Career Timeline of Avril Lavigne: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Avril Lavigne made an impact.
Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer and songwriter prominent in the pop-punk genre. She gained prominence in the early 2000s, spearheading female-driven, punk-influenced pop music. Her work has earned her eight Grammy Award nominations.
December 1999: Discovery by Cliff Fabri
In December 1999, Avril Lavigne was discovered by her first professional manager, Cliff Fabri, while singing at a Chapters bookstore in Kingston, marking a turning point in her career.
1999: Performance with Shania Twain
In 1999, Avril Lavigne won a radio contest and performed with Shania Twain at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, singing "What Made You Say That". Also in 1999, Avril was spotted by Stephen Medd and she contributed to his song Touch the Sky.
November 2000: Signing with Arista Records
In November 2000, Avril Lavigne impressed Antonio "L.A." Reid with her audition at Zizzo's studio and was immediately signed to Arista Records for $1.25 million for two albums and $900,000 for a publishing advance.
2000: Collaboration with Peter Zizzo
During the summer of 2000, Avril Lavigne worked with producer Peter Zizzo in New York, where she wrote the song "Why". Also in 2000, Mark Jowett arranged the collaboration with Zizzo after receiving a copy of Lavigne's karaoke performances.
May 2001: Collaboration with the Matrix production team
In May 2001, Avril Lavigne went to Los Angeles and created two songs with the Matrix production team, including "Complicated", which would later be released as her debut single, marking a major breakthrough in her sound and career.
January 2002: Completion of "Let Go"
In January 2002, the recording of Avril Lavigne's debut album, "Let Go", was completed, setting the stage for her breakthrough into the music industry.
June 2002: Release of "Let Go" in the US
In June 2002, Avril Lavigne's debut album "Let Go" was released in the US, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 albums chart and achieving significant commercial success.
2002: Cameo in Treble Charger's Music Video
In 2002, Avril Lavigne made a cameo appearance in the music video for "Hundred Million" by the pop punk band Treble Charger.
2002: Release of "Let Go"
In 2002, Avril Lavigne released her debut album "Let Go", which became the best-selling album of the 21st century by a Canadian artist. It featured the hit singles "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi".
2002: Success of "Complicated"
In 2002, Avril Lavigne's debut single "Complicated" peaked at number one in Australia and number two in the US, becoming one of the bestselling Canadian singles of the year and a major hit.
2002: Television appearance on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
In 2002, Lavigne made her first television appearance on an episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, performing "Sk8er Boi" with her band.
January 11, 2003: Guinness World Record for youngest female solo artist to top UK album chart
On January 11, 2003, Lavigne achieved a Guinness World Record as the youngest female solo artist to top the UK album chart at the age of 18 years and 106 days with her album Let Go.
March 2003: Rolling Stone Cover
In March 2003, Avril Lavigne appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
May 2003: "Let Go" Receives Diamond Certification in Canada
By May 2003, Avril Lavigne's "Let Go" had accumulated over 1 million sales in Canada, earning a diamond certification from the Canadian Recording Industry Association, marking a major milestone in her career.
2003: Juno Awards Wins
In 2003, Avril Lavigne won four Juno Awards out of six nominations, recognizing her success and impact in the Canadian music industry.
September 2004: Start of the Bonez Tour
In September 2004, Avril Lavigne embarked on her first world tour, the year-long Bonez Tour, marking a significant step in her touring career.
September 2004: Performance at Fashion Rocks
In September 2004, Avril Lavigne performed the Goo Goo Dolls song "Iris" with the band's lead singer John Rzeznik at Fashion Rocks.
November 2004: Recording Theme Song for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
In November 2004, Avril Lavigne recorded the theme song for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie with producer Butch Walker.
2004: Release of "Under My Skin"
In 2004, Avril Lavigne released her second album, "Under My Skin", which reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and sold 10 million copies worldwide.
