Adele is the highest-selling music artist of the 21st century and stands as an heir apparent to an industry format long since lost: CDs. Additionally, she has secured herself with an A-Team of managers and producers.
Her thick North London accent and seductive vocal range lend her an air of mystery, making her one of those musicians whom people will fondly recall 50 years hence, like Etta James or Ella Fitzgerald.
What is Adele?
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is an English singer-songwriter known for her emotive, soulful vocals and traditionally-crafted songs that make her one of the most widely popular performers of her generation. Adele began singing at four and attended Croydon BRIT School.
She released her debut album in 2008 and went on to win two Grammys the following year for ‘Chasing Pavements’ and ‘Make You Feel My Love’, winning an additional award the next year for both songs. In 2012 she returned with “Skyfall”, written with Adam Epworth for James Bond movie Skyfall.
In 2015 she released 25 which quickly rose up the charts and won five Grammy awards – including Album of the Year – as a record-breaking release with hit single ‘Hello’ becoming an international phenomenon. Additionally she appeared in Vogue cover story 2021 as well as West End play, Never Let Me Go’.
19
Adele left school at 14 to train at the BRIT music academy alongside fellow Brit artists Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse. Adele began uploading demos to MySpace; one song she uploaded entitled “Hometown Glory” caught the attention of London record label XL Records and eventually led them to sign her as an artist.
Adele’s debut album 19, received widespread critical acclaim and catapulted her into American audiences’ consciousness with her performance on Saturday Night Live. Adele cemented her artistic stature even further by unveiling “Chasing Pavements”, another lush bluesy single.
Adele’s global hit Rolling in the Deep earned her six Grammys and two Brits (British equivalent of GRAMMY Awards). Additionally, as co-writer on James Bond theme song Skyfall she won Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy awards for writing it. After this amazing success, Adele took three years between albums before returning with 25 and shattering first week sales records in both countries simultaneously – earning five more GRAMMYs and four Brits awards along the way!
21
Adele stands out in an industry where mass audiences often demand mass-market appeal with her unfeigned and genuine approach. Her warmth disarms even the most skeptical music snobs (although she doesn’t mind being compared to Jennifer Lawrence!). Adele’s likability extends far beyond just musical performances or recordings.
Adele gained immediate fame after the release of her debut album 19, in 2008. It earned a Brit Critic’s Choice award and reached number two on the UK charts.
At 21, she solidified her status as an international superstar. It became the highest-selling album of 2011, while “Rolling in the Deep” won Record of the Year at the Grammys. Additionally, her performance at that ceremony and writing an epic theme song for James Bond movie Skyfall both helped boost sales of 21.
25
Adele stands out in an industry where artists often sound alike and follow whatever trend might be current; her voice remains dignified and stately as she bridges both past and present with traditional soul elements and modern technology.
Album 25 was completed slowly due to “life happening”, yet she worked diligently at her craft, pushing herself and straining with co-writers to complete it. Songs which had taken too long to write were scrapped while she refined others.
She remains a hands-on CEO of her multimillion-pound international brand and takes business very seriously. Rumors swirled that she might leave Beggars and sign with one of the major labels; instead, she chose XL Records instead and has since released three albums with him. She remains an irrepressible force on stage – whether alone in front of an O2 cavern or dominating an arena stage, she dominates every inch of a room!