Since mid-2024, the world has heard little from Adele, one of the most successful and beloved vocalists of the 21st century. After wrapping her monumental Las Vegas residency, the 16-time Grammy winner confirmed she would step away from the public eye for an extended period. Fans have since spotted her at a few basketball games and in rare outings, but mostly she has remained out of sight. Now, new reports reveal how the 37-year-old is spending her hiatus—pursuing education, family ambitions, and possibly a return to music.
The Decision to Step Back
Adele’s career has been defined by massive albums and long pauses between them. After releasing 30 in 2021, she launched a highly successful Las Vegas residency titled “Weekends with Adele,” which ran from late 2022 into 2024. During her final shows, she told the crowd, “I will not see you for an incredibly long time. I just need a rest, I have spent the last seven years building a new life for myself, and I want to live it now.” This echoed her history of taking time off—after 25 in 2015, she vanished for nearly six years before returning with 30. But this break feels different, as she has explicitly stated she wants to focus on life outside of music.
Adele’s announcement came as a surprise to many, especially given her immense popularity. The residency alone grossed hundreds of millions, and her albums have sold over 120 million copies worldwide. Yet she has always prioritized her personal wellbeing and family over constant fame. Her partner, sports agent Rich Paul, has been a steady presence, and the couple splits time between Los Angeles and London.
Pursuing an English Literature Degree
According to multiple reports, Adele is now studying for an English Literature degree online. The singer has long expressed a passion for literature. During a 2022 fan Q&A in Los Angeles, she said, “If I hadn't made it singing, I think I would be an English Lit teacher. I definitely think I use my passion for English lit in what I do. I wish I'd gone to university and had that experience, but I will do it online with a tutor. That's my plan for 2025, just to get the qualification.”
While it might seem an unusual move for a global superstar, it aligns perfectly with Adele’s character. She has often cited authors like Jane Austen and William Wordsworth for inspiration. Her songs, particularly those on 21 and 30, feature poetic lyrics and emotional depth. Studying literature likely feeds her creative process. Given her financial freedom, she can pursue this passion project without pressure. Friends say she is deeply engaged in coursework and enjoys the intellectual stimulation away from the demands of recording and touring.
This decision also underscores a broader trend of celebrities returning to education later in life. For Adele, it provides a sense of normalcy and a chance to learn in a structured way. She reportedly takes classes online and meets with tutors privately. Whether she intends to use the degree professionally remains unknown, but it seems to be a personal fulfilment priority.
Dreams of Expanding Her Family
Another focus for Adele during her hiatus is the desire to have a second child. The singer is already mother to 13-year-old Angelo, whom she shares with ex-husband Simon Konecki. During a 2024 Las Vegas show, she revealed to the audience, “Once I’m done with all of my obligations and all of my shows, I want to have a baby. And I want to have a girl because I’ve already got a boy. I feel like she might be the person I love the most in the world and I’ll probably hate the most in the world as well.”
Since then, speculation has grown about her family plans. She and Rich Paul have been together since 2021, and they appear deeply committed. While neither has confirmed a pregnancy, reports indicate that they are actively trying to conceive. For Adele, raising a second child in a more private setting—away from the glare of constant media scrutiny—might be a compelling reason to stay out of the spotlight. Her son Angelo has mostly been shielded from fame, and she has talked about wanting to give any future children a similar upbringing.
Motherhood has profoundly shaped Adele’s music and outlook. 25 was dedicated to her son, and 30 explored themes of divorce and self-discovery. If she becomes a mother again, it could influence her next artistic chapter. But for now, she seems content with the quiet rhythms of family life—cooking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
A Return to Music on the Horizon
Despite her desire for rest, there are signs that Adele may return to recording sooner than expected. According to a report from The Sun, the singer is reportedly working on a new track for the upcoming film Cry to Heaven. This project is especially notable because Adele was also confirmed to make her acting debut in the same movie. Directed by an acclaimed filmmaker, the adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 novel tells the story of Italian castrati—male singers castrated to preserve their high voices. The star-studded cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, and Owen Cooper, who recently gained attention for his role in Adolescence.
For Adele, contributing a song to a film about opera and vocal sacrifice feels fitting. Her own voice—a powerful, emotionally charged contralto—has been compared to the greats. Writing a song for a period drama would allow her to experiment with different musical styles. Although she told German broadcaster ZDF that she had no immediate plans to create new music, the opportunity to collaborate with such a high-profile project might have changed her mind. Records remain unofficial, but sources close to the singer suggest she has been in the studio.
The potential return has fans buzzing. Adele has not released a full album since 2021, and in the streaming era, such long gaps are rare. However, her track record proves that absence only heightens anticipation. 25 broke first-week sales records in the US, and 30 was streamed billions of times. Even a single for a film soundtrack would be a global event. If the music is something she feels passionate about, it could be the start of a new creative phase.
Adele’s Legacy and Impact
Adele's influence on modern music is undeniable. She emerged in 2008 at a time when pop was dominated by Auto-Tune and dance beats. Her raw, soulful voice and autobiographical songwriting struck a chord with millions. Albums like 21 and 25 became soundtracks to heartbreak, resilience, and growth. She has been praised for defying industry norms—releasing music on her own schedule, avoiding social media drama, and prioritising artistry over fame.
Her hiatus is reminiscent of other artists who stepped away at their peak, such as Frank Ocean or D’Angelo. But Adele’s break feels less like a disappearance and more like an intentional recalibration. She has always been a private person, even at the height of her fame. Now, with a loving relationship, a child, and a passion for learning, she seems to be building the life she always wanted.
The world may not see her on stage for a while, but that doesn’t mean she is absent. Whether she is writing essays on classic literature, dreaming of a baby girl, or quietly creating new music, Adele remains a figure of immense fascination. Her story is a reminder that even superstars need time to breathe, grow, and simply be human. As 2025 unfolds, fans will watch for any clues about her next move—fully aware that whatever she does next, it will be worth the wait.
Source: LADbible News