2004: Cameo appearance in Going the Distance
In 2004, Lavigne made a cameo appearance in the film Going the Distance.
November 2005: Filmed a scene in The Flock
In November 2005, Lavigne filmed a scene in New Mexico for the 2007 film The Flock, playing Beatrice Bell.
December 2005: Signed to appear in Fast Food Nation
In December 2005, Lavigne signed to appear in Fast Food Nation, based on the book of the same name.
2005: Juno Awards Wins
In 2005, Avril Lavigne won three Juno Awards from five nominations, including 'Artist of the Year', solidifying her recognition in the Canadian music scene.
2005: Worked with Reverb for east coast tour
In 2005, Lavigne worked with Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization, for her east coast tour.
February 2006: Represents Canada at Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
In February 2006, Avril Lavigne represented Canada at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics, a significant honor.
May 19, 2006: Opening of Over the Hedge
On May 19, 2006, the film Over the Hedge, in which Lavigne voiced the character Heather, opened in theaters.
August 2006: Ranked as seventh top Canadian actor in Hollywood
In August 2006, Canadian Business magazine ranked Lavigne as the seventh top Canadian actor in Hollywood in their second annual Celebrity Power List ranking.
November 17, 2006: Opening of Fast Food Nation
On November 17, 2006, Fast Food Nation, starring Lavigne as Alice, opened in theaters.
2006: Performs at closing ceremony of Winter Olympics in Torino
In 2006, Lavigne performed at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Torino.
April 2007: Release of first volume of "Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes"
In April 2007, the first volume of the graphic novel "Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes" was released, a collaboration between Lavigne, artist Camilla d'Errico, and writer Joshua Dysart.
June 12, 2007: Release of Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur
On June 12, 2007, the album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, which included Lavigne's cover of John Lennon's "Imagine", was released to benefit Amnesty International's campaign.
July 2007: Release of second volume of "Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes"
In July 2007, the second volume of the graphic novel "Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes" was released. This manga series, which Lavigne was involved with, was about a shy girl overcoming her fears.
November 28, 2007: Took part in Unite Against AIDS concert
On November 28, 2007, Lavigne took part in the Unite Against AIDS concert in Montréal, Québec, Canada, in support of UNICEF.
December 2007: Ranked in Forbes' 'Top 20 Earners Under 25'
In December 2007, Avril Lavigne was ranked number eight in Forbes magazine's list of 'Top 20 Earners Under 25', with annual earnings of $12 million, highlighting her financial success.
2007: Release of "The Best Damn Thing"
In 2007, Avril Lavigne released her third album, "The Best Damn Thing", which achieved international success, with the single "Girlfriend" becoming her first to top the Billboard Hot 100.
2007: First to reach 100 million views on a YouTube video
In 2007, Lavigne was the first to reach 100 million views on a YouTube video, with her single "Girlfriend".
2007: The Flock not released in American theatres
In 2007, The Flock, in which Lavigne played Beatrice Bell, was not released in American theatres.
March 2008: The Best Damn World Tour Begins
In March 2008, Avril Lavigne undertook a world tour, The Best Damn World Tour, and appeared on the cover of Maxim for the second time.
July 2008: Launch of clothing line Abbey Dawn
In July 2008, Lavigne launched her clothing line Abbey Dawn, produced by Kohl's.
August 21, 2008: Concert Approved by Malaysian Government
On August 21, 2008, MTV reported that Avril Lavigne's concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was approved by the Malaysian government after concerns were raised about her stage moves.
November 2008: Began recording for 'Goodbye Lullaby'
In November 2008, Avril Lavigne started recording her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, in her home studio. She described it as reflecting her life experiences rather than focusing on relationships.
2008: First western artist to do a full tour in China
In 2008, Lavigne became the first Western artist to undertake a full tour in China with The Best Damn Tour.
March 7, 2009: Announcement of first fragrance, Black Star
On March 7, 2009, Lavigne announced her first fragrance, Black Star, created by Procter & Gamble Prestige Products.
