Cheryl Ann Cole (born 30 June 1983) is an English singer, songwriter, dancer, and model. Cole rose to fame in late 2002 after being selected to become a member of girl group Girls Aloud on ITV's reality television programme Popstars The Rivals. With the group, Cheryl Cole released twenty consecutive top ten singles (including four number ones) in the UK and five platinum albums, two of which went to number one; and earned five Brit Award nominations from 2005 to 2010. Since Girls Aloud announced their hiatus she has released two consecutive number one albums in the UK: 3 Words and Messy Little Raindrops; scoring two British number one singles ("Fight for This Love" and "Promise This"). Cole became a judge on the British televised singing competition The X Factor in 2008. Cheryl Cole has become a recognised and photographed style icon; referred to as a fashionista by the press. Her picture has been on the covers of British Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar, while also becoming the new face of cosmetic company L'Oréal. Cole was married to England footballer Ashley Cole from July 2006 until she divorced him in September 2010. On 5 May 2011, it was announced that Cole would be a judge on the upcoming American version of The X Factor. On 26 May 2011, it was reported that Cheryl Cole had been axed from the show, with it finally being confirmed by Fox, Freemantle North America and Syco TV on 6 June.
