Emily Williams

Emily Williams (born 8 October 1984) is a New Zealand-born Australian singer and songwriter, who rose to fame on the third season of Australian Idol in 2005, and became runner-up of the season. After Idol, Williams signed with Sony BMG and became a member of all-girl pop group Young Divas, known for their singles "This Time I Know It's For Real" and "Happenin' All Over Again". Following the disbandment of the group in 2008, Williams turned to songwriting and penned hits for many renowned recording artists both in Australia and internationally. She did not write her younger brother's J. Williams' single "Ghetto Flower" (2008). In 2010, Williams' released her debut solo single "Spellbound", independently. Her debut solo album Uncovered was released in February 2012.

Emily Williams was born on 8 October 1984 in South Auckland, New Zealand, to a Samoan family. Williams' has an older sister — Lavina Williams, who was a contestant on Australian Idol in 2006 and also a younger brother — J.Williams, a singer/dancer in New Zealand. During Willams' early years, her father was very strict when it came to devoting yourself to religion and music. Before appearing on Idol, she worked as a forklift operator from Inala, Queensland.

2005: Australian Idol

Williams auditioned for the third season of Australian Idol in 2005. During the season, she scored three touchdowns from judge Mark Holden. On 15 November 2005, betting agency Centrebet announced their final-week prediction that Williams would win the competition, with her odds at $1.36 and Kate DeAraugo at $3.00. However, on 21 November 2005, it was announced that the winner was DeAraugo.

2006–07: Young Divas

In January 2006, Sony BMG Australia announced that William's had signed a recording contract with their label, and that she would release her debut album later in the year. She re-located to Melbourne to begin writing and co-writing tracks with both local and international songwriters. However, Williams' album was never released.

In May 2006, Williams was asked by her record label to be part of an all-girl band concept, which included previous Australian Idol contestants, Paulini, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Kate DeAraugo for a 17-date national tour to promote all four singers as solo artists. Alongside the national tour, they released a cover of the Donna Summer classic "This Time I Know It's For Real", under the name Young Divas. The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). A second single soon followed after—a cover of Lonnie Gordon's disco classic "Happenin' All Over Again". It peaked at number nine on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold. Following on from the success of their two singles and tour, the Young Divas released their self-titled debut album of remakes of classics, on 14 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum.

In May 2007, Williams contested the New Zealand reality television show Pop's Ultimate Star, and came fourth. In September 2007, it was revealed that season-four Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy was the new member of the Young Divas, replacing Coulter, who left the group to resume her solo career. They then went on to release their second studio album, New Attitude, on 26 November 2007. The lead single "Turn Me Loose" peaked at number fifteen on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album reached number ten on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold. Young Divas later disbanded in 2008.

2008–present: Solo career and Uncovered

Following the disbandment of the Young Divas, Williams revisited her hometown in New Zealand, and turned to songwriting. While she created her own music, she penned hits for many renowned recording artists both in Australia and internationally. She wrote her younger brother J. Williams' single "Ghetto Flower" (2008). In 2010, Williams became a reading ambassador for The Pyjama Foundation, which allows her to raise awareness and support to help children improve their literacy skills. On 21 October 2010, she made a television appearance on Ready Steady Cook with fellow Australian Idol contestant Cosima De Vito.

On 1 November 2010, she released her debut solo single "Spellbound", independently. The single was promoted by Williams through a live televised performance on The Morning Show. She also performed the song at clubs in Brisbane and Sydney, and also toured shopping malls in Melbourne and Gold Coast. The music video premiered on YouTube on 4 November 2010. In December 2010, Williams received a nomination for 'Australian Female Artist of the Year' at the IT List Awards. Williams' second single "You're Mine" was made available for download on 14 February 2011, to coincide with Valentine's Day. She performed the song on The Morning Show. On 1 March 2011, she released a ballad titled "Never Alone", to raise support for the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. All proceeds from the single went to the New Zealand Red Cross. The Popstar remix of "Spellbound" was released digitally on 24 June 2011.

Williams' debut solo album Uncovered was released independently on 10 February 2012. In June 2012, she was featured on dance music producer The Popstar's single "Spotlight", which also appears on her album Uncovered. In April 2013, Williams released her fourth lead single "Get It". In July 2013, Williams was featured on British rapper and The Valleys star Leeroy Reed's single "Can't Get Enough". In January 2014, she was featured on Geordie Shore star Gary "Gaz" Beadle's debut single "Party Like a Rockstar (Up Your Game)" with UK group The Risk.

Williams' has a daughter named Asia with Richie Lio. She separated from Lio in 2007.

Studio albums

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Album appearances

Music videos