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Hadise Açıkgöz (born 21 October 1985)[2] is a Belgian-born Turkish singer, songwriter, dancer and television personality. Born and raised in Belgium, her family is of Lezgin-Kumyk origin who settled in 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 Golden Butterfly Award (Turkey).[2] Hadise established and maintained a successful career in both Belgium and Turkey with the release of her self-titled album Hadise (2008). The album, which includes English and Turkish songs, features the single "Deli Oğlan" that became a number-one hit in Turkey.

Key Information

In 2009, Hadise represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Düm Tek Tek".[3] The song gained a total of 177 points, placing Turkey fourth in the final round of the competition.[4] "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 Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? (2011), Tavsiye (2014) and Şampiyon (2017).

Aside from her musical accomplishments Hadise also presented the Belgian version of The X Factor[5] and has been a judge on O Ses Türkiye (Turkish version of The Voice) since 2011.[6]

Early life

[edit]

Hadise Açıkgöz was born in the town of Mol, located near the city of Antwerp, on 21 October 1985.[2][7][8] Her name was chosen by one of her grandparents,[2] having originally been intended for her older sister. Hadise's parents emigrated to Belgium from Sivas, Turkey.[9] Her mother, Gülnihal, is Kumyk and her father, Hasan Açıkgöz, is Lezgin.[10] She grew up with her older sister, Hülya, a younger sister Derya and also a younger brother named Murat.[2] Hadise was 11 years old when her parents divorced.[10]

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.[11][12] 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.[13][14]

Music career

[edit]

2004–08: Sweat and Hadise

[edit]
Hadise performing in Antwerp, August 2006

After signing to 2 Brain records, Hadise recorded her debut single "Sweat", which was released in November 2004. Although a music video wasn't shot for the single, the song managed to peak at No. 19 on the Ultratop 50 singles chart.[15] She later released the single "Stir Me Up" which gained popularity in both Belgium and especially Turkey, where the song became a huge hit in the summer of 2006.[12][13] Hadise then released her single "Milk Chocolate Girl", the biggest hit from her debut album, which peaked at No. 13 on the Ultratop 50.[16] A year after releasing her debut single, in November 2005, her first studio album Sweat was released with about half of the songs being written by Hadise herself.[2] The album notably included the singles "Ain't No Love Lost" and "Bad Boy". "Bad Boy" peaked at No. 22 on the Ultratop.[16]

Hadise performing in Ghent, Belgium, in November 2006

The self-titled album, was originally intended to be named On High Heels, referring to the fact that she had grown enormously in her professional career and knowledge. Hadise began to work on her second studio album in December 2007. The album was recorded in several countries, including Belgium, France, Turkey and Italy. The lead single, "A Good Kiss", was released in September 2007.[17] This became her sixth consecutive single to chart on the Belgian "Ultratop 50".[18] The song was also successful in Turkey, where it became her first single to chart on the "Turkish Billboard Chart". The song was later translated into Turkish by Sezen Aksu as "Deli Oğlan", and it became one of the most played songs in clubs in the summer of 2008.[19] In Turkish, subsequently the single managed to peak at 3 on the Turkish Charts. Due to leaked images of Hadise being affectionate with a male model, the music video "Deli Oğlan" generated controversy amongst those who considered the images to be 'racy' or 'erotic'.[20] Hadise later removed these scenes from the video.

Hadise released two more singles in Belgium "My Body", which was her best-selling single in Belgium (until the release of "Düm Tek Tek") and "My Man and the Devil on His Shoulder", her first single to not chart on the Ultratop 50 chart. Also the song "My Body" became popular in the Balkan countries and started airing at the Bulgarian Balkanika TV's playlist.[21]

Hadise, which was released in June 2008, has become the most successful album of Hadise's career so far, as it was the first album to enter the Belgium Album chart, at 19. It was the first album of Hadise to be released onto iTunes.[22] She co-wrote ten of the album's songs with Yves Gaillard.

In June 2008, Hadise appeared on Serdar Ortaç's album Nefes on a track called "Düşman". In July 2008, Hadise revealed that she had met Kevin Federline during her trip to the United States and told the media that he had produced some music for her to use on a future album. A new video had surfaced of Hadise telling Belgian viewers that her future album would include urban beats along with some of the producers and choreographers had worked with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, and many more artists that are big in the game.[23] In August 2008, she was nominated as the Best Turkish Act on MTV Europe Music Awards but lost to Emre Aydın.[24]

2009–10: Eurovision Song Contest, Fast Life and Kahraman

[edit]
Hadise at a press conference for Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow

In 2007, Hadise stated that she would never take part in the Eurovision Song Contest after her best friend Kate Ryan, who represented Belgium, failed to qualify for the final round of the contest.[25] A year later in 2008, Hadise expressed her desire to participate in the contest representing Turkey instead of Belgium. She was asked twice by the Belgian broadcasters to represent Belgium but each time she refused the offer.[26] She told Belgian newspapers she wanted to represent Turkey instead of Belgium because she had already won many Belgian awards and also because the Eurovision Song Contest wasn't popular in Belgium anymore, whereas it was in Turkey.[27] She also said that she preferred to represent Turkey as it was an internal selection rather than a public voting.

