contestants from that group who made the final top-twelve. Throughout the season, Coulter was regarded a favourite to win the competition, until she was eliminated in the final seven round. Judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson described her departure as a scandal. Following Coulter's elimination, news-papers ran the story as front-page news and Coulter herself couldn't quite hide the anger and disappointment she plainly felt. Like contestant Daniel Belle, who was eliminated the week before her, Coulter had never appeared in the bottom three or two until her elimination.
. Coulter released her debut single "Hell No!
" in June 2005. The song debuted at number five on the ARIA Singles Chart
and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA), for shipping 35,000 copies. The single was followed by the release of Coulter's self-titled debut album
on 3 October 2005. The album debuted at number 30 on the ARIA Albums Chart
. "Sunshine
" was released as the album's second single. The song peaked at number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold. "Breathe
" was released as the album's third and final single. It peaked at number 14 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
In 2006, Coulter and previous Australian Idol contestants Paulini, Emily Williams
and Kate DeAraugo
were asked by Sony BMG to be part of an all-girl band concept called Young Divas
, for a 17-date national tour to promote all members as solo artists. The group released a cover version
of Donna Summer
's single "This Time I Know It's for Real" on 7 May 2006, to attract attention for the tour, where all members would perform their solo material, and songs as a group. The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart, and was certified platinum by the ARIA, for shipping 70,000 copies. "Happenin' All Over Again
" was released as the group's second single. It peaked at number nine and was certified gold. The Young Divas' huge success prompted the release of a debut album of classic disco and pop covers, titled Young Divas
, on 18 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum.
.
In August 2007, Coulter released "Can't Touch It
" as the lead single
from her second studio album, Brand New Day
. The song debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the ARIA. The album was released on 11 August 2007. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number 37 and was certified Gold. "Love Is All Around" and "Can't Sing a Different Song
" were released as the album's second and third singles, respectively, and both became ARIA top-ten singles. In December 2007, it was announced that Coulter had signed a record deal with Ministry of Sound
in the United Kingdom, and to Pony Canyon
in Japan. Brand New Day was released in Japan on 9 January 2008.
Coulter served as an opening act for Hillary Duff's Australian leg of her Dignity Tour, which began on 31 January 2008. In March 2008, Coulter held her first headlining tour, The Brand New Day Tour, in Australia. On 8 November 2008, Coulter released a compilation album
, titled Ricki-Lee: The Singles
. "Wiggle It
", featuring Australian rapper Samir, was released as the album's lead single. The song debuted at number 11 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
", the first single from her third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No. The song peaked at number 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album's title track
was released as the second single in October 2009. The song debuted and peaked at number 46 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Coulter was expected to release the album in November 2009, however, the release was pushed back to 2010 due to production issues. Eventually, Coulter told her record label to cancel the album's release due to the first two singles struggling on the ARIA Singles Chart. In an interview with Adelaide Now, she explained:
In March 2010, Coulter served as a support act for the Backstreet Boys
, on the Australian leg of their This Is Us Tour
. In April 2010, "Can't Touch It" was used in the movie trailer for the film Sex and the City 2
. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack, released on 25 May 2010. In July 2010, it was announced that Coulter had parted ways with her manager, Lauren Brown, who had been managing her career for five years. It was later revealed that her new manager was Sean Anderson. In August 2011, The Daily Telegraph reported that Coulter has ended her association with management company, 22, and ended her recording contract with Shock Records. Coulter has now signed a global record deal with EMI
. Her first single with the label, "Raining Diamonds
", was released for digital download on 18 October 2011, and has so far peaked at number 19 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
, a charity fundraising event that benefits research into childhood genetic diseases. She had previously worked with the charity for three years and raised over $100,000. As of November 2011, Coulter has become a spokeswoman for the annual Red ribbon
appeal which raises money to fight HIV
/AIDS
and help people with HIV.
Coulter first branched out into her television career as a mentor on the celebrity singing show It Takes Two, where she mentored Scott Draper
. In 2008, she returned to Australian Idol as a member of the hosting team for the sixth season
, alongside the primary hosts James Mathison
and Andrew Günsberg. Coulter expanded her hosting role through to the seventh season
in 2009 alongside Günsberg, while Mathison vacated his hosting position. On 12 July 2010, Coulter co-hosted The Morning Show
with Larry Emdur
, as part of the celebrity presenters week.
