Anastacia Biography

Anastacia Lyn Newkirk is an American singer, songwriter, producer and former dancer. She became famous in the early 2000s, with singles like I’m Outta Love and Paid my Dues. In 2004, she released a self-titled album, which became Europe’s second best-selling of the year. Additionally, it spawned the iconic singles Sick and Tired and Left Outside Alone. The latter topped the Billboard singles chart for 15 weeks. Anastacia has sold over 52 million records to date and is known for her strong, mezzo-soprano voice.

Early Years & Breakthrough

Anastacia was born in Chicago, Illinois, into an artistic family. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was only 13. After a surgery and a long recovery, she became interested in dance. In 1983 she started her dancing career. Most noteworthy, she appeared regularly on Club MTV. After seven years she picked up singing, providing backup vocals for stars such as Jamie Foxx and Paula Abdul. After years of struggle, due to her peculiar voice, Anastacia joined MTV’s talent show, The Cut and made it into top 10. Finally, in March 1999 she released her debut album, Not That Kind. It received critical acclaim and x4 Platinum in Europe. Furthermore, she was declared World’s Best Selling New Female Pop Artist at the 2001 World Music Awards.

Eponymous Album & Health Problems

The singer’s next album, Freak of Nature, rose to the expectations set by the predecessor. It went x3 Platinum and dominated the European charts with its 4 singles. Consequently, Anastacia joined the VH1 Divas Live, in 2002. During the following year, she battled breast cancer, which only motivated her to create her third album, reinventing her sound. The first single from the self-titled album, Left Outside Alone, turned out to be one of 2004’s biggest hits. The album became her most successful to date, additionally spawning the popular singles Sick and Tired, Welcome to My Truth and Heavy on My Heart. 

Later Years

Moreover, she released a chart-topping duet with Eros Ramazzotti, I Belong to You, in 2005. Later that year, Anastacia recorded Everything Burns for the soundtrack of Fantastic Four. In 2006, the artist also became interested in fashion and founded her own clothing line, Anastacia by s. Oliver. The pop singer’s latest studio album came out in 2014. Ressurection met huge recognition. The critics called it “proof that Anastacia’s a true survivor” (after her second battle with breast cancer). In late 2016, she released a live album, A 4 App, which featured non-album singles.

Photo source: Mediamass