Connie Talbot
{{short description|British singer}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Connie Talbot
| image = Connyv.jpg
| caption = Talbot at "Young Voices" in 2011
| birth_name = Connie Victoria Elizabeth Talbot
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|11|20|df=yes}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYv9Mj7rmBY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/rYv9Mj7rmBY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=BGT's First Child Star Connie Talbot Donated All Her Royalties to Her South Korean Fans|date=20 November 2018|publisher=YouTube|access-date=20 November 2018}}{{cbignore}}
| birth_place = Birmingham, West Midlands, England
| occupation = {{Flatlist|
}}
| years_active = 2007 – present
| mother = Sharon Talbot
| father = Gavin Talbot
| relatives = Josh (brother) and Mollie Talbot (sister)
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instrument = {{Flatlist|
}}
| genre = {{Flatlist|
}}
| label = {{Flatlist|
}}
| module2 = {{Infobox sportsperson
| embed = yes
| sport = {{Flatlist|
}}}}}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.connietalbot.com/}}
}}
Connie Victoria Elizabeth Talbot (born 20 November 2000) is a British singer{{Cite web |last=Mawer |first=Sharon |title=Connie Talbot Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/connie-talbot-mn0001014030/biography |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=AllMusic |language=en}} who was the runner-up of the first series of Britain's Got Talent in 2007. She then signed with Rainbow Recording Company and released her debut album Over the Rainbow on 26 November 2007, which has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide and reached number one in three countries.
Talbot's second album, Connie Talbot's Christmas Album, was released on 24 November 2008, her third, Holiday Magic, was released on 20 October 2009 and her fourth, Beautiful World, was released on 26 November 2012. In 2019, she competed on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions and in 2020 competed on America's Got Talent: The Champions.
History
=''Britain's Got Talent'' and Sony BMG=
Talbot initially auditioned for the first series of television reality show Britain's Got Talent for fun, but her confidence increased when Simon Cowell, whom she is said to have idolised,{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}} described her as "pure magic" and said that he would make her earn "£1 million-plus this year". The judges had expected a "joke" performance as she had never taken singing lessons, but Talbot's initial performance received international press coverage.{{cite news|title=Connie stuns Simon Cowell|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/connie-stuns-simon-cowell/story-fna7dq6e-1111113755799|work=The Sunday Times|date=14 June 2007|access-date=11 February 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612212753/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/connie-stuns-simon-cowell/story-e6frg12c-1111113755799 |archive-date=12 June 2015}} She reached the final round after winning her semi-final with a live performance of "Ben" by Michael Jackson.{{cite news|title= Cute stakes upped in Talent contest|url= http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/tv/cute-stakes-upped-in-talent-contest-$1100457.htm|publisher= inthenews.co.uk|date= 17 June 2007|access-date= 28 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120210210845/http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/tv/cute-stakes-upped-in-talent-contest-$1100457.htm|archive-date= 10 February 2012|df= dmy-all}} On the night of the final, she sang The Wizard of Oz
According to journalist and Britain's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, Talbot's performances resulted in many children, including Faryl Smith, auditioning for the second series of the show.{{cite news |first= Piers|last= Morgan|author-link= Piers Morgan|title= Why I'm proud of Britain's talent|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2055503/Piers-Morgan-Why-I%27m-proud-of-Britain%27s-talent.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080531144350/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2055503/Piers-Morgan-Why-I%27m-proud-of-Britain%27s-talent.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 31 May 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=31 May 2008|access-date=7 June 2008 | location=London}} After his victory, series 2 winner George Sampson spoke of his participation in the first series, where he was knocked out before the live shows, saying "I don't think I had any shot of winning last year ... When you look at the standard of Paul Potts and Connie Talbot. Paul Potts is out of this league, and Connie is out of this league – I wasn't good enough."{{cite news|title=Britain's Got Talent – George Sampson's big change|url=http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/television/britain's-got-talent/britains-got-talent-george-sampsons-big-change.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603112708/http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/television/britain's-got-talent/britains-got-talent-george-sampsons-big-change.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2008|work=My Park Magazine|date=2 June 2008|access-date=7 June 2008}} Talbot voted for Sampson, saying "I liked his dancing – he was good on the lamppost".
