Going solo is never easy. Unless you have the larger than life personality of a Justin Timberlake or a Beyonce, an artist takes a huge risk when they depart from the group that made them famous in the first place.
While Girls Aloud, the reality TV-spawned girl group turned U.K. chart-topper, is currently on hiatus, its members are venturing off into various projects. Cheryl Cole has released two solo albums in Europe, as well as snagged a possible judging spot on Simon Cowell’s U.S. take on “The X Factor.” Meanwhile, fellow member Nadine Coyle released her debut album in late 2010 with announced plans to release in America this summer.
Related
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The third member of the pack to take a stab at solo stardom, Nicola Roberts, is perhaps the most intriguing. Already finding a big fan in Perez Hilton, the orange-haired hipster premiered her first single, “Beat Of My Drum,” on British radio Friday (June 3). The song’s music video also premiered, highlighting Roberts, her dancers, a drumline, and a teenage cheerleading troupe showing off some impressive footwork and hip-bumping in the stomping, electro-pop track. Watch below.
Imagine a young M.I.A. — mixed with Robyn and Yelle — went on a shopping spree to Urban Outfitters, started chanting “L! O! V! E!” and turned it all into a true summer anthem. Thank Diplo, who’s responsible for helping to craft the sounds of M.I.A. and Santigold as well as Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls),” for this one, as well as fellow producer Dimitri Tikovoi (who’s worked with electronic groups like Goldfrapp and Placebo).
Roberts’ solo album, “Cinderella’s Eyes,” will see a U.K. release on Oct. 3.
Are you on (what Nicola calls her supporters) “Team Ginge”? Could the singer have a shot stateside? Tell us in the comments below!