Early Life and Education of Adele: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Adele, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter, widely regarded as a British icon. Known for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, she has achieved significant critical and commercial success. Her numerous awards include 16 Grammy Awards, 12 Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award, solidifying her status as one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

May 1988: Adele's Birth

On May 5, 1988, Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in Tottenham, London, to Penny Adkins and Marc Evans.

1997: Relocation to Brighton

In 1997, when Adele was 9 years old, she and her mother relocated to Brighton on the south coast of England.

1999: Return to London

In 1999, Adele and her mother moved back to London, first to Brixton and then to West Norwood.

2002: Discovery of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald

In 2002, 14-year-old Adele discovered Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald while browsing the jazz section of a local music store, sparking her interest in their music and leading to her developing her own voice.

2003: Inspiration from Amy Winehouse's Album Frank

In 2003, Adele was inspired by Amy Winehouse and her album Frank to take up the guitar, influencing her songwriting for songs like 'Daydreamer,' 'Hometown [Glory],' and 'Someone like You'.

May 2006: Graduation from BRIT School

In May 2006, Adele graduated from the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon.

November 2008: Move to Notting Hill and Giving Up Drinking

In November 2008, Adele moved to Notting Hill, London, after leaving her mother's house, which prompted her to give up drinking.

2008: An Evening with Adele Tour

During her 2008-09 tour 'An Evening with Adele' in North America, Adele was exposed to American country and Southern blues music, which inspired her second album, 21.

October 2011: Cancellation of Tours Due to Vocal-Cord Hemorrhage

In October 2011, Adele was forced to cancel two tours due to a vocal-cord hemorrhage.

November 2011: Vocal Cord Surgery and Release of Live at the Royal Albert Hall

In November 2011, Adele underwent laser microsurgery on her vocal cords. A recording of her tour, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, was released and debuted at number one in the US.

2011: Beginning of Relationship with Simon Konecki

In 2011, Adele began a relationship with charity entrepreneur Simon Konecki, marking the start of a significant personal relationship in her life.

2011: Adele expresses political views and tax concerns

In 2011, Adele expressed her support for the Labour Party and criticised the Conservative Party. She also voiced her concerns about paying high taxes in an interview with Q magazine, mentioning the NHS, public transport, and state schools.

2012: Birth of Adele's Son

In 2012, Adele and Simon Konecki welcomed their son, an event that Adele described as making her feel like she was truly living and giving her a sense of purpose.

2012: Adele purchases villa in Portslade

In 2012, Adele and then-partner Konecki purchased a $3.4 million Art Deco villa in Portslade.

2013: Adele rents Paul McCartney's mansion

In 2013, Adele temporarily rented Paul McCartney's 12,000-square-foot former mansion for an undisclosed price.

2015: Adele declines endorsement offers and pays taxes

In 2015, Adele declined endorsement offers and reported paying £4 million in tax in the UK.

2015: Adele declares herself a feminist

In 2015, Adele publicly stated, "I'm a feminist, I believe that everyone should be treated the same, including race and sexuality".

2015: Adele purchases vacation mansion in Malibu

In 2015, Adele purchased a $5.2 million Mediterranean-style vacation mansion in Malibu, California.

2015: Nostalgia for Brockwell Park

In 2015, Adele recalled spending much of her youth in Brockwell Park, which inspired her song "Million Years Ago".

June 2016: Adele dedicates show to Orlando shooting victims

On 12 June 2016, Adele dedicated her show in Antwerp, Belgium, to the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, expressing her deep connection with the LGBTQ community.

September 2016: Adele rents apartment during tour

During her Madison Square Garden tour in September 2016, Adele rented NBA player Deron Williams' Tribeca apartment for three weeks at a monthly rent of $60,000.

June 2017: Adele supports Grenfell Tower fire victims

In June 2017, Adele attended a vigil for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in west London. Four days later she appeared at Chelsea fire station and brought cakes for the firefighters. At her first Wembley show on 28 June, Adele encouraged fans to donate money to help the victims.

2017: Adele purchases mansion in the English countryside

In 2017, Adele and Konecki purchased a $5.3 million Tudor mansion called Ridge Hill Manor, located in the English countryside on the outskirts of East Grinstead.

January 2018: Adele officiates Alan Carr's wedding

In January 2018, Adele became an ordained minister to officiate at the wedding of comedian Alan Carr and Paul Drayton, which took place in the garden of her house in Los Angeles, California.

2018: Adele and Konecki's secret marriage and separation

In 2021, Adele revealed that she and Konecki actually married in 2018, and separated the same year.

April 2019: Adele and Konecki announce separation

In April 2019, Adele's representatives confirmed her separation from Simon Konecki via Associated Press, stating that they would continue to co-parent their son.

May 2019: Adele's 31st Birthday Post

On May 5, 2019, Adele celebrated her 31st birthday by posting black-and-white pictures on her Instagram account, reflecting on the past year. The message ended with a hint that her upcoming album, "30", would be a drum n bass record.

September 2019: Adele files for divorce from Konecki

On 13 September 2019, Adele filed for divorce from Simon Konecki.

2019: Adele buys another Beverly Hills mansion

In 2019 Adele bought another Beverly Hills mansions for $10.65 million.

March 2021: Adele's divorce from Konecki is finalized

On 4 March 2021, Adele's divorce from Simon Konecki was finalized.

2021: Adele buys mansion from Nicole Richie and Joel Madden

In 2021, Adele bought a Beverly Hills mansion for $10 million from Nicole Richie and her husband, Joel Madden.

February 2022: Adele purchases Sylvester Stallone's former mansion

In February 2022, it was reported that Adele had bought Sylvester Stallone's 21,000-square-foot former mansion in Beverly Park, Los Angeles, for $58 million.

July 2024: Announcement of Indefinite Break from Music

On July 16, 2024, Adele revealed in an interview that she would be taking an indefinite break from music following the end of her residency, with no plans for a new album at that time.