Adele, English singer-songwriter

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, famously known by her mononym Adele, is an English singer and songwriter whose powerful, soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics have captivated audiences worldwide. Born on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, London, she has emerged as one of the planet's best-selling music artists, boasting an impressive sales record of over 120 million units globally. Her journey to international stardom is a testament to her unique artistry and profound connection with her listeners.

Early Beginnings and Debut Success

Adele's musical education began at the prestigious BRIT School, a renowned performing arts and technology college in Croydon, London, from which she graduated in 2006. Soon after, her exceptional talent caught the attention of XL Recordings, leading to a pivotal record deal. Her debut album, titled 19—named for her age at the time of its creation—was released in 2008. This critically acclaimed work introduced the world to her distinctive vocal style and songwriting prowess, featuring breakthrough singles such as the melancholic "Chasing Pavements" and her poignant rendition of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," both of which achieved top-five status in the UK. The album's commercial success was undeniable, achieving 8x platinum certification in the UK and triple platinum in the US, laying a robust foundation for her future. Her early promise was recognized with significant accolades, including the coveted Brit Award for Rising Star and the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, signaling her arrival as a major force in music.

The Global Phenomenon: 21

In 2011, Adele released her sophomore studio album, 21, which not only surpassed expectations but redefined modern music success. This album became a monumental cultural touchstone and holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling album of the 21st century, with sales exceeding an astonishing 31 million copies. Its impact was profound in both the UK and US, where it was certified 17x platinum (the highest for any solo artist in UK history) and achieved rare Diamond status in the US, signifying over 10 million units sold. Billboard recognized 21 as the top-performing album in US chart history, dominating the Billboard 200 for an unparalleled 24 weeks—the longest reign ever for a female artist. Adele also made history on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first female artist to have three simultaneous top-ten singles as a lead artist, with "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Set Fire to the Rain" all topping the chart individually. The album's critical acclaim was equally immense, earning a record-tying six Grammy Awards, including the highly prestigious Album of the Year, and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. The extraordinary success of 21 led to numerous mentions in the Guinness Book of Records, cementing her place in music history.

Soundtrack Success and 25's Triumphant Return

Following the immense success of 21, Adele contributed "Skyfall" in 2012, an iconic soundtrack single for the James Bond film of the same name. The dramatic and powerful ballad resonated deeply, earning her an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, an impressive feat for a standalone track. Her highly anticipated third studio album, 25, released in 2015, marked a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus. It immediately broke first-week sales records in both the UK and US, becoming the year's best-selling album globally. Mirroring the success of its predecessor, 25 also achieved Diamond certification in the US, making Adele the only artist in the 21st century with two albums reaching this milestone. The album garnered her five more Grammy Awards, including another Album of the Year, and four Brit Awards, among them British Album of the Year. Its lead single, "Hello," was an instant global sensation, becoming the first song in the US to sell over one million digital copies within a week of its release.

The Introspective Journey of 30

Adele's fourth studio album, 30, arrived in 2021, offering a more introspective and personal exploration of her experiences. Featuring the chart-topping lead single "Easy on Me," the album quickly ascended to become the year's best-selling album worldwide, performing exceptionally well in key markets like the US and UK. Its continued critical and commercial success was affirmed when 30 was honored with the 2022 Brit Award for British Album of the Year, further solidifying her ongoing impact and artistic evolution.

A Legacy of Accolades and Influence

Beyond her record-breaking sales and chart performances, Adele has accumulated an extraordinary array of awards and recognitions throughout her career. Her collection includes a remarkable fifteen Grammy Awards and twelve Brit Awards, underscoring her consistent excellence in music. Billboard magazine, a leading authority in the music industry, recognized her unparalleled talent by naming her Artist of the Year in 2011, 2012, and 2016. The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors also celebrated her exceptional lyrical abilities, naming her Songwriter of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards in both 2012 and 2016. Her broader cultural impact has been acknowledged repeatedly; in 2012, she was listed at number five on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music, and Time magazine twice recognized her as one of the most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2016. In recognition of her immense contributions to music, Adele was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours. Her global touring efforts have also broken attendance records across continents, including in the UK, Australia, and the US, demonstrating her powerful live performance appeal. Furthermore, her seminal album 21 was rightfully included in Rolling Stone's prestigious 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2020, cementing her legacy as a truly iconic figure in contemporary music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adele

How many records has Adele sold globally?
Adele is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with sales exceeding an impressive 120 million records globally.
Which of Adele's albums have achieved Diamond certification in the US?
Adele has achieved Diamond certification (signifying over 10 million units sold in the US) for two of her albums: 21 and 25, a rare accomplishment in the music industry.
Has Adele won an Academy Award?
Yes, Adele won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2013 for her iconic James Bond theme, "Skyfall."
What is the significance of the "Rising Star" award Adele received early in her career?
The Brit Award for Rising Star (formerly Critics' Choice) is a highly regarded award that recognizes and promotes new British musical talent, predicting future success. Adele's win in 2008 proved to be an incredibly accurate forecast of her subsequent global stardom.
What British honour has Adele received?
In recognition of her outstanding services to music, Adele was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours.