History of Avril Lavigne in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer and songwriter prominent in popularizing pop-punk music in the early 2000s. She paved the way for female-driven, punk-influenced pop music. She has received ten Juno Awards and eight Grammy Awards nominations.

1953: Marriage of Maurice Yves Lavigne and Lucie Dzierzbicki

In 1953, Avril Lavigne's paternal grandfather, Maurice Yves Lavigne, who was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, married Lucie Dzierzbicki, a French native of Morhange.

1954: Birth of Jean-Claude Lavigne

In 1954, Jean-Claude Lavigne, Avril Lavigne's father, was born at RCAF Station Grostenquin near Grostenquin, Lorraine.

1975: Marriage of Jean-Claude Lavigne and Judith-Rosanne Loshaw

In 1975, Jean-Claude Lavigne married Judith-Rosanne "Judy" Loshaw.

September 27, 1984: Avril Lavigne's Birth

On September 27, 1984, Avril Ramona Lavigne was born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. She is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for popularizing pop-punk music.

December 1999: Discovery by Cliff Fabri

In December 1999, Avril Lavigne was discovered by her first professional manager, Cliff Fabri, while singing country covers at a Chapters bookstore in Kingston.

1999: Performance with Shania Twain and Contribution to Stephen Medd's Album

In 1999, Avril Lavigne won a radio contest to perform with Shania Twain at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, singing "What Made You Say That." She also contributed vocals to Stephen Medd's song, "Touch the Sky", for his 1999 album, Quinte Spirit.

Loading Video...

November 2000: Signing with Arista Records

In November 2000, Avril Lavigne auditioned for Antonio "L.A." Reid, head of Arista Records, and was immediately signed to a deal worth $1.25 million for two albums, plus an extra $900,000 for a publishing advance. Lavigne left high school to focus on her music career and her band was chosen by Nettwerk.

2000: Collaboration with Peter Zizzo and Attention from Arista Records

During the summer of 2000, Avril Lavigne worked with producer Peter Zizzo in New York, where she wrote the song "Why." Lavigne's talent was noticed by Arista Records during a trip to New York.

Loading Video...

2000: Collaboration with Stephen Medd on 'My Window to You'

In 2000, Avril Lavigne sang on "Temple of Life" and "Two Rivers" for Stephen Medd's follow-up album, My Window to You.

Loading Video...

May 2001: Collaboration with The Matrix

In May 2001, Avril Lavigne went to Los Angeles and collaborated with the Matrix production team, creating two songs, including "Complicated", which was later released as her debut single. This collaboration was a major breakthrough in forging her individual sound.

Loading Video...

January 2002: Completion of 'Let Go' Album Recording

In January 2002, Avril Lavigne finished the recording of her debut album, Let Go.

June 2002: Release of 'Let Go' in the US

In June 2002, Avril Lavigne released her debut album Let Go in the US, where it reached number two on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It achieved number one status in Australia, Canada, and the UK.

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.

Loading Video...

2002: Television appearance on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

In 2002, Avril Lavigne made her first television appearance on an episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, where she performed "Sk8er Boi" with her band in a nightclub.

Loading Video...

2002: Debut Album Release: 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. The album featured successful singles such as "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi".

Loading Video...

2002: Success of 'Complicated' and MTV Video Music Award

In 2002, Avril Lavigne's debut single, "Complicated", peaked at number one in Australia and number two in the US. She was named Best New Artist (for "Complicated") at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.

Loading Video...

January 11, 2003: Guinness World Record for youngest female solo artist to top the UK album chart

On January 11, 2003, Avril 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 reaching number one.

March 2003: Rolling Stone Cover and MTV Icon Performance

In March 2003, Avril Lavigne posed for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and she performed "Fuel" during MTV's Icon tribute to Metallica.

April 2003: Juno Award and Iraq War statement

In April 2003, after winning her fourth Juno Award, Avril Lavigne voiced her opposition to the Iraq War and criticized then-U.S. President George W. Bush, while also expressing pride in Canada's decision to stay out of the conflict.

