Emma's Imagination | |
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Birth name | Emma Gillespie |
Born | Edinburgh, Scotland |
Genres | Pop, Alternative |
Occupation(s) | Singer |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 2010–present |
Labels | Future Records (2010–12) |
Associated acts | Gary Barlow |
Emma Gillespie (born in Edinburgh, Scotland), better known by her stage name Emma's Imagination, is a Scottish singer. She first came to prominence after winning the Sky 1 TV talent contest Must Be the Music. She has since been signed to Gary Barlow's music label Future Records. She has since released her debut solo album, Stand Still in January 2011.
Emma Gillespie was born in Edinburgh and grew up in Dumfries where she attended St Joseph's College. She lived with her mother Sharon and stepfather. Gillespie was in the Andaman Islands in India at the time of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. She then went on to travel in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, with many of her ideas for music originating while travelling.
Gillespie took up playing guitar when aged 16. Before coming to public attention, she spent time busking on the streets of Glasgow, to which she had moved a year before her breakthrough. She also spent time honing her skills performing in New York.
Emma's Imagination entered Must Be the Music, broadcast on Sky1 and Sky 1 HD. In the initial televised audition phase, as well as the three semi-finals and final, contestants sang in front of the judges, Jamie Cullum, Dizzee Rascal, and Sharleen Spiteri. The auditions took place in early August 2010 with musicians allowed to play their own compositions. The live finals were held at Wembley Arena with a live audience behind the judges. During the finals, the public voted for their favourite act, which was Emma's Imagination.