Gabriella Cilmi

{{short description|Australian pop singer and songwriter (born 1991)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Use Australian English|date=November 2011}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Gabriella Cilmi | image = Gabrielacilmi2010.jpg | caption = Cilmi in 2010 | birth_name = Gabriella Lucia Cilmi<ref>{{cite web|title=Warner Chappell Music |url=http://www.warnerspecialproducts.com/wcm_2/song_search/searchresult_2.jsp?menu_status=songsearch&clearCriteria=Y&entityType=1&view=songs&tf9=United%2520States&tf8=Entire%2520Catalog&tf0=Songwriter&view=&wcmsid=nFz7CK6hk8QxQQYJ0090E3J&entityId=12181898818&entityName=Cilmi%252C+Gabriella |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610050726/http://www.warnerspecialproducts.com/wcm_2/song_search/searchresult_2.jsp?menu_status=songsearch&clearCriteria=Y&entityType=1&view=songs&tf9=United%20States&tf8=Entire%20Catalog&tf0=Songwriter&view=&wcmsid=nFz7CK6hk8QxQQYJ0090E3J&entityId=12181898818&entityName=Cilmi%2C+Gabriella |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2008 |date=10 June 2008 |website=Warner Chapell Music }}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|10|10|df=yes}} | birth_place = Dandenong, Victoria, Australia | genre = Pop<ref>{{allMusic|artist|mn0001010275/biography|author=Steve Leggett|accessdate=4 April 2021}}</ref> | occupation = * Pop singer * songwriter | years_active = 2004–present | label = {{hlist|Island|Mushroom|Universal Republic|V2 }} | website = }}

'''Gabriella Lucia Cilmi''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|tʃ|ɪ|l|m|i}} {{respell|CHIL|mee}};<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-38zlg_Z08 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/e-38zlg_Z08 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Gabriella Cilmi on make-up|date=12 February 2008 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Video clip in which Gabriella Cilmi pronounces her own name</ref> {{IPA|it|ˈtʃilmi|lang}}; born 10 October 1991) is an Australian pop singer and songwriter. A contralto, Cilmi is known for her distinctive raspy singing voice.

Her debut album, ''Lessons to Be Learned'', was released in March 2008, becoming a moderate international success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austriancharts.at/2008_album.asp |title=Jahreshitparade 2008 – austriancharts.at |language=de |publisher=austriancharts.at |access-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917151008/http://austriancharts.at/2008_album.asp |archive-date=17 September 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/yearchart_2008.asp?cat=a |title=Jaaroverzichten 2008 |language=nl |publisher=dutchcharts.nl |access-date=18 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/monopage.xml?id=259376&year=2008&type=2 |title=Classement Albums – année 2008 |language=fr |work=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique |access-date=18 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729033409/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/monopage.xml?id=259376&year=2008&type=2 |archive-date=29 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charts-surfer.de/musikcharts.php |title=Deutsche Alben-Charts 2008 (select "Deutsche Album-Charts", "Top 100" and "2008") |language=de |publisher=Charts-Surfer |access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/year.asp?key=2008 |title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2008 |publisher=swisscharts.com |access-date=18 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213230250/http://swisscharts.com/year.asp?key=2008 |archive-date=13 February 2010 }}</ref> Cilmi won six ARIA Music Awards, including Single of the Year and Best Female Artist, in 2008. Her second studio album, ''Ten'', was released in March 2010. Her third studio album, ''The Sting'', was released in November 2013. In November 2019, Cilmi released a six-track EP, ''The Water'', which she called a taste of a yet-to-be-released studio album. Cilmi holds dual Australian-Italian citizenship. In February 2025, Cilmi returned home to Australia to support The Corrs on the Australian leg of their tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musictalkers.com/latest-news/9507-gabriella-cilmi-joins-the-corrs-2025-australian-tour-with-delta-goodrem-and-bachelor-girl|title=Gabriella Cilmi Joins The Corrs' 2025 Australian Tour with Delta Goodrem and Bachelor Girl|first=Robert|last=Copsey|work=Digital Spy|date=20 February 2025}}</ref>

