Elena Jane Goulding (born December 30, 1986) was born in Hereford, England. She is an English singer and songwriter. She is professionally known as Ellie Goulding. Her music career began when she met record producers Starsmith and Frankmusik, who helped her produce and release her first EP, An Introduction to Ellie Goulding, in 2009. Later that year, she was discovered by Jamie Lillywhite, who became her manager and A&R.
In 2010, Goulding's career skyrocketed when she became the second artist to top the BBC's annual Sound of... poll, and won the Critics' Choice Award at the Brit Awards in the same year. That same year, she released her debut studio album, Lights, which debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and sold over 850,000 copies in the UK alone. The album also spawned hits such as "Starry Eyed" and "Guns and Horses."
Throughout her career, Goulding has received numerous awards and nominations for her work. She received her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance for her single "Love Me like You Do," which was featured in the film Fifty Shades of Grey. Goulding has won two Brit Awards, a Billboard Music Award, the BBC Sound Of... poll, 17 BMI London Awards, two Glamour Awards, an iHeartRadio Music Award, one MTV Italian Music Award, an NRJ Music Award, a People's Choice Award, a Q Award, a Teen Choice Award, and a Variety Hitmakers Award.
In addition to these accolades, Goulding has been nominated for numerous other major music awards, including a Danish Music Award, a Latin American Music Award, three Global Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, six MTV Europe Music Awards, and ten World Music Awards.
Goulding's fourth studio album, Brightest Blue, was released in 2020 and became her third album to top the UK Albums Chart. The album also became her fourth consecutive RIAA-certified album, further cementing her status as one of the most successful English singers of her generation.
Throughout her career, Goulding has become known for her unique sound, which blends electronic and pop music with elements of folk music. Her music has been praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability, and her lyrics often deal with themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. With her incredible talent, numerous awards, and dedicated fanbase, Ellie Goulding has established herself as one of the most iconic English singers of the 21st century.
