Early in Connor's career, she attended Saddleworth School for her high school education before attending Oldham College where she studied performing arts and graduated.[12] Connor worked as receptionist in a sports club by day[13] and gigged and performed in the evenings and on weekends. In 2003, Connor appeared as a contestant on the second series of the hit British television talent show Pop Idol. She was an early favourite of the judges, and made it to the final fifty of the competition,[14] earning her the chance to perform live to the nation, but was eliminated after failing to finish in the top two in her group, instead placing fourth of ten.[15] Connor was given a second chance by the judges, and was invited back for the Wildcard round,[16] but again was unsuccessful in making it through to the next round, and was eliminated for good.[17]
2010–present: Breakthrough and first studio album
Connor returned to the spotlight in 2010, when she featured on grime collective Roll Deep's comeback single "Good Times"; which she helped to co-write.[18] On 2 May 2010, the single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 1,[8] where it remained for three consecutive weeks.[12] The single not only marked Connor's first chart performance, but also Roll Deep's first top 10 hit. Connor then continued her breakthrough, appearing on videos "Electric Boogaloo (Find a Way)" and "Higher State" by Wiley and Bailey respectively. Following the success of Connor's breakthrough, she was signed to Polydor Records and Takeover Entertainment,[3][19] spending the remainder of 2010 recording material for her debut album. On 16 January 2011, Connor released her debut single, "Now or Never" featuring Wiley, in the UK, which debuted at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart[9] and number 6 on the UK R&B Chart.[10] On 20 February 2011, Connor released her second single, "Bring It" featuring Tinchy Stryder, also in the UK, which debuted at number 11 on the UK R&B Chart,[10][20] following its first play on BBC Radio 1.[11]
