Aoyama Thelma

When Aoyama was three years old, she took an interest in dancing while watching Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation music video. She spent six years at Osaka International School as an elementary school student. When Aoyama was ten years old, she discovered gospel and developed an interest in singing. At twelve years old, her family moved to Los Angeles for two years. She returned to Japan in the winter of 2002. Her family settled in Tokyo. Aoyama attended the American School in Japan. She also began to take vocal lessons. Currently, Aoyama is studying at a university.

Aoyama's first release in the music world was a collaboration single with DS455's single, SUMMER PARADISE ~Risin' To Tha Sun~ feat. Aoyama Thelma. The single reached #46 on the Oricon charts. On September 9, 2008, Aoyama made her solo debut with the single, ONE WAY. The single debuted at #98 on the Oricon charts. Two weeks later, Aoyama was featured on the hit single, Koko ni Iru yo, with fellow J-R&B artist, SoulJa. The single was a long charting hit; despite only reaching #6, it has sold over 100,000 copies.

Aoyama released an answer single to this in early 2008, Soba ni Iru ne which featured SoulJa. The songs are similar, and both share the same chorus. Soba ni Iru ne proved to be even more popular than Koko ni Iru yo, debuting at #3 in its first week and in its second reaching #1 on Oricon charts. Soba ni Iru ne stayed in the top 5 for 7 consecutive weeks, its popularity further fueled by its use in March as the NTT Docomo CM song after the single was released. As of May 2008 it is currently the highest selling single of 2008.

Categories: Artists | J-R&B | 1987 Births | English Fluent | Blood Type B