Biography
Hadise Açikgöz is a Turkish-Belgian singer-songwriter, dancer, and television personality. Born and raised in Belgium, her family originally come from Sivas, Turkey. In 2003, she participated in the Belgian singing competition show Idool 2003, but rose to fame after releasing her debut album Sweat in 2005. The album spawned 5 singles and earned Hadise both a TMF Award (Belgium) and "Altin Kelebek" Award (Turkey). Hadise established and maintained a successful career in both Belgium and Turkey with the release of her self-entitled album Hadise (2008). The album which includes English and Turkish songs, features the single "Deli Oglan" that became a number-one hit in Turkey.
In 2009, Hadise represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Düm Tek Tek". The song gained a total of 177 points, placing Turkey fourth in the final round of the competition. "Düm Tek Tek" earned Hadise her first number one single in Belgium and was followed-up with the release of her studio albums Fast Life, (2009) and Kahraman (2009). The single "Evlenmeliyiz" from Kahraman was among the top-ten hits on Türkçe Top 20. She has since focused on her career in Turkey with the release of her albums Ask Kaç Beden Giyer? (2011) and Tavsiye (2014).
Her name was chosen by one of her grandparents, having originally being intended for her older sister. Hadise's parents emigrated to Belgium from Sivas, Turkey. Her mother is Kumyk and her father is Lezgin. She grew up with her older sister, Hülya, a younger sister Derya and also a younger brother named Murat. Hadise was 11 years old when her parents divorced.
Hadise studied economics and modern languages. She is fluent in five languages: Turkish and Dutch (which are her native languages), French, German and English.
At the age of 18 and with the support of her family Hadise participated in the first season of the show Idool, the Flemish version of the Pop Idol series. She failed to qualify for the finals, however, her appearance was acknowledged by her soon-to-be manager Johan Hendrickx. Hendrickx contacted Hadise explaining how impressed he was with her performance on the show and offered her an album contract.
In 2006, Hadise presented Popstar Türkiye (tr) (Turkish version of Popstars). It was her first presenting role in Turkey. From 2008 to 2009, she got a job as a presenter for the first time in Belgium. She was the presenter of the second season of Belgian X Factor at VTM. Although it was her first television job in Belgium, Hadise garnered much praise. She handled a critical moment when Maurice Engelen, one of the judges, left the contest during a live television cast. Hadise was also praised by the candidats of X Factor for guiding them. Since 2011, Hadise has working as one of the judges on the singing competition show O Ses Türkiye (Turkish version of The Voice).
Hadise has said she admires artists such as Shakira, Brandy Norwood, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, U2 and Prince. Hadise's songs have also clearly been influenced by Turkish music, making her songs rather unusual, as it fuses R&B and Turkish pop. Examples of songs by her combining a strong Turkish slant with an Urban feel include "Stir Me Up", "Bad Boy", "A Good Kiss" and "Don't Ask". Many people have compared Hadise to American R&B singer Beyoncé. Her fans affectionately call her the most famous Turkish star worldwide.
In September 2009, Hadise donated her time in support of the "Schools without Bullying" campaign in Belgium. During a press conference held by the organization, Hadise explained how as a child she "was bullied for her cloths" and even "because of her origin". She explained that she wanted to be part of the project because she loved children and had been a graduate herself, she understood how there was no place for bullying.
Hadise has rejected two offers to star in a film. One of the parts was the leading role in a Turkish movie. Not much is known about this film, apart from the fact that the film supposedly focused on two sisters, one of whom was to be played by Hadise. In July 2008, Hadise was again offered a role in a Turkish comedy film.
