Adele's Early Life and Education:
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born May 5, 1988 in London, England. She began singing at a very early age and enjoyed singing the songs of female groups like the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child. She is a graduate of the BRIT School in Croydon which is known for also nurturing the talent of Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse.
Getting Noticed:
Adele has utilized a MySpace site to gain notice among pop music fans. She toured as an opening act for her close friend Jack Penate in 2006. By late 2007 she was beginning to headline shows. Adele was offered a contract and signed with the label XL Recordings. Exposure came from BBC Radio 1 playing her single "Daydreamer" and an appearance on the TV show Later With Jools Holland.
19 and "Chasing Pavements":
In January 2008, amid acclaim from the BBC as one of the top
artists to watch in 2008, Adele's single "Chasing Pavements" was
released followed closely by her debut album 19. "Chasing Pavements"
reached #2 on the UK pop singles chart while the album debuted
at the very top. Follow up singles were not as successful, but Adele
maintained her critical reputation as one of the top new artists of the
year.However, success in the US eluded her despite strong video
air play for"Chasing Pavements" on the VH1 network.
In January 2008, amid acclaim from the BBC as one of the top
artists to watch in 2008, Adele's single "Chasing Pavements" was
released followed closely by her debut album 19. "Chasing Pavements"
reached #2 on the UK pop singles chart while the album debuted
at the very top. Follow up singles were not as successful, but Adele
maintained her critical reputation as one of the top new artists of the
year.However, success in the US eluded her despite strong video
air play for"Chasing Pavements" on the VH1 network.
Adele returned late in 2010 with a new, critically acclaimed single "Rolling In the Deep." It was the preview for her second album 21. Most of the production on the album was done by Rick Rubin and Paul Epworth. Upon release 21 went straight to #1 in the UK racking up the best January first week sales since the debut of Arctic Monkeys in 2006. 21 is scheduled for US release in February 2011.
Adele's Awards:
Adele's album 19 was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for UK Album of the Year in 2008. The MTV Video Music Awards gave "Chasing Pavements" a nomination for Best Video Choreography. At the 2009 Grammy Awards Adele took home the honors of Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal. She was also nominated for three 2009 Brit Awards including Best British Song and Best British Breakthrough Act.