Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, universally known as Adele, is a phenomenon. Her voice, a soulful powerhouse, has moved millions, and her lyrics, often raw and deeply personal, have provided comfort and understanding to fans navigating their own heartbreaks and triumphs. From “19” to “21” and “25,” leading up to the deeply introspective “30,” her music has charted the course of her life, making listeners feel as though they know the woman behind the microphone.
Yet, despite her candidness in song and her powerful presence on stage, there’s a common refrain among those closest to her: Adele in real life is “completely different.” It’s a testament to her ability to compartmentalize her private world from her public persona, maintaining a genuine sense of self amidst the whirlwind of global superstardom. Her friends, a tight-knit circle ranging from childhood pals to Hollywood A-listers, offer glimpses into the woman they know and adore, revealing a charmingly complex individual who is at once fiercely private, hilariously unfiltered, and deeply, wonderfully human.
Prepare to dive into the unexpected truths about Adele. We’re about to explore the sides of her personality that only her closest confidantes get to see, the quirks and convictions that make her not just a legendary artist, but a truly remarkable and relatable person. From her no-holds-barred language to her surprisingly simple pleasures, these revelations paint a picture of an Adele who is far removed from the glitz and glamour, yet all the more endearing for it.
1. **Her Unexpected Candidness and Swearing Habits**Adele’s public image might project a sophisticated, soulful singer, but her friends and even her own admissions reveal a delightfully unfiltered side. She’s famous for her candor, a trait that she herself humorously acknowledges. “I swear a lot. Like a lot a lot,” she once stated, adding with a laugh, “And because I’m British, I tend to skip right over all those medium ones and go straight to the worst ones.” This isn’t just a casual admission; it’s a core part of her personality, bubbling to the surface in interviews and even live performances.
The singer recalled her Glastonbury Festival set in 2016, a massive event where artists are typically advised to maintain a certain decorum. Despite warnings, she proceeded to hurl expletives throughout the night, much to the amusement and perhaps slight shock of her audience. This authentic, unvarnished delivery endears her, showing the woman they love for her music is equally genuine in her everyday interactions. She openly acknowledged her own frequent use of strong language on “Saturday Night Live.”
Further illustrating this point, Adele admitted to a Swedish talk show host in 2015 that she wasn’t allowed to tweet because, as she put it, “Because I might say something stupid!” This self-awareness regarding her “mouthy” nature is truly refreshing. In a 2016 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, she reiterated, “I’m so mouthy, you know, I never really hold back how I feel or when I say it or who I say it to.” While she did admit to feeling more guarded under the spotlight now, the essence of her unfiltered personality remains firmly intact, showing a star who hasn’t let fame completely curb her natural inclinations.
2. **Her Private Nature and Homebody Tendencies**Despite being one of the biggest stars on the planet, Adele is remarkably private, and her closest friends understand and respect this deeply. She’s not one to constantly be out and about, seeking the limelight. In an insightful “73 Questions” video for “Vogue,” which she humorously turned into 95 questions, Adele revealed a truly relatable aspect of her personality: her love for staying home. When asked what she learned during the stay-at-home orders of the pandemic, she candidly responded, “Just how much of a homebody I am, and I probably would never leave my house if I didn’t need to.”
This consistent part of her character predates the pandemic. She’s known for her extended breaks from the music scene, which she attributes to a need to recharge and simply live her life away from public scrutiny. In a 2021 Nikkie Tutorials video, she famously quipped, “I’m a recluse, babes. I disappear for five or six years at a time!” This declaration encapsulates her preference for a quiet life, emphasizing her disappearances are not about avoiding fans, but nurturing her well-being and personal space.
Her preference for a low-key existence extends even to social events that most celebrities would jump at. In a 2011 interview on “The Jonathan Ross Show,” she admitted, “I did the VMAs the other day and it was a good night out but I felt pretty out of place and kind of wished I was at home with my girlfriends.” This sentiment underscores a core aspect of her personality: she values genuine connection and comfort over the flashy demands of fame. She added, “I’m not very in touch with the fame side of it. I don’t chase none of that, and to be honest it doesn’t interest me at all,” painting a picture of a star truly detached from the celebrity machine.
