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Adele

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Adele

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins[1] (born 5 May 1988), known professionally as Adele (Template:Pron-en),[2] is an English singer songwriter. She was the first recipient of the BRIT Awards Critics' Choice and was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2008 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2008. She is a multi-Grammy Awards nominee who has won two awards, Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2009.

Adele attracted the attention of XL Recordings with a three-song demo posted on MySpace and subsequently signed with the label. Since her debut, 19, Adele has received much recognition both commercially and critically. The album debuted at number one, and has been certified 2x platinum in the UK. Her career in the US was boosted by a viewer record breaking Saturday Night Live episode in late 2008. Adele released her second album 21 on 24 January 2011 in the UK; the release is due on 22 February in the US.[3][4] The album was a critical and commercial success.[5]

Life and career

History

Adele was born in London. [6] She began singing at age four and asserts that she became obsessed with voices.[7][8] Adele would impersonate the Spice Girls at dinner parties and, as a preteen, she sang Destiny's Child songs at her school.[9] To make her look like the singer Gabrielle, her mother made an eye patch with sequins, which Adele said was embarrassing.[10] Adele went through a phase where she wore Slipknot clothing and a studded dog collar.[11] Adele then claimed she was influenced by the music of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald in her teens by accident, as she stumbled on the artists' CDs at a local HMV store while looking for a new hairstyle. She only got to listen to those songs for the first time as she was cleaning her room.[12] Adele wrote her first record, "Hometown Glory" when she was 16 years old.[13]

2006–2009: 19

Adele graduated from BRIT School in Croydon in May 2006,[12][14] where she was classmates with Leona Lewis.[1][15] Adele credits the school with nurturing her talent.[16] In school, she was more interested in going into A&R, and hoped to launch other people's careers.[1] Four months later, she published two songs on the fourth issue of the online arts publication PlatformsMagazine.com.[17] She had recorded a three-song demo for a class project and gave it to a friend[1] who posted it on MySpace where it became very successful and led to a phone call from music label XL Recordings.[15] She doubted if the offer was real because the only record company she knew was Virgin Records, and she took a friend with her to the meeting.[15][18] She soon signed with XL.[19] "Hometown Glory" was released in 2007. Adele provided vocals for Jack Peñate's song, "My Yvonne", from his debut album.[20]

Adele became the first recipient of the BRIT Awards Critics' Choice and was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2008 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2008. She released second single "Chasing Pavements" on 14 January 2008, two weeks ahead of her debut album, 19. "Chasing Pavements" reached number two on the UK Chart, and stayed there for four weeks, finally remaining in the Top 40 14 weeks after its release.[19] The album itself entered the British charts at number one. The Times Encyclopedia of Modern Music would name 19 an "essential" Blue Eyed Soul recording.[21]

On 19 March 2008 Adele signed a deal which involved a joint venture between Columbia Records and XL Recordings for her foray into the US.[22] In March 2008, she embarked on a short North American tour,[22] and the following month she played the Coachella Festival[23] On 20 June, the album was released in the US.[16][24] The album was certified as gold in February 2009 by the Recording Industry Association of America.[25] By July 2009, the album had sold 2.2 million copies worldwide.[26] Adele cancelled a 2008 US tour to be with a former boyfriend. She said in Nylon magazine in June 2009, "I was drinking far too much and that was kind of the basis of my relationship with this boy. I couldn't bear to be without him, so I was like, 'Well, OK, I'll just cancel my stuff then ... I can't believe I did that ... It seems so ungrateful". In November 2008 Adele moved to Notting Hill after leaving her mother's house, a move that prompted her to give up drinking.[27]

By October 2008, Adele's attempt to break into America seemed to have failed.[28][29] However, it was announced that she would be the musical guest on the 18 October episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The episode was hotly anticipated, because of an appearance by then US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, SNL earned its best ratings in 14 years with a total of 17 million viewers. Adele performed "Chasing Pavements" and "Cold Shoulder",[30] and the following day, 19 topped the iTunes charts and ranked at number five at Amazon.com while "Chasing Pavements" rose into the twenty-five.[31] The week of 26 October the album reached number eleven on the Billboard 200, a jump of thirty-five places over the previous week.[32] Several weeks later, she returned to the US for an 11-city tour.[33] Adele was nominated for a 2008 Mercury Prize award for 19.[34] She also won an Urban Music Award for "Best Jazz Act".[35] She also received a Q Awards nomination in the category of Breakthrough Act[36] and a Music of Black Origin nomination in the category of Best UK Female.[37]

Adele in January 2009.