The rumors of Hadise's participation at Eurovision on behalf of Turkey first surfaced in 2007.[28] On 24 October 2008, İbrahim Şahin, the general manager of Turkish broadcaster TRT, announced that Hadise had won an official poll beating out the likes of Şebnem Ferah to represent Turkey as the 2009 participant at the 54th Eurovision Song Contest.[2][29]

It was revealed that Hadise had complete control over the production of the song and was in charge of deciding the lyricist, composer, producer and the language of the song.[26] It was later revealed by the Turkish newspaper Sabah, that Hadise had presented three songs to TRT, who then chose the entry internally.[30] On 31 December 2008, Hadise performed the song "Düm Tek Tek" for the first time on TRT.[31] The song, which was the final choice for the competition, was written by Stefan Fernande and produced by Sinan Akçıl.[31] The official music video for "Düm Tek Tek" was later leaked online. For promoting the song she traveled to countries such as Greece, Malta, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria. Meanwhile, she was dealing with some health issues. On 16 May 2009, Hadise performed "Düm Tek Tek" in the Russian capital, Moscow, and received points from Azerbaijan, Belgium, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Macedonia. With 177 points in total, Turkey earned the fourth place behind Norway, Iceland and Azerbaijan.[32][33]

Hadise then began working on her third studio album, titled Fast Life,[34] which she first revealed on her official MySpace page, during her preparation for the Eurovision Song Contest. The album was released on 15 May 2009, a day prior to the Eurovision final. This was the first album from her to contain all English tracks. It featured her Eurovision entry "Düm Tek Tek" along with the two other songs she penned to TRT to enter the Eurovision Song Contest with. These were "Double Life" and "Supernatural Love". "Düm Tek Tek" became Hadise's first number one single in Belgium. The album became number 1 on Indonesia Music Lists and ranked at number 16 on Belgium Music Lists.[16][35] She then released the single "Fast Life", which she stated was based on her lifestyle during her Eurovision experience. The single was released on 15 June 2009 along with a music video, and won an award as the Best Turkish Song at Balkan Music Awards.[36]

Hadise (center) performing an autobiographical song during a concert in Mechelen, August 2009

Just over a month after the release of Fast Life, Hadise officially released her first Turkish-language album, called Kahraman, on 19 June 2009. She again collaborated with producer Sinan Akçıl, the producer of her Eurovision entry song "Düm Tek Tek" Volga Tamöz and Erdem Kınay also helped working on some tracks. Hadise described the album as a personal piece.[37] Like her album Fast Life, this album also features Hadise's Eurovision entry "Düm Tek Tek", along with the other two possible songs, "Double Life" and "Supernatural Love", which were presented to TRT. The tracks "Sirada" and "Kahraman" are the Turkish translation of Hadise's songs, from her album Fast Life, "On Top" and "Hero" respectively. "Evlenmeliyiz" (Turkish for "We Should Get Married") was released as the lead single in July 2009, and reached the top 40 in Turkey. It was the second Turkish single from Hadise to have a music video. It was directed by Emir Khalilzadeh.[38] A music video for the single "Kahraman" was also directed by Şenol Korkmaz and released as the second music video of the album. According to the statistical results announced at the end of 2009, Hadise was the most popular celebrity of the year.[39]

2011–13: Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?

[edit]
Hadise performing on stage in 2011

After her successful tour, Hadise began working on her second Turkish album, Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?. The album was produced by Seyhan Müzik and released on 11 April 2011. It quickly became a huge success and sold more than 35,000 copies in Turkey.[40] The preparation of the album took more time than expected due to Hadise's breakup with her producer and boyfriend Sinan Akçıl, who was supposed to be a songwriter for this album.[41] As a dance-pop album, Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? received mixed reviews from critics with some finding it too ordinary and the others praising it for its high standards in the Turkish pop music category.[42][43] The lead single, "Superman", quickly began gaining airplay in Turkey and ranked number 5 on Türkçe Top 20 and eventually became the eighth most-downloaded song of the year.[44][45] The two following songs, "Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?" and "Mesajımı Almıştır O", were also released with separate music videos respectively. After the release of the album, Hadise was chosen as the main performer at the 38th Golden Butterfly Awards.[46]

On 11 June 2012, Hadise released a single titled "Biz Burdayız". Besides the official version, a remix version of "Biz Burdayız" was also released, featuring English vocals by rapper Kaan. She subsequently released another single titled "Visal", which is in dubstep genre.

2014–present: Tavsiye and Şampiyon

[edit]

In January 2014, Hadise stated that her older sibling, Hülya Açıkgöz, would be directing her upcoming and subsequent music videos.[47] Her sixth studio album, Tavsiye (English: Advice), was produced by Pasaj Müzik and released in August 2014. The album eventually sold 16,000 copies in Turkey.[48] When questioned about the title of the album Hadise said that she had a song with the same title and she felt that the collection of songs on the album contained advice for women, hence she chose this title.[49] The debut single from the album was confirmed to be "Nerdesin Aşkım". The music and lyrics were provided by Alper Narman and Onur Özdemir, the arrangement was done by İskender Paydaş, and Hülya Açıkgöz directed the music video.[50] The second single from Tavsiye was "Prenses".[51] This music video was also directed by Hülya Açıkgöz.[52] Music videos for the songs "Yaz Günü" and "Bu Aralar" were released in 2015 and 2016 respectively. "Nerdesin Aşkım?" and "Bu Aralar" were the two songs from this album that became number-one hits in Turkey.[53][54]

Hadise's seventh studio album, Şampiyon (English: Champion), was released in June 2017. A music video for the album's lead single, which shares the same name as the album itself, was released on the same day and the song itself ranked second on the MusicTopTR Fastest Rising Chart in Turkey.[55] The song "Sıfır Tolerans" rose to the first position on the MusicTopTR Official Chart.[56] Its music video was later described as erotic by the Radio and Television Supreme Council and, as a result, the channels that had broadcast it were fined.[57] Hadise, who described this decision as an act of patriarchy and sexism, commented on the issue by saying: "Our male artists have had numerous scenes with actresses/models and they do not fall into the category of 'erotic' at all. As a woman, do I have to submit to this? No. 'He's a man so he does whatever he likes, she's a woman so she stays quiet' I will fight with this mindset until the end".[58] Two more music videos from the album were released for the songs "Farkımız Var" and "Aşk Dediğin", the first of which ranked sixth on Turkey's official music chart.[59][60]