3. **Her Selective High-Profile Friendships**For years, Adele intentionally steered clear of forming friendships with other celebrities, a stance she attributes to her British sensibility. “Well, I’m not famous. I’m very British like that,” she explained in an interview. This natural reticence highlights her grounded nature and her initial discomfort with the concept of celebrity. However, as her career evolved and she spent more time in the States, her circle expanded to include some surprising and meaningful high-profile connections, proving that genuine bonds can form across any social divide.
Her closest celebrity friends, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicole Richie, who also happen to be her neighbors, have played a significant role in “humanizing” her, as Adele herself put it. What truly makes these friendships special in Adele’s eyes is their ability to disconnect from their professional lives when they are together. She finds it “amazing” how her friends never bring up work, a stark contrast to many others in her life. She once expressed this sentiment directly, saying, “can we talk about something else? I’m knackered,” perfectly capturing her desire for normal, relatable conversations away from the pressures of her career.
Jennifer Lawrence, in an essay published by Time magazine in 2016, offered a heartfelt testament to their friendship, describing Adele not just as a global talent, but as an incredible human being. “What you don’t see is what a wonderful mother she is. What a wonderful partner and friend she is. That she makes her son’s Halloween costumes. Adele is a gift, an international treasure, but she’s also sweet, funny, intelligent and beautiful,” Lawrence wrote. This insider perspective reinforces the depth and authenticity of Adele’s high-profile friendships, built on mutual respect and genuine affection.
Read more about: The Impact of Blake Shelton’s Latest Career Moves and What Fans Really Think
4. **Her Humorous Struggles with Dating Post-Divorce**After her very public divorce from Simon Konecki, Adele briefly re-entered the dating pool, only to find the experience fraught with challenges, a situation she discusses with her characteristic blend of candor and humor. She admitted that her post-divorce dating life “lasted five seconds,” quickly realizing the unique difficulties that come with being a global superstar looking for love. The idea of a traditional “blind date” is, for her, an impossibility, a concept she illustrated with a hilarious and relatable scenario.
“How’s that going to work?” she questioned, envisioning the inevitable chaos. “There’ll be paparazzi outside and someone will call [the tabloid] DeuxMoi, or whatever it’s f***ing called! It ain’t happening.” This quote perfectly captures the absurdity of navigating a normal dating life when every move is scrutinized. It highlights a side of her life that, despite her fame and success, is remarkably difficult and something many of her fans can empathize with – albeit perhaps without the paparazzi element.
Her journey through heartbreak, including her divorce from Simon Konecki, has famously inspired much of her music, particularly her album “30.” In her “Vogue” “73 Questions” video, when asked what advice she’d give to her 19-year-old self, Adele offered a calm yet poignant warning: “Your love life is gonna get a lot worse.” She delivered this with a smile and a cross of her eyes, showcasing her ability to reflect on past pains with a lighthearted, self-deprecating humor. This honest acknowledgement of her romantic struggles makes her more relatable, proving even a megastar faces the messy realities of love.
5. **Her Deep-Rooted Loyalty to Childhood Friends**While Adele has cultivated meaningful friendships with high-profile individuals, her core circle remains firmly rooted in the relationships she forged long before fame. This deep loyalty to her childhood friends is a testament to her grounded nature and her desire to maintain connections that predate her career. These are the people who knew her before the Grammys, before the sold-out arenas, and they provide a vital anchor to her past and her authentic self. “As she split her time between the U.K. and the States, Adele has friends all over the globe whom she’s made connections with at different times in her life,” the context notes, emphasizing that these lifelong bonds are irreplaceable.
One such steadfast friend is author Laura Dockrill, whom Adele has known for the majority of their lives. This friendship runs so deep that Adele was instrumental in helping Laura realize she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. It speaks volumes about the level of trust and intimacy within their relationship; Adele wasn’t just a friend on the periphery, but someone acutely attuned to Laura’s well-being. The superstar took to Instagram to share her admiration and support, writing, “This is my best friend. We have been friends for more of our lives than we haven’t. She had my beautiful godson 6 months ago and it was the biggest challenge of her life in more ways than one.”
