Maria belongs to an elite category of female artists like Tina Turner and Whitney Houston- not what you'd expect to hear from your typical X-Factor contestant. British singer songwriter Maria Lawson is a wonderfully talented artist. With her beauty, down to earth personality and huge powerful voice Maria stands out as a special talent.
Maria said: 'I grew up listening to artists and singers like Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Sananda Maitreya fka Terence Trent D'arby, Janet and Michael Jackson and Madonna. I am inspired by real singers, voices where you can hear they have lived it and been through it'
Maria got married during her time on the X Factor show and had to sacrifice her honeymoon to fly to LA to stay at the Sharon Osbourne mansion for boot camp.
Maria's talent is what endeared fans to her on the hit X Factor talent show with over 10 million people tuning in to watch her journey on television each week. A favourite on the show, Maria impressed the judges so much that Simon Cowell went on to say in week one: 'It is rare in this country that you find someone as talented as you."
In week two he said, 'Maria, I love you. I think you're one hell of a talented girl' and in week four he said: 'I gotta tell you, I absolutely loved it. I actually think you would have a hit record'
Maria famously left the show early in controversy when Louis Walsh opted to keep (the Conway Sisters) in over her. This caused a national outcry but Maria was undeterred. She had no less than four major labels offering her record deals.
Maria went on to sign to Sony BMG in 2006 which took her to LA to record her debut album with a song penned especially for her by the amazing Diane Warren. Maria also wrote with some great songwriters including Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton, Danielle Brisboise, The Heavy Weights and more.
This lead to the release of her first self titled album 'Maria Lawson' and her first official Single 'Sleepwalking' which was a top 20 hit.
Maria also went on to sign a lingerie deal with Bravissimo after being recognised on the show.
Maria's new studio album 'Emotional Rollercoaster' is her best work yet. It has been produced by the fantastic Brian Rawling who has worked with one of her idol's Tina Turner. This album has taken her down a route which is more organic; more live, more edgy and more intimate. It shows off Maria's talent as one of the UK's finest premiere artists.
Diane Warren who has worked with the greatest singers of our time including Whitney Houston has also penned Maria another fantastic new single.
Maria said: 'The changes that have happened to me over the last few months have been up and down but I have learnt to embrace change and move forward. 'One of the most incredible achievements in my life has been giving birth to my son and making this album it has been an emotional rollercoaster.
Maria has also starting writing her first self help/autobiography that will be coming to you soon.