Nicki Richards is a singer/songwriter who came to fame in 1989 as winner of the singing competition Star Search. Her win attracted the attention of Ahmet Ertegun from Atlantic Records who promptly signed her to a recording contract saying, “I signed Aretha Franklin. I signed Led Zeppelin. Now I’m signing you!”

Her tour-de-force debut album Naked (To The World) was released in 1991 featuring the singles “Naked” and “Summer Breeze”.

Following the album’s release, Nicki became a star behind the scenes, becoming an in-demand session vocalist. She has frequently turned up on collaborations with dance music heavy-hitters like David Morales, Tony Moran, and the late Frankie Knuckles. She now has a cult following as a longtime touring background vocalist for none other than Madonna.

Though background work keeps her busy, she’s still found time to deliver two largely self-written and self-produced albums: Nicki in 2008 and Tell Me… in 2012.