Hadise, who became the face of Fanta's commercials in Turkey in 2019,[61] released a single produced by the company in August 2019. The song, titled "Geliyorum Yanına", was written and composed by Gülşen.[62] Its music video, which took 32 hours to shoot, was first shown to the public during Hadise's concert at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre on 10 August 2019.[63]

In September 2020, her new single "Küçük Bir Yol" was released by Pasaj Müzik. In February 2021, she released her second EP, titled Aşka Kapandım.[64] The EP's lead single, "Olsun", was written and composed by Yıldız Tilbe and Devrim Karaoğlu and its music video was directed by Şenol Korkmaz. In June 2021, Hadise released the single "Hay Hay", which was written and composed by Ersay Üner. The song's music video was inspired by the death of Evelyn McHale, who committed suicide by jumping from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building.[65]

Television career

[edit]

In 2006, Hadise presented Popstar Türkiye (Turkish version of Popstars).[66] 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 the Belgian X Factor on VTM.[67] 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 been working as one of the judges on the singing competition show O Ses Türkiye (Turkish version of The Voice).[68]

Other ventures

[edit]

Products and endorsements

[edit]

In 2009, it was announced that Hadise signed a deal with Yedigün, a Turkish Soda company for a promotional deal, which includes her featuring in TV commercials, on Billboards and taking part in a summer tour.[69]

In October 2021, Hadise launched her own clothing brand called Kert, the products of which were put on sale on GittiGidiyor.[70]

Philanthropy

[edit]

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 clothes" and even "because of her origin".[71] 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.[72]

Acting

[edit]

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.[73]

Personal life

[edit]

Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on 30 April 2022 at Çırağan Palace.[74][75] She filed for divorce on 15 September 2022,[76] which was finalized on 30 September 2022.[77]

More than 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Hadise, signed an open letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) calling for Israel to be banned from the contest due to the Gaza war.[78]

Discography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Idool 2003 Herself
2004 Idool 2004 Herself
2006 Het swingpaleis Herself
2006 De show van het jaar 2006 Herself
2006, 2008 Zo is er maar één Herself Two episodes
2006 Avrupa Yakası Herself
2009 Wij van België Herself
2009 Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Herself
2010 Zonde van de zendtijd Herself
2011–2020 O Ses Türkiye Herself As coach
2014–2016 O Ses Çocuklar Herself As coach
2015 Survivor All Star Herself
2018 Survivor 2018 Herself
2018 Jet Sosyete Herself Episode 20
2020 Survivor 2020 Herself Episode 44 and 86
2021 O Ses Türkiye Rap Herself As coach
2024 Esas Oğlan Ceren

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hadise Açıkgöz (born 22 October 1985) is a Belgian-born Turkish singer, songwriter, dancer, and television personality of Turkish descent.[1][2] Born in Mol, Belgium, to Turkish parents who immigrated from Sivas, she grew up in a multicultural environment that influenced her fusion of Western pop and Eastern musical elements.[1][2] Hadise first gained prominence in 2003 by participating in the Belgian talent competition Idool, which launched her recording career with debut album Sweat in 2005, featuring hits like "Stir Me Up".[2] Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with the upbeat dance track "Düm Tek Tek", earning 177 points and securing fourth place in the final, Turkey's best result since 2003.[2][3] Subsequently, she has released multiple albums achieving commercial success in Turkey and Belgium, hosted television programs including X Factor Turkey, and performed internationally, blending pop, R&B, and belly dance choreography in her stage shows. In recent years, Hadise has faced scrutiny amid a 2025 Turkish investigation into alleged celebrity drug use, during which she was briefly detained but released after testing negative and denying involvement.[4][5]

Early life and background

Family origins and childhood

Hadise Açıkgöz was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to Turkish immigrant parents Hasan and Gülnihal Açıkgöz, who had emigrated from Sivas province in Turkey.[6][7] Her father is of Lezgin ethnic descent, a Turkic group originating from the North Caucasus region, while her mother traces her ancestry to the Kumyk people, another Turkic ethnic group from Dagestan; both lineages had settled in Sivas prior to the family's migration to Belgium for economic opportunities.[7] As the second of four children in a working-class household, Hadise grew up alongside her older sister Hülya, younger sister Derya, and younger brother Murat in the Flemish town of Mol, near Antwerp.[6][1] The family maintained strong ties to their Turkish heritage, fostering a bilingual environment where Dutch and Turkish were spoken, amid Belgium's multicultural immigrant communities.[6] During her childhood, Hadise experienced the dual influences of Belgian daily life and Turkish cultural traditions upheld at home, including exposure to Turkish folk music through family gatherings, which contrasted with the Western pop prevalent in her local surroundings.[7] This setting contributed to her early bilingual proficiency and a foundational sense of navigating identities between her parents' Anatolian roots and her birthplace's European context.[6]

