Emily Williams

{{About||the voice actress|Emily Williams (voice actor)|the architect|Emily Williams (architect)|the American historian of mathematics and writer|Emily Coddington Williams}} {{EngvarB|date=January 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{short description|Singer-songwriter (born 1984)}} {{Infobox person |name = Emily Williams |image = |caption = Williams performing in 2011 |alt = |birth_name = |birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1984|10|8}} |birth_place =South Auckland, New Zealand |occupation = {{flatlist| *Singer *songwriter }} |years_active = 2005–present | children = 1 | relatives = J.Williams (brother) | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | background = solo_singer |instrument = Vocals |genre = {{flatlist| *R&B *pop }} |label = Sony BMG |past_member_of = Young Divas |website = {{URL|http://www.emilywilliams.com.au/}} }} }} '''Emily Williams''' (born 8 October 1984) is a New Zealand-born Australian singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in 2005 on the third season of ''Australian Idol'' and became the runner-up of the competition. After ''Idol'', Williams signed with Sony BMG Australia and enjoyed commercial success as a member of the Australian girl group Young Divas. The group released two top-ten albums, ''Young Divas'' (2006) and ''New Attitude'' (2007), and achieved three top-fifteen singles, including the hugely successful "This Time I Know It's for Real". After the Young Divas disbanded in 2008 and Williams' contract with Sony BMG ended, she began releasing her solo music independently. Williams' debut solo single "Spellbound" was released in 2010, followed by the release of her debut solo album ''Uncovered'' in 2012.

==Early life== Emily Williams was born on 8 October 1984 in South Auckland, New Zealand, to a Fiji–Samoan family.<ref name="NZ Bio"/><ref name="auto12" />

Williams' has an older sister – Lavina Williams, who was a contestant on ''Australian Idol'' in 2006 and also a younger brother – J.Williams, a singer/dancer in New Zealand.<ref name="NZ Bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/genre/5/2451.html |title=Hip Hop/R&B: J.Williams – New Zealand Musicians & Bands |publisher=Muzic.net.nz |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> During Willams' early years, her father was very strict when it came to devoting yourself to religion and music.<ref name="NZ Bio" /> Before appearing on ''Idol'', she worked as a forklift operator from Inala, Queensland.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rachel Browne and Rachel Wells |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/divas-to-do-battle/2005/11/19/1132017024562.html |title=Divas to do battle at Opera House |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Digital |date=20 November 2005|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref>

==Career==

===2005: ''Australian Idol''=== Williams auditioned for the third season of ''Australian Idol'' in 2005. During the season, she scored three touchdowns from judge Mark Holden.<ref name="Sony"/> On 15 November 2005, betting agency Centrebet announced their final-week prediction that Williams would win the competition, with her odds at $1.36 and Kate DeAraugo at $3.00.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0511/S00240.htm |title=Kiwi is Oz Idol Favourite |work=Scoop News |publisher=Scoop Media |date=15 November 2005 |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> However, on 21 November 2005, it was announced that the winner was DeAraugo.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilkes |first=Neil |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a26534/new-australian-idol-winner-announced.html |title=New 'Australian Idol' winner announced |publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias|date=23 November 2005|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" !Round !Song choice !Original artist !Result |- |Audition |"Rock with You" |Michael Jackson |Advanced |- |Theatre Week (Round 1) |"Can't Help Falling in Love" |Elvis Presley |Advanced |- |Theatre Week (Round 2) |"Finally" |CeCe Peniston |Advanced |- |Theatre Week (Round 3) |"Fallin'" |Alicia Keys |Advanced |- |Top 30 |"Make It Happen" |Mariah Carey |Wild Card |- |Wildcard |"To Zion" |Lauryn Hill |Advanced |- |Top 13 |"Buses and Trains" |Bachelor Girl |Safe |- |Top 11 |"Respect" |Aretha Franklin |Safe |- |Top 10 |"Bohemian Rhapsody" |Queen |Safe |- |Top 9 |"Hero" |Mariah Carey |Safe |- |Top 8 |"All the Way" |Frank Sinatra |Safe |- |Top 7 |"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" |Whitney Houston |Bottom 2 |- |Up Close & Personal |"How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" |Prince |Safe |- |Top 6 |"River Deep – Mountain High" |Ike Turner & Tina Turner |Safe |- |Top 5 |"I'm Every Woman" |Chaka Khan |Safe |- |rowspan="2"|Top 4 |"Can't Help Falling in Love" |rowspan="2"|Elvis Presley |rowspan="2"|Safe |- |"Blue Suede Shoes" |- |rowspan="2"|Top 3 |"...Baby One More Time" |Britney Spears |rowspan="2"|Safe |- |"I Will Always Love You" |Whitney Houston |- |rowspan="3"|Top 2 |"Since U Been Gone" |Kelly Clarkson |rowspan="3"|Runner-up |- |"Emotion" |Samantha Sang |- |"Maybe Tonight" (winners single) |Kate DeAraugo |- |}

