Every once in a while, musicians from the UK take America by storm and top the music charts. We’ve seen it with The Beatles in the 1960s, Spice Girls in the 1990s, Adele in the 2000s, and tons more post 2010 including Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, and One Direction who recreated the boy band scene. Now even more British artists are going international, making their stamp in the US and around the world. Kidzworld lists the top 10 UK artists breaking into the US market:
No. 10: Rita Ora
Rita Ora
Singer-songwriter Rita Ora was an instant success with four number one singles on the UK Singles Charts right out of the gate. She was lucky enough to work with artists such as Drake, Will.I.Am and Kanye West on her debut album.
No. 9: Little Mix
Little Mix
Like One Direction, Little Mix came together under Simon Cowell’s instruction during X Factor UK in 2011 and became the first group to win their season of the show. They have since become a successful 4-girl pop band and plan to release Little Mix paraphernalia, such as dolls, accessories and games.
No. 8: The Saturdays
The Saturdays
The British-Irish girl group The Saturdays has actually been around since 2007. They’ve released three albums and have now gone on to write an autobiographical book as well as start their own fashion and accessory line. The group will be releasing their fourth studio album in the US in 2013.
No. 7: Lawson
Lawson
Originally named “The Grove,” Lawson decided to change their name in honor of the doctor who successfully removed the tumor from lead singer Andy Brown’s brain. The band was a Youtube sensation with their debut song “When She Was Mine” and went on to open for The Wanted on two separate tours.
No. 6: Pixie Lott
Pixie Lott
It seems Pixie Lott is a triple threat. This 21-year-old beauty began as a singer-songwriter when she debuted at number one on the UK charts with her single “Mama Do.” Since then she has landed the role of Judy in Fred: The Movie and signed with a modeling agency. This girl is one to watch!
No. 5: Olly Murs
Olly Murs
Olly Murs also got his start on X Factor. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter and now TV presenter’s voice is reminiscent of Adam Levine's. Americans may know him best from his song "My Heart Skips a Beat" featuring Rizzle Kicks.
No. 4: Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd
Yet another X Factor finalist, Cher Lloyd’s departure from the show brought grand success when Simon Cowell signed her to Sony Music. In 2012, she went international with the re-release of her single “Want U Back.” She’s a pop artist with some serious R&B swag.
No. 3: Emeli Sande
Emeli Sande
Emeli Sande is a 25-year-old singer from Scotland. She performed at the Opening and Closing ceremonies at the 2012 London Olympics, but you may know her best for her powerful single, "Next to Me."
No. 2: Conor Maynard
Conor Maynard
Conor Maynard made his start by covering popular songs on Youtube. After covering a Ne-Yo song, the R&B artist liked what he saw and quickly became Conor’s mentor. He may not be quite as cute as Justin Bieber, but he’s got vocal skills for miles! You’ll recognize his third single, featuring Ne-Yo himself, called "Turn Around."
No. 1: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
While acoustic musician Ed Sheeran has been recording since 2005, he didn’t sign with a label until 2011. His single “The A Team” was a huge success. He has done some charity work, and has taken part in songs on albums by Taylor Swift and One Direction. You can check him out when he opens for Taylor Swift on her 2013 tour.
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