Education and early musical influences

Hadise was born and raised in Mol, Belgium, attending local primary and secondary schools in the Flemish region. Following her parents' divorce when she was 11 years old, she balanced part-time work to support her family with continued education. She ultimately earned a degree in marketing from a Belgian university while pursuing her ambitions in the entertainment industry.[1] [8] In parallel, Hadise studied economics and modern languages, achieving fluency in five tongues: Turkish and Dutch as her native languages, alongside French, German, and English.[6] [9] Her early musical development was largely self-directed during her teenage years, shaped by immersion in contemporary pop music amid Belgium's multicultural environment. Hadise has identified key influences including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, and Prince, whose styles informed her blend of vocal performance, dance, and songwriting.[6] She has also cited Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey as formative artists, reflecting an affinity for dynamic, empowerment-themed pop and R&B.[9] Around age 16, Hadise resolved to professionalize her musical pursuits, prioritizing it alongside her studies despite familial and economic pressures. This decision drew from her Turkish heritage—maintained through family emphasis on cultural preservation—and exposure to Belgium's diverse local scenes, where immigrant communities fused Eastern and Western sounds. Her foundational skills in singing and choreography emerged from practicing covers and informal performances, setting the stage for later opportunities without formal music conservatory training.[1] [10]

Music career

Debut and breakthrough (2004–2008)

Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and released her debut single "Sweat" on November 1, 2004, which peaked at number 19 on the Belgian Ultratop chart despite lacking a music video.[1] The track, produced by Yves Gaillard, marked her entry into the Benelux music scene with R&B and pop influences.[11] Following this, she issued her self-titled debut album Sweat in November 2005, featuring singles like "Stir Me Up" (peaking at number 22 on Ultratop) and "Milk Chocolate Girl" (reaching number 13), the latter becoming her highest-charting release at the time in Belgium.[1] The album achieved moderate success, entering the Turkish charts at number 15 and earning her a TMF Award in Belgium along with a Golden Butterfly Award in Turkey.[12] These milestones highlighted her commercial appeal in both markets, blending vocal performance with dance elements.[1] Building on this foundation, Hadise's second self-titled album arrived in June 2008, incorporating bilingual elements with two Turkish-language tracks amid predominantly English content, signaling a targeted expansion into the Turkish audience.[1] Key singles included "A Good Kiss," released in September 2007 and filmed in Istanbul for broader regional resonance, followed by "My Body" in February 2008, which climbed to number 8 on the Belgian Ultratop 50.[1] Co-written tracks with Gaillard underscored her growing songwriting involvement, while live outings, such as her inaugural Turkish concert at Club Loop in İzmir in 2006 and subsequent TV appearances, solidified her reputation as a dynamic performer combining singing and choreography.[1] This period established her dual-market viability, prioritizing accessible pop hooks and stage presence over specialized critical reception.[13]

Eurovision participation and peak fame (2009–2010)

Hadise was internally selected by the Turkish public broadcaster TRT in late 2008 to represent Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, performing the uptempo pop song "Düm Tek Tek", co-written by herself alongside Sinan Akçıl and Stefan Fernande.[14] The track, blending Turkish and English lyrics with rhythmic beats, qualified from the first semi-final on May 12, where it placed second, before achieving fourth position in the grand final on May 16 with 177 points—Turkey's highest finish since 2003.[14] Her staging emphasized dynamic choreography, including belly dance-inspired moves executed with five backing dancers on elevated platforms, and pyrotechnic effects, which drew praise for visual innovation amid the contest's diverse entries.[15] The performance faced contemporaneous scrutiny in Turkish media over its perceived erotic elements, including Hadise's form-fitting costume and sensual dance routines, prompting complaints from TRT officials about "nudity" in promotional materials and debates on cultural appropriateness.[16] Additionally, Hadise contracted laryngitis during Moscow rehearsals, leading to a hoarse vocal delivery and reports of breathlessness on stage, though she proceeded after receiving medical injections to manage symptoms, later attributing her perseverance to professional commitment.[17] Despite these challenges, the exposure elevated her profile, securing top rankings on Turkish charts and expanded bookings in regional media circuits. Capitalizing on the Eurovision momentum, Hadise released her third studio album Fast Life in October 2009, featuring English-language tracks like the title song and an international version of "Düm Tek Tek", which broadened her appeal beyond Turkey.[18] Concurrently, her Turkish single "Kahraman" from the June 2009 album of the same name—marking her first full Turkish-language project—reinforced domestic popularity, with the record peaking prominently and contributing to sold-out concerts and heightened television appearances in Turkey through 2010.[19] This period marked her zenith of fame, transitioning her from niche pop artist to mainstream icon in Turkish entertainment, evidenced by award nominations and a surge in endorsement deals.[20]

Mid-career albums and transitions (2011–2015)

Hadise's fifth studio album, Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?, released on April 14, 2011, by Seyhan Müzik, featured nine tracks blending romantic pop with Turkish musical elements, such as traditional instruments in the lead single "Superman."[1] "Superman" topped Turkey's music charts, underscoring the album's appeal in the domestic market.[1] Promotion efforts included an extensive concert tour, during which Hadise set a record for the most performances by any Turkish singer in 2011, demonstrating sustained fan engagement amid a shift toward Turkish-language content and collaborations.[1] The album sold over 35,000 copies in Turkey by year's end, reflecting commercial viability in a saturated pop landscape despite broader European momentum waning post-Eurovision.[21] This period highlighted Hadise's strategic pivot to prioritize the Turkish audience, with lyrics and production emphasizing romantic themes and cultural resonance to counter market challenges like intensifying competition from local acts.[1] Her June 2011 performance at the Golden Butterfly Awards, featuring album tracks, amassed over 30 million YouTube views, establishing a viewership benchmark for Turkish music events.[1] By extending this focus into 2012 with continued high-volume concerts, Hadise maintained visibility without major international releases, adapting to preferences for native-language pop over multilingual efforts.[1] After a three-year hiatus, Hadise returned with her sixth studio album Tavsiye on August 4, 2014, via Pasaj Müzik, comprising 11 tracks in Europop and ballad styles that promoted themes of embracing life fully.[1][22] Standout singles "Nerdesin Aşkım" and "Prenses" achieved significant airplay and chart presence in Turkey, reinforcing her dominance in Turkish-language romantic pop.[1] This release sustained her career trajectory by leveraging established domestic fanbase loyalty, even as global pop trends evolved toward digital streaming and diverse genres, prompting further refinements in her stylistic approach for subsequent works.[1]