=== 2006–08: Young Divas === {{main|Young Divas}} In January 2006, Sony BMG Australia announced that William's had signed a recording contract with their label, and that she would release her debut album later that year.<ref name="Sony">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829002836 |title=Emily Williams Signs To Sony BMG |publisher=SonyMusic.com.au |date=12 January 2006|access-date=6 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309101035/http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829002836 |archive-date=9 March 2011 }}</ref> She re-located to Melbourne to begin writing and co-writing tracks with both local and international songwriters.<ref name="Sony"/> However, Williams' album was never released.

In early 2006, Williams was asked by her record label to be part of a girl group concept, with previous ''Australian Idol'' contestants Paulini, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Kate DeAraugo, for a 17-date national tour to promote all four singers as solo artists.<ref name="New Young Divas">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/girls-get-their-acts-together/2006/05/06/1146335968498.html |title=Girls get their acts together |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Digital |date=7 May 2006|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> Alongside the national tour, they released a cover of the Donna Summer classic "This Time I Know It's For Real" in May 2006, under the name Young Divas.<ref name="New Young Divas"/> The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 units.<ref name="Discography Young Divas">{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Young+Divas |title=Discography Young Divas|work=australian-charts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/ARIACharts-Accreditations-2006Singles.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2006 Singles |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |access-date=17 October 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131190553/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/ariacharts-accreditations-2006singles.htm |archive-date=31 January 2012 }}</ref> A second single followed in November 2006—a cover of Lonnie Gordon's disco classic "Happenin' All Over Again". It peaked at number nine and was certified gold for shipments of 35,000 units.<ref name="Discography Young Divas"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Singles.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Singles |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |access-date=17 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113135401/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Singles.htm |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> Following on from the success of their singles and tour, the Young Divas released their self-titled debut album, featuring remakes of disco classics, on 14 November 2006.<ref name="Young Divas Album">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/young-divas/204771649 |title=Young Divas – Album |publisher=iTunes Store. Apple |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum for shipments of 140,000 units.<ref name="Discography Young Divas"/><ref name="2007 Albums Cert">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Albums |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |access-date=7 October 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515024321/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm |archive-date=15 May 2011 }}</ref> A cover of Hazell Dean's 1983 hit "Searchin'" was released as the group's third single in March 2007, and reached number 40.<ref name="Discography Young Divas"/>

In May 2007, Williams became a contestant on the New Zealand reality television show ''Pop's Ultimate Star'', and placed fourth in the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/413551/1121009 |title=Pop's Ultimate Star |publisher=Television New Zealand |access-date=6 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119011657/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/413551/1121009 |archive-date=19 November 2007 }}</ref> In September 2007, it was revealed that ''Australian Idol'' season four runner-up Jessica Mauboy was the new member of the Young Divas replacing Coulter, who left the group to resume her solo career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/jess-joins-diva-family/story-e6frf96x-1111114510432 |title=Jessica Mauboy is the new Young Diva |work=Herald Sun |date=27 September 2007|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> They then went on to release their second studio album ''New Attitude'' on 26 November 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/new-attitude/267786591 |title=New Attitude – Album |publisher=iTunes Store. Apple |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> The album debuted at number 10 and was certified gold, while its lead single "Turn Me Loose" peaked at number 15.<ref name="Discography Young Divas"/><ref name="2007 Albums Cert"/> In August 2008, it was announced that both Paulini and Mauboy had quit the Young Divas in order to resume their solo careers, leaving DeAraugo and Williams as the only remaining members.<ref name="quits">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/turn-me-loose-and-paulini-quits/news-story/82f9cee8062a6e7d3bfb7477461f7883?sv=5a8bffcc705b9521533c7a1d18ffa383|title=Paulini Curuenavuli quits Young Divas, Emily Williams, Kate DeAraugo left|work=Herald Sun|date=25 August 2008|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> However, both DeAraugo and Williams also resumed their solo careers, and the Young Divas officially disbanded. Following the group's disbandment, Williams' contract with Sony BMG ended.

