Jessie J jumps into the record books

One of Essex's finest stars has this week become a historic figure of British music.

Following the release of her album 'Who You Are' last February, Jessie J has been topping the charts with singles from the album. Jessie's second single, Price Tag, as well as one of her most recent singles from the album, Domino, both reached the #1 position. Her latest single, 'Laserlight' featuring French DJ David Guetta, released from the Platinum Edition of the album, is now Jessie's 6th single to secure a top ten position.

The position of having 6 top ten singles from one album in the UK chart is one that has only been held by the elite: Take That, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Michael Jackson. As the first UK female to achieve such a feat, Jessie J is moving one step closer to becoming one of the UK's greatest musical success stories.

Jessica Cornish, as she may be known, has progressed a long way from her Essex childhood. Having held the #1 spot in 19 countries world-wide, totalling a staggering 11 million single sales, it is certain that the UK public aren't the only ones going crazy for this songstress. Her album has also sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, with over 1 million in the UK.

Jessie J

Jessie's success stretches much further than many would expect. Having starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West-End production of Whistle Down The Wind as a child, before graduating from the BRITs school in the same class as Adele and Leona Lewis, Jessie has always been surrounded by success, which she has been to keen to share with others. Having written songs for US stars Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, including Miley's hit single 'Party in the USA', it is clear that she has been keen to pass on her talent and success.

Her desire to continue finding new talent has become more public in recent weeks after beginning her coaching role on BBC's new talent show The Voice. The format, which has been very successful across the world, has now reached the UK and has been proving popular in the weekly ratings. Sitting alongside Will.I.Am, Tom Jones and Irish rock-band The Script's Danny O'Donoghue, Jessie J holds her own as the only female judge. This Saturday will be the first of the live shows, as Jessie J continues to mentor and coach a group of artists she selected in the blind auditions. Having whittled her acts down to five in this weekend's battle rounds, Jessie is left with a range of talent, style and ages with her performers Becky, Cassius, Ruth, Toni and Vince.

Having begun work on a second album, I cannot imagine that the typical myth of a 'difficult second album' will be a term placed against Jessie J's name. Making Essex proud, we can expect and hope that Jessie's success can only continue to grow and strive.

Essex superstar spinning on The Voice

Brand new hit BBC One show, The Voice, whereby the four coaches sit with their back facing the performers, is proving to be a huge success.

After much popularity in the US, the UK version with coaches Will.I.Am, Tom Jones, The Script's Danny O'Donoghue and Essex's very own Jessie J, has been topping viewer ratings for the past three Saturday nights.

The Voice judges: Jessie J, Danny O'Donoghue, Will.I.Am and Tom Jones

If one of the four coaches wish to mentor the artist that they are listening to, they must hit the button in front of them to spin their chair around. If more than one coach turns around, they must fight it out with one another to make themselves seem more desirable and appealing to the performer, who will then select the coach they wish to work with. With just 10 places in their category, the coaches must be certain when listening to the artists that they wish to turn around and potentially work with them.

With just three weeks in to the brand new BBC show, Jessie has filled up 8 of her 10 available coaching places. With 18 number one singles across the world, two million album sales and a staggering 16 million single sales, Romford's Jessica Cornish definitely knows a thing or two about the music industry.

Although some might believe she is quite a newcomer to the music scene, Jessie has been writing her own music for many years, as well as writing chart-topping songs for the likes of Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys. When it comes to fighting for the acts that she wishes to work with, Jessie certainly throws all of this success and experience into her case to prove to the artists that she can help them to be just as successful.

One of the acts that was unfortunately passed by in the audition process was Essex's Shansel Huseyin. All four judges teased at the prospect of pushing their button for the 16-year-old operatic singer, who, unbeknown to the judges, had discovered her singing talent whilst imitating a Katherine Jenkins performance! Shansel, who reached the Grand Finals of Essex's Got Talent, has had no vocal training, yet managed to spark the attention of the four The Voice coaches.

Essex's Got Talent: Shansel Huseyin

It has been rumoured, since Shansel's audition was shown two weeks ago, that Will.I.Am has offered her a record label. Whilst nothing has been confirmed, it is certain that Essex holds a bundle of talent and shows like The Voice and The X Factor are a prime example of how people of all ages from the county are achieving such massive success.

TOWIE stars are ready, set and go for the London Marathon!

The annual London Marathon is fast approaching and three of the county's reality TV stars will be taking part to raise as much money as they can for their chosen charities.

