Melanie Martinez

Melanie Adele Martinez was born on April 28, 1995, in Astoria, Queens, and later moved to Baldwin, New York, at age four. Her early life included writing poetry in kindergarten and teaching herself guitar at fourteen, eventually graduating from Baldwin High School. Her childhood experiences, such as being called a “cry baby,” later influenced the themes and character development in her music.

Martinez gained initial public recognition in 2012 after appearing on season 3 of the American television talent show “The Voice.” Following her participation on the show, she signed with Atlantic Records. In 2014, she released her debut single “Dollhouse,” which was supported by a fan-funded music video. This led to the release of her debut EP, “Dollhouse,” the same year, featuring the single “Carousel,” which achieved gold certification by the RIAA and was featured in FX’s “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”

Her career progressed with the release of her debut studio album, “Cry Baby,” in 2015, which reached number 6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Martinez continued to expand her artistic vision by writing and directing a musical fantasy horror film titled “K–12” in 2019, accompanying her second album of the same name, which debuted at number 3 on Billboard 200. Her third album, “Portals,” released in 2023, further explored experimental sounds and pop-rock, with singles “Death” and “Void” marking her first original appearances on the Billboard Hot 100.