Who is Carly Rae Jepsen? Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer-songwriter who skyrocketed to fame with her catchy hit "Call Me Maybe." Born on November 21, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia, she first gained attention on "Canadian Idol" in 2007, finishing third. Her breakout single, released in 2011, became a global sensation, topping charts in over 18 countries. Beyond "Call Me Maybe," Jepsen has released several albums, including "Kiss," "Emotion," and "Dedicated," showcasing her talent for crafting infectious pop tunes. Known for her bubbly personality and relatable lyrics, Carly Rae Jepsen continues to captivate fans worldwide. Ready to learn more? Here are 26 fascinating facts about Carly Rae Jepsen!
Early Life and Beginnings
Carly Rae Jepsen's journey to stardom began long before her hit single "Call Me Maybe" took the world by storm. Let's dive into her early years and how she got started in the music industry.
- 01
Carly Rae Jepsen was born on November 21, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. This small town upbringing played a significant role in shaping her musical style.
- 02
She attended Heritage Park Secondary School, where she participated in musical theater productions. This early exposure to performing arts helped her develop her stage presence.
- 03
After high school, Jepsen attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia. Here, she honed her skills in singing, dancing, and acting.
- 04
Before her big break, Carly worked as a barista and a pastry chef assistant. These jobs helped her support herself while she pursued her musical dreams.
Breakthrough with "Call Me Maybe"
"Call Me Maybe" wasn't just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. Let's explore how this catchy tune catapulted Carly Rae Jepsen to international fame.
- 05
"Call Me Maybe" was released in September 2011 as the lead single from her EP "Curiosity." The song quickly gained traction in Canada before spreading worldwide.
- 06
The song's popularity skyrocketed after Justin Bieber tweeted about it in December 2011. This endorsement introduced Jepsen to a global audience.
- 07
"Call Me Maybe" topped the charts in 18 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- 08
The music video for "Call Me Maybe" has over 1.4 billion views on YouTube. Its playful and relatable storyline contributed to its viral success.
Albums and Musical Evolution
Carly Rae Jepsen's discography showcases her versatility as an artist. Let's take a closer look at her albums and how her music has evolved over the years.
- 09
Her debut album, "Tug of War," was released in 2008. It featured a folk-pop sound that was quite different from her later work.
- 10
In 2012, she released her second album, "Kiss," which included "Call Me Maybe" and other pop hits like "Good Time" featuring Owl City.
- 11
Jepsen's third album, "Emotion," released in 2015, marked a shift towards a more '80s-inspired synth-pop sound. Critics praised it for its mature and cohesive style.
- 12
"Emotion" was followed by a companion album, "Emotion: Side B," in 2016. This collection of B-sides and unreleased tracks was well-received by fans.
- 13
Her fourth album, "Dedicated," came out in 2019. It continued the synth-pop trend and showcased her growth as a songwriter.
- 14
In 2020, she released "Dedicated Side B," featuring more tracks from the "Dedicated" sessions. Fans appreciated the additional content and insight into her creative process.
Awards and Achievements
Carly Rae Jepsen's talent has earned her numerous accolades. Here are some of the most notable awards and achievements in her career.
- 15
Jepsen won three Juno Awards in 2013, including Album of the Year for "Kiss" and Single of the Year for "Call Me Maybe."
- 16
She received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Call Me Maybe" in 2013. Although she didn't win, the nomination was a significant milestone.
- 17
In 2015, "Emotion" was named one of the best albums of the year by several publications, including Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
- 18
Carly Rae Jepsen has also been recognized for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. She received the Ally Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her music career, Carly Rae Jepsen has a rich personal life and diverse interests. Let's get to know the person behind the hits.
- 19
Jepsen is an avid reader and often shares her favorite books with fans on social media. She enjoys a wide range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction.
- 20
She has a passion for fashion and often collaborates with designers for her music videos and public appearances. Her style is known for being playful and eclectic.
- 21
Carly Rae Jepsen is a cat lover and has a pet cat named Jupiter. She frequently shares photos of Jupiter on her Instagram account.
- 22
She enjoys traveling and often incorporates her experiences into her songwriting. Her travels have taken her to various countries, including Japan, Italy, and Australia.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Carly Rae Jepsen's collaborations and side projects highlight her versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
- 23
Jepsen collaborated with Owl City on the hit single "Good Time" in 2012. The song was a commercial success and showcased her ability to work with other artists.
- 24
She played the role of Frenchy in the live television musical "Grease: Live" in 2016. Her performance was praised for its energy and charm.
- 25
Carly Rae Jepsen has also ventured into voice acting. She voiced the character Odette in the animated film "Ballerina" (also known as "Leap!") in 2016.
- 26
In 2019, she collaborated with producer Jack Antonoff on her album "Dedicated." Antonoff's influence helped shape the album's sound and direction.
Carly Rae Jepsen: A Pop Sensation
Carly Rae Jepsen's journey from a small-town girl to a global pop sensation is nothing short of inspiring. With her catchy tunes, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy, she's carved out a unique space in the music industry. From her breakout hit "Call Me Maybe" to her critically acclaimed albums, Jepsen has shown versatility and staying power. Her dedication to her craft and her fans is evident in every performance and release. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her music, there's no denying the impact she's had on pop culture. So next time you hear one of her songs, remember the hard work and passion behind every note. Carly Rae Jepsen isn't just a pop star; she's a testament to what talent and perseverance can achieve. Keep an eye on her—she's not done making waves yet.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.