Adele’s public support for Laura’s work, like promoting her book, further highlights this unwavering loyalty. In another post, she affectionately referred to Laura as “My best friend, my ride or die, my beyond talented love has a new book out today!” This isn’t just a casual celebrity endorsement; it’s a genuine shout-out from one friend to another, celebrating their shared history and mutual respect. The ultimate demonstration of their bond came in 2019 when Adele officiated and sang karaoke at Laura’s wedding, a deeply personal gesture encapsulating their friendship’s strength and longevity. It’s clear that for Adele, these foundational relationships are sacred and consistently nurtured, regardless of her global success.
Read more about: You Won’t Believe These 14 Super Celebrity Duos Who’ve Been BFFs For Years, And Some Might Even Shock You!
6. **Her Supportive Role for Friends Through Life’s Challenges**Beyond the glitz and glamour, Adele truly shines as a friend, especially when her loved ones are navigating difficult periods. Her commitment to supporting her inner circle through significant life challenges reveals a compassionate and empathetic side that fans might not always see. As mentioned, her childhood friend Laura Dockrill’s experience with postpartum psychosis was a profound example of Adele’s unwavering support, where she actively helped her friend recognize and address a serious health struggle. This willingness to step up in a time of crisis goes far beyond typical celebrity friendships.
Another example of Adele’s supportive nature comes from her friendship with Lauren Paul, wife of actor Aaron Paul. Lauren publicly shared a heartfelt birthday message to Adele, highlighting her pivotal role during a vulnerable time. “You came into my life a few months before I had Story and you quickly became one of the most important figures in my journey as a new mother,” Lauren posted. This powerful testimonial demonstrates how Adele offered guidance and strength to Lauren during the challenging transition into motherhood, solidifying their bond through shared experiences and genuine care.
Lauren’s message continued to praise Adele, stating, “You have taught me so much. You glow because your heart is full. I’m so proud of the human you are.” This deeply personal insight from a close friend emphasizes Adele’s capacity for empathy and her ability to be a steady, positive force in the lives of those she cherishes. Whether it’s officiating a wedding for a lifelong pal or providing comfort and understanding to a new mother, Adele consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to her friends’ well-being, showcasing a caring and involved personality beyond her musical talents.
Read more about: Marianne Faithfull: A Poignant Retrospective on the Life and Unyielding Legacy of a 1960s Icon
7. **Her Remarkable Generosity Towards Loved Ones**Adele’s generosity is not merely about grand gestures; it’s an extension of her warm and giving nature, particularly evident in how she treats her friends. A truly heartwarming example is her friendship with comedian Alan Carr, which dates back to the BRIT Awards in 2008. When Alan and his partner decided to marry, Adele stepped in with an offer that most could only dream of: she not only planned their entire wedding but also hosted it at her own house and covered all the costs. This act of immense kindness speaks volumes about her character.
Alan Carr recounted the experience on “The One Show,” expressing his disbelief and gratitude. “We’ve known her for ages, and when we told her we were getting married she said, ‘Can I please plan the whole day for you?’ She did it all at her house. So, we got in there, and there is a grand piano with a man playing Ordinary People. Then she sang with our first dance, it was absolutely amazing. I can never repay her, she’s a one-off as we all know.” This anecdote reveals Adele’s thoughtful attention to detail and desire to make her friends’ special moments truly special.
Her generosity isn’t limited to wedding planning. Alan Carr also shared with “This Morning” another instance of her thoughtfulness: “She flew us to Vegas to see Celine Dion sing. She sang my first dance. It was the best day of my life.” These stories paint a vivid picture of a friend who uses her immense success not for personal extravagance alone, but to bring joy and incredible experiences to those she holds dear. It’s a testament to her belief in spreading happiness and demonstrating her love in tangible, unforgettable ways, reinforcing the idea that the “real” Adele is incredibly big-hearted and giving.
