Featured Image: Photo by Kristopher Harris. No changes were made, no rights reserved. License Information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Sabbaticals are a typical part of life in order to recover from various pains and setbacks. But when that sabbatical stretches out for several years, it then becomes a problem for some.

A beloved icon’s departure will cause dismay, sadness, and misery for the fans who adored them for years.

Adele, an English singer-songwriter regarded as one of the world’s best-selling music artists with sales of over 120 million records, has had a historic career of many highs and many lows. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the current—and past—situation with Adele.

The Demise of Adele’s Career

These quotes from a Twitter thread of Adele’s from June 30th, 2017 summed up the beginning of a rough spell for the British star:

"It turns out I have damaged my vocal cords, and on medical advice I simply am unable to perform over the weekend. To say I'm heartbroken would be a complete understatement."

"I'm already maxed out on steroids and aids for my voice. I've considered doing Saturday night's show but it's highly unlikely I'd even make it through the set and I simply can't crumble in front of you all and walk out on you in that way."

"I'm so desperate to do (the concerts) that I've even considered miming, just to be in front of you and be with you. But I've never done it and I cannot in a million years do that to you. It wouldn't be the real me up there."

Vocal Cord Damage

As seen from above, a primary reason for Adele’s 2017 departure from music was due to vocal strain, which had reached maximum damage by June of that year. Had she disobeyed her doctor’s recommendations, she would be suffering from severe vocal paralysis by now.

For those who don’t know, here is some information from Mayo Clinic on vocal cord paralysis:

“Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerve impulses to your voice box (larynx) are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.

Vocal cord paralysis can affect your ability to speak and even breathe. That’s because your vocal cords, sometimes called vocal folds, do more than just produce sound. They also protect your airway by preventing food, drink and even your saliva from entering your windpipe (trachea) and causing you to choke.

Possible causes include nerve damage during surgery, viral infections and certain cancers. Treatment for vocal cord paralysis usually involves surgery, and sometimes voice therapy.”

“Paralysis of both of your vocal cords is a rare but serious condition. This can cause vocal difficulties and significant problems with breathing and swallowing.”

Mayo Clinic

2017 Retirement

From February 29, 2016, to June 29, 2017, Adele had toured the world (Europe, Oceania, and North America) for over a year. Even though she announced that she may be quitting music in 2016, she probably didn’t anticipate being forced to retire in such a detrimental fashion.

Adele’s Dislike of Touring

Something to note: Adele has previously stated in interviews and on social media that she’s a homebody. As a result, touring isn’t something she’s good at.

“Touring isn’t something I’m good at,” Adele told the audience at one of her March shows in New Zealand. “I don’t know if I will ever tour again. The only reason I’ve toured is you. I’m not sure if touring is my bag.”

“Touring is a peculiar thing, it doesn’t suit me particularly well,” she continued. “I’m a real homebody and I get so much joy in the small things. Plus I’m dramatic and have a terrible history of touring. Until now that is! I’ve done 119 shows and these last 4 will take me up to 123, it has been hard out an absolute thrill and pleasure to have done. I only ever did this tour for you and to hopefully have an impact on you the way that some of my favorite artist have had on me live.”

Though it’s quite unfortunate that we (her fans) aren’t able to see her at her best because of obvious reasons, we need to respect her privacy, as she’s a human just like me and you. Adele has a family, and she should have the right to raise her child with immense seclusion.

Adele 2021 Comeback- Present

In 2019, Adele had begun to tease a musical comeback. Even though she suffered from marital issues (one of her demises), she was willing to come back from obscurity, and prevail.

On October 24, 2020, Adele made an appearance on Saturday Night Live (as seen above) to host the show for the first time. The “Hello” singer (like most hosts) performed a monologue and shared the stage with others [the Bachelors]. Eventually, she proceeded to sing with the Bachelors. This showed that Adele had recovered from the vocal cord strain and found her passion to perform again.

Fast forward to the current year. In October 2021, Adele released a new song titled “Easy On Me,” which, as of November 5, 2021, is number 1 on the Billboard Top 100.

Adele proceeded to announce her fourth studio album, 30, due for release on November 19, 2021. The album, which is inspired by the singer-songwriter’s divorce from ex-husband Simon Konecki, tackles Adele’s separation while also discussing her motherhood and the scrutiny of fame.

This beautiful 33-year-old singer has battled many issues (e.g., marital troubles, health concerns, vocal problems, and depression). She even had to cancel the USA leg of her 2011 tour due to vocal cord hemorrhage.

At the end of the day, Adele’s ability to bounce back from adversity demonstrates her immense resiliency. She is a strong mujer [Spanish for woman] with so much passion for her discipline, the art of music.

This is my biased opinion, but Adele is one the greatest female singers of all time.

Let’s continue to enjoy Adele and other singers for who they are, respect their personal, private lives, and support them in every way possible.