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{{Short description|British singer (born 1963)}}
{{Infobox musical artist| <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
| Name= Seal
{{Use British English|date=August 2018}}
| Img = Seal2.jpg
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
| Img_capt = Seal in ], Germany (2006)
{{Infobox musical artist
| Background = solo_singer
| name = Seal
| Birth_name = Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
| image = Seal 2012 (cropped).jpg
| Born = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1963|2|19}}
| caption = Samuel in ], 2012
| Died =
| birth_name = Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
| Origin = ], England
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1963|02|19}}
| Genre = ], ], ], ], ]
| birth_place = ], London, England
| Instrument = Vocals, guitar, bass guitar
| alias = Sealhenry Samuel<ref>{{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Robin |title=AT LUNCH WITH: Seal; From a Crucible of Early Pain Comes the Gold of Stardom |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/05/garden/at-lunch-with-seal-from-a-crucible-of-early-pain-comes-the-gold-of-stardom.html |access-date=19 September 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=5 June 1996 |url-status=live |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721002849/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/05/garden/at-lunch-with-seal-from-a-crucible-of-early-pain-comes-the-gold-of-stardom.html }}</ref><ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Seal {{!}} Biography & History |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/seal-mn0000576718/biography |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=19 September 2018 }}</ref>
| Occupation = Singer-songwriter, musician
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| Years_active = 1989–present
* Singer
| Label = ], ], ], ]
* songwriter
| Spouse(s) = ] (2005-present) 2 sons, 2 daughters
* record producer
| URL = http://www.seal.com
}} }}
| discography = ]
| years_active = 1987–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]<ref name="AllMusic" />
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
{{Infobox person|child=yes
| awards = ]
| spouse = {{marriage|]|10 May 2005|14 October 2014|reason=div.}}
| children = 4
| website = {{URL|seal.com}}
}}
}}
'''Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel'''<ref name="thefreelibrary.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/pounds+10m+SEAL'S+MUM+LIVING+IN+SQUALOR.-a061328408|title=pounds 10m SEAL'S MUM LIVING IN SQUALOR. – Free Online Library|website=thefreelibrary.com}}</ref><ref name=musiclaw>{{cite web|url=http://www.musiclawupdates.com/?p=2570 |title=Ongoing Management Commission gets Seal of Approval : Wadlow v Samuel |website=MusicLawUpdates.com |access-date=15 January 2016 |last=Anderson |first=Charlie |date=April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726222559/http://www.musiclawupdates.com/?p=2570 |archive-date=26 July 2014}}</ref> (born 19 February 1963) is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer.<ref name=guardian20100916>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/16/seal-interview-pop|title=Seal: The reluctant pop star|last=Batey|first=Angus|date=16 September 2010|work=]|location=London|access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> He is the recipient of three ], four ], and an ], with 20 million albums or singles sold by October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Acclaimed Singer And Songwriter Seal Returns With Second Set Of Soul Classics, Soul 2, Due for Release in the US on January 31st, 2012, From Warner Bros. Records; The First Single, "Let's Stay Together," Impacts Radio Today |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Acclaimed-Singer-Songwriter-iw-214514235.html |work=] |publisher=]|access-date=30 October 2011|date=24 October 2011}}</ref> He signed with record producer ]'s ] to release his ] (1991). Met with critical and commercial success, it spawned the singles "]" and "]", which peaked at numbers two and one on the ], respectively, while both entered the US ]. His 1994 single, "]", peaked atop the latter chart after its inclusion on the film soundtracks for '']'' and '']''.


"Kiss from a Rose" spawned from ] (1994), which peaked atop the ] along with its predecessor. His following albums—'']'' (1998), '']'' (2003), '']'' (2007), '']'' (2008), '']'' (2010), '']'' (2011), '']'' (2015), and '']'' (2017)—were each met with critical praise.<ref name="ISREAL">{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=History|url=https://www.biography.com/musician/seal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410104546/https://www.biography.com/musician/seal|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 April 2020|access-date=15 January 2016|publisher=Brit Awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=seal&title=&year=All&genre=All |title=Winners |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> As a songwriter, Seal has won two ] for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically" by the ] for "Killer" and "Crazy".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/pop-ballads-bite-back-in-lyrical-fashion-david-lister-charts-a-sea-change-away-from-rap-towards-memorable-melodies-1438995.html |last=Lister |first=David |title=Pop ballads bite back in lyrical fashion: David Lister charts a sea change away from rap towards memorable melodies |work=] |date=27 May 1994 |access-date=9 February 2023}}</ref>
'''Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel''' (born 19 February 1963 in ], London, England), known simply as '''Seal''', is an English ] and ] singer-songwriter, of ] background.<ref></ref> His name Olusegun means "''God is victorious''".<ref></ref> A recipient of ], ] and ], Seal is known for his numerous international hits. He is married to German model ].


He served as a coach on '']'' in 2012, 2013,<ref name=TheVoice2014>{{cite web |url=http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8761509 |title=will.i.am and Kylie Minogue join The Voice in 2014 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2014 |website=Nine Network |publisher=ninemsn Pty Ltd |access-date=29 April 2014 |archive-date=6 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306113309/http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8761509 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and 2017.
==Early life==
He was raised in a district of the ] in inner London by his foster family. He received a two-year diploma, or associate's degree, in ] and worked in various jobs in the London area.<ref>name="vh1.com VH1 biography">,</ref>


==Early life and education==
Although there have long been rumours as to the cause of the scars on his face, they are not the result of a tribal sacrificial rite. Seal claims his appearance is caused by the condition ] (DLE). He said he developed the disease at 23, a condition where the immune cells attack various body tissues; DLE usually affects young people. Intense inflammation develops in the skin, particularly in sun-exposed areas, and if not treated aggressively with sun protection and anti-inflammatory medicines, scarring can result. Not only did it supposedly cause the cheek scars, but he had significant scalp involvement, causing hair loss. The singer’s condition has been in remission for years.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel was born on 19&nbsp;February 1963 at ] in ], London,<ref name="thefreelibrary.com"/><ref name="Biography">{{cite web |title=Seal |url=https://www.biography.com/people/seal-21212845 |website=Biography.com |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> to a Nigerian mother, Adebisi Ogundeji, and an ] father, Francis Samuel.<ref name=guardian20100916 /><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2003/09/07/seal_chooses_idealism_optimism_on_new_cd/ |title=Seal chooses idealism, optimism on new CD |last=Morse |first=Steve|date=9 July 2003 |work=] |access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.askmen.com/toys/interview_100/102_seal_interview.html |title=Seal... still a part of him that wants to give |website=Askmen.com |access-date=26 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311131607/http://www.askmen.com/toys/interview_100/102_seal_interview.html}}</ref> He was raised by a foster family in ], London. He received a two-year diploma in architecture and had various jobs in the London area.<ref name="vh1.com VH1 biography">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/seal/artist.jhtml |title=Seal &#124; |publisher=VH1 |access-date=15 January 2016 |archive-date=26 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226061108/http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/seal/artist.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Career==
==Music career==<!-- This section is linked from ] -->
<!-- This section is linked from ] -->


===Early career=== ===Early career===
After a short time singing in local clubs and bars, in the 1980s, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Asia, he joined a ] band in ] for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. Seal returned to England, sleeping on the couch of friend Julian Bunster, then a model. He sometimes asked him "Do I sing well?"; to which he often met the response that he sang better than most current artists. His break came when he met the producer ]. He was given the lyrics of the song "Killer", which was a huge hit in 1990.<ref name="vh1.com VH1 biography"></ref> In the 1980s, Seal spent a short time singing in local clubs and bars. In 1987, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Thailand, he joined a blues band for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. He returned to England, sleeping on the couch of friend Julian Bunster, then a model. He sometimes asked him, "Do I sing well?", to which he often received the response that he sang better than most current artists. Then he met the producer ] to whom Seal provided lyrics and vocals on Adamski's single "]".<ref name="vh1.com VH1 biography"/>