===2009–present: Solo career=== In 2010, Williams became a reading ambassador for The Pyjama Foundation, which raises awareness and support to help children improve their literacy skills.<ref>{{cite news|last=Scott |first=Alana |url=http://quest-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/pyjama-party-for-corinda-preppies/ |title=Pyjama party for Corinda preppies |work=Quest Community Newspapers |publisher=New Community Media |date=1 June 2010|access-date=6 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113328/http://quest-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/pyjama-party-for-corinda-preppies/ |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref> On 21 October 2010, she made a television appearance on ''Ready Steady Cook'' with fellow ''Australian Idol'' contestant Cosima De Vito.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.throng.com.au/ready/ready-steady-cook |title=Ready, Steady, Cook |publisher=Throng.com.au |date=25 October 2010|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> On 1 November 2010, she released her debut solo single "Spellbound", independently.<ref name="spellbound">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/spellbound-single/id400809376 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111185250/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/spellbound-single/id400809376 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2012 |title=Spellbound – Single |publisher=iTunes Store. Apple |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> The single was promoted by Williams through a live televised performance on ''The Morning Show''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sveltpr.blogspot.com/2010/12/emily-williams-performs-live-on-morning.html |title=Emily Williams performs live on The Morning Show |work=Svelt PR |date=7 December 2010|access-date=6 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708064719/http://sveltpr.blogspot.com/2010/12/emily-williams-performs-live-on-morning.html |archive-date=8 July 2011 }}</ref> She also performed the song at clubs in Brisbane and Sydney, and also toured shopping malls in Melbourne and Gold Coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sveltpr.blogspot.com/2010/10/emily-williams-launches-single.html |title=Emily Williams launches single "Spellbound" |work=Svelt PR |date=25 October 2010|access-date=6 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708064739/http://sveltpr.blogspot.com/2010/10/emily-williams-launches-single.html |archive-date=8 July 2011 }}</ref> The music video premiered on YouTube on 4 November 2010.<ref name="Spellbound Video">{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3jHw6QDe0g |title=Emily Williams – Spellbound (Official Video Clip) |publisher=YouTube |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=6 March 2011}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> In December 2010, Williams received a nomination for "Australian Female Artist of the Year" at the PopRepublic.tv IT List Awards.<ref name="2010pop">{{cite web|last=Manser |first=Rob |url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/734-it-list-awards-nominees-announced |title=IT LIST Awards Nominees Announced |work=PopRepublic.tv |date=20 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429090213/http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/734-it-list-awards-nominees-announced |archive-date=29 April 2011 |access-date=7 March 2011|url-status=dead }}</ref> Williams' second single "You're Mine" was made available for download on 14 February 2011, to coincide with Valentine's Day.<ref name="mine">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/youre-mine-single/id418599470 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316093950/http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/youre-mine-single/id418599470 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2011 |title=You're Mine – Emily Williams – Australia |publisher=iTunes Store. Apple |access-date=14 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/02/emilys-valentines-gift.html |title=Emily's Valentines Gift |work=Auspop |date=8 February 2011 |access-date=6 March 2011 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708024248/http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/02/emilys-valentines-gift.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> She performed the song on ''The Morning Show''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/24179092/ |title=Young diva returns |work=Yahoo! TV |publisher=Yahoo! Inc. |access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> On 1 March 2011, she released a ballad titled "Never Alone", to raise support for the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.<ref name="neveralone">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-alone-single/id423552481 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111215323/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-alone-single/id423552481 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2012 |title=Never Alone – Emily Williams|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=6 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="Emily Sends Support">{{cite web |url=http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/03/emily-sends-support-home.html |title=Emily Sends Support Home |work=Auspop |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=6 March 2011 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708024300/http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/03/emily-sends-support-home.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> All proceeds from the single went to the New Zealand Red Cross.<ref name="Emily Sends Support"/>