Cowell had preliminarily agreed to sign Talbot with his own record label, Sony BMG. After recording two songs in London with Talbot ("Over the Rainbow" and "Smile"{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}}), the label pulled out of the deal.{{cite magazine|first= Lars|last= Brandle|title= Child 'Talent' Star Ditched Because of Age|url= http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i11da93653366e6b3c60e065a90c28ba7|magazine= Billboard|date= 13 August 2007|access-date= 23 October 2007|archive-date= 20 October 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071020055935/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i11da93653366e6b3c60e065a90c28ba7|url-status= dead}} Talbot's mother, Sharon, said she was told that her daughter "...was too young to be their sort of artist", adding "We have been told to look for a company which looks after children."{{cite news|first= Caroline|last= Waterston|title= Mr Nasty axes Connie|url= http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_method=full%26objectID=19614058%26siteID=93463-name_page.html|work= People|date= 12 August 2007|access-date= 23 October 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011040331/http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_method%3Dfull%26objectID%3D19614058%26siteID%3D93463-name_page.html|archive-date= 11 October 2007|url-status= dead}}{{cite news|title= Connie signs album deal|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/2007/10/18/connie-signs-album-deal/|work= Express & Star|date= 18 October 2007|access-date= 23 October 2007|archive-date= 31 October 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071031053448/http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/10/18/connie-signs-album-deal/|url-status= dead}} In a statement, the label said "there was some deliberation over the possibility of recording with Connie ... However, the decision not to proceed was made with the best intentions for Connie, taking into consideration her age and that it would not be right to do so at this time." Cowell himself said that "when the time is right, [he would] be delighted to see if [they could] make it work".
=''Over the Rainbow''=
File:ConnieTalbot1.jpeg in 2007]]
In October 2007, Talbot signed with the Rainbow Recording Company for a six-figure deal. Rainbow Recording Company, an offshoot of record label Rhythm Riders made specifically for Talbot,{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}} was due to release Talbot's first album on 26 November 2007. It was later reported that the album was named Over the Rainbow, and the first single, "Over the Rainbow"/"White Christmas", would be released on 3 December 2007.{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}} Experts predicted that she had a good chance of getting the Christmas number one, but the single was cancelled in favour of an album-first release.{{cite news |title= Connie's dream of a hit single|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/13/connie%E2%80%99s-dream-of-a-hit-single/|work=Express & Star|date=13 January 2008|access-date=11 February 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080115152443/http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/13/connie%E2%80%99s-dream-of-a-hit-single/ |archive-date =15 January 2008}} Before the album was released, there was much speculation about Talbot and the album, with music experts describing her as potentially being "the next Charlotte Church".{{cite web|url= http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/arts_entertainment/connie+signs+sixfigure+record+deal/919647|title= Connie signs six-figure record deal|access-date= 13 November 2007|date= 14 October 2007|publisher= Channel 4 (originally from ITN)|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071203104509/http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/arts_entertainment/connie%20signs%20sixfigure%20record%20deal/919647|archive-date= 3 December 2007|df= dmy-all}}
The team behind the album consisted of John Arnison, who also managed Gabrielle and Billy Ocean, and Marc Marot, former managing director of Island Records.{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}} It was produced and mixed by Simon Hill and Rob May.{{cite web |url= http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50958132|title= Buy Connie Talbot – Over the Rainbow|access-date=19 December 2007 |publisher=Woolworths |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071211124617/http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50958132 |archive-date =11 December 2007}}
The album was released on 26 November 2007 and was certified gold in early December,{{cite news|title=Crowds go wild for Connie|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/08/crowds-go-wild-for-connie/|work=Express & Star|date=8 December 2007|access-date=8 December 2007|archive-date=9 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209124558/http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/08/crowds-go-wild-for-connie/|url-status=dead}} with Talbot being presented a gold disc by Phillip Schofield on This Morning. Initially, 50,000 copies of the album were pressed, but an additional 120,000 had to be made after the album sold out in days.{{cite news|title= Connie claims gold disc|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/14/connie-claims-gold-disc/|work= Express & Star|date= 14 December 2007|access-date= 19 December 2007|archive-date= 5 January 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080105190347/http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/14/connie-claims-gold-disc/|url-status= dead}}
In late 2007, public appearances by Talbot included headlining the Great Bridge Christmas and Winter Festival, which local police threatened to cancel unless crowds clamouring to reach the tent in which Talbot was performing could be brought under control. At the event, on 7 December 2007, Talbot said "I love it here, it's brilliant, really fun", but had to be ushered off-stage by the police. Talbot performed publicly in Walsall's HMV store, and in Birmingham's Centenary Square.{{cite news|title=Connie Talbot gets more stardom|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/2007/11/15/connie-set-for-more-stardom/|work=Express & Star|date=15 November 2007|access-date=8 December 2007|archive-date=16 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116070904/http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/11/15/connie-set-for-more-stardom/|url-status=dead}} TV appearances included GMTV and Channel 5 news, both on 26 November 2007. According to her mother, Talbot has received offers for film roles. Sharon said "[Talbot]'s been sent a script, I haven't had a good look at it yet but it's really exciting ... Connie's a singer, not an actress, so we'll see what happens. It's completely up to her whether or not she wants to do it. I can't believe it, though."
