33 facts you probably didn't know about Adele
From her favourite crisp flavour to her make-up skills
Queen Adele is currently living her best life, now having wrapped up her monumental Las Vegas residency! Although initially delayed, the singer's residency - 'Weekends with Adele' - was a true triumph, and saw her welcome legends like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion and Beyoncé.
In her 36 years, it's fair to say that Adele has become one of the most popular singers of all time. To celebrate her success, we've gathered together some facts about the singer that may well surprise you! From her songwriting, to her albums, make-up and even the real reason she attended the Super Bowl 2023, join us as we uncover some surprising facts about Adele...
1) What is Adele's full name?
Adele's full name is Adele Laurie Blue Adkins.
2) Where is she from?
She was born in Tottenham, London on 5th May 1988.
3) Where did she grow up?
After spending her early years in London she and her mother moved to Brighton when she was nine-years-old. They moved back to London two years later, living in Brixton and then West Norwood - the place that inspired her first song 'Hometown Glory'. She's also shared an adorable picture of herself as a child being a Spice Girls superfan.
4) What was Adele's first song?
Adele wrote 'Hometown Glory' when she was just 16-years-old. This became her debut single, and was followed up by smash hit ‘Chasing Pavements’ - both of which appeared on her debut album, ‘19’.
5) How did Adele become famous?
In an age when many artists come through talent shows such as The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, Adele didn't. She attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon and shared a class with Leona Lewis and Jessie J. She worked hard composing her first few songs and was spotted when a friend posted her demo on MySpace.
6) Has Adele been on any TV shows?
In 2009, she starred in an episode of Ugly Betty as herself - watch the clip below.
7) Has Adele been on Saturday Night Live?
Adele returned to the spotlight in October 2020 in a surprise career move, hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live. Sharing a photo of some post-it notes, Adele wrote on Instagram: 'Bloooooody hellllll I’m so excited about this!! And also absolutely terrified! My first ever hosting gig and for SNL of all things!!!!
'I’ve always wanted to do it as a stand alone moment, so that I could roll up my sleeves and fully throw myself into it, but the time has never been right. But if there was ever a time for any of us to jump head first into the deep end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it’s 2020 right?
'It'll be almost 12 years to the day that I first appeared on the show, during an election...which went on to break my career in America, so it feels full circle and I just couldn’t possibly say no! I am besides myself that H.E.R will be the musical guest!! I love her SO much I can’t wait to melt into a flaming hot mess when she performs, then confuse myself while I laugh my arse off in between it all. See you next week ♥️🤞🏻.'
8) What about Carpool Karaoke?
She sure has! Multiple times, in fact, even having the honour of being the final guest James Corden took for a spin. Adele first appeared on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden in January 2016, where the pair sang their hearts out to her hit 'Hello', as well as 'Wannabe' by The Spice Girls.
Adele on Carpool Karaoke in 2016:
Following the news that James was leaving his role as the host of The Late Late Show, fans were overjoyed when Adele joined the superstar host on his final Carpool Karaoke in April 2023, in what became a rather emotional ride!
The star surprised James at his home as she woke him up by crashing cymbals over his bed, before they set out in the famous car. The duo started crying after James thanked Adele for driving him, and she said: "You are one of my best friends in the whole world and I'm going to miss you."
Adele on the final Carpool Karaoke in 2023:
9) Does Adele write her own songs?
She writes most of her own songs with her lyrics taking inspiration from her experiences. In 2018, Adele teased that her fourth album was on the way, and it was definitely worth the wait!
Adele wrote her massive hit 'Hello' over six months with the help of Greg Kurstin who also produced and played many of the instruments.
10) Can she play any instruments?
On her track 'Hello' as well as showing off her incredible vocals she also plays the drums.
Adele credits Amy Winehouse and her album 'Frank' with inspiration to take up the guitar, which she has played since she was a teenager. She also reportedly can play the piano, but not very well, and she has been credited as contributing celesta, bass, and the cowbell on her albums.