Recent releases and ongoing activity (2016–present)

Hadise released her seventh studio album, Şampiyon, on June 30, 2017, through Pasaj Müzik, featuring nine tracks including "Farkımız Var," "Telefon Rehberi," and "Sıfır Tolerans."[23][24] The album emphasized pop styles with production by various Turkish collaborators.[25] In 2020, she issued the single "Küçük Bir Yol" on September 3, produced by Devrim Karaoğlu, which garnered significant streaming attention.[26][27] This ballad marked her adaptation to digital platforms, accumulating over 147 million YouTube views by 2025.[28] Followed by the EP Aşka Kapandım in February 2021, her output shifted toward shorter formats amid the streaming era.[29] Hadise maintained activity through collaborations and solo releases, with tracks like "Sıfır Tolerans" from Şampiyon sustaining weekly Spotify streams exceeding 240,000 as of recent metrics.[30] Her total Spotify streams surpassed 989 million by October 2025, reflecting audience engagement in Turkey and Europe.[31] Live performances continued, with 21 documented concerts in 2025, primarily in Istanbul and select European cities like Amsterdam and London.[32] This touring sustained her presence without major album cycles, prioritizing empirical output via digital metrics and regional shows over traditional physical sales.[33]

Television and media career

Judging and hosting roles

Hadise entered television hosting with Popstar Türkiye, the Turkish edition of the international Popstars talent competition, in 2006, where she served as a presenter for a program that drew an estimated twenty million viewers per week.[34] She transitioned to judging in 2011 by joining the panel of O Ses Türkiye, the Turkish adaptation of The Voice, initially announced as a return to screens following her album promotion, and has continued as a coach across multiple seasons, utilizing her experience as a recording artist to evaluate vocal performances and offer constructive critiques to emerging talents.[35][1][36] Hadise also hosted the second season of X Factor Turkey, further establishing her presence in talent scouting formats. Her multilingual background, including fluency in Turkish and proficiency in other languages from her Belgian upbringing, enabled her to connect with contestants and audiences spanning Turkey and its diaspora communities in these roles.[3] In addition to judging duties, she presented her own variety show Hadise ile Sahne, blending performance segments with interviews, which highlighted her on-screen charisma developed through prior music and hosting endeavors.[37] Hadise later appeared as a judge on The Voice Turkey Rap from 2021 to 2023, focusing on hip-hop and urban music aspirants and adapting her expertise to genre-specific coaching.[38]

Notable programs and incidents

Hadise served as a coach on O Ses Türkiye (The Voice Turkey), participating in blind auditions and mentoring contestants through live shows starting from the program's debut season in 2011.[36] Her involvement included competitive team selections during blind auditions, where coaches turned chairs based on vocal performances, and subsequent live elimination rounds that drew significant viewership as one of Turkey's top-rated reality shows.[39] In October 2011, during an early episode of O Ses Türkiye, Hadise engaged in a heated tirade directed at contestant Sedat, delivering harsh feedback that sparked widespread controversy among viewers and fan communities.[40] The outburst, described by OGAE Turkey as scandalous, involved pointed criticism of the contestant's performance and attitude, leading to a public storm of reactions criticizing her approach as overly aggressive.[40] No formal repercussions were reported from the incident, but it highlighted tensions in the high-stakes judging format and contributed to discussions on coach conduct in the nascent Turkish adaptation of the franchise. Hadise's appearances on variety and talent segments within Turkish television, such as guest spots and judging cameos beyond core coaching duties, were linked to elevated episode engagement, though specific viewership metrics directly attributing boosts to her presence remain anecdotal amid the show's overall dominance in ratings.[39] Her multilingual background and prior Eurovision exposure aided in broadening O Ses Türkiye's appeal, with episodes featuring international-style performances garnering cross-border interest, evidenced by fan discussions in Eurovision circles.[41]

Other professional ventures

Endorsements and business activities

Hadise signed a promotional deal with Yedigün, a Turkish soda company, in 2009, which included appearances in multiple television commercials promoting the brand's products.[42][43] She has also endorsed fashion brands, including H&M alongside other celebrities like David Beckham and Tarkan.[44] In October 2021, Hadise launched her own clothing line, Kert, targeting women's apparel such as dresses and tops, with products sold exclusively online via GittiGidiyor, an e-commerce platform later integrated into eBay Turkey.[45] The brand emphasized accessible fashion, utilizing interactive tools like style quizzes to match items to customer preferences.[45] These endorsements and entrepreneurial efforts have supplemented her income from music and media, contributing to public estimates of her net worth at around $2 million as of recent reports.[46]

Philanthropy and social causes

In July 2022, UNICEF Türkiye appointed Hadise as a Child Rights Advocate, tasking her with raising public awareness to combat child labour and violence against children in the country.[47] This role leverages her public profile to advocate for children's protections, though specific measurable impacts such as reduced incidence rates or participant engagement numbers from her campaigns remain undocumented in available reports. In March 2023, Hadise contributed vocals to the charity single "People Help the People," recorded by over 30 Flemish artists including Axelle Red and Bart Peeters, with proceeds directed toward relief efforts for victims of the February 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes.[48] The initiative aimed to provide humanitarian aid amid the disaster that killed over 50,000 people and displaced millions, aligning with broader celebrity-driven fundraising responses.

