Ricki-Lee Coulter

Ricki-Lee Coulter

Ricki-Lee Dawn Coulter (born 10 November 1985), also known mononymously as Ricki-Lee, is an Australian singer-songwriter, television and radio presenter. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, grew up on the Gold Coast, Queensland and began performing at the age of 15. In 2004, she auditioned for the second season of Australian Idol and placed seventh in the finals round. She subsequently signed with Australian independent label Shock Records, and released her self-titled debut album Ricki-Lee in 2005, which yielded the top-ten singles "Hell No!" and "Sunshine". Both songs were certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The following year, Coulter became a member of Australian all-girl pop group Young Divas, before leaving in early 2007 to resume her solo music career.

Coulter's second album Brand New Day was released in August 2007, which was certified gold. The album included the top-ten singles "Love Is All Around", "Can't Sing a Different Song" and "Can't Touch It", the latter became a platinum seller. Coulter's first compilation album titled The Singles was released in 2008, with the top-twenty lead single "Wiggle It". In May 2011, she ended her contract with Shock Records and signed with major label EMI. Her third album Fear & Freedom was released in August 2012, and became Coulter's first top-ten album. It included the top-twenty singles "Raining Diamonds" and "Do It Like That", which were both certified platinum.

Coulter branched out from recording music, pursuing careers in television and radio, and receiving several endorsement deals. She returned to Australian Idol for seasons six and seven, as a presenter and reporter alongside James Mathison and Andrew Günsberg. It earned her a nomination at the 2009 Logie Awards for 'Most Popular New Female Talent'. Coulter became a full-time radio presenter for Sydney's Nova 96.9 breakfast show in 2010, alongside Merrick Watts and Scott Dooley. In 2008, she became the ambassador for Australian shapewear clothing line Hold Me Tight, and in 2012, she became the Australian face of international cosmetics brand CoverGirl.