At the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009, Adele won awards in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance[38] She was also nominated for in the categories of Record of the Year and Song of the Year.[39] Adele launched a 15-city North American tour that started 9 March.[40] Adele was also nominated for three Brit Awards in the categories of Best British Female, Best British Single and Best British Breakthrough Act.[41] British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a thank you letter to Adele that stated "with the troubles that the country's in financially, you're a light at the end of the tunnel."[42] Adele relaunched the MTV Unplugged series with a six song acoustic set in June.[43] On 28 June, Adele headlined a three-act bill at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. Etta James, originally slated to perform but suddenly taken ill, was replaced by Chaka Khan.[44] Adele dueted with Daniel Merriweather on a track called "Water and a Flame" from his debut album Love & War.[45]

2010–present: 21

Adele was nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Hometown Glory".[46] In April her song "My Same" entered the German Singles Chart after it had been performed by Lena Meyer-Landrut in the talent show contest Unser Star für Oslo (Our Star for Oslo), in which the German entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 was determined[citation needed]. In late September, after being featured on The X Factor, Adele's version of Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love re-entered the UK singles chart at number 4.[47]

Adele released her second studio album, 21, on 24 January 2011 in the UK and will release it on 22 February in the U.S.[4][48] The album's sound is described as classic and contemporary roots and country music. The change in sound from her first album was the result of her bus driver playing contemporary Nashville music when she was touring the American South. Adele told Spin Magazine that "He listened to all this amazing country music and we'd rock out late at night, chain smoking and listening to Rascal Flatts" "It was really exciting for me because I never grew up around [that music]." [3] In explaining the title choice, she states that it reflects the growth she has experienced in the last two years.[48] The first single is a revenge tune "Rolling in the Deep", Adele described it as a "dark bluesy gospel disco tune."[48][49] “21” hit No. 1 in Ireland, Germany, Holland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium. In the United Kingdom, where the album also hit the top spot, it sold 208,000 copies in its first week making it the biggest-selling January release in five years. In the United States Rolling in the Deep was well received by critics and on 8 February was number one on VH1’s “Top 20 Countdown.”[5]

Other work

Adele supported Will Young at the 2007 MENCAP Little Noise Sessions, a charity concert at London's Union Chapel. In 2008 she was the headliner and performed a stripped down acoustic that was supported by Damien Rice.[50][51] In July 2008, Adele paid £8,000 for a commissioned painting by Stella Vine in a charity auction in aid of Keep a Child Alive, a charity that helps African children and their families living with HIV/AIDS. Adele said she planned to ask Vine to paint a portrait of "my mum and me."[52] On 17 September 2009, Adele performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, for the VH1 "Divas" event, a concert to raise money for the Save The Music Foundation charity.[53][54] On 6 December, Adele opened with a 40-minute set at John Mayer's 2nd Annual Holiday Charity Revue held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California.[55]

Artistry

She has described her musical style as "heartbroken soul."[16] Adele agrees with critics that have suggested that her vocals are more developed and intriguing than her songwriting.[56] She also received praises from Paul Rees, editor of Q magazine, who said it was "refreshing to hear something different" after a thousand years of "identikit bands who want to sound like The Libertines."[57] Her music was described by the Richmond Times-Dispatch music critic as "a perfect backdrop to a lazy afternoon in the coffee shop."[28]

Adele's success occurred simultaneously with several other British female soul singers. The British press has dubbed her a new Amy Winehouse.[1] Adele has also been linked to a third British Musical Invasion of the US.[15] Adele commented that while this phenomenon was unexpected she was "proud to be a part of it. I'm very pleased to be riding the wave." In December she said that Duffy was The Sound of 2008 and called the comparisons with other females lazy noting "we're a gender, not a genre".[16][28][58] Adele, comparing herself to Amy Winehouse and Duffy, said "I think Amy is hardcore," "I think Duffy is really soft – she's got the pin-up look going on. She's a proper lady. I think I'm really contemporary. And I'm just really mouthy!"[59] By the beginning of 2009 listeners and critics started to describe Adele as unique. AllMusic wrote that "Adele is simply too magical to compare her to anyone."[13] Venus Zine recognized Adele on its 25 under 25 list of women for her “distinctive, unusual voice” that “blends the bubbly clarity of pop with the sophisticated phrasings of jazz and blues.

Discography

Main article: Adele discography

Awards

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Adele
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Grammy Award for Best New Artist
2009 		Succeeded by

