Diana Vickers | |
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 Vickers performing duringManchester Pride in August 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Diana Vickers (1991-07-30)30 July 1991 (age 34) |
| Origin | Accrington,Lancashire, England |
| Genres | Indie pop,[1]indie rock,[2]folktronica,[3]folk pop,[4]new wave,[5]synthpop[6] |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels |
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Diana Vickers (born 30 July 1991) is an English singer, songwriter and actress. She was a semi-finalist onThe X Factor in 2008, finishing in fourth place. Vickers signed a record deal withRCA Records and, after touring with her fellow contestants fromThe X Factor, played the title role in aWest End revival ofThe Rise and Fall of Little Voice.
Vickers' 2010 debut single, "Once", charted at number one on theUK Singles Chart and her debut album,Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree, achieved number-one status on theUK Albums Chart. Her follow-up singles, "The Boy Who Murdered Love" and "My Wicked Heart", reached the top 40 and top 20 respectively. Vickers' second album,Music to Make Boys Cry, followed in 2013, accompanied by the singles "Cinderella" and "Music to Make Boys Cry". In 2025, Vickers returned to music following a 12-year break with the new single "Ice Cream".[8]
Vickers unveiled her debut fashion line in 2011, and herboho-chic approach to fashion has received praise from British fashion media. She made her film debut inThe Perfect Wave and her television acting debut in the comedy seriesGive Out Girls, both of which premiered in 2014.
Vickers was born inBlackburn, Lancashire, England.[9] She studied forA Levels inTheatre Studies,Classics andPsychology atWestholme School in Blackburn.[10] Vickers has been singing since the age of 11,[11] taking singing lessons and participating in local competitions, but did not sing professionally before adulthood.[12]
In 2008 Vickers auditioned for thefifth series ofThe X Factor, singing "The Blower's Daughter" byDamien Rice, after whichLouis Walsh commented that she resembled a "littlehippie".[13] Vickers was selected for the live shows and was mentored byCheryl Cole in the girls' category alongsideAlexandra Burke andLaura White.
Vickers regularly performed on The X Factor in herbare feet, a practice she continued into her later professional career.[14][15] Her live show performances attracted both praise and criticism, gaining attention for her on-stage hand gestures, which earned her the nickname "The Claw".[16][17]
On her first live show, Vickers sangU2's "With or Without You" and in her second live showMichael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror", for which she received praise fromDannii Minogue, describing it as "box fresh", with Simon Cowell remarking she was "the one to beat". The following week Vickers performedCharlie Chaplin's "Smile" and in week four Blondie's "Call Me", which again received praise from the judges. In week five of the live show stages, Vickers did not perform due to a bout oflaryngitis.[18] She had wanted to perform theMariah Carey song "Always Be My Baby", but her doctor advised her not to, saying Vickers could do permanent damage to her vocal cords. This was the first time on the show that the producers had excused any act from performing.[citation needed]
In week six, Vickers returned to the programme performingColdplay's "Yellow", which received a negative reaction from the judges; Dannii Minogue commented that she didn’t "love the song choice", while Cowell suggested Vickers was still not well enough to perform. In week seven, Vickers performedTake That's "Patience" commenting that she now felt 100%.[citation needed]
In the semi-final of the competition, Vickers performedAvril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" as her first song and received positive comments from the judges, including Cheryl Cole's comment that "she had got that sparkle back". Vickers followed this withDido's "White Flag" but was voted out of the competition.[citation needed] She performed a reprise of "White Flag", where her fellow singers joined her on stage in a memorably emotional moment.[11] She became the ninth contestant eliminated overall.[19] Following the end of the series, she went on tour with the rest of the top eight contestants onThe X Factor Live tour between February and March 2009.[citation needed]
Vickers signed to Sony Music'sRCA Records.[20] She began work on her debut album in January 2009,[21] commenting that it would not be rushed and that it would be "Diana style". She worked withCathy Dennis,Eg White,Nerina Pallot,Ellie Goulding,Guy Sigsworth,Chris Braide,Savan Kotecha,Starsmith,Patrick Wolf, andDev Hynes.[22]
