How Adele Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Adele—a timeline of influence.

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, known as Adele, is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting. A British cultural icon, she has achieved remarkable success and recognition, evidenced by her numerous awards. These 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 respected artists in contemporary music.

Sections (5)

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

1979: Kate Bush's only tour

Adele stated that the release of 25 and her own comeback was inspired by the enigmatic Kate Bush who in 2014 made a comeback to the stage 35 years after her last live shows from her only tour in 1979.

1998: Inspiration from Madonna's Ray of Light

Adele cited Madonna's 1998 album Ray of Light as a "chief inspiration" for her album 25.

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: Vocal Acclaim

In 2008, Adele's singing received acclaim from music critics, with Sylvia Patterson of The Guardian noting her bewitching voice and its ability to evoke strong emotions.

June 2009: Adele Discusses Tour Cancellation and Drinking

In June 2009, Adele spoke about canceling US tour dates in 2008 to be with a former boyfriend, admitting to drinking too much and referred to it as her "early life crisis".

May 2011: "Team Adele" Ranked Number One

In May 2011, "Team Adele" was ranked number one on The Guardian's "Music Power 100" list, recognizing the 100 most influential people in the music industry.

2011: Adele Credited with Reviving Music Industry

In 2011, the year of '21's release, Billboard credited Adele for reviving the music industry, highlighting her unique talent and relatable personality.

2011: Adele's influences

In a 2011 interview, Adele deemed Hill's record The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as her favourite album, while also stating "I was analyzing the record for about a month at the age of 8, I was constantly wondering when I would be that passionate about something, to write a record about it, even though I didn't know I was going to make a record when I was older"; while also thanking Hill "for existing" in a penned letter, that she dedicated in honour of the 20th anniversary of Hill's album.

February 2012: VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music

In February 2012, Adele was listed at number five on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music.

April 2012: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In April 2012, Time magazine named Adele one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

February 2013: One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the UK

In February 2013, Adele was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4.

2014: Inspiration from Kate Bush's Comeback

2014: Adele Recognized as British Cultural Icon

In 2014, Adele was already being regarded as a British cultural icon, associated with UK culture alongside figures like William Shakespeare and The Beatles.

2015: James Bond Theme Song Chart Record

In 2015, Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall" surpassed "Skyfall" by Adele to become the highest-charting James Bond theme song on the UK Singles Chart.

April 2016: Second Time on Time 100 List

In April 2016, Adele appeared for the second time on the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people.

2016: "Queen of Hearts"

In 2016, Vanity Fair magazine published a cover story which referred to Adele as the "Queen of Hearts".

2017: Beyonce as Inspiration

In 2017, Adele described Beyoncé as a particular inspiration, calling her "[the] artist of my life" and added "the other artists who mean that much to me are all dead."

2018: Inducted into the Royal Albert Hall's Walk of Fame

In 2018, Adele was inducted into the Royal Albert Hall's Walk of Fame, making her one of the first eleven recipients of a star on the walk.

December 2019: Singer of the 2010s

In December 2019, Israel's largest TV and radio stations named Adele singer of the 2010s.

2019: Adele Listed Among Top Artists of the Decade

In 2019, Insider Inc. listed Adele among the top artists of the decade, noting her unique artistry and style that broke through in a time of ultra club-happy pop music.

2021: UK's Best-Selling Female Album Artist of the 21st Century

In 2021, Adele was named the UK's best-selling female album artist of the 21st century, based on Official Charts Company data.

2021: Adele's Album Viewed as a Global Cultural Event

In a 2021 article from The Daily Telegraph, James Hall wrote that "a new Adele album isn't just a release − it's a global cultural event".

May 2022: Third Time on Time's 100 Most Influential People

In May 2022, Time magazine named Adele for the third time among the 100 most influential people in the world in the "icons" category.

2022: Adele's Record Sales Reach 170 Million

As of 2022, Adele has sold more than 170 million records worldwide, with 70 million in album sales and over 100 million in single sales, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.

October 2023: Adele Reveals Borderline Alcoholism and Sobriety

On 14 October 2023, Adele revealed during a concert that she had suffered from "borderline alcoholism" since her 20s and had been sober for three months.

December 2023: Sherry Lansing Leadership Award

In December 2023, Adele was listed in The Hollywood Reporter's 2023 Women in Entertainment Power 100, and received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.