Who is Anastacia?

Anastacia is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of her multi-platinum albums Not That Kind (2000), Freak of Nature (2001) and Anastacia (2004). Her signature style of powerful vocals combined with anthemic pop songs has made her a global success, selling over 30 million records worldwide. Her most successful single “Left Outside Alone” was a top five hit in several countries around the world. She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as The Hot Chick (2002) and in television shows such as Sex and the City (1998).

Early Life

Anastacia was born Anastacia Lyn Newkirk on September 17, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised by her mother Diane Hurley and her stepfather Robert Newkirk. Her parents divorced when she was three years old and she moved to New York with her mother. Anastacia attended high school in Brooklyn where she developed an interest in music and theater. She began singing at local clubs and performing at open mic nights.

Career

In 1990, Anastacia signed a recording contract with Epic Records after being discovered by a talent scout. She released her debut album Not That Kind in 2000 which received positive reviews from critics and spawned the hit singles “I’m Outta Love” and “Paid My Dues”. The album sold over five million copies worldwide making it one of the best-selling albums of the year. In 2001, Anastacia released her second album Freak of Nature which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was certified double platinum in the United States and spawned the hit single “One Day In Your Life” which reached number one in several countries.

Later Career

In 2004, Anastacia released her third studio album Anastacia which reached number one in several countries around the world. The album spawned the hit singles “Left Outside Alone”, “Welcome to My Truth” and “Sick and Tired”, all of which reached the top 10 in multiple countries. Her fourth studio album Heavy Rotation was released in 2008 and featured collaborations with artists such as Eurythmics, Celine Dion and Shakira. The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the hit single “I Can Feel You”.

Personal Life

In 2003, Anastacia married bodyguard Wayne Newton but they divorced two years later. In 2006, she married business consultant John Dempsey but they divorced in 2010. She has two children from previous relationships – a son named Michael (born 1996) and a daughter named Amber (born 2002). Anastacia currently resides in Los Angeles, California.