A diverse range of vocalists has been compared to Adele Laurie Blue Adkins in terms of style or influence. From Sam Smith’s emotional ballads to Florence Welch’s ethereal soundscapes, these artists share much of Adele’s appeal but also offer unique perspectives with songs written from the heart.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 amazing singers like Adele who have captivated the music world with their remarkable talents. So prepare yourself for an auditory journey that celebrates some truly exceptional voices in modern music history. Read on!
1. Sam Smith
If you’re a fan of Adele, then you’ll definitely appreciate the soulful tunes of Sam Smith. Born Samuel Frederick Smith, this British artist has captured global audiences with hit songs like “Stay with Me,” “I’m Not the Only One,” and “Too Good at Goodbyes.”
In addition, Smith has earned numerous accolades, including five Grammy awards—the latest being a Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his single “Unholy” in 2023.
Like Adele, Smith is known for heartfelt ballads that resonate with listeners on an emotional level. If you enjoy listening to songs that tug at your heartstrings, give Smith’s music a try—it won’t disappoint.
2. Florence Welch
Fans of Adele might also love the powerful voice and emotional depth of Florence Welch, the lead singer of Florence + the Machine. Welch has enthralled listeners with her eclectic mix of indie rock, baroque pop, and soulful ballads through songs such as “Dog Days Are Over,” “Shake It Out,” and “Hunger.”
Her contribution to the music industry has netted her several accolades, including an International Achievement from the Ivor Novello Awards in 2017.
Like Adele, Welch’s music often explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and empowerment. Her passionate performances make her an artist worth checking out if you enjoy Adele’s emotive style.
3. Amy Winehouse
The incredibly gifted singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse captivated audiences with her soul-stirring voice when she debuted in 2002. Renowned for her remarkable talent, she left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Her repertoire includes unforgettable hits such as “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “Valerie.” It is worth mentioning that her album Back to Black achieved an extraordinary feat, winning an astonishing five Grammy Awards in a single night, a groundbreaking accomplishment for a British female artist.
Much like Adele, Winehouse possessed a rare ability to convey unfiltered emotion through her music. Drawing inspiration from jazz, soul, and R&B, she crafted a distinct sound that resonated with fans worldwide. If you are a fan of Adele’s heartfelt melodies, you are likely to find solace and appreciation in Winehouse’s unique musical style.
4. Emeli Sandé
Another artist who can captivate audiences and forge a deep connection through her music is Emeli Sandé. Renowned for her musical prowess, Sandé possesses a remarkable talent for crafting songs that resonate with listeners on a profound level, much like Adele.
Sandé started her career by writing songs for other artists, like Alesha Dixon, Devlin, and Cheryl Cole, before releasing her debut album, Our Version of Events, which became the best-selling album in the UK in 2012. Her songs “My Kind of Love” and “Next to Me” showcase her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability, drawing listeners into her musical world.
For those who appreciate Adele’s music, exploring Sandé’s discography is sure to be a delightful experience. Both artists possess an innate ability to weave heartfelt narratives into their songs, creating a powerful connection with their audiences.
5. Leona Lewis
British singer Leona Lewis rose to fame after winning the third season of The X Factor UK in 2006. With an impressive vocal range and emotional performances, she has been compared to Adele for her soulful sound.
Lewis has left an indelible mark on the music industry with unforgettable hits like “Bleeding Love,” a chart-topping sensation across the globe. The track not only captured the hearts of millions but also earned a Grammy nomination for International Song of the Year.
Just like Adele, Lewis has a talent for crafting lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. Her songs explore relatable themes and evoke emotions that many can identify with, creating a strong thematic connection to Adele’s heartfelt compositions. As a result, combining their music in a playlist would be an excellent choice!
6. Birdy
Another talented British singer-songwriter, Birdy, gained fame with her haunting cover of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” in 2009. Afterward, she charmed the world with her emotive piano ballads like “Wings,” “People Help the People,” and “Keeping Your Head Up.”
With subsequent albums like Fire Within and Beautiful Lies, Birdy showcased her growth as a songwriter, exploring themes of love and self-discovery. In addition to her studio albums, she has contributed songs to various soundtracks, including The Hunger Games with her haunting rendition of “Just a Game.”
With music featuring a delightful blend of piano-driven melodies and powerful vocals, listening to Birdy’s soulful sound is a treat for anyone who loves Adele’s music.
7. Duffy
If you’re a fan of Adele, chances are you’ll also love the colorful voice of Duffy. This Welsh singer-songwriter rose to fame with her debut album Rockferry in 2008, which included hits like “Mercy” and “Warwick Avenue.”
