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U.K. Singer Cher Lloyd Signs to Jay-Z's Roc Nation

Posted Dec 31st 2010 2:00PM by Nadeska Alexis
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Dave Hogan, Getty Images

The latest addition to Roc Nation's ever-expanding roster is British artist Cher Lloyd. Jay-Z has signed the rapper/singer and former contestant of the U.K.'s 'X Factor' to his imprint.

Lloyd has already built considerable buzz in the U.K., after auditioning for the talent show with a cover of Soulja Boy's 'Turn My Swag On.' Earlier this month, she performed a duet with super producer Will.i.am during 'X Factor''s season finale. According to the U.K.'s The Sun paper, the 17-year-old performer was in negotiations to sign a deal with Will.i.am. before accepting a contract with Jay-Z.

"Even though Cher didn't do terrifically well in the 'X Factor' finals, there's been [a lot] of interest in her. Will.i.am's backing only intensified the battle to get her signature," a source told The Sun. "After weighing up the pros and cons, it was thought that the team at Roc Nation would be best placed to turn her dreams of stardom into a reality."

Earlier this week, Will.i.am addressed Lloyd on Twitter, writing, "Hey cher, when should we release the song we recorded in london??? ... (Its a smasher). The day after the last xfactor... cher loyd and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher." So far, Will has made no comment on Lloyd's new Roc Nation deal.

She will join the current lineup of Roc Nation artists, which includes J. Cole, Bridget Kelly, Jay Electronica and Willow Smith.

Watch Cher Lloyd Cover Soulja Boy's 'Turn My Swag On'