
Arguably Australia’s most successful X Factor export.
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With a voice like hers, it was only a matter of time before we all started listening to it. After a failed attempt to make a name for herself in music with American recording label Jive Records 11 years ago, Samantha Jade gave music one last go and auditioned for the 4th season of The X Factor Australia in 2012. A few months later, she won. Since winning the title, Samantha has never been busier – not that she minds: “I am so grateful for where I am today,” she told the Newsroom.
Since winning The X Factor, Samantha has released three singles – two in 2012 which both reached number one on the Australian iTunes chart (“What You’ve Done to Me” and “Firestarter“). Her third single, “Soldier“, was released today and is currently sitting in the top 30.
Next year is set to be even bigger for Samantha with the release of her second album in February 2014 and an accompanying national tour to follow. She will also make her acting debut playing a young Kylie Minogue in the Channel 7 mini series INXS: Never Tear Us Apart. The role is perfect for Samantha – not only is she a self-proclaimed “Lover” (the name of Kylie Minogue’s fans), but during her time on The X Factor, Spice Girl and judge Melanie Brown repeatedly said that Sam resembled “a young, hot, little Kylie Minogue”.
“Kylie is such an icon,” Samantha said. “I am so lucky (lucky, lucky, lucky) to be compared to someone so classy… I was asked to audition, and it went from there.” Hear Samantha cover Kylie’s most successful song, “Can’t Get You Outta My Head”, which was recently voted the catchiest song of all time in a recent study by following the link here.
The other project occupying Sam’s diary is something she’s especially excited about. Samantha’s management recently received a call from fashion accessories company, Diva, wondering whether Samantha was interested in a collaboration. “[I said], ABSOLUTELY! I have always wanted to do a jewellery line and I love fashion and would also love to have my own clothes line eventually too. I love Diva, I have always shopped there… I hope it’s successful, haha,” Samantha said. With Christmas around the corner, her line – available here – would make the perfect present.
When asked what’s next for her, she’s coy. “There are a few more exciting things happening for the future, but I can’t speak of them yet!” Whatever it is, we’re sure they’ll be great so we’ll be watching. – Zachary Pittas
Top image and image of Samantha performing from Eva Rinaldi’s Flickr photostream; image of Samantha as Kylie Minogue from INXS: Never Tear Us Apart trailer; bottom image of Samantha courtesy of Sweaty Betty PR.