11) What is Adele's biggest music video?
The video for her single 'Hello' has had over 3.1 billion views on YouTube since its release in October 2015!
12) How does Adele do her makeup?
Her eye make-up is famous in its own right, particularly for her eyeliner flick. In 2016 her make-up artist even uploaded a tutorial so fans can recreate her famous look.
Adele is also fantastic at fancy dress - she has previously dressed up as Dolly Parton, June Carter Cash, and also had a Titanic theme for her 30th birthday - the pictures were amazing.
13) How old is Adele?
Adele was born on 5th May 1988, making her currently 36-years-old.
Following her epic return to music, in May 2022 Adele celebrated her 34th birthday, and the following day the singer took to social media to share a couple of photos, writing: 'What a difference a year makes! If time keeps healing and smoothing out all the creases in my life like it does as the years fly by, then I can’t wait to be 60! I’ve never been happier! So many lessons, so many blessings to be grateful for. This is 34, and I love it here!Thank you for the birthday love as always x'. (sic)
14) Is Adele married?
Adele married her first husband Simon Konecki in 2018, after being first spotted together in Florida in January 2012. At the time, reports stated they were introduced by Ed Sheeran however he quickly responded by saying: 'Dunno where that rumour came from...'
Adele and Simon divorced in 2019.
Adele has now been with her current partner Rich Paul since 2021. She sparked engagement rumours when she arrived at The BRITs 2022 wearing a ring on her ring finger. Then in 2023 she hinted that she had married Rich, saying at one of her shows in response to a fan asking her to marry them: "You can't marry me. I'm straight, my love, and my husband's here tonight."
However, in August 2024, the singer stopped her concert in Munich, when she spotted a sign which read 'Will you marry me?'. Adele told the audience: "I can't marry you because I'm already getting married!" So it sounds like she's still engaged!
15) Did Adele get divorced?
She confirmed she'd married Simon in her acceptance speech for winning Album of the Year at the Grammys, and in April 2019 her representatives confirmed that Adele and Simon had split. In September 2019, it was reported that she had filed for divorce. Adele had an excellent reaction to the split, and also referenced the split in her 31st birthday post.
16) Does Adele have any children?
Adele has one son with her ex-husband Simon, who is called Angelo and his name was kept secret for many months.
Adele also publicly praised her friend's brave and honest post about postpartum psychosis, after she herself welcomed a baby; Adele once revealed she suffered from postnatal depression.
17) When did Adele bring out her album '30'?
Rumours were rife about a new Adele album for a number of years, with 2021 finally being the year she returned to the spotlight!
During the first weekend in October, Adele sent her fans into complete meltdown when they spotted mysterious billboards with the number 30 appearing all of the world. Photos of the signs had been seen on various iconic landmarks in locations including Dubai, Ireland, France, Italy and the US.
The singer then changed her social media backgrounds, before confirming her comeback single 'Easy On Me', released on Friday 15th October. She later released her fourth album '30' on Friday 19th November 2021 to rave reviews.
18) Adele's inspirations for '30'
Adele's fourth album '30', released in November 2021, was written for Angelo to explain to him about the divorce.
In an interview with Vogue in 2021, Adele said: "I just felt like I wanted to explain to him, though this record, when he's in his 20s or 30s, who I am and why I voluntarily chose to dismantle his entire life in the pursuit of my own happiness," she said.
"It made him really unhappy sometimes. And that's a real wound for me that I don't know if I'll ever be able to heal."
19) What is the album about?
In a candid Instagram post marking the release, Adele said: 'I'm so ready to put this album out. It was my ride or die throughout the most turbulent period of my life. When I was writing it, it was my friend who came over with a bottle of wine and a takeaway to come and cheer me up."
Adele was also asked what her album was about during an Instagram Live where she hilariously responded that the album was about “DIVORCE, babe, DIVORCE.”