May 2003: 'Let Go' Achieves Diamond Certification in Canada

By May 2003, Avril Lavigne's debut album, Let Go, had accumulated over 1 million sales in Canada, receiving a diamond certification from the Canadian Recording Industry Association.

2003: Featured in The Sims: Superstar game

In 2003, Avril Lavigne was featured as a non-playable celebrity in the game The Sims: Superstar.

2003: Won International Achievement Award at the SOCAN Awards

In 2003, Avril Lavigne won an International Achievement Award for her song "Complicated" at the SOCAN Awards in Toronto.

Loading Video...

2003: Juno Awards and World Music Award

In 2003, Avril Lavigne won four Juno Awards out of six nominations and received a World Music Award for "World's Bestselling Canadian Singer".

May 2004: Release of 'Under My Skin'

In May 2004, Avril Lavigne's second studio album, Under My Skin, was released and debuted at number one in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US. The album was certified five-times Platinum in Canada and has sold 10 million copies.

September 2004: Start of the Bonez Tour

In September 2004, Avril Lavigne embarked on her first world tour, the year-long Bonez Tour.

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.

Loading Video...

October 2004: Cover of Maxim

In October 2004, Avril Lavigne posed for the cover of Maxim magazine.

November 2004: 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.

Loading Video...

2004: Cameo appearance in the film Going the Distance

In 2004, Avril Lavigne made a cameo appearance in the film Going the Distance. The main characters bump into her backstage at the MuchMusic Video Awards after her performance of "Losing Grip".

Loading Video...

2004: Release of 'Under My Skin'

In 2004, Avril Lavigne released her second album, Under My Skin, which reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and sold 10 million copies worldwide.

2004: Joss Stone took the Guinness World Record

In 2004, the UK charts reported that Joss Stone's Mind Body & Soul took the Guinness World Record of being the youngest female solo artist to top the UK album chart, which Avril Lavigne achieved in 2003.

2004: Heart Tattoo for Deryck Whibley

In late 2004, Avril Lavigne had a small pink heart tattoo with the letter "D" applied to her right wrist, representing her then-boyfriend, Deryck Whibley.

June 2005: Engagement to Deryck Whibley

In June 2005, Deryck Whibley proposed to Avril Lavigne.

November 2005: Filmed a scene in The Flock

In November 2005, Avril Lavigne traveled to New Mexico to film a single scene in the 2007 film, The Flock, where she played Beatrice Bell, the girlfriend of a crime suspect, alongside Claire Danes and Richard Gere.

Loading Video...

December 2005: Signed to appear in Fast Food Nation

In December 2005, Avril Lavigne signed on to appear in the film Fast Food Nation, based on the book Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. In the film, Lavigne played Alice, a high school student intent on freeing the cows.

Loading Video...

2005: Juno Awards and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award

In 2005, Avril Lavigne won three Juno Awards from five nominations, including 'Artist of the Year'. She also won in the category of 'Favorite Female Singer' at the eighteenth annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

2005: Worked with Reverb for her east coast tour

In 2005, Avril Lavigne worked with Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization, for her east coast tour.

February 2006: Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics and 'Keep Holding On' for 'Eragon'

In February 2006, Avril Lavigne represented Canada at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Additionally, she wrote the song "Keep Holding On" for the soundtrack to the 2006 film Eragon.

Loading Video...

May 19, 2006: Release of Over the Hedge

On May 19, 2006, the film Over the Hedge, in which Avril Lavigne voiced the character Heather, opened in theaters and made $38 million over its opening weekend.

Loading Video...

July 15, 2006: Marriage to Deryck Whibley

On July 15, 2006, Avril Lavigne married Deryck Whibley in Montecito, California.

