10 Reasons the World is a Better Place Because of Adele

With Lorde and other new artists dominating the entertainment world, it seems like forever since Adele rocked the music industry as the next big thing. However, just because we have fresh artists and talent doesn’t mean our old favorites aren’t up to anything cool. In fact, the British “Rollin’ in the Deep” crooner turns 26 today, and she’ll be able to say she’s accomplished so much already during her short time in the spotlight (and on earth!). The mother of one has several Grammys, an extraordinary voice and lots of interesting opinions, so in honor of her birthday, here are 10 reasons Adele is a true gift to humankind.

10. “Someone Like You”

I’m sorry, but who wouldn’t appreciate this tune? Better yet, who here doesn’t cry to this song? Whether you’re happily in love or heartbroken, it can always get to you because we all know the pain of being rejected and swiftly replaced. Adele articulates it well in this devastating song.

9. She has 10 Grammys

Not bad for a girl who hasn’t been famous for very long!

8. And she received her 10th Grammy from the comforts of her home

Though many celebrities doll themselves up for big awards ceremonies, Adele didn’t bother going to the 2014 Grammys. She was at home in bed when she landed her tenth Grammy, so she tweeted to fans, “Wish I was there! Thank you for the grammy! (My 10th one! Whhaaa?) Have a wonderful night. I’m in bed, now feeling very restless x.” Why didn’t she just go to the gathering to accept the accolade? Because she’s Adele, and she doesn’t need to make an appearance to be recognized for her amazing pipes.

7. She won’t let the media pit her against anyone, even Chris Brown

When it comes to huge events with dozens of A-listers, the Internet likes to orchestrate conflict. At the 2013 Grammys, what appeared to be a snapshot of Adele arguing with Chris Brown circulated online and prompted rumors that she had told the rapper off during the major televised affair. Adele later tweeted that this wasn’t the case, “Chris Brown and I were complimenting each other in that photo, actually.” Regardless of your thoughts on Chris Brown, Adele isn’t about to let the news cycle put words in her mouth.

6. She’s got an Oscar, too

At the 2013 Academy Awards, Adele took home an Oscar for “Skyfall.” The following year, she received her 10th Grammy, so she’s been on a roll for a while.

5. She’s extremely philanthropic

Adele has performed in numerous charity concerts and donated for good causes. In 2011, she donated autographed memorabilia for MusiCares auctions and reportedly required all backstage pass visitors who received complimentary tickets to contribute at least $20 to SANDS (Stillborn And Neonatal Death Charity). Jezebel reports that these donations brought in $13,000 for the charity in 2011.

4. She has no desire to fit societal beauty ideals

Though gorgeous and talented, Adele doesn’t fit the bill of a typical pop singer. She’s a regular woman and not about to drastically change her looks or lifestyle to fulfill Hollywood’s unrealistic body expectations. She said in a 2012 interview, “I’ve never seen magazine covers or music videos and been like ‘I need to look like that to be a success.’ I don’t want to be some skinny mini with my t-ts out. I really don’t want to do it and I don’t want people confusing what it is that I’m about.”

That same year, she confessed she’d never slim down unless her love or sex life demanded it, “I read a comment [about me] on YouTube that I thought would upset me — ‘Test pilot for pies’ — but I’ve always been a size 14-16 and been fine with it. I would only lose weight if it affected my health or sex life, which it doesn’t.”

3. She’s done the online dating thing … sort of

And she’s familiar with the complications it can invite. After breaking ties with the boyfriend who inspired much of her album 21, Adele started fresh and gave the old interwebs love scene a try: “I just signed up for eHarmony. I can’t put a photo of myself, so I don’t get any e-mails! I must have written him about five or six letters at different stages and everything, but never sent. I’ve got a little box of stuff that reminds me of us and they’re still in there.”

Though she’s no longer on the market and is very happy with partner Simon Konecki, she knows what it’s like to make a dating profile, which can be hard for some folks to do given our culture’s lingering stigma on Internet romance.

2. She loves to swear

Screw “ladylike.” Here’s a woman after my own heart!

1. She’s true to herself

In 2011, Adele said, “I love seeing Lady Gaga’s boobs and bum and I love seeing Katy Perry’s boobs and bum. Love it. But that’s not what my music is about. I don’t make music for eyes. I make music for ears.” She sees why people like Katy Perry are awesome and well-liked, but once again, Adele does her own thing and isn’t about to compromise any aspect of her identity to maintain relevance. There you go.

Happy birthday, Adele!

What else do you love about Adele? Share in the comments section.

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