===''Seal'' (1991)=== ===Initial success: 1990s===
"Killer" eventually reached number one in the UK.<ref name="UKChart"/> Seal subsequently signed to ] and released his ] (produced by ]) in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "premix" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, producer Horn's "inability to let go".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://futureloveparadise.co.uk/index.html?s=anthology&d=disc-album&p=seal1edit |title=10 Years on and Still the Web's Best Source of Seal Info |publisher=Future Love Paradise |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref>
{{Main|Seal (1991 album)}}
Seal first came to public attention as vocalist on the ] single "]" in 1990. The single eventually reached number one in 1990 in the UK. Seal subsequently signed to ] and released his début album (produced by ]), self-titled ''Seal'', in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, his and producer Horn's "inability to let go."<ref></ref>


''Seal'' was positively received by critics. The singles "]", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" performed well on the charts. In particular, "Crazy" became an international hit in 1991, reaching number seven on the Billboard Music Charts and number two in the U.K.<ref></ref> ''Seal'' was positively received by critics. The singles "]", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" performed well on the charts. In particular, "Crazy" became an international hit in 1991, reaching number two in the ] and number seven on the ] in the US.<ref name="UKChart"/><ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=seal|chart=all}} |title=Seal: Single Chart History |magazine=Billboard |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref> Seal stole the show at the ] ] held at the ], London, with the first hat-trick of wins in the history of the event.<ref name="Brits">{{cite web |url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1992 |title=History |publisher=Brit Awards |date=16 October 2015 |access-date=15 January 2016 |archive-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114193144/http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1992 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He won in three categories: Best British Male, Best British Video ("Killer"), and Best British Album (''Seal'').<ref name="Brits"/>


In 1992, Seal appeared on the ]'s compilation CD '']'', contributing an exclusive track "Crazy (If I Was Trev Mix)". The album, featuring ] and ] among others, raised money and awareness in support of the AIDS epidemic by donating all proceeds to AIDS charities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Red Hot + Dance |url=https://redhot.org/project/red-hot-dance/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |agency=Redhot.org}}</ref>
In April 1992 Seal performed with the surviving members of the rock band ] at the ]. Seal performed on his own singing the 1986 hit "]" and joined the rest of the acts for the all star finale singing "]."


] and Seal performed a cover of "]" for the 1993 album '']''. Seal also contributed vocals to a cover of ]'s "]" for the 2010 ] album, '']'' along with ], ], ], ], ] and others.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=36827 |title=The Imagine Project |magazine=All About Jazz |date=21 June 2010 |access-date=29 November 2010}}</ref>
In 1992, Seal appeared on the ]'s compilation CD ], contributing an exclusive track "Crazy (If I Was Trev Mix)." The album, featuring ] and ] among others, raised money and awareness in support of the AIDS epidemic by donating all proceeds to AIDS charities.


After Seal regrouped with Trevor Horn, his second album, also ], was released in 1994. A success, the album featured the singles "]" and "]", and later received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. "Prayer for the Dying" became a minor pop hit in the US, peaking at number 21 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. A third single, "]", performed modestly when released, but was later featured to much wider popularity when it was remixed for the soundtrack to '']''. "Kiss from a Rose" won a ] for ] and ] in 1996, becoming Seal's best-performing single on the US market (it topped the ] in late August 1995) and hit number four in the UK.<ref name="UKChart">Roberts, David (2006). ]. London: Guinness World Records Limited</ref><ref name="Billboard"/>
===''Seal II'' (1994)===
{{Main|Seal (1994 album)}}
His second album, also self-titled ''Seal'', was released in 1994. A success, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" and "Newborn Friend", later receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. "Prayer for the Dying" became a minor pop hit in the U.S., peaking at #21 on the Billboard charts. A third single, "]", performed modestly when released but was later featured to much wider popularity when it was remixed for the soundtrack to '']''. "Kiss from a Rose" won a ] for ] and ] in 1996, becoming Seal's best performing single on the US market (it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in late August 1995).


In 1998, Seal released '']''. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn, as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with ] in 1997. The record was panned upon its release. It received gold record certification by the ] just two months after its release date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/ |title=Home |publisher=RIAA |date=3 November 2015 |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> The album provided two singles – "]" and "Lost My Faith".
===''Human Being''===
{{Main|Human Being (album)}}
After the release of his previous album, in 1998, Seal released ''Human Being''. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with ] in 1997. The record was panned upon its release. It received Gold record certification by the ] just two months after its release date.<ref> ''Human Being'' Gold certification date 22 January 1999, Retrieved 12 July 2007</ref> The album provided three singles, "Human Beings", "Latest Craze", and "Lost My Faith".


===''Togetherland''=== === 2000s ===
In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as '']''. After a protracted postproduction period, the album was cancelled. The official word was that Seal simply did not think it made the grade, although this conflicts with other reports,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angelfire.com/co2/redwolf707/seal.html |title=Clay's Seal Page |website=Angelfire.com |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> that said the album was turned down by the label because producers felt the album would not be commercially successful. Even so, one single was released from the album; "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on '']'' soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has indicated that he has plans to excerpt cuts from ''Togetherland'' and make them available for streaming download. Meanwhile, Seal co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "]" from ] in 2002. He also recorded a successful duet with French singer ] called "]" during that same period. Also in 2002, Seal lent his vocals to the song "You Are My Kind", the fourth track on ]'s album '']''.
{{Main|Togetherland}}
In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as ''Togetherland''. After a protracted post-production period the album was cancelled. The official word was that Seal simply didn't think it made the grade, although this conflicts with that said the album was turned down by the label because producers felt the album wouldn't be commercially successful. Even so, one single was released from the album. "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on '']'' soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has indicated that he has plans to excerpt cuts from ''Togetherland'' and make them available for streaming download.
Meanwhile, Seal co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from ] in 2002. He also recorded a successful duet with French icon ] called "Les Mots" during that same period.


In 2003, Seal released his fourth album '']''. Although it never achieved the sales figures of either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album include "Waiting for You", "Get It Together", and "]"; the latter single was released in 2004 and was a big hit in several European countries.
===''Seal IV''===
{{Main|Seal (2003 album)}}
In 2003, Seal released his fourth album, which was again self-titled, except for Australia, where it was released under ''Seal IV''. Although it didn't sell as well as either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album included "Waiting For You", "Get It Together", and "]" (released in 2004, and a big hit in several European countries).


In 2004, a greatest-hits album entitled '']'' was released, including a cover of the ]/] classic "]" and a cover of ]'s "]". An edition of the album was available that included an extra CD with acoustic versions of some of Seal's hits. Also in 2004, Seal performed shows at the ] in Paris. The show of 6 July 2004 was recorded and released about one year after as a CD/DVD package, simply titled ''Live in Paris''.
===Greatest hits album: ''Best 1991-2004''===
{{Main|Best 1991-2004}}
In 2004, a greatest hits album entitled ''Seal: Best 1991-2004'' was released, including a cover of the ] / ] classic "Walk on By" and a cover of ]'s song "Lips Like Sugar". An edition of the album was available which included an extra CD with acoustic versions of some of Seal's hits.


In June 2005, Seal recorded a concert which was subsequently released in 2006, entitled ''One Night to Remember'', as a CD/DVD combination. The DVD includes a "making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the ''Altes Kesselhaus'' ("old boiler house"), in ], Germany, this performance includes a version of Brahms' ''Lullaby'' which Seal sings in German and then in English. Unlike earlier recordings in which Seal is accompanied by his band, a full orchestra and choir of 52 musicians accompanies the singer.]
===''Live in Paris''===
'']'' was released in the UK on 12 November 2007 and in the US on 13 November 2007.<ref name=Systemrelease>{{citation|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/51003/seal-system/|title=Seal – ''System''|department=Music Review|author=Joseph, Mike|work=PopMatters|date=13 November 2007|access-date=24 November 2007|archive-date=25 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725153228/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/51003/seal-system/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Seal describes the album as more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. On the track titled "Wedding Day", Seal sings a duet with his then-wife, model ]. The album's first single, "Amazing", was released on 25 September 2007, and was nominated for the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy at the 2007 50th Annual Grammy Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/|title=Grammy Awards|website=Grammy.com|access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref>
Also in 2004, Seal performed shows at the ] in Paris, France. The 6 July 2004 show was recorded and released about one year after as CD/DVD package, simply titled ''Live in Paris''.


