Claudia D'Addio
Encyclopedia
Diamá (born April 8, 1980) is a Swiss
singer. She was born in Schlieren
, a suburb of Zurich
. Both parents are Italian
immigrants. She grew up in Dietikon
, which is close to her place of birth. At the age of seven she began singing in her hometown church choir" Voci Bianche" (White Voices), which she was part of until her teenage days. At home she would listen to soul
and R&B tunes, and while singing along she discovered the strength of her own voice. She found inspiration in soul legends such as Mary J. Blige
, Stevie Wonder
, Brandy Norwood
, and her greatest idol, Italian R&B diva Giorgia
. Later, she started to attend karaoke competitions, most of which she was able to win effortlessly.
. Claudia attended the first auditions and impressed the jury and got accepted as a contestant. While taking part in the show Claudia deservedly received the nickname "The Voice", an indication as to why she ended up among the top three. After the show she went on tour with her fellow contestants. Three singles were produced, all of them featured Claudia among the Music Star contestants and all became number 1 records.
When to tour was over, she performed at open-air festivals such as the "Fashion Club Tour 2005". For the Subex gala in Egypt
, Claudia was invited to El Quseir and only a few weeks later she was the main act for the Swiss stage at theOlympic Winter Games 2006
in Torino (Italy).
asked her to be part of his2006 Eurovision Song Contest project. She represented Switzerland together with 5 other international artists: Andreas Lundstedt
from the Swedish
dance formation Alcazar
; Marco Matias
, an up and coming German
artist; Tinka Milinović
, a Bosnian
superstar; Keith Camilleri from Malta
; and Liel
from Israel
. The group was called Six4One
, as in six singers for one country. The contest took place in Athens
, Greece
.
Meanwhile, she recorded two songs for the Six4One Album" Six4One – The Album". Both songs "U can't stop me" & "Identità" were released as unofficial single.
In late November 2006 Claudia was a special guest at the Pirelli Calendar & Film Release Gala in Zurich.
In 2008, Zurich's Christopher Street Day
Committee asked Claudia's songwriter Jiameé if he was interested in writing something for the event. He started a project and included Claudia, Tanja La Croix
and Donna Tella (a well-known Swiss Drag Queen) The project obtained the title "Pink Riot" and became the official Christopher Street Day
Zurich Hymn 2008. The Song was performed by all tree artist on the 2008 Christopher Street Day Zurich concert stage as opening act for Ultra Naté
, Colton Ford
and Ari Gold feat. Kelly King
.
’s main voice Chris Willis
, singer & DJ-ane Billie Ray Martin
and Italian Superstar Tommy Vee. In her set she performed two songs ("La Mossa" & "Mare") off her yet untitled debut-album. As a surprise during her set, New York power-voice-diva "Kelly King
" entered the stage singing the first notes of Gloria Gaynor
's "I will survive" turning into a duet of "Pink Riot!", that was Tanja La Croix
’s, Claudia D’Addio’s and Donna Tella’s, official Christopher Street Day
Hymn 2008. Other artists who performed at Europride 2009 Mainstage were; Swiss DJ-ane/model Tanja La Croix
feat. MC Wreckid, Swiss-ex-porn-star Paula Styles & K-Skill, New York’s 7 octaves wonder "Kelly King
", “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” 2004 winner “Elli
”, electro-pop pioneers "I like it Electric" & “Swiss DJ-legend “Leon Klein”.
, who recently worked with Bob Sinclar
. Adam and Diamá duet the one song that defined House-Music forever; "Robin S. - Show me luv". At the big finale she performed her collaboration track "Glitzerhaus feat. Diamá & Stella Divine - 8 PM (8 Pick-up moves) during the Glitzerhaus grand finale.
Only one year later she presents her first official single "Drivin' Tru" at the 2011 Zurich Pride Festival. In addition she makes a surprise appearance during the performance of house legend Robin S. Together they sang "You know how to love me".
"Saltwater", originally sung by Máire Brennan. Claudia also lend her vocals for a wellness product. Later on the tune was remixed by Tatana herself and became hymn of a whole club tour.
Tanja La Croix
, also known as Tanja Wettach, is a famous Swiss Model/DJ-ane. Together with her songwriter, Claudia co-wrote four songs for Tanja's first artist album, A trip to Bikini Island: Catwalk, Save me (Radio Edit), Wet & DNA (Don't need anything). She is also featuring artist on "Wet" and "DNA".
