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 professionally as Adele, is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter recognized as a British icon. She is celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and emotionally resonant songwriting, which often explores themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. Her career is marked by extraordinary success and numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, 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

2011: Adoption of Alter Ego 'Sasha Carter'

In 2011, Adele revealed she dealt with onstage anxiety by creating the alter ego "Sasha Carter", inspired by Beyoncé's "Sasha Fierce" and June Carter, to help her perform more confidently.

2011: Reviving the Music Industry

In 2011, Billboard credited Adele for reviving the music industry in the year of the album '21's release.

April 2012: Adele named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people

In April 2012, Time magazine named Adele one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her impact beyond the music industry.

February 2013: Adele named 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, highlighting her influence and impact in the country.

2014: British Cultural Icon

In 2014, Adele was already being regarded as a British cultural icon, with young adults from abroad naming her among a group of people whom they most associated with UK culture.

April 2016: Adele appears on Time 100 list for the second time

In April 2016, Adele appeared for the second time on the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people, solidifying her impact on a global scale.

2016: "Queen of Hearts" Title

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

2018: Adele inducted into 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, a symbol of her contribution to music and entertainment.

December 2019: Adele named singer of the 2010s by Israeli media

In December 2019, Israel's largest TV and radio stations named Adele singer of the 2010s, recognizing her significant impact on music throughout the decade.

2019: Top Artists of the Decade

In 2019, Insider Inc. listed Adele among the top artists of the decade, highlighting her artistry and style.

2021: Adele named the 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, showcasing her enduring popularity and commercial success.

2021: 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: Adele named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people for the third time

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

2022: Record Sales Milestone

As of 2022, Adele has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.

December 2023: Adele listed in The Hollywood Reporter's 2023 Women in Entertainment Power 100

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

2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers List

In 2023, Rolling Stone listed Adele at 22nd in their list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

2023: Rolling Stone ranked her no. 22 on their list of 200 Best Singers of All Time

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Adele as number 22 on their list of the 200 Best Singers of All Time, highlighting her vocal talent and impact on music.

2024: Album Chart Success

As of 2024, all of Adele's studio albums, except 19, have topped the yearly best-selling albums chart worldwide in the 21st century, showcasing her continued success and impact on the music industry.

2025: Billboard listed her at number 4 on its 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.

In 2025, Billboard listed Adele at number 4 on its 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list, further cementing her position as one of the most influential and successful female artists of the century.