Born into a musical family in Bexley, London, on July 29, 1977, Sam Bailey’s journey to stardom was destined from the start. With a father and grandfather who were both singers in bands, it was no surprise that she inherited their talent and passion for music. Even from a young age, Sam loved to showcase her vocal prowess, winning a prestigious ‘Search for a Star’ competition at Crayford Town Hall during her teenage years.
Despite her early musical successes, Sam pursued another passion in her adult life: professional football. She played for various London-based teams, including Crystal Palace and West Ham United, showcasing her athleticism on the field while nurturing her musical talents off it by singing on cruises and in clubs. In 2003, she tied the knot with Gary Pearson in Las Vegas, and the couple welcomed three beautiful children into the world.
After hanging up her football boots, Sam and her family relocated to Leicester, where she embarked on a new career path as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree, a Category B men’s prison. But music was never far from her heart.
In 2007, Sam took a shot at stardom by auditioning for The X-Factor, but the journey ended abruptly in the first round with the show’s producers. Undeterred, she returned to the spotlight in 2013 for the tenth series of The X-Factor, and this time, she left an indelible mark. Her rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen” in the first round earned her a standing ovation from the judges, with Gary Barlow hailing it as “incredible” despite being one of the “hardest songs” to perform.
Under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne, who would later become the godmother to her third child, Sam soared to victory, capturing the hearts of millions and securing over one million votes in the final weekend. Her cover of Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper” became the Christmas UK number one single in 2013, selling over 300,000 copies. This success was followed by her debut album, “The Power of Love.”
Sam Bailey’s journey from a musical upbringing to professional football and ultimately to X-Factor champion is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering determination. And for those who can’t get enough of her incredible music, her official YouTube channel promises more amazing performances to come.