On the 22nd of April, 'The Only Way is Essex' favourite James Argent, or Arg as he is better known, will be running the 26.2 mile course to raise money for Cancer Research UK. James will be joined by Billi Mucklow and Cara Kilbey, who will be running the marathon for Samaritans.

Cara and Billi training for the 26.2 mile run

Arg, who has famously battled with his weight on the hit ITV2 reality show, has promised his followers on Twitter that he has been cutting down on the junk food and focusing more on his training for the marathon. It has become a regular occurrence that James has tweeted about his latest run or bootcamp session.

On the other hand, his TOWIE competitiors Billi and Cara appear to have an alternative motive. In an interview with the Daily Star, Kilbey said that their training entails a run to the coffee shop, followed by a run to Billi's sunbed salon. Cara continued to say 'then [we] go back and treat ourselves with a nice wine'. Arg even tweeted just last week to say "@BilliMucklow @carakilbey have pulled out of a run 4 sunbathing! Shock!".

Let's hope that the girls will get some thoroughly-needed training in before next Sunday, when they will join Arg, hopefully crossing the finish line at the Mall. Good luck!

The Life of an A Level Student

It has been too long since I've last written a blog. This isn't due to a lack of motivation or desire but instead a lack of time. Due to the sheer volume of work and revision I have from Sixth Form, I have struggled to find time to fit writing on Essex in the Media into my busy working schedule.

Despite this, I still find myself being puzzled by one of the news stories that has occurred since I wrote my last post. The 'A Levels are too easy' saga has continued this week with Education Secretary, Michael Gove, declaring that the exams do not prepare students for university.

Every year when both the GCSE and A Level results are revealed, journalists and various members of the public decide that they believe the exams are getting easier. To the irritation and anger of the students who have slaved away revising for their exams, these people have no idea of the amount of work that goes into the exams and having not sat the test themselves, it seems beyond me as to how they can possibly come to this conclusion.

As a 17 year old student, currently in the midst of revising for my first set of A Level exams, I am well aware that A Levels require hard-work, dedication and are definitely a huge stretch from the GCSE specification. Everybody talks about the jump from Key Stage 4 to Key Stage 5 as you begin your AS Levels in Year 12, however until you are in the position of working for the exams yourself, you cannot fully comprehend it.

In his report, Michael Gove shared his worries that the A Level specification is "falling short of commanding the level of confidence we would want to see". I would happily offer Gove the opportunity to take the step from Year 11 to Year 12 at any school across the country so that he can see the necessity of a development in maturity that all students seem to take on. Having chosen to stay on at a sixth form or college, the students doing their A Levels are well aware of the need to grow in confidence and maturity in order to achieve the grades they so desire. There is no point in sitting back allow teachers to "spoon-feed" you, as Gove reports, as the need to achieve is for the student's benefit and not that of the staff.

Gove's report also stated, how in the UK, "we are the only country who ask kids, very, very, very early on, at 16, to concentrate on just three subjects". At most sixth forms and colleges, students are encouraged to choose four subjects at the age of 16, which they will study in the first half of their A Level course as part of their AS exams, moving on to take just three as they do their A2 exams. By the time students finish their GCSEs, it can be very difficult to choose any more than four subjects which they are still passionate about and still enjoy to learn about. Taking any more than this amount would lead to a lack of interest and therefore a lack of motivation and success. I do not believe it is too early or that it leads to any less success by taking fewer subjects at A Level.

Furthermore, I couldn't possibly imagine taking on another A Level on top of the four that I already study. I put my absolute all into the subjects I take: English, German, ICT and Philosophy & Ethics. These are four very challenging and also rather varied subjects and provide me with the balance that I need and that I desire. I know, just like many other students, that if I were to take any more subjects, my success in each individual subject would most likely suffer.

The graph below shows the rise of the number of students receiving an A grade at A Level (please note that the A* grade only came into effect in 2010).

From this graph, many would assume, just like Michael Gove, that the rise would insinuate a progression of ease in the exams. However, could it not show a progression of intelligence across the country? With the use of the internet, for example, students have a much larger accessibility to information and to resources which can aid the studying process, allowing the percentage of A grades to increase over a period of time.

Teenagers are dealt with negative opinions of their generation by many citizens of the UK and it is too quick and simple to say that the increase of success of A Level grades could be a result of the exams becoming easier. It should be considered that perhaps teenagers aren't all 'chavs' and most of us are hard-working individuals who should be seen positively and praised for our success in exams, instead of dealt with the blow of the media suggesting that the results we have strived for are not as valuable as they may have been in years prior.

