For those who can’t remember, Alexandra Burke won The X Factor in 2008 for her amazing performance of Hallelujah. She’s now back with her new EP Renegade. Alexandra has been working hard for a long time and cant wait to get back out there.
You were born in Islington what did you love most about growing up here and do you miss it
I loved growing up in my area of Islington and my family still lives there so I try and go back as often as I can to see them but being on tour means it’s not as often as I’d like. Islington brings back great memories such as my family, friends and school.
Did you always want to become a singer or did you have other ambitions
I always knew I wanted to sing! From the age of two, I was singing and used to sing with my brothers, sister and mum around the house. I remember watching my mum sing on Top of the Pops and I knew that was what I wanted to do. Singing means everything to me and my dream growing up was to be a performer and I’m blessed to be able to do this for a career. If I hadn’t have become a signer perhaps I would have opened a bakery as I love to bake and I make a mean lemon drizzle cake – it’s the best!
Your duet with Beyoncé on the X-Factor was one of my highlights, how did her advice help you and would you do another duet with her
Beyoncé is my idol, and I was so nervous that I don’t remember being able to speak! I think she told me to breathe! Of course I’d do another duet with her – that would be utterly amazing!
What was scarier performing with Beyoncé, performing in from of the Queen or going back on The X Factor after you had won the show?
Oh goodness, they were all equally as scary! But scary in a good way! Performing in front of the Queen was an honour. I was star struck in front of Beyoncé. And going back on X Factor to sing after I had won was a dream come true.
So who inspired you as a child?
A few people inspired me such as my mum, Whitney Houston & Michael Jackson.
You are having amazing success in the Bodyguard what is it like playing a character that was made famous by one of your idols Whitney Houston
I have to pinch myself sometimes before going on stage. I get to sing some of my all time favourite songs, I get to dance and I get to act, the three things that I love doing most.
Everyone is eager to hear your new album, can you give me any clues to what fans can expect and can we expect a tour following release?
The new album is a way off yet; I’m still recording it. I don’t want to give away too much – but I would suggest people listen to my EP Renegade, which is available to download for free on sound cloud. That should give those a taste of what’s to come.
If you could sing for anyone who would it be and why?
If I could have sang for anyone, it would have been Nelson Mandela because he is a true inspiration to me although I think I probably would have cried more than when I sang with Beyoncé.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment on tour?
I slipped over on stage once whilst performing Bad Boys – pretty embarrassing, but I just had to pick myself up and carry on with the song!
Apart from the album what else have you got coming up this year?
I have my gigs coming up at the Jazz Café, which I’m so excited about. I’m playing on the 18th & 19th of September and I can’t wait, it’s going to be really special. I don’t think the album will be released this year, as there is not enough time left as I’m performing in the Bodyguard until Christmas.