20) Does Adele have any tattoos?
Adele has a number of tattoos, including three to do with her son. She has an 'A' behind her right ear, his name on the edge of her right hand, and the word 'Paradise' on the edge of her left hand. In an interview, she described Angelo as her 'Paradise'.
21) Who is Adele's famous neighbour?
In May 2020, Katy Perry revealed that she lives next door to Adele! Katy told us: "We live very close to each other, so close that, and we’re friendly and we’ve known each other for a long time, so close, I haven’t seen her in person since she’s been, like, you know, transforming herself because pre-quarantine I was busy, she was busy."
Katy recounted a time last year when Adele called round unexpectedly, explaining: "I remember sometime last year, she just knocks on my door and comes in. I’m in my robe, I mean, that’s how, like, it’s fun. She’s great. She’s very…She’s very real."
WATCH: Katy Perry reveals she has a very famous neighbour
22) Which awards has Adele won?
SO many! Until 2017, Adele held the record for most Billboard Music Award wins. In 2012, she won a massive 12 awards. Her record was broken by Drake, who won 13.
She won an Oscar for Best Original Song for 'Skyfall' in 2013, and has taken home 12 BRIT Awards over the years. At the 2022 ceremony she picked up three awards as well as putting on a spectacular performance singing 'I Drink Wine'.
In 2023, she was nominated for a whopping FIVE Grammy Awards, taking home the gong for Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Easy On Me'.
23) Does Adele have an MBE?
In 2012, Adele was awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.
24) Has Adele broken any Guinness World Records?
She has broken loads of Guinness World Records including 'First female to have two singles and two albums in the UK Top 5 simultaneously' in 2011 and 'First UK artist to reach digital sales of one million in the US' in 2012.
25) Does Adele have any pets?
Adele has a dog called Louie, although spelt with an 'e' his name was inspired by Louis Armstrong. In 2021, she revealed she had two more dogs and one was called 'Bobbity Bob'. Speaking on Instagram, she said: 'They have the exact same hair colour as me and my son.'
Adele also revealed in 2018 that she had rescued a black cat: '#NationalAdoptAShelterPetDay Had this joker for almost a year now. He’s the most beautiful cat, so glad we saved him x'.
26) What is Adele's net worth?
In 2017, Adele was the only female to be included in the Sunday Times Rich List Top 20 for musicians. In 2016, she earned £40m, taking her wealth to a massive £125m.
She topped heat magazine's Rich List for three years until 2018, but after she turned 31 in 2019 she unfortunately doesn't fit the criteria anymore!
According to Celebrity Net Worth, she now has a net worth of around £168 million.
27) Does Adele have a boyfriend?
Adele has been dating sports agent Rich Paul since the beginning of 2021, and they have since posted photos together on social media and have been seen out together.
The pair were spotted at an LA Lakers game in October 2021, not long after 'Easy On Me' had been released, and Adele had the best reaction to hearing the song played at the basketball game. While sitting in the front row with Rich, the song came on and Adele immediately hid her face behind her handbag! Adele is known for her great sense of humour and she did end up singing along with the crowd while still hiding.
28) What's Adele's favourite crisp?
British through and through, Adele revealed on an Instagram Live in 2021 that her favourite crisp was Walkers Prawn Cocktail or Walkers Ready Salted crisps with Worcestershire sauce on top. Yep really.
29) Does Adele drink alcohol?
Over her career, Adele has done what she can to protect her glorious voice. In 2011, she had suffered a haemorrhage to her vocal cords after singing live on a French radio programme and in 2016, she had to cancel the remaining two shows of a sold-out, four-night residency at Wembley Stadium in June, after her doctor told her she had damaged her vocal cords.
This means that when she is on tour, Adele stays away from alcohol and cuts out drinking.
30) What is Adele's favourite drink?
When she isn't getting ready to perform, she does get to enjoy a drink, and Adele’s favourite lockdown hobby was drinking wine (just like us). Her favourite tipple is an Aperol Spritz.