Sharon Mawer of Allmusic praised Over the Rainbow by saying "She can sing, for a seven-year old, and most of the notes (if not all of them) are in the right order and sung to the right pitch; the timing is fine too". However, she criticised the album, saying "there's no feeling, no emotion, no realisation of what each song is about; they're just pretty little songs", giving the album 2/5.{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1263941|label=Over the Rainbow}} Nick Levine, of Digital Spy, said in a review of the album that Talbot had a "sweet, pure voice", but that there is "no nuance or depth to her performance".{{cite web |url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a81156/connie-talbot-over-the-rainbow.html|title= Connie Talbot: 'Over The Rainbow'|access-date=5 December 2007 |last= Levine|first= Nick|date=3 December 2007|work=Digital Spy}} However, he said that "There's something inherently wrong about awarding a star rating to a seven-year-old", and that "the decidedly adult concept of musical merit should have nothing to do with [her music]", awarding the album 2/5.
The album was re-released on 16 June 2008, but was available for pre-order in May, with three new tracks to replace its Christmas-themed songs.{{cite web |url= http://www.connietalbot.com/index.php|title= A new version of the album will be available in May!|access-date=6 April 2008 |publisher=Rainbow Recording Company |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071213023811/http://www.connietalbot.com/index.php |archive-date =13 December 2007}}{{cite news|title= Pinay girl makes noise in UK|url= http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/04/30/life/pinay.girl.makes.noise.in.uk.html|publisher= Sun.Star|date= 30 April 2008|access-date= 2 May 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080605154852/http://sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/04/30/life/pinay.girl.makes.noise.in.uk.html|archive-date= 5 June 2008|df= dmy-all}} The first single from the album, "Three Little Birds", was released in June 2008. In April and May 2008, Talbot toured Asia to promote Over the Rainbow.{{cite news |first= Bernard|last= Koh|title= Sweet smile, shy child |url= http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_233936.html|work=Straits Times |location=Singapore |date=5 May 2008|access-date=24 September 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080617140523/http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_233936.html |archive-date =17 June 2008}} Asian press attributed her success to her videos on YouTube, with the Sun.Star mentioning that her most viewed video had been watched over 14 million times, and The Straits Times saying that videos of Talbot's performances have been watched over 30 million times. The tour made stops in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, and Talbot and her family returned to England in late May.{{cite news |title=Now Connie's taking on the world |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/2008/05/26/now-connies-taking-on-the-world/ |work=Express & Star |date=26 May 2008 |access-date=26 May 2008 |archive-date=5 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605194643/http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/05/26/now-connies-taking-on-the-world/ |url-status=dead }} Following the tour, it was reported that the album had reached number one on the charts in Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, as well as reaching number three in Singapore. After the tour, Talbot travelled to Poland, where she performed on television.
Over the Rainbow's release in the United States in September, resulted in attention from American press sources including Fox Business Network and MarketWatch.{{cite news|title=Britain's Singing Sensation Connie Talbot Comes to America (press release)|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/18/idUS209538+18-Aug-2008+PRN20080818|work=Reuters|date=18 August 2008|access-date=22 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724174912/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/18/idUS209538+18-Aug-2008+PRN20080818|archive-date=24 July 2013}}{{cite news |title= Britain's Singing Sensation Connie Talbot Comes to America (press release)|url= http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/britains-singing-sensation-connie-talbot/story.aspx?guid=%7B8954FC30-3F51-4D6B-9750-018444B18E97%7D&dist=hppr |publisher=MarketWatch|date=18 August 2008|access-date=22 August 2008 }} The US version was eventually released on 14 October, with Talbot appearing on American television shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show to publicise the release.{{cite news |first= Kerri|last= Mason|title= Record buyers head-"Over"-heels for 7-year-old|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSTRE4998Z620081010|work=Reuters|date=10 October 2008|access-date=30 October 2008 }}
In August 2008, it was announced that Talbot had signed a contract with Data Design Interactive for production of a video game on the Wii console. The game was to feature 15 songs from Over the Rainbow, allowing players to sing along with full-motion video footage of Talbot or against other players in a karaoke mode.{{cite news |title= Connie stars on Wii|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2008/08/19/connie-stars-on-wii/ |work=Express & Star|date=19 August 2008|access-date=22 August 2008}}{{cite news |title= Connie Talbot Singing on Wii Soon|url= http://www.ds-x2.com/news/Connie%2BTalbot%2BSinging%2BOn%2BWii%2BSoon,11730,11730|publisher=DS-X2.com|date=18 August 2008|access-date=22 August 2008 }} Talbot re-recorded the album for the game.{{cite news |first= Anuji|last= Varma|title= Connie Talbot to star in Nintendo Wii game|url= http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2008/08/25/connie-talbot-to-star-in-nintendo-wii-game-66331-21599138/|work=Sunday Mercury |date=25 August 2008|access-date=26 August 2008 }} The game was scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2009, and was to be called Connie Talbot: Over the Rainbow, but was quietly cancelled due to licensing reasons over the songs to be used.{{Cite tweet |number=1340989390055600129 |user=forestillusion |title=Today we have released a build of the cancelled Nintendo Wii game "Connie Talbot: Over the Rainbow". It's a karaoke game which was developed by Data Design Interactive (who are infamous for creating shitty games). Enjoy I guess? |date=21 December 2020}} A prototype build of the game surfaced in 2020 and was purchased by video game preservationist Forest of Illusion,{{Cite tweet |number=1338309310212833280 |user=forestillusion |title=Here is some never before seen footage of the horrible cancelled Nintendo Wii game Connie Talbot Over the Rainbow. It was recorded at E3 2009 by a DDI employee. Thanks to @JHarrdington for retrieving the footage. And if youre wondering, yes we have a copy of the game coming soon. |date=14 December 2020}} who later uploaded a disk image of the game on the Internet Archive.
