Rowetta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rowetta
Rowetta performing in 2021
Background information
Birth name	Rowetta Idah
Born	(1966-01-05) 5 January 1966 (age 59) Manchester, England
Genres	R&B pop soul dance rock
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1987–present
Labels	Factory Elektra Gut Haçienda

Rowetta Idah (born 5 January 1966) is a British singer. She is known by her stage name, Rowetta. She is most famous for being a singer with the band Happy Mondays. She joined them in 1990 and has toured with them.

Her song "Reach Out" from 1989 was very popular. Many other artists have used parts of it in their own music. These include Steve Angello, Laidback Luke, Todd Terry, and the Black Eyed Peas. Rowetta also appeared on the TV show The X Factor in 2004. She was the last female contestant left in the competition.

Rowetta's Early Life and Music Beginnings

Rowetta was born on January 5, 1966. Her mother was English, and her father, George Idah, was a politician from Nigeria. Her father left the family when she was three years old.

Rowetta discovered her singing talent when she was twelve. She won a talent competition. She went to Bury Grammar School. After finishing school, she became a professional singer.

In 1987, Rowetta released two songs with a group called Vanilla Sound Corps. She also sang on songs for the band Inner City. During this time, she released "Back Where We Belong" and "Passion." In 1988, she worked with Dynasty of 2 on their song "Stop This Thing." She also sang backing vocals for other artists. One famous example is Simply Red's album Stars in 1991.

Rowetta is the voice on the well-known 1989 song "Reach Out" with Sweet Mercy. This song has been used by many artists. It was remixed and released again in 2008.

Rowetta's Music Career

Singing with Happy Mondays

Rowetta at Manchester Pride in 2010

In 1990, Rowetta became a member of the band Happy Mondays. She sang on their popular song "Step On," which reached number 5 on the music charts. After this, she was part of two albums: Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches and Yes Please! The band also went on three world tours.

The Happy Mondays broke up and got back together a few times. After one of their break-ups, Rowetta took a break from music. However, she played herself in the movie 24 Hour Party People in 2002. This film showed the band's most successful years.

Rowetta rejoined the Happy Mondays in 2012. The original members of the band got back together. They went on tour, and there were plans for a new album and another world tour in 2013.

In 2023, Rowetta sang on the song "In Ecstasy" by the band Shed Seven. In 2024, the Happy Mondays announced that Rowetta had left the band.

Appearing on The X Factor

Rowetta became well-known again in 2004. She tried out for The X Factor TV show. She impressed the judges with her performance of "Lady Marmalade." She was placed in the over-25 age group. This group was guided by Simon Cowell. He said she was "Amazing."

Her strong and soulful voice was a hit with the audience. Some people wondered if it was fair for an experienced singer to compete against people who were not professional. However, the show's producers said that anyone could audition. Her performances on the show were highly praised. She reached the quarter-finals and was the last woman left in the competition. She never had to sing again to avoid being eliminated.

After The X Factor

In 2005, Rowetta released her own album. 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 provided vocals for the Cornershop song "Wop the Groove."

Rowetta had a small role as herself in the TV show Footballer's Wives:Extra Time in 2006. 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 2007. She became the voice for the community radio station Salford City Radio. She also toured Japan, where she has many fans. She appeared on a special TV episode of The Weakest Link.

In 2008, a new version of "Reach Out" was released. It featured Rowetta's vocals. This song was number one on the Beatport charts for several weeks.

Rowetta also had her own radio show on Gaydio 88.4FM. She co-hosted a show about Manchester United football club on BBC Radio Manchester. She toured the UK with a show called The Songs of Sister Act. In 2010, Rowetta performed with Peter Hook and the Light. She also worked on new dance songs with other artists. In 2011, she recorded music with Peter Hook and the Light, Mirror People, and the Kino Club.

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, Rowetta shared her past experiences. She had been in a difficult marriage when she was eighteen years old. Rowetta had two children with her former husband. She left the marriage in 1987 and later divorced.

Since then, Rowetta has become a strong voice for raising awareness about family safety. In 2005, she was featured in a BBC documentary. She also supported a campaign called "End the Fear" for the Greater Manchester Police in 2010.

Film and TV Appearances