Lily Allen

Lily Allen is an English singer, songwriter, and author known for her candid lyrics and eclectic musical style. She is the daughter of actor and musician Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen, growing up in a creative environment that influenced her artistic pursuits. Allen's career began in the early 2000s when she started sharing her music on MySpace, leading to a recording contract with Regal Recordings. Additionally, she recorded vocals for "On Me Head Not Off Me Head" and was featured in the song "Who Invented Fish and Chips" in 2002.

Allen's debut album, "Alright, Still," was a commercial and critical success, featuring hit singles like "Smile" and "LDN." Her unique blend of pop, ska, and reggae, combined with her sharp lyrics, set her apart in the music industry. The album, which sold over 2.6 million copies worldwide, earned her several award nominations and established her as a fresh voice in British pop music. She also won a 2008 BMI songwriting award for "Smile."

Her second album, "It's Not Me, It's You," marked a shift towards a more electronic sound and included chart-topping singles like "The Fear" and "Not Fair." The album's success further solidified Allen's place in the music industry, earning her Brit Awards and international acclaim. During this period, Allen also won the Songwriters of the Year at the 2010 Ivor Novello Awards and a BMI Pop Song Award for "The Fear" in the same year. After a brief hiatus, during which she considered a career in acting and worked on songs for the musical version of Bridget Jones's Diary, she returned with "Sheezus" and "No Shame."

Beyond her music career, Allen has ventured into acting and writing, releasing her memoir "My Thoughts Exactly" in 2018, which received praise for its honesty and insight. Notably, she also appeared in the film "How to Build a Girl" and starred alongside Freema Agyeman in Sharon Horgan's comedy-drama "Dreamland" for Sky Max in 2023. Known for her outspoken personality and activism, Allen has advocated for various social issues, including mental health awareness and women's rights. She also raised £48,350 for the children's charity The Hoping Foundation and launched her record label, In the Name Of, in January 2011. In 2022, she performed "Fuck You" at the Glastonbury Festival with Olivia Rodrigo as a protest against the Supreme Court ruling on abortion.