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Anastacia
Anastacia during a concert
Background information
Birth name	Anastacia Lyn Newkirk
Also known as	The Little Lady With The Big Voice, The Queen Of Pop Soul
Born	September 17, 1973 (1973-09-17) (age 34) Chicago, Illinois,
Genre(s)	Soul, pop, rock
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, fashion designer, producer
Voice type(s)	Dramatic coloratura contralto
Years active	2000–present
Label(s)	Universal Records, Epic, Daylight, Columbia, Sony Records, Mercury Records
Website	www.anastacia.com

Anastacia (born Anastacia Lyn Newkirk on September 17, 1973^[1]) is a multi-platinumand Italian Grammy Award Winner American singer and songwriter. Anastacia has been highly successful in Europe, Latin America, Oceania, Asia, South Africa and Australia but has not had as much success in her native United States. Despite the lack of American success, she has sold over 46 million records worldwide.^[2]

Anastacia is world renowned for her, edgy, soulful voice and is a dramatic soprano, famous for her ability to hit powerfull notes in a full voice range. Her small stature (160 cm or 5'3"^[3]) has also led to her being nicknamed "The Little Lady with The Big Voice". She was also known for her trademark glasses (often darkly tinted), but she had surgery to correct her vision permanently in August 2005. She made headlines when diagnosed in 2003 with breast cancer. On April 21, 2007 she married her bodyguard of three years, Wayne Newton, in Mexico.

Career

Early life

Anastacia was born in Chicago, Illinois into a showbiz family: her late father Robert Newkirk was a club-singer and her mother Diane Hurley an actress in Broadway musical theatre. She has also Russian origins. After her father left the Newkirk family, they moved to New York City when she was a teenager.^[3] Then she enrolled at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan.^[4]

Anastacia soon became interested in dance despite being diagnosed with Crohn's disease^[5][3] when she was thirteen years old. She first gained prominence stealing the show from D.L. Hughley while he was hosting BET's Comic View, singing Oleta Adams' "Get Here" in 1992. During the early 1990s, she appeared regularly on Club MTV and in a couple of videos for rappers Salt-N-Pepa.^[4] In 1999, she attracted the interest of record labels after making the finals of MTV talent show The Cut.^[3] Anastacia signed a contract with Daylight Records, a custom label of Sony BMG's Epic Records in March 1999. The Cut was hosted by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of R&B and hip-hop group TLC. A then-unknown Anastacia finished in second place, but impressed Lopes and the show's three judges so much that she scored herself a record deal anyway.

Not That Kind

Anastacia in her "Not That Kind" video.

Her debut album Not That Kind was released in 2000. The album was a huge success, reaching the top ten in eight countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It went quadruple platinum in Australia spurred by the success of her debut smash "I'm Outta Love" which was the most popular single of the year in that country for 2000."I'm Outta Love" topped the charts in Australia, peaked at #2 in France and also reached number 6 in both the UK and Germany. In The US, it was only a minor radio hit. The second single "Not That Kind" reached number 11 in the UK and was a big hit all over Europe and the rest of the world. "Cowboys & Kisses" was released as the third single off the album, charting in the top 40 in some European countries. As the last single, the only promotional meant single "Made for Lovin' You" charted in the UK (27) and France (72).

While "I'm Outta Love" was a Top 10 song on the Hot Dance Club Play, "Not That Kind" did not chart high on the Billboard Hot 100.

Freak of Nature

Screenshot from "One Day in Your Life" (2002)

Her second album, 2001's Freak of Nature achieved respectable sales although it did not match the level of international success of Not That Kind. The album title derives from a nickname her mother called her.^{citation needed} The first single released was "Paid My Dues". The second single, "One Day in Your Life", reached number 11 in the UK and the top 10 in many European countries. The next single "Why'd You Lie to Me" reached the top 30 in the UK. "You'll Never Be Alone", the 4th single, reached #28 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the U.S. When the album was finally released in the United States in May 2002, she dedicated the album to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes,^{citation needed} who had died in a car wreck the month before. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was partly responsible for Anastacia's success, since Lisa hosted MTV's The Cut where Anastacia got her first break. Soon after she released a double disc edition featuring two bonus hits, remixes for three of the tracks on the album and two live tracks taken from a Japan gig that was performed on the September 13, 2002.

