17 Best Singers Like Adele
English singer-songwriter Adele must be a one-of-a-kind, right? Well, you might just be surprised. Because without some of the singers mentioned in this guide, we might not even have Adele as we know her today.
Plus, there are more than a few English and American singers that either have a similar style or almost have that Adele thing on lock.
In this guide, we explore the best singers like Adele.
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Amy Winehouse
Adele’s music has been compared to Amy Winehouse’s on countless occasions – some have even called Adele the “new Amy Winehouse.” Winehouse died tragically at the age of 27, but it is kind of nice to know that there are singers still carrying that torch, isn’t it?
Adele says Winehouse made her and Duffy’s path to U.S. success considerably easier. If that wasn’t enough, Adele would not have picked up the guitar if not for Winehouse’s Frank.
The 27 Club member had a strong command of her voice – dynamic, smoky, and smooth, with a three-plus octave range.
Some essential Amy Winehouse includes “Valerie,” “Stronger Than Me,” “Back to Black,” and “Love Is a Losing Game.”
Ellie Goulding
While English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding’s music may be more electronic-influenced than straight up pop or soul, the comparison to Adele isn’t completely unwarranted.
Goulding shares some influences in common with Adele and has cited the likes of Kate Bush, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna as foundational to her sound (and it’s no secret that you will see some of these singers come up later in this guide).
Goulding also credits Adele with paving the way for English singers, something Adele credits Amy Winehouse with.
Have a listen to Goulding’s “Still Falling For You,” “Hate Me,” “Lights,” “Close to Me,” and “My Blood.”
Mariah Carey
Mariah “Songbird Supreme” Carey hardly needs an introduction. The all-time best-selling female holiday song (“All I Want for Christmas is You”) is credited to her, and she is one of the best-selling artists of all-time besides. Her trophy shelf is decorated with dozens of awards.
Carey was influenced by the likes of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Aretha Franklin. Not surprisingly, Adele shares some of these in common also, especially Aretha Franklin. Then again, Franklin is like the grandmother of all female soul singers.
If you have yet to listen to the following Mariah Carey hits, you’re in for a treat – “We Belong Together,” “Fantasy,” “Hero,” and “It’s Like That.”
Beyoncé
American singer and songwriter Beyoncé or “Queen Bey” is one of the best-selling recording artists across the world.
Adele has named many artists as key influences, but she has gone so far as to call Beyoncé the “artist of her life.” Beyoncé’s work, similarly, has also influenced Adele’s. Now how’s that for a connection?
If you’d like to check out some of her music, see “CUFF IT,” “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” and “Formation.”
Alicia Keys
After moving to south London, Adele took to R&B, and would later cite American singer-songwriter and pianist Alicia Keys as one of her influences.
Keys’ career has been anything but modest. She is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, and she has won dozens of awards too.
If you like Keys’ style, you might want to check out “My Boo,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One,” “Fallin’,” and “Empire State of Mind.”
Ariana Grande
American singer, songwriter, and actress Ariana Grande has been influenced by the likes of Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé, among others.
Of course, she shares some of this in common with Adele, but Grande also famously uploaded covers of Adele, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston songs to her YouTube channel, suggesting that Grande is probably a bigger fan of Adele than she might let on.
If you think you might like to hear more from Ariana Grande, see “Into You,” “7 Rings,” “Bang Bang,” “Thank U, Next,” and “Stuck With U.”
Jessie J
English singer Jessie J graduated from the BRIT School of Performing Arts & Technology in May 2006 along with Leona Lewis and Adele.
If that wasn’t enough, critics have compared Jessie J to Adele and Amy Winehouse (although not always favorably), so you know the comparison is on point.
Well, subtlety may not be her thing, but she has done okay for herself so far. See “Price Tag,” “Flashlight,” “Domino,” “Masterpiece,” “Who You Are,” and “Nobody’s Perfect.”
Leona Lewis
A fellow graduate of the BRIT School of Performing Arts & Technology, British singer, songwriter, and actress Leona Lewis shares several influences with Adele and other singers referenced here – Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé.
Lewis rose to prominence when she won the third series of The X Factor in 2006. After signing a mostly unheard-of five-album deal with J Records, Lewis showed no signs of stopping, selling over 35 million records worldwide.
Have a listen to “Bleeding Love,” “Better In Time,” “Run,” and “Footprints in the Sand.”
Rihanna
Adele has publicly stated her admiration for Rihanna. It’s not hard to understand why – the Barbadian singer and actress has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her the second best-selling female artist of all time.
Between her music career and her successful makeup line, Rihanna is said to have an astounding net worth of $1.4 billion USD, surpassing Taylor Swift by a considerable margin.
Rihanna has kept the music coming with hits like “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” “Rude Boy,” “Love on the Brain,” “Where Have You Been,” “Work,” and “Stay.”