==Early life== Gabriella Cilmi was born in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong.<ref name="Dalgarno"/> She is of Italian–Albanian descent.<ref name="Tschmuck197">{{cite book|last=Tschmuck|first=Peter|chapter=The Valuation of Music in Australia: A Chart Analysis 1988–2011|editor1-last=Tschmuck|editor1-first=Peter|editor2-last=Pearce|editor2-first=Philip L.|editor3-last=Campbell|editor3-first=Steven|title=Music Business and the Experience Economy: The Australasian Case|year=2013|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783642278983|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UUM_AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA197|page=197}}</ref> Cilmi had an Italian upbringing where she participated in community events.<ref>{{cite news|last=Battersby|first=Matilda|date=23 October 2011|title=There's something sweet about Gabriella Cilmi|newspaper=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/there-s-something-sweet-about-gabriella-cilmi-1971628.html|accessdate=29 October 2021}}</ref> She spoke her parents Italian dialects at home, describing her mother's language as interspersed with Albanian words and learned standard Italian at school.<ref name="Indep"/> Cilmi attended Sacred Heart Girls' College in Oakleigh.<ref name="Dalgarno">{{cite web |last=Dalgarno |first=Paul |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/a-piece-of-my-mind-gabriella-cilmi-singer-songwriter-1.835901 |title=A PIECE OF MY MIND: Gabriella Cilmi, singer-songwriter |work=The Herald |publisher=Newsquest |date=19 July 2008 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="Indep">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gabriella-cilmi-meet-the-teen-queen-who-is-the-sound-of-summer-870601.html |title=Gabriella Cilmi: Meet the teen queen who is the sound of summer |work=The Independent |date=19 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729034216/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gabriella-cilmi-meet-the-teen-queen-who-is-the-sound-of-summer-870601.html |archive-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> She moved to London with her family when she was fifteen, where she currently lives with her parents Paula and Joe (whose origins are in Calabria and Sicily, Italy) and her brother Joseph. At an early age, Cilmi developed an interest in a wide range of blues and rock music acts, including Nina Simone, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Sweet, T. Rex and Cat Stevens.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1501119/story.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10513282|title=Gabriella Cilmi – Sweet at 16|first=Mark|last=Reid|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=4 June 2008|access-date=29 June 2008|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610103052/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/?c_id=1501119&objectid=10513282|url-status=dead}}</ref> She has also cited Suzi Quatro as a particular influence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a211319/gabriella-cilmi-to-record-country-album/|title=Gabriella Cilmi to record country album?|website=Digital Spy|date=29 March 2010}}</ref> Despite her natural aptitude and vocal talent, Cilmi was told that she lacked the discipline necessary to pursue a singing career. Idolising Janis Joplin, during this time she sang with a band (Foucault) covering songs by Led Zeppelin, Jet, Silverchair and others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_7466000/7466294.stm|title=Meet Aussie singer Gabriella Cilmi|publisher=BBC|date=23 June 2008}}</ref> Cilmi recorded original songs with writer/producers Barbara and Adrian Hannan of The SongStore.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.songstore.com.au/Site/Biography.html |title=Biography |access-date=4 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610052034/http://www.songstore.com.au/Site/Biography.html |archive-date=10 June 2008 }}</ref>

In 2004, Cilmi captured the attention of Warner Music executive Michael Parisi while giving an impromptu rendition of the Rolling Stones' song "Jumpin' Jack Flash" at the Lygon Street Festa, a community festival in Melbourne. At the age of 13, Cilmi travelled to the US and UK with Adrian Hannan and was offered four major US deals. She eventually signed a contract with Island Records UK.

==Career== ===2005–2009: ''Lessons to Be Learned''=== {{Main|Lessons to Be Learned}} [[File:Gabriella Cilmi at the Godiva Festival.jpg|thumb|270px|Cilmi performing at the 2008 Godiva Festival]] The tracks "Don't Tell Me" and "Sorry", co-written with Barbara and Adrian Hannan, appeared on the soundtrack of 2005 Australian film ''Hating Alison Ashley''.<ref name=autogenerated1/> Cilmi shared a manager (Cassandra Gracey), writer/producers (Xenomania) and UK record label (Island) with the Sugababes, and supported former Sugababe Mutya Buena at the Jazz Cafe in London in 2007. She made her UK TV debut in December 2007 when she sang her single "Sweet About Me" on ''Later... with Jools Holland''. The same month, Cilmi's song "Sanctuary" featured in the film ''St Trinian's'' and on its soundtrack. She recorded the theme to UK TV series ''Echo Beach'', which aired in early 2008 on ITV1; it is a cover of "Echo Beach" by Martha and the Muffins. In February 2008, she supported the Parisian band Nouvelle Vague on their UK tour.