Coulter has also been involved with radio. In January 2008, she joined Brisbane radio station B105 FM
, as part of their breakfast team, temporarily replacing co-host Camilla Severi, who had given birth to her first child. In December 2008, Coulter was a part of the Summer Breakfast Show on Fox FM
in Melbourne alongside Mike Goldman
and Brian McFadden
. Throughout 2010, Coulter became a full-time radio host for the Nova FM breakfast show in Sydney, replacing actress Kate Ritchie
, due to the station trying to re-establish its ratings. Coulter's contract was not renewed for 2011.
In September 2008, Coulter revealed that she had suffered from depression
in 2007, due to a lonely childhood and betrayals from family and friends. In August 2010, Coulter told Who magazine that she has lost more than 15 kg. In July 2011, she revealed to OK!
magazine that she has now lost 25 kg.
Australian Idol (season 2)
The second season of Australian Idol debuted on 13 July 2004. Over 50,000 people throughout Australia auditioned.-Overview:As well as the five larger cities, the judges also visited Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Tamworth this year...
of Australian Idol
Australian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
. Although she did not win the talent show, Coulter was offered a recording contract with Australian independent label Shock Records
Shock Records
Shock Records is Australia's largest independent record label. It helps distribute records from overseas records labels such as Epitaph Records, and also for small record labels designed specifically for that band such as Cement Records...
.
In 2005, Coulter released her debut studio album, Ricki-Lee
Ricki-Lee (album)
Ricki-Lee is the debut studio album from Australian singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released on 3 October 2005 in Australia. Coulter recorded the album in Melbourne and worked with many producers and artists including Audius Mtawarira, Israel, Nitty and Jarrad Rogers...
, which spawned two top-ten singles on the ARIA Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
—"Hell No!
Hell No!
"Hell No!" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It serves as the lead single from her self-titled debut album, Ricki-Lee...
" and "Sunshine
Sunshine (Ricki-Lee song)
"Sunshine" a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released both physically and digitally on 26 September 2005 and serves as the second single taken off her self-titled debut album, Ricki-Lee. "Sunshine" reached a peak of number eight on the ARIA Singles...
"—and both were certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA). In 2006, she became a member of all-girl pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
group Young Divas
Young Divas
Young Divas was an Australian girl group that had consisted of previous Australian Idol contestants. The original line up consisted of season one finalist Paulini Curuenavuli, season two finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter, season three winner Kate DeAraugo and runner-up Emily Williams...
, and released their commercially successful eponymous debut album
Young Divas (album)
Young Divas is the debut album by the Young Divas, made up of Australian Idol finalists Ricki-Lee Coulter , Paulini Curuenavuli , Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams ....
. The release was certified double platinum and produced two top-ten singles. Coulter left the group in 2007 to resume her solo career. In August 2007, Coulter released her second studio album, Brand New Day
Brand New Day (Ricki-Lee album)
Brand New Day is the second studio album by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released in Australia on 11 August 2007 and in Japan on 9 January 2008. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number thirty-seven and gained a gold accreditation. The album produced Coulter's most...
, which was certified gold by the ARIA. The album produced three top-ten singles, including lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
"Can't Touch It
Can't Touch It
"Can't Touch It" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released on 4 August 2007 and serves as the lead single from her second album, Brand New Day....
", which debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum.
In 2009, Coulter released "Don't Miss You
Don't Miss You (Ricki-Lee song)
"Don't Miss You" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Co-written by Coulter, Nikki Gregoff and Paul Weinber the song serves as the lead single from her unreleased third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No...
" and "Hear No, See No, Speak No
Hear No, See No, Speak No (song)
"Hear No, See No, Speak No" is a song performed by Australia singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Co-written by Coulter, David Gamson and Marc Nelkin, it was released as a digital download on 23 October 2009 and serves as the second single released from the singer's unreleased third studio album...
