Early Life and Education of Grimes: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 10, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Grimes. A timeline of key moments.

Claire Elise Boucher, known as Grimes, is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her music and visuals frequently incorporate science fiction and feminist themes. Known for her unique artistic style and experimental approach, Grimes has released five studio albums, showcasing her diverse talents in music production and performance.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

March 17, 1988: Claire Elise Boucher's Birth

On March 17, 1988, Claire Elise Boucher, known professionally as Grimes, was born. She is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her science fiction and feminist themes.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Graduated from Lord Byng Secondary School

In 2006, Grimes graduated from Lord Byng Secondary School and moved to Montreal to attend McGill University's joint Bachelor of Arts and Science program.

2006: Moved to Montreal

In 2006, Grimes moved from Vancouver to Montreal and began releasing music independently.

2009: Houseboat Adventure Down the Mississippi

In 2009, Grimes and a friend attempted to travel down the Mississippi River to New Orleans from Minneapolis in a houseboat they built. The houseboat was impounded by the city of Minneapolis after several mishaps.

December 2010: Expelled from McGill University

In December 2010, Grimes was expelled from McGill University for skipping classes.

March 2012: Art Show and Charity Auction

From March 23–25, 2012, Grimes staged an art show and charity auction at the Audio Visual Arts (AVA) gallery in New York City, featuring paintings and drawings.

2012: Intense Drug Use during Visions Creation

In 2012, Grimes revealed periods of intense drug use during the creation of her third album Visions, involving amphetamine use and sleep deprivation.

2014: Aversion to Hard Drugs

In 2014, Grimes wrote a blog post expressing her aversion to hard drugs.

2015: Frustration with Being Labeled a Feminist Musician

In 2015, Grimes expressed frustration with being identified as a feminist musician, stating that it "really genders [her]" in a way that she does not identify with.

2018: Discomfort with the word 'woman'

In 2018, Grimes made a post on Twitter stating that she is "personally put off by the word 'woman' at least as far as my self id".

May 2020: Birth of first child with Elon Musk

In May 2020, Grimes gave birth to her son with Elon Musk, initially named "X Æ A-12" which was later changed to "X Æ A-Xii" due to California regulations.

2021: Birth of daughter via surrogacy

In 2021, Grimes and Elon Musk had a daughter via surrogacy.

2021: Called Herself Female-ish

In 2021, Grimes called herself "female-ish".

June 2023: Comments on the Patriarchy

In June 2023, Grimes stated, "I kinda like the patriarchy," and clarified that if women are not included, it can become toxic.

September 2023: Reports of another son and lawsuit over parental rights

In September 2023, reports surfaced that Grimes and Elon Musk had another son. Later that month, Grimes sued Musk over parental rights to their children in California.