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
singer. She was born in Schlieren
Schlieren, Zurich
Schlieren is a municipality in the district of Dietikon in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.- History :The oldest artifact discovered in the Canton of Zürich is a Stone Age Neanderthal hand axe which was found in Schlieren, and dates back to approximately 100,000 BCE.Until 1415, Schlieren...
, a suburb of Zurich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
. Both parents are Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
immigrants. She grew up in Dietikon
Dietikon
Dietikon is the fifth biggest city of the canton of Zürich in Switzerland, after Zürich, Winterthur, Uster and Dübendorf. It is the capital of the same-named district of Dietikon and part of the Zürich metropolitan area.- Geography :...
, which is close to her place of birth. At the age of seven she began singing in her hometown church choir" Voci Bianche" (White Voices), which she was part of until her teenage days. At home she would listen to soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
and R&B tunes, and while singing along she discovered the strength of her own voice. She found inspiration in soul legends such as Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
, Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
, Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
, and her greatest idol, Italian R&B diva Giorgia
Giorgia Todrani
Giorgia Todrani, best known as Giorgia is an Italian female singer and song-writer, known for her soulful voice, which is aided by a wide vocal range, high belting register and great vocal abilities. She is one of the most iconic and famous Italian singers. She has released ten studio albums,...
. Later, she started to attend karaoke competitions, most of which she was able to win effortlessly.
Music Star
In 2004 her best friend filled out an application form for her, to audition for the second season of Music Star, the Swiss version of American IdolAmerican Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
. Claudia attended the first auditions and impressed the jury and got accepted as a contestant. While taking part in the show Claudia deservedly received the nickname "The Voice", an indication as to why she ended up among the top three. After the show she went on tour with her fellow contestants. Three singles were produced, all of them featured Claudia among the Music Star contestants and all became number 1 records.
When to tour was over, she performed at open-air festivals such as the "Fashion Club Tour 2005". For the Subex gala in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Claudia was invited to El Quseir and only a few weeks later she was the main act for the Swiss stage at theOlympic Winter Games 2006
2006 Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
in Torino (Italy).
Eurovision Song Contest 2006
In 2006, renowned German songwriter and composer Ralph SiegelRalph Siegel
Ralph Siegel is a German record producer and songwriter. He is married to the opera singer Kriemhild Jahn. He has three daughters, one of them Giulia Siegel divorced from German entrepreneur Hans Wehrmann....
asked her to be part of his2006 Eurovision Song Contest project. She represented Switzerland together with 5 other international artists: Andreas Lundstedt
Andreas Lundstedt
Andreas Lundstedt is a Swedish musician, who is best known as a member of the pop-disco group, Alcazar.-Biography:...
from the Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
dance formation Alcazar
Alcazar (band)
Alcazar is a Swedish eurodance group which has established themselves as one of Sweden's most successful music groups with a string of hits since their debut single in 1999. Worldwide, Alcazar sold over 12 million records between 2001 and 2004...
; Marco Matias
Marco Matias
Marco Matias is the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to Germany in the 1970s. At the age of ten, he had his first experiences on stage when he was performing for a game circus, a project that arose in co-operation with Caritas and endeavored to inspire children for creativity. He himself got a...
, an up and coming German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
artist; Tinka Milinović
Tinka Milinovic
Tinka Milinović is a Bosnian television star and personality, opera singer, recording artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, actress and model who has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines in Europe. Her current platform TheTinkaShow.com provides a commentary of Milinović's view on love,...
, a Bosnian
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
superstar; Keith Camilleri from Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
; and Liel
Liel Kolet
Liel Kolet is an Israeli singer, of Indian Jewish descent.-Biography:Liel Kolet was born on 11 July 1989 to Indian Jewish parents in the Kibbutz Kvutzat Kinneret where she also spent the rest of her childhood....
from Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. The group was called Six4One
Six4one
six4one is a six-piece musical group formed in November 2005 for the sole purpose of representing Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. The group is made up of six individuals who were chosen at a casting session, which took place from November 25-27 2005...
, as in six singers for one country. The contest took place in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
Meanwhile, she recorded two songs for the Six4One Album" Six4One – The Album". Both songs "U can't stop me" & "Identità" were released as unofficial single.
