Sam Bailey

Sam Bailey is a platinum selling artist, whose debut album was the fastest selling album of 2014 in the UK.Sam Bailey is now firmly established as one of the finest singers in the UK and continues to gain fans from all around the world with her totally down to earth approach to everyone she meets. This, together with her considerable talent, makes her one of Britains favourite personalities.Sam was born in Bexley, East London. Growing up, she enjoyed singing for her friends and family but never believed she was destined for stardom. When she was younger, Sam entered talent competitions but always wanted to impress people by herself, rather than being talked up by family and friends. However, her family did have a major influence on her musical career - her grandfather was a singer in a group called The Four Vinos and her father was also in a band and she was often in the company of musicians. One of her earliest success stories was winning a Search For A Star talent competition in Crayford Town Hall, Bexley as a 16-year-old. She went on to attend Bexley Arts College and Dartfords Miskin Theatre to further develop her talent. Though singing was a passion, Sam admits that her first love in life was football. She played professionally for a number of clubs including Millwall Lionesses, West Ham, Crystal Palace and London Women. Before she stole the hearts of the nation by winning the tenth series of The X Factor at Christmas 2013, Sam worked as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree as well as performing on cruise ships, in clubs and at music festivals for several years.