September 14, 2009: Took clothing line to New York Fashion Week
On September 14, 2009, Lavigne presented her clothing line's latest collection at New York Fashion Week.
December 5, 2009: Performed at "Teleton" in Mexico City
On December 5, 2009, Lavigne performed at the "Teleton" charity event in Mexico City, playing acoustic versions of "Complicated" and "Girlfriend".
2009: "Let Go" Sales Milestone
By 2009, Avril Lavigne's album "Let Go" had sold over 16 million units worldwide, solidifying its status as a global success.
January 2010: Collaboration with Disney and recording "Alice"
In January 2010, Avril Lavigne collaborated with Disney for clothing designs inspired by "Alice in Wonderland" and recorded the song "Alice" for the movie's soundtrack, which played during the end credits.
January 2010: Began working with Disney on Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs
In January 2010, Lavigne began working with Disney to incorporate Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs into her Abbey Dawn clothing line.
July 2010: Release of second fragrance, Forbidden Rose
In July 2010, Lavigne released her second fragrance, Forbidden Rose, which had been in development for two years.
September 14, 2010: Introduction of "The Avril Lavigne Foundation"
On September 14, 2010, Lavigne introduced her charity, "The Avril Lavigne Foundation", aimed at helping young people with serious illnesses and disabilities.
November 2010: Attended the Clinton Global Initiative
In November 2010, Lavigne attended the Clinton Global Initiative.
December 2010: "What the Hell" Premieres
In December 2010, Avril Lavigne's lead single "What the Hell" from the album "Goodbye Lullaby" premiered before the album's release.
December 2010: Abbey Dawn made available to over 50 countries
In December 2010, Lavigne's clothing line, Abbey Dawn, became available in over 50 countries through the line's official website.
December 2010: Songwriting Credit for Miranda Cosgrove's "Dancing Crazy"
In December 2010, Miranda Cosgrove released the song "Dancing Crazy", which was co-written by Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, and Shellback. The song was also produced by Martin.
2010: Performs at closing ceremony of Winter Olympics in Vancouver
In 2010, Lavigne performed at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
2010: Contributed to "Wavin' Flag" charity single
In 2010, Lavigne was among the artists who contributed to a cover of K'naan's "Wavin' Flag" as a benefit single for organizations related to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
March 2011: Release of Goodbye Lullaby
In March 2011, Avril Lavigne released her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby. The album went on to be nominated for Juno Awards.
August 2011: Launch of third fragrance, Wild Rose
In August 2011, Lavigne launched her third fragrance, Wild Rose, featuring notes of mandarin, pink grapefruit, and plum.
September 2011: Appeared on Majors & Minors as guest mentor
In September 2011, Lavigne appeared on the Hub Network's televised singing competition Majors & Minors as a guest mentor.
2011: Release of "Goodbye Lullaby"
In 2011, Avril Lavigne released her fourth album, "Goodbye Lullaby", which continued her streak of commercial success and was certified gold in multiple regions.
2011: Began working on fifth album and moved to Epic Records
In 2011, Avril Lavigne started working on her fifth album, describing it as more pop and fun than her previous one, and she also moved to Epic Records, headed by L.A. Reid.
2011: Returns to New York Fashion Week
In 2011, Lavigne returned to New York Fashion Week.
March 2012: Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger begin working together on music
In March 2012, Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger began collaborating to write and record music for her fifth album, which sparked their relationship.
2012: Contributed to "One Piece Film: Z"
In 2012, Avril Lavigne contributed cover songs, "How You Remind Me" and "Bad Reputation", to the Japanese animated film One Piece Film: Z.
April 2013: Release of "Here's to Never Growing Up"
In April 2013, Avril Lavigne released "Here's to Never Growing Up" as the lead single from her fifth album. It achieved top 20 positions on charts in the US, Australia, and the UK.
