The first major girl band to be launched in the U.K. after a multi-year drought, the five-piece pop group the Saturdays boasted a photogenic appearance and electro-pop sound, leading to their labeling by some critics as the new Girls Aloud. Formed in 2007 through auditions that were held by a management company hoping to revive the flagging pop market, all five members had previous performing experience. Una Healy started singing in a rock band and later recorded her own solo album, which she showcased around bars and clubs in her native Ireland. Vanessa White attended the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School and appeared in the West End production of +The Lion King.