Alesha Dixon

Alesha Anjanette Dixon (born 7 October 1978)^[1] is a British pop/R&B 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.

In September 2009 Dixon became a judge on 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]

Early life

Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City, to a British mother, Beverly Harris and Jamaican father, Melvin Dixon. She has five half-brothers called Adrian, Mark, John, Jeroame, Callum and one half-sister called Leyanne. She was educated at Monk's Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Dixon's mother and father split up when Dixon was four years old and Dixon's father moved away, resulting in Dixon later describing her family life as "very dysfunctional".^[7]

Her first job was at Ladbrokes,^[8] although she wanted to become a PE teacher after leaving college. After completing a diploma course in sports studies,^[8] she had planned to take up a place at Loughborough University,^[9] but whilst at dance classes in London she was approached by a talent scout from a production company.^[10] Whilst travelling back home on the train she was approached by another scout who was forming a band and asked if she was interested.^[10]

Music career

Her career began in 1999 when she met Sabrina Washington when they both joined Dance Attic (a popular hip-hop/jazz dance academy in West London),^[11] and together they formed a duo and recorded a demo titled "Inspiration". During an audition, they met with Su-Elise Nash and then together they formed a trio. They were soon signed to Telstar Records with the addition of a new member, Zena McNally, and became the popular UK garage/R&B girl band, Mis-Teeq.

1999-2005: Mis-Teeq

After months of recording throughout 1999 and early 2000, Mis-Teeq released their debut single "Why?" in April 2000, however, it was not long before McNally left the band.^[12] The band made a decision to remain a trio. In 2001, they released their debut album Lickin' On Both Sides, featuring hits "All I Want", "One Night Stand", "B with Me" and double A-side single "Roll On/This Is How We Do It". In 2002 Mis-Teeq performed and received a nomination at the BRIT Awards in Earls Court,^[13] later in the year band won the MOBO Award for Best Garage Act.^[14] After the success of their debut album, 2003 saw Mis-Teeq becoming the faces of JD Sports stores nationwide.^[15][16]

In 2003, Mis-teeq released their second album Eye Candy, which included the singles "Scandalous", "Can't Get It Back" and "Style". In 2004, Mis-Teeq toured the United States and released their debut single Scandalous from their American self-titled debut, a compilation of the albums Lickin' On Both Sides and Eye Candy. They also released "One Night Stand" before coming back to Europe to start work with their third album however, Telstar Records went into administration.^[17] The band was left with no choice but to release a Greatest Hits compilation under exclusive licences with Universal Records.

The last song Dixon recorded with Mis-Teeq was "Shoo Shoo Baby" for the Disney film Valiant. In March 2005, their Greatest Hits compilation was released and it was announced that they were separating to pursue solo careers.^[18]

2006-2008: Fired Up and record label departure

Dixon launched her solo career after Mis-Teeq's breakup and signed a £500,000, three-album deal with Polydor Records. She spent a year writing and recording her solo debut album, Fired Up, working with a wide range of producers including Richard X, Xenomania, Johnny Douglas, Brian Higgins, Estelle and Paul Epworth. During this period Dixon performed mononymously, known simply as "Alesha".

In June 2005, she announced her first solo single to be "Superficial". However, at the last minute, the song "Lipstick" was chosen as the first single.^[20] "Lipstick" was released on 14 August 2006, and charted at 14 on the UK Single Charts. She released her second single "Knockdown" on 30 October 2006, which charted at 25 on the UK Download Chart. However on the official UK Singles Charts, the single peaked at number 45, falling down to 68 the following week.

On 6 November 2006, it was revealed that Dixon had been dropped by her label, Polydor Records.^[19] Polydor gave her full rights to her unreleased debut album, Fired Up. Her first single from the album, "Lipstick", got to number 1 in Japan's international ringtone chart and number 2 in MTV Japan's hit list. Fired Up was officially released in Japan on 20 February 2008.^[21]

2008-present: The Alesha Show

Dixon performing at the Christmas lights switch on in Leeds November 6, 2008.

