JESSIE J

A rambunctious creator of hits for others seizes center stage for herself

At 23, Jessie J has already built an impressive résumé as a songwriter, penning hits like Miley Cyrus’ 2009 “Party in the U.S.A.” While some might feel a twinge of jealousy seeing their songs chart for other artists, Jessie J has played her supporting role graciously. What’s most important to her is finding the best fit for each of her creations. “It’s not hard to give a song away if it feels like it’s better for someone else,” she says. “It’s like having a dress you know will look better on a friend than it does on you. Giving songs to artists like Miley and Chris Brown helped put me on the map as a songwriter.”

Now Jessie J is ready for her turn in the spotlight. Her debut album, Who You Are, has already cracked the Top 20 in the U.S. and No. 2 in her native England. Born Jessica Ellen Cornish, she grew up in a London suburb and graduated from the BRIT School, a noted incubator for precocious talent. Her lively mix of pop and R&B is appropriate for an artist who cites Aretha Franklin and Prince as major influences. Fellow former BRIT School student Adele recently called Jessie J’s voice “illegal,” while Justin Timberlake has called her “the best singer in the world” and invited her into the studio. “It’s very humbling to have amazing artists like Justin and Adele compliment you,” she says. “I try not to let the pressure get to me.”

Though she’s developed a reputation for her daring performances onstage, she is careful about her behavior behind the mic and elsewhere. “I want to be a role model as well as an entertainer, someone my fans can look up to,” she says. “So many artists sing about being in the club with their girls and their cars. I want to give people a positive message. But I also want to have an album with songs like ‘Do It Like a Dude,’ tracks that will have the girls rushing for the floor.”

Already an international sensation, a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live introduced her to an audience of more than 14 million viewers, helped juice album sales and served as a preview of her forthcoming American tour. “I’m just getting started,” she promises. “I will really enjoy getting to meet everyone as I visit cities around the country.”

–Blake Boldt