Mika

Introduction:

Mika, born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr. on August 18, 1983, is a British-Lebanese singer-songwriter renowned for his eclectic pop style and dynamic vocal range. He gained international acclaim with his 2007 debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion, featuring hits like "Grace Kelly" and "Relax, Take It Easy." Over the years, Mika has expanded his repertoire to include television hosting and composing, solidifying his status as a versatile figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Background:

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Mika is the third of five children to an American-born Lebanese mother, Mary Joan 'Joannie,' and an Israeli-born American father, Michael Holbrook Penniman. Due to the Lebanese civil war, his family relocated to Paris when he was a year old. At the age of nine, they moved to London, where Mika faced challenges such as bullying and dyslexia. He attended St Philip's School in Kensington, Westminster School, and briefly studied at the Royal College of Music before leaving to pursue a recording career. To address frequent mispronunciations of his birth name, Mica, he adopted the stage name Mika.

Music Career:

Mika's musical journey began with compositions for various commercial projects, including music for British Airways and an Orbit chewing gum jingle. His television debut occurred on shows like Later... with Jools Holland and The Friday Night Project. In 2007, he topped the BBC's Sound of 2007 poll, leading to the release of his debut single, "Relax, Take It Easy," which gained significant airplay on BBC Radio 1. His subsequent single, "Grace Kelly," reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 2007. The success of these singles paved the way for his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion, produced by Greg Wells, which received comparisons to artists like Freddie Mercury and Elton John. The album's artwork was created by his sister, Yasmine, known professionally as Dawack.

In 2007, Mika won three World Music Awards, a record for that year. He performed at the 50th Grammy Awards in February 2008 and opened the 2008 BRIT Awards with a medley of his songs alongside Beth Ditto. Over the years, Mika has released several albums, including The Boy Who Knew Too Much (2009), The Origin of Love (2012), No Place in Heaven (2015), and My Name Is Michael Holbrook (2019). In 2023, he released his first French-language album, Que ta tête fleurisse toujours, which was named "French-language Album of the Year" by Pure Charts Awards.

Personal Life:

Mika is openly gay and has incorporated LGBTQ+ themes into his music. He has been in a long-term relationship with filmmaker Andreas Dermanis. Throughout his career, Mika has been involved in various charitable activities, including hosting "Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes" in support of Paris' Hospital Foundation in January 2023.

Legacy and Influence:

Mika's unique blend of pop, glam rock, and theatrical elements has left a significant mark on the music industry. His dynamic performances and distinctive style have influenced a new generation of artists. Beyond music, Mika has contributed to television as a judge on shows like The Voice in France and The Piano in the UK, further showcasing his versatility.

Recent Activities:

In 2023, Mika released the single "Keep It Simple" with French singer-songwriter Vianney. He also composed his first film score for the French film Zodi et Téhu, frères du désert, released in February 2023. Mika served as a judge on the UK television program The Piano, which premiered on Channel 4 in February 2023. In 2024, he rejoined The Voice in France as a judge for its 13th season. Additionally, Mika embarked on the "Apocalypse Calypso Tour" in support of his French album, performing across Europe. He is set to host Telethon 2024 in France to raise funds for research into curing rare childhood diseases.