August 2006: Ranked seventh top Canadian actor in Hollywood

In August 2006, Canadian Business magazine ranked Avril Lavigne as the seventh top Canadian actor in Hollywood in their second annual Celebrity Power List ranking.

November 17, 2006: Release of Fast Food Nation

On November 17, 2006, the film Fast Food Nation, in which Avril Lavigne played Alice, was released in theaters.

Loading Video...

2006: Performance at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games

Avril Lavigne performed at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Torino 2006.

April 2007: Release of 'The Best Damn Thing'

In April 2007, Avril Lavigne's third album, The Best Damn Thing, was released and debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. Its lead single, "Girlfriend", became her first number-one single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Loading Video...

April 2007: Release of Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes (Volume 1)

In April 2007, the first volume of the graphic novel, Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes, was released. Lavigne collaborated with artist Camilla d'Errico and writer Joshua Dysart on the manga, which tells the story of a shy girl named Hana who overcomes her fears after meeting Lavigne.

June 12, 2007: Release of Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur

On June 12, 2007, the compilation album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, which included Avril Lavigne's cover of John Lennon's song "Imagine," was released to benefit Amnesty International's campaign to alleviate the crisis in Darfur.

Loading Video...

July 2007: Release of Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes (Volume 2)

In July 2007, the second volume of the graphic novel Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes was released. The manga series follows the story of a shy girl named Hana who overcomes her fears after meeting Lavigne. Avril Lavigne collaborated with artist Camilla d'Errico and writer Joshua Dysart on the manga.

November 28, 2007: Took part in Unite Against AIDS concert

On November 28, 2007, Avril Lavigne took part in the Unite Against AIDS concert presented by ALDO in support of UNICEF at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

December 2007: 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.

2007: Release of 'The Best Damn Thing'

In 2007, Avril Lavigne released her third album, The Best Damn Thing, which reached number one in seven countries and featured the hit single "Girlfriend," which became her first single to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Loading Video...

2007: First to reach 100 million views on a YouTube video

In 2007, Avril Lavigne was the first artist to reach 100 million views on a YouTube video, with her single "Girlfriend".

Loading Video...

2007: Internet meme about a Lavigne-written song "Dolphins"

Since 2007, a persistent internet meme has circulated, falsely attributing a song called "Dolphins" to Avril Lavigne. Despite the lyrics appearing on numerous lyric sites and various bands recording cover versions, Avril Lavigne did not write or record this song.

2007: Release of The Flock

The film The Flock in which Avril Lavigne played Beatrice Bell, the girlfriend of a crime suspect, was released in foreign markets in late 2007.

Loading Video...

March 2008: The Best Damn World Tour and Maxim Cover

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: Launched clothing line Abbey Dawn

In July 2008, Avril Lavigne launched her clothing line Abbey Dawn, featuring a back-to-school collection produced by Kohl's. The line, named after Lavigne's childhood nickname, features skull, zebra, and star patterns, purples and "hot pinks and blacks".

August 21, 2008: Approval for Kuala Lumpur Concert

On August 21, 2008, MTV reported that Avril Lavigne's concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia had been approved by the Malaysian government after concerns were raised by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party.

2008: First Western artist to do a full tour in China

In 2008, Avril Lavigne was the first western artist to do a full tour in China, with The Best Damn Tour.

March 7, 2009: Announcement of Black Star fragrance

On March 7, 2009, Avril Lavigne's official website announced the release of her first fragrance, Black Star, created by Procter & Gamble Prestige Products. The fragrance features notes of pink hibiscus, black plum, and dark chocolate.

September 14, 2009: Showcased Abbey Dawn at New York Fashion Week

On September 14, 2009, Avril Lavigne presented the latest collection of her clothing line, Abbey Dawn, at New York Fashion Week.

October 9, 2009: Divorce Filing

On October 9, 2009, Avril Lavigne filed for divorce from Deryck Whibley, citing "irreconcilable differences".

