Adele is one of the most successful and beloved singers of the 21st century. With her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and stunning performances, she has captured the hearts of millions. Here are 14 fascinating facts about Adele, her music, and her life.
1. Her full name is longer than you might think
Adele was born as Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, London. She chose to use only her first name as her stage name, giving her a timeless and iconic image.
2. She was discovered on MySpace
In 2006, Adele uploaded a few of her songs to MySpace, which was a popular platform for emerging artists at the time. Her talent caught the attention of Richard Russell from XL Recordings, which led to her first record deal.
3. Her albums are named after her age
Adele’s albums are titled after the age at which she began working on them: “19”, “21”, “25”, and “30”. Each gives insight into different phases of her life and emotions.
4. “21” is one of the best-selling albums of all time
Her second album, 21, became a global sensation. It featured hits like “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”, and sold over 31 million copies worldwide.
5. She wrote “Someone Like You” in one afternoon
One of Adele’s most emotional songs, Someone Like You, was written in just a few hours together with producer Dan Wilson. It became a global anthem of heartbreak and healing.
6. She refuses commercial deals and collaborations
Unlike many pop stars, Adele consistently declines major sponsorships and collaborations with other big artists. She stays true to her personal style and artistic integrity.
7. She temporarily stopped singing due to vocal issues
In 2011, Adele had to undergo vocal cord surgery due to polyps. She paused her singing career and even stopped speaking for a period to fully recover.
8. She broke records with her album “25”
When 25 was released in 2015, it broke sales records. In its first week in the U.S., it sold 3.38 million copies, becoming the fastest-selling album of all time.
9. “Hello” became one of the biggest hits of all time
The lead single from 25, “Hello”, became a global phenomenon in 2015. Directed by Xavier Dolan, the video was viewed over 27 million times in its first 24 hours, setting a YouTube record at the time.
10. Adele has won multiple Grammys and an Oscar
Adele has won 16 Grammy Awards and an Oscar for “Skyfall,” the theme song for the 2012 James Bond film. The track is considered one of the most iconic Bond songs ever.
11. She wrote her album “30” after her divorce
In 2021, Adele released her album 30, which deals heavily with her divorce from Simon Konecki, the father of her son. The album was praised for its honesty and emotional depth.
12. She struggles with stage fright
Despite her success, Adele often suffers from stage fright. She has said in interviews that she sometimes throws up from nerves before going on stage.
13. She lost over 100 pounds but doesn’t want to be seen as a role model
After her divorce, Adele changed her lifestyle and lost over 100 pounds through exercise and healthier eating. However, she emphasized that she did it for herself and not to meet societal beauty standards.
14. Her humor and down-to-earth nature make her beloved
Adele is known for her unfiltered British humor and self-deprecation. In interviews and on stage, she often jokes about her emotions and insecurities, which only endears her more to fans.
Adele is far more than just a pop star—she’s an icon defined by her raw talent and authentic personality. From her heartfelt lyrics to her record-breaking albums, she remains one of the most influential artists of her generation.