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In March 2010, Vickers' embarked on a tour in support of the release of her debut album,Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree,[23] which charted at number one on theUK Albums Chart.[24]Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree has since been certified gold by theBPI for sales of 100,000 copies.[25] Vickers' debut single, "Once", was written byCathy Dennis andEg White and produced byMike Spencer. The track was released in the United Kingdom in April 2010,[26] and playlisted onRadio 1,[27][28] where Vickers performed an acoustic version of "Once" and a cover ofSnow Patrol's "Just Say Yes" for theLive Lounge. "Once" entered the UK Singles Chart at number one.[29][30] "The Boy Who Murdered Love", written and produced byChris Braide (with lyric contribution from Vickers),[31] was released as the second single and charted at number 36 in the UK. During mid 2010, Vickers performed at numerous music festivals such as theFreedom Festival,iTunes Festival,Oxygen Festival,Radio 1's Big Weekend,Summer Sundae,T in the Park,T4 on the Beach, andV Festival.[32][33][34] Vickers also supportedMika at theEden Sessions in June 2010.[citation needed]
Vickers' third single was a previously unheard track titled "My Wicked Heart", co-written by Vickers and producers Dee Adams and James Earp, which features Vickers playing the trumpet. The single was released in October 2010 and reached number 13 in the UK; the same month, it was reported thatRed Hot Chili Peppers was considering legal action over similarities between the chorus of the band's well-known song "Under the Bridge" and "My Wicked Heart". Vickers said in an interview that she had been listening to "Under the Bridge" shortly before working on "My Wicked Heart" and had noticed but decided to ignore the similarities.[35] In an interview to promote the single, Vickers announced the possibility ofSongs from the Tainted Cherry Tree getting a solely digital download re-release, and also stated, "I've been writing so much and got so many tracks under my belt. I think I'm very close to ready for the second album actually."[36] The fourth leg of the Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree Tour began in November 2010 and included dates in Ireland as well as the UK. At the end of 2010, Vickers became RCA's highest grossing domestic artist.[37]
In June 2010, Vickers announced that she had started preparing songs for a second album.[38] She co-wrote material with musicians such asNerina Pallot, Eg White,Starsmith, Chris Braide, and Dee Adam.[39] In January 2011, Vickers travelled to Los Angeles, United States, to co-write material withJohn Shanks andDiane Warren, and played her debut USA gig at Cherry Pop inWest Hollywood (promoted viaPerez Hilton).[40]
Vickers co-wrote the 2011Enrique Iglesias andJennifer Lopez single "Mouth 2 Mouth" for Iglesias's reissue albumEuphoria Reloaded.[41]
In June 2011, Vickers revealed on her official Tumblr account that she had parted company with RCA Records due to creative differences.[42] It was later reported that her departure was due to wanting to pursue a moreindie, less commercial route,[42] coupled with a breakdown in her professional relationship with Sony Music due to the departure from RCA Records ofCraig Logan, who had originally signed Vickers to the label.[43] Vickers released two new tracks, "Music to Make Boys Cry" and "Kiss of a Bullet", for free download online in December 2011.[44] In February 2012, she showcased material from her second album in a mini-tour at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester and Cargo in Shoreditch, London.[45] She signed a worldwide record deal with So Recordings in early 2013.[43][46]
Vickers' second album,Music to Make Boys Cry,[47] was released in September 2013, later than anticipated due to Vickers starring in an independent film titledThe Perfect Wave.[48][49] The album charted at number 37 on theUK Albums Chart and reached the top ten on theUK Indie Chart. The lead single, "Cinderella", was released in July 2013 and charted in the top 20 of the UK Indie Chart;[50][51] the second single, "Music to Make Boys Cry", coincided with the album's release in September.[52] Vickers promoted the album during the 2013 music festival season with appearances atFestival Too,Liverpool International Music Festival, T in the Park, and V Festival; for some of these performances she opened for fellowThe X Factor alumnusOlly Murs. The third single fromMusic to Make Boys Cry, "Mad at Me", was released in December.[53]
In 2013, Vickers appeared as the lead in a music video for the single "Derail" by Leeds rock bandDinosaur Pile-Up. In the music video, Vickers plays the part of a kidnapped girl who subsequently kills a man in the shower after the kidnapping.[54] The same year, Vickers was featured singing on theOne Direction television advertisement for the launch of their debut fragrance,Our Moment. Vickers sings a cover of "My Favourite Things", a song from the musicalThe Sound of Music.[55] She released the song "Chains", in August 2015, which was used to promote the filmAwaiting.[56]
In 2021, Vickers performed in a theatrical tour ofDial M for Murder.[57][58]
As of 2022, Vickers hostsKi & Dee: The Podcast alongside Kiara Hunter.[59]
From January 2023, Vickers starred as Shelby in a production ofSteel Magnolias at theRichmond Theatre, London. Vickers appeared alongsideLaura Main,Lucy Speed,Caroline Harker and Elizabeth Ayodele.[60][61] The production, going on to tour the UK, was rated 2/5 stars byWhat's on Stage.[62] In July 2025, Vickers appeared inNot Going Out, a comedy programme on BBC One.
