Anastacia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anastacia
Anastacia in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Anastacia Lyn Newkirk
Born	(1968-09-17) September 17, 1968 (age 56) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Pop rock blue-eyed soul dance-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Epic Mercury BMG Rights Sony Music Universal Music Group Live Here Now
Signature

Anastacia Lyn Newkirk (pronounced AN-ə-STAY-zhə; born September 17, 1968) is an American singer and songwriter. She is known for her powerful voice. Her first two albums, Not That Kind (2000) and Freak of Nature (2001), had hit songs like "I'm Outta Love" and "Paid My Dues".

Her third album, Anastacia (2004), was also very popular. She had a big hit in Europe in 2006 with "I Belong to You (Il Ritmo della Passione)", a duet with Eros Ramazzotti. Later albums include Heavy Rotation (2008), It's a Man's World (2012), Resurrection (2014), and Evolution (2017). In 2023, she released Our Songs, which featured German songs translated into English.

Anastacia has faced several health challenges, including Crohn's disease and two times with breast cancer. She has done a lot of charity work to help others learn about breast cancer. Because of her efforts, she received a special Humanitarian Award in 2013.

Early Life and First Steps

Growing Up in Chicago and New York

Anastacia Lyn Newkirk was born on September 17, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Robert Newkirk, was a singer and actor. Her mother, Diane Hurley, was an actress on Broadway. Anastacia has German and Irish family roots. She has an older sister and a younger brother.

When she was three years old, her parents separated. Her father left the family. He tried to get in touch later, but Anastacia did not reconnect with him before he passed away in 2005. Her family moved to New York City when she was a teenager.

School and Early Jobs

Anastacia was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was thirteen. She went to the Professional Children's School in Manhattan. After finishing school, she worked at restaurants and hair salons. At the same time, she was trying to start a career in music.

Anastacia's Music Journey

Starting as a Dancer and Backing Singer

Singing was Anastacia's third choice for a career. She had thought about studying archaeology or psychology first. She began her career as a dancer. She appeared on MTV's Club MTV.

She was also in music videos for the hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa in 1988 and 1989. In 1990, she started singing backup for other artists. She sang on pop star Tiffany's album New Inside. In 1992, she got her first chance to sing solo on the TV show ComicView.

Chasing the Dream in Los Angeles

In 1993, Anastacia moved to Los Angeles. She recorded a song called "One More Chance." However, this did not lead to a record deal. She also worked with David Morales on a song called "Forever Luv."

Throughout the mid-1990s, producers liked her unique voice. But they often told her that her sound did not fit into any specific music style. She sang backup for Jamie Foxx in 1994 and Paula Abdul in 1995. By 1997, Anastacia was part of a band called The Kraze. She also sang in a gospel choir.

1998–2001: Finding Her Voice and First Album

In 1998, Anastacia was feeling down about her music career. She was thinking about becoming a child psychologist. But her future manager, Lisa Braude, encouraged her to join MTV's talent show The Cut.

Anastacia became one of the top ten finalists. She performed her own song, "Not That Kind". She impressed famous artists like Elton John and Michael Jackson. In March 1999, she signed a contract with Daylight Records.

Her first album, Not That Kind, came out on June 13, 2000. It was a huge success in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Her first single, "I'm Outta Love", was a global hit. It reached number one in several countries. The album sold five million copies by 2006. Anastacia won the World's Best Selling New Female Pop Artist award in 2001.

2001–2006: More Success and Health Challenges

Anastacia performing live in 2005

Anastacia's second album, Freak of Nature, was released in November 2001. It was very popular in the UK and Europe. The first single, "Paid My Dues", was a big hit. It reached number one in several countries.

In 2002, Anastacia performed with other famous singers like Celine Dion and Shakira at VH1 Divas Las Vegas. She also sang "Boom", the official song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Freak of Nature sold seven million copies worldwide.

During a routine check-up for surgery, Anastacia found out she had breast cancer. She had surgery and treatment right away. This experience inspired her to create "The Anastacia Fund." This fund helps teach younger women about breast cancer awareness.

Her third album, Anastacia, came out in 2004. She wanted to add more rock and funk to her music. She called her new sound "sprock," a mix of soul, pop, and rock. The first single, "Left Outside Alone", was one of the biggest songs in Europe in 2004. It reached number one in many countries.

This album became her most successful one. It was a top hit in many countries. Anastacia released three more successful singles from the album: "Sick and Tired", "Welcome to My Truth", and "Heavy on My Heart". Sales from "Heavy on My Heart" helped her charity fund.

Anastacia performing live in 2005

From 2004 to 2005, Anastacia went on her "Live at Last Tour." This tour was very popular. In late 2005, she released her first collection of greatest hits, Pieces of a Dream. This album included the hit duet "I Belong to You (Il Ritmo della Passione)" with Eros Ramazzotti. This song was a number one hit in Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Switzerland.

