U.K. singer and near-miss-U.S. X Factor judge Cheryl Cole revealed Tuesday in an interview with London’s Daily Star that she has no plans to break into the U.S. pop music scene, crushing the dreams of her Stateside “soldiers” (you can’t be a pop star in 2012 without naming your fan base).
Cole is a star to millions outside the U.S. who know her as a member of Girls Aloud, a U.K. girl group formed through the reality show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. Here, she’s mostly known for being unceremoniously booted from the American version of The X Factor and replaced by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger only weeks before the show’s debut. Little reason was given for cutting Cole, who was a judge on the original U.K. edition of the show and had already taped initial audition rounds in the U.S. — other than the fact that Cowell said she looked “uncomfortable” on the panel.
Since then, Cole has been working on her her third studio album, A Million Lights, due June 18 in her home country. This week, she also announced a string of fall tour dates to support the album, but not a single one finds Cole crossing the pond to promote the album here.]
It’s a shame, really. If Rihanna can find success with “We Found Love,” Cole’s new single certainly has it what it takes. “Call My Name,” also produced by Calvin Harris, is loaded with hypnotic synths and a humming, subwoofer-rattling bass line. More importantly, its video features a kick-ass dance routine that involves the kind of booty shaking, crotch grabbing, and hard-to-follow footwork that Stateside pop stars’ hits are habitually made of:
With great dance routines come great scrutiny, however. Though some performances have shown off her vocal chops, Cole isn’t immune to accusations of lip synching or relying too heavily on a backing track to aid her energetic live performances — just watch fans and detractors battle it out in YouTube comments. (Though again, doesn’t that qualify her to join her American peers?).Plus, is there any better time for a British artist to set their sights on this country? One Direction, who were formed through the U.K. X Factor, debuted atop the charts here this year, and other English acts ranging from the Wanted to Ellie Goulding and of course the chart mother of them all, Adele, have easily climbed the Hot 100 this past year.
And Cole does get some help from friends in high places. Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas has long been a supporter, featuring her on his song “Heartbreaker” in 2008 and lending production or cowriting on all three of her albums. Vampire Weekend were so impressed when they heard her song “Fight For This Love” that they performed a cover themselves, and Adele herself called Cole “her favorite person ever” when she covered Cole’s hit “Promise This.”So what gives — is Cheryl simply not the kind of pop star America wants, or is she just giving up too easy
Cole has since announced a slew of tour dates and, yes, none of them include the U.S. The singer’s new single, “Call My Name,” which was produced by Calvin Harris, is already out and it’s a pretty catchy tune. Maybe even one that could break Cole into the U.S. pop scene finally. But it sounds like she doesn’t want to be involved. Check out the video for the single below:
.Are you as bummed about this as we are? Do you think Cole should suck it up and just spread her music to any willing fanbase? Can we blame Cowell for this? Tell us in the comments.
.
NY Mag
Quote:
Vulture knew this day would come (in fact, we thought it had already come, right around the time she got fired from X Factor), but still, sad news: British pop star Cheryl Cole will not be releasing her new album in the U.S.; meaning that, more or less, she has given up on being famous here. No! "Call My Name" is the second best "Call M-" song released in 2012! Also: Cheryl, we tried.
Terra:
Quote:
We are saddened by the news but are comforted by the fact that her single from A Million Lights is number one in the U.K.
This makes me worry for Marina & the Diamonds. Marina is incredibly talented, but the US market is very difficult to enter and impact. One Direction is only successful because of the Justin Bieber generation. The US doesn't need a "Cheryl Cole" because it already has Rihanna, who makes the same type of music but at a higher quality. Marina is very unique, but her housewife appearance is the complete opposite of sexy.
This makes me worry for Marina & the Diamonds. Marina is incredibly talented, but the US market is very difficult to enter and impact. One Direction is only successful because of the Justin Bieber generation. The US doesn't need a "Cheryl Cole" because it already has Rihanna, who makes the same type of music but at a higher quality. Marina is very unique, but her housewife appearance is the complete opposite of sexy.
Hmmm marina is like a uk katy atm. At least i get those vibes from primadonna.
This is the same reason Kylie couldn't break in the US, we have enough popstars. Having her will be like another Rihanna. One is enough. The only reason these other British pop artists are having success her is because of Adele.
This is the same reason Kylie couldn't break in the US, we have enough popstars. Having her will be like another Rihanna. One is enough. The only reason these other British pop artists are having success her is because of Adele.
I never thought she could break in the US tbh. Kylie is amazing but she is not too American appealing. Stan card aside, Cheryl could find some sucess here tbh.
shes beautiful & i think sometimes in america, we like our popstars a bit aloof, rihanna, gaga, kesha, adele even, like something quirky about the popstars we like. cheryl is amazing but idk
I don't think she's really given up on America in reality.
Sooner or later she will have her break out hit. If some of today's disposable pop stars can get a hit, she certainly can, plus she has more connections.