Cilmi's first album, ''Lessons to Be Learned'', was written and recorded with hit production team Xenomania and was released in March 2008 in the UK. Cilmi has been compared to Amy Winehouse.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/australasia-travel/australia/is-gabriella-cilmi-the-new-amy-winehouse-z256d72vcrf|title=Is Gabriella Cilmi the new Amy Winehouse?|last=St John|first=Lauren|date=10 February 2008|work=The Times}}</ref> The first single, "Sweet About Me", debuted on the UK Singles Chart that month and climbed to number six three months later, in June. It reached number seventeen on the Irish Singles Chart, and peaked at number one on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. The song was used in a worldwide advertising campaign for the deodorant Sure/Rexona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2008/gabriella-sweet-about-me-in-commercials|title=Gabriella Sweet About Me in Commercials|work=The Inspiration Room|date=19 October 2008|access-date=20 October 2008|archive-date=22 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022150319/http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2008/gabriella-sweet-about-me-in-commercials/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cilmi's second UK single, "Save the Lies", was not as successful as "Sweet About Me", peaking at number thirty-three in the UK. In Australia, the second single from the album was "Don't Wanna Go to Bed Now", which reached number twenty-eight. The subsequent single, "Sanctuary", was issued in November 2008 and failed to chart.

From March to May 2008, Cilmi supported the Sugababes on their UK Change Tour. She opened for James Blunt on his June 2008 Australian tour, and participated in the October 2008 MTV Greece concert alongside R.E.M. and Kaiser Chiefs. Also in 2008, Cilmi won six ARIA Music Awards in Australia, taking Best Female Artist, Breakthrough Artist – Single ("Sweet About Me"), Breakthrough Artist – Album (''Lessons to Be Learned''), Best Pop Release (''Lessons to Be Learned''), Highest Selling Single ("Sweet About Me"), and Single of the Year ("Sweet About Me"). Cilmi covered the Connie Francis song "Warm This Winter", originally a minor hit for Francis in 1962 as "I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter", for Co-operative's Christmas 2008 advertising campaign;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://christmas.co-operative.coop/gabriella.php |title= Gabriella Cilmi - That's the spirit|website=christmas.co-operative.coop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217023002/http://christmas.co-operative.coop/gabriella.php |archive-date=17 December 2008}}</ref> released as a single, it reached number twenty-two on the UK Singles Chart. In January 2009, Cilmi was nominated in the International Female category at the BRIT Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalradio.co.uk/music-showbiz/music/brits-2009/gabriella-cilmi/|title=Gabriella Sweet About Me in Commercials|publisher=The Inspiration Room|date=19 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalradio.co.uk/music-showbiz/music/brits-2009/gabriella-cilmi |title=Gabriella Cilmi|access-date=20 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207180948/http://www.capitalradio.co.uk/music-showbiz/music/brits-2009/gabriella-cilmi/ |archive-date=7 February 2009 }}</ref> and sang in the Rod Laver Arena before the 2009 Australian Open men's final.

Cilmi performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2009 for Sound Relief, a multi-venue rock music concert in support of relief for the Victorian bushfire crisis.<ref name="Brumby">{{cite web|url=http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/6113.html|title=Artists Unite For 'Sound Relief' Bushfire Benefit – Premier of Victoria, Australia|last=Brumby|first=John|authorlink=John Brumby|publisher=Premier of Victoria|date=24 February 2009|access-date=25 February 2009|archive-date=24 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324152741/http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/6113.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Mitchell">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25099180-661,00.html |title=Coldplay, Kings of Leon to headline bushfire relief concerts |last=Mitchell |first=Geraldine |work=Herald Sun |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=25 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227120155/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C25099180-661%2C00.html |archive-date=27 February 2009 }}</ref> The event was held simultaneously with a concert at the Sydney Cricket Ground.<ref name="Brumby"/> All the proceeds from the Melbourne Concert will go to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire relief.<ref name="Brumby"/><ref name="Mitchell"/> Cilmi made her US television debut in March 2009 and performed on the Pyramid (main) stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2009. The following August, she won Grand Prix at Sopot International Song Festival, an international song contest in Poland.