Seal performed "Amazing" and ]' "]" at the 2007 ]. Seal also performed "Amazing" at the 2007 ] Fashion Show in December, as well as the duet "Wedding Day" with his wife. Other performers at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show include the ] and ] of ]. He appeared on the American Idol season-seven finale, singing with third-place contestant ].
===''One Night to Remember''===
In June 2005, Seal recorded a special concert which was subsequently released in 2006, entitled ''One Night to Remember'', as CD/DVD combination. The DVD includes a special "the making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the ''Altes Kesselhaus'' ("old boiler house"), in ], Germany, this performance includes a special version of Brahms' ''Lullaby'' which Seal sings in German and then in English for the exclusive audience. Unlike earlier recordings in which Seal is accompanied by his band, a full orchestra and choir of 52 musicians accompanies the singer.


Seal's sixth studio album, '']'', was released on 3 November 2008 internationally and on 11 November 2008 in the US. It contains 11 ] classics produced by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seal.com/video.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011082954/http://www.seal.com/video.html |archive-date=11 October 2008 |title=Soul |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> The first single was a cover of ]{{'s}} song "]".
===''System''===
{{Main|System (album)}}
]
''System'' was released in the UK on 12 November 2007 and in the U.S. on 13 November 2007.<ref name=Systemrelease>{{cite|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/51003/seal-system/|title=Seal — ''System''|work=Pop Matters Music Review|author=Joseph, Mike|publisher=PopMatters.com|date=13 November 2007}}</ref> Seal describes the album as more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. On the track titled "Wedding Day", Seal sings a duet with his wife, model ]. The album's first single, "Amazing", was released on 25 September 2007, and was nominated for the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy at the 2007 50th Annual Grammy Awards.<ref></ref>


On 14 March 2009, Seal performed a song from the album and coached the participants on the "Top 9-Show" of the ] of the German TV show '']'' (''German Idol'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/leute/seal-coacht-dsds-kandidaten-aid-1.2447990|title=Seal coacht DSDS-Kandidaten |work=RP Online |language=de |date=2 February 2009 |access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref> On 4 December 2009, '']'', a compilation album, was released. It contains two new tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".
Seal performed "Amazing" and ]' "]" at the 2007 Royal Variety Performance.


===2010s ===
Seal also performed "Amazing" at the 2007 ] Fashion Show in December, as well as the duet "Wedding Day" with his wife. Other performers at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show include the ] and ] of ]. He appeared on the American Idol Season 7 Finale, singing with third-place contestant ].
]
Seal's seventh studio album, '']'' was released on 20 September 2010 internationally and 28 September 2010 in the US. The first single "Secret" was released 10 August 2010 on iTunes in the US and in the UK on 13 September 2010. This album was said to be inspired by his wife, Heidi.<ref name="Wednesday, 29 September 2010, 13:00 BST">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a279311/heidi-klum-im-lucky-to-have-seal.html |title=Showbiz – News – Heidi Klum: 'I'm lucky to have Seal' |website=Digital Spy |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref> On 7 November 2011, Seal released his second cover album of classic soul songs, ''Soul 2'' through ].


====Performance in Chechnya, 2011====
===''Soul''===
In October 2011, Seal came under criticism from human-rights groups for appearing at an event in ], ], that turned into a birthday celebration for ], the President of Chechnya.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/466042/seal-takes-heat-for-serenading-chechen-strongman |title=Seal takes heat for serenading Chechen strongman |magazine=Billboard |date=13 October 2011 }}</ref> Also appearing at the event were the actress ], actor ], and violinist ]. The New York–based ] claims that it sent letters to invitees in advance of the event noting Kadyrov's record and asking them to decline the invitations.<ref name="humanrightsfoundation1">{{cite web|url=http://www.humanrightsfoundation.org/media/HilarySwankapologizes20111012.html |title=Hilary Swank apologizes – Pleads ignorance; but will she keep the Chechen warlord's money? |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017115719/http://www.humanrightsfoundation.org/media/HilarySwankapologizes20111012.html |archive-date=17 October 2011 }}</ref> ] sent an enquiry to Seal regarding his performance at the event and released a statement about the incident that said:
{{Main|Soul (Seal album)}}
{{blockquote|Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a litany of horrific human rights abuses. It's inappropriate for stars to get paid to party with him. It bolsters his image and legitimizes a brutal leader and his regime. And getting paid to be part of such a lavish show in Chechnya trivialises the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses there.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seal-chechnya-human-rights-247508 |title=Seal's Chechen Leader Birthday Bash Performance Questioned By Human Rights Group |work=] |first=Kim |last=Masters |date=12 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/13/hilary-swank-regrets-chechen-party |title=Hilary Swank 'regrets' partying with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov |work=]|location=London |first=Miriam |last=Elder |date=13 October 2011 }}</ref>}}
Seal's sixth ] '']'' was released on 11 November 2008, in the United States and 3 November 2008, internationally, and contains eleven ] classics produced by ].<ref>. Seal official website. Retrieved on 4 October 2008.</ref><ref>. ''auspOp'' (4 October 2008). Retrieved on 4 October 2008.</ref>
The video for the first single, a cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" is up on his YouTube page. As well, he will be mentoring the top 9 on ] and performing one of his songs from the album.


Seal refused to apologise for appearing at the event, sending a message from his Twitter account telling people to "leave me out of your politics".<ref name="humanrightsfoundation1"/> Seal was reported to have made $500,000 for singing at the party.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/10/24/celebrities-chummy-with-dictators-risk-damaging-their-brand/ |title=Hilary Swank cancels Toronto speech amid controversy over Ramzan Kadyrov birthday appearance |first=Tom |last=Blackwell |work=] |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=31 October 2011 }}</ref>
Seal coached the participants of Germany's TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (Popidol) in February/March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rumsabbeln.de/archives/2255|title=Seal will be coaching the participants of Germany's TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (Popidol)}}</ref>


===''Hits''=== ====2012–2017====
In 2012, Seal was one of the four vocal coaches in the first season of the Australian version of the reality singing competition '']''. He was the coach of the series winner ]. Seal returned to ''The Voice ''season two, which debuted on 7 April 2013, where he became the winning coach once again, coaching eventual winner ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/1123/thevoiceaus.html |title=Judges announced for Aussie Voice |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=23 November 2011 |access-date=23 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125032301/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/1123/thevoiceaus.html |archive-date=25 November 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevoice.com.au/profiles.html |title=Home &#124; 9Jumpin |work=The Voice |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> He did not return for the third season in 2014 with the ] stating that Seal "will take a break from the third season of ''The Voice'' to focus on music and material for a new album."<ref name=TheVoice2014/> Channel NINE announced on 8 November 2016 that Seal would be returning alongside ] to ''The Voice'' as a coach in 2017, replacing ] after a three-year hiatus.
{{Main|Hits (Seal album)}}
On 4 December 2009, ''Hits'', a compilation album was released. It contains two new tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".


On 15 November 2014, Seal joined the charity group ] along with other British and Irish pop acts, recording the latest version of the track "]" at ] in ], London, to raise money for the ] in West Africa.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Band Aid 30: One Direction among celebrity line-up|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=10 November 2014|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Seal was cast as ] in ]'s musical rendition of '']'', which aired on ] on 20 March 2016.<ref name="thewrap-seal">{{cite web|title=Seal Cast as Pontius Pilate for Fox's 'The Passion'|url=http://www.thewrap.com/seal-cast-as-pontius-pilate-for-foxs-the-passion/|website=The Wrap|date=4 February 2016|access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref>
===''Commitment''===
{{Main|Commitment (Seal album)}}
Seal has recorded his seventh studio album, ''Commitment'', due for release on September 20 internationally and September 28, 2010 in the US, as revealed on his official website. The first single "Secret" was released August 10, 2010 on iTunes U.S. and in the UK on September 13, 2010.


Seal began work on a new album, initially entitled ''Let Yourself'', produced again by Horn. In February 2015, Horn said the album was nearly finished.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-SH22suqmo | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/N-SH22suqmo| archive-date=2021-10-28|title=ME1 TV Talks To... Trevor Horn | date=9 February 2015|via=YouTube |access-date=15 January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Seal later re-signed to Perfect Songs and had a two-week writing period in Horn's Los Angeles studio booked for October 2012. ] (formerly of ]) said that month on his Twitter feed that Trevor Horn and Lol Crème were working with Seal on a project. In April 2013, Seal said on Twitter that the new album would be released in about June (which did not eventuate), and that tracks to be included were "Let Yourself", "Do You Ever", and "Laying with an Angel".<ref>{{cite web|author=Henry Potts |url=http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wnalum.htm#horn |title=Where are they now? – Former Yes members |website=Bondegezou.co.uk |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> The album was later retitled ''Beautifully Scarred''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://instagram.com/p/5mo0tmQgAa/ |title=Instagram |via=Instagram |access-date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103840/https://www.instagram.com/p/5mo0tmQgAa/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 10 September 2015, Seal announced that the album, now named '']'', would be released on 6 November 2015.
===''Other projects''===

Seal contributed vocals to "]" for the 2010 ] album, '']'' along with ], ], ], ], ] and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=36827 |title=The Imagine Project |publisher=All About Jazz |date=2010-06-21 |accessdate=2010-11-29}}</ref>
Seal released the album '']'' in November 2017. The album was produced by classical crossover composer ]. It received a nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=GRAMMY Award Results for Seal |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/seal/6331 |website=grammy.com |access-date=23 October 2020}}</ref>

===2020s===
Seal announced a North American tour for 2023 with Trevor Horn as the musical director.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/238178/9 | title=Seal Announces Spring 30th Anniversary North American Tour - Stereoboard }}</ref> He released "Kiss from a Rose (2023)" digitally on 12 February 2023.

In 2022, he launched his own limited-edition camera with ], a Q2 camera called Dawn, which is limited to 500 cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sayej |first=Nadja |title=Worldwise: Grammy Winning Musician and Photography Aficionado Seal's Favorite Things |url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/worldwise-grammy-winning-musician-and-photography-aficionado-seals-favorite-things-01670448164 |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=barrons.com}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
The prominent scarring on Seal's face is the result of a type of ] called ], which affects the skin and leaves large scars.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB423D0775E4792&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716141446/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB423D0775E4792&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Seal's new album is soul pop without the soul|last=O'Reilly|first=Finbarr|date=19 November 1998|work=]|page=43|access-date=12 March 2011|location=Chicago, Illinois, USA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujsDAAAAMBAJ&q=seal+lupus&pg=PA36 |title=Celebrities Who Have Overcome Obstacles, Jet |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|date=10 June 1996 |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/129291_Beyond-beauty|title=Beyond beauty|last=Hussey-Whyte|first=Donna|date=12 November 2007|work=]|access-date=12 March 2011|location=Kingston, Jamaica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628184215/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/129291_Beyond-beauty|archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What I see in the mirror: Seal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/11/seal-what-see-in-mirror |website=The Guardian|location=London|date=11 November 2011 }}</ref>
]
Seal first met German model Heidi Klum in 2003 — shortly after she announced her pregnancy and end of relationship with then Italian ] ] team director ].


Seal's brother, Jeymes Samuel, better known as ], is also a singer-songwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/01/jay-z-the-great-gatsby-score-soundtrack/ |title=Jay-Z and Seal's Brother Score 'The Great Gatsby' |work=Spin|date=2 January 2013 |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref>
Seal proposed to Klum on Dec. 23, 2004 at 14,000 feet{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}, in a ]<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11552972</ref> he had built on a glacier in Whistler, British Columbia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1013954,00.html|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Engaged to Wed|date=4 January 2005|first=Stephen M.|last=Silverman|coauthors=KC Baker}}</ref> On 10 May 2005, the couple married on a beach in Mexico near Seal's home on Mexico's ], with his close friend Robin Doherty serving as best man.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1059829,00.html|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Marry in Mexico|date=11 May 2005}}</ref>


Seal first began dating German model ] in February 2004,<ref>{{Cite news| url= https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-seal-and-i-have-not-married/|work=People|title=Heidi Klum: Seal and I Have Not Married| date=25 March 2005}}</ref> shortly after she announced her pregnancy and the end of her relationship with Italian ] team manager ]. Seal proposed to Klum on 23 December 2004 in a ]<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11552972 |publisher=BBC News | title=Five Minutes With: Seal | date=16 October 2010}}</ref> he had built on a glacier in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-and-seal-engaged-to-wed/|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Engaged to Wed|date=4 January 2005|author=Stephen M. Silverman|author-link=Stephen M. Silverman|first2=KC|last2=Baker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126125118/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1013954,00.html|archive-date=26 January 2012|access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> On 10 May 2005, the couple married on a beach in Mexico near Seal's home on ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-and-seal-marry-in-mexico/ |title=Heidi Klum and Seal Marry in Mexico|website=People|date=10 May 2005|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref> Every year during their marriage, Seal and Klum renewed their vows on their anniversary with close friends and family. About these renewals, Seal said in 2010, "Each year, Heidi and I get remarried. It's a great party, but for about an hour, we go off on our own down to a private beach. We sit there with the kids and read vows to each other as the sun sets. It's a very special moment to us."<ref>{{cite web|last=Wihlborg |first=Ulrica |url= https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-and-seal-renew-their-wedding-vows/|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Renew Their Wedding Vows |work=People|date=8 May 2010 |access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref> In November 2009, Klum officially adopted Seal's surname and became legally known as Heidi Samuel.<ref name="People_Samuel">{{cite web|url= https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-officially-takes-seals-last-name/|first=Ken|last=Lee|title=Heidi Klum Officially Takes Seal's Last Name|access-date=26 October 2019|date=20 November 2009|work=People|quote=A rep for Klum did not comment when asked if intends to be known professionally as Heidi Samuel from now on.}}</ref>
Every year Seal and Klum take the time to renew their vows on their anniversary with their close friends and family. About these renewals Seal says<ref></ref>:


On 11 June 2009, Seal, on tour with his new album ''Soul'', revealed, "It is nice to be in newspapers and magazines for something other than my marriage". He said his marriage to Klum may take away the attention, but does not detract from what he loves doing: making music.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://player.video.news.com.au/news/#pa6p_MA97H8G2v_Fqn9VRCG6Itc95SEa |title=Seal on his comeback |date=11 June 2009 |publisher=News.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616034534/http://player.video.news.com.au/news/#pa6p_MA97H8G2v_Fqn9VRCG6Itc95SEa |archive-date=16 June 2009}}</ref> In February 2011, Klum praised Seal for his good parenting skills, saying, "When I first met Seal he had a kindness and compassion that was so sincere I knew he'd be a good father... He has infinite amounts of love and patience for our kids... He puts me and the children first".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a303464/klum-praises-seals-parenting-skills.html |title=Showbiz – News – Klum praises Seal's parenting skills |website=Digital Spy |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref> Klum also remarked how lucky she was to have a husband like Seal.<ref name="Wednesday, 29 September 2010, 13:00 BST"/>
"Each year, Heidi and I get remarried. It's a great party, but for about an hour, we go off on our own down to a private beach. We sit there with the kids and read vows to each other as the sun sets. It's a very special moment to us."


