She is the multifaceted singer, model and presenter who, at every turn, lights up the entertainment industry with seemingly effortless style. She is Rita Ora.
Rita Ora’s Journey to Stardom
Rita Ora’s journey from a little-known artist to an international superstar is a tale of talent, hard work and versatility.
Born in Pristina, Kosovo (then Yugoslavia), in 1990, her family moved to London when she was just a child, seeking a better life and greater opportunity. While her parents found their inspiration in the UK, so too did Rita, as the capital sparked a passion for music and performance.
Breakthrough and Success in the Music Industry
Bursting onto the music scene in 2012 at the age of 22, she quickly became a household name with her debut album, Ora, topping the UK charts. Her catchy tunes and dynamic presence endeared her to fans worldwide, establishing her as a force in the music industry. Indeed, three of the singer’s first five singles were chart-toppers (How We Do (Party), RIP and I Will Never Let You Down), and all three of her albums have either gone platinum or made the top 10.
“I think a lot of my career has been about being in the right place at the right time,” she begins. “So much of the industry is timing and I’m grateful for the luck I’ve had.
“I still realise it could have been so different because there are so many incredible artists out there who don’t get the breaks they deserve, including those featured in my new album ‘you & I.”
Expanding Horizons: Acting and Beyond
Apart from her musical achievements, the now-35-year-old has also made significant strides in acting, appearing in several films, including the popular Fifty Shades of Grey series, playing Mia Grey, the adopted younger sister of Jamie Dornan’s Christian.
The Influence of Her Upbringing in the UK
Her ability to juggle singing and acting with ease demonstrates a multi-layered talent and dedication to her craft. However, would she have achieved the same success and fame had she not grown up in the UK?
“It’s fascinating to observe how people view someone like me,” she says. “Being, in essence, a refugee who moved to the UK – I’ve seen my dreams become reality.
“Without the chance to relocate to London and my parents’ courageous decision, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to engage with my idols, much less create music.”
Inspiring Others Through Her Journey
The BRITs and MOBO award winner continues: “I stand by the fact that if you invest yourself into a project and a life and a dream, you give yourself a chance.
“It is only a chance, and along the way you need good people around you, but if I can inspire others to go after what they want with energy and optimism, that’s a wonderful gift as well.”
Advocacy and Connection to Kosovo
Rita Ora’s influence extends beyond entertainment and the London-based icon proudly serves as an ambassador for Kosovo, using her platform to promote her homeland and contribute to its cultural and social development. A role close to her heart, it ties back to her roots and that endless desire to give back to the community.
In her personal life, she married the New Zealand writer, filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi in 2022 and the couple’s creative worlds often collide in exciting and innovative ways – as shown in a series of revealing Louis Theroux Interviews conducted the same year.
Continuing Her Journey: The Masked Singer
In 2024, she took on the role as a judge on the US version of The Masked Singer, having previously done the same on the UK series. The transition across the Atlantic is a familiar one, yet she remains British at heart.
She beams: “America is such a huge place and there’s an unbelievable amount of talent running through the country, but the UK will always be my spiritual home.
“It took me and my family in, gave us hope and inspiration, and if there is one place I want to pay that back, it is here.”
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