Williams' debut solo album ''Uncovered'' was released independently on 10 February 2012.<ref name="uncovered"/> In June 2012, she was featured on dance music producer The Popstar's single "Spotlight", which also appeared on her album ''Uncovered''.<ref name="spotlight">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/popstar-feat-emily-williams/551173521|title=Spotlight Remixes (feat. Emily Williams) by The Popstar|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thepopstar|title=Spotlight Remixes (feat. Emily Williams) by The Popstar|publisher=CD Baby|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref> In April 2013, Williams released her fourth lead single "Get It".<ref name="getit">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/get-it-single/id631477063|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221836/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/get-it-single/id631477063|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=Get It – Single by Emily Williams|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref> In 2013, Williams was featured on British rapper and ''The Valleys'' star Leeroy Reed's single "Can't Get Enough" and scored her second nomination at the PopRepublic.tv Awards for "Favourite Australian Female Artist".<ref name="enough">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/cant-get-enough-single-feat./id668524408|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402170427/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/cant-get-enough-single-feat./id668524408|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|title=Can't Get Enough (feat. Emily Williams) – Single by Leeroy|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="2013pop">{{cite web|last=Manser |first=Robert |url=http://poprepublic.tv/the-news/latest-uncategorised-news/1298-poprepublic-tv-awards-nominations-announced |title=Poprepublic.tv Awards Nominations Announced |publisher=Poprepublic.tv. AKA Entertainment |date=25 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201191235/http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/latest-uncategorised-news/1298-poprepublic-tv-awards-nominations-announced |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2014, she was featured on ''Geordie Shore'' star Gaz Beadle debut single "Party Like a Rockstar (Up Your Game)" with UK group The Risk.<ref name="party">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/party-like-rockstar-up-your/id791124294|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111401/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/party-like-rockstar-up-your/id791124294|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=Party Like a Rockstar (Up Your Game) (feat. The Risk & Emily Williams) – Single by Gaz & Olabean|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Leo|last=S|url=http://joy.org.au/joymusichighlights/2014/01/gaz-geordie-shore-emily-williams/|title=Gaz (Geordie Shore) & Emily Williams|publisher=Joy 94.9|date=17 January 2017|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref> In July 2015, Williams released her fifth lead single "The Way It Is", which debuted at number seven on the AIR 100% Independent Singles Chart.<ref name="theway">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-way-it-is-single/id1012619854|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001101920/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-way-it-is-single/id1012619854|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2017|title=The Way It Is – Single by Emily Williams|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="air">{{Cite web|url=https://www.air.org.au/chart/100_independent_singles/20150727|title=Singles Chart (100% Independent)|date=27 July 2015|publisher=Australian Independent Record Labels Association|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829115115/https://www.air.org.au/chart/100_independent_singles/20150727|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was followed up by the release of her sixth lead single "Get Your Life" in October 2016, earning her another nomination at the PopRepublic.tv Awards for "Favourite Australian Female Artist".<ref name="get">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/get-your-life-single/id1159841100|title=Get Your Life – Single by Emily Williams|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple|access-date=1 October 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="2016pop">{{cite web|url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/poprepublic-tv-awards-nominees-announced-and-voting-is-now-open|title=Poprepublic.tv Awards – Nominees Announced and Voting Is Now Open|last=Manser|first=Robert|publisher=Poprepublic.tv|date=9 January 2017|access-date=5 August 2017|archive-date=5 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805062007/http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/poprepublic-tv-awards-nominees-announced-and-voting-is-now-open|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2017, Williams made her musical theatre debut in the Australian production of ''The Bodyguard'', as the alternate lead for Paulini, playing the lead role of Rachel Marron at certain performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au/emily-williams/|title=The Cast – Emily Williams|work=The Bodyguard|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829081101/https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au/emily-williams/|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/singer-paulini-facing-bribery-charges-20170811-gxu3zy.html|title=Singer Paulini facing bribery charges|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=11 August 2017|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://qpac-umbraco-cdn.azureedge.net/media/6656/bodyguard-paulini-emily-schedule-brisbane.pdf|title=The Bodyguard – Rachel Marron schedule|publisher=Queensland Performing Arts Centre|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref> Williams also made a cameo appearance in the 2017 Australian horror film ''Boar''as a passenger.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.thechronicle.com.au/news/homegrown-horror-movie-boars-it-up-the-coast/3168070/|title=Homegrown horror movie 'boars' it up the coast|work=The Toowoomba Chronicle|date=19 April 2017|access-date=1 October 2017 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001121800/https://m.thechronicle.com.au/news/homegrown-horror-movie-boars-it-up-the-coast/3168070/|archive-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slaughterfx.com.au/in-the-media-with-boar.html|title=In the media with BOAR|publisher=Slaughter FX|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701194213/http://slaughterfx.com.au/in-the-media-with-boar.html|archive-date=1 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4158594/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ql_1|title=Boar (2017) – full cast & crew|publisher=IMDB|access-date=26 August 2023}}</ref>