December 5, 2009: Performed at Teleton in Mexico City

On December 5, 2009, Avril Lavigne performed acoustic versions of her hits "Complicated" and "Girlfriend" at "Teleton" in Mexico City, the biggest charity event in Latin America. Evan Taubenfeld and band member Jim McGorman joined her on stage.

Loading Video...

2009: 'Let Go' Sales Reach 16 Million Worldwide

By 2009, Avril Lavigne's album, Let Go, had sold over 16 million units worldwide, marking a significant milestone in her career.

2009: Billboard named Lavigne number 10 pop artist

In 2009, Billboard named Avril Lavigne the number 10 pop artist in the "Best of the 2000s" chart and listed her as the 28th overall best act of the decade based on album and single chart performance in the US.

January 2010: Began working with Disney on Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs

In January 2010, Avril Lavigne began working with Disney to incorporate Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs into her Abbey Dawn line of clothing.

February 2010: Relationship with Brody Jenner begins

In February 2010, Avril Lavigne began dating Brody Jenner, star of The Hills.

March 2010: Matching Tattoos with Deryck Whibley

In March 2010, Avril Lavigne and her then-husband, Deryck Whibley, got matching tattoos to celebrate his 30th birthday.

April 2010: New Tattoo Addition

In April 2010, Avril Lavigne added a lightning bolt and the number 30 tattoo on her wrist.

May 2010: "Fuck" Tattoos with Brody Jenner

In May 2010, Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner received matching "fuck" tattoos on their ribs, which gained significant media attention.

July 2010: "Brody" Tattoo

In July 2010, Avril Lavigne had her then-boyfriend's name, "Brody", tattooed beneath her right breast.

July 2010: Release of Forbidden Rose fragrance

In July 2010, Avril Lavigne released her second fragrance, Forbidden Rose, which took two years to develop. It features notes of red apple, winepeach, black pepper, lotusflower, heliotrope, shellflower, praline agreement, sandalwood, and vanilla.

September 14, 2010: Launched The Avril Lavigne Foundation

On September 14, 2010, Avril Lavigne introduced her charity, "The Avril Lavigne Foundation", which aims to help young people with serious illnesses and disabilities and works with leading charitable organizations.

November 2010: Attended the Clinton Global Initiative

In November 2010, Avril Lavigne attended the Clinton Global Initiative.

November 16, 2010: Divorce Finalized

On November 16, 2010, Avril Lavigne's divorce from Deryck Whibley was finalized.

December 2010: Abbey Dawn made available in over 50 countries

In December 2010, Avril Lavigne's clothing line Abbey Dawn was made available to over 50 countries through the line's official website.

2010: Performance at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games

Avril Lavigne performed at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010.

2010: Contributed to the cover of K'naan's Wavin' Flag for Haiti earthquake relief

In 2010, Avril Lavigne contributed her voice to a cover of K'naan's "Wavin' Flag" as a benefit single to raise money for several charity organizations related to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Loading Video...

February 2011: French Passport

In February 2011, Avril Lavigne received her French passport, acquired through jus sanguinis due to her father's French origin.

May 2011: House on the market

In May 2011, Avril Lavigne put her house in Bel-Air on the market.

August 2011: Launch of Wild Rose fragrance

In August 2011, Avril Lavigne launched her third fragrance, Wild Rose. The tagline for the fragrance is "Dare to discover more". It features notes of mandarin, pink grapefruit, plum, orange blossom, frangipani, blue orchid, musk, sandalwood and crème brûlée.

September 2011: Guest mentor on Majors & Minors

In September 2011, Avril Lavigne appeared on the Hub Network's televised singing competition Majors & Minors as a guest mentor alongside other singers, including Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis.

Loading Video...

2011: Release of 'Goodbye Lullaby'

In 2011, Avril Lavigne released her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, which achieved commercial success and was certified gold in Canada, the United States, and other territories.

2011: Returned to New York Fashion Week

In 2011, Avril Lavigne returned to New York Fashion Week with Abbey Dawn.