" as the first two singles from her then upcoming third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No. However, Coulter told her record label to cancel the album's release due to the lack of commercial success of the two singles. In 2011, she ended her contract with Shock Records, and went on to sign a global record deal with EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
. Coulter released "Raining Diamonds
Raining Diamonds
"Raining Diamonds" is a song by Australian recording artist Ricki-Lee. It was released for digital download on 18 October 2011 and serves as her debut release with EMI. The song was written by Ricki-Lee, Billy Mann and Dave "Boy Blue" Shaw...
" through the label in October 2011.
Apart from her work in music, Coulter has also launched a career as a radio and television presenter. She co-hosted Australian Idol for seasons six
Australian Idol (season 6)
The sixth season of Australian Idol premiered on Sunday, 24 August 2008, on Network Ten. The season finale aired live on Sunday, 23 November 2008. The winner was Wes Carr with Luke Dickens as runner-up.-Changes to Format:...
and seven
Australian Idol (season 7)
The seventh and final season of the Australian Idol series began on 9 August 2009, to determine who would succeed Season 6 winner, Wes Carr. Beginning amid controversy, judge Kyle Sandilands was replaced by Sony Music record executive, Jay Dee Springbett. It was the first season where all four...
. In 2010, she served as a full-time radio presenter for the Sydney Nova FM breakfast show. Coulter has previously co-hosted radio shows on Brisbane's B105 FM
B105 FM
B105 is a commercial FM radio station broadcasting on 105.3 MHz in Brisbane, Australia. It is part of the Austereo Radio Network. B105's primary audience is 10 to 24 age group.-History:...
and Melbourne's Fox FM
FOX FM (Melbourne)
Fox FM is a radio station that serves the Melbourne, Australia, broadcasting on the FM band at a frequency of 101.9 MHz. Licensed to Mount Dandenong, Victoria, the station is currently owned by the Austereo Radio Network. The station's transmitter is located on the ATV-10 transmission tower on top...
.
Early life
Ricki-Lee Coulter was born on 10 November 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand, the daughter of John and Loretta Coulter. Coulter and her family moved to Gold Coast, QueenslandGold Coast, Queensland
Gold Coast is a coastal city of Australia located in South East Queensland, 94km south of the state capital Brisbane. With a population approximately 540,000 in 2010, it is the second most populous city in the state, the sixth most populous city in the country, and also the most populous...
in Australia, when she was three weeks old. She is the elder sister of Jodie Coulter. During her schooling years, Coulter developed a passion for playing netball
Netball
Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
for Queensland. However, after a serious knee injury requiring reconstructive surgery, Coulter was told she would never play netball again. Her singing talent was discovered months later when Coulter's mother overheard her singing in her bedroom. From then on, Coulter held gigs around the Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
and Gold Coast areas with live bands. She also participated in school productions, as she secured lead musical roles in Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Cats, Rent, The Boyfriend, Phantom of the Opera, Grease and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
2004: Australian Idol
In 2004, Coulter auditioned for the second season of Australian Idol, and sang En VogueEn Vogue
En Vogue is an American female R&B vocal group from Oakland, California assembled by music producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy.The group has won more MTV Video Music Awards than any other female group in MTV history, a total of seven, along with four Soul Train Awards, six American Music...
's "Don't Let Go
Don't Let Go (Love)
"Don't Let Go " is a 1996 Grammy-nominated single by En Vogue from the Set It Off soundtrack, also appearing on the group's third album, EV3. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA for shipments of over 1,000,000 units. The song was the last single by En Vogue to feature former band member Dawn...
" at her audition. She received praise from all three judges and progressed through to the theatre rounds. Following the theatre rounds, it was announced that Coulter had made it into the top-thirty semi finals. During this stage, Coulter was a part of the third group of performers and sang Barry White
Barry White
Barry White, born Barry Eugene Carter , was an American composer and singer-songwriter.A five-time Grammy Award-winner known for his distinctive bass voice and romantic image, White's greatest success came in the 1970s as a solo singer and with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, crafting many enduring...
's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
"Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" is a song written, recorded and produced by Barry White. Released as the first single from White's album Can't Get Enough in 1974, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and U.S. R&B chart and has since become one of White's signature tunes. It was his second...
". Coulter, along with Casey Donovan
Casey Donovan (singer)
-Australian Idol :Donovan transferred to the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney's Surry Hills in 2004 and it was in this year that her stepfather encouraged her to audition for the second season of Australian Idol...
and Dan O'Connor, were the three contestants from that group who made the final top-twelve. Throughout the season, Coulter was regarded a favourite to win the competition, until she was eliminated in the final seven round. Judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson described her departure as a scandal. Following Coulter's elimination, news-papers ran the story as front-page news and Coulter herself couldn't quite hide the anger and disappointment she plainly felt. Like contestant Daniel Belle, who was eliminated the week before her, Coulter had never appeared in the bottom three or two until her elimination.
2005–2006: Ricki-Lee and Young Divas
Following her departure from Australian Idol, Coulter was offered a record deal from Sony BMG. However, she declined the offer and signed with Australia's biggest independent label, Shock RecordsShock Records
Shock Records is Australia's largest independent record label. It helps distribute records from overseas records labels such as Epitaph Records, and also for small record labels designed specifically for that band such as Cement Records...
. Coulter released her debut single "Hell No!
Hell No!
"Hell No!" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It serves as the lead single from her self-titled debut album, Ricki-Lee...
" in June 2005. The song debuted at number five on the ARIA Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA), for shipping 35,000 copies. The single was followed by the release of Coulter's self-titled debut album
Ricki-Lee (album)
Ricki-Lee is the debut studio album from Australian singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released on 3 October 2005 in Australia. Coulter recorded the album in Melbourne and worked with many producers and artists including Audius Mtawarira, Israel, Nitty and Jarrad Rogers...
on 3 October 2005. The album debuted at number 30 on the ARIA Albums Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
. "Sunshine
Sunshine (Ricki-Lee song)
"Sunshine" a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released both physically and digitally on 26 September 2005 and serves as the second single taken off her self-titled debut album, Ricki-Lee. "Sunshine" reached a peak of number eight on the ARIA Singles...
" was released as the album's second single. The song peaked at number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold. "Breathe
Breathe (Ricki-Lee song)
"Breathe" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Produced by Audius Mtawarira, the single was written by Andrew Murray, Christian Ballard, Dawn Joseph, Lucy Abbott, Russ Ballard and Sara Eker...
" was released as the album's third and final single. It peaked at number 14 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
In 2006, Coulter and previous Australian Idol contestants Paulini, Emily Williams
Emily Williams
Emily Williams , is a New Zealand-born Australian singer-songwriter, who rose to fame on the third season of Australian Idol in 2005, and became runner-up of the season...
and Kate DeAraugo
Kate DeAraugo
Katherine Jenna "Kate" DeAraugo, pronounced de roosh , is an Australian singer-songwriter who was the third winner of Australian Idol in 2005. After idol, DeAraugo signed to Sony BMG and released her debut single, "Maybe Tonight", in November 2005. The single debuted and peaked at Number 1 on the...
were asked by Sony BMG to be part of an all-girl band concept called Young Divas
Young Divas
Young Divas was an Australian girl group that had consisted of previous Australian Idol contestants. The original line up consisted of season one finalist Paulini Curuenavuli, season two finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter, season three winner Kate DeAraugo and runner-up Emily Williams...
, for a 17-date national tour to promote all members as solo artists. The group released a cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of Donna Summer
Donna Summer
LaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
's single "This Time I Know It's for Real" on 7 May 2006, to attract attention for the tour, where all members would perform their solo material, and songs as a group. The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart, and was certified platinum by the ARIA, for shipping 70,000 copies. "Happenin' All Over Again
Happenin' All Over Again
"Happenin' All over Again" is a song written and produced by Stock Aitken & Waterman for Lonnie Gordon's first album If I Have to Stand Alone . It was released as the album's second single in January 1990 and reached #4 on the main UK singles chart...
" was released as the group's second single. It peaked at number nine and was certified gold. The Young Divas' huge success prompted the release of a debut album of classic disco and pop covers, titled Young Divas
Young Divas (album)
Young Divas is the debut album by the Young Divas, made up of Australian Idol finalists Ricki-Lee Coulter , Paulini Curuenavuli , Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams ....
, on 18 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum.