Read more about: Unveiling the Legend: Shocking Revelations About Whitney Houston’s Life That Came to Light After Her Passing
8. **Her Raw Honesty About Divorce and Co-Parenting**Adele’s personal life has always been a wellspring for her deeply emotional music, and few events have shaped her more profoundly than her divorce from Simon Konecki. Their relationship, which began in 2012 and led to the birth of their son Angelo, culminated in marriage in 2018 before their separation in 2019. It was during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that Adele bravely shared the moment of clarity that led to her decision: a simple magazine questionnaire prompted the revelation, “I’m really not happy. I’m not living, I’m just plodding along.” This honest admission reflects the courage it took to dismantle her life in pursuit of her own happiness, a journey that became the heart of her album “30.”
The album “30” is widely understood as Adele’s candid response to her breakup, and the single “Easy On Me” offers a poignant window into her post-divorce life as she navigated co-parenting Angelo. She openly shared with British Vogue in 2021, “My son has had a lot of questions. I just felt like I wanted to explain to him, through this record, when he’s in his 20s or 30s, who I am and why I voluntarily chose to dismantle his entire life in the pursuit of my own happiness.” This raw vulnerability in explaining her choices to her son, and the emotional toll it took, truly resonates, showcasing a mother’s profound love and her commitment to authenticity.
Despite the difficult nature of their separation, Adele and Simon Konecki have managed to maintain a remarkably amicable relationship, continuing to co-parent Angelo as friends over the years. This maturity in their post-marital dynamic is a testament to their shared commitment to their son’s well-being. It highlights Adele’s capacity for healing and her dedication to fostering a stable environment for Angelo, even when her personal life was under immense public scrutiny. The ability to navigate such a high-profile divorce with grace and focus on what truly matters reveals a strength of character that perhaps only those closest to her truly appreciate.
Read more about: The Unvarnished Truth: Inside Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s Complex Marriage, Divorce, and Lingering Legacy
9. **The Therapeutic Journey Behind Album ’30’**The creation of “30” was not just a musical endeavor for Adele; it was a deeply personal and therapeutic journey that helped her process the profound changes in her life. She openly discussed the unique approach she took to her recording process, revealing an incredible commitment to her mental and emotional well-being. “She explained that she had 6 hours of therapy before starting each recording and believes this process set her free,” a detail shared in a Rolling Stone interview. This deliberate integration of therapy into her creative routine underscores the emotional weight carried by the album and her determination to confront her feelings head-on.
This pre-recording therapy wasn’t merely a casual decision; it was a foundational element that allowed her to tap into the raw emotions necessary for such an introspective album. By dedicating significant time to mental preparation, Adele ensured that the lyrics and melodies of “30” were not just artistic expressions but genuine reflections of her healing process. It speaks volumes about her dedication to self-discovery and growth, using her art as a powerful tool for personal transformation. The transparency about her therapy also normalizes mental health discussions, offering a relatable glimpse into how even global superstars manage their emotional landscapes.
Moreover, this therapeutic approach to album creation highlights Adele’s unwavering commitment to authenticity, not just in her music but in her life. She was essentially doing “therapy” in front of the world, sharing her journey of self-discovery and healing through her songs. This courage to be so open about such a vulnerable process is a hallmark of her appeal. It’s a powerful message that even amid immense success and public pressure, taking care of one’s inner world is paramount, and it ultimately enriches the art that emerges.
Read more about: The Poignant Final Texts: 13 Beloved Stars Who Left Us Too Soon and Their Last Heartfelt Messages
10. **Her Unwavering Body Positivity and Stance on Weight Loss**Adele’s physical transformation in recent years has drawn significant media attention, yet her perspective on her body and weight loss is rooted in a profound sense of self-acceptance and body positivity. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, she asserted, “I don’t care if I put on weight, I don’t care if I lose it again. It’s not about that.” This powerful declaration shifts the narrative away from superficial appearance and towards an intrinsic focus on health and personal well-being, a refreshing stance in the often-judgmental world of celebrity.
She further emphasized her consistent philosophy, stating, “I was body positive then and I’m body positive now.” This continuity in her self-image, regardless of her size, offers a powerful message of self-love and acceptance to her millions of fans. She understands that her body, at any stage, is hers alone, and her value as a person or artist is not tied to a number on a scale. It’s a candid reminder that true confidence comes from within, not from external validation or societal pressures.
