Elena Jane “Ellie” Goulding (born 30 December 1986) – is an English singer-songwriter. In 2010, she became the second artist to both top the BBC’s annual Sound of… poll and win the Critics' Choice Award at the Brit Awards in the same year, following Adele’s win of both in 2008. Originally her music incorporated elements of folk, pop, electronica, and folktronica.

In July 2009, Goulding signed with Polydor Records, and released her debut EP An Introduction to Ellie Goulding, later that year. Her debut single, “Under The Sheets” was then released in November.

In 2010 Goulding recorded and released her debut record Lights, which spawned four charting singles in the UK, the biggest of which “Starry Eyes” peaked at #4 in the UK and charted in many European countries and Australia.

At the end of the year the album’s reissue Bright Lights was released, and spawned two singles: “Lights” and a cover of Elton John’s “Your Song.” The former of which propelled Goulding into international stardom after becoming a sleeper hit in the United States, eventually peaking at #2 after almost a year of the song charting.

In 2012, Goulding’s sophomore record Halcyon was released, featuring lead single ““Anything Could Happen”, which was another U.S. hit.

It’s re-issue, Halcyon Days saw critical acclaim for Goulding’s happier lyrical content and musical exploration into EDM. Its lead single, “Burn” was a top 20 hit in the United States, becoming a mega-success worldwide.

Goulding’s vocal connection with EDM has been explored through collaborations with Calvin Harris, on hits “I Need Your Love,” and “Outside”, as well as songs with Major Lazer, Clean Bandit, Zedd, Madeon, and Kygo.

The beginning of 2015 began with Goulding releasing her biggest hit to date, “Love Me Like You Do”“ for the 50 Shades of Grey Soundtrack. The song was acclaimed by critics and peaked at #1 around the world and #3 in the United States. The song garnered her a Best Pop Solo Performance Grammy Nomination.

Goulding later re-upped on her pop game with 2015’s Delirium. The album incorporated Goulding’s affiliation with club bangers and explored a poppier sound than her original albums. The album’s lead single “On My Mind” became an international success, and received media attention as speculated to be an answer song to Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t.” The album’s third single, “Something In The Way You Move” was another hit, peaking at #43 on the Hot 100.

2018 saw Goulding prepare for her fourth record. “Close To Me” with Diplo and featuring Swae Lee saw success, peaking at #24 in the U.S, and she followed these up with 2019’s “Flux” and “Sixteen” which are assumed to be album singles.

In 2020, Goulding returned with blackbear collaboration “Worry About Me” and “Power” before finally releasing her 4th album Brightest Blue. Comprised of 2 sides; tracks 1 to 13 Brightest Blue, an introspective, personal record, and tracks 14 to 18 EG.0, which Ellie describes as her collaborating, pop alter ego. Upon release, the album debuted at #1 in the U.K.