2007–2008: Young Divas departure and Brand New Day
On 22 June 2007, it was announced that Coulter had left the Young Divas to resume her solo career and to marry her fiance, Jamie Babbington. She told Qconfidential, "I just couldn't do it all – I really had to get back to doing what I love doing, and that's my solo career." Coulter was later replaced by 2006 Australian Idol runner-up Jessica MauboyJessica Mauboy
Jessica Hilda Mauboy , is an Indigenous Australian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. In 2006, Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol, she had auditioned for the talent show in Alice Springs to pursue a recording career...
.
In August 2007, Coulter released "Can't Touch It
Can't Touch It
"Can't Touch It" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released on 4 August 2007 and serves as the lead single from her second album, Brand New Day....
" as the lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
from her second studio album, Brand New Day
Brand New Day (Ricki-Lee album)
Brand New Day is the second studio album by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released in Australia on 11 August 2007 and in Japan on 9 January 2008. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number thirty-seven and gained a gold accreditation. The album produced Coulter's most...
. The song debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the ARIA. The album was released on 11 August 2007. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number 37 and was certified Gold. "Love Is All Around" and "Can't Sing a Different Song
Can't Sing a Different Song
"Can't Sing a Different Song" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Co-written by Coulter, Andy Love and Pete Martin, the song serves as the third and final single released from the singer's second album, Brand New Day...
" were released as the album's second and third singles, respectively, and both became ARIA top-ten singles. In December 2007, it was announced that Coulter had signed a record deal with Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound London, commonly referred to as simply Ministry of Sound or MoS, is a nightclub based in London, United Kingdom and an associated record label. It was ranked fourth in the 2010 DJ Magazine top 100 clubs poll 2010. As well as the nightclub in London, there is another in Egypt and...
in the United Kingdom, and to Pony Canyon
Pony Canyon
is a Japanese company, established on October 1, 1966 , which publishes music, DVD and VHS videos, movies and video games. It is a subsidiary of Japanese Media Group, Fujisankei Communications Group.-History:...
in Japan. Brand New Day was released in Japan on 9 January 2008.
Coulter served as an opening act for Hillary Duff's Australian leg of her Dignity Tour, which began on 31 January 2008. In March 2008, Coulter held her first headlining tour, The Brand New Day Tour, in Australia. On 8 November 2008, Coulter released a compilation album
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
, titled Ricki-Lee: The Singles
Ricki-Lee: The Singles
Ricki-Lee: The Singles is a two disc compilation album by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Disc one features the singles released from the singer's previous two albums in both their original and remixed forms and also two new songs, the lead single "Wiggle It" which features...
. "Wiggle It
Wiggle It
"Wiggle It" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. The single features Australian rapper, Samir. It was co-written by Coulter, George Morel, Rafael Vargas and Israel Cruz, who also produced the song...
", featuring Australian rapper Samir, was released as the album's lead single. The song debuted at number 11 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
2009–present: third studio album, management change and new record label
At the 2009 TV Week Logie Awards, Coulter received a nomination for 'Most Popular New Female Talent', for her role as a co-host on Australian Idol. In July 2009, Coulter released "Don't Miss YouDon't Miss You (Ricki-Lee song)
"Don't Miss You" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Co-written by Coulter, Nikki Gregoff and Paul Weinber the song serves as the lead single from her unreleased third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No...
", the first single from her third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No. The song peaked at number 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album's title track
Hear No, See No, Speak No (song)
"Hear No, See No, Speak No" is a song performed by Australia singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Co-written by Coulter, David Gamson and Marc Nelkin, it was released as a digital download on 23 October 2009 and serves as the second single released from the singer's unreleased third studio album...
was released as the second single in October 2009. The song debuted and peaked at number 46 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Coulter was expected to release the album in November 2009, however, the release was pushed back to 2010 due to production issues. Eventually, Coulter told her record label to cancel the album's release due to the first two singles struggling on the ARIA Singles Chart. In an interview with Adelaide Now, she explained:
"They got a lukewarm reaction to the singles they chose to put out, so it made sense not to release the album. I said I'd prefer the album not to go out than to go out and fail. It's my reputation on the line. I felt like the puppet dancing out the front while everyone else was controlling me. That's not who I am, that's not my personality. I was being made to do something I didn't want to do, but I was fragile at the time, I wasn't strong enough to fight it."