Klum gave birth to Briatore's daughter, Helene "Leni" Boshoven Klum on 5 May 2004 in New York City<ref></ref> with Seal at her side. According to Klum, Briatore is not involved in Leni's life, and Klum has stated emphatically that "Seal is Leni's father".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/celebwatch/2007-12-09-heidi-klum_N.htm|title=Celeb Watch: Heidi Klum relishes her model family life|accessdate=4 December 2007|author=William Keck|date=3 December 2007|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/heidi-klum-gives-birth/2005/09/13/1126377313883.html|title=Heidi Klum gives birth|date=14 September 2005|author=DPA|publisher=smh.com.au}}</ref> Seal is her only father figure, and he has praised Briatore for keeping his distance and not disrupting Leni's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/11/seal-on-being-a.html|title=Seal on being a father and Heidi not being pregnant, for once!|publisher=Celebrity Baby Blog|date=4 November 2007}}</ref> In late 2009, Seal officially adopted Leni, and her last name was changed to Samuel.<ref>http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/12/14/seal-opens-up-about-decision-to-adopt-leni/</ref> The couple have three other children, Henry Günther Adeola Dashtu Samuel (born 12 September 2005),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1103758,00.html?cid=redirect-articles/|title=Klum Names Son After Her Dad and Seal|date=14 September 2005}}</ref> Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (born 22 November 2006)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1542119,00.html|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Have a Boy|accessdate=25 August 2007|author=Stephen M. Silverman|date=23 November 2006|publisher=People magazine}}</ref> and Lou Sulola Samuel (born 9 October 2009).<ref name="lou">{{cite web|url=http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/10/12/heidi-klum-and-seal-welcome-daughter-lou/|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Welcome Daughter Lou Sulola|work=celebrity-babies.com|accessdate=12 October 2009}}</ref> Klum gave birth to Briatore's daughter in May 2004 in New York City<ref>{{cite web|author1=KC Baker |author2=Stephen M. Silverman |author2-link=Stephen M. Silverman |name-list-style=amp |url=https://people.com/celebrity/klum-dixie-chick-welcome-3-baby-girls/ |title=Klum, Dixie Chick Welcome 3 Baby Girls |work=People|date=5 May 2004 |access-date=26 April 2011}}</ref> with Seal at her side. According to Klum, Briatore is not involved in fathering duties, and Klum has stated emphatically that Seal is Leni's father.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/celebwatch/2007-12-09-heidi-klum_N.htm|title=Celeb Watch: Heidi Klum relishes her model family life|access-date=4 December 2007|author=William Keck|date=3 December 2007|newspaper=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/heidi-klum-gives-birth/2005/09/13/1126377313883.html|title=Heidi Klum gives birth|date=14 September 2005|agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur}}</ref> Seal is her only father figure and he has praised Briatore for keeping his distance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/seal-on-being-a/|title=Seal on being a father and Heidi not being pregnant, for once!|website=People|date=4 November 2007|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref> In late 2009, Seal officially adopted Klum's daughter, and her last name was changed to Samuel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/seal-opens-up-about-decision-to-adopt-leni/|title=Seal Opens Up About Decision to Adopt Leni |work=People|access-date=26 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308131506/http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/12/14/seal-opens-up-about-decision-to-adopt-leni/ |archive-date=8 March 2010 }}</ref> The couple have three other children: two sons Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel (born September 2005) and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (born November 2006); and a daughter named Lou born in October 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/klum-names-son-after-her-dad-and-seal/|title=Klum Names Son After Her Dad and Seal|date=14 September 2005|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-and-seal-have-a-boy/amp/|title=Heidi Klum and Seal Have a Boy|access-date=26 October 2019|author=Stephen M. Silverman|author-link=Stephen M. Silverman|date=23 November 2006|website=People|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829113205/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1542119,00.html|archive-date=29 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="lou">{{cite news|url=https://people.com/parents/heidi-klum-and-seal-welcome-daughter-lou/ |title=Heidi Klum and Seal Welcome Daughter Lou Sulola|work=People|access-date=12 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015093121/http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/10/12/heidi-klum-and-seal-welcome-daughter-lou/ |archive-date=15 October 2009 }}</ref>


On 22 January 2012, Seal and Klum announced that they were separating after nearly seven years of marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/celebrity/seal-and-heidi-klum-confirm-separation/|title=Seal and Heidi Klum Confirm Separation|last=Bartolomeo|first=Joel|date=22 January 2012|work=]|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/23/showbiz/seal-klum-split/index.html|title=Supermodel Heidi Klum, pop star Seal separate|date=23 January 2012|publisher=]|access-date=23 January 2012}}</ref> Klum filed for divorce from Seal on 6 April 2012.<ref name="divorce filed">{{cite web |title=Heidi Klum Files for Divorce from Seal |url=http://people.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-seal-divorce-filed/ |website=People|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> Their divorce was finalised on 14 October 2014.<ref name="divorce final">{{cite web |title=Heidi Klum, Seal's Divorce Is Finalized Two Years After Split|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/heidi-klum-seal-divorce-finalized-two-years-split-20141510 |website=Us Weekly |date=15 October 2014 |access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>
On June 11, 2009, Seal, on tour with his new album ''Soul'', revealed, "It is nice to be in newspapers and magazines for something other than my marriage." He said his marriage may take away the attention, but doesn't detract from what he loves doing: making music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://player.video.news.com.au/news/#pa6p_MA97H8G2v_Fqn9VRCG6Itc95SEa|title=Seal on his comeback|date=11 June 2009|publisher=news.com.au}}</ref>


===Charity work===
On October 5, 2009, nearly five years after the couple married, Klum filed a petition to change her name to Heidi Samuel.
In April 1992, Seal performed with the surviving members of ] at ] held at London's ] five months after ].<ref name="Concert">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/videos/fmtributedvd.htm#who |title=Queen 'The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert' video and song lyrics |website=Ultimatequeen.co.uk |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> Seal sang the 1986 Queen hit "]" and joined the rest of the acts for the all-star finale singing "]".<ref name="Concert"/> Thomas Curtis-Horsfall of ] stated Seal's performance of "Who Wants to Live Forever" was "one of the standout moments" from the concert, adding "his spine-tingling rendition of the Queen classic had everyone in the arena close to tears."<ref>{{cite news |title=Watch Seal's powerful tribute to Freddie Mercury from 1992 with 'Who Wants To Live Forever' |url=https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/freddie-mercury/seal-queen-cover-tribute-live-forever-video/ |access-date=27 November 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref>


On 10 March 2012, Seal shared the stage with ], ], and ] at ]'s Night to ] after-party, hosted by comedian ].<ref name="Night To Make It Right Charity">{{cite web|last=To Make It Right|first=Night|title=Night To Make It Right After Party|url=http://www.nighttomakeitright.com/after-party/|access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref> The charity event, hosted by ], raised money to build homes for victims of ].
==Other work==
Seal and wife ] announced in June 2010 that they will be making a reality series on ] entitled ''Love's Divine'' (after Seal's song of the same name.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Klum-Seal-Lifetime-1019252.aspx|title=Heidi Klum and Seal to show Love's Divine with New Reality Series|publisher=TVGuide.com}}</ref>


==Other work==
Seal was also a judge for the 10th annual ] to support independent artists' careers.<ref></ref>
* He performed in 2003 the song "]" for the film '']''.
* Seal and his then-wife ] announced in June 2010 that they would be making a reality series on ] titled ''Love's Divine'' (after Seal's song of the same name).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Klum-Seal-Lifetime-1019252.aspx|title=Heidi Klum and Seal to show Love's Divine with New Reality Series|work=TV Guide}}</ref>
* Seal was also a judge for the 10th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists careers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima_new/pastjudges.asp |title=Past Judges |publisher=Independent Music Awards |access-date=26 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713024722/http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima_new/pastjudges.asp |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>
* In 2016, Seal portrayed himself in the mockumentary film '']''. In this film, Seal claims that his facial scars were the results of an encounter with wolves.
* In 2017, Seal was a guest judge for ] of '']''. He pushed the Golden Buzzer for singer ].
* Seal competed on the ] of '']'' as "Leopard". He finished in fourth place.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/masked-singer-season-2-episode-11/|title=The Masked Singer sends home Thingamajig and Leopard in shocking double elimination! Find out which celebs were under the masks|author=Rachel Yang|date=11 December 2019|access-date=11 December 2019|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>
* Seal collaborated with ] on the song "Just A Ghost," released in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Claptone and Seal Collaborate on New Single 'Just a Ghost'|url=https://claptone.com/blogs/news/claptone-and-seal-collaborate-on-new-single-just-a-ghost|access-date=2022-01-01|publisher=Claptone|date=3 September 2021 }}</ref>
* Seal guest-starred in the 2021 animated film '']'' where he voices a singing ] named Seal Seal.
* On 29 April 2022, Seal appeared as a masked international star on the ] of ], performing "]" by ] while dressed as a cowboy.
* Seal appeared in the 2022 film '']'', where he performed at a party with the film's main character Sonny.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://movieweb.com/john-hamburg-me-time-netflix-interview/ |title=Exclusive: John Hamburg on Directing Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, and Seal in Netflix Comedy Me Time |website=Movieweb |last=Kraft |first=Tim |date=26 August 2022 |access-date=9 August 2023}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{Main|Seal discography}} {{Main article|Seal discography}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}