In late November 2006 Claudia was a special guest at the Pirelli Calendar & Film Release Gala in Zurich.
Activist for the LGBT Community
Diamá has always supported the LGBT community and has participated on many important events to support their rights.Christopher Street Day Zurich 2006 & 2008
Right after her Eurovision experience she performed at the 2006 Christopher Street Day Zurich Festival. She performed her two unofficial songs "U can't stop me" & "Identitá".In 2008, Zurich's Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day is an annual European LGBT celebration and demonstration held in various cities across Europe for the rights of LGBT people, and against discrimination and exclusion. Only Germany and Switzerland use the term CSD, in other countries, the same kind of event is called Gay...
Committee asked Claudia's songwriter Jiameé if he was interested in writing something for the event. He started a project and included Claudia, Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix is a House DJ and Producer from Switzerland. Early life Tanja La Croix was born and grew up in St. Gallen, Switzerland...
and Donna Tella (a well-known Swiss Drag Queen) The project obtained the title "Pink Riot" and became the official Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day is an annual European LGBT celebration and demonstration held in various cities across Europe for the rights of LGBT people, and against discrimination and exclusion. Only Germany and Switzerland use the term CSD, in other countries, the same kind of event is called Gay...
Zurich Hymn 2008. The Song was performed by all tree artist on the 2008 Christopher Street Day Zurich concert stage as opening act for Ultra Naté
Ultra Naté
Ultra Naté is an American house music, Dance-pop and sometimes R&B musician who has achieved a respectable amount of success on the pop charts with songs such as "Free" and "If You Could Read My Mind" as part of Stars on 54....
, Colton Ford
Colton Ford
Colton Ford is the stage name of Glenn Soukesian, a former same-sex adult film star, singer and actor. As of May 2007, he resides in New York City.-Film career:...
and Ari Gold feat. Kelly King
Kelly King
Kelly S. King was born on September 12, 1948, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves as Chairman and CEO of BB&T Corporation. Kelly began his career with BB&T by joining BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1972 and has served in many roles, including manager of its Central and Metropolitan...
.
Mr. Gay Switzerland 2008/2009
November 2008 she was main act at the 2008/2009 Mr. Gay Switzerland Finale. The event had not been held for four years. Ricco Rimus Müller won the title. He is also the first hearing impaired Mr. Gay Switzerland.Europride 2009
June 2009, Claudia performed at the Europride 2009 Main-Stage and is therefore one of the only Swiss singers to ever perform at a Europride Event. She performed on both nights and announced her new artist name “Diamá”; Friday June 5, 2009 she performed as part of the Glitzerhaus DJ-set, since she is lead singer of their new single "8 PM" (8 Pick-up Moves) together with Swiss DragQueen-Star Stella Divine and Lady Mata Hari (1/3 of the DJ-Combo Glitzerhaus). On Saturday, June 6, 2009 she performed as Main act followed by artists such as LA Superstar "Guy B.", David GuettaDavid Guetta
Pierre David Guetta , known professionally as David Guetta , is a French house music producer and DJ. Originally a DJ at nightclubs during the 1980s and 1990s, he co-founded Gum Productions and released his first album, Just a Little More Love, in 2002. Later, he released Guetta Blaster and Pop Life...
’s main voice Chris Willis
Chris Willis
Christopher "Chris" Willis is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Although initially a gospel singer, he later received international attention for his collaborations with house music artist David Guetta, including on the songs "Just a Little More Love", "Love Don't Let Me Go , "Love Is...
, singer & DJ-ane Billie Ray Martin
Billie Ray Martin
-Career:Billie Ray Martin has had dance and pop hits in various collaborations and as a solo artist. Initially a guest singer for S'Express , she went on to work with the electronic/pop/house-music group Electribe 101. The group's only album was Electribal Memories because it disbanded...
and Italian Superstar Tommy Vee. In her set she performed two songs ("La Mossa" & "Mare") off her yet untitled debut-album. As a surprise during her set, New York power-voice-diva "Kelly King
Kelly King
Kelly S. King was born on September 12, 1948, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves as Chairman and CEO of BB&T Corporation. Kelly began his career with BB&T by joining BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1972 and has served in many roles, including manager of its Central and Metropolitan...
" entered the stage singing the first notes of Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor is an American singer, best known for the disco era hits; "I Will Survive" , "Never Can Say Goodbye" , "Let Me Know " and "I Am What I Am" .-Early career:Gaynor was a singer with the Soul...
