Sugababes

Sugababes biography

The Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London Records. Donaghy soon departed from the group, which was later dropped by London. With the introduction of Range, the Sugababes signed with Island Records and experienced a higher level of commercial success, releasing three multi-platinum albums. The band survived a second line-up change when Buena left and was subsequently replaced by Berrabah. After eleven years in the band, Buchanan was replaced by Ewen. The fourth line-up signed with RCA Records in 2011 after parting with Island.

In 2006, British Hit Singles & Albums named the Sugababes as the most successful female act of the 21st century with six UK number one singles and eighteen UK top ten hits. Their number one singles include such songs as "Freak Like Me", "Round Round", "Hole in the Head", "Push the Button", "Walk This Way" and "About You Now". They have also accumulated five UK top ten albums (four of which have gained at least platinum certification), including chart-toppers Taller in More Ways and Change. The Sugababes have been nominated for six Brit Awards, winning one for Best British Dance Act in 2003. They have been a long-term fixture in the British tabloids due to their perceived frequent line-up changes and alleged group infighting.

History

1998-2001: Formation and One Touch

thumb The Sugababes were formed in 1998 by All Saints manager Ron Tom. Siobhán Donaghy and Mutya Buena, both aged just 13, had been signed as solo artists, but decided to work together after performing at the same showcase. While working in the studio, Buena invited her best friend Keisha Buchanan to watch them. Manager Tom decided the three girls were to be a trio, likening their different appearances to the United Colors of Benetton campaign. Originally dubbed the Sugababies, the group's name was tweaked to Sugababes when they were signed by London Records in order to give the group a more mature image.

The group's debut single, "Overload", peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart in 2000 and was nominated for a BRIT Award for Best Single. The group co-wrote most of the tracks on debut album One Touch with the help of All Saints producer Cameron McVey. One Touch peaked at number 26 on the UK Albums Chart. The album produced three more top 40 hits-"New Year", "Run for Cover" and "Soul Sound". The sales of One Touch did not meet London Records' expectations, and they dropped the group in 2001. It was later certified gold by the BPI and had sold 220,000 copies in the UK by 2008 according to Music Week.

2001-03: Second line-up and Angels with Dirty Faces

During a Japanese promotional tour in August 2001, Donaghy left the group. She stated initially that she wanted to pursue a fashion career, Donaghy later stated that she was forced out of the group by Buchanan and called Buchanan the "first bully" in her life. Former Atomic Kitten member Heidi Range was announced as Donaghy's replacement.

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