She signed a four-album contract with Asylum Records in 2008.^[22] Dixon's first new album as part of her contract, The Alesha Show was released in the UK on 24 November 2008 and 21 November in Ireland. The official first single from the album, "The Boy Does Nothing" became her first solo top ten hit^[23] on the UK Singles Chart, following a 76 spot jump from 84 to 8^[23] on the UK Singles Chart chart on downloads alone. The single eventually peaked at number 5. The song also fared well in continental Europe and is rising on the Australian Singles Chart. The second single from The Alesha Show was "Breathe Slow" and entered the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-nine solely on download sales.^[24] The single rose for three weeks before breaking into the top ten at number six,^[24] giving Dixon her second top ten hit in the UK from downloads alone, and eventually peaked at number 3 on the Top 40 UK Charts, giving Dixon her second consecutive top 5 single. She also put a song up on her website for free download on 19 October 2008 named "Colours of the Rainbow".

The third single from The Alesha Show, is titled "Let's Get Excited" it was physically released on 11 May and reached a peak position of 13 in the UK Singles Chart. Alesha broke a Guiness world record for using the most backing dancers, whilst on Sky1's Guinness World Records Smashed.^[25] "Let's Get Excited" became Dixon's first track from The Alesha Show not to chart inside the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song's presence in the charts boosted album sales and The Alesha Show rebounded at a new peak of 11. On 9 June it was announced on Dixon's official website that the album had received platinum certification from BPI, indicating sales of 300,000+ in the UK alone.^[26]

The fourth single from The Alesha Show, called "To Love Again" was released on November 15, 2009.^[27] The track, a ballad penned by Dixon and Gary Barlow, was the first single taken from the deluxe version, entitled The Alesha Show - Encore, released on November 23.^[28]

Dixon became the supporting act for Enrique Iglesias on his tour of the United Kingdom. It was later announced that Alesha would embark on a 17-date UK tour called the The Alesha Show, beginning on 20 October, 2009 in Nottingham.

Other ventures

Products and endorsements

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.^[29] In February 2008 Dixon fronted a campaign for the Department of Health, promoting safe sex.^[30] The sum of money she received was never disclosed despite calls to have the sum made public.^[31][32] Later in 2008 Alesha became the face of a new Veet campaign.^[33]

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.^[34]

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".^[35] 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"^[36]

In Novemeber 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.^[37][38] Dixon's contract was described as "unique" by LA Fitness,^[39] 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,^[40] meaning Dixon could earn up to £3 million in bonuses,^[38][41] considerably higher than the flat-fee that endorsers usually receive.^[38]

Philanthropy

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.^[42] Together they raised over £3,500,000 towards helping combat malaria in Tanzania.^[43] The whole team met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street ^[44] 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.^[45] While discussing the malaria issue in Tanzania Dixon said,

"I think people in England take things for granted, we complain about our NHS system and yes it’s not perfect but believe me it’s far better than what they've got there."^[46]

Dixon backed Nickelodeon's 'See Something, Say Something' campaign which is the UK’s anti-bullying initiative.^[47] The campaign aims to encourage children to speak out against bullies and help children gain the confidence to tell someone if they, or someone they know is being bullied. As the face of the campaign Alesha said: "Nickelodeon's See Something, Say Something campaign is extremely close to my heart, so I felt compelled to show my support. I was bullied as a child and know how important it is to tell someone about it".^[48]

Dixon is also a patron of the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT),^[49][50] which is a voluntary charity, whose main aim is to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the Black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disorder may otherwise prove fatal.

In June 2009 Dixon was asked to become an official ambassador for the charity, 'Help a London Child'. In a statement Dixon said "I am very honoured that Help a London Child have asked me to be an ambassador and I have accepted. I have supported the charity for some time now and it makes sense to make my involvement more official. I am looking forward to continuing my support and I have already volunteered to run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to help raise funds for the charity!" Help a London Child Manager Kate Crabtree said, "This is fantastic news for Help a London Child and we are absolutely delighted. Alesha’s thoughtfulness and compassion make her the perfect ambassador and we look forward to her continued invaluable support."^[51]

Modelling and television career

As a model, Dixon is represented by Select Model Management and has appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan, FHM, Arena, Company, Bliss and other magazines and in various other editorial fashion shoots. In 2008 a poll showed that Dixon had "Britain's sexiest legs" beating Cheryl Cole, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Lily Cole and others.^[52] Dixon was cast as the lead female in the music video for "She Wants to Move" by N.E.R.D. Dixon has been featured in FHM's annual 100 sexiest women in the world poll on a number of occasions. She is managed by Malcolm Blair.^[32]

Dixon has also presented many well-known shows in the UK, such as the MOBO Awards, CD:UK, ITV2's coverage of The Brit Awards and presented the Live From the Red Carpet show at the 62nd British Academy Film Awards for E!.^[53] She has also been a guest on BBC One's current affairs programme This Week on two occasions, in November 2006 and December 2007. In 2009 it was reported that Dixon was in talks with television companies about a possible chatshow.^[54]