's "I will survive" turning into a duet of "Pink Riot!", that was Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix is a House DJ and Producer from Switzerland. Early life Tanja La Croix was born and grew up in St. Gallen, Switzerland...
’s, Claudia D’Addio’s and Donna Tella’s, official Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day is an annual European LGBT celebration and demonstration held in various cities across Europe for the rights of LGBT people, and against discrimination and exclusion. Only Germany and Switzerland use the term CSD, in other countries, the same kind of event is called Gay...
Hymn 2008. Other artists who performed at Europride 2009 Mainstage were; Swiss DJ-ane/model Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix is a House DJ and Producer from Switzerland. Early life Tanja La Croix was born and grew up in St. Gallen, Switzerland...
feat. MC Wreckid, Swiss-ex-porn-star Paula Styles & K-Skill, New York’s 7 octaves wonder "Kelly King
Kelly King
Kelly S. King was born on September 12, 1948, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves as Chairman and CEO of BB&T Corporation. Kelly began his career with BB&T by joining BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1972 and has served in many roles, including manager of its Central and Metropolitan...
", “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” 2004 winner “Elli
Elli
In Norse mythology, Elli is a personification of old age who, in the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning, defeats Thor in a wrestling match.-Gylfaginning:...
”, electro-pop pioneers "I like it Electric" & “Swiss DJ-legend “Leon Klein”.
Zurich Pride Festival 2010 & 2011
2010 she again performs for the community at the first Zurich Pride Festival. Two performances set her unique note; one with shooting star Adam JosephAdam Joseph
Adam Joseph is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and music producer. In 2003, Joseph began his own recording label, "Jah Records". In December 2003, he released his first album "How I Seem To Be". The album spawned the singles "Flow With My Soul" and "Your Mine"...
, who recently worked with Bob Sinclar
Bob Sinclar
Bob Sinclar, originally spelled "Sinclair" - , is a French record producer, House music DJ, remixer and owner of the label Yellow Productions.- Career history :...
. Adam and Diamá duet the one song that defined House-Music forever; "Robin S. - Show me luv". At the big finale she performed her collaboration track "Glitzerhaus feat. Diamá & Stella Divine - 8 PM (8 Pick-up moves) during the Glitzerhaus grand finale.
Only one year later she presents her first official single "Drivin' Tru" at the 2011 Zurich Pride Festival. In addition she makes a surprise appearance during the performance of house legend Robin S. Together they sang "You know how to love me".
Artist Charity Night 2011
June 2011 she performed at the third Artist Charity Night to raise awareness on how careless AIDS is handled today.Collaborations
Claudia then decided to take a brake to regenerate, to improve her vocal range and to work on different projects. She recorded "Girls gone wild" for DJ Scaloni. The track was then signed by Universal Switzerland. Then worked with Tatana for her tribute album "A Tribute to Trance", where she recorded the Tribute to Chicane'sChicane (recording artist)
Chicane is a British electronic dance music act, and the guise of British musician, composer, songwriter and record producer, Nicholas Bracegirdle....
"Saltwater", originally sung by Máire Brennan. Claudia also lend her vocals for a wellness product. Later on the tune was remixed by Tatana herself and became hymn of a whole club tour.
Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix
Tanja La Croix is a House DJ and Producer from Switzerland. Early life Tanja La Croix was born and grew up in St. Gallen, Switzerland...
, also known as Tanja Wettach, is a famous Swiss Model/DJ-ane. Together with her songwriter, Claudia co-wrote four songs for Tanja's first artist album, A trip to Bikini Island: Catwalk, Save me (Radio Edit), Wet & DNA (Don't need anything). She is also featuring artist on "Wet" and "DNA".
Claudia D'Addio becomes Diamá
Since, more than once, presenters introduced her as Claudio D'Addio, which is the male form of Claudia and since many others mispronounced her name, she and her management decided to use an artist name for her debut album. Diamá was chosen because it contains the last three letters of her own name Clau(dia) and the first two letter of (Ma)urizio, an omage to her best friend, who died in a tragic accident in September 2009.Future
Diamá is currently working on a few other projects, but is focusing on her debut album, which is scheduled for a 2011 release.Discography
Studio albums- We're not done (2011)