===2010: ''Ten''=== {{Main|Ten (Gabriella Cilmi album)}} thumb|220px|Cilmi performing at Furia Sound Festival in 2009 The lead single of Cilmi's ''Ten'' was "On a Mission". It was released on 5 February 2010 in Australia and on 7 March 2010 in Europe. As soon as the song was broadcast on Australian radios, it reached number-one most added track to Australian radio in its second week of release, getting played 296 times. The song reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and number sixteen in Australia.

The new album ''Ten'' was planned for 22 March 2010 and Cilmi said it would feature "lots of uptempo funk and disco-inspired numbers designed to make people groove", referring to "On a Mission", "Hearts Don't Lie" and "Love Me Coz", as well as "some more sexy tracks" probably referring to "Superhot" and "Invisible Girl". The song "Boys" incorporated a type of yodel into it.<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/interviews/a195830/gabriella-cilmi.html|title=Interview – Exclusive: Gabriella Cilmi|website=Digital Spy|author=Nick Levine|date=12 January 2010|access-date=23 January 2010}}</ref> The song "Let Me Know" was described as the "Lessons to Be Learned-ish" song of the album. It also featured a new version of "Sweet About Me", with some disco/electronic style to show the change in her music.

While producing the album, Cilmi worked with Greg Kurstin, The Invisible Men and Dallas Austin, as well as Xenomania. She made her debut in producing with the track "Love Me Coz", saying that it was the song she was most proud of due to the fact it was produced with her band.<ref name="digitalspy"/> It bore an electropop sound in contrast to her first album, which had more of a pop/rock style.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

''Ten'' was not as successful as ''Lessons to Be Learned'', reaching number 17 in Australia and number 28 in the UK. In an interview, Cilmi explained that the sales were not her first concern; however, she expressed regret about posing topless for FHM magazine during the publicity for the album.

The second single, "Hearts Don't Lie", was released in June 2010 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gabriella+Cilmi&titel=Ten&cat=a|title=Gabriella Cilmi – Ten|publisher=australian-charts.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/|title=Gabriella Cilmi – The Official Charts Company – Ten|publisher=Official Charts Company}}</ref> The third single, "Defender", was released in August 2010 accompanied by a B-side track, "Magic Carpet Ride", but both singles failed to make impact on the charts. Cilmi's version of "Magic Carpet Ride" was featured over the closing credits of British film ''Soulboy''. Cilmi supported English singer Leona Lewis on the UK leg of her 2010 The Labyrinth Tour.

Popjustice named ''Ten'' as their fourth-best album of 2010.

===2010–2025: ''The Sting'', All Kings and Queens and ''The Water EP''=== thumb|right|220px|Cilmi recording in London, 2012 By October 2010, Cilmi had already begun work on her third studio album. She has been quoted as saying: "It's totally exciting because I am spending a bit more time with this record. I want to see what works. I really love Dolly Parton, roots music, Tricky and Enya, so anything could happen."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/music-news/2010/10/14/scots-singers-have-more-integrity-claims-aussie-star-gabriella-cilmi-86908-22633424/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730182802/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/music-news/2010/10/14/scots-singers-have-more-integrity-claims-aussie-star-gabriella-cilmi-86908-22633424/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 July 2012 |title=Scots singers have more integrity, claims Aussie star Gabriella Cilmi |newspaper=Daily Record|location=Scotland |access-date=28 March 2012 }}</ref>

On 20 January 2012, Cilmi released an acoustic version of a song from her album, "Vicious Love". It is played in a clip video where she sings with her band and walks around an Italian restaurant with sunglasses. Two days after the broadcast, she says: "This is an 'Acoustic-ish' version of a tune that will be on the new record, one that I love very much". The song has blues influences, contrasting the disco-inspired pop sound of ''Ten''. Cilmi claims she felt pressured into adopting a more sexual image, which prompted her to part ways with Island Records and her management team.<ref>{{cite web |last=McCormick |first=Neil |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/musicvideo/10363817/Gabriella-Cilmi-on-sex-and-the-music-business-I-felt-like-a-dolly.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008162324/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/musicvideo/10363817/Gabriella-Cilmi-on-sex-and-the-music-business-I-felt-like-a-dolly.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2013 |title=Gabriella Cilmi on sex and the music business: 'I felt like a dolly' |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="guardian">{{cite web |last=Cragg |first=Michael |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/jul/18/gabriella-cilmi-the-sting |title=Gabriella Cilmi – The Sting: New music |work=The Guardian |date=18 July 2013 |access-date=18 July 2013}}</ref> She also told the ''Herald Sun'' that the lacklustre commercial reception of her second album, ''Ten'', taught her not to compromise herself or her music: "It was an awakening for me to realise the position I am in to make the record that I want to make and just stand up for myself."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/gabriella-cilmis-vow-this-time-ill-do-it-my-way/story-e6frf96f-1226244026087 |title=Gabriella Cilmi's vow: this time I'll do it my way |work=Herald Sun |date=14 January 2012 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref>