=''Christmas Album'' and ''Holiday Magic''=
In November 2008, it was announced that Talbot had produced a series of new songs for an album. Recorded in her bedroom studio, Connie Talbot's Christmas Album was released on 24 November.{{cite news|first= Dennis|last= Ellam|title= Connie: The world tour|url= https://www.mirror.co.uk/sunday-mirror/2008/11/16/connie-the-world-tour-115875-20898817/|work= Daily Mirror|location= UK|date= 16 November 2008|access-date= 16 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090213201125/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sunday-mirror/2008/11/16/connie-the-world-tour-115875-20898817/|archive-date= 13 February 2009|df= dmy-all}} It is a Christmas themed album, featuring, according to Talbot's official website, "a mix of classics and modern Christmas tunes".{{cite news|title=Christmas Album|url=http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|publisher=Rhythm Riders|date=12 November 2008|access-date=16 November 2008|archive-date=9 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609072934/http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|url-status=dead}} News was also released of a one-off Christmas special to be shown on ITV1 in the days leading up to Christmas, featuring footage of Talbot's journey to America and a "secret concert" at her primary school.{{cite news|title= Singing Connie given TV special|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/2008/11/17/singing-connie-given-tv-special/|work= Express & Star|date= 17 November 2008|access-date= 17 November 2008|archive-date= 24 July 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130724152629/http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/11/17/singing-connie-given-tv-special/|url-status= dead}} The documentary, Christmas with Connie, was shown on ITV Central on 18 December.{{cite news|title=Have you got talent?!|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/12_18_08_05_32AM.htm|publisher=GameZone|date=18 December 2008|access-date=26 December 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226052811/http://www.gamezone.com/news/12_18_08_05_32AM.htm|archive-date=26 December 2008}} Talbot appeared at Walsall's HMV branch shortly after the release of her Christmas Album to sign copies and meet fans.{{cite news|title=Young Connie sitting pretty|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/2008/11/26/young-connie-sitting-pretty/|work=Express & Star|date=26 November 2008|access-date=26 November 2008|archive-date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724152642/http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/11/26/young-connie-sitting-pretty/|url-status=dead}} She then embarked on a promotional tour making stops around the world, which included a performance at Ewha Womans University in Korea,{{cite news |title= Connie Talbot Wishes Koreans Happy Holidays|url= http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/12/16/2008121661022.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=16 December 2008|access-date=16 December 2008}} and a performance on the "A Heart for Children" television charity gala in Berlin, Germany.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} She returned home in mid December, to have "a quiet family Christmas".{{cite news|title=Little Connie needs a giant Santa sack|url=http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/chipper-club/2008/12/23/little-connie-needs-a-giant-santa-sack-97319-22538444/|work=Birmingham Mail|date=23 December 2008|access-date=23 December 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522012016/http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/chipper-club/2008/12/23/little-connie-needs-a-giant-santa-sack-97319-22538444/|archive-date=22 May 2011}}
Connie Talbot's Christmas Album was difficult to obtain in Britain after the distributor, Pinnacle Entertainment, went into administration. Talbot's mother, Sharon, was quoted as saying "We don't really know what's going to happen at the moment ... We think they'll probably wait and promote the album later this year. It's a shame, but they can still get the album in Asia and the US."{{cite news|title=Connie's album left sitting in warehouse|url=http://www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk/news/Connie-s-album-left-sitting-warehouse/article-581808-detail/article.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114051536/http://www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk/news/Connie-s-album-left-sitting-warehouse/article-581808-detail/article.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2013|work=Sutton Coldfield Observer|date=3 January 2009|access-date=3 January 2009}} Reviewing the album for FemaleFirst magazine, Ruth Harrison gave it 4/5, saying that Talbot has "a great voice when it comes to swing, but lets us down in parts".{{cite news |first= Ruth|last= Harrison|title= Album Review: Connie Talbot's Christmas Album|url= http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/features/Album+Review+Connie+Talbots+Christmas+Album-6453.html|work=FemaleFirst|date=27 November 2008|access-date=30 November 2008 }}