January 2012: Move to Paris

In January 2012, Avril Lavigne moved to Paris to study the French language, renting an apartment and attending a Berlitz school.

January 2012: Relationship with Brody Jenner ends

In January 2012, Avril Lavigne's relationship with Brody Jenner ended.

March 2012: Collaboration with Chad Kroeger

In March 2012, Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger began working together to write and record music for Lavigne's fifth album.

July 2012: Relationship with Chad Kroeger Begins

In July 2012, Avril Lavigne began dating Chad Kroeger, the frontman of the band Nickelback.

August 2012: Engagement to Chad Kroeger

In August 2012, Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger became engaged after one month of dating.

July 1, 2013: Marriage to Chad Kroeger

On July 1, 2013, Avril Lavigne married Chad Kroeger at the Château de la Napoule in the South of France.

2013: Release of 'Avril Lavigne'

In 2013, Avril Lavigne released her self-titled fifth album, Avril Lavigne, which continued her commercial success and was certified gold in Canada, the United States, and other territories.

September 2014: Launched fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics

In September 2014, Avril Lavigne launched a personal fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics as part of her birthday celebration. The "Team Rockstar" event helped sponsor athletes competing in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

2014: Diagnosis with Lyme Disease

Avril Lavigne was diagnosed with Lyme disease after her 30th birthday in 2014, a detail revealed in April 2015.

April 2015: Lyme Disease Reveal

In April 2015, Avril Lavigne revealed to People magazine that she had been diagnosed with Lyme disease after her 30th birthday in 2014 and wanted to increase awareness of the disease.

September 2, 2015: Separation Announcement

On September 2, 2015, Avril Lavigne announced her separation from Chad Kroeger via her official Instagram account.

2015: Performance at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games

Avril Lavigne performed at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

2015: Special Olympics athletes starred in "Fly" music video

In 2015, the athletes that the "Team Rockstar" event helped sponsor from around the world competing in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles were the stars of Avril Lavigne's music video for "Fly", which was shot in Canada.

Loading Video...

March 2018: 'Let Go' Certified Seven-Times Platinum by RIAA

In March 2018, the RIAA certified Avril Lavigne's album, Let Go, seven-times Platinum, denoting shipments of over seven million units in the US.

2018: Relationship with Phillip Sarofim

In 2018, Avril Lavigne dated billionaire heir Phillip Sarofim.

2018: Heart Tattoo with JaKeb Allen Munn

In 2018, Avril Lavigne got a traditional heart-shaped tattoo with then-boyfriend JaKeb Allen Munn.

2019: Release of 'Head Above Water'

In 2019, Avril Lavigne released her sixth album, Head Above Water, marking a continuation of her musical journey.

2019: Relationship with Phillip Sarofim ends

In 2019, Avril Lavigne's relationship with Phillip Sarofim ended.

September 2020: Announcement of #FightLyme Concert

In September 2020, Avril Lavigne announced a special livestream concert called the #FightLyme concert to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Lyme disease.

2020: Relationship with Pete Jonas

In 2020, Avril Lavigne reportedly began dating musician Pete Jonas.

March 2021: Relationship with Mod Sun

Around March 2021, Avril Lavigne began dating Mod Sun.

April 2022: Engagement to Mod Sun

In April 2022, Avril Lavigne announced her engagement to Mod Sun via her social media accounts.

2022: Return to Pop Punk with 'Love Sux'

In 2022, Avril Lavigne returned to her pop-punk roots with the release of her seventh album, Love Sux.

February 2023: End of Engagement to Mod Sun

In February 2023, Avril Lavigne's engagement to Mod Sun ended.

June 2024: Conferred with the Order of Canada

In June 2024, Avril Lavigne was conferred with the Order of Canada.

2025: Ranked number 19 on Billboard's Top Women Artists of the 21st Century list

Billboard magazine ranked Avril Lavigne at number 19 on its 2025 "Top Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.