On 22 January 2012, Cilmi explained how the song "Vicious Love" was inspired. She states: "If you've ever experienced any type of 'Vicious Love' you will know that sometimes despite all the arrows pointing to a dead end there is just no way out, there is no way back. But then again don't all roads lead to dead ends? Guess we should just enjoy the ride..."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/gabriellacilmiofficial |title=Gabriella Cilmi |via=Facebook |date=16 April 1970 |access-date=6 August 2013}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2020}} In March 2013, Cilmi first performed "Sweet About Me", as well as two new songs "Come Wander With Me" and "Sweeter in History", at the Moxafrica Festival. On 15 March, the video from her new single "Sweeter in History", premiered on her YouTube page. The video was shot in Italy, precisely in Cassino and Valvori, Lazio. In July 2013, Cilmi announced a new track called "The Sting", released on 2 September as the album's lead single.<ref name="guardian"/> The artwork of the single was revealed on 15 July 2013, picturing Cilmi in black and white, in front of a flower field. Cilmi's third studio album, ''The Sting'', was released on 4 November 2013 on her own UK-based imprint Sweetness Tunes, in association with Absolute Marketing & Distribution.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hart |first=Tina |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/gabriella-cilmi-partners-with-absolute-for-indepedent-release-of-new-album/055613 |title=Gabriella Cilmi partners with Absolute for independent release of new album |work=Music Week |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> "Symmetry" was released on 11 November as the album's second single.<ref>{{cite web |last=Copsey |first=Robert |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a516003/gabriella-cilmi-unveils-other-worldly-symmetry-music-video.html |title=Gabriella Cilmi unveils other-worldly 'Symmetry' music video |website=Digital Spy |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref>

In April 2015, Cilmi announced that she would be performing with her brother Joseph under the name All Kings and Queens, and released the single "Voodoo" in September 2015.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/gabriellacilmiofficial/photos/a.316670047816.147166.19203547816/10152860543027817/?type=1 Gabriella Cilmi's post on Facebook]. Retrieved 25 May 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = All Kings And Queens' "Voodoo" Is The Best Song You'll Hear All Day/Week/Month/Maybe Longer|url = http://www.idolator.com/7609100/all-kings-and-queens-voodoo|website = Idolator.com|access-date = 25 January 2016|date = 24 September 2015|first = Carl|last = Williott}}{{dead link|date=August 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2018, single "Push" was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/4617495-All-Kings-And-Queens |title=All Kings And Queens &#124; Discography |publisher=discogs |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>

In June 2019, Cilmi posted a series of Instagram posts, explaining her desire to return to music and that she was in the process of completing new songs. On 1 July, Cilmi shared the first teaser for her new single titled "Ruins", which was released on 5 July 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/gabriella-cilmi-returns-with-ruins |title=Gabriella Cilmi Returns With 'Ruins'|website=Clash |date=5 July 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://celebmix.com/gabriella-cilmi-returns-with-new-single-ruins/ |title=Gabriella Cilmi Returns With New Single Ruins |website=CelebMix.com |date=5 July 2019|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> with a music video released on 16 July 2019.

Cilmi announced she would be playing her first solo gig since 2014 at St Pancras New Church in London. Cilmi kicked off the promotion of her first new single in six years by appearing on ITV News, London Live and BBC Radio London. The track made its debut on BBC Radio 2.

Cilmi took part in live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/gabriella-cilmi-back-with-song-ruins/|title=In case you missed it: Gabriella Cilmi is back and we couldn't be happier|date=5 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/109970-gabriella-cilmi-admits-working-with-brother-joseph-had-its-challenges/ |title=Gabriella Cilmi admits working with brother Joseph had its challenges |website=List.co.uk |date=27 July 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> She appeared on the James Whale show on Talkradio on 12 August 2019. Cilmi released her EP, ''The Water'' on 1 November 2019. In an interview for the EP, Cilmi stated, "For this EP, I wanted to take things back to basics....When I went back and listened to my favourite records I realised there's no fancy production and the songs weren't written sitting in front of a computer playing a loop back and forward....these were songs that were written prior to being recorded in the studio....We recorded the songs onto my mobile phone into a folder called 'Skeletons' until it was time to go into the studio."<ref>{{cite web |last=Garcia |first=Erica |title=Beauty In Imperfection: An Interview With Gabriella Cilmi |url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/gctw-gabriella-cilmi-interview-2019/ |website=Atwood Magazine |access-date=27 April 2020 |date=1 November 2019}}</ref>

