Cleo Higgins

Cleopatra Madonna Higgins, a.k.a. Cleo, is an R&B/soul/pop singer, dancer, songwriter and actress based in Manchester, England. Higgins was the lead singer of the eponymously named sister act, Cleopatra.

Early career

In 2000, Higgins branched out from Cleopatra and recorded two duets with tenor Russell Watson. The first song, "Someone Like You" was featured on Watson's multi-platinum debut album The Voice which climbed to No. 1 on the U.S classical charts. Higgins and Watson performed the song both on tour and on the National Lottery and they collaborated a second time, recording another duet called "The Best That Love Can Be" for Watson's third album, Reprise. In 2001, Higgins headlined the Young Voices in Concert tour, performing at the Manchester Arena in front of 15,000 people as she and almost 7,000 choir members set a new Guinness World Record for the largest choir assembled in the UK. The performance was aired on the BBC's long-standing programme Songs of Praise. In 2002 Higgins participated in ITV1's Songs of Bond, a tribute to the songs of James Bond where she covered For Your Eyes Only. In 2007 Higgins released her pilot solo single "Feelin' Like This". She has toured with Joe Budden, Russell Watson, Jagged Edge, Blue, Girls Aloud and also embarked on a university tour. Higgins has covered Kym Sims' "Too Blind To See It". Higgins has worked as a brand ambassador for CoverGirl

2013: The Voice UK

In 2013, Higgins auditioned for The Voice UK and her Blind Audition was shown on the 3rd episode on Saturday 13 April 2013. All of the coaches turned around and she chose Will.i.am's team. In the Battle round, Will.i.am kept Higgins over duo Nu-tarna. In the Knockout round Will.i.am then kept Higgins over both Lem and John. Higgins competed in the quarter-finals against both Leah and Leanne with Will.i.am giving Leah his fast pass while Higgins was voted through by the public, despite there being rumours of Will.i.Am showing favouritism to Leah and Leanne.

Throughout the course of the show, Higgins was the subject of many rumours. At one point, it was reported that Will.i.am was 'disgusted' by her, with comments being made that she was "the worst diva we've had" and that he was "sick to death of dealing with her". Higgins immediately rebutted these rumours stating that the press "just have to stop with the lies". Higgins was eliminated at the Semi-final stage of the reality show when she performed against Leah McFall for the public vote. Will.i.am used the opportunity to dispel such rumours by telling Higgins live on television, "You are an amazing artist. I would love to work with you".

Performances

Higgins has two children, Chika Li Ché who was born in September 2001 and Taylor James McKenzie (TJ), with her former partner, Marlon McKenzie who has appeared on The X Factor.

Singles