As results day looms in August, students are nervous enough for their results, without having to worry about what the media might choose to negate about them next.

Chelmsford granted city status

In her Diamond Jubilee year, the Queen has granted Chelmsford as a city. Along with Perth in Scotland and St Asaph in North Wales, Her Royal Majesty granted three cities on three corners of the country a new city status in order to help mark the celebration of her 60th year as our monarch.

As the county town of Essex and with a population stretching to around 160,000, many people would say that this news has been a long time coming. Most importantly due to the cathedral, which is often a defining aspect of a city, many people have argued the case of Chelmsford's city status for quite some time.

Chelmsford Cathedral

After 24 towns across the UK placed a bid to win a competition to be officially granted as a city, Chelmsford fought off some strong competitors, including Middlesbrough, Bolton and even Reading, the bookies favourite due to being the largest town in the country. With just 18/1 odds, the outlook did not seem particularly promising, so the news came as a shock to the council and to those who helped to place the bid.

Chelmsford even beat Colchester and Southend to claim the title, becoming the first ever city in Essex. It seems only just that the county town should become a city before any others.

With so many assets that would be expected from a city, it only seems about time that Chelmsford should be upgraded from a town to a city. Anglia Ruskin University has, in recent years, been expanded using a £81 million investment and is one of the largest universities in Eastern England.

Chelmsford also boasts multiple top-class high schools, each varying greatly in specialities; these include Moulsham High School specialising in Humanities, Boswells School in Performing Arts, Great Baddow High School in Sport, as well as the two grammar schools, Chelmsford County High School and King Edward Grammar School, which are within the top schools in the country.

The former town also provides various superb amenities that you would expect from a fantastic city.

With a fantastic high street and two shopping precincts, The Meadows and High Chelmer, Chelmsford is packed full of retail opportunities. With John Lewis on its way for 2013, Chelmsford will be complete with virtually every popular high street store that the country is offered.

Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital is the largest in Essex and with a substantial re-development in recent years, various new facilities have been added. The St Andrew's Centre within the hospital is worldly renowned for its specialist work for people suffering with burns and a cleft lip or palate.

Substantial development: Broomfield Hospital's new building

The sporting successes within Chelmsford have been awaited this news for quite some time, with Chelmsford's football club being called Chelmsford City! Chelmsford is also home to Essex County Cricket Ground, as well as ice hockey team Chelmsford Chieftans. It will also welcome the Olympic Torch as part of the Olympic Festival celebrations in July.

Chelmsford receives media attention through the V Festival, held in Hylands Park, every year. With some of the UK's and the world's biggest musical artists coming to Chelmsford every year, it seems only right that the likes of Eminem and Rihanna, who performed at the festival in 2011, should be welcomed into the City of Chelmsford, as opposed to the town.

Crowds pack out at the annual V Festival in Hylands Park

Having been specifically chosen by the Queen to be one of the three places representing her within her Diamond Jubilee year, Chelmsford should hopefully receive the appropriate positive publicity that it deserves, as a place packed full to the brim of exceptional facilities and figures. The news should attract business and investment into what is a bustling and successful city of the UK.

In Case You Didn't Know... Olly Murs CAN sing!

Ever since his appearance on the X Factor, critics have often been scathing of this Essex lad. However, after a sell-out, nationwide, arena tour, it's time these critics hushed and accepted the fact that Olly Murs is a true star, and a very talented one.

After the success of his Number One album, titled 'In Case You Didn't Know', as well as the first two singles from the album rocketing to the top position in the chart, there is no denying that Murs does have a talent. Despite what I imagine is widely considered by some, the 'Heart Skips a Beat' singer has written most of the songs on both of his albums, proving that his talents stretch from being a singer to a song-writer, as well as being an all-round good guy too.

Anybody who appears on the ITV show The X Factor will always be confronted with scrutiny by the press and by music journalists who are too quick to snub the pop sounds that are created by the talent show. It only requires a glance on Twitter to see how it is the likes of JLS, Olly Murs and One Direction, all X Factor finalists, who attract such large fan bases and therefore dominate the charts when their singles are released. Although many people believe Simon Cowell is trying to manipulate the UK's musical tastes, he is in fact just finding artists that appeal to it.

This negative conception of X Factor artists is unfairly held by too many people who attempt to reject this mainstream field of music in order to be seen with a more 'respectable' taste in music. However, this mainstream music is exactly that for a reason - it is popular and enjoyed by the masses. Whether a genre is deemed as 'Pop' or 'Indie', this holds no effect on the actual talent that the artist holds and I think that this can often be mistaken.