In 2020 she started ''Chillin' With Cilmi'' during the pandemic<ref>{{cite web | url=https://7news.com.au/the-mornieng-show/australian-singer-gabriella-cilmi-on-fame-new-music-and-her-podcast-plans-c-7557007 | title=Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi opens up about quiet life in London | date=18 July 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://celebmix.com/gabriella-cilmi-opens-up-on-her-mental-health-and-ocd/ | title=Gabriella Cilmi Opens up on Her Mental Health and OCD | date=9 February 2022 }}</ref> and she has plans to tour again and celebrated her streaming numbers at the end of 2022, in Europe, UK and Australia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://themusic.com.au/news/gabriella-cilmi-shares-staggering-streaming-numbers-for-2022/e4Znb26RkJM/04-01-23 | title=Gabriella Cilmi Shares 'Sweet' Streaming Numbers for 2022 }}</ref>

In February 2025, Cilmi toured alongside Delta Goodrem and The Corrs on the Australian leg of their tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musictalkers.com/latest-news/9507-gabriella-cilmi-joins-the-corrs-2025-australian-tour-with-delta-goodrem-and-bachelor-girl|title=Gabriella Cilmi Joins The Corrs' 2025 Australian Tour with Delta Goodrem and Bachelor Girl|first=Adam|last=Bailey|date=14 October 2024|website=Music Talkers - Latest Music News & Artist Exposure}}</ref>

===2026-Present: ''Pure Love'' and forthcoming studio album ===

In February 2026, Cilmi performed as the opening act for Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins, in honor of the War Child charity benefit concert.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O' Sullivan |first1=Kevin |title=What the world needs now: Savoretti, Jenkins and a night for War Child |url=https://northernexposuremagazine.co.uk/what-the-world-needs-now-savoretti-jenkins-and-a-night-for-war-child/ |website= Northern Exposure |access-date=27 April 2026 |date=26 February 2026}}</ref>

On 24 April 2026, Cilmi released her first music in almost 7 years - "Pure Love" - which will be the lead single for her forthcoming new studio album, which will be released on V2 Records.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gabriella Cilmi starts a fresh new chapter and signs to V2 Records |url=https://www.v2benelux.com/news/gabriella-cilmi-starts-fresh-chapter-with-single-pure-love |website=V2 |access-date=27 April 2026}}</ref> Cilmi described the song as "coming home to yourself". Cilmi is set to go on tour across the UK supporting Beverley Knight on her ''Born To Perform'' Tour in June 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/beverley-knight-9715|title=Gabriella Cilmi Joins Beverley Knight Tour|first=|last=|work=Theatre Royal Nottingham|date=17 May 2026}}</ref>