Strictly Come Dancing

Series 5: Contestant

Dixon took part in series 5 of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. Dixon was at first hesitant to join, fearing that snobbery within the music industry would damage her career. In a later interview she said, "There’s always this preconceived idea that people do reality TV shows because they want to kick-start their careers whereas I was actually worried that it would affect it."^[55] They had been the favourite from the third week, receiving the most points from the judges on numerous occasions. Dixon herself gained high appraisal from the judges, even being likened to a "young Josephine Baker" by Bruno Tonioli.^[10] They received 4.5 million votes in the final, beating actor Matt Di Angelo and professional dancer Flavia Cacace to win the glitter disco ball.^[56]

Dixon was dubbed the "British Beyoncé" by Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth,^[57] she later said "There's only one Beyoncé. When Bruce says that I get embarrassed. It’s very sweet... but it’s not true."^[58] Mis-Teeq were often cited as the British equivalent to Destiny's Child; the trio that first gave Beyoncé media attention.^[59]

Dixon is currently the most successful contestant to ever take part in Strictly Come Dancing, with an average point score of 36.5/40, the highest average score from any contestant to ever take part in the show.

Series 7: Judge

It was revealed in July 2009 that Alesha would be joining the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in September 2009,^[60] she replaced Arlene Phillips, 66, which led to the BBC being accused of ageism by the media, and Dixon herself faced criticism by newspaper columnists such as Amanda Platell and Janet Street-Porter.^[61][62] In a statement Jay Hunt, the BBC1 controller said, "Is it about ageism? Absolutely not, I'm committed to reaching out to the broadest possible audience."^[63] Bosses at the BBC have also been accused of sexism, as none of the male judges on the show have been replaced.^[64]

The debate became so heated that it was even discussed by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Commons, who voiced her opinion that she suspected age discrimination and called on the BBC to reinstate Phillips.^[65][66] The BBC received a number of complaints from the public, angry about the changes to the judges line-up, with many feeling that Phillips has been axed for no good reason.^[64] Dixon, having a conflicting schedule also had to rearrange three dates on her upcoming tour, The Alesha Show in order to do the show, which is broadcast live on Saturday nights.^[67]

Personal life

In June 2005, after a five-year relationship, Dixon married MC Harvey, formerly of So Solid Crew, in a private ceremony at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire.^[68] Dixon filed for divorce just over a year later after MC Harvey had an affair with Javine Hylton.^[69] They have no children together.^[70] In an interview with Lily Allen on Lily Allen and Friends she was asked, "What the fuck were you doing with that twat from So Solid Crew?", to which Dixon did not reply but just laughed.^[71]

After her marriage broke down and her record label dumped her within the space of two weeks, Dixon suffered from depression. In a later interview she said, "It was the lowest point of my life. I just kept thinking, 'What have I done to deserve this?' I didn't see the point in living."^[72] She decided to move on and to turn around her life, saying "When you are knocked down you have two choices - stay down or get back up, stronger."^[73] She said that Strictly Come Dancing helped her overcome her problems and gave her a "Zest for life"^[74]

Dixon cut all contact with her older brother, Mark Harris, after he sold his story of their "terrible" childhood, claiming that they "often went to bed hungry" and that her mother, Beverley neglected them in favour of sometimes violent boyfriends, he also accused Dixon of turning her back on her family in the pursuit of fame and fortune.^[75] In response to the comments about her mother, Dixon said, "I cherish her. If anyone is rude about her or says a bad word about her they won't be a part of my life. Unfortunately, that's not how I feel about my brother."^[76]

In February 2009, in an interview with the Daily Mail, Alesha spoke about her obsessive-compulsive behaviour:

"My friends call me Monica because she's the one in Friends who's obsessed with cleaning. I always think the house looks messy; a messy house can depress me. It can make me feel messy. If my house is clean and everything is in order, I feel better."^[77]

She is currently living with her two dogs, a collie cross-breed called Roxy and a puppy called Daisy, both were adopted from an RSPCA animal centre.^[78] Dixon has stated that she hates her own laugh, describing it as sounding like a "Crow" or "Sid James"^[79] and saying "I'd change it if I could but it's become a trademark."^[80] Dixon in an interview also said "somebody stole my laugh and made it into a ringtone".^[81]