In April 2009, Talbot again travelled to the US to publicise her new single, a cover of "I Will Always Love You". The single was released in the US on 7 April, along with a newly recorded "You Raise Me Up".{{cite news|title= Connie to release new USA single on April 7th|publisher= Rhythm Riders|date= 5 March 2009|access-date= 30 April 2009|quote= Connie will be releasing her rendition of "I'll always love you" as her new single from her album "Over the Rainbow" in the USA on April 7th. The release is a double A-sided single (AAO Music/Reality Records) featuring her dynamic interpretation of the classic "I Will Always Love You" and the newly re-vocaled "You Raise Me Up."|url= http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|archive-date= 9 June 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120609072934/http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|url-status= dead}} Talbot then traveled to the US on 30 April, and returned on 2 May.{{cite news|title=Connie to perform in America|publisher=Rhythm Riders|date=24 April 2009|access-date=30 April 2009|quote=Connie will be travelling to America on a whirlwind promotional tour from April 30th through to May 2nd. She will be performing on a couple of television shows and just announced that she will be performing and signing autographs at a very special store appearance.|url=http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|archive-date=9 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609072934/http://www.connietalbot.com/news.html|url-status=dead}} Appearances included a performance on Good Day New York on Fox Broadcasting Company's WNYW.{{cite news |title= 8-Year-Old Songbird Connie Talbot |publisher=Fox Broadcasting Company |date=29 April 2009|access-date=30 April 2009 |url= http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/090430_8_Year_Old_Songbird_Connie_Talbot}}
Talbot's third album, Connie Talbot's Holiday Magic, was released on 20 October 2009 in the United States and on 30 November 2009 in the United Kingdom. The United States album is dedicated to the Toys for Tots campaign, of which Talbot has been named the child ambassador. In a statement, Bill Grein, Vice-President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said:
{{Blockquote|The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is extremely proud and excited to have Connie as our youngest ambassador ever ... She is the perfect person to inform the public of the millions of less fortunate children who may be overlooked this Christmas holiday season, unless people step up to donate a toy or make a cash contribution. Her angelic looks and voice will remind everyone of the innocence of children. And they all deserve to experience the magic of the holiday season! I hope she sells lots of CDs and raises a lot of money and awareness for our children.{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/connie-talbot-named-child-ambassador-for-2009-marine-toys-for-tots-campaign-announces-holiday-album-62005212.html |title=Connie Talbot Named Child Ambassador for 2009 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign, Announces Holiday Album |location=New York |agency=PR Newswire |access-date=6 April 2012}}}}
Along with Talbot's third album, a television special, entitled Holiday Magic, was produced by WVIA. Holiday Magic featured performances of all of the songs from Connie Talbot's Holiday Magic, and was available to all PBS stations shown in November and December 2009.{{cite web|title=Britain's Got Talent's youngest superstar, Connie Talbot, teams with Boscov's Department Stores|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/28/idUS119658+28-Oct-2009+PRN20091028|publisher=PR Newswire/Reuters|access-date=11 September 2011|format=press release|date=28 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016061312/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/28/idUS119658+28-Oct-2009+PRN20091028|archive-date=16 October 2013}} A 17-track DVD of the special, including two additional songs, "What a Wonderful World" and "Over the Rainbow", was released for sale.{{cite web|title=Connie Talbot, Britain's 8-year-old vocal star, to be featured in Holiday Magic television special|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/15/idUS98550+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915|publisher=PR Newswire/Reuters|access-date=11 September 2011|format=press release|date=15 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016064314/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/15/idUS98550+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915|archive-date=16 October 2013}}{{cite web|title=Connie Talbot – Connie Talbot Holiday Magic CD + Holiday Magic DVD|url=http://www.evo88.com/en/music?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=194|publisher=evo88.com|access-date=22 September 2011}}
=2010–2015=
Talbot opened a special concert celebrating South Korea's hosting of the G20 summit of world leaders in 2010.{{cite web|title=British singer Connie Talbot in Seoul to perform at G20 summit celebration concert|url=http://koreanupdates.com/2010/11/10/coffee-break-interview-british-singer-connie-talbot-in-seoul-to-perform-at-g20-summit-celebration-concert/|publisher=koreanupdates.com|access-date=13 October 2013|date=10 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124140910/http://koreanupdates.com/2010/11/10/coffee-break-interview-british-singer-connie-talbot-in-seoul-to-perform-at-g20-summit-celebration-concert/|archive-date=24 November 2010}} She performed for her largest ever audience when she performed on Chinese state television for the Chinese new-year in 2011.{{cite news |title= Connie Talbot's big gig for 600m Chinese|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2011/01/04/connie-talbots-big-gig-for-600m-chinese/|newspaper= Express & Star|date= 4 January 2011|access-date=29 March 2012}} Viewing figures for the event were estimated to be around 400 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/11/29/connie-talbot-to-sing-for-chinese-new-year/ |title=Connie Talbot to sing for Chinese New Year |work=Express & Star |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=5 April 2012}}
During this time, Talbot continued to upload videos of her performances onto YouTube.