In March 2010, Coulter served as a support act for the Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
, on the Australian leg of their This Is Us Tour
This Is Us Tour
The This Is Us Tour was the eighth concert tour by American boy band, the Backstreet Boys. The tour promotes their seventh studio album, This Is Us. The tour reached Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas...
. In April 2010, "Can't Touch It" was used in the movie trailer for the film Sex and the City 2
Sex and the City 2
Sex and the City 2 is a 2010 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Patrick King. It is the sequel to the 2008 film Sex and the City, which is based on the HBO TV series of the same name....
. The song was also included in the film's soundtrack, released on 25 May 2010. In July 2010, it was announced that Coulter had parted ways with her manager, Lauren Brown, who had been managing her career for five years. It was later revealed that her new manager was Sean Anderson. In August 2011, The Daily Telegraph reported that Coulter has ended her association with management company, 22, and ended her recording contract with Shock Records. Coulter has now signed a global record deal with EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
. Her first single with the label, "Raining Diamonds
Raining Diamonds
"Raining Diamonds" is a song by Australian recording artist Ricki-Lee. It was released for digital download on 18 October 2011 and serves as her debut release with EMI. The song was written by Ricki-Lee, Billy Mann and Dave "Boy Blue" Shaw...
", was released for digital download on 18 October 2011, and has so far peaked at number 19 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Other ventures
In 2008, Coulter became an ambassador for Jeans for GenesJeans for Genes
Jeans for Genes is a national appeal in the UK and Australia. Although both appeals raise money to help children with genetic disorders they are not the same appeal....
, a charity fundraising event that benefits research into childhood genetic diseases. She had previously worked with the charity for three years and raised over $100,000. As of November 2011, Coulter has become a spokeswoman for the annual Red ribbon
Red ribbon
The red ribbon, as an awareness ribbon colored red, has several different meanings in different contexts. Foremost, it is the symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS.-Awareness symbol:...
appeal which raises money to fight HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
/AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
and help people with HIV.
Coulter first branched out into her television career as a mentor on the celebrity singing show It Takes Two, where she mentored Scott Draper
Scott Draper
-Personal life:Draper was born in Queensland, Australia. His first wife, Kellie, died in 1999 from cystic fibrosis. He is now married to Jessica and they have two children, a son Jayden Scott Draper and a daughter, Jaimie Draper .-Tennis career:...
. In 2008, she returned to Australian Idol as a member of the hosting team for the sixth season
Australian Idol (season 6)
The sixth season of Australian Idol premiered on Sunday, 24 August 2008, on Network Ten. The season finale aired live on Sunday, 23 November 2008. The winner was Wes Carr with Luke Dickens as runner-up.-Changes to Format:...
, alongside the primary hosts James Mathison
James Mathison
James Mathison is an Australian television presenter.-Early life:Mathison was born in Sydney, New South Wales He grew up in Frenchs Forest and attended St...
and Andrew Günsberg. Coulter expanded her hosting role through to the seventh season
Australian Idol (season 7)
The seventh and final season of the Australian Idol series began on 9 August 2009, to determine who would succeed Season 6 winner, Wes Carr. Beginning amid controversy, judge Kyle Sandilands was replaced by Sony Music record executive, Jay Dee Springbett. It was the first season where all four...
in 2009 alongside Günsberg, while Mathison vacated his hosting position. On 12 July 2010, Coulter co-hosted The Morning Show
The Morning Show (TV program)
The Morning Show is an Australian morning talk show that premiered on the Seven Network on 18 June 2007. The show airs between 9am and 11:30am weekdays and follows Seven's breakfast news program Sunrise, with both programs closely interlinked....
with Larry Emdur
Larry Emdur
Larry Emdur is an Australian television personality. He is currently co-hosting Saturday's Weekend Sunrise alongside Samantha Armytage....
, as part of the celebrity presenters week.
Coulter has also been involved with radio. In January 2008, she joined Brisbane radio station B105 FM
B105 FM
B105 is a commercial FM radio station broadcasting on 105.3 MHz in Brisbane, Australia. It is part of the Austereo Radio Network. B105's primary audience is 10 to 24 age group.-History:...