Anastacia joined Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper, Shakira, Cher, Dixie Chicks and Stevie Nicks for VH1's Divas Live in 2002 and she also contributed the song "Love Is a Crime" to the Chicago soundtrack.^[5] The song peaked at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and enjoyed moderate airplay on Rhythmic/Dance format. Anastacia was selected to sing the theme from 2002 FIFA World Cup: "Boom".

Anastacia album

Health scare

In January 2003, Anastacia decided to have her breasts reduced because of back strain. From a routine mammogram for the surgery she discovered she had breast cancer. She immediately started and successfully completed surgery and radiotherapy.^[6] Anastacia subsequently established a fund, the "Anastacia Fund",^[3] to promote awareness of breast cancer amongst younger women.

She has attributed her health scare to being an inspiration for the sound and content of her third album. According to an interview she made in 2005 on a British music station The Box, her voice lost its power and she became unable to record and thus she spent a long time writing and trying to create a sound she would be finally happy with. As she said on Rove (Australia) in 2004, she wanted to have more edge to her vocals as she felt there was something missing from her previous works. She brought in many rock instruments which brought a new atmosphere to her music. She also felt that she still needed the funkiness and the pop as the singer felt that too much edge would sound wrong with her voice. Out of this a new sound was formed. She describes her sound as "sprock" - a combination of soul, pop and rock. She named the album after herself.

Album success

Anastacia in the 2004 hit single "Left Outside Alone"

Anastacia entered record studios in September 2003 to begin recording her next album, working with Glen Ballard, Dallas Austin, and Dave Stewart for release in 2004. On the album, Anastacia also collaborated with P.O.D. lead singer Sonny Sandoval on the socially-conscious track "I Do".

The first single, released in March, was "Left Outside Alone", which saw a change in direction for Anastacia. Anastacia proved to be a smash hit reaching the top of the album charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Australia, Greece, Germany, and Italy and number 2 in Portugal and Spain. "Left Outside Alone" proved to be equally successful reaching number 1 in Australia, Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland; number 2 in the Netherlands + Germany, number 3 in the UK and reaching the top 5 on the composite European chart. Strong airplay throughout Europe gave the song a Top 40 Charts world airplay ranking as one of the top five songs played on top 40 radio stations throughout the world in April 2004. Unlike her first two albums, which were released in her homeland of America, Anastacia was not, despite being scheduled for release on three occasions. "Left Outside Alone" was released twice, but failed to pick up heavy airplay.^[4] It only gained sporadic Adult Contemporary and Hot AC format airplay. Again, it sparked Rhythmic/Dance format airplay and the dance mix of "Left Outside Alone" peaked at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play. After the original version of "Left Outside Alone" failed to catch on because of lukewarm promotional pushes, especially on radio, the album was postponed and eventually cancelled after the release date of August 30, 2004 passed.

"Welcome to My Truth" screenshot (2004).

Anastacia released three further internationally successful singles; "Sick and Tired" (which gave her another #1 in Spain and another UK Top 5 single), "Welcome to My Truth" (her best-selling hit in Spain), and the ballad "Heavy on My Heart" proceeds from the sale of which went towards her 'Anastacia Fund' (a charitable organisation providing research funding for breast cancer).

A small batch of Anastacia the album was released with a bonus DVD, Anastacia poster and slip case. The DVD includes "Making Of Anastacia", "2002 Europe Promo Tour" and a photo gallery.

Live at Last tour

From September 2004 to August 2005, Anastacia went on a "Live at Last tour". By 2005 the tour was renamed the "Encore tour".

Pieces Of A Dream: a reflection on her career

In late 2005, she released her first greatest hits collection, entitled Pieces of a Dream, named after a track of the same name. The album spawned the hit singles Pieces of a Dream and the duet with Eros Ramazzotti "I Belong to You", which was a huge hit in Europe, charting and peaking in the top ten in almost all the European countries. Even though Sony BMG did force her to release this collection, Anastacia says she is happy now that it was created as it was like a "story book", or summary of the first five years of her career.

Live At Last

Not long after the release of "I Belong to You", Anastacia released her first live DVD Live at Last on March 27, 2006 in Europe. The DVD contains footage from concerts in Berlin and Munich. It includes music videos to her four singles ("Left Outside Alone" [US version], "Everything Burns" [with Ben Moody, "Pieces Of A Dream" and "I Belong to You", with Eros Ramazzotti), five alternative videos (I Do, Rearview, Seasons Change, Underground Army and Time) to songs from her selfnamed album, and a documentary about the tour.

