Kelly Key | |
|---|---|
 Key at fitness event in 2016. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kelly de Almeida Afonso Freitas |
| Born | (1983-03-03)March 3, 1983 (age 42) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels |
|
| Website | kellykey |
Kelly de Almeida Afonso Freitas (born March 3, 1983), better known professionally asKelly Key, is a Brazilian popsinger-songwriter,YouTuber, andtelevision personality. She rose to prominence in 2001 with her singles "Baba" and "Cachorrinho" which became defining hits of the early 2000s Brazilian pop music scene. Known for her blend of pop, dance, and funk music, she quickly established herself as apop icon in Brazil.[1] Over the course of her career, she has sold millions of records, earned numerous awards, and helped shape the genre of Brazilian pop for a new generation.[2] Often compared toAmerican contemporaries likeBritney Spears for her playful and provocative image,[3][4] Kelly Key has remained a fixture in Brazilianpopular culture.[1]
Kelly Key’s career began in 1999 when she worked ashost on the TV showSamba Pagode & Cia.[1][4] In early 2000, she recorded ademo, which was picked up byWarner Music.[1][5][6] Hereponymous debut album was released in 2001[7] to great commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies within six months of its release[8] and earning a platinum certification.[9] The album's themes of female empowerment and independence set it apart from previous Brazilian pop music, giving it lasting influence.[1]
While her debut single, "Escondido," was only a minor radio hit, it generated significant buzz[10] prompting her record label to release a follow-up single, "Baba Baby." The song became a massive hit,[11] catapulting her to national stardom and earning comparisons to international stars likeBritney Spears.[4] Subsequent singles, "Cachorrinho" and "Anjo," continued her success, reinforcing her image as a strong, independent voice for young women.[1]
In 2002, Kelly Key expanded her reach toHispanic America withKelly Key en Español, aSpanish-language version of her debut album, which helped her establish a fan base in countries likeChile andArgentina.[12][13] That same year, she also released a remix album calledRemix Hits[14] and posed nude for the December 2002 issue ofBrazilianPlayboy.[15]
Kelly Key began working on her sophomore album in 2002.[4]Do Meu Jeito was released the following year.[1] The album continued to explore familiar themes from her debut but also expanded into socially conscious issues, such asracial prejudice.Do Meu Jeito was both a commercial and critical success, selling over 300,000 copies,[16] and producing several hit singles, including "Adoleta" and "Chic, Chic." In 2004, she released a live album.
In 2005, after changing the writers and producers of her first works, Key went through a transformation to her third studio album,Kelly Key 2005 which featuredteen pop songs. The album featured the hits "Escuta Aqui, Rapaz" ("Listen Hear, Boy") and a remake ofAqua's 1997 hit "Barbie Girl", selling about 100,000 copies in Brazil. In 2006 she released her last album on theWarner Music label,Por Que Não? (English:Why Not?), selling 45,000 copies. The album spawned the hits "Pegue e Puxe" ("Grab and Pull"), "Shake Boom" and "Analista" ("Analyst").
In 2007 Key released her first compilation,100% Kelly Key, by Som Livre ("Free Sound") Records, her new label, selling 50,000 copies. The album released the smash "Você é o Cara" ("You're the guy"), reaching her seventh number one single in Brazil. In 2008 Key released her fifth studio albumKelly Key, rescuing adult themes and selling 40,000 copies. In 2009, Key left Som Livre Records to become a presenter.
In 2009 she became host of theRede Record's TV showHoje em Dia with other presenters. In 2010, she became host of her own TV show, theGame Show de Verão. In 2011 she returned to music and released her firsthouse music single, "O Problema é Meu" ("The Problem is Mine"), which featured DJ and producer Mister Jam. On November 15, she released her debut English single, "Shaking (Party People).[17]
In 2014 Kelly announced return to the stage; the single "Controle" marked her return to music after five years dedicating herself exclusively to television. On February 3, 2015, the singer released her sixth studio albumNo Controle [pt], which features a sound inspired by the rhythmskizomba,zouk andelectronic music. In 2019, she released anEP titledDo Jeito Delas [pt], and the following year expanded it into analbum of the same name [pt].
Key has a great success with theLGBT people in Brazil, and she supportssame-sex marriage in the country. She was a spokesperson to high-school age young adults in a campaign in which she said, "Show how you've grown up. ThisCarnaval, use condoms."[18]
Key became a friend and business partner of singer and digital influencer Clei Ribeiro and shared videos by him.[19]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | SP&C | Presenter | |
| 2004 | Band Kids | Presenter | |
| 2003 | Celebridade | Herself | Telenovela; 1 episode |
| 2004 | Contando Histórias com Kelly Key | Presenter | 5 episodes |
| 2005 | Prova de Amor | Herself | Telenovela; 1 episode |
| 2006 | Dança dos Famosos | Celebrity contestant | Season 2 |
| 2008 | Astros | Judge | Season 1, 2 episodes |
| 2009 | Hoje em Dia Especial | Presenter | 2009–10 |
| 2009 | Mestres do Ilusionismo | Presenter | Special TV show; 1 program |
| 2010 | Game Show de Verão | Presenter | 2010–11 |
| 2012 | Ídolos Kids | Herself/Judge/Mentor | 2012–13 |
| 2014 | Domingo Da Gente | Presenter | 1 program |
| 2015 | Vai Que Cola | Herself | 1 episode |
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | O Cupido Trapalhão | Herself |
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