, as part of their breakfast team, temporarily replacing co-host Camilla Severi, who had given birth to her first child. In December 2008, Coulter was a part of the Summer Breakfast Show on Fox FM
FOX FM (Melbourne)
Fox FM is a radio station that serves the Melbourne, Australia, broadcasting on the FM band at a frequency of 101.9 MHz. Licensed to Mount Dandenong, Victoria, the station is currently owned by the Austereo Radio Network. The station's transmitter is located on the ATV-10 transmission tower on top...
in Melbourne alongside Mike Goldman
Mike Goldman
Mike Goldman is an Australian television and radio host, probably best known for his various roles in Big Brother Australia series.-Television:...
and Brian McFadden
Brian McFadden
Brian Nicholas McFadden , is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the Irish boyband Westlife...
. Throughout 2010, Coulter became a full-time radio host for the Nova FM breakfast show in Sydney, replacing actress Kate Ritchie
Kate Ritchie
Katherine "Kate" Ritchie is an Australian actress, best known for her long-running role as Sally Fletcher on the television soap opera Home and Away. She played the character for 20 years from 1988–2008...
, due to the station trying to re-establish its ratings. Coulter's contract was not renewed for 2011.
Personal life
On 5 September 2007, Coulter married her long-time partner, Jamie Babbington, at a secret location in Gold Coast. However, after little over a year of marriage, it was announced in October 2008 that Coulter and Babbington had split, citing distance and time apart as the reason. Coulter is currently dating personal trainer and aspiring model, Richard Harrison.In September 2008, Coulter revealed that she had suffered from depression
Depression (mood)
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless...
in 2007, due to a lonely childhood and betrayals from family and friends. In August 2010, Coulter told Who magazine that she has lost more than 15 kg. In July 2011, she revealed to OK!
OK!
OK! is a British weekly magazine specializing in celebrity news. Originally launched as a monthly, its first issue was published in April 1993. In September 2004, OK! publishers Northern and Shell launched in Australia as a monthly title – the magazine went weekly in October 2006...
magazine that she has now lost 25 kg.
Discography
- Ricki-LeeRicki-Lee (album)Ricki-Lee is the debut studio album from Australian singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released on 3 October 2005 in Australia. Coulter recorded the album in Melbourne and worked with many producers and artists including Audius Mtawarira, Israel, Nitty and Jarrad Rogers...
(2005) - Brand New DayBrand New Day (Ricki-Lee album)Brand New Day is the second studio album by Australian singer-songwriter, Ricki-Lee Coulter. It was released in Australia on 11 August 2007 and in Japan on 9 January 2008. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number thirty-seven and gained a gold accreditation. The album produced Coulter's most...
(2007)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Type | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Urban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2006 The first annual Urban Music Awards were presented by Jazzy Jeff and Kurtis Blow Sydney’s Homebush State Sports Centre on Friday 21 July 2007... |
Urban Music Awards (Australia and New Zealand) | Best R&B Album (Ricki-Lee) | |
| 2007 | Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2007 The -8th annual Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards were held on 10 October at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. The show was hosted by The Veronicas and Zac Efron.... |
Fave Female Singer | |
| AIR Awards | Best Performing Independent Single/EP ("Can't Touch It") | ||
| 2008 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2008 The 6th annual Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards were held on 11 October 2008 at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne. John Cena has been picked to host the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards alongside Natalie Bassingthwaighte.-So Hot Right Now:* Short Stack... |
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards | Fave Aussie | |
| Fave Singer | |||
| 2009 Logie Awards of 2009 The 51st Annual TV WEEK Logie Awards was held on Sunday 3 May 2009 at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, and televised on the Nine Network. The awards ceremony was hosted by Gretel Killeen and had over 1.6 million people watching the Logie Awards telecast. Performing on the night were... |
Logie Awards | Most Popular New Female Talent (Australian Idol) | |
| 2010 | Australian Commercial Radio Awards | Best Newcomer On Air (Metropolitan) | |
| Cosmopolitan Fun, Fearless, Female Women of the Year Awards | Radio Host | ||