Today marks the 37th birthday of global music icon Adele, who discovered her passion for singing at the tender age of four. From a girl with a remarkable voice to a chart-topping superstar, Adele’s rise to fame is filled with unforgettable milestones that have left an indelible mark on the music world.
After graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts in 2006—where she studied alongside Leona Lewis and Jessie J—Adele’s career quickly took off. Her breakthrough came via Myspace, where she gained attention that ultimately led to a record deal. At just 19, she performed at a Brighton festival, singing with her guitar, fringe, and cozy cardigan, captivating audiences with her soulful voice.
In the fall of 2007, Adele’s debut single “Hometown Glory” began to win over a wider audience. A few months later, she was honored with the Critics’ Choice Award at the BRIT Awards, which recognizes emerging talent. By the following year, she was already performing at the BRITs nomination launch party—a clear sign of her rapidly rising star.
Her debut album 19, released in 2008, shot straight to the top of the UK charts. With its raw emotion and poignant lyrics about love and heartbreak, the album resonated deeply with listeners, earning Adele widespread acclaim.
Then came the moment every aspiring singer dreams of: Adele, only 21 years old, took home not one but two Grammy Awards. Her unfiltered joy lit up the stage as she stepped into the global spotlight.
She went on to share the stage with some of the biggest female voices of the time—including Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, and her old classmate Leona Lewis—at a high-profile charity event.
The release of her second album 21 marked a turning point. With hits like “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele’s name became known worldwide. 21 would go on to become the best-selling album of the 21st century in the UK—a staggering achievement that solidified her place in music history.
Over the years, Adele’s image evolved alongside her sound. She traded her signature fringe and side-part for a voluminous, teased hairstyle, embracing the philosophy that “bigger is better”—at least when it comes to hair.
In 2012, Adele was chosen to sing the theme for the James Bond film Skyfall, a performance that earned her a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and a Grammy for Best Original Song. It was yet another stunning success in a career filled with accolades.
Later that year, Adele surprised fans by announcing a temporary break from music to focus on her personal life, choosing not to release a new album for the foreseeable future.
But in November 2015, she made a triumphant return with her album 25. Featuring emotional ballads like “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” and “Love in the Dark,” the album took listeners on a heartfelt journey through themes of love, regret, and self-reflection. Fans welcomed her comeback with open arms, and Adele’s radiant smile said it all—she was truly happy to be back.