Of course, we know that Adele is partial to a glass of wine thanks to her melodic hit 'I Drink Wine', which featured on her album '30'.
31) What's the real reason she went to the Super Bowl?
It may not come as a surprise that Adele is not in fact an American football super-fan - the real reason she went was so she could see Rihanna perform her epic Half-Time show! In her own words, she said: "I’m going just for Rihanna, I don’t give a flying f-ck (about the football)."
32) Is Adele going on tour in 2024?
Adele has not gone on tour in 2024, however did complete weekly residency in Las Vegas - which wrapped on 23rd November - as well as a run of gig in Munich in the summer.
The singer announced a series of shows in Munich, Germany. On 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th 14th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st August 2024, Adele performed in an open air bespoke arena at Munich Messe exhibition centre, with a capacity of 80,000 people per night!
33) Why does Adele have problems walking?
During her Las Vegas residency, while performing at her New Year's Eve show, Adele opened up to her fans about a health condition which is impacting her ability to walk - sciatica.
She said: "I have to waddle these days as I have really bad sciatica."
You can hear Adele's biggest hits on Northsound 1.
Scroll through to see Adele's career timeline...
2006
Adele began singing at the age of four, and as a teenager used to play guitar and sing to her friends in Brockwell Park. A product of the BRIT School in London, Adele graduated in 2006 at the age of 18. She recorded a three-song demo for a class project, and gave it to a friend who posted in on MySpace - and its popularity on the site led to a recording contract with XL Recordings.
2007
In 2007, Adele made her television debut, singing 'Daydreamer' on Later... with Jools Holland, and released her debut single 'Hometown Glory', which she wrote at the age of 16.
2008
Adele won the first-ever BRIT Awards Critics' Choice in 2008, and released her debut album, '19', which also featured singles 'Chasing Pavements', 'Make You Feel My Love' and 'Cold Shoulder'. It debuted at Number 1 in the UK, and is thought to have sold around 7 million copies worldwide. Adele was nominated for a Mercury Prize for the album.
2009
2009 was a big year for Adele - she won two gongs at the Grammy Awards that year: Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for 'Chasing Pavements'. She was also nominated for three BRIT Awards, and went on her first world tour: 'An Evening with Adele'.
2010
Adele had another Grammy nomination in 2010, once again the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance but this time for 'Hometown Glory'.
2011
Adele released her second album, '21', in 2011, spawning singles 'Rolling in the Deep', 'Rumour Has It', 'Set Fire to the Rain' and 'Someone like You'. It was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, and Adele embarked on her second worldwide tour, 'Adele Live'. Unfortunately, Adele was forced to cancel some of the dates due to a vocal-cord haemorrhage, releasing a statement to say that she needed long-term rest to avoid permanent damage, and underwent laser microsurgery. She was also rumoured to be dating Simon Konecki in Summer 2011.
'Set Fire to the Rain' has since been certified 4x Platinum.
2012
For '21', Adele won all six of the categories she was nominated for at the Grammys, including Album of the Year - this made her the second female artist in history to win that many awards in one single night after Beyoncé. She also won the British Album of the Year at the BRIT Awards. Adele also co-wrote and performed the title track to the 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall - which has since been certified 3x Platinum.
Adele announced in April 2012 that she would be taking a couple of years off, saying: "I have to take time and live a little bit. There were a good two years between my first and second albums, so it'll be the same this time." In June 2012, Adele announced that she was expecting her first baby with Simon, and their son Angelo was born in October that year.
2013
'Skyfall' earned Adele and co-writer Paul Epworth (pictured) a Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Original Song. She also won the Best Pop Solo Performance Grammy Award for her live version of 'Set Fire to the Rain'. Adele was also awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to music.
2014
In 2014, Adele stuck to her career break, and was not seen out in public very much. She also won her 10th Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media for 'Skyfall', and posted a cryptic tweet, teasing that a new album was on the way.
