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Valance's first single as a recording artist was a cover of Turkish singer Tarkan's "Kiss Kiss", released in 2002. The song debuted at #1 in both the Australian ARIA and UK Singles Charts charts in April/May 2002. The director's cut version of the music video was notable in that Valance appeared to be dancing naked, but in fact she was wearing flesh colored panties but no top. The footage was then digitally retouched adding strategically placed lighting effects. The song was nominated for 4 ARIA awards. Her next single, "Down Boy" peaked at #2 in the UK and at #3 in Australia. Her début album Footprints was released on October 14, 2002. It debuted and peaked at #9 in the UK and #15 in Australia. The album's third and final single "Naughty Girl" peaked at #3 in Australia and at #16 in the UK. In 2003, the first single "State of Mind" from Valance's second album of the same name debuted and peaked at #8 in the UK and at #14 in Australia, but the album didn't get into the top 50 of either country. 


Richens shot to fame in Australia following her highly publicised relationship with rugby league player Solomon Haumono. The publicity surrounding their relationship focused on the manner in which the pair met and Haumono's actions subsequent to this. After having met Richens in a Sydney night club, Haumono, then a contracted player to the Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League club, left for the United Kingdom to be with Richens. Haumono had not informed his family or his club of his decision and this highly jeopardised his rugby league career. Much debate was generated as to whether his contract with the Bulldogs should have been terminated upon his return to Australia as a result of his actions. Richens and Haumono are no longer together. Richens captured the eye of the Australian public and rode the wave of popularity generated from her relationship with Haumono, eventually leading to an appearance in Ralph magazine. 