By 2006, Anastacia had sold over 20 million copies of her first three albums. She also launched her own clothing line, "Anastacia by s. Oliver," in 2006.

2007–2013: New Music and Second Cancer Diagnosis

Anastacia, with her World Artist Award, at the 2009 Women's World Awards in Austria

Anastacia performed at the "Concert for Diana" in 2007. This was one of her first big performances after taking a break. In 2008, she released her fourth album, Heavy Rotation. This album had a more "urban" sound, different from her usual pop-rock style.

Even though this album was not as successful, Anastacia stayed positive. She explained that changing record labels and trying a new sound can be challenging. In 2009, she received the World Artist Award for her success and positive influence.

Anastacia performing at the 2010 Art on Ice gala in Switzerland

In June 2009, Anastacia started her "Heavy Rotation Tour" in Europe. She also joined other singers for a special Christmas concert series called Here Come the Girls.

In 2010, Anastacia was a judge on the British talent show Don't Stop Believing. She also released a duet with Russian singer Dima Bilan called "Safety." Later, she toured with Belgian singer Natalia Druyts.

Anastacia in Prague, Czech Republic (2012)

In 2012, Anastacia was a guest judge on The X Factor UK. She also released an album called It's a Man's World. This album featured her singing covers of songs by male rock artists.

In February 2013, Anastacia announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. She had to cancel her European tour to get treatment. For her many years of work raising awareness about breast cancer, she received the Humanitarian Award at the GQ Men of the Year Awards. She later shared that she was writing new songs for her next album, returning to her "sprock" sound.

2014–Present: Resurrection and Beyond

Anastacia performing on The Resurrection Tour in Sydney, Australia (2015)

Her album Resurrection was released in May 2014. It was very successful, reaching the top ten in several countries. The first single, "Stupid Little Things", was praised by music critics. Anastacia received the German Radio Regenbogen Award for Charity and Entertainment in 2014.

After a short break for a medical procedure, Anastacia continued her promotional tour. She was also a judge on the German talent show Rising Star. In November 2014, she started her "Resurrection Tour," which included Australia for the first time. The tour had 80 shows and was very popular.

Anastacia at the SWR3 New Pop Festival (2017)

In 2015, Anastacia released a jewelry collection. Her album Ultimate Collection came out in November 2015. It reached the top ten in the UK. She then went on the "Ultimate Collection Tour." In 2016, Anastacia competed on the British dance show Strictly Come Dancing. She had to leave the show early due to an injury.

In 2017, she released a new single, "Caught in the Middle". This was followed by her seventh album, Evolution. She then went on the "Evolution Tour." In 2019, Anastacia played the role of Killer Queen in the musical We Will Rock You in the Netherlands. She sang various Queen songs.

Recent Years: The Masked Singer and New Music

In October 2021, Anastacia won the third season of The Masked Singer Australia. She was the "Vampire" mask. Singing on the show reminded her of her early career.

In November 2021, Anastacia announced her "I'm Outta Lockdown – The 22nd Anniversary European Tour." This tour was delayed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour was very well-received. Critics praised her strong performance and engaging personality.

Anastacia performing at Night of the Proms in Germany (2023)

In February 2022, Anastacia released "American Night," the theme song for a film she also appeared in. In November 2022, she launched a collection of bags named after her songs.

On April 28, 2023, Anastacia released "Best Days". This was a cover of a German song. She also announced her eighth album, Our Songs. The album was released on September 22, 2023. It received a Gold certification in Germany. In December 2023, she performed at "Night of the Proms" in Germany.

Philanthropy

Anastacia has supported many charity groups. She has attended events like the Life Ball, which helps with AIDS awareness. She also took part in Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity event to raise awareness about AIDS. She sang with U2 and Queen.

After her cancer diagnosis, Anastacia created "The Anastacia Fund" with Estée Lauder. This group helps teach women under 35 about breast cancer and the importance of mammograms. She also sold her stage clothes on eBay to raise money for breast cancer research.

She has performed at other charity events like the "Pink Ribbon Gala" and the ChildLine Concert.

Personal Life

Anastacia has lived in Los Angeles, Florida, and now lives in Denver, Colorado.

She has faced several health issues throughout her life. These include Crohn's disease, two battles with breast cancer, and a heart condition. In 2013, she received a Humanitarian Award for her work in breast cancer awareness.

Anastacia was married to her bodyguard, Wayne Newton, in 2007. She became a step-mother to his two children. They later divorced in 2010. She wrote the song "Pendulum" about her divorce.

Discography

Filmography

As herself

Tours

Awards

See Also

In Spanish: Anastacia para niños

• Artists with the most number-one European singles
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance chart