===Studio albums=== '''Studio albums'''
*1991 '']'' * '']'' (1991)
*1994 '']'' * '']'' ("Seal II") (1994)
*1998 '']'' * '']'' (1998)
*2003 '']'' * '']'' (2003)
*2007 '']'' * '']'' (2007)
*2010 '']'' * '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2010)
* '']'' (2011)
* '']'' (2015)
* '']'' (2017)


==Awards and nominations==
===Other albums===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
*2004 '']''
|-
*2005 '']''
! scope="col" | Award
*2006 '']''
! scope="col" | Year
*2008 '']''
! scope="col" | Nominee(s)
*2009 ''Soul Live''
! scope="col" | Category
*2009 ''Live In Brooklyn''
! scope="col" | Result
*2009 '']''
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
*2010 '']''
|-

!scope="row"|]
===DVDs===
| ]
*2004 ''Videos - 1991 - 2004''
| rowspan=2|"]"
*2005 '']''
| Most Performed Foreign Work
*2005 ''Live At the Point - 1992''
| {{won}}
*2006 '']''
| <ref name="APRAWin1996">{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090918020033/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1996Winners.aspx | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1996Winners.aspx | title = 1996 Winners – APRA Music Awards | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) | archive-date = 18 September 2009 | access-date = 11 September 2018 }}</ref>
*2008 ''Soundstage (Blu-ray only)''
|-
*2009 ''Soul Live ''
!scope="row"|]
*2009 ''Live In Brooklyn''
|2021
| 6 Million Award
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/bmi-2021-london-awards | title=BMI Celebrates its 2021 London Award Winners | date=11 October 2021 }}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=4|]
| 1993
| "]"
| rowspan=4|Award-Winning Songs
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1993/Music-Week-1993-11-20.pdf|title=Music Week|website=Worldradiohistory.com|date=20 November 1993|access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2|1996
| "]"
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rwkEAAAAMBAJ&q=a-ha+BMI+Awards+1993&pg=PA103|title=Billboard|page=103|date=1 June 1996|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|via=Google Books}}</ref>
|-
| "]"
| {{won}}
|-
| 2005
| "]"
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20050518_3_doors_down_lil_jon_emi_top_bmi_pop_awards_paul_simon_honored | title=3 Doors Down, Lil Jon, EMI Top BMI Pop Awards; Paul Simon Honored as Icon | date=17 May 2005 }}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" | ]
| 1995
| "]"
| Best Pop/Rock Video of the Year
| {{Nominated}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wg4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20|title=Billboard|page=20|date=4 November 1995|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|access-date=9 July 2021|via=Google Books}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|]
| ]
| Himself
| Favorite Pop Artist - Male
| {{nom}}
| <ref>https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-03-11.pdf#page=18 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=8|]
| rowspan=2|]
| "]" <small>(with ])</small>
| rowspan=2|]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=2|<ref name="Brits"/>
|-
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=4|]
| rowspan=2|Himself
| ]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=4|<ref name="Brits"/>
|-
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| '']''
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| "]" <small>(solo version)</small>
| rowspan=2|]
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=2|]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=2|<ref name="Brits"/>
|-
| Himself
| ]
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=4|]
| 1994
| "]"
| rowspan=2|Top Pop Single
| {{nom}}
| <ref>https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1994/CB-1994-12-31.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=3|1995
| "]"
| {{won}}
| rowspan=3|<ref>https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-12-30.pdf#page=10 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2|Himself
| Pop Singles: Top Male Artist
| {{nom}}
|-
| Pop Albums: Top Pop/Rock Male Artist
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=15|]
| rowspan="2"| ]
| Himself
| ]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="15"| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/seal/6331|title=Seal|date=23 November 2020|website=Grammy.com|access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref>
|-
| "]"
| rowspan=2|]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3"| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| '']''
| ]
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3"| ]
| rowspan="3"| "]"
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="6"| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| "]"
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| ]
| '']''
| ]
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=2|]
| 2008
| '']''
| rowspan=2|Best Foreign Pop Album
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-12|title=Jelöltek 2008|url=http://www.fonogram.hu/jeloltek-2008|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Fonogram|language=hu}}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| '']''
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-12|title=Jelöltek 2009|url=http://www.fonogram.hu/jeloltek-2009|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Fonogram|language=hu}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=7|]
| rowspan=3|1991
| rowspan=3|"]" <small>(with ])</small>
| Most Performed Work
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=1991 | title=Archive &#124; the Ivors &#124; the Ivors Academy &#124; Champions of Music Creators }}</ref>
|-
| The Best Selling 'A' Side
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=2|Best Contemporary Song
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=2|1992
| rowspan=2|"]"
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=1992 | title=Archive &#124; the Ivors &#124; the Ivors Academy &#124; Champions of Music Creators }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2|International Hit of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=2|1996
| rowspan=2|"]"
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=1996 | title=Archive &#124; the Ivors &#124; the Ivors Academy &#124; Champions of Music Creators }}</ref>
|-
| Best Song Included in a Film
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=5|Žebřík Music Awards
| 2004
| rowspan=3|Himself
| rowspan=3|Best International Male
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=5|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.anketazebrik.cz/historie/2010-2004/ |title=2010-2004 – Anketa Žebřík |access-date=27 July 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718102516/https://www.anketazebrik.cz/historie/2010-2004/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| 2005
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=2|2007
| {{nom}}
|-
| "]"
| Best International Song
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=2|2008
| Himself
| Best International Male
| {{nom}}
{{end}}
{{expand section|date=September 2020}}


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}
* Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 1994.
* Guitar Player, October 1994.
* The Independent, 12 May 1994.
* Metro Times (Detroit), 22 June 1994.
* Q, July 1994.
* Rolling Stone, 28 November 1991; 25 August 1994.


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
*
{{Commons category|Seal (musician)}}
*{{MusicBrainz artist|id=f053ae01-dae6-4aae-9883-e8c279fdbef4|name=Seal}}
* {{Official website}}
*{{IMDB name|id=0780499|name=Seal}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist|id=f053ae01-dae6-4aae-9883-e8c279fdbef4|name=Seal}}
*
* {{IMDb name|id=0780499|name=Seal}}
*
* {{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/14/arts/a-conjurer-of-new-age-vagaries-and-lush-grooves.html |title=A Conjurer of New Age Vagaries and Lush Grooves |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |date=14 August 1994 |work=] |page=26}}


{{Seal (musician)}} {{Seal (musician)|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
|title = Awards for Seal
|list =
{{Brit British Album}}
{{Brit British Male}}
{{Grammy Award for Record of the Year 1990s}}
{{Grammy Award for Song of the Year 1990s}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance}}
}}

{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME =Seal
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =19 February 1963
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Seal}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Seal}}
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Latest revision as of 23:43, 25 December 2024

British singer (born 1963)

Seal
Samuel in Sydney, 2012Samuel in Sydney, 2012
Background information
Birth nameSeal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
Also known asSealhenry Samuel
Born (1963-02-19) 19 February 1963 (age 61)
Paddington, London, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
DiscographySeal discography
Years active1987–present
Labels
Spouse Heidi Klum ​ ​(m. 2005; div. 2014)
Children4
AwardsFull list
Websiteseal.com
Musical artist

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel (born 19 February 1963) is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the recipient of three Brit Awards, four Grammy Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award, with 20 million albums or singles sold by October 2011. He signed with record producer Trevor Horn's ZTT Records to release his eponymous debut studio album (1991). Met with critical and commercial success, it spawned the singles "Crazy" and "Killer", which peaked at numbers two and one on the UK singles chart, respectively, while both entered the US Billboard Hot 100. His 1994 single, "Kiss from a Rose", peaked atop the latter chart after its inclusion on the film soundtracks for The NeverEnding Story III and Batman Forever.

"Kiss from a Rose" spawned from Seal's second eponymous studio album (1994), which peaked atop the UK Albums Chart along with its predecessor. His following albums—Human Being (1998), Seal IV (2003), System (2007), Soul (2008), Seal 6: Commitment (2010), Soul 2 (2011), 7 (2015), and Standards (2017)—were each met with critical praise. As a songwriter, Seal has won two Ivor Novello Awards for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically" by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for "Killer" and "Crazy".

He served as a coach on The Voice Australia in 2012, 2013, and 2017.

Early life and education

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel was born on 19 February 1963 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, to a Nigerian mother, Adebisi Ogundeji, and an Afro-Brazilian father, Francis Samuel. He was raised by a foster family in Westminster, London. He received a two-year diploma in architecture and had various jobs in the London area.

Career

Early career

In the 1980s, Seal spent a short time singing in local clubs and bars. In 1987, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Thailand, he joined a blues band for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. He returned to England, sleeping on the couch of friend Julian Bunster, then a model. He sometimes asked him, "Do I sing well?", to which he often received the response that he sang better than most current artists. Then he met the producer Adamski to whom Seal provided lyrics and vocals on Adamski's single "Killer".

Initial success: 1990s

"Killer" eventually reached number one in the UK. Seal subsequently signed to ZTT Records and released his self-titled début album (produced by Trevor Horn) in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "premix" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, producer Horn's "inability to let go".

Seal was positively received by critics. The singles "Crazy", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" performed well on the charts. In particular, "Crazy" became an international hit in 1991, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Seal stole the show at the 1992 Brit Awards held at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, with the first hat-trick of wins in the history of the event. He won in three categories: Best British Male, Best British Video ("Killer"), and Best British Album (Seal).

In 1992, Seal appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD Red Hot + Dance, contributing an exclusive track "Crazy (If I Was Trev Mix)". The album, featuring George Michael and Madonna among others, raised money and awareness in support of the AIDS epidemic by donating all proceeds to AIDS charities.

Jeff Beck and Seal performed a cover of "Manic Depression" for the 1993 album Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Seal also contributed vocals to a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" for the 2010 Herbie Hancock album, The Imagine Project along with P!nk, India.Arie, Jeff Beck, Konono Nº1, Oumou Sangaré and others.

After Seal regrouped with Trevor Horn, his second album, also self-titled, was released in 1994. A success, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" and "Newborn Friend", and later received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. "Prayer for the Dying" became a minor pop hit in the US, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. A third single, "Kiss from a Rose", performed modestly when released, but was later featured to much wider popularity when it was remixed for the soundtrack to Batman Forever. "Kiss from a Rose" won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1996, becoming Seal's best-performing single on the US market (it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in late August 1995) and hit number four in the UK.

In 1998, Seal released Human Being. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn, as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1997. The record was panned upon its release. It received gold record certification by the RIAA just two months after its release date. The album provided two singles – "Human Beings" and "Lost My Faith".

2000s

In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as Togetherland. After a protracted postproduction period, the album was cancelled. The official word was that Seal simply did not think it made the grade, although this conflicts with other reports, that said the album was turned down by the label because producers felt the album would not be commercially successful. Even so, one single was released from the album; "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on The Family Man soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has indicated that he has plans to excerpt cuts from Togetherland and make them available for streaming download. Meanwhile, Seal co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from Jakatta in 2002. He also recorded a successful duet with French singer Mylène Farmer called "Les Mots" during that same period. Also in 2002, Seal lent his vocals to the song "You Are My Kind", the fourth track on Santana's album Shaman.

In 2003, Seal released his fourth album Seal IV. Although it never achieved the sales figures of either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album include "Waiting for You", "Get It Together", and "Love's Divine"; the latter single was released in 2004 and was a big hit in several European countries.

In 2004, a greatest-hits album entitled Best 1991–2004 was released, including a cover of the Bacharach/David classic "Walk On By" and a cover of Echo & the Bunnymen's "Lips Like Sugar". An edition of the album was available that included an extra CD with acoustic versions of some of Seal's hits. Also in 2004, Seal performed shows at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. The show of 6 July 2004 was recorded and released about one year after as a CD/DVD package, simply titled Live in Paris.

In June 2005, Seal recorded a concert which was subsequently released in 2006, entitled One Night to Remember, as a CD/DVD combination. The DVD includes a "making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the Altes Kesselhaus ("old boiler house"), in Düsseldorf, Germany, this performance includes a version of Brahms' Lullaby which Seal sings in German and then in English. Unlike earlier recordings in which Seal is accompanied by his band, a full orchestra and choir of 52 musicians accompanies the singer.

Seal performing in 2008

System was released in the UK on 12 November 2007 and in the US on 13 November 2007. Seal describes the album as more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. On the track titled "Wedding Day", Seal sings a duet with his then-wife, model Heidi Klum. The album's first single, "Amazing", was released on 25 September 2007, and was nominated for the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy at the 2007 50th Annual Grammy Awards.

Seal performed "Amazing" and the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" at the 2007 Royal Variety Performance. Seal also performed "Amazing" at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in December, as well as the duet "Wedding Day" with his wife. Other performers at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show include the Spice Girls and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. He appeared on the American Idol season-seven finale, singing with third-place contestant Syesha Mercado.

Seal's sixth studio album, Soul, was released on 3 November 2008 internationally and on 11 November 2008 in the US. It contains 11 soul classics produced by David Foster. The first single was a cover of Sam Cooke's song "A Change Is Gonna Come".

On 14 March 2009, Seal performed a song from the album and coached the participants on the "Top 9-Show" of the sixth season of the German TV show Deutschland sucht den Superstar (German Idol). On 4 December 2009, Hits, a compilation album, was released. It contains two new tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".

2010s

Seal in 2011

Seal's seventh studio album, Seal 6: Commitment was released on 20 September 2010 internationally and 28 September 2010 in the US. The first single "Secret" was released 10 August 2010 on iTunes in the US and in the UK on 13 September 2010. This album was said to be inspired by his wife, Heidi. On 7 November 2011, Seal released his second cover album of classic soul songs, Soul 2 through Reprise Records.

Performance in Chechnya, 2011

In October 2011, Seal came under criticism from human-rights groups for appearing at an event in Grozny, Chechnya, that turned into a birthday celebration for Ramzan Kadyrov, the President of Chechnya. Also appearing at the event were the actress Hilary Swank, actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, and violinist Vanessa-Mae. The New York–based Human Rights Foundation claims that it sent letters to invitees in advance of the event noting Kadyrov's record and asking them to decline the invitations. Human Rights Watch sent an enquiry to Seal regarding his performance at the event and released a statement about the incident that said:

Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a litany of horrific human rights abuses. It's inappropriate for stars to get paid to party with him. It bolsters his image and legitimizes a brutal leader and his regime. And getting paid to be part of such a lavish show in Chechnya trivialises the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses there.

Seal refused to apologise for appearing at the event, sending a message from his Twitter account telling people to "leave me out of your politics". Seal was reported to have made $500,000 for singing at the party.

2012–2017

In 2012, Seal was one of the four vocal coaches in the first season of the Australian version of the reality singing competition The Voice. He was the coach of the series winner Karise Eden. Seal returned to The Voice season two, which debuted on 7 April 2013, where he became the winning coach once again, coaching eventual winner Harrison Craig. He did not return for the third season in 2014 with the Nine Network stating that Seal "will take a break from the third season of The Voice to focus on music and material for a new album." Channel NINE announced on 8 November 2016 that Seal would be returning alongside Delta Goodrem to The Voice as a coach in 2017, replacing Jessie J after a three-year hiatus.

