A remarkable songstress who thrilled audiences worldwide by age 14 with a double-platinum album, Charlotte Church has become one of the most popular and highest-paid celebrities in the U.K., even commanding standing ovations from royalty. After performing the soprano vocals for A Beautiful Mind, Church seemed poised for a Hollywood career with her cinematic debut in I'll be There (2003).
Born in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, on February 21, 1986, Church's talent for song was realized at the age of three when the honey-voiced youth refused to exit the stage after singing the theme from Ghostbusters with her cousin at summer camp. Subsequently becoming a staple of local karaoke competitions, Church's breakthrough came when, on a lark, the talented youngster phoned in to The Richard and Judy Show and floored the hosts with a soaring rendition of "Pie Jesu." Since her parents were divorced and her mother was out of the house when the fateful phone call was made, Church's mother and father were the last to know about her subsequent invitation to perform live on the popular program. Church became an overnight sensation in Wales following another television performance on The Big Big Talent Show, going on to perform at the London Palladium, Cardiff Arms Park, and the Royal Albert Hall. While still a student at the exclusive all girls' school Howell's, Church and vocal coach Louise Ryan began to prepare for Church's debut album, Voice of an Angel. As with many singers of her generation, it wasn't long before Hollywood began calling, and with I'll Be There the singer with a heavenly voice was poised to make her cinematic debut. Starring in the comedy about an aging pop star who discovers the talented daughter he never knew, Church fortunately was able to showcase her talent for song in the film.