By Michelle Norris
Talent show star, award-winning actress, chart topping songstress – it’s difficult knowing where to start when describing the teenage sensation that is Diana Vickers.
But in just two years, this little Lancashire lass has transformed from quirky and kooky X Factor finalist through to a gorgeous and glamorous pop star, picking up a Theatre Goers Choice award along the way – not bad for an 18-year-old girl from up North!
With her debut album Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree reaching record sales of 100,000, going straight in at number one, you’d think that Diana would have her head in the clouds. But, when I caught up with her last week, it was clear that she’s still shocked by her own success.
“It’s all been so unexpected,” gushes Diana, whose album and debut single ‘Once’ went straight into the top spot of the UK charts earlier this year.
“I mean when the single got to number one that was great but when the album did too, I actually couldn’t believe it! And it was just great ‘cos the album is what all of the work went into.”
Famed for her time on the X Factor in 2008, where she was known for performing on stage in bare feet, with her ‘claw hand’, she was deemed by Simon Cowell as a ‘marmite performer’ – people will either love her or hate her.
But two years down the line it’s pretty clear that we’re all loving this feisty teenager, who has broken out of her kooky-shell and grown up into a successful and sassy female artist.
“I think that my style just reflects the fact that I’m growing up, you know?” the starlet tells me. “To be honest on the X Factor everyone was dressing you the way they wanted you to look,” she pauses.
“But since then I’ve got really into fashion and go to all the fashion shows and I’m always looking through Vogue. I’ve grown up and I love it!”
After being booted out in the semi-final stage of the X Factor, Diana took a year out before starring in the West End Show The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, which led to her winning a London Newcomer of the Year Award.
And even though she lost out on the X Factor crown to Alexandra Burke, Diana explains how not winning has turned out to be the right path for her.
“The X Factor was an amazing experience and although I didn’t win, I think that taking a year out was a real crucial moment for my career, so really not winning was a blessing in disguise,” she says.
“I was 17 when the X Factor ended, so that year really gave me a chance to grow up a bit. It also gave me time for trial and error with my album!”
And now, there are even rumours flying around that the producers of the hit American TV show Glee are offering Diana the chance to star in their next season. And even though Diana wasn’t going to give anything away, she didn’t deny her interest in the show.
“It’s definitely something I’d be interested in doing, although nothing has been confirmed yet, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” she smiles. “Acting is really refreshing but I think my heart is with my voice. I adore my singing! I’m so in love with music and when I get up on stage I absolutely bloomin’ love it!”
And after performing at Radio One’s Big Weekend and T in the Park already this year, Diana is now getting ready for the stage at Virgin Media’s V Festival in Chelmsford.
Performing on the Arena Stage on Sunday 22 August, with the likes of Kate Nash, La Roux, Mika and the Sugababes, Diana can’t wait!
“I love festivals so much,” she enthuses. “I cannot believe that I’ve already done T in the Park, which was such an epic moment for me and so emotional ‘cos I got to perform like eight songs!”
And Diana admits that there’s one band in particular that she can’t wait to see.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Kasabian,” she confesses. “I wish I could see Kings of Leon too, but they’re playing on a different day.”
Now, with her latest single ‘The Boy Who Murdered Love’ in the charts, there seems to be no stopping this little star.
“This is a pop song with a bit of a dark meaning to it,” she explains. “I really hope that people like it.”
Don’t miss Diana Vickers when she performs at V Festival on Sunday 22 August.
For more information about Diana visit www.dianavickersmusic.com.