==Artistry== {{Missing information|section|Cilmi's musical style and typical lyrical content|date=March 2017}} Cilmi has a contralto vocal range and has been compared to Anastacia and Amy Winehouse for her vocal stylings during the initial stages of her career.<ref name="citylife.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/release/reviews/1865_gabriella_cilmi |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114010207/http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/release/reviews/1865_gabriella_cilmi |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2013 |title=Review: Gabriella Cilmi – Save The Lies |publisher=citylife.co.uk |first=Sarah |last=Walters |date=7 August 2008 }}</ref><ref name="thisislondon.co.uk">{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/gabriella-cilmi-back-in-tune-6478599.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505065259/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/health/article-23842913-gabriella-cilmi-back-in-tune.do |url-status=live |archive-date=5 May 2013 |first=Sophie |last=Goodchild |title=Gabriella Cilmi: Back in tune |work=London Evening Standard |date=9 June 2010 }}</ref> Cilmi also discovered her sound was partly caused by a back problem, known as hollow back or lordosis, which affects the way in which she uses her diaphragm muscles when singing, producing a more throaty sound.<ref name="thisislondon.co.uk"/> In a review for ''Ten'', Caroline Sullivan of ''The Guardian'' complimented her voice stating it as 'precociously blistering' and 'Her zest and powerful voice can't be faulted'.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/18/gabriella-cilmi-ten-cd-review | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Caroline | last=Sullivan | title=Gabriella Cilmi: Ten – CD review | date=19 March 2010}}</ref> Take 40 commented further 'a voice that sounds like it fell from the heavens' further noting her abilities as a 'vocal powerhouse' and being a 'brilliant and unique vocal talent'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.take40.com/artists/3926/gabriella-cilmi/bio |work=Take40 Australia |publisher=mcm entertainment |title=Gabriella Cilmi Biography |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318232622/http://www.take40.com/artists/3926/gabriella-cilmi/bio |archive-date=18 March 2012}}</ref> She describes her music as "Quite vulnerable and compromised".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/jul/18/gabriella-cilmi-the-sting|title=Gabriella Cilmi – The Sting: New music|first=Michael|last=Cragg|date=18 July 2013|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Her debut ''Lessons to Be Learned'' is seen as having pop rock, jazz, blues and soul influences. Her voice is also seen as having a blend of Anastacia and Macy Gray elements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/26335/Gabriella-Cilmi-Lessons-to-Be-Learned/ |title=Gabriella Cilmi - Lessons to Be Learned (album review ) |website=Sputnikmusic |date=16 July 2008 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> She experimented with "Eurovision disco and '50s jazz and 1950s sound" also on ''Lessons to Be Learned''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sharon Mawer |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/lessons-to-be-learned-uk-bonus-track-mw0000798622 |title=Lessons to be Learned - Gabriella Cilmi &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits |publisher=AllMusic |date=31 March 2008 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> ''Ten'', her second album is her tribute to disco and EDM pop, highlighted by Invisible Girl discussing being someones "dirty little secret".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/18/gabriella-cilmi-ten-cd-review|title=Gabriella Cilmi: Ten - CD review|first=Caroline|last=Sullivan|date=18 March 2010|work=The Guardian}}</ref> She also had experimented with campy electro pop and a Moroder-ish "Love Me Cos You Want To".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/21/gabriella-cilmi-ten-review|title=Gabriella Cilmi: Ten - Album review|first=Hugh|last=Montgomery|date=21 March 2010|work=The Guardian}}</ref> During her early twenties, she began to record her third album ''The Sting'' as her voice became raspier and developed a lower range, which allowed her to display her own signature sound. She discusses relationships that were doomed to fail on her the Sting album, which deals with her upset with career and relationship failures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/reviews/album/gabriella-cilmi-the-sting-album-review-366611.html|title=Gabriella Cilmi - 'The Sting' - Album Review|first=Daniel Falconer |last=5 November 2013|website=Femalefirst.co.uk|date=5 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5847725/gabriella-cilmi-takes-the-indie-route-on-the-sting|title=Gabriella Cilmi Takes The Indie Route on 'The Sting'|magazine=Billboard|date=20 December 2013}}</ref> ''The Water'' is described as "high-energy tracks that all exude a heady mix of soul drenched folk and swing whilst offering crossover hints of pop and country" and a range from country to soul music.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thedigitalfix.com/music/review/gabriella-cilmi-the-water-ep-review/ | title=Gabriella Cilmi – the Water EP &#124; the Digital Fix | access-date=21 January 2022 | archive-date=21 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121021606/https://www.thedigitalfix.com/music/review/gabriella-cilmi-the-water-ep-review/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Popular culture== In 2008, "Sweet About Me" was released in Simlish (Sim speak) as part of ''The Sims 2'' expansion pack Apartment Life's soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awxy9V4TutE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Awxy9V4TutE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Gabriella Cilmi Sweet About Me Simlish Recording |publisher=The Sims You Tube Channel |date=9 October 2008 |access-date=10 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Cilmi is mentioned in Ed Sheeran's song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/79314/PHOTO-Ed-Sheeran-Comes-Face-To-Face-With-Name-Checked-Gabriella-Cilmi |title=PHOTO: Ed Sheeran Comes Face To Face With Name-Checked Gabriella Cilmi |publisher=EntertainmentWise |date=24 June 2012 |access-date=25 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328152253/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/79314/PHOTO-Ed-Sheeran-Comes-Face-To-Face-With-Name-Checked-Gabriella-Cilmi |archive-date=28 March 2014 }}</ref> Her song "Sorry" is featured in the 2005 movie ''Hating Alison Ashley''.