However, Adele also candidly addressed the external reactions to her weight loss during “An Audience With Adele,” explaining that she was “unfazed since she’s always been objectified.” She firmly stated, “It’s not my job to validate how people feel about their bodies.” This assertion highlights her boundary-setting and her commitment to her own journey without taking on the emotional labor of others. It underscores her philosophy of self-focus and prioritizing her own peace, a trait her friends admire and a lesson many can learn from her example.
Read more about: Remembering the Stars: An Insider’s Poignant Tribute to the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Family Members We’ve Lost Too Soon
11. **Her Unexpected Career Aspirations Before Fame**Before her voice captivated the world, Adele harbored humble yet surprising career aspirations that reveal a grounded and intellectual side to her personality. In her “73 Questions” interview with Vogue, she initially mused about still performing “small little gigs in pubs and clubs on my guitar,” a charming image of the artist she might have been. Yet, her deeper ambition lay in the realm of education, as she candidly admitted, “I really wanted to be an English teacher before all of this happened, so I’d like to think I’d be doing that.” This dream speaks volumes about her passion for language and literature.
This aspiration became even more heartwarming during “An Audience With Adele” when she revealed her English teacher, Miss McDonald, as a childhood inspiration. “She got me really into literature. I’ve always been obsessed with English, and obviously now I write lyrics,” Adele explained, directly connecting her academic interest to her artistic craft. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment that illustrates how early passions can subtly shape future success, even when the path reverts.
The emotional reunion on stage, where Miss McDonald surprised her, left Adele in tears, declaring, “I got all my books from when you were my teacher!” This deeply personal interaction was a powerful testament to the lasting impact of good educators and Adele’s enduring appreciation for intellectual pursuits. It highlighted her humility and gratitude, showcasing a star who never forgot the roots of her intellectual curiosity.
Beyond teaching, Adele also revealed an unexpected athletic inclination during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, sharing her love for weightlifting and her impressive ability to lift up to 170 pounds. “I’m actually an athlete,” she proudly declared, adding, “Like, I’m not even boasting! Even the proportions of my body… I should’ve been an athlete.” With a touch of characteristic humor, she then “blamed boys and crushes for ruining that athletic potential,” painting a picture of a multi-talented individual whose path could have taken many fascinating turns before destiny called her to music. This dual ambition, from literature to athletics, paints a portrait of a dynamic individual driven by both mind and body.
Read more about: From Fan Girl to Forever Friends: Unpacking the Beautifully Unexpected Bond Between Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer
12. **Her Delightful Obsession with Idols and Pop Culture**Even as a global icon, Adele remains wonderfully human in her admiration for other stars, revealing a playful and relatable side through her pop culture obsessions. Her long-standing mega-fandom for the Spice Girls is legendary. During her iconic “Carpool Karaoke” with James Corden, she got defensive when asked about it, stating, “It was a huge moment in my life when they came out. It was girl power.” She found inspiration in their journey from “ordinary girls” to massive success, and hilariously admitted she would “always dress up and pretend to be Geri Halliwell aka Ginger Spice,” leading to devastation when Geri left the group in 1998.
Her adoration extends to Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé. At the 59th Grammys in 2017, when the two superstars were nominated against each other, Adele’s acceptance speech for Record of the Year was a heartfelt tribute. “My dream and my idol is Queen B and I adore you. You move my soul every single day, and you have for nearly 17 years,” she gushed. The moment peaked when she humorously pleaded directly to Beyoncé in the audience, “I want you to be my mummy, alright?” This unfiltered outburst solidified her status as one of Beyoncé’s most vocal and endearing fans.
Adding to her list of surprising idols, Adele shared with Nikkie de Jager in 2021 that the one celebrity she hadn’t met yet and would “actually cry” over meeting was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This revelation stemmed from her childhood love of wrestling, and she was genuinely thrilled when “He sent me flowers the other day because him and his wife couldn’t make my show.” This anecdote perfectly encapsulates Adele’s charming blend of superstardom and everyday fan enthusiasm, reminding us that even the biggest stars have their own heroes.
