Adele
Biography
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, born on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, London, is a globally renowned English singer-songwriter. Raised by her single mother, Penny Adkins, she began singing at the age of four. Her passion for music was ignited in her early teens after discovering artists like Etta James. She attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology, a breeding ground for future stars.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough with "19"
Shortly after graduating in 2006, Adele signed a record deal with XL Recordings. Her journey to fame began after a friend posted her demo on MySpace, which caught the attention of the record label. Her debut album, "19," released in 2008, was named for her age at the time of writing and was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the British album chart. The album, featuring hit singles like "Chasing Pavements" and "Hometown Glory," earned her Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Chasing Pavements."
Global Stardom with "21" and "25"
The Phenomenon of "21"
Adele's second album, "21," released in 2011, catapulted her to global superstardom. The album, inspired by a painful breakup, resonated with millions worldwide and became the best-selling album of the 21st century, with over 31 million copies sold. It topped the charts in more than 30 countries and earned her six Grammy Awards in 2012, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep." "21" is the first album by a female artist to spend a decade on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Success of "25"
After a hiatus, Adele returned in 2015 with her third album, "25." The lead single, "Hello," was an instant international hit, debuting at number one in numerous countries and becoming the first song to sell over a million digital copies in a week in the US. The album itself broke first-week sales records in the UK and US, selling over 3.38 million copies in its first week in the United States. "25" became the world's best-selling album of 2015 and earned Adele five more Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Return with "30"
Adele's fourth studio album, "30," was released in November 2021. Inspired by her divorce, the album explores themes of heartbreak, motherhood, and fame. It became the best-selling album of 2021 in the US just three days after its release. The lead single, "Easy on Me," reached the top of the charts in numerous countries. The album's release also had a significant impact on the vinyl industry due to the large production order.
Personal Life
Adele was previously married to Simon Konecki, with whom she has a son, Angelo, born in 2012. The couple separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2021. Her experiences during this period heavily influenced her album "30." Adele is currently in a relationship with sports agent Rich Paul.
Awards and Legacy
Throughout her career, Adele has received numerous accolades. She has won a total of 16 Grammy Awards. She also won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "Skyfall," the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, Adele is one of the world's best-selling music artists.