==Discography== {{Main|Gabriella Cilmi discography}} *''Lessons to Be Learned'' (2008) *''Ten'' (2010) *''The Sting'' (2013)

==Tours== '''Headline''' *2008: Lessons to Be Learnt Tour *2014: The Sting Tour *2019–2020: The Water Tour

'''As supporting act''' *2008 – Sugababes – Change Tour (selected dates) *2010 – Leona Lewis – The Labyrinth (UK dates only)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a214569/cilmi-confirmed-as-leona-tour-support.html|title=Cilmi confirmed as Leona tour support|first=Robert|last=Copsey|work=Digital Spy|date=15 April 2010}}</ref> *2025 – The Corrs Tour (Australian dates only)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musictalkers.com/latest-news/9507-gabriella-cilmi-joins-the-corrs-2025-australian-tour-with-delta-goodrem-and-bachelor-girl|title=Gabriella Cilmi Joins The Corrs' 2025 Australian Tour with Delta Goodrem and Bachelor Girl|first=Robert|last=Copsey|work=Digital Spy|date=20 February 2025}}</ref> *2026– Beverley Knight – ''Born To Perform'' Tour<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/beverley-knight-9715|title=Gabriella Cilmi Joins Beverley Knight Tour|first=|last=|work=Theatre Royal Nottingham|date=17 May 2026}}</ref>

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |+Awards and nominations for Gabriella Cilmi ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Recipient ! scope="col"| Award ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Result |- |rowspan="9"| 2008 | Gabriella Cilmi |rowspan="6"| ARIA Music Awards | Best Female Artist | {{won}} |- |rowspan="2"| ''Lessons to Be Learned'' | Best Pop Release | {{won}} |- | Breakthrough Artist – Album | {{won}} |- |rowspan="3"| "Sweet About Me" | Breakthrough Artist – Single | {{won}} |- | Highest Selling Single | {{won}} |- | Single of the Year | {{won}} |- |rowspan="6"| Gabriella Cilmi | Q Awards | Breakthrough Artist | {{nom}} |- | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best New Act | {{sho}} |- | Žebřík Music Awards | Best International Discovery<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.anketazebrik.cz/historie/2010-2004/ | title=2010-2004 – Anketa Žebřík }}</ref> | {{nom}} |- |rowspan="3"| 2009 | BRIT Awards | International Female Solo Artist | {{nom}} |- | Echo Awards | Best International Newcomer | {{nom}} |- | Sopot International Song Festival | Best Performer | {{won}} |- | 2010 | "On a Mission" | ARIA Music Awards | Most Popular Australian Single<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.take40.com/news/20335/2010-aria-nominations-announced---full-list-here! |title=2010 ARIA Nominations Announced |work=Take40 Australia |publisher=mcm entertainment |date=23 June 2008 |access-date=29 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002004145/http://www.take40.com/news/20335/2010-aria-nominations-announced---full-list-here%21 |archive-date=2 October 2010}}</ref> | {{sho}} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{instagram|gabriellacilmi}} *{{Facebook|gabriellacilmiofficial}} *{{IMDb name|2925838}} *[http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/311/gabriella_cilmi_lessons_learned/ Gabriella Cilmi interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' August 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910095129/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/311/gabriella_cilmi_lessons_learned/ |date=10 September 2018 }} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070612004453/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artist/6rzf/ BBC profile] *[http://www.ilikemusic.com/interviews/Gabriella_Cilmi_Interview_2008-5254 Gabriella Cilmi ilikemusic Interview] *[http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/Music/Gabriella+Cilmi++Sweet+About+Me-4314.html FemaleFirst article] *[https://www.live-manchester.co.uk/in-interview-gabriella-cilmi/ Gabriella Cilmi interview by Live Manchester]

{{Gabriella Cilmi}} {{Navboxes | title = Awards for Gabriella Cilmi | list = {{ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist}} {{ARIA Award for Single of the Year 2000s}} {{ARIA Award for Best Female Artist 2000s}} }} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cilmi, Gabriella}} Category:1991 births Category:ARIA Award winners Category:Australian child singers Category:Australian contraltos Category:Island Records artists Category:Australian singers of Italian descent Category:Australian people of Albanian descent Category:Australian people of Italian descent Category:Living people Category:Singers from Melbourne Category:Australian women pop singers Category:21st-century Australian women singers Category:Australian women singer-songwriters Category:21st-century Australian singer-songwriters