New album

Annie Lennox and "Sing"

Annie Lennox joined forces with Anastacia and 22 other female artists to raise awareness of the transmission of HIV to unborn children in Africa.^[7] The single "Sing" was released on World Aids Day, December 1, 2007, in conjunction with Annie Lennox's appearance at the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert in South Africa.

2008 album and tour

In August 2007, a video was put on the "Anastacia by s. oliver" web site. During the video, when Anastacia was asked about her future plans, she confirmed that she was working on a new album as well as the clothing line. A specific month of release or title was not mentioned.^[8] In November 2007, her biography on the official Anastacia website^[9] was updated to say there will be a new album in 2008, with a tour to follow.

According to Sven Kilthau-Lander, Anastacia's promotional director in Germany, the new album is currently scheduled for a fall release.

Charity work and personal life

During her years of success, Anastacia has supported many charity events as Life Ball 2006 (Europe's largest annual AIDS charity event), Make a Difference and Challenge for the Children. Anastacia was one of the fifteen artists to record their take on a Disney song on the CD DisneyMania. Anastacia recorded "Someday My Prince Will Come" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is also included on the Collector's Edition of her second album.

Before coming back to the music scene full time, Anastacia took part in the charity event, 46664, organised by Nelson Mandela to raise awareness of AIDS. She sang with U2 and Queen, and also contributed to the song "Amandla", recording the song and providing some of the lyrics.

On October 13, 2006 Anastacia began selling her stage clothing on eBay, donating a portion to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The auctions were hosted by eBay Trading Assistant and Certified Business Consultant, Carolyn CJ Jacinto of XOXmas. The eBay Family, and others, made generous contributions for the next 6 months bidding on new listing that began every Friday.

Anastacia was romantically linked to several men throughout her career. She had a relationship with Shawn Woods for 6 years and the singer claims he was the love of her life. Rumors claim the pair split up because Anastacia found him in bed with another woman, which might explain the song "Why'd You Lie to Me" (in which Anastacia sings about a relationship that crashed because her boyfriend was cheating on her).^{citation needed} She also dated Charles Ingram, and dated Patrice Bouédibéla for over a year before splitting up. She married her bodyguard Wayne Newton in Mexico on April 21, 2007. The wedding was in Huatulco, and was written and officiated by a shaman from California Jon Rasmussen.

Anastacia has a tattoo below her neck, saying "Forever" in an unusual font.^[10] She also has an Ankh on her lower back, which appeared on her first album. Since it represents "eternal life", it has come to symbolize her.^[3]

Concert for Diana

Anastacia attended the memorial Concert For Diana on July 1, 2007, which would have been on Diana's 46th birthday. This was one of the first major events to take place in the new Wembley Stadium, and one of her first major appearances since she took a break from the industry. She opened the medley section of the show and she sang a rendition of Superstar, from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, with a gospel chorus behind her.

Frosted Pink

In mid October 2007, Anastacia made an appearance on the television program "Frosted Pink",^[11] a program dedicated to breast cancer survivors. Anastacia gave a short interview, and performed "Barracuda" with Heart.

Business

Anastacia By s. Oliver

Anastacia by s. Oliver^[12] is a clothes collection released in late 2006 by Anastacia and s. Oliver. She had said that she long wanted to release a clothing line: "I have had the idea of designing my own collection for a long time, but waited for the right partner. s. Oliver came along just at the right time. We got to know each other and found that we not only harmonize well together as a brand, but also have the same ideas about the look of 'Anastacia by s. Oliver'. There are many points that need to be considered when designing a collection: What trends are in, what colors, what fabrics, what styles ... That is why I am happy that my work with the s. Oliver design team is going so well and that we are implementing these themes together. For example, I think it is also very important that my clothes can be worn in different sizes." The collection reflects Anastacia’s personal style and her versatility. The look of the line is designed to be "sensual, feminine and sexy". A Limited Edition CD named "Welcome To My Style" is available for free to costumers who spend 60 euros or more on the clothes in November. The CD includes the following already released tracks:

1. Underdog (B-Side of "Cowboys & Kisses")
2. Get Ready (B-Side of "Left Outside Alone")
3. Boom (FIFA 2002 World Cup official song)
4. Funk Medley (B-Side of "Paid My Dues").

Limited edition clothing line

Anastacia by s. Oliver has released a limited edition clothing line called "Limited Luxury", that was designed together with the famous brand "Swarovski". This clothing hit the stores on November 2,2007 and was only sold in some countries.^[13]

Perfume

Anastacia's official perfume, Resurrection, was released in January 2007.

