Grammy star Melanie Fiona
CBC News
Posted: Feb 14, 2012 8:44 AM ET
Last Updated: Feb 14, 2012 5:43 PM ET
Canadian star Melanie Fiona spent years chasing the spotlight before walking away from Sunday’s Grammy gala with two awards.
Raised by Guyanese parents in a house filled with music, she spent time in various underground R&B bands in Toronto, including The Renaissance with Drake, all the while developing her songwriting talent.
Fiona’s song It Kills Me earned her first Grammy nomination in 2010 (for best R&B female vocal performance) and she earned another Grammy nomination a year later for Wake Up! Everybody, her collaboration with John Legend and The Roots.
She got even wider exposure when her songs appeared on popular televisions shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, The Hills and CSI: Miami.
On Sunday, the 28-year-old Fiona won two trophies — best traditional R&B performance and best R&B song —for Fool for You, her collaboration with Cee Lo Green. She was still reeling from the win after a night of celebration when she talked to CBC News the following day.
In an interview with CBC’s Lyndsay Duncombe, Fiona spoke about what the Grammy means for her career, how she met Cee Lo Green and how Canadians are regarded in the music business.
Fiona’s new album, The MF Life, will be released March 20.
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