13. **Her Relatable Struggles with Motherhood and Self-Care**Motherhood, for all its joys, comes with its own set of challenges, and Adele, with her characteristic honesty, has openly shared her relatable struggles with balancing life, career, and the demands of raising her son, Angelo. She once quipped on “The Graham Norton Show” about her frequent disappearances from the spotlight, attributing it to the immense energy it takes to create and release an album. Her candid admission, “I only just now feel like I caught up on my sleep from nine years ago when I had my son,” resonates deeply with any parent who has experienced the profound and often exhausting journey of raising children.
This statement is not just a passing comment but a genuine reflection on the long-term impact of parenthood on her personal well-being and her capacity to “recharge.” It highlights the unseen sacrifices and persistent fatigue that can come with being a mother, especially while also maintaining a global career. Her humor in delivering this truth makes it all the more endearing, underscoring a shared human experience that transcends her celebrity status. It’s a powerful nod to the universal challenge of self-care amidst life’s most demanding roles.
Furthermore, her honesty about potentially having more children in the future, stating “I would like to maybe have more children so it’ll be up to them” in regards to her off-time, shows a pragmatic and family-first approach to her life and career. She’s not just a singer; she’s a mother who prioritizes her family’s needs and her own well-being, even if it means stepping back from the public eye for extended periods. This dedication to her private life and her commitment to being present for her child makes her incredibly relatable and an inspiring figure for many.
Read more about: 15 Celebrity Women Over 50 Who’ve Chosen Natural Beauty Over Plastic Surgery: A Glamour Guide to Ageless Radiance
14. **Her Artistic Integrity: Championing Music for Her Generation**In an era increasingly dominated by fleeting trends and social media virality, Adele stands firm in her artistic integrity, advocating for music that resonates deeply with her own generation and peers. In a 2021 interview with DJ Zane Lowe, she expressed a clear vision for her craft: “If everyone’s making music for the TikTok, who’s making the music for my generation? Who’s making the music for my peers? I will do that job, gladly.” This statement is a powerful declaration of purpose, distinguishing her artistic mission from the pressures of chasing youth-driven fads.
Her commitment to creating meaningful, mature music reflects a desire to connect on a deeper, more profound level with an audience who shares similar life experiences. She’s not just aiming for chart-topping hits; she’s striving for emotional resonance and connection that speaks to the shared journey of adulthood. This conscious choice to cater to her demographic fosters a powerful bond between artist and listener, creating music that truly speaks to their lives.
While she acknowledges that her album “30” might be “too deep for 12 year olds,” she expresses admiration for “The 13 and 14 year olds who are all committing to themselves and doing therapy, that’s my vibe, because that’s what I was doing.” This nuance shows that her focus isn’t about excluding younger fans, but rather about addressing complex emotions and life stages that resonate with those undergoing significant personal growth and self-reflection. It’s a testament to her belief in the power of shared vulnerability, regardless of age.
This unwavering artistic philosophy ensures that Adele’s music remains timeless and authentic, prioritizing emotional depth over transient popularity. It’s a testament to her belief that music can be a powerful vessel for empathy and understanding, offering solace and connection to those navigating the complexities of life. By championing music for her generation, Adele reinforces her role not just as a singer, but as a voice that truly understands and articulates the experiences of her peers, cementing her legacy as an artist of profound substance and integrity.
As we’ve journeyed through these intimate revelations, it becomes wonderfully clear that the Adele her friends know is a mosaic of candid humor, fierce loyalty, profound vulnerability, and unyielding authenticity. From her no-holds-barred language and a love for home to her unwavering support for loved ones and her unwavering commitment to her artistic truth, she remains incredibly grounded despite her monumental fame. She’s not just the voice that soundtracks our heartbreaks and triumphs; she’s a wonderfully complex, deeply human individual who continuously reminds us that genuine connection and living authentically are the most beautiful melodies of all. Adele, it turns out, is truly one of a kind – a superstar with an everyday heart that beats with incredible strength and relatability.