However, after the success of “Rockferry,” Duffy took a break from the spotlight. She returned to the music scene in 2020 after a lengthy hiatus. She released an emotional statement explaining her absence, revealing that she had experienced a traumatic ordeal that led her to withdraw from public life.
For Adele fans seeking an artist with a soulful voice, evocative storytelling, and an emotional depth akin to Adele’s music, Duffy’s discography is certainly worth exploring.
8. Sia
Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, simply known as Sia, is a renowned vocalist and lyricist from Australia. Acclaimed for her robust singing voice and moving lyrics, Sia is a great artist for Adele fans to include in their playlist.
Sia started her career in the late 1990s but gained international fame with the release of her album 1000 Forms of Fear in 2014. Her music catalog is filled with globally successful tracks, including “Titanium” with David Guetta and “Diamonds,” a song she wrote for Rihanna.
Sia has been recognized for her talent with numerous accolades, such as the ARIA Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, from songs like “Chandelier,” “Elastic Heart,” and “Cheap Thrills.”
9. Jessie J
Those who appreciate Adele’s music might find a kindred spirit in Jessie J, a powerhouse vocalist known for her chart-topping hits like “Price Tag,” “Domino,” and the infectious collaboration “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Jessie J’s journey began as a songwriter, honing her skills before stepping into the spotlight as a performer. Her debut album, Who You Are, showcased her incredible vocal range and achieved multi-Platinum status.
If you’re a fan of Adele’s powerful and emotive music, exploring Jessie J’s discography will introduce you to a dynamic artist with a voice that can both mesmerize and inspire. Her undeniable talent makes her a worthy addition to any playlist.
10. Lana Del Rey
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known to the world as Lana Del Rey, has left a significant impact on the pop scene with her dreamy, retro-inspired soundscapes.
Del Rey’s discography is filled with haunting melodies and lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of life. Songs like “Video Games,” “Summertime Sadness,” and “Born to Die” showcase her unique ability to create atmospheric and emotionally charged music.
In addition, her music shares similarities with Adele’s in terms of powerful vocals and emotional storytelling. So fans who love Adele’s songs will likely appreciate the hauntingly evocative sound that characterizes Del Rey’s unique style.
11. Paloma Faith
We have an artist across the pond who shares similarities with Adele’s style: the talented British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith. Known for her soulful voice and one-of-a-kind fashion sense, Faith has made a significant impact on the music scene.
With her beautiful voice, Paloma has garnered a dedicated fan base. Combining elements of soul, pop, and R&B, she created hit songs like “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” and “Picking Up the Pieces” to critical acclaim.
Like Adele, Faith’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection. Her remarkable voice, paired with her theatrical performances, make her an artist worth watching in the performing arts scene.
12. Ella Henderson
Another British singer-songwriter, Ella Henderson, rose to fame after appearing on the ninth series of The X Factor UK in 2012, where she wowed audiences and finished in sixth place.
Ella’s debut single, “Ghost,” made a massive impact, soaring to the top of the UK Singles Chart in June 2014. The song also reached #1 in Ireland and Scotland, showcasing the widespread appeal of her soulful pop sound. Her debut album, Chapter One, followed suit, hitting #1 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving Platinum certification from the BPI.
Henderson’s music can be described as soulful pop with powerful vocals, similar to Adele’s style. Her songs are written from personal experiences with matters of love and heartbreak that resonate with listeners worldwide.
13. Joss Stone
Last but not least on this list is British singer Joss Stone, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album, The Soul Sessions, which featured covers of classic soul songs. The album was well-received by critics and helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry.
With over 14 million records sold worldwide, there’s no denying that she has made an impact on the performing arts world. Hits like “You Had Me,” “Super Duper Love,” and “Fell in Love with a Boy” have become fan favorites, capturing the essence of her soulful sound and powerful vocals.
As you delve into Joss Stone’s discography, you’ll discover some similarities in style with Adele’s music. Both artists possess the ability to convey raw emotions and tell captivating stories through their soulful voices.
Summing Up Our List Of Singers Like Adele
With this list, it’s clear that there are many talented artists out there who share Adele’s soulful sound and emotional lyrics. And even though they share many of the same qualities, each artist brings their own unique style and perspective to the table.
So if you’re looking to expand your playlist with more songs that feature powerful vocals and reflective, heartfelt themes, consider giving some of these talented artists a listen. We’re sure you’ll be adding them to your playlist in no time!
