Rita Ora is a British singer, songwriter, and actress.
She gained fame with DJ Fresh’s 2012 hit Hot Right Now and released her debut album Ora that same year, which topped the UK Albums Chart.
Ora has since released two more albums and is known for hits like Your Song and Let You Love Me.
In addition to her music career, she has appeared in films like Fifty Shades of Grey and served as a judge on various talent shows.
Parents
Rita’s parents are Vera and Besnik Sahatçiu Ora.
They fled Kosovo for England in 1991 due to political unrest, when Rita was just one year old.
Vera is a psychiatrist who had to retrain in the UK, while Besnik initially worked in a pizzeria before becoming a pub owner.
They instilled values of resilience and hard work in Rita, who often performed at her father’s pub as a teenager, which helped launch her music career.
Career
Ora began her music career at a young age, performing in her father’s pub and participating in various talent shows.
Her big break came when she was discovered by rapper Jay-Z, who signed her to his label Roc Nation in 2009.
In 2012, she released her debut album, Ora, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
The album included several successful singles, such as Hot Right Now, a collaboration with DJ Fresh that became a major hit and helped propel her into the spotlight.
Other notable tracks from this album include R.I.P., which topped the charts, and How We Do (Party), both of which showcased her pop and R&B influences.
After a brief hiatus, Rita released her second studio album, Phoenix, in 2018.
This album featured hits like Your Song, co-written by Ed Sheeran, marking a significant return for Ora to the charts.
Another standout track from Phoenix was Let You Love Me, a catchy pop anthem that resonated with fans and received critical acclaim.
In 2023, she released her third album, You & I, which continued to showcase her evolution as an artist with a mix of pop, R&B, and dance tracks, further establishing her versatility.
In addition to her music career, Ora has ventured into acting.
She made notable appearances in the Fifty Shades film series as Mia Grey, which helped her gain recognition beyond the music scene.
Furthermore, she has served as a judge on various talent shows, including The X Factor UK and The Voice Australia.
Her charisma and experience in the music industry have made her a popular figure on these shows.
Beyond music and acting, Rita Ora is involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts.
Known for her distinctive fashion sense, she has collaborated with several fashion brands.
Additionally, she supports numerous charitable causes, including mental health awareness and children’s charities.
Awards
Ora has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, highlighting her impact in the music industry.
She was nominated for three awards at the 2013 Brit Awards, including British Breakthrough Act.
In 2018, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first British female solo artist to have thirteen top-ten songs in the UK.
In recent years, Ora hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) multiple times, including the 2024 ceremony where she paid tribute to Liam Payne.
At this event, she was part of a night dominated by female artists, with Taylor Swift winning four awards.
Rita has also been nominated for various accolades at other prestigious events, such as the I Heart Radio Music Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards, where she received nominations for her collaboration with Avicii on Lonely Together.
Her recognition spans both her music and contributions to television, solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