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Frehsée, Nicole (22 January 2009), "Meet Adele, the U.K.'s Newest Soul Star". Rolling Stone. (1070):26
  2. ^ See inogolo:pronunciation of Adele.
  3. ^ a b Adele: New Record is 'Quite Different' Spin Magazine 2 November 2010
  4. ^ a b Adele to Release '21' Sophomore Album in February Billboard 2 November 2010
  5. ^ a b British soul singer Adele preps summer U.S. tour Los Angeles Times 8 February 2011
  6. ^ Patterson, Sylvia (27 January 2008). "Mad about the girl". London: Guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  7. ^ "Grammy-nominated Adele taking fame in stride The Baltimore Sun 15 January 2009".
  8. ^ "Singing Stronger Every Day: Adele Express from The Washington Post 15 January 2009".
  9. ^ "Chasing Adele Minneapolis Star Tribune 15 January 2009".
  10. ^ Husband, Stuart (25 April 2008). "Adele: young soul rebel". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  11. ^ "Soulful Adele is on a roll San Francisco Examiner 29 January 2009".
  12. ^ a b Swift, Jacqui (18 January 2008). "I will Always Keep Feet on Ground". The Sun. Retrieved 12 February 2008.
  13. ^ a b Newman, Melinda (1 February 2009). "Amy Who? Now, Adele's the One With the Buzz Washington Post 1 February 2009". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  14. ^ Youngs, Ian (4 January 2008). "Soul singers top new talent list". BBC.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  15. ^ a b c d Collis, Clark (19 December 2008), "Spotlight on... Adele". Entertainment Weekly. (1026):62
  16. ^ a b c d "Interview: Adele - Singer and Songwriter BlogCriticsMagazine 16 July 2008".
  17. ^ "Platforms Magazine - Issue 4".
  18. ^ Billboard presents: Adele Billboard. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
  19. ^ a b "This Week's Releases: 21 January 2008". NME.com. 21 January 2008.
  20. ^ Peñate collaborates with Adele BBC 6 April 2009
  21. ^ Cairns, Dan (1 February 2009). "Blue-eyed soul: Encyclopedia of Modern Music The Times 1 February 2009". London. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Adele Inks U.S. Deal With Columbia Billboard 19 March 2008".
  23. ^ "Aphex Twin, Goldfrapp, Tankian Join Coachella Lineup Billboard 12 March 2008".
  24. ^ "Battle of the not-so-young ones at the top of the US charts Music Week".
  25. ^ Perry's Platinum Pucker Recording Industry Association of America News 23 March 2009
  26. ^ Adele 'puts career on hold for dog Digital Spy 21 July 2009
  27. ^ Adele Explains Booze & Love Meltdown Contactmusic 8 June 2009
  28. ^ a b c "The Richmonnd Times Dispatch 23 October 2008".
  29. ^ Reed, James (12 January 2009). "'19' going on superstar Boston Globe 12 January 2009". The Boston Globe.
  30. ^ Saturday Night Live Season 34 Josh Brolin/Adele The New York Times
  31. ^ "Adele enjoys an "SNL" bump Newsday 20 October 2008".
  32. ^ "AC/DC Debuts At No. 1 With 784,000 Billboard 29 October 2008".
  33. ^ "Adele offers many reasons for adulation Boston Herald 15 January 2009".
  34. ^ "http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all/2008/07/25/albums-86908-20669867/ Liverpool Echo 23 July 2008". {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  35. ^ "Winners for 6th Annual Urban Music Awards 2008 Announced Urban Music Awards website 16 November 2008".
  36. ^ "Duffy nominated for Q awards double Wales Online 3 September 2008".
  37. ^ "Estelle/ Leona Lewis Lead 2008 Mobo Nominations Gigwise 11 September".
  38. ^ "Grammy Award Website 2009 Winner List Page".
  39. ^ "The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Nomination List 22 September 2008".
  40. ^ "LIVE AND DANGEROUS: Adele is definitely no Pop-Tart The Daily Aztec 12 March 2009".
  41. ^ "Best British breakthrough act BBC 20 January 2009". BBC News. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  42. ^ Prime Minister Thanks Adele For Keeping Britain Happy In Dark Times Contact Music 9 June 2009
  43. ^ Adele Relaunches Unplugged MTV Uk10 June 2009
  44. ^ Live: Adele at the Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles Times 29 June 2009
  45. ^ "Amy Winehouse's Daniel duet MyPark Magazine 2 February 2009".
  46. ^ Grammy 1010 Nominee website
  47. ^ Oasis, Radiohead and Adele set for chart re-entries thanks to 'The X Factor'? NME 29 September 2010
  48. ^ a b c Levine, Nick (2 November 2010). "Adele announces second album details". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  49. ^ Adele Debuts Fiery New Song, 'Rolling in the Deep' People 16 November 2010
  50. ^ "Q&A: Adele's charity acoustic set BBC Radio 1 12 November 2008". BBC News. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  51. ^ "Adele hits the big time ITN 12 November 2008".
  52. ^ "Soul diva Alicia helps raise half a million, 11 July 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  53. ^ Tapper, Christina (September 21, 2009), "ADELE".. People. 72 (12):56
  54. ^ Adele, Leona Lewis and Kelly Clarkson for VH1 'Divas' NME 21 July 2009
  55. ^ "www.nokiatheatrelalive.com/detail.php?section=detail&page=120608 800".
  56. ^ "Despite four Grammy nominations, Adele is figuring out how to be herself Westworld 21 January 2009".
  57. ^ Youngs, Ian (4 January 2008). "Soul singers top new talent list". BBC News. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  58. ^ Pool, Hannah (11 December 2008). "Adele Guardian Interview 11 December 2008". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  59. ^ "Adele Recoils from Botched Meeting with Justin People Magazine 5 March 2009".
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Adele (vocalist).
Preceded by Sound of... (BBC poll)
2008 		Succeeded by

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