Maggie Coughlan praised her covers of Katy Perry's "Firework" and Bruno Mars's "Grenade", but was most impressed by her cover of Adele's "Someone Like You", which she said was performed "with such grace that she makes the entire performance look effortless".{{cite news |title= 10-Year-Old Singer Covers Adele's 'Someone Like You'|author= Coughlan, Maggie|url= http://www.popeater.com/2011/03/31/connie-talbot-covers-adele/|publisher= PopEater.com|date= 31 March 2011|access-date=29 March 2012}}
The video was also picked up by PerezHilton.com.{{cite news|title= Mini Adele! Amazing Cover of Someone Like You From A 10-Year-Old!|url= http://perezhilton.com/2011-03-31-connie-talbot-from-britains-got-talent-covers-adele-someone-like-you#.T3XJqdm25_A|publisher= PerezHilton.com|date= 31 March 2011|access-date= 29 March 2012|archive-date= 17 August 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180817024538/http://perezhilton.com/2011-03-31-connie-talbot-from-britains-got-talent-covers-adele-someone-like-you#.T3XJqdm25_A|url-status= dead}} After the death of Whitney Houston, Talbot posted a cover version of "Run to You" as a tribute. The video received attention from around the world.{{cite news |title= Connie Talbot's a YouTube hit again with Whitney|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/02/15/connie-talbots-a-youtube-hit-again-with-whitney/#ixzz1qc5PQ1zR|newspaper= Express & Star|date= 15 February 2012|access-date=29 March 2012}} In November 2011, she released "Beautiful World" as a single on iTunes. The song was written by Talbot when she was seven. A demo of the track was placed on YouTube, and became the 39th most watched video in the world on the day it was uploaded.{{cite news |title= Connie Talbot on song for success|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/11/09/connie-talbot-on-song-for-success/|newspaper= Express & Star|date= 9 November 2011|access-date=29 March 2012}}
She was the youngest artist to make the UK album charts,{{cite web|title=Youngest person to enter the UK album charts|publisher=Guinness World Records|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/5000/youngest-person-to-enter-uk-albums-chart|date=8 December 2007}} and the youngest to release a gold-selling record.{{cite news|title=Songbird flying to LA to record|url=http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=2i0K1Rx8g13G&EID=727e43fb-7a52-4ee0-8593-3ad3a80b73ac&skip=|newspaper=Walsall Chronicle|date=22 March 2012}} Others involved in the event included Randolph Matthews and The High Kings.{{cite news |title= Pupils to perform at The O2 Arena|author= Morton, Helen|url= http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/9563350.Youngsters_tune_up_for_concert_dream_date/|newspaper= Basingstoke Gazette|date= 1 March 2012|access-date=29 March 2012}} Performances took place elsewhere in the United Kingdom, including Manchester and Birmingham.{{cite news|title= Young voices concert at Sheffield Arena|url= http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/young_voices_concert_at_sheffield_arena_1_4150537|newspaper= Doncaster Free Press|date= 17 January 2012|access-date= 29 March 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120204032843/http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/young_voices_concert_at_sheffield_arena_1_4150537|archive-date= 4 February 2012|url-status= dead}}
Talbot toured with the Young Voices choir for a second year in early 2013, performing at venues across the UK. The African Children's Choir also took part in these events.{{cite news|title=Take two for Young Voices in Sheffield|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/what-s-on/out-about/take-two-for-young-voices-in-sheffield-1-5382441|access-date=13 October 2013|newspaper=The Star|date=6 February 2013}} Her song "Let's Get Along", written by Kipper, was featured on ONE Campaign's agit8 Spotify album that July. Talbot also featured in the song "Building Bridges", which also made the agit8 album, together with Jordan Jansen.{{cite web|title=YouTube stars come together with protest songs for agit8|url=http://www.one.org/international/blog/youtube-stars-come-together-with-protest-songs-for-agit8/|publisher=one.org|access-date=13 October 2013|date=16 July 2013}}{{cite web|title=Various Artists – ONE presents agit8 Spotify album|publisher=Spotify|url=https://play.spotify.com/user/onecampaign/playlist/06rcwsysAbGp74pQsFxSeY|access-date=13 October 2013}}
