ADÉLA
If you know anything about Dream Academy or KATSEYE, then you probably know about ADÉLA. Her elimination from the show’s competition was far from the end of the road for the young star. Instead of letting it disappear her, she capitalized on it. This autumn marked the beginning of her first tour. Despite the hate that follows her around (thanks to the show, since people love to see women compete against one another), I think ADÉLA is not only talented, but here to stay. Here’s why.
She’s not coming from nothing. Dream Academy gave her a fantastic starting point to jump off of. Without even a solo record out, she has already amassed over a million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her foundation has and will continue to serve her well, not only regarding her global audience, but providing her with valuable networking in the industry. I mean, hell, she’s already opening for Demi Lovato’s tour.
Speaking of her background, her Slovak roots will give her a boost. She is both embedded into the LA / American music scene, but is simultaneously more likely to capture European fans, thus doubling her fanbase.
She’s not K-pop. A disadvantage of KATSEYE is that, while not thoroughly K-pop, the genre is certainly one of the influences in their work. K-pop, despite being liked around the globe, is nonetheless less likely to become mainstream than standard commercial pop. ADÉLA has established herself as not a K-pop enjoyer and her music sticks closely to mainstream pop. This will guarantee a bigger fanbase, not just those who like K-pop. She is bound to make some radio-friendly tracks along with some raunchier club hits. She will be pulling audiences from all angles.
Her aesthetic cohesion. For a while now, ADÉLA has been creating a clear, cohesive visual identity (tremendous shoutout to the pink hair, which I hope is here to stay). Her artistic style - from the color palette to the clothes to the attitude - is down to a T. Her branding is memorable - and unique, as the mainstream pop scene is currently lacking an edgy icon. ADÉLA can fill that role.
Strong vocals. Her voice isn’t the most memorable. In fact, it kind of sounds like a lot of singers. But it is good. Without a doubt, she can sing. What works is that she isn’t afraid to experiment. To shout and scream and moan. This compliments her songwriting, which is fierce and unapologetic. I do hope she doesn’t stick exclusively to sex songs, as I also like songs like MachineGirl.
That fucking choreo. ADÉLA has some of the best moves I’ve seen in the music industry. Her work with Robbie leaves me gagged. Shes is a truly incredible dancer. You don’t often see someone go as full-out as her. Her ballerina training shines even when shes twerking - her technique is simply flawless. And I love how daring it is. I love a rogue ballerina. Her moves are classier than Sabrina Carpenter and more artistic than Tate McRae. But just like it did for both artists, the dances will surely attract a whole slew of additional fans (and some haters, no doubt. Just watch the SexOnTheBeat music video - which by the way, has the most incredible choreo I’ve seen (inspired by Robbie’s previous project “Fuck On The Beat”). ADÉLA throws herself into it more than most performers. Not to mention, her body is absolute tea and mesmerizing to watch. She is a strong, powerful, and beautiful dancer.
Her shows. She started off in small venues, solidifying crowd connection, experimenting and being herself. Now, her crowds are growing. Videos of celebrities dancing in the crowd at her shows is a bomb marketing strategy and one that is bound to boost the size of her crowds overnight. Likewise, her shows are truly unique. Not performative. Performances. She is a performer to her core, and it comes out on stage. I also think her unique elements (like dancing at a ballet barre) will draw the attention of many.
Lastly, some might say her honesty about the industry would limit her success. After all, many say she’s one of the few girls that understood the ethical ramifications of Dream Academy - and she isn’t here to play quiet about it. Just listen to SexOnTheBeat lyrics. One YouTube comment under the music video reads “This is what Sam Levinson's The Idol wishes it could be. Raw eroticism, the price of stardom, provocative in a deeply human way, the desperation to achieve your dreams under the scrutinizing eye of the public, being picked apart and consumed and digested and still not being enough. Bravo Adela.” I think people will appreciate her honesty, especially in a time where pop feels full of industry plants and puppets, over-commericalization, and filthy, filthy rich.
A recent Instagram post from ADÉLA reads:
my first and last time playing rooms this small. i don’t want to sound arrogant, but i know it to be true
And she just might be right. Get tickets for ADÉLA for under 20$ while you can. You just might regret it one day.