On 15 November 2014, Seal joined the charity group Band Aid 30 along with other British and Irish pop acts, recording the latest version of the track "Do They Know It's Christmas?" at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, to raise money for the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa. Seal was cast as Pontius Pilate in Tyler Perry's musical rendition of The Passion, which aired on Fox on 20 March 2016.

Seal began work on a new album, initially entitled Let Yourself, produced again by Horn. In February 2015, Horn said the album was nearly finished. Seal later re-signed to Perfect Songs and had a two-week writing period in Horn's Los Angeles studio booked for October 2012. Stewart Copeland (formerly of the Police) said that month on his Twitter feed that Trevor Horn and Lol Crème were working with Seal on a project. In April 2013, Seal said on Twitter that the new album would be released in about June (which did not eventuate), and that tracks to be included were "Let Yourself", "Do You Ever", and "Laying with an Angel". The album was later retitled Beautifully Scarred. On 10 September 2015, Seal announced that the album, now named 7, would be released on 6 November 2015.

Seal released the album Standards in November 2017. The album was produced by classical crossover composer Nick Patrick. It received a nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 2018 Annual Grammy Awards.

2020s

Seal announced a North American tour for 2023 with Trevor Horn as the musical director. He released "Kiss from a Rose (2023)" digitally on 12 February 2023.

In 2022, he launched his own limited-edition camera with Leica, a Q2 camera called Dawn, which is limited to 500 cameras.

Personal life

The prominent scarring on Seal's face is the result of a type of lupus called discoid lupus erythematosus, which affects the skin and leaves large scars.

Seal's brother, Jeymes Samuel, better known as the Bullitts, is also a singer-songwriter.

Seal first began dating German model Heidi Klum in February 2004, shortly after she announced her pregnancy and the end of her relationship with Italian Formula One team manager Flavio Briatore. Seal proposed to Klum on 23 December 2004 in a quinzee he had built on a glacier in Whistler, British Columbia. On 10 May 2005, the couple married on a beach in Mexico near Seal's home on Costa Careyes. Every year during their marriage, Seal and Klum renewed their vows on their anniversary with close friends and family. About these renewals, Seal said in 2010, "Each year, Heidi and I get remarried. It's a great party, but for about an hour, we go off on our own down to a private beach. We sit there with the kids and read vows to each other as the sun sets. It's a very special moment to us." In November 2009, Klum officially adopted Seal's surname and became legally known as Heidi Samuel.

On 11 June 2009, Seal, on tour with his new album Soul, revealed, "It is nice to be in newspapers and magazines for something other than my marriage". He said his marriage to Klum may take away the attention, but does not detract from what he loves doing: making music. In February 2011, Klum praised Seal for his good parenting skills, saying, "When I first met Seal he had a kindness and compassion that was so sincere I knew he'd be a good father... He has infinite amounts of love and patience for our kids... He puts me and the children first". Klum also remarked how lucky she was to have a husband like Seal.

Klum gave birth to Briatore's daughter in May 2004 in New York City with Seal at her side. According to Klum, Briatore is not involved in fathering duties, and Klum has stated emphatically that Seal is Leni's father. Seal is her only father figure and he has praised Briatore for keeping his distance. In late 2009, Seal officially adopted Klum's daughter, and her last name was changed to Samuel. The couple have three other children: two sons Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel (born September 2005) and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (born November 2006); and a daughter named Lou born in October 2009.

On 22 January 2012, Seal and Klum announced that they were separating after nearly seven years of marriage. Klum filed for divorce from Seal on 6 April 2012. Their divorce was finalised on 14 October 2014.

Charity work

In April 1992, Seal performed with the surviving members of Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at London's Wembley Stadium five months after Mercury's death. Seal sang the 1986 Queen hit "Who Wants to Live Forever" and joined the rest of the acts for the all-star finale singing "We Are the Champions". Thomas Curtis-Horsfall of Smooth Radio stated Seal's performance of "Who Wants to Live Forever" was "one of the standout moments" from the concert, adding "his spine-tingling rendition of the Queen classic had everyone in the arena close to tears."

On 10 March 2012, Seal shared the stage with Kanye West, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and Snoop Dogg at Brad Pitt's Night to Make It Right Foundation New Orleans after-party, hosted by comedian Aziz Ansari. The charity event, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, raised money to build homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Other work

  • He performed in 2003 the song "Mona Lisa" for the film Mona Lisa Smile.
  • Seal and his then-wife Heidi Klum announced in June 2010 that they would be making a reality series on Lifetime titled Love's Divine (after Seal's song of the same name).
  • Seal was also a judge for the 10th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists careers.
  • In 2016, Seal portrayed himself in the mockumentary film Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. In this film, Seal claims that his facial scars were the results of an encounter with wolves.
  • In 2017, Seal was a guest judge for season 12 of America's Got Talent. He pushed the Golden Buzzer for singer Johnny Manuel.
  • Seal competed on the second season of The Masked Singer as "Leopard". He finished in fourth place.
  • Seal collaborated with Claptone on the song "Just A Ghost," released in 2021.
  • Seal guest-starred in the 2021 animated film Seal Team where he voices a singing cape fur seal named Seal Seal.
  • On 29 April 2022, Seal appeared as a masked international star on the 3rd season of the Masked Singer France, performing "With or Without You" by U2 while dressed as a cowboy.
  • Seal appeared in the 2022 film Me Time, where he performed at a party with the film's main character Sonny.

Discography

Main article: Seal discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

Award Year Nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
APRA Music Awards 1996 "Kiss from a Rose" Most Performed Foreign Work Won
BMI London Awards 2021 6 Million Award Won
BMI Pop Awards 1993 "Crazy" Award-Winning Songs Won
1996 "Kiss from a Rose" Won
"Prayer for the Dying" Won
2005 "Love's Divine" Won
Billboard Music Video Award 1995 "Kiss from a Rose" Best Pop/Rock Video of the Year Nominated
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards 1995 Himself Favorite Pop Artist - Male Nominated
Brit Awards 1991 "Killer" (with Adamski) British Single of the Year Nominated
"Crazy" Nominated
1992 Himself British Breakthrough Act Nominated
British Male Solo Artist Won
Seal British Album of the Year Won
"Killer" (solo version) British Video of the Year Won
1995 "Prayer for the Dying" Nominated
Himself British Male Solo Artist Nominated
Cash Box Year-End Awards 1994 "Prayer for the Dying" Top Pop Single Nominated
1995 "Kiss from a Rose" Won
Himself Pop Singles: Top Male Artist Nominated
Pop Albums: Top Pop/Rock Male Artist Nominated
Grammy Awards 1992 Himself Best New Artist Nominated
"Crazy" Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Nominated
1995 "Prayer for the Dying" Nominated
Seal Album of the Year Nominated
Best Pop Vocal Album Nominated
1996 "Kiss from a Rose" Record of the Year Won
Song of the Year Won
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Won
1998 "Fly Like an Eagle" Nominated
2005 "Love's Divine" Nominated
2006 "Walk On By" Nominated
2008 "Amazing" Nominated
2010 "If You Don't Know Me by Now" Nominated
2011 "Imagine" Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals Won
2019 Standards Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Nominated
Hungarian Music Awards 2008 System Best Foreign Pop Album Nominated
2009 Soul Nominated
Ivor Novello Awards 1991 "Killer" (with Adamski) Most Performed Work Nominated
The Best Selling 'A' Side Nominated
Best Contemporary Song Won
1992 "Crazy" Won
International Hit of the Year Won
1996 "Kiss from a Rose" Won
Best Song Included in a Film Nominated
Žebřík Music Awards 2004 Himself Best International Male Nominated
2005 Nominated
2007 Nominated
"Amazing" Best International Song Nominated
2008 Himself Best International Male Nominated
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2020)

See also

References

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External links

Seal
Discography
Studio albums
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Compilations
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Awards for Seal
Brit Award for British Album of the Year
1977–2000
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Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist
Grammy Award for Record of the Year
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Grammy Award for Song of the Year
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