Mix the soul of Prince, the panache of Beyonce, the vocal capacity of Whitney and the courage of Gaga and the outcome is 22-year-old singer/songwriter, Jessie J. I intend the former to be taken as traits rather than direct comparisons, because Jessie J is ultimately her own person: a matchless talent. This year has scarcely begun and she has already managed to own it, having topped the BBC’s ‘Sound of 2011’ list and won the ‘Critic’s Choice’ Brit Award.
In her tender years, Jessie J featured in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘Whistle Me Down,’ as well as attending the Brit School. These tastes of performance in her youth fuelled her ambition to work hard and get where she is today.
The singer’s ongoing heart problems have also made her more of a fighter and more appreciative of life than the average person, having seized every opportunity wholeheartedly. Since she is unable to drink, smoke or take drugs, Jessie admits she has no choice but to just be confident. She is a great inspiration for today’s low-morale youth and her encouragement is also evident in her music. She is a remarkable lyricist, but her songs stand out mostly because they’re jam packed with truth. “It’s okay not to be okay. Sometimes it’s hard, to follow your heart. But tears don’t mean you’re losing, everybody’s bruising. There’s nothing wrong with who you are.”
Jessie J has written hits for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown and Alicia Keys. Her debut single ‘Do it Like a Dude’ was initially written for Rihanna, but she decided to keep it for herself. By doing so, she aptly reached number two in the UK charts, finally seizing the limelight she is more than worthy of.
She cracked America as a song-writer when she co-wrote global hit ‘Party In The USA’ for Miley Cyrus. She was then noticed on YouTube by Chris Brown’s manager and he was so impressed by her voice and charisma that he asked her to support Chris Brown on the Europe leg of his sold-out tour. Cyndi Lauper even asked Jessie J to support her and invited her on stage to duet ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ alongside her. Being thrown in at the deep end has allowed Jessie J to gain both the confidence and experience of an artist beyond her years. Her celebrity backing is growing by the day, receiving praise via twitter from the likes of Paloma Faith and Kylie, as well as Justin Timberlake, who declared her the best singer in the world right now.
Although this down-to-earth Essex girl has already reached and captivated so many people with her music and her personality, she is by no means generic like the average Pop Star today. Her music defines her – likeable, expressive and sweet with a ghetto edge. But most significantly, she is a born performer. After having flooded YouTube with her homemade videos, which verify her raw talent, the Pop Queen has finally received her rightful reign of the stage.
Jessie J’s personality oozes through on her new online series ‘Dare Jessie’ where both her fans and various celebrities set her challenges. B.o.B recently dared her to find James Brown’s Hollywood star and to do an impression of him. As soon as she found it, she leapt straight into air-guitar mode and did her best impersonation, without being fazed at all by the passers-by. Jessie J proves she is not afraid to be herself and this lack of pretence is also evident in her live performances.
Look out for Jessie J’s next single in March called ‘Price Tag’ which features B.o.B and her greatly anticipated debut album entitled ‘Who You Are,’ which is scheduled for release later this year.
