Huge music star ditches stage name and reverts to real name for first time in 18 years

A chartopper has decided to ditch their stage name as they get ready to perform for the first time in 18 years under their birth title. Synonymous with soulful melodies and profound lyrics, the artist has carved an indelible mark on the industry.

Now, however they are readying themselves to showcase their talent under their official name for the first time in almost two decades. Step forward Sande.

The songstress, 38, is best known in the industry under the name . The artist burst onto the scene in 2009 before huge hits over the years, including Read All About It Pt. III, Next To Me and Hurts.

Her best-selling album in 2012 led to her performing in both the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2012 Olympics in London, as well as earn her numerous accolades, including the Critics' Choice Award at the 2012 BRIT Awards and Best British Female Solo Artist in 2013.

Sande also received an MBE for services to music in 2017. Now, stepping away from her stage name, Sande is returning to perform under her real name, Adele, for the first time in 18 years.

The performance will also mark a homecoming for the star as she returns to her Sunderland roots. The artist was born in the North East city before moving to at a young age.

Her performance will kick off the Sunderland Year of Music 2025-2026. Speaking ahead of the June performance, Sande said: "I’m very proud to be born in Sunderland, it’s an exciting city full of character, warmth and creativity!

"Although we moved to Cumbria when I was 2 I’ve always felt close to the city through my parent’s stories of how they met and their time at the University of Sunderland. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity in my birth town to use my real name Adele. Something I’ve had the urge to do for a while now. My last show as Adele Sande was 18 years ago!"

Speaking of her concert at Sunderland hotspot The Fire Station, she said: "This will be a showcase of new material, music in the works, improvisations and new imaginations of songs that may be familiar.

"A show embracing full artistic freedom and authenticity which I hope will take us all on a journey and open up the Sunderland Year of Music with love."

Her performance will kick off an exciting year that will also see Franz Ferdinand take to the stage at the venue days later. Like Sande, the band's lead singer Alex Kapranos grew up on Wearside before moving to Scotland.

The gigs come after Sunderland was named as the second city in the UK to achieve Music City status, after Manchester. Among those at the time was Laverne.

In a post on in January, The presenter, 46, said: "Just popping up to share some wonderful news from my home town Sunderland.

"It is officially as of today a music city. That means it's joining a global network including places like Berlin, Valencia, Sydney and Manchester. Huge congratulations Sunderland Music City."

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