August 2013: Release of "Rock n Roll"
In August 2013, Avril Lavigne released "Rock n Roll" as the second single from her self-titled fifth album.
October 2013: Release of "Let Me Go"
In October 2013, Avril Lavigne released "Let Me Go" featuring her then-husband Chad Kroeger, as the third single from her fifth album.
November 2013: Release of "Avril Lavigne" Album
In November 2013, Avril Lavigne released her self-titled fifth album, which later received a Juno Award nomination and was certified gold in Canada.
2013: Release of "Avril Lavigne"
In 2013, Avril Lavigne released her self-titled fifth album, "Avril Lavigne", which maintained her commercial success and earned gold certifications in Canada, the United States, and other territories.
April 2014: Release of "Hello Kitty" and subsequent controversy
In April 2014, Avril Lavigne released "Hello Kitty" as the fourth single from her album, which sparked controversies over racism claims that she denied.
September 2014: Launched a personal fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics
In September 2014, Lavigne launched a personal fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics as part of her birthday celebration.
2014: Opened for Backstreet Boys and played at Summer Sonic Festival
During mid-2014, Avril Lavigne opened for the Backstreet Boys' In a World Like This Tour and performed at the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo.
February 10, 2015: Released Music Video for "Give You What You Like"
On February 10, 2015, Avril Lavigne released a music video for "Give You What You Like", which was the fifth single from her self-titled album and featured in a Lifetime movie.
April 2015: Avril Lavigne Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis
In April 2015, Avril Lavigne disclosed to People magazine that she had been diagnosed with Lyme disease after her 30th birthday in 2014, and expressed her intention to raise awareness about the disease.
April 2015: Announced and Released "Fly" for Special Olympics
In an April 2015 interview, Avril Lavigne announced her new single "Fly", which was released on April 26 in association with the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
2015: Performs at opening ceremony of Special Olympics World Summer Games
In 2015, Lavigne performed at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
2015: Proceeds for her "Team Rockstar" event helped sponsor athletes from around the world competing in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
In 2015, the proceeds for her "Team Rockstar" event helped sponsor athletes from around the world competing in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
January 11, 2017: Featured on One Ok Rock's "Listen"
On January 11, 2017, Avril Lavigne was featured on the song "Listen" from Japanese rock band One Ok Rock's eighth album, Ambitions.
September 29, 2017: Featured on Grey's "Wings Clipped"
On September 29, 2017, Avril Lavigne was featured on the song "Wings Clipped" by Grey with Anthony Green for their debut extended play Chameleon.
March 2018: "Goodbye Lullaby" certified Gold by RIAA
By March 2018, Avril Lavigne's album "Goodbye Lullaby" had sold over 500,000 copies in the US and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
March 2018: Avril Lavigne album certified Gold by RIAA
By March 2018, Avril Lavigne's self-titled album had sold over 500,000 copies in the US and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
March 2018: "Let Go" certified seven-times Platinum by the RIAA
In March 2018, the RIAA certified Avril Lavigne's album "Let Go" seven-times Platinum, indicating shipments of over seven million units in the US.
February 15, 2019: Release of 'Head Above Water' album
On February 15, 2019, Avril Lavigne's sixth album, Head Above Water, was released. It achieved top ten positions in multiple countries and peaked at number thirteen on the U.S. Billboard 200.
June 28, 2019: Released "I Fell in Love with the Devil"
On June 28, 2019, Avril Lavigne released "I Fell in Love with the Devil" as the fourth single from her sixth album "Head Above Water."
September 14, 2019: Started the Head Above Water Tour
On September 14, 2019, Avril Lavigne embarked on the Head Above Water Tour in support of her sixth album.
2019: Release of "Head Above Water"
In 2019, Avril Lavigne released her sixth album, "Head Above Water", marking a new phase in her career.