In 2021, during the lockdown, Williams collaborated with international DJs Ricci-G and Josh Goodwill to release "Ride with Me."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hit.com.au/story/young-diva-emily-williams-teams-up-with-geordie-shore-star-ricci-g-for-new-banger-166771|title=Young Diva Emily Williams Teams Up With Geordie Shore Star Ricci G For New Banger|website=Hit Network}}</ref> Later, there was another collaboration for the track "All I Need" with Kisch, which was signed to Love and Other Records UK.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.emilywilliams.com.au/biography|title=Emily Williams|website=Emily Williams}}</ref>

In 2022, Williams headlined a tour in Australia named Synthony 2022/23.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://xpressmag.com.au/synthony-rac-arena-gets-9-10/emily-williams-synthony-2022-rac-arena-170622-linda-dunjey2/|title=Emily-Williams-Synthony-2022-RAC-Arena-170622-Linda-Dunjey(2)|date=21 June 2022|website=X-Press Magazine - Entertainment in Perth}}</ref> Subsequently, Williams began her own solo tour in Australian venues called Woman of Colour.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.memomusichall.com.au/memo-gig/emily-williams-woman-of-colour-tour/|title=Emily Williams 'Woman of Colour' Tour|date=15 July 2022|website=Memo Music Hall}}</ref> During the tour, she performed a range of songs from various artists.<ref name="auto"/>

In 2023, producers Michael Harrison and David Ian revealed that Emily Williams would play Rachel Marron in the UK tour of 'The Bodyguard' Musical.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/people/new-lead-star-emily-williams-announced-for-touring-show-of-the-bodyguard-which-comes-to-blackpool-in-november-4235952|title=New lead star Emily Williams announced for touring show of The Bodyguard which comes to Blackpool in November}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/celebs/bodyguards-emily-williams-iconic-role-30924657|title=The Bodyguard's Emily Williams on her iconic role, rise to fame on reality TV and music industry|first=Mikie|last=O'Loughlin|date=12 September 2023|website=RSVP Live}}</ref> She is the first woman of Polynesian descent to score a leading role in a UK musical.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/08/22/first-polynesian-star-for-the-bodyguard-musical-uk/|title=First Polynesian star for The Bodyguard Musical UK|website=Te Ao Māori News}}</ref>

In September 2023, Emily was recognized as the Global Ambassador for Women of Colour Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://womenofcolour.org.au/ambassadors/|title=Ambassadors}}</ref>

In October 2023, Williams released "What Am I Gonna Do" with DJ John Course, which reached #8 on the ARIA Club Charts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/charts/club-tracks-chart|title=ARIA Top 50 Club Tracks Chart|website=www.aria.com.au}}</ref>

== Personal life == Williams has a daughter with Richie Lio. She separated from Lio in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mollard |first=Angela |url=http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/celebrity/celebrityheadlines/996114/young-divas-the-truth-about-ricki-lee |title=Young Divas: The truth about Ricki-Lee |work=Woman's Day |date=23 November 2007 |access-date=6 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411133544/http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/celebrity/celebrityheadlines/996114/young-divas-the-truth-about-ricki-lee |archive-date=11 April 2011 }}</ref>

==Discography== {{See also|Young Divas discography}}

===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of studio albums, with selected details ! scope="col" style="width:14em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:16em;"| Album details |- ! scope="row"| ''Uncovered'' | * Released: 10 February 2012<ref name="uncovered">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/uncovered/id500846016 |title=Uncovered – Album |publisher=iTunes Store. Apple |access-date=10 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111195337/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/uncovered/id500846016 |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref> * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Thirty Something'' | * Released: 22 October 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soulstrutter.com/2021/10/emily-williams-2021-thirty-something.html|title = Emily Williams [2021] - Thirty Something [Self Released] (Full Album)|website=Soul Strutter|date=October 2021|access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref> * Format: Digital download, streaming |- |}

