Sinéad Quinn facts for kids

Sinéad Quinn (born March 24, 1980) is a singer from Northern Ireland. She became well-known in 2002 as a contestant on the first season of the UK TV show Fame Academy. After the show, she signed a recording contract and released her own album. Her song "I Can't Break Down" became a big hit, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003.

Sinéad's Music Journey

Joining Fame Academy

Sinéad Quinn joined Fame Academy in a special way. Most contestants were chosen by judges. But the last spot was decided by public vote. Sinéad, David Sneddon, and Paul MacDonald sang for this spot. Sinéad won with 51% of the votes. This earned her a place in the Academy.

During the show, she sang many different songs. These included hits from Macy Gray and Garth Brooks. She also performed classic songs like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". In the final, she competed against David Sneddon and Lemar Obika. Sinéad finished in second place. She received 2.5 million votes out of 6.5 million.

Her Solo Career Begins

Soon after Fame Academy, Sinéad signed a big record deal. It was with Mercury Records. Her first song, "I Can’t Break Down", came out in February 2003. It quickly reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song sold 95,000 copies. The music video for it was filmed in the empty Fame Academy house.

Her next song, "What You Need Is", reached number 19. Her album, Ready to Run, came out later. Sinéad wrote the songs on this album herself. It reached number 48 on the UK Albums Chart. Besides her own music, Sinéad also sang on the Fame Academy Album. She also provided vocals for fellow contestant Malachi Cush's first album.

Live Shows and Songwriting

Sinéad loved writing songs and performing even before Fame Academy. The show helped her improve her songwriting. It also gave her first ever singing lessons. After the show, she went on the Fame Academy Tour. This was her first time performing for large crowds outside of TV.

Over the years, Sinéad has continued to perform live. In 2003, she toured universities with her band. She played to a full audience at Music Live 2003. In 2005, she supported Children in Need with a performance. She also sang at the Christmas lights switch-on in Coventry.

Sinéad also appeared on TV shows like RTÉ's The Lyrics Board. On New Year's Eve 2005, she sang Sheryl Crow's "Everyday Is a Winding Road". Later in 2005, the Irish President Mary McAleese invited Sinéad to a special event. It was to celebrate her contributions to entertainment in Ireland.

In 2007, Sinéad played the role of Beth in the live tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. That same year, she helped judge a talent show for Girl Guiding UK. She also performed at the Grand Final. In 2008, she mostly played smaller concerts in London. She also opened for the singer Lulu at the Chichester Festivities.

Since 2009, Sinéad has been performing with her band, Sinéad and The Dawnbreakers. They play at different places and festivals. Her husband, Paul Stewart, is the drummer in the band. Today, Sinéad performs at private events. She also works at Electric Umbrella in London. This group uses music to help adults with disabilities.

Sinéad's Personal Life

Sinéad Quinn was born in Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. She is the third child of Gerry and Philomena Quinn. She studied at the University of Hull.

On October 9, 2007, she got engaged to Paul Stewart. They got married on December 6, 2008. The wedding was at the Sacred Heart Church in Irvinestown. Sinéad and Paul have three children together.

Sinéad's Music Releases

Albums

Singles