This content is copyright of CelebMix.com. At just 21, Jess Folley is already a force to be reckoned with! The powerhouse vocalist first captured hearts as the winner of The Voice Kids UK, but it's her evolution into a dynamic performer and leading lady that truly sets her apart. Now starring as Ali in the West End's dazzling new production Burlesque The Musical, Folley is proving she's more than just a voice-she's a full-fledged star. With electrifying stage presence, raw emotion, and a sound that blends pop, soul, and theatrical flair, Jess is rewriting what it means to be a modern-day triple threat. Jess Folley as Ali Rose in Burlesque The Musical In this exclusive interview, Jess opens up about stepping into Christina Aguilera's iconic shoes, the discipline behind the sequins, and how she's carving out a legacy on her own terms. Jess, congratulations on making your West End debut! You've just come off stage so I know you must be feeling all kinds of emotions right now, but if you can, please tell me how you're feeling in 3 words... Ooh, let me think! Okay, I'm going to say: overjoyed, proud and grateful! You've been a part of this show for a number of years now, and received rave reviews for your performances in both Glasgow and Manchester. How does the vibe differ now you're opening in London? Well, firstly I think it's important to say I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I had in Glasgow and Manchester. As a company we played to some amazing audiences, in two beautiful theatres, and we had to the best time. But to now be here in London, and opening at The Savoy Theatre... I mean, I can't quite believe it - it's the pinnacle, it's the dream! Christina Aguilera famously played the role of Ali in the 2010 film, and is part of the creative team for Burlesque the Musical, providing music and lyrics as well as serving as producer. What's it been like working alongside such a revered, and respected pop icon? In a word... unbelievable! I don't think it will ever sink in that Christina Aguilera knows who I am (laughs). Seriously, the last 72 hours of her being here with us in London have been a whirlwind. She's an incredible person, and she's been so supportive. I've actually been sent some clips of her talking about me in interviews and I feel very, very lucky and honoured to hear her speak so highly of me. Having her approval, and blessing to take on this role was really important to me. I wanted to be respectful to her, and to everyone who was a part of the original film, because they created something really magical. And then away from the show... I mean my goodness, she was one of my idols growing up! I used to sing her songs in the kitchen with my Mum all the time (laughs). And now she knows my name? What is happening? It's major! Jess Folley and Christina Aguilera attend a photocall for "Burlesque: The Musical" at The Savoy Theatre in London Because Christina is such a huge star, and therefore her interpretation of the character is entrenched in peoples minds, not just here in London but around the world, did it feel daunting stepping into Ali's shoes? So it's interesting, because I was originally brought on board to be a composer for the show, not an actor, so it was never actually the plan for me to play Ali - which is kind of crazy to think about now! I can't remember the exact timeline of events, but I was asked at one point if I'd like to take part in one of the early workshops, and play Ali for the week, which of course I said 'yes' to, and had a ball doing. And then yeah, without really knowing it, that ended up being my first audition for the role, and I was offered the part a little while after. Over the last two years both myself, and the show, have grown and evolved into the production you saw on stage tonight. I mean that whole scenario sounds like a movie in itself... (Laughs) it actually does! It's maybe not the way most people are cast, but I wouldn't change it for the world, because what was so great about me coming into this project purely as a songwriter first, was the fact that I got to really understand Ali, and figure out who she was, and what she was about, long before I started playing her. So when I wrote "Got It All From You" - which is her big 'I Want' song - I was able to write it from a place of truly feeling like I knew her in the same way I would a sister or best friend. I felt, and feel very connected to her. How did you go about making the part your own, and not a carbon copy of the Ali we see in the movie? Honestly, I feel like there's a lot of symmetry between the journey Ali goes on, and what's been happening in my life of late, so in some ways it's simply just been a case of me tapping into some of those experiences, and thinking about how I've felt being in similar situations to her. I also think contributing as a songwriter really helped me to put my own stamp on things in a way that I perhaps wouldn't have been able to, had I just been involved as an actor. The ly