Celeste Epiphany Waite, known mononymously as Celeste, is a British-American singer and songwriter recognized for her soulful voice and emotive songwriting. She was born on May 5, 1994, in Culver City, California, and moved to the United Kingdom as a child, growing up in Brighton. Drawing inspiration from classic soul, jazz, and blues artists, Celeste developed an expressive and timeless musical style. Her breakthrough came in the late 2010s with a series of critically acclaimed singles, including "Strange" and "Stop This Flame," which highlighted her powerful vocal range and introspective lyrics. In 2020, she won the BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year award and was named the winner of the BRITs Rising Star Award. She was also selected as the BBC Sound of 2020, solidifying her status as one of the most promising new artists of the decade. Celeste released her debut studio album, "Not Your Muse," in 2021, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album received widespread acclaim and showcased her unique blend of modern soul and classic influences. With her distinctive style and deeply emotional performances, Celeste has become a prominent figure in contemporary British music, earning comparisons to legends such as Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday.