Adela Jergova, known professionally as Adela, is emerging from relative obscurity to establish herself as a solo artist in the global pop music scene. The Slovak singer, recognized for her distinctive fuchsia hair and dynamic stage presence, recently entered the Billboard Hot 100 with her single "Ain’t In L.A," a track inspired by her mother’s aspirations to move to Los Angeles. Another song from her debut album, "Prima," titled "Nicole Kidman," briefly became the most-streamed track on Spotify in the United States.
At 22, Adela’s journey to recognition has been marked by a blend of ambition and perseverance. Raised in Slovakia, she began cultivating her dreams of stardom at a young age, inspired by the careers of Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé. Her early efforts included pursuing ballet and studying music while living away from her family. In the United States, she enrolled in music courses at Santa Monica College before signing with Capitol Records in May 2025.
Her musical breakthrough follows her participation in the 2023 reality competition "The Debut: Dream Academy," created by Hybe and Geffen Records to form an international girl group called Katseye. Adela was selected from 120,000 applicants but was eliminated in the first round after viewers perceived her as overly ambitious and competitive. Judges on the show indicated that her future might be better suited to a solo career, a prediction that has since come to fruition.
With Capitol Records, Adela released the EP "The Provocateur" in 2025, followed by her debut album "Prima," which debuted at number four on the US Billboard album chart. The album explores themes ranging from personal and political issues to sex positivity. Tracks like "Therapy" address her longing for her family, who remain in Slovakia, while "Starving Artist" recounts intimate experiences from past relationships.
Adela collaborated closely with producers Blake Slatkin and Dylan Brady, recording much of the album in Slatkin’s home studio. The production team praised her clear vision and determination. Drawing on her ballet background, Adela credits her disciplined work ethic for helping her navigate the challenges of the music industry.
Despite her growing international profile, Adela acknowledges the complexities of pursuing her career far from home. She expressed feelings of guilt over leaving her family, especially her younger sister Stella, with whom she has had limited time due to her early departure from Slovakia at age 14. However, she emphasized the support she continues to receive from her family, which she views as essential to maintaining perspective amid rising fame.
Looking ahead, Adela hopes to leverage her platform to advocate for women’s causes, citing Olivia Rodrigo’s philanthropic efforts as an inspiration. As she advances her career, she remains grounded, noting that her self-worth is not tied solely to her success in the music industry.