eScala (group)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Escala | |
|---|---|
| Origin |  London, UK |
| Genre(s) | Classical, Pop, Opera, Crossover |
| Years active | 2006-present |
| Members | |
| Izzy Johnston Victoria Lyon Chantal Leverton Natasya Hodges |
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eScala (previously known as Scala, then Escala) are an electronic string quartet[1], from London, England who rose to fame when they performed on the second series of Britain's Got Talent on ITV1 in May 2008.
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[edit] Background
The four members of the group met in 2006 when they were part of the string section on tour with McFly.[1]
[edit] Britain's Got Talent
Escala performed a "techno version" of "Palladio" by the Welsh composer Karl Jenkins[1], and were put through to the semi-finals by judges Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. At the semi-final, they performed an instrumental version of "Live And Let Die" by Paul McCartney and Wings, receiving a positive reaction from the judges and the audience. They won enough public votes to win the semi-final and therefore secure a place in the final with nine other acts. In the final, they didn't get enough of the public vote to make the top three acts. The show was won by street dancer George Sampson.[2]
[edit] Britain's Got Talent controversy
Escala have attracted attention from the British media. The four members of the band are professional musicians who supported McFly in 2006. They are rumoured to be signed to an entertainment agency, and were alleged to have been invited to audition for Britain's Got Talent by Simon Cowell after they supposedly played the X Factor wrap party in late 2007. However, ITV refused claims this was unfair, stating "Scala went through the same application and audition process as everyone else. Britain's Got Talent is open to any performer be it professional or amateur, with any talent."[3]. the members of Escala denied that they played at the X Factor wrap party, with Izzy Johnston saying that she had played as part of a string section backing for Michael Bublé when he appeared as a guest on the show when they were part of the string section on an arena tour with McFly[1]
Two of the four members of Escala, Izzy Johnston and Chantal Leverton, were part of Wild, a similar five-piece classical group who were signed to EMI and released an album with the label in 2005.[1]
[edit] Name change
The quartet changed their name from Scala to Escala during Britain's Got Talent as there was already a Belgian choir using the name Scala - Scala & Kolacny Brothers. They changed the name to eScala after EMI threatened to sue, despite having used it for two years.[4]
[edit] After Britain's Got Talent
On 6 June 2008 eScala performed at the first night of the nationwide Britain's Got Talent tour in London and on 8 June it was revealed that they had signed a £1.5million contract deal with Sony BMG.[5]
[edit] Members
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To meet Wikipedia's quality standards, this section may require cleanup because it is in a list format that may be better presented using prose. You can help by converting this section to prose, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (June 2008) |
The four members of Escala are:[6]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Husband, Stuart. "Scala on Britain's Got Talent electrify Simon Cowell", The Daily Mail, 2008-05-16. Retrieved on 2008-06-02.
- ^ "George Sampson wins Britain's Got Talent", Daily Telegraph, 2008-06-01. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
- ^ Hamilton, Sean. "Britains Got Talent: Scala Are Bunch Of Real Pros", The Sunday Mirror, 2008-04-13. Retrieved on 2006-06-02.
- ^ After the show they put a lower-case 'e' on the beginning to eScala. "Britain's Got Talent: row over Scala's name", The Daily Mirror, 2005-05-30. Retrieved on 2008-06-02.
- ^ Kilkelly, Danel. "'Talent' finalists Escala sign Cowell deal", The Daily Mirror, 2008-06-08. Retrieved on 2008-06-08.
- ^ Friday finalists Escala. ITV (2008-04-13). Retrieved on 2006-06-02.
[edit] External links
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