=== Singles ===

====As lead artist==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of lead singles, with selected chart positions |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Albums |- !style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| AUS Indie <ref name="air"/> |- ! scope="row"| "Spellbound"<ref name="spellbound"/> | 2010 | — | rowspan="2"|''Uncovered'' |- ! scope="row"| "You're Mine"<ref name="mine"/> | rowspan="2"| 2011 | — |- ! scope="row"| "Never Alone"<ref name="neveralone"/> | — | {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"| "Get It"<ref name="getit"/> | 2013 | — | ''Uncovered'' |- ! scope="row"| "The Way It Is"<ref name="theway"/> | 2015 | 7 | rowspan="2" {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"| "Get Your Life"<ref name="get"/> | 2016 | — |- | colspan="4" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a single that did not chart. |- |}

====As featured artist==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of featured singles ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Album |- ! scope="row"| "Spotlight"<ref name="spotlight"/> (The Popstar featuring Emily Williams) | 2012 | ''Uncovered'' |- ! scope="row"| "Can't Get Enough"<ref name="enough"/> (Leeroy featuring Emily Williams) | 2013 | rowspan="2" {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"| "Party Like a Rockstar (Up Your Game)"<ref name="party"/> (Gaz & Olabean featuring The Risk and Emily Williams) | 2014 |- |}

=== Album appearances === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col" style="width:14em;"|Title ! scope="col"|Year ! scope="col" |Album |- ! scope="row"| "Buses and Trains" | rowspan="2"| 2005 | rowspan="2"| ''Australian Idol 3: The Final 13''<ref name="ausidol3">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r817171|pure_url=yes}}|title=Australian Idol 3: The Final 13|work=Allmusic|publisher=Macrovision|access-date=27 March 2009}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| "Ready" |- ! scope="row"| "I Will Always Love You" | 2006 | ''Young Divas''<ref name="Young Divas Album"/> |- |}

===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of music videos ! scope="col" style="width:14em;"| Title ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Director(s) |- ! scope="row"| "Spellbound"<ref name="Spellbound Video"/> | 2010 | |- ! scope="row"| "Get It"<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfsG3he8qIs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/hfsG3he8qIs |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Emily Williams – 'Get It'|publisher=YouTube|date=4 April 2013|access-date=7 January 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | 2013 | |- |}

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Type ! Recipient ! Award ! Result |- | rowspan="2"| 2006 | rowspan="2"| Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards | Young Divas | Fave Group | {{nom}} |- | "This Time I Know It's for Real" with Young Divas | Fave Song<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829003737|title=Young Divas Score Fave Song of the Year; Debut Album + New Single Coming|publisher=Sony BMG Australia|date=12 October 2006|access-date=5 August 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905222315/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829003737|archive-date=5 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/simpsons-are-top-toon-nick-s-australian-kids-choice-awards|title=Simpsons Are Top Toon at Nick's Australian Kids' Choice Awards|last=DeMott|first=Rick|publisher=Animation World Network|date=16 October 2006|access-date=5 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227214201/http://www.awn.com/news/simpsons-are-top-toon-nick-s-australian-kids-choice-awards|archive-date=27 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> | {{won}} |- | 2010 | rowspan="3"| PopRepublic.tv Awards | Emily Williams | Favourite Australian Female Artist<ref name="2010pop"/> | {{nom}} |- | 2013 | Emily Williams | Favourite Australian Female Artist<ref name="2013pop"/> | {{nom}} |- | 2016 | Emily Williams | Favourite Australian Female Artist<ref name="2016pop"/> | {{nom}} |- |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official website|http://www.emilywilliams.com.au/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Emily}} Category:1984 births Category:New Zealand people of Fijian descent Category:New Zealand people of Samoan descent Category:Australian people of Fijian descent Category:Australian people of Samoan descent Category:New Zealand emigrants to Australia Category:Australian contemporary R&B singers Category:Australian Idol participants Category:Young Divas members Category:Musicians from Queensland Category:Living people Category:Australian women pop singers Category:21st-century Australian women singers Category:Australian women singer-songwriters Category:21st-century Australian singer-songwriters