2015
Adele released her single 'Hello' in October 2015, and released her third album, '25', in November 2015. She said of the album: "My last record was a break-up record, and if I had to label this one, I would call it a make-up record. Making up for lost time. Making up for everything I ever did and never did. 25 is about getting to know who I've become without realising. And I'm sorry it took so long but, you know, life happened."
It debuted at Number 1 in the UK and became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history. It was the best-selling album worldwide of 2015, and stayed at the top of the UK charts for seven weeks.
2016
Adele went on her third worldwide tour, 'Adele Live 2016', in 2016, and won four BRIT Awards - British Female Solo Artist, Global Success Award, British Album of the Year for '25' and British Single of the Year for 'Hello', also performing at the ceremony with 'When We Were Young'. Adele also headlined Glastonbury Festival, and called it the "best moment" of her life so far.
2017
Adele continued her world tour in 2017, and ended it with two dates in Wembley. She'd added a further two, but was forced to cancel them after damaging her voice. Adele won all five of her nominations at the Grammy Awards 2017: '25' won Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, and 'Hello' won Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. She dedicated her Album of the Year win to Beyoncé, and said that she should have won instead for 'Lemonade', saying in her acceptance speech: "I can't possibly accept this award. And I'm very humbled and I'm very grateful and gracious. But my artist of my life is Beyoncé. And this album to me, the 'Lemonade' album, is just so monumental. Beyoncé, it's so monumental. And so well thought out, and so beautiful and soul-baring and we all got to see another side to you that you don't always let us see. And we appreciate that. And all us artists here adore you. You are our light."
She also performed a tribute to George Michael, who passed away on Christmas Day 2016. She sang 'Fastlove', and had to restart due to technical difficulties, telling the audience: "I can't mess this up for him." Adele also confirmed she'd gotten married to Simon Konecki in her Grammys Album acceptance speech.
2019
After taking time off in 2018 and 2019 to work on new music, Adele sparked rumours on her 31st birthday that an album could be on the way very soon, sharing a message to her Instagram page which ended with '30 will be a drum n bass record to spite you.' In April, Adele's representatives announced that she and Simon had separated, and she filed for divorce in September 2019.
2020
In June 2020, Adele re-watched her iconic Glastonbury 2016 set with millions of others as the BBC showed replays due to that year's festival being postponed. The singer was asked in the comments section when fans can expect her new album, to which she responded by saying: 'Of course it's not. Corona ain't over. I'm quarantining. Wear a mask and be patient.'
2020
Adele appeared as a host on Saturday Night Live in October 2020, writing on Instagram: 'Had the best time on SNL! Thank you to the most wonderful cast, crew, writers and producers. What a sublime bunch of people you are. Lorne thank you for believing in me! Lindsay my sister for life, Maya my comedy and Mama hero! Plus the so up for it audiences at both the dress rehearsal and live show! I did it for the joy of it and I hope you got some from it too! Good luck with the election America I love you so much. Look after each other and go easy on yourselves. Happy Halloween! I'm going back to my cave now to be the (single) cat lady that I am! Peace out til next year ♥️.'
She also wrote before her performance: 'Bloooooody hellllll I'm so excited about this!! And also absolutely terrified! My first ever hosting gig and for SNL of all things!!!! I've always wanted to do it as a stand alone moment, so that I could roll up my sleeves and fully throw myself into it, but the time has never been right. But if there was ever a time for any of us to jump head first into the deep end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it's 2020 right? It'll be almost 12 years to the day that I first appeared on the show, during an election... which went on to break my career in America, so it feels full circle and I just couldn't possibly say no! I am besides myself that H.E.R will be the musical guest!! I love her SO much I can't wait to melt into a flaming hot mess when she performs, then confuse myself while I laugh my arse off in between it all. See you next week ♥️🤞🏻.'
