Ella Henderson: The UK's Pop Soul Powerhouse

Ella Henderson is a British singer-songwriter who first captured the public's attention as a contestant on the UK's The X Factor in 2012. Her debut single, Ghost, co-written with Ryan Tedder, became a massive commercial success, topping the UK Singles Chart and achieving multi-platinum certifications.

Early career

Born Gabriella Michelle Henderson in 1996 in Tetney, Lincolnshire, Henderson began writing songs at the age of 11. Her big break came at 16 when she auditioned for the ninth series of The X Factor, where her powerful vocals and mature songwriting impressed judges, leading her to a sixth-place finish.

Breakthrough

Henderson's post-show career launch was defined by her 2014 debut single, Ghost. Released on Syco Music, the track debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and was certified triple platinum, becoming one of the best-selling singles of the year. This success propelled her debut album, Chapter One, which also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

Key tracks

Ghost - This debut single, co-written with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, established Henderson as a serious pop force with its soulful production and instantly memorable hook.

Yours - A standout ballad from her debut album that showcased the raw emotional depth and vulnerability in her songwriting.

Here for You - Released in 2021, this track marked a confident return and a collaboration with producer/songwriter Lostboy.

Crazy What Love Can Do - A 2022 collaboration with David Guetta and Becky Hill that became a major dance-pop hit across Europe, demonstrating her versatility.

Alibi - A 2023 single with Rudimental and DJ David Guetta that blended pop soul with drum and bass, highlighting her continued evolution.

Following her initial success, Henderson navigated changes in her record label situation before finding a new creative partnership. She has since built a reputation for potent collaborations within the dance and electronic genres, working frequently with producers like Sigala and David Guetta, which have resulted in several charting singles. Her music, spanning pop soul and contemporary R&B to dance-pop, continues to resonate for its blend of vocal power and heartfelt lyricism.

Fans of Ella Henderson's blend of pop, soul, and electronic influences might also enjoy the work of Joss Stone for her powerful soul vocals. Jess Glynne shares a similar space in UK pop with dance crossover hits. The emotive songwriting of Birdy offers a comparable heartfelt intensity. Listeners might also appreciate the pop-R&B style of Rita Ora.

Ella Henderson's music, from her soulful pop anthems to her energetic dance collaborations, receives regular airplay across a variety of formats including contemporary hit radio, pop music stations, and dedicated dance and electronic channels.

The music of Ella Henderson is featured on radio stations available through our service, where listeners can discover her catalog of pop soul and dance-pop tracks.