Lil' Chris

Lil' Chris was born Christopher James Hardman in 1990. He started performing and writing songs when he was six years old. In 2006, he signed with Sony Music and put out his first single, "Checkin' It Out."

That song became a hit in the UK, reaching the top of the charts and earning a gold certification. It had the kind of upbeat pop and dance sound that defined his early work. Other tracks from that period include "Getting Enough" and "Crossing The Line."

He stepped away from music for a while around 2013, citing personal struggles with anxiety and depression. When he returned in 2015, there was some public criticism following a reported altercation with another artist. He worked as a solo performer throughout, without a permanent band.