Alesha Dixon Biography
(born 7 October 1978)[1] is an English singer-songwriter, dancer, model and television personality. She first found fame in the all-female R&B trio Mis-Teeq, however, the trio separated in 2005 and Dixon continued pursuing her music career as a solo artist, signing to Polydor Records. Dixon began recording her debut solo album, Fired Up in 2006, but due to poor record sales of her first two singles, "Lipstick" and "Knockdown", she was dropped from Polydor.[2]
In 2007 Dixon became a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and eventually won. Her television exposure led to a successful comeback,[3] which included her signing to Asylum Records, an offshoot of Warner Music Group. Dixon then released a second album, entitled The Alesha Show in 2008, which received platinum certification from BPI in the UK and spawned four singles including "The Boy Does Nothing" and "Breathe Slow", the latter of which became her highest charting single and earned her a Brit Award nomination.
In September 2009 Dixon became a judge on the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing fellow judge Arlene Phillips.[4] The replacement of Phillips by Dixon attracted criticism, as some questioned the extent of Dixon's dancing knowledge.[5] Dixon herself dismissed the criticism, describing it as a "storm in a teacup", and refused to stand down as judge.[6] In 2010 Dixon returned for the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing and released her third studio album, The Entertainer. In January 2012, shortly after completing the ninth series and her third year as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Dixon quit to become a judge on Britain's Got
In January 2008, less than a month after her profile was raised due to her victory on Strictly Come Dancing, Dixon signed a deal with Ford to endorse the new Ford Focus, an ad campaign featuring her was made, and a track called '4 U I Will' was recorded using real car parts. Dixon said, "When Ford first showed me the original TV ad and the incredible instruments I immediately wanted to get involved." Some of the instruments being used were the 'door harp', the 'clutch guitar' and the 'hatchback kick drum', in total 21 parts were taken from the car and transformed into unique looking instruments.[43] In February 2008 Dixon fronted a campaign for the Department of Health, promoting safe sex.[44] The sum of money she received was never disclosed despite calls to have the sum made public.[45][46] Later in 2008 Alesha became the face of a new Veet campaign.[47]
In May 2009, Dixon collaborated with clothing label Dune, selling limited edition necklaces, with all the profits being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. John Eagen, Dune’s CEO stated that "they are delighted to have Alesha support this cause". The necklace, which consists of three layers of gold, pewter and silver balls, was launched by Dixon to help raise awareness for the charity.[48] In June 2009, Dixon fronted a new campaign for Toblerone chocolate, offering fans a free download of an exclusive new track called "Before the Sun Goes Down".[49] Fans were also able to enter a competition to win a pair of VIP tickets to see Dixon in concert and meet her. Jane Furze, Toblerone Marketing Manager said in a statement, "We're delighted to have Alesha on board - she's a great personality and the perfect fit with the brand".[50] In November 2009, it was announced that Dixon had signed a signed a four-year profit sharing deal with LA Fitness, to become brand ambassador for the gym chain as part of their multi-million pound re-launch scheme.[51][52] Dixon's contract was described as "unique" by LA Fitness,[53] as Dixon is not only endorsing the gym chain, but taking on an advisory role. The pay Dixon receives is in direct correlation to the gym's success over the term of the deal,[54] meaning Dixon could earn up to £3 million in bonuses,[52][55] considerably higher than the flat-fee that endorsers usually receive.[52]
When asked by The Observer in 2010 whether celebrities have a responsibility to do good works, Dixon replied: "Absolutely. There are so many things you could reel off as negatives – your private life is exposed, every move is scrutinised – at the same time, you can think: 'Wow, I'm in a position to shine a light into these areas.' That's a powerful tool because, actually, it's quite a selfish job. It's a moral responsibility, I guess, I think I have."[56] In 2009 Alesha climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for Comic Relief. Joining her on the climb were Girls Aloud members Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh, Ben Shephard, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, and Chris Moyles.[57] Together they raised over £3,500,000 towards helping combat malaria in Tanzania.[58] The whole team met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.[59] Dixon had previously been to Downing Street just months before the climb to meet with Sarah Brown in honour of the Cosmopolitan ultimate women of the year awards.[60] While discussing the malaria issue in Tanzania, Dixon said,
Her first job was at Ladbrokes,[10] although she aspired to become a PE teacher after leaving college. After completing a diploma course in sports studies,[10] she had planned to take up a place at Loughborough University,[11] but whilst at dance classes in London she was approached by a talent scout from a production company.[12] Whilst travelling back home on the train she was approached by another scout who was forming a band and asked if she was interested.[12] Dixon's musical hopes had previously been met with scepticism from Melvin Dixon, as he encouraged Alesha to follow a more academic career path.[13] Dixon explained that "his view was there weren't many black British musicians who were overly successful. I said, 'Dad, I can't base my decision on what people haven't done'".[13] Ignoring her father's advice, Dixon decided to pursue a career in music.
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