In October 2013, Talbot's vocals featured in the theme song of the newly-released video game Rain,{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/80808/rain-falling-on-october-1|title=Rain falling on PS3 on October 1|publisher=Shacknews|last=Watts|first=Steve|date=22 August 2013|access-date=29 August 2013}} and she appeared as a special guest at the African Children's Choir concert in Walsall, UK. It was announced that Talbot would be an ambassador for the African Children's Choir and have a school named after her.{{cite web|title=The African Children's Choir|url=http://www.whatsonwalsall.co.uk/whatson_focus.asp?showid=5244|publisher=whats on walsall|access-date=13 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083023/http://www.whatsonwalsall.co.uk/whatson_focus.asp?showid=5244|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{YouTube|Qrm_F1uxItY|Connie Talbot – Ambassador for African Children's Choir, School named in her honour}}
In 2014, she performed two concerts in South Korea (Osan and Seoul) in late April, shortly after the Sewol ferry tragedy. She performed with yellow ribbons to show her respect for the families of the victims. The proceeds from at least one of the concerts were donated to the fundraising efforts in support of the families of the victims.{{cite web|title=British child singer Connie Talbot to donate all concert profits to Sewol tragedy victims|url=http://www.dkpopnews.net/2014/04/british-child-singer-connie-talbot-to.html|publisher=K-POP Daily News|access-date=26 April 2014|archive-date=28 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428031126/http://www.dkpopnews.net/2014/04/british-child-singer-connie-talbot-to.html|url-status=dead}} In July, a DVD and Blu-ray was released of her concerts in Hong Kong and Taiwan during her Beautiful World tour in 2012. It features live performances of the songs from Beautiful World, and two additional songs, "I Will Always Love You" and "Over the Rainbow".{{cite web|title=Beautiful World Live|url=http://www.evo88.com/en/music?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=842|website=evo88.com|publisher=Evosound|access-date=18 August 2014}}
On 17 November 2014, Talbot released the five-song EP Gravity, containing the original songs "Gravity" and "Inner Beauty", with the latter also appearing as an instrumental acoustic version.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/hk/album/gravity-ep/938026263|title=iTunes – Music – Gravity EP by Connie Talbot|work=Apple Inc.|date=17 November 2014 |access-date=28 March 2015}}
=''Matters to Me'' (2016–present)=
On 19 February 2016, the release of digital single "Shut Up (Move On)" was announced.{{cite web|title="Shut Up (Move On)" single out now|url=http://connietalbot.asia/157-4-2/|website=Connie Talbot Official Asia Website|access-date=22 February 2016}}{{cite web|title=Shut Up (Move On)|url=https://play.spotify.com/album/3qlwhyfWBgAkfNEMK0cN6F/Connie_MattersToMe|website=Spotify|access-date=22 February 2016}} The single is taken from Talbot's studio album Matters to Me, a 13-track album with a bonus track available only on iTunes. The album was released on 25 March 2016.{{cite web|title=Matters To Me|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/matters-to-me/1084967456|website=iTunes|date=25 March 2016 |access-date=8 November 2016}}
On 11 May 2017, Connie Talbot released a song called "Good to Me", which she stated is "about a person who I admired, respected and who taught me so much. That person sadly passed away and I wrote this song from my heart."{{cite web|title=Good To Me Single| date=11 May 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw1ZKqm9CTw|publisher=YouTube|access-date=11 May 2017}} On 13 October 2017, Connie released a video for the song "Rumours".{{cite web|title=Rumours Single| date=13 October 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE7b0hx3V-U|publisher=YouTube|access-date=13 October 2017}}
In April 2019 she collaborated with Boyce Avenue covering the Jonas Brothers song "Sucker". The following month she also covered "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King with the band.