Acting and additional media work

Hadise's forays into acting have been sporadic and primarily confined to television guest appearances and a single lead role, reflecting a secondary priority to her music career. In 2018, she made a guest appearance in one episode of the Turkish comedy series Jet Sosyete, portraying a minor character amid the show's ensemble cast focused on affluent urban life.[3] This brief role marked her initial credited acting credit, though it garnered no notable critical attention or expansion into further scripted work at the time. Prior to this, Hadise reportedly declined two film offers, including a lead part in a Turkish production centered on two sisters, citing a preference for established paths over unproven cinematic ventures.[3][42] Her most substantial acting endeavor came in 2024 with the lead role of Ceren, an incurable romantic and risk analyst, in the Turkish series Esas Oğlan, co-starring Seda Bakan and Sükrü Özyıldız. The series, which follows two women navigating contrasting personalities and romantic struggles to find ideal partners, premiered to widespread dismissal, earning a 1.6/10 rating on IMDb from over 3,700 user reviews that lambasted its clichéd narrative, nonexistent character development, and lazy production values.[49][50] Critics and viewers alike noted the show's reliance on erotic undertones and repetitive tropes, with Hadise's performance drawing mixed feedback: some credited her charisma for marginally elevating scenes, particularly intimate ones that provoked backlash for perceived inauthenticity, while others highlighted uniform acting styles across the cast as symptomatic of broader amateurish execution.[51][50] Beyond scripted roles, Hadise has not pursued voice acting, documentaries, or other media formats requiring dramatic portrayal, with her additional screen presence largely limited to performative music specials rather than narrative content. This pattern underscores a filmography emphasizing cameos over substantive leads, where reviews consistently point to limitations in dramatic versatility compared to her stage dynamism in music.[3] No box office data applies, as her credits remain televisual, and audience reception has failed to propel further opportunities, aligning with her historical selectivity in rejecting expanded acting commitments.[42]

Music censorship and artistic disputes

In November 2017, Hadise released "Sıfır Tolerans" as the lead single from her album Şampiyon, which quickly rose to prominence on Turkish music charts despite subsequent broadcast hurdles.[52] The accompanying music video, featuring Hadise in assertive and visually provocative scenes, was deemed "too erotic" by Turkish censors, leading several television stations to ban its airing, particularly before midnight, under guidelines from the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).[53] RTÜK's standards prohibit content that could corrupt youth or violate public morals, with penalties including fines for non-compliance, reflecting the body's mandate to align broadcasts with conservative cultural norms.[54] Hadise publicly contested the restriction on Twitter, rejecting the erotic classification and framing it as evidence of a gendered double standard in Turkish media regulation. She argued that male artists routinely depict women in objectifying ways without facing similar bans, while her video—portraying a empowered female figure—drew scrutiny, stating, "I received an ‘erotic’ mark on my video, and I won’t have it!" and emphasizing her refusal to yield to entrenched discrimination against women in the industry.[53] This response highlighted her view that such decisions not only limited artistic reach but perpetuated unequal treatment based on gender, amid a pattern where female performers encounter heightened moral policing compared to their male counterparts. The "Sıfır Tolerans" case exemplifies broader tensions in Turkey's media landscape, where RTÜK enforces preemptive reviews to safeguard societal values and prevent exposure to explicit material, proponents argue this preserves cultural integrity and shields minors from potentially harmful influences.[54] Critics, including arts advocacy groups, contend these measures disproportionately stifle female expression and innovation, fostering self-censorship among artists wary of regulatory backlash in a context of conservative oversight.[54] Hadise's dispute remains a cited instance of how such policies intersect with gender dynamics, though specific lyrical challenges in conservative outlets have occasionally surfaced without formal bans, often tied to themes of romance or sensuality deemed provocative.[53]

Public scandals and media conflicts

In October 2011, during an episode of The Voice Turkey, Hadise faced significant backlash after harshly criticizing contestant Sedat Üreten, accusing him of insincerity and lack of passion in his performance, which she described as a "disgrace" to the competition.[40] Turkish media and fan groups, including OGAE Turkey, labeled the outburst "scandalous," sparking debates over her suitability as a coach and drawing complaints about unprofessionalism, though Hadise defended her feedback as honest coaching aimed at improvement.[40] Prior to the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest final in Moscow, where Hadise represented Turkey with "Düm Tek Tek," media reports circulated about her health complications, including a viral infection causing voice strain and facial swelling, which fueled rumors of potential withdrawal and doubts about her performance capability.[55] She underwent treatment and described her recovery as a "miracle," proceeding to place fourth overall, but the episode highlighted tensions between public expectations for flawless execution and the realities of performer vulnerability under intense scrutiny.[55] Media conflicts over Hadise's personal image intensified with leaked photographs from the set of her 2008 music video "Deli Oğlan," depicting her in affectionate poses with a male model, which conservative outlets deemed provocative and led to accusations of moral impropriety. Hadise responded by emphasizing artistic intent over sensationalism, arguing that such leaks invaded privacy and distorted creative work for tabloid gain. Similarly, in August 2025, Belgian registry documents surfaced in Turkish media alleging a secret marriage, prompting speculation about hidden personal life; Hadise denied the claims, invoking her right to autonomy amid what she called exaggerated invasions by outlets prioritizing clicks over verification.[56] These incidents underscore recurring patterns of public scrutiny on Hadise's conduct and relationships, often amplified by tabloids prone to unverified leaks, contrasted with her assertions of celebrity privacy boundaries, as seen in her 2009 Azerbaijan performance ban following perceived support for Armenian entrants, which she attributed to geopolitical overreach rather than personal fault.[57]

