Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born 5 May 1988) is a British singer and songwriter. Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace in 2006. In 2007, she received the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award and won the BBC Sound of 2008. Her debut album, 19, was also released in 2008 to commercial and critical success. It certified four times platinum in the UK, and double platinum in the U.S. Her career in the U.S. was boosted by a Saturday Night Live appearance in late 2008. At the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, Adele received the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance...less