The Best Artists Like Sam Smith

John Legend, born John Roger Stephens in Springfield, Ohio, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and musician. People recognize his soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics worldwide. Legend started gaining fame at age four, singing gospel songs in his church choir. He sharpened his musical skills at the University of Pennsylvania, directing a jazz and pop a cappella group. Legend found a breakthrough when Kanye West, an up-and-coming hip-hop artist, introduced him to collaborations that eventually led to more.

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, singer and songwriter, comes from Tottenham, London. She was born May 5th, 1988. Adele entered the music industry with her debut album, 19, released in 2008. The album shared her age as its title and earned huge praise for its mature sound and lyrics about heartbreak. Singles like Chasing Pavements and Hometown Glory hit the charts. Adele won two Grammy Awards in 2009 for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. In 2011, Adele

Shawn Mendes, a breakout teen star in the 2010s, is from Toronto. Mendes added fresh appeal to the acoustic sound linked to Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz. As a young teen, Mendes learned guitar from YouTube videos. He gained online attention making unique versions of cover songs, sharing six-second clips. This drew followers, leading to his signing with Island at age 15. His first single, "Life of the Party," dropped in June 2014. The song reached number 24, setting his first chart record.

Edward Christopher Sheeran was born February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. Sheeran became the face of a new singer-songwriter style. He took inspiration from other stories, mixing acoustic guitar and backing vocals with hip-hop and R&B rhythms. Growing up in a musical family, Sheeran made his music dream real by releasing independent EPs while still a teen. After a few years playing gigs and building a fan base in England, Sheeran moved in 2010.

Troye Sivan Mellet, born June 5, 1995, is a South African-born Australian singer, songwriter, actor, and YouTuber. Sivan became popular on YouTube and in Australian talent shows. He signed with EMI Australia in 2013, releasing his debut extended play, TRXYE (2014). TRXYE peaked at number five on the U.S. Billboard 200. Its lead single, "Happy Little Pill," hit number 10 on Australian music charts. In 2015, he released the extended play Wild and his debut studio album, Blue Neighbourhood. "Youth," the lead single from that album, became Sivan's first single to chart.

Celeste Epiphany Waite, born May 5, 1994, is Celeste. She is an American-born British singer-songwriter from Saltdean, England. Her music mixes British soul, jazz-tinged blues, and subtle R&B melodies.

Elton John, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, was born March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He is a musical icon whose career spans over five decades. He played piano at age three. He earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age eleven. John's stardom started in 1967. He met Bernie Taupin, a lyricist. Their partnership created many famous pop songs. John's first big success came with the 1970 album *Elton John*, which included the hit single "Yo".

Charlie Puth was born in New Jersey, 1991. He focused on becoming a singer. He attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts in the late 2000s. Charlie Puth started a YouTube channel with Emily Luther, where they played acoustic covers. Their version of "Someone Like You" by Adele went viral. This led to an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" (2003- ) and a record deal with DeGeneres' company eleveneleven in 2011. Puth and Luther returned to Ellen's show in 2.

Adam Lambert grew up in San Diego, California, though born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Adam Lambert became a global superstar after his performance on *American Idol*'s eighth season. His mix of theater and vocal skill made him stand out, earning him quick international recognition. Lambert finished as a runner-up but his talent was clear. He built a successful career in music and acting. His debut album, *For Your Entertainment*, launched in 2009 with critical praise. The album sold well, hitting the top 10.

James Andrew Arthur is a British singer and musician. He won *The X Factor*'s ninth series in 2012. His debut single, "Impossible", dropped after the final and hit number one on the UK Singles Chart that first week. "Impossible" sold over 1.27 million copies in the UK and 2.5 million worldwide. He released his self-titled debut album in November 2013, which debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart.

Leona Lewis, a British voice, stays one of reality TV's most gifted talents. She was born April 3, 1985, in London, England. Lewis sharpened her music skills at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. She won the third season of The X Factor in 2006. This win thrust her into the spotlight and started her career. Her debut album, Spirit, dropped in 2007, showing her talent.

James Michael Bay, born September 4, 1990, sings and plays guitar. He released his single "Hold Back the River" in 2014, which got platinum certification. He then released his debut album Chaos and the Calm in 2015. The album hit number one in the UK and number 15 in the US. In February 2015, Bay got the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award. At the 2016 Brit Awards, he won Best British Male Solo Artist. Bay also got three Grammy nominations in 2016: Best New Artist, Best Rock Album, and Best Rock Song.

Emeli Sandé, born March 10, 1987, is a British singer and songwriter. She became Emeli Sandé professionally. Sandé was born in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. She grew up in Alford, Aberdeenshire, with an English mother and a Zambian father. Sandé gained fame after appearing on the 2009 Chipmunk track "Diamond Rings". That track became their first top 10 single on the UK Singles Chart. In 2010, she appeared on Wiley's "Never Be Your Woman", another top ten hit. In 2012, the Brit Awards gave her the Critics' Choice Award. Sandé released her first solo single "Heave".

Lewis Capaldi, born October 7, 1996, is a Scottish singer and songwriter from Whitburn, West Lothian. Capaldi gained notice after releasing his first track 'Bruises' in mid-2017. The song quickly reached nearly 28 million Spotify plays globally, making him the fastest unsigned artist to hit 25 million plays there. Soon after, Virgin Records and Capitol Records signed him. Capaldi was considered for BBC Music’s Sound of 2018. Music stars like Sigrid (singer), Khalid (singer), and Billie Eilish were also on the list.

Yebba is an American singer and songwriter who won a Grammy. She is from West Memphis, Arkansas. She first gained recognition for backing vocals on Chance the Rapper's SNL performance of "Same Drugs" in 2016 and by releasing her debut single "Evergreen" in 2017. Yebba has also worked with artists like PJ Morton, Sam Smith, Mark Ronson, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran.