Rebecca Caroline Ferguson (born 21 July 1986) is a British singer-songwriter. Ferguson came to prominence in 2010 when she became the runner-up of the seventh series of The X Factor losing to the winner that year Matt Cardle, She subsequently signed a joint record deal with Syco Music and Epic Records in the UK. She later signed in the United States to Columbia Records. Ferguson's debut album, Heaven, was released in November 2011 to commercial and critical success. Co-written by Ferguson, it was certified platinum in the UK, Ireland and US, Ferguson released five singles from the album and also toured the record in 2012. She cites Aretha Franklin, Kings of Leon, Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse among her influences. She has endorsements with Nescafé and Walkers. In 2012 she was nominated for two MOBO awards and a MTV Europe award. Ferguson's second studio album, Freedom, will be released in December 2013.