2025 drug investigation

On October 8, 2025, Turkish singer Hadise Açıkgöz was detained as part of a nationwide anti-drug operation led by the Narcotics Crimes Bureau, targeting alleged personal drug use and promotion among celebrities.[58] [4] Authorities transported her to gendarmerie headquarters in Istanbul, where she provided a statement to investigators and underwent forensic medical examinations, including blood and hair sample collection to test for narcotics.[59] [60] She was released pending further results, with no formal charges filed against her as of October 26, 2025.[61] Hadise publicly denied any involvement in drug use or trafficking via social media statements shortly after her release, asserting full cooperation with authorities and emphasizing that the allegations stemmed from misinterpreted social interactions rather than substantive evidence.[62] [63] The probe, which involved approximately 19 high-profile figures including actors and influencers, reflects Turkey's intensified enforcement against narcotics amid rising domestic consumption rates, though critics have questioned whether celebrity status amplified scrutiny without proportional evidence.[58] [64] Her legal team has highlighted procedural compliance, including voluntary sample provision, underscoring the inquiry's reliance on forensic outcomes over initial detentions.[59] As of late October 2025, the investigation remains active under Istanbul prosecutors, with lab analyses ongoing to determine any prosecutable violations; Turkish law enforcement reports frame such operations as evidence-driven responses to intelligence on elite networks, countering claims of selective targeting by pointing to documented tip-offs and surveillance data.[60] [4] No convictions have emerged from this cohort, aligning with prior anti-drug efforts where detentions often yield releases absent confirmatory toxicology.[61]

Personal life

Hadise measures 169 cm (5 ft 6½ in) in height and weighs approximately 58-59 kg. She is blonde, often known for her platinum blonde hair.[65]

Family dynamics and influences

Hadise's parents, Hasan Açıkgöz and Gülnihal, divorced when she was 11 years old, an event she has credited with instilling lessons in resilience and independence.[6] In a 2022 video interview, Hadise explicitly stated that the divorce taught her "how to be a strong woman" through observing her mother's self-reliance in raising the family post-separation.[66] This maternal example appears to have causally influenced her emphasis on personal fortitude, as evidenced by her subsequent career trajectory marked by early self-driven entry into talent competitions at age 18 with family backing but minimal external support.[6] As the middle child in an immigrant household—sharing the home with older sister Hülya, younger sister Derya, and a younger brother—the family dynamics emphasized collective endurance amid economic and cultural adaptation pressures in Belgium.[6] Her parents' emigration from Sivas, Turkey, positioned the siblings in a context where Turkish ethnic ties, including Lezgin paternal and Kumyk maternal roots integrated into Turkish identity, were preserved through language and traditions despite Belgian societal assimilation expectations.[7] Hadise has noted in biographical accounts that this familial structure reinforced self-sufficiency, observable in her multilingual fluency (Turkish, Dutch, and others) and dual cultural navigation, which underpinned her professional versatility without reliance on institutional favoritism.[6] The divorce's aftermath empirically correlated with Hadise's worldview prioritizing autonomy over dependency, as reflected in interviews where she attributes her unyielding work ethic to familial modeling of survival in diaspora settings, distinct from broader childhood narratives.[66] Sibling interactions, though not detailed extensively in primary sources, supported a networked family unit that facilitated her 2003 Idol participation, highlighting intra-family encouragement as a buffer against immigrant isolation.[6] This dynamic contrasts with potential assimilation erosion, as her sustained advocacy for Turkish heritage—via music and public identity—demonstrates active resistance informed by parental legacies of cultural tenacity.[7]

Relationships and marriages

Hadise has been linked to several high-profile romantic partners, often drawing media attention due to her celebrity status. In 2008, she began a relationship with Turkish producer Sinan Akçil, which lasted several years and reportedly influenced some of her musical collaborations, though details remain limited in public records.[67] By 2014, she was involved with businessman Hakan Bas, a partnership that ended amid typical celebrity scrutiny but without major public fallout.[67] [46] Her relationship with entrepreneur Uğur Güven commenced in early 2015, marked by efforts to maintain privacy despite paparazzi encounters; Hadise initially denied the romance but was photographed leaving his residence, confirming the liaison which concluded later that year.[68] [69] [70] In April 2022, Hadise married Turkish businessman Mehmet Dinçerler in a private ceremony on April 30, opting for an imam-led nikah rather than a civil union initially. The marriage dissolved rapidly, with separation announced on September 15, 2022, and divorce finalized on September 30, 2022, after approximately five months, citing irreconcilable differences without children or shared assets disputes in court filings.[71] [72] [73] Following the divorce, Hadise entered a brief relationship with director Şenol Sönmez in late 2024, sparked during the filming of the series Esas Oğlan, but they parted ways by April 10, 2025, after a short tenure, with no public acrimony detailed. These pairings reflect a pattern of intense but transient connections under public glare, where Hadise has emphasized personal growth over longevity in interviews, though she has not elaborated on broader views of celebrity marital sustainability.[72] [74]