In August 2025, Vickers made a return to music with a comeback single titled, "Ice Cream". Produced and co-written by Dee Adams who also produced, "My Wicked Heart" and James Earp, "Ice Cream" has been described as a, "deliciously addictive pop gem that pairs Vickers' gorgeous vocals with an upbeat electro-pop production with lush swirls, sass and synths, nodding to Vickers' early hits while winking knowingly at thequeer dance floor."[63] "Ice Cream" was released on 22 August 2025 for digital download and streaming[64] and was first performed live atManchester Pride on 23 August 2025.[65]
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Vickers' musical style includes simple folk-tinged, keyboard and guitar based ballads to more up-tempoindie rock and synth-based songs with full band backing.[66] Her musical style has been compared toKate Bush,[67]Ellie Goulding,[68]Dido,[69] andDolores O'Riordan.[70] Vickers additionally showcases anidiosyncratic style of singing described as breathy, raspy and hiccupy.[71][72][73] Vickers has cited an array of influences includingFlorence + The Machine,Kate Bush,Regina Spektor,Kings of Leon,Frou Frou,Sinéad O'Connor andThe Sundays.[74] Vickers commented on her musical style and debut album,Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree (2010), saying:
Right from the start they [RCA Records] were interested in the fact that I wrote lyrics, I could play more than one instrument and that I wanted to make a record that could have only been made by me. It was important with me to be completely open with co-writers.[75]
For her albumMusic to Make the Boys Cry (2013), Vickers initially described her new musical direction as "sexy", "adventurous" and influenced byindie and rock music, citing the works ofThe xx,The Doors,Siouxsie and the Banshees, andBjörk.[2] Later she described the album as "Kylie-esque" and inspired by 1980s acts includingBlondie,Cyndi Lauper, andMadonna,[76] saying she had "got to the core of who I am as an artist [...] [my music is] more mature and sophisticated and feels like there’s more of a structure and consistent vibe to it".[77]
This young girl is a natural actress. The moment she read the part, it was magic. A frisson ran through the room. Diana Vickers is the real deal. She is Little Voice.
— Jim Cartwright on Vickers[78]
Vickers made her professional acting debut in the title role of a newly revived West End production ofJim Cartwright'sThe Rise and Fall of Little Voice in October 2009 at theVaudeville Theatre, onThe Strand, London.[79][80] She played Little Voice, impersonating singers such asShirley Bassey,Edith Piaf andJudy Garland.[78]Mark Owen ofTake That wrote "Sunlight", the final song in the play for Vickers to sing.[81][82] "Sunlight" was featured as a B-side for her debut single, "Once".
