Ricki-Lee Coulter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ricki-Lee Coulter
Coulter in 2012
Born	Ricki-Lee Dawn Coulter (1985-11-10) 10 November 1985 (age 39) Auckland, New Zealand
Other names	Ricki-Lee
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	2000–present
Spouse(s)	Jamie Babbington ​ (m. 2007⁠–⁠2008)​ Richard Harrison ​ (m. 2015)​
Musical career
Origin	Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Genres	R&B pop dance
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Shock (2004–2011) Ministry of Sound EMI (2011–2015) Universal (2016–2020) Black Label (2023–)

Ricki-Lee Dawn Coulter (born 10 November 1985) is a famous Australian singer and songwriter. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in Gold Coast, Queensland. Ricki-Lee started performing when she was 15 years old.

She became well-known in 2004 after appearing on the TV show Australian Idol. Even though she finished seventh, she quickly signed with a record label. Her first album, Ricki-Lee (2005), had popular songs like "Hell No!" and "Sunshine". These songs were very successful and helped her career take off.

In 2006, Ricki-Lee joined a pop group called Young Divas. She left the group in 2007 to focus on her solo music again. Her second album, Brand New Day (2007), also did very well. It included hit songs such as "Love Is All Around" and "Can't Touch It".

Besides singing, Ricki-Lee has also worked in television and radio. She has hosted popular TV shows like Australia's Got Talent and even returned to Australian Idol as a co-host.

Early Life and Music Start

Ricki-Lee Dawn Coulter was born on 10 November 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand. Her mother raised her, and they moved to Gold Coast, Queensland when Ricki-Lee was just three months old. She played many sports like swimming and netball as a child.

When Ricki-Lee was 15, she had a serious knee injury. This meant she couldn't play netball anymore. Around this time, her mother discovered Ricki-Lee's amazing singing voice. This led her to start performing with live bands in the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas. She also learned to play instruments like the saxophone, flute, and trumpet. After finishing high school in 2002, Ricki-Lee decided to focus completely on her music career.

Music Career Highlights

Early TV Appearances

In 2003, Ricki-Lee first tried out for Australian Idol but didn't make it far. The next year, she tried out for Popstars Live and then again for Australian Idol. This time, she made it to the top twelve contestants. She became a fan favorite with her powerful performances. Ricki-Lee was eliminated when there were seven contestants left, which surprised many viewers.

First Albums and Group Success

After Australian Idol, Ricki-Lee signed with Shock Records. Her first single, "Hell No!", came out in June 2005 and was a top-five hit. Her self-titled album, Ricki-Lee, followed in October 2005. Another popular song from the album was "Sunshine".

In 2006, Ricki-Lee joined a group called Young Divas with other Australian Idol singers. They released a cover of "This Time I Know It's for Real", which was a huge hit. Their album, Young Divas, was also very successful. Ricki-Lee left the group in 2007 to continue her solo career.

Solo Success and New Sounds

Ricki-Lee's second album, Brand New Day, was released in 2007. The song "Can't Touch It" became her most successful single, reaching number two on the charts. She also won 'Fave Female Singer' at the 2007 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards.

In 2011, Ricki-Lee signed with EMI Music Australia. Her third album, Fear & Freedom (2012), was her first to reach the top ten on the album charts. It included hit songs like "Raining Diamonds" and "Do It Like That". "Do It Like That" was even a hit in Japan!

Her fourth album, Dance in the Rain (2014), also did well. After a break, she released new music, including "Not Too Late" in 2017.

Recent Music

In 2023, Ricki-Lee released "On My Own", the first song from her fifth album. Her album, also called On My Own, was released in March 2024. It became her highest-charting album ever, reaching number three in Australia.

Musical Style and Influences

Ricki-Lee's music mixes different styles like R&B, pop, and dance. Her songs often have upbeat rhythms. She has also co-written many of her own songs, showing her talent as a songwriter.

She grew up listening to famous singers like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, who inspired her. Ricki-Lee also looks up to artists like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, admiring their hard work and creativity.

Other Ventures

Television Roles

Ricki-Lee has appeared on many TV shows. In 2005, she was a contestant on Celebrity Circus. She later returned to Australian Idol as a host and reporter in 2008 and 2009. This role earned her a nomination for a Logie Award.

In 2012, she was a mentor on The Voice Australia. She also competed on Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2014, finishing in third place. Since 2019, Ricki-Lee has been the host of Australia's Got Talent. In 2023, she became a co-host for the new season of Australian Idol.

Radio Career

Ricki-Lee has also had a successful career in radio. She started as a radio presenter in 2008. In 2010, she became a full-time breakfast radio presenter for Nova 96.9 in Sydney.

In 2022, she began filling in on Nova's national drive radio show. In March 2023, she officially joined the show as a permanent co-host. The show is now called Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel.

Endorsements and Charity Work

Ricki-Lee has worked with different brands. In 2008, she became an ambassador for Hold Me Tight clothing. In 2012, she became the face of the Woolworths Earn & Learn program, which helps schools get educational resources. She also became the new Australian face for the cosmetics brand CoverGirl.

She has also supported many charities. She has been an ambassador for McHappy Day multiple times, raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. She also supported Jeans for Genes Day, which helps research childhood genetic diseases. Ricki-Lee has also helped raise money for HIV and AIDS awareness.

Personal Life

Ricki-Lee Coulter married Jamie Babbington in 2007, but they separated in 2008. In 2009, she started dating her manager, Richard Harrison. They announced their engagement in 2013 and married in Paris, France, on 5 August 2015.

Ricki-Lee is a strong supporter of the LGBT community. She has performed at many LGBT events and supports same-sex marriage in Australia.

Discography

• Ricki-Lee (2005)
• Brand New Day (2007)
• Fear & Freedom (2012)
• Dance in the Rain (2014)
• On My Own (2024)

Tours

Headlining Tours

• The Brand New Day Tour (2008)
• Fear & Freedom Tour (2012)
• Ricki-Lee: Live in Concert Tour (2019)

Co-headlining Tours

• Young Divas Tour with Paulini, Emily Williams and Kate DeAraugo (2006)

Supporting Act Tours

• Hilary Duff's Dignity Tour: Australian leg (2008)
• Backstreet Boys' This Is Us Tour: Australian leg (2010)
• Jason Derulo's Tattoos World Tour: Australian leg (2014)
• Take That's This Life on Tour: Australian leg (2024)

Television Appearances

Awards and Nominations

Images for kids

• 

  Coulter on the red carpet of the 2006 ARIA Music Awards.

• 

  Coulter performing in Tea Tree Gully, South Australia in February 2007.

• 

  Ricki-Lee Coulter at "Water for Elephants" Sydney premiere, May 2011

• 

  Coulter performing tracks from her third album, Fear & Freedom, at the Beresford Hotel, Sydney in May 2012.

• 

  Coulter performing at Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa's For the Love of Sydney Party at The Standard, Darlinghurst, New South Wales in October 2011.