Georgia-born singer Khalid has only spent the last few years in the spotlight, but the acclaim is heavy. Although credited as a Peach State native, Khalid spent much of his youth floating from one place to another. With a mother in the military, traveling was a staple in his life. Starting again and meeting new people along his adventures would help propel Khalid into a creative space.
While in high school, a young Khalid began experimenting with singing, teaching himself the foundations of what would shape a lucrative career. Like many others, he utilized social media and SoundCloud to help move his music to the masses. After singing to Right Hand and RCA Records, Khalid's life would completely change. His 2017 debut album American Teen helped put him on the map, and his career hasn't slowed since. Get to know the 25-year-old singer-songwriter.
From Online Sensation To Chart-Topping Superstar
Khalid's first taste of success came in 2016 with his debut single, "Location." The catchy, introspective track quickly gained traction online, ultimately catching the attention of major record labels. In 2017, at just 19, Khalid signed with RCA, marking the beginning of his professional music career. American Teen arrived that year and featured his noteworthy singles, "Young Dumb & Broke" and "Saved." He was soon one of the industry's most promising artists, and the investment proved worth it.
Khalid's sophomore album, Free Spirit, was just as popular as the first. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with songs like "Better" and "Talk" helping to push it to the top. Free Spirit saw maturation in Khalid as he clearly developed exponentially sonically and lyrically. Soon, he was reaching wider audiences.
Global Acclaim
Khalid's meteoric rise did not go unnoticed, as his work garnered numerous accolades and nominations. He's amassed five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Best Urban Contemporary Album for American Teen, and Best R&B Song for "Location." Of his wins, the singer has taken home trophies from the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, and more.
The Roxy and Free Spirit tours also helped expand Khalid's fanbase. He traveled throughout Australia, North America, and Europe, etching his name into worldwide superstardom. Not only were they financially lucrative, but Khalid was able to perfect his stage presence in front of arena audiences.
Passion For Music
Khalid's commitment to his craft shows no signs of slowing down. In an interview with Billboard, he shared his thoughts on his future in music, saying, "I just want to continue to create music and tell stories through my experiences. I think as long as I'm doing that, I'll be content." Given his track record of releasing critically acclaimed and chart-topping music, it's clear that Khalid's drive and passion for storytelling will continue to shape his career. As he explores new sonic territories and matures as an artist, fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking music from this talented singer-songwriter.
A Lasting Impact
Khalid's powerful voice, evocative lyrics, and genre-blending sound have made him one of the most compelling artists of his generation. His ability to connect with fans through honest storytelling and a genuine passion for music has solidified his place among the industry's most influential figures. As Khalid continues to evolve and grow as an artist, one thing remains certain: his music will continue to touch the hearts of fans worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-changing landscape of popular music. Stay tuned for his next album, rumored to be titled Everything is Changing, arriving soon.
