Born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on May 5, 1988, Adele was raised by her single mother Penny in London and Brighton. She got the singing bug early, inspired by the "girl power" of the Spice Girls (pictured). Attending a special music school, Adele penned her first song at 16: "Hometown Glory." It sings of the simple life growing up in West Norwood, what she describes as "the wonders of my world."

But life wasn't going to stay simple. Graduating in 2006, the now 18-year-old put some demos on MySpace. Then the phone rang: XL Recordings wanted to sign the unknown singer. A deal was stitched and in January 2008, follow-up single "Chasing Pavements" was released - about a cheating boyfriend, who she confronts with a fist to the nose. The brutal ballad went Top 40 and earned her a Grammy.

Adele's debut album, "19," was released in January 2008 - and only a year later had notched over 2 million sales. Staggering numbers for an artist that a year before was a complete unknown. But, as Adele was to learn, fame would come at a cost. "My Same" tells of the falling out with her best friend, performance artist Laura Dockrill - a sentiment later rekindled on the infectious "Rumour Has It."

Heartbreak is the secret to Adele's success. Her soaring laments of betrayal and heartache have proved the life soundtrack to millions. "Rolling in the Deep" - a vengeful swipe at a former lover and a thumping pop anthem - would prove her crossover triumph in the US after its release in November 2010, which rocketed to number one. It took out three Grammys and sold in excess of 14 million copies.

Her follow-up album "21" was released in January 2011 to universal acclaim. Calling it her "break up" record after separating with a serious (and mysterious) boyfriend, the songs showed an aching vulnerability, countered by a characteristic resilience. However, despite the relentless relationship turbulence, Adele gave birth to her son Angelo with partner Simon Konecki (pictured) in 2012.

Adele's everyday allure has endeared her to legions. She enjoys a drink, swears like a soldier and loves The Cure (pictured) - covering the band's "Lovesong" for "21." And she's equally at home in the local pub and the muddy paddocks of Glastonbury as the gilded concert halls of the world. "I’d rather have lunch with my friends than go to a gym," she told the "The Daily Mail."

"21" has become the best-selling album of the last decade - having sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. It took out the 2012 Grammy and Brit Award for Album of the Year, and wielded three number one singles in the US - including the rousing "Set Fire to the Rain." Suddenly the working class girl from West Norwood had the attention of everyone from Beyoncé (pictured) to Barack Obama.

While anthems like "Someone Like You" made her name and voice ubiquitous, Adele has had a troubled relationship with fame - including harsh commentary on her physical appearance. "It's very easy to give in to being famous," Adele told "The Observer." "Because…it's powerful. It draws you in. Really, it's harder work resisting it. But after a while I just refused to accept a life that was not real."

If the sky is the limit, then Adele has very much conquered all! In 2011 she was invited to write and record the eponymous theme song to the new James Bond film, "Skyfall" (pictured). Working with her longtime collaborator Paul Epworth, the song crashed into the charts in October 2012 and earned the pair an Academy Award for Best Original Song - the first ever for a Bond theme song.

In 2012 Adele went on hiatus to concentrate on family life. However, in October 2015 she finally emerged with "Hello" - a rousing ballad that rocketed straight to number one in over 30 countries. A triumphant taste of her upcoming third album, "25," Adele told fans: "My last record was a break-up record and if I had to label this one I would call it a make-up record…I'm making up for lost time."