Adele performed with Amy Winehouse and received national recognition after winning the Brits Critic’s Choice award at the Brit Awards for upcoming artists, which has helped launch the careers of several acts! Adele scooped up this prize at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre on February 20, 2008 after an industry panel voted her to top a list of British artists expected to “make it big” in the coming year. She beat out many other contenders for this prize. Congrats to Adele!

Photo, Getty Images

Adele releases her first album “19” on January 8, 2008. It is named for her age at the time she started recording it, and the record entered the British charts at number one.

Adele prepared for the release by starting a promotion in 2007. She performed all over the world in radio and television, including Ellen and Saturday Night Live. She also embarked on her world tour, An Evening With Adele.

Later in September of 2008, her record deal was signed into a joint contract with XL Recordings and Columbia Records!

Album Jacket Photo, Hege Saebjornsen