Discography

Main article: Anastacia discography

Albums

• 2000: Not That Kind
• 2001: Freak of Nature
• 2004: Anastacia
• 2005: Pieces of a Dream
• 2008: TBA

Collaborations / Other Songs

• 1993: The Program (ft. David Morales) - Forever Luv
• 2000: Elton John One Night Only - The Greatest Hits (ft. Elton John) - Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
• 2001: For Once In My Life (ft. Vonda Shepard) - Love Is Alive
• 2002: Freak of Nature (ft. Faith Evans) - I Thought I Told You That
• 2002: Divas Las Vegas (ft. Celine Dion) - You Shook Me All Night Long
• 2002: Chicago - Love Is A Crime
• 2003: 46664 (ft. Queen and Cast) - We Are The Champions
• 2003: 46664 (ft. Queen) - We Will Rock You
• 2003: 46664 (ft. Queen, Beyoncé, Bono, David A. Stewart) - Amandla
• 2004: Anastacia (ft. Sonny Sandoval from P.O.D.) - I Do
• 2005: Pieces of a Dream (ft. Ben Moody) - Everything Burns
• 2005: Pieces of a Dream (ft. Eros Ramazzotti) - I Belong To You
• 2007: Concert for Diana - Jesus Christ Superstar
• 2007: Songs Of Mass Destruction (ft. Annie Lennox) - Sing

B-Sides:

• Baptize My Soul (B-Side of I'm Outta Love)
• Saddest Part (B-Side of Welcome to my Truth)
• Underdog (B-Side of Heavy on Myt Heart)
• Funk Medley (B-Side of Paid My Dues)

Unreleased Song

• Nothing at All
• Love is A Crime
• Late Last Night
• Twisted Girl

DVDs

• 2002: One Day in Your Life
• 2002: The Video Collection
• 2006: Anastacia: Live at Last

Number-one singles

The following singles reached number one. The table shows their peak position in Germany, Australia, Switzerland, UK, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Portugal, The Netherlands, Norway and Mauritania.

• NR indicates the song was not released there.

Awards

Main article: List of Anastacia awards

She won 36 awards and received 12 nominations for awards she did not win, in addition to the 47 Platinum Album Awards earned so far.

See also

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Anastacia

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart

References

1. ^ Mainstream media state she was born in 1973, eg:
   • The trials of Anastacia, The Sunday Times Magazine, October 23, 2005; and
   • Anastacia, TheBiographyChannel.co.uk.
   Also, the "Anastacia's Life" pop-up on the "Meet Anastacia" page on Anastacia by s. Oliver implies 1973.
   However, there are other sources (of unknown reliability) that suggest a birthdate of September 17, 1968. eg:
   • I listened to Anastacia singing on the radio and had no idea she was my daughter, Sunday Mirror, May 5, 2002.
   (All pages accessed 2008-01-01.)
2. ^ Anastacia ww sales
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f} TimesOnline.co.uk (October 23, 2005). Trials of Anastacia, (accessed 2006-09-09)
4. ^ ^{a b c} TheBiographyChannel.co.uk (September 2006). Anastacia Biography, (accessed 2006-09-09)
5. ^ ^{a b} MTV.com (January 21, 2003). Anastasia Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, (accessed 2006-09-09)
6. ^ Reuters article (no longer available at reuters.com), used at
   • Badger Herald (March 4, 2003). Pop singer Anastacia undergoes cancer surgery, (accessed 2006-09-09)
   • WNDU-16 (March 5, 2003). Pop singer Anastacia undergoes cancer surgery, (accessed 2006-09-09)
7. ^ : Sing:
8. ^ August 2007 video on the Anastacia section of the "Anastacia by s oliver" website: http://www.anastaciabysoliver.com/
9. ^ Biography page Official Anastacia web site.
10. ^ Anastacia - FunTrivia.com
11. ^ Frosted Pink Show - Airs on ABC Sunday, October 14 4-6 pm
12. ^ Anastacia by s. Oliver.
13. ^ "Limited Luxury"

External links

• "Anastacia.com". Official Anastacia website. (Also contains a list of links to "International Affiliates".)
• "Anastacia by s. Oliver". Anastacia's Fashion website. (See Business section above.)

There are many Anastacia Fan Clubs and Fansites. This page provides a comprehensive list.