As a fan of Olly Murs myself, it may seem biased that I have such high praises of him. However, so will the thousands of other people who saw Mr Murs at his recent tour. It takes a special something, or a special somebody, who can sell out The O2 Arena on two successive nights, as well as two more dates in the same city at Wembley Arena just a week later. With even more dates taking Olly to the largest cities across the UK, crowds packed out to see the spectacular live show that Murs provides. 

Even despite inches of snow disrupting journeys, and even preventing many fans from getting home in some cases, the arenas remained full, certifying that the concert was very much worth the hassle!

Cheeky chappy: Olly Murs rocking The O2 Arena, London

Opening with an uplifting and lively track, 'Anywhere Else', from his latest album, the lyrics perfectly suited the occasion. "Nothing compares to this moment and nothing ever will" ultimately summarises the exhilarating feeling at the start of any live music event, with the show that I saw at the O2 Arena on the 4th February being no exception.

Continuing with all of the greatest songs from his first two albums, as well as some cover versions, including Aloe Blacc's "I Need a Dollar" and a medley of James Brown's greatest hits, Mr Murs clearly defined his vocal ability, proving to audiences of thousands why he rightly deserves his place at the top of the UK charts.

Anywhere Else: "Tonight, our arms are open wide"

Complete with a top-class band, including tremendous back-up singers who helped Olly with a few of his dance moves throughout the show, I would thoroughly recommend paying a visit to see this Essex-boy on one of his upcoming summer shows. These include a homecoming, headlining concert in Hylands Park on 16th June, before returning to the park again on 19th August for the annual V Festival, where Murs will be making his debut appearance on the Main Stage.

If you're not altogether convinced about Olly Murs or he's still not your cup-of-tea, be sure to see him perform live and I can guarantee you will have a good time.

Fuze find a fan in McFly

This week, Pop rockers McFly will begin their nationwide, 26-date, theatre tour, which sees them travelling across the length and breadth of Britain performing to all their fans. As the band travel to York on the 17th April, they will be joined by a very talented Essex band.

Fuze, made up of Ed Alston - lead vocalist and guitarist, George Kirchner - lead guitarist, Jack Goldsmith - bass guitarist, and Keir Adamson - drummer, beat hundreds of other hopefuls to the position.

From left: George, Keir, Ed, Jack

From November of last year, McFly begun their Battle of the Bands competition, looking for fresh and under-the-radar artists to support them on their tour. With many acts across the country entering videos of themselves to the website, the public had a chance to vote online over a 3 month period for their favourite.

The top 50 were then whittled down to 26 as McFly, made up of Tom, Danny, Dougie, as well as Essex's very own Harry Judd, picked the bands they wished to appear alongside them.

Having been crowned Chelmsford's YFest winners in August 2011, as well as giving regular performances at live music venues across the county including The Box in Chelmsford, Fuze are very much prepared for a live audience. However, with a sell-out gig at The Barbican theatre in York, the group will have to adjust to a 1,500-strong crowd - a spectacular experience for any artist

Lead guitarist, George is filled with excitement at the prospect of their upcoming gig. "It will be the biggest gig we've ever played. To have this opportunity to perform to 1,500 McFly fans, as well as McFly themselves, will be so awesome."

After receiving a call from an unknown US number at the start of February, George was ecstatic to hear the voice of McFly's manager Richard Rashman, with "the words [he] had been waiting for months to hear".

"My heart literary started to beat faster than ever before, I couldn't breathe and I just knew that we made it on to the tour! As soon as I got off the phone, I went to scream at the top of my voice but nothing came out! I then ran down stairs and told my mum, phoning the other guys in the band shortly after."

In order to prepare for their supporting slot at the chart toppers' gig, Fuze will be hosting a warm up gig on 13th April. Starting at 7:30 at The Box, Fuze welcome anybody to attend to support them in preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime show.

In recent months, Fuze's album has been available to buy on iTunes and Amazon, with the band's latest single, 'By Your Side', available to download for 89p on iTunes. The four-piece have also recorded a video to accompany the single, which is also available.

If you wish to find out more about Fuze, head to their official YouTube page FuzeBandTV to see some clips of Ed, George, Jack and Keir performing live, as well as a sneak preview of the latest video, or visit the Fuze Facebook page

Fuze's 'By Your Side' is available to download now