2021
On Friday 15th October 2021, Adele delighted fans around the world when she released her first single in nearly six years 'Easy On Me'. The video even features scenes from the same house where the video for 'Hello' was filmed. The single was the first off of Adele's new album '30', which was released in November 2021. Adele revealed the album was for her son Angelo: "The whole album is sort of dedicated to my son more than anything, but yeah it's about my relationship with his dad and with him, but also you know the relationship I have with myself and stuff like that."
2021
On Friday 19th November 2021, Adele's comeback album (about 'divorce') was released. Her fourth album '30' consists of 12 songs and three bonus tracks, featuring songs 'My Little Love', 'I Drink Wine', 'Cry Your Heart Out' and 'Woman Like Me'. In a candid Instagram post, Adele said: 'I'm so ready to put this album out. It was my ride or die throughout the most turbulent period of my life. When I was writing it, it was my friend who came over with a bottle of wine and a takeaway to come and cheer me up.'
2021
After weeks of rumours, Adele confirmed on 30th November that she would be kicking off her very own Las Vegas residency. The shows were scheduled to take place from January to April 2022. Sharing a picture announcing the exciting news, Adele wrote: 'See you at Caesars in Vegasss ✨' (sic). Sadly, just 24 hours before her first performance, Adele shared a video on her Instagram, tearfully revealing the news that she has had to reschedule the dates, due to the show not being ready.
2022
Adele truly stunned as she arrived on the red carpet at The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard. As well as giving us all an incredible performance of her track 'I Drink Wine', which features on her latest album '30', Adele bagged THREE awards during the ceremony. Adele picked up the awards for Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Mastercard Album of the Year, giving her a whopping total of 12 BRIT Awards at that point.
2022-2024
Adele started her 'Weekends with Adele' Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in November 2022. The residency was scheduled to end in November 2023, but was extended until November 2024.
2023
Adding to her Grammy Award collection, Adele took home Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Easy On Me' at the 2023 Grammys in February 2023. Although she was nominated for a couple more, she had the best reactions to Beyoncé and Lizzo taking the gongs instead of her - that's real friendship right there!
2024
As well as continuing with her Vegas residency, Adele announced in January 2024 that she would perform several gigs in Munich. The singer announced she would perform in a purpose-built open air arena with a capacity of 80,000 in August 2024. After her initial dates were announced, she added several more due to high demand. She eventually performed 10 sold-out gigs in August.
2024
Adele revealed in an interview in July 2024 that she would be taking another career break following her Vegas residency and Munich shows. Speaking to German broadcaster ZDF ahead of her Munich shows next month, Adele said: "My tank is quite empty at the minute. I don't have any plans for new music at all. I want a big break after all this and I think I want to do other creative things just for a little while. You know, I don't even sing at home at all. How strange is that?"
Then, on the last day of her Munich residency she told her fans: "I will not see you for an incredibly long time, and I will hold you dear in my heart for that whole length of my break."
2024
Saturday 23rd November saw Adele perform the last show of her iconic Las Vegas residency. After taking to the same Las Vegas stage since November 2022 - inside the famous 4,000-capacity Caesars Palace - playing weekend shows, the singer bid a tearful goodbye to the adoring crowd. Saying: "I don't know when I'm next going to perform again", she continued: "I will miss it terribly, and I will miss you terribly."
Planning a 'full recovery' following the end of her two-year Vegas residency - with a Munich residency sandwiched in-between - Adele also opened up about the residency allowing her to keep a steady schedule for her son. Initially joking: "I chose to do a residency mainly because I f—ing hate touring", she soon tearfully added: I chose to do a residency so I could keep his life normal, and I did do that."
Her emotional goodbye to the iconic venue also heard her gush: "I am emotional, but just so you know, I got closure when Celine Dion came to my show", adding: "It was just such a full-circle moment for me. Because that's the only reason I ever wanted to be in here."
Read more:
20 monumental moments in Adele's career that made her a superstar
Celebrities when they were kids
All of the best bits from An Audience With Adele