April 24, 2020: Released "We Are Warriors" for COVID-19 Relief
On April 24, 2020, Avril Lavigne re-recorded "Warrior" as "We Are Warriors" and released it as a single, with proceeds supporting Project HOPE's COVID-19 relief efforts.
September 2020: Announced special livestream concert to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Lyme disease called the #FightLyme concert
In September 2020, Lavigne announced a special livestream concert to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Lyme disease called the #FightLyme concert.
January 8, 2021: Release of "Flames" Collaboration
On January 8, 2021, "Flames", a collaboration between Mod Sun and Avril Lavigne, was released.
July 16, 2021: Featured on Willow Smith's "Grow"
On July 16, 2021, Willow Smith released her fourth album, Lately I Feel Everything, which featured Avril Lavigne on the track "Grow" with Travis Barker.
November 3, 2021: Signed with DTA Records
On November 3, 2021, Avril Lavigne announced that she had signed with Travis Barker's label, DTA Records.
January 13, 2022: Announced new album Love Sux
On January 13, 2022, Avril Lavigne announced her seventh album Love Sux, which was largely written and produced by her then boyfriend, Mod Sun.
June 13, 2022: Release of Let Go 20th Anniversary Edition
On June 13, 2022, a new edition of Avril Lavigne's Let Go was released for the album's 20th anniversary. It featured six previously unreleased tracks.
September 13, 2022: ACM Honors Performance and Presentation
On September 13, 2022, Avril Lavigne attended, presented and performed at the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors in Nashville. She performed a cover of Shania Twain's "No One Needs to Know" and presented Twain with an ACM Poets Award.
October 24, 2022: Announced "I'm a Mess" featuring Yungblud
On October 24, 2022, Avril Lavigne announced the release of a new single titled "I'm a Mess" featuring Yungblud, which would be released on November 3, 2022.
November 3, 2022: Release of "I'm a Mess" with Yungblud
On November 3, 2022, Avril Lavigne released "I'm a Mess", featuring Yungblud, as the lead single from the deluxe edition of Love Sux.
2022: Release of "Love Sux"
In 2022, Avril Lavigne released her seventh album, "Love Sux", returning to her pop punk roots.
2022: Postponement of European Concerts
In 2022, the European concerts of Avril Lavigne's Head Above Water Tour were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 9, 2023: Collaborative Performance with Miranda Lambert at CMA Fest
On June 9, 2023, Avril Lavigne performed a live collaboration with Miranda Lambert at the 2023 CMA Fest in Nashville. They performed a mashup of Lambert's "Kerosene" and Lavigne's "Sk8er Boi".
September 15, 2023: Release of "Fake as Hell" with All Time Low
On September 15, 2023, "Fake as Hell", a collaboration between Avril Lavigne and All Time Low, was released as a single.
May 10, 2024: Announcement of Greatest Hits Album
On May 10, 2024, Avril Lavigne announced plans to release a greatest hits album on June 21, 2024.
May 16, 2024: Release of "Bulletproof" Collaboration with Nate Smith
On May 16, 2024, Avril Lavigne and Nate Smith released a collaborative single titled "Bulletproof".
May 22, 2024: Began Greatest Hits Tour
On May 22, 2024, Avril Lavigne began her Greatest Hits Tour.
June 21, 2024: Release of Greatest Hits Album
On June 21, 2024, Avril Lavigne released her greatest hits album.
June 30, 2024: Performed at Glastonbury Festival
On June 30, 2024, Avril Lavigne performed at the Glastonbury Festival in England for the first time, drawing a large crowd.
September 18, 2024: Concluded Greatest Hits Tour
On September 18, 2024, Avril Lavigne concluded her Greatest Hits Tour.
October 3, 2024: Reported collaboration with Nate Smith: "Can You Die from a Broken Heart"
On October 3, 2024, it was reported that Avril Lavigne recorded another collaborative single with Nate Smith titled "Can You Die from a Broken Heart".
