NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - Homeschool/Atlantic recording artist
Estelle has won her first Grammy Award for her hit single, "American Boy (Feat. Kanye West)." The chart-topping track - featured on the British hip-hop/soul sensation's critically acclaimed U.S. debut album, "SHINE" - received the trophy for "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" at the ceremonies held Sunday in Los Angeles.
What's more, Estelle's live performance of "American Boy" with West was hailed as one of the event's most thrilling moments. She will perform next on the UK's upcoming Brit Awards, to be held in London on February 18th. Estelle has received Brit nominations in two major categories, including "Best Female" and "Best Single" (for "American Boy").
The Grammy triumph follows a hugely successful awards season for Estelle and "American Boy." Among the many prestigious honors received are a BETJ Virtual Award for "Song of the Year," a World Music Award for "World's Best New R&B Act," an Urban Music Award for "Best Collaboration," an O2 Silver Clef Award for "Download of the Year," and a pair of MOBO Awards, for "Best UK Female" and "Best Song." Estelle has also received a wide array of nominations, for such prizes as the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards
Released last spring, "American Boy" has been certified platinum by the RIAA for digital sales exceeding 1 million. The single proved Estelle's U.S. breakthrough, as well as a genuine international blockbuster. In addition to hitting No 1 in the UK, "American Boy" topped the European Airplay Chart, along with airplay charts in the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland. The single - which made history as the third-ever No 1 UK single based on digital sales alone - also reached the peak position on the iTunes Stores' "Top Songs" chart in such countries as the UK, France, and Germany.
A stunning live performer, Estelle will kick off a major North American headline tour later this month. The dates begin on Saturday, February 21st at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and then continue through mid-March (see itinerary below).
Estelle - who recently wrapped a major U.S. tour supporting John Legend - has also made a variety of high profile TV appearances, including performances on CBS's "Late Night with David Letterman" and "Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson," the nationally syndicated "Ellen DeGeneres Show," ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and the "2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game Halftime Show," broadcast on ESPN2, TeleFutura, and CBC.
Furthermore, Estelle is currently among the stars featured in adidas' largest-ever global brand campaign for adidas Originals. The year-long campaign - entitled "Celebrate Originality" - includes two television spots, cinema, digital, retail, activation events, and a print campaign. Other music and sports icons taking part in the campaign include Missy Elliott, Russell Simmons, Daryl "DMC" McDaniels, David Beckham, Method Man, Redman, and Katy Perry among others. As if all this weren't enough, a number of additional promotional campaigns featuring Estelle will be announced shortly.
In addition, Estelle was recently named an Ambassador for Virgin Unite, the not-for-profit entrepreneurial foundation of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group. Through Virgin Unite's "Music Movement" program, she will be working to empower women and disadvantaged young people around the world. Estelle has been involved with Virgin Unite for the past few years, helping to raise EUR 68K in 2006 in support of their work with young people in South Africa. Estelle also worked with Virgin Unite to organize a forum for young Africans to voice their dreams for the future during the 2005 Make Poverty History - G8 Summit.
"SHINE" - which marks the premiere release from Grammy Award-winner John Legend's new Homeschool Records label, in partnership with Atlantic Records - is without question one of 2008's most compelling releases. Executive Produced by Legend and Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman, the album features production from an array of studio superstars, including Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen), Wyclef Jean (Mary J. Blige, Shakira), Swizz Beatz (T.I., Jay-Z, Beyonce), will.i.am (Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Chris Brown), and Supa Dups (of the famed Black Chiney sound system). Joining Estelle behind the mic are such talented artists as John Legend, Sean Paul, Cee-Lo, and acclaimed Canadian dancehall/hip-hop MC, Kardinal Offishall.
With "SHINE," Estelle more than fulfills the promise of her 2004 debut, "THE 18TH DAY." That album earned her widespread acclaim, as well as a series of honors including a 2004 MOBO for "Best Newcomer" and three consecutive received "Best Female Artist" trophies from the UK Hip-Hop Awards.
Here in the U.S., Estelle has been acknowledged as one of 2008's most extraordinary new stars. She is among Rolling Stone's "Ones to Watch in 2008," Billboard's "What's Great in 2008," the New York Post's "New Faces of 2008," and Paste's "4 to Watch in 2008," as well as one of Vibe's "Next" artists.
ESTELLE - ON TOUR 2009
FEBRUARY
21 - Swarthmore, PA - Swarthmore College
22 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head
23 - Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University
25 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
26 - Kansas City, MO - Harrah's - Voodoo Lounge
27 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
MARCH
2 - Seattle, WA - Showbox
3 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre
5 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
6 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
9 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
10 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
11 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
12 - Atlanta, GA - Centerstage
