Jessie J

Jessie J (born Jessica Ellen Cornish, 27.3.1988)

Jessie J is a singer / songwriter from Essex and is signed to both Lava Records and Universal Republic Records.

Jessie J: Childhood

Jessie J started acting as a child and had a role in the West End production of Whistle Down the Wind. After leaving Mayfield High School, she started studying at the BRIT school and joined a girl group when she was 17 years old. Jessie J then signed to Gut Records, home to Tom Jones and Jimmy Sommerville, but the label went bust before releasing any of her music.

Later on in her teens, Jessie J suffered from heart trouble and also experienced a minor stroke.

Jessie J: Music Career

Jessie J's music career started to take off after she found success as a songwriter. She landed a Sony ATV publishing contract and co-wrote the song 'Party in the USA' with the producer Doctor Luke and Claude Kelly, for Miley Cyrus (also known for her role in Hannah Montana).

Jessie J also wrote tracks for Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera and Rihanna's ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, with whom she also toured.

Jessie J's single 'Do It Like a Dude' was released in the UK in November 2010. The track received a great deal of airplay on BBC Radio 1. Jessie J stated that she had originally written the song for Rihanna but eventually decided to record the song herself. The single debuted at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.

Jessie J then earned herself a slot on Later Live With Jools Holland, performing an acoustic version of her song 'Price Tag'. It was announced that he track was due to be released as a single in March 2011, with the rapper B.o.B. performing additional vocal duties. This would be followed by an album entitled Who You Are. She also built up a loyal following by posting videos of herself performing on YouTube, including a cover of 'I Have Nothing', originally made famous by Whitney Houston.

In December 2010, it was announced that Jessie J was one of the rising stars included in the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll. Other acts included in the long list were: Jamie Woon, Esben and the Witch, James Blake, Warpaint, The Vaccines, Daley, Claire Maguire, Wretch 32 and Anna Calvi. That same month, it was also announced that Jessie J had won the Critics Choice award at the 2011 BRIT Awards Ceremony.

Jessie J's music has also appeared on film soundtracks: The track 'Who You Are' was used in the third installment of the Step Up film series, Step Up 3D and the track 'Sexy Silk' was on the soundtrack to the 2010 comedy film, Easy A.