Four of Diamonds

Lore & Background

Four of Diamonds formed shortly before their X Factor audition, choosing their name from a card game. They auditioned with Meghan Trainor's 'No' and progressed through bootcamp and judges' houses, where Louis Walsh initially sent them home. However, in October 2016 they replaced Brooks Way in the live shows. They survived two sing-offs before being eliminated in week five against Saara Aalto. After the series, they joined The X Factor Live Tour, performing to over 200,000 people across the UK.

In 2018 they signed with EMI Records and released their debut single 'Name on It', which featured an uncredited male vocalist. Subsequent singles included 'Stupid Things', 'Blind', and 'Walk Away'. They supported Rita Ora on the Phoenix World Tour in 2019, with a performance at the O2 Arena praised for its energy and stage presence. They also performed at Bristol Pride, Manchester Pride, and on television shows such as Blue Peter and Britain's Got More Talent.

After parting with EMI, they released singles through Fascination in late 2020, including 'Never Learn My Lesson' and 'Your Problem'. The group went on indefinite hiatus in 2020, with Yasmin Broom later citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor.

Reader's Guide

Four of Diamonds represent a notable chapter in the history of British girl groups, emerging from the reality television pipeline of The X Factor. Their brief career illustrates both the opportunities and challenges faced by pop acts in the late 2010s. They were the first girl group signed to EMI Records since the Spice Girls, a fact that underscores the shifting landscape of the music industry. Their singles, often featuring collaborations with established artists like Burna Boy and Saweetie, attempted to blend pop with afrobeats and hip-hop influences. The group's trajectory—from reality show contestants to touring with Rita Ora—highlights the potential for X Factor alumni to build careers beyond the show. However, their hiatus after only four years, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects the fragility of such careers. The subsequent solo pursuits of members, including Alvares' Latin pop releases and Broom's reality TV appearance, demonstrate the diverse paths taken after the group's pause. Their legacy is that of a promising act whose momentum was interrupted by external circumstances, leaving a small but polished discography.

Did You Know?

• The group chose their name from a card game, narrowing it down from Four of Diamonds and Four of Hearts.
• They replaced Brooks Way in The X Factor live shows after being eliminated at judges' houses.
• The group's debut single 'Name on It' featured an uncredited male vocalist, not Burna Boy.
• The single 'Stupid Things' did not feature Saweetie; no feature was credited on that track.