Rowetta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rowetta
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Rowetta in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rowetta Idah |
| Born | 5 January 1966 Manchester, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | |
Rowetta Idah (born January 5, 1966) is a talented British singer. She is widely known as Rowetta. She became famous for her work with the band Happy Mondays, joining them in 1990. She sang and toured with the band for many years.
Rowetta's 1989 song "Reach Out" with Sweet Mercy was very popular. Parts of this song have been used by other famous artists like Steve Angello, Laidback Luke, Todd Terry, and the Black Eyed Peas. In 2004, Rowetta also appeared on the TV show The X Factor. She was the last female contestant left in the competition.
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Rowetta's Early Life
Rowetta was born to an English mother and a Nigerian father, George Idah. Her father was a politician. He left the family when Rowetta was three years old. Rowetta discovered her singing talent when she was twelve. She won a talent competition at that young age. She went to Bury Grammar School. After finishing school, she became a professional singer.
Rowetta's Music Career
In 1987, Rowetta released two singles with a group called Vanilla Sound Corps. She also sang on songs for Inner City. During this time, she released two songs: "Back Where We Belong" and "Passion". In 1988, she worked with Dynasty of 2 on their single "Stop This Thing". She also sang backup for other artists. For example, she sang on Simply Red's 1991 album Stars. Rowetta is the voice on the 1989 song "Reach Out" with Sweet Mercy. This song has been used by many artists. It was also remixed and re-released in 2008.
Joining Happy Mondays
In 1990, Rowetta joined the famous band Happy Mondays. She sang on their hit single "Step On", which reached number 5 on the music charts. After that, she was part of two albums: Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches and Yes Please!. She also went on three world tours with the band. The Happy Mondays broke up and got back together a few times over the years.
After the band's first breakup, Rowetta took a break from music. However, she played herself in the movie 24 Hour Party People. This film showed the Happy Mondays' most successful years.
Rowetta rejoined the Happy Mondays in 2012. The original members all came back together. They went on a tour, and new music was planned. In 2023, Rowetta was featured on the song "In Ecstasy" by Shed Seven. In 2024, the Happy Mondays announced that Rowetta had left the band.
Rowetta on The X Factor
In 2004, Rowetta became well-known again when she tried out for The X Factor. She impressed the judges with her singing of "Lady Marmalade". She was placed in the "over-25" age group. This group was mentored by Simon Cowell. He described her voice as "Amazing".
Her strong and soulful voice was a big hit with the audience. Some people wondered if it was fair for an experienced singer to compete against new singers. But the show's producers said anyone could audition. Rowetta's performances were highly praised. She made it to the quarter-finals. She was the last woman left in the competition. She never had to compete in a "sing-off" to stay on the show.
After The X Factor
In 2005, Rowetta released an album with Gut Records. She also appeared on the BBC's Children in Need charity appeal in 2005 and 2006. In 2005, she sang live with the BBC Orchestra. In 2006, she was on Celebrity Scissorhands. She also sang on the Cornershop song "Wop the Groove" in 2006.
In 2006, Rowetta had a small role as herself in the TV show Footballer's Wives:Extra Time. A year later, she performed in her first musical theatre show. It was called The Best of Broadway at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. She also performed in Christmas on Broadway. Rowetta also hosted a radio show called The Terry & Ro Show in August 2007. She also toured Japan, where she has many fans.
In 2008, Rowetta recorded vocals for a song on the first album by Peter Hook's band Freebass. A new version of "Reach Out" with Rowetta's vocals was very popular in late 2008 and early 2009.
Rowetta also had her own radio show on Gaydio 88.4FM. She also helped host a show about Manchester United football club on BBC Radio Manchester. She toured the UK with the London Community Gospel Choir. In 2010, Rowetta performed with Peter Hook and the Light. She also worked with other dance music artists. In 2011, she recorded more music with Peter Hook and the Light, Mirror People, and the Kino Club. In 2014, Rowetta performed at Party in the Park in Poole. On May 18, 2015, she performed with the Light to remember Joy Division singer Ian Curtis.
In 2015, Rowetta toured again with the Happy Mondays. This tour celebrated the 25th anniversary of their album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches.
Rowetta's Personal Life
During her time on The X Factor, it was shared that Rowetta had experienced a difficult marriage. She later became a strong voice for people who have faced similar challenges. In 2005, she was featured in a BBC documentary called Battered and Bruised. She also supported a campaign called "End the Fear" for the Greater Manchester Police in 2010.
Rowetta's Film Appearances
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 24 Hour Party People | Herself | Small appearance |
