James Fox

A U.K.-based songwriter, stage actor, and former backup singer for such groups as Liberty X and Wet Wet Wet, James Fox received his first break on the BBC television competition Fame Academy in 2003. Fox finished in fifth place, which raised his profile and helped the Welsh musician secure a much loftier gig: representing the U.K. in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004. Although "Hold on to Our Love" did not win the competition, it did reach number 13 in the U.K. charts, and Fox parlayed that success into a respectable theater career. A supporting role in a touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar attracted the eye of Tim Rice, who recommend Fox audition for the lead role in Billy Joel's Movin' Out. Fox landed the job and participated in several casts of Movin' Out, from the famed Broadway production to subsequent productions in Toronto, Houston, and London. He later moved to London to focus on his songwriting career, which received a boost in 2008 when he wrote and recorded the official song for the Cadiff City Football Club's FA Cup Final, "Bluebirds Flying High." ~ Andrew Leahey