Reception and legacy

Commercial achievements and awards

Hadise's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with "Düm Tek Tek" yielded Turkey's fourth-place finish, its strongest performance since the 2003 victory, boosting her visibility across Europe and leading to the single's number-one debut on Belgium's Ultratop Flanders chart.[1] The track's release coincided with promotional efforts, including a dedicated Japanese campaign by EMI Music, contributing to its regional chart traction.[2] In Belgium, Hadise secured early recognition through two TMF Awards for Best Urban Act, awarded in 2006 for her debut work and again in 2007, reflecting her breakthrough in urban pop circuits.[2] Transitioning to Turkey, her 2007 single "Stir Me Up" earned the Altın Kelebek Award for Best New Artist, affirming her rising domestic profile amid high chart placements.[2] She later received the Balkan Music Awards' Best Turkish Song honor in 2009 for a post-Eurovision release, alongside multiple Kral TV Video Music Awards for video and pop categories spanning 2010–2014, as documented in industry recaps. Commercially, Hadise inked a 2009 endorsement deal with Turkish soda brand Yedigün, featuring in television advertisements and promotions tied to her Eurovision momentum.[42] Her singles have topped Turkey's official charts over ten times, per aggregated music platform data, underscoring sustained sales and streaming viability in the market. No major physical sales certifications from bodies like Mü-Yap are publicly recorded, though her catalog's digital performance aligns with top-tier Turkish pop metrics.[75]

Critical reception and cultural impact

Hadise's music has elicited mixed critical responses, with reviewers often praising her high-energy performances and dance-pop fusion while critiquing perceived formulaic elements and vocal inconsistencies. For instance, live reviews highlight her modern aesthetic and engaging stage presence as integral to her appeal, positioning her as a vibrant performer in contemporary pop.[76] However, album assessments note limitations in vocal execution, describing deliveries as uneven across tracks, which can undermine deeper artistic impact.[77] Certain releases faced scrutiny over content deemed overly erotic, such as the 2011 single "Sıfır Tolerans," which topped Turkish charts but sparked censorship debates; Hadise herself labeled the backlash sexist, arguing it reflected double standards in evaluating female artists' sensuality.[78] Broader commentary has accused her work of prioritizing commercial hooks over substantive depth, contributing to perceptions of superficiality in mainstream Turkish pop, though such views coexist with acknowledgments of her role in elevating genre standards through accessible, youth-oriented tracks.[37] Culturally, Hadise has influenced the Turkish-Belgian diaspora by exemplifying cross-cultural success, blending Turkish rhythms with European pop to foster fusion styles that resonate with second-generation immigrants. Her 2009 Eurovision entry "Düm Tek Tek," which secured fourth place for Belgium, amplified visibility for such hybrid identities, bridging divides amid Turkey's later 2013 withdrawal from the contest over voting mechanics and content concerns.[79] In 2017, she advocated for Turkey's return to Eurovision via public appeals to broadcaster TRT, underscoring her advocacy for sustained cultural exchange despite political tensions.[79] This legacy includes inspiring youth in Turkey and Belgium through television appearances and hits that normalize diaspora narratives, though detractors argue it emphasizes visibility and marketability over profound innovation in addressing community challenges.[80]

Discography and works

Studio albums

Hadise's debut studio album, Sweat, was released in 2005 by EMI, featuring English and French tracks targeted at the Belgian and European markets.[81] Her self-titled second album followed in 2008, also under EMI, incorporating English, French, and Turkish songs with broader multilingual appeal.[1] Subsequent releases shifted toward Turkish-language content for the domestic market, beginning with Kahraman in 2009 via Seyhan Müzik.[12] Fast Life, an English-language effort, appeared in 2010 on EMI and peaked at number 16 on the Belgian charts.[82][81] Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? (2011, Seyhan Müzik) marked her second full Turkish album.[83] Tavsiye (2014, Pasaj Music) was her sixth studio release.[22] The seventh, Şampiyon (2017, Pasaj Music), remains her most recent full-length studio album as of 2025.[84]
TitleRelease yearLabelNotes
Sweat2005EMIEnglish/French
Hadise2008EMIMultilingual
Kahraman2009Seyhan MüzikTurkish debut studio album
Fast Life2010EMIEnglish; peaked #16 Belgium
Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?2011Seyhan MüzikTurkish
Tavsiye2014Pasaj MusicTurkish
Şampiyon2017Pasaj MusicTurkish

Singles and collaborations

Hadise's debut single "Sweat", released on November 12, 2004, peaked at number 19 on the Flanders Ultratop chart.[85] Her 2009 Eurovision entry "Düm Tek Tek" achieved number-one status on the Belgian Ultratop chart for one week and charted for 20 weeks total, while also reaching number seven on Japan's Oricon Hit Charts following its single release there.[86][87][1] In 2020, she issued the ballad "Küçük Bir Yol" on September 3, which amassed over 147 million YouTube views by emphasizing lyrical themes of solace amid despair.[28] The 2018 single "Sıfır Tolerans" generated over 973,000 Spotify streams in Turkey, with its Mahmut Orhan remix exceeding 8 million, though it peaked at number 53 on the platform's Turkish daily chart.[88][89] "Hay Hay", released in 2021, topped multiple Turkish music charts upon debut.[1] Hadise's most recent standalone release, the uptempo "Fırtınam" on February 21, 2025, targeted club audiences with its energetic production. Hadise has engaged in limited collaborations, primarily with Turkish-origin artists. In 2008, she contributed vocals to Serdar Ortaç's track "Düşman" from his album Nefes.[11] She featured alongside Dutch-Turkish rapper Murda on "Imdat" in 2022, which debuted at number 17 on Turkish charts, and on "Sen Dönene Kadar".[90] These efforts reflect attempts to blend her pop style with rap elements, though international features remain scarce beyond her early Belgian and Japanese market pushes.[13]

References

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