Rita Ora is thankful to Craig David for helping launch her career.
Rita Ora
The 'Anywhere' singer appeared on the garage king's song 'Awkward' from his 2007 LP 'Trust Me' when she was relatively unknown, when she was just a teenager, and she says without his support and bringing her out on stage at his shows, she many not have got to be the globally successful pop star she has become.
Appearing on The Official Vodafone Big Top 40, Rita told presenter Marvin Humes of their long history: "I did a song with him called 'Awkward' a long time ago and it was for one of his albums.
"He was working with a producer that I was like, trying to work with, when I was a kid or something, I was like 17.
"And he put me on this song and it really opened the door for me actually for a lot of A&Rs and things like that.
"No one really knows that but yeah, shout out to Craig David.
"He used to bring me out on his shows and stuff.
"I have a lot of time and respect for him, so thank you."
Rita will release her long-awaited second studio album 'Phoenix' on November 23.
The 27-year-old singer released the lead single 'Let You Love Me' today (21.09.18).
She said: "Thank you for your patience and for listening
"I'm so happy to release 'Phoenix'. I'm really proud of this album and excited for everyone to hear what I've been working on.
"A huge thank you to everyone that's been part of my musical journey."
The record - the follow-up to her 2012 debut LP 'Ora' - will feature Rita's previously released collaboration with Liam Payne, 'For You', and her bisexual anthem 'Girls' featuring Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha and Cardi B.
A full tracklisting for the album is yet to be unveiled.
Tune in to The Official Vodafone Big Top 40 with Marvin Humes on Sundays from 4pm.
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