Мика
Биография
Мика (англ. Mika, имя при рождении — Майкл Холбрук Пенниман — младший (англ. Michael Holbrook Penniman, Jr.), род. 18 августа 1983 (1983-08-18)) — британский певец и автор-исполнитель америкo-ливанского происхождения.
A Rising Star
Мика became a musical sensation in 2007 with the release of his first mini-album, "Dodgy Holiday." This marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to fame, as he was named the breakthrough artist of the year by the UK music critics' poll "Sound of…" conducted by BBC. The same year, Mika released his debut studio album, "Life in Cartoon Motion," which sold over 5.6 million copies worldwide. He received multiple awards and nominations, including a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act and a Grammy nomination. His chart-topping hit, "Grace Kelly," solidified his status as a pop sensation.
A Multi-Talented Entertainer
In addition to his successful music career, Mika has ventured into the world of television. He has served as a judge and mentor on various singing competitions, including the French version of "The Voice" and the Italian version of "X Factor." Mika also hosted his own television show, "Stasera Casa Mika," in Italy, which won the prestigious Rose d'Or Award in 2017. In 2022, he had the honor of co-hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy.
A Multicultural Background
Mika was born on August 18, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon to an American-Lebanese mother and an American father of Israeli descent. His family had to leave Lebanon due to the war when he was just one year old, and they relocated to Paris, France. Mika's diverse heritage and upbringing in different countries have influenced his music and artistic style.
A Musical Journey from Piano Lessons to Global Success
From a young age, Mika showed a talent for music. He began playing the piano and even composed his first instrumental piece, "Angry," at the age of seven. Despite facing challenges such as bullying and dyslexia during his school years, Mika persevered and pursued his passion for music. He studied singing with vocal coach Alla Arberdyeva and later attended prestigious music schools such as Westminster College and the Royal College of Music.
From "Life in Cartoon Motion" to "No Place in Heaven"
Mika's debut album, "Life in Cartoon Motion," captured the hearts of fans around the world with its catchy pop sound and heartfelt lyrics. Hits like "Grace Kelly" and "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" showcased his unique musical style and ability to tackle social issues. He continued to release successful albums, including "The Boy Who Knew Too Much" and "No Place in Heaven," which further solidified his status as a talented and versatile artist.
Beyond Music: Design Collaborations and Television Success
Mika's creative talents extend beyond music. He collaborated with his sister, Yasmin, on designing a collection of watches for Swatch to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary. In addition, his television show, "Stasera Casa Mika," garnered critical acclaim and won the prestigious Golden Rose Award in 2017.
An Ongoing Musical Journey
Mika's passion for music and his dedication to his craft continue to drive him forward. His fifth studio album, "My Name Is Michael Holbrook," was released in October 2019, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to captivate audiences with his heartfelt and infectious pop sound. As he continues to explore new musical territories and collaborate with other artists, Mika's star power only continues to rise.