On 31 August 2019 Talbot took part in Britain's Got Talent: The Champions with an original composition, "Never Give Up on Us". The song was released the same day. By the following day, the song had reached number eight on the U.K. iTunes chart.{{cite tweet |last=Talbot |first=Connie |user=ConnieTalbot |number=1168163426226642946 |date=1 September 2019 |title=RIDICULOUS... I AM IN SHOCK HONESTLY. I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH. 😘 https://t.co/dsMAmqYf5V |language=en |access-date=2 January 2021}}
On 27 January 2020 she competed on America's Got Talent: The Champions, where she performed her romantic original song "I Would" on the piano.{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8549409/connie-talbot-americas-got-talent-the-champions |title=Connie Talbot's Stunning Voice Gets a Standing Ovation on 'America's Got Talent: The Champions' |date=27 January 2020 |access-date=6 February 2020 |first=Rania |last=Aniftos |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite news |url=https://etcanada.com/news/582832/connie-talbot-19-gets-standing-ovation-for-original-song-on-agt-champions/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204231102/https://etcanada.com/news/582832/connie-talbot-19-gets-standing-ovation-for-original-song-on-agt-champions/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 February 2020 |title=Connie Talbot, 19, Gets Standing Ovation For Original Song On 'AGT: Champions' |first=Shakiel |last=Mahjouri |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=6 February 2020 |work=ET Canada |publisher=Corus Entertainment Inc.}}
In January 2022 she went back to collaborating with Boyce Avenue and helped cover the Bryan Adams song "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You". The following month they covered the Lionel Richie song "Endless Love".{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeluT-nU0Qk | title=(Everything I Do) I do It for You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Connie Talbot acoustic cover) | website=YouTube }}{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv8XHiTkDYg | title=Endless Love - Lionel Richie ft. Diana Ross (Boyce Avenue ft. Connie Talbot cover) Spotify & Apple | website=YouTube | date=20 February 2022 }}
On 1 June 2023, she released her new single "Easier Pretending You're Dead" from her then-upcoming EP Growing Pains.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nppeFB-4wOE | title=Easier Pretending You're Dead - Connie Talbot [Official Video] | website=YouTube | date=June 2023 }}
On 14 July 2023, she released her new single "Growing Pains".{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CuhgQR_s8CY | title=Instagram }}
The EP Growing Pains was released on 25 August 2023, also featuring "Just a Broken Heart" and "Roses".{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/se/album/growing-pains-ep/1701872183 | title=Growing Pains - EP av Connie Talbot på Apple Music }}
Talbot will play the main character, Ellie, in the upcoming movie The Key to the West.{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20835092/?ref_=nm_flmg_unrel_1_act | title=The Key to the West | website=IMDb }}
Personal life
Talbot has two older siblings.{{cite news|title= Little Connie needs a giant Santa sack |url= http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/lifestyle/food-and-drink/little-connie-needs-a-giant-santa-75382|newspaper= Birmingham Mail|date=23 December 2008|access-date= 23 May 2013}}{{cite web|title=Bio|publisher=Connie Talbot official website|url=http://connietalbot.com/bio/4569339579|access-date=23 May 2013|archive-date=23 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623010205/http://connietalbot.com/bio/4569339579|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Britain's Got Talent Connie Talbot sings for arson-hit school|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/12/10/britains-got-talent-connie-talbot-sings-for-arson-hit-school/|newspaper= Express & Star|date= 10 December 2010|access-date= 23 May 2013}} In 2006, she sang at her grandmother's funeral.{{cite news|title=Record buyers snap up 'Over the Rainbow'|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-talbot-idUKTRE4998ZN20081010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306153233/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-talbot-idUKTRE4998ZN20081010|url-status= dead|archive-date= 6 March 2016|author=Mason, Kerri|work=Reuters|date=10 October 2008|access-date= 23 May 2013}}{{Cite news|title= Music: 8-year-old phenom Connie Talbot captures Utah's attention|url= http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1249A78464D8E450&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|author= Burger, David|newspaper= The Salt Lake Tribune|date= 20 November 2008|access-date= 23 May 2013}}
Discography
=Albums=
{{unreliable sources|section|date=February 2019}}
=Video albums=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Details |
|---|
| scope="row"| Holiday Magic
|
|
| scope="row"| Beautiful World Live
|
|
=Extended plays=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Details |
|---|
| scope="row"| Gravity
|
|
| scope="row"| Growing Pains
|
|
=Singles=
=Other appearances=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col" style="width:1em;"| Year
! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Album ! scope="col"| Notes |
|---|
| rowspan="3"| 2013
! scope="row"| "Let's Get Along" | rowspan="2"| ONE Campaign's agit8 Spotify album |
|
| scope="row"| "Building Bridges" (featuring Jordan Jansen) |
|
| scope="row"| "A Tale Only the Rain Knows"
| Rain (Soundtrack) |
|
=Music videos=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons}}
- {{Official website|https://www.connietalbot.com/}}
- {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p987413}}
{{Connie Talbot}}
{{Britain's Got Talent}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Talbot, Connie}}
Category:21st-century English singers
Category:21st-century English women singers
Category:Britain's Got Talent contestants
Category:English child singers
Category:English women pop singers
Category:English women rock singers
Category:Singers from Birmingham, West Midlands
Category:Sanctuary Records artists