Vickers took a break from recording her debut album to star in the production.[83]Her performance received a positive review inThe Guardian in which they said that "[Vickers'] singing is impressive, we were surprised at her vocal abilities."[84] Her stint was deemed "magical" inThe Daily Telegraph.[85] She won the Whatsonstage.comTheatregoers' Choice Award "London Newcomer of the Year" in February 2010 for her performance, with 34.5% of the vote out of 7 other competitors.[86][87][88]
In 2012, it was announced that Vickers had landed her debut film role alongside Clint Eastwood's son in the independent filmThe Perfect Wave.[89] Vickers stated, "It's a lot about surfing and it's to do with the power of life and death. It's quite interesting. I'm going to learn how to surf."[90] Vickers travelled toCape Town,South Africa, for the shoot, putting the release of her second album on hold.[91] The film was released in 2014.[92]
In 2013,Sky Living confirmed that Vickers had signed to appear in a six-part comedy series titledGive Out Girls, which marks Vickers' debut in television acting.[93] The series follows the endeavours and lives of a group of promotions girls.[94] Vickers plays Gemma, the youngest of the group, who is bright and enthusiastic with a naive view of the world. The series filmed in Manchester and is distributed internationally byBBC Worldwide.[95] It premiered onComedy Central in October 2014.
From December 2013, Vickers played the role of Holly in the West End playThe Duck House by Dan Patterson and Colin Swash,[96] starring alongsideBen Miller,Nancy Carroll andSimon Shepherd.[97] The show is a farcical politicalsatire based on the 2009UK parliamentary expenses scandal.[96]
In 2016, Vickers played Nikki in the feature filmTo Dream.[98][99]
In 2015/2016 Vickers played the role of Janet in Rocky Horror Show UK tour. She also played the lead role Lauren in the 2015 filmAwaiting.
In October 2017, Vickers played a version of herself inJosh Widdicombe's comedy series,Josh.
She starred alongsideShane Richie and the Olivier award-winningSara Crowe in the 2019 tour production ofThe Entertainer byJohn Osbourne[100]
From 2021 to 2022, Vickers starred in a production tour ofFrederick Knott's show ofDial M for Murder, playing the role of Sheila.
Vickers' fashion sense has been described asboho-chic andhippie-influenced.[101] Her trademark style includes messy, back-combed "bird's nest" hair[102] andvintage inspired clothing. Vickers' fashion icons areBrigitte Bardot andMarilyn Monroe.[103] Vickers has encouraged fashion blogs documenting her latest attire and has been labelled afashionista in the making byGrazia.[104] In October 2009, she was awarded "Fashionista of the Week" inThe Guardian[105] and in June 2010, she was nominated for "Best Dressed Woman of The Year" atThe Clothes Show Style Awards 2010.[106] Vickers' approach to fashion has received praise fromGrazia,[107]Look,[108] andHarpers Bazaar.[109]
In September 2011, Vickers was the face of Collection 2000's autumn and winter make-up line.[110]
In March 2010, Vickers supportedJLS for a charity performance in aid ofTeenage Cancer Trust at theRoyal Albert Hall in London to raise money for teenagers who are suffering from cancer.[111] In July 2010, Vickers performed at a charity event "Give Tilly a Hand", helping to raise funds in a charity evening formeningitis victim Tilly Lockley.[112] For anti-bullying week 2010 in the UK, Vickers uploaded a video to her official website encouraging young people to stand up to bullies.[113] In September 2010, Vickers played an intimate gig as part of the month-longOxjam Festival, which raised money in support of charityOxfam.[114]
In March 2011, Vickers launched aneBay competition on behalf ofComic Relief, which encouraged people to bid to become Vickers' Twitter "best friend".[115]
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Perfect Wave | Kim |
| 2015 | Awaiting | Lauren |
| 2016 | To Dream | Nikki |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | The X Factor | Contestant | Series 5 |
| 2014 | Give Out Girls | Gemma | Main role |
| 2015 | Top Coppers | Chris | Main role |
| 2017 | Josh | Herself | Episode: "Fame & Fortune" |
| 2025 | Not Going Out | Ava | Episode: "Hotel Room" |
l have been in the studio recording some little tweaks to some of my songs and I even had to go and get a trumpet for one of the parts in the new song I am recording. It's SO exciting! Saturday was my sister&rs[permanent dead link]
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