Elena Jane “Ellie” Goulding, born December 30, 1986, is a British singer-songwriter celebrated for her fusion of electropop and folktronica. She catapulted to global stardom in the early 2010s with chart-toppers like “Lights,” “Burn,” and the Grammy-nominated Fifty Shades of Grey anthem “Love Me Like You Do,” solidifying her status as a defining voice in contemporary pop.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Elena Jane Goulding |
| Date of birth | 30 December 1986 |
| Place of birth | Hereford, Herefordshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Partner | Caspar Jopling (married 2019; separated 2024) |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, record producer |
| Labels | Neon Gold Records, Polydor Records |
| Net worth | $20–30 million |
Early Life and Education
Jane Goulding was born on December 30, 1986, in Hereford, England, to parents Arthur and Tracey Goulding. Raised in the village of Lyonshall alongside her siblings Alex, Isabel, and Jordan, she experienced financial struggles after her parents’ divorce when she was five, later describing her upbringing as “super poor” and her relationship with her mother as challenging.
Goulding developed a passion for music early, learning the clarinet at nine and picking up the guitar by fourteen. By fifteen, she had begun writing her own songs, a creative outlet encouraged by her mother.
She attended Lady Hawkins’ High School in Kington, where she completed A levels in English, politics, and drama, though she did not pass her music exam.
After graduating, she enrolled at the University of Kent to study drama and theatre. It was there that she connected with manager Jamie Lillywhite and producer Starsmith, a pivotal moment that launched her journey into the music industry.
Career
Ellie Goulding started her music career in England, first gaining attention in 2009 with her debut single “Under the Sheets” and an EP. Her first album, Lights (2010), became a UK No. 1 hit with songs like “Starry Eyed,” and she won the BBC Sound of 2010 award.
Her second album, Halcyon (2012), included the hit “Anything Could Happen,” and its reissue Halcyon Days (2013) gave her a UK No. 1 single with “Burn.” She also collaborated with Calvin Harris on songs like “I Need Your Love,” boosting her international fame.
In 2015, her song “Love Me Like You Do” from Fifty Shades of Grey became a global hit and earned her a Grammy nomination.
Her third album, Delirium (2015), featured the single “On My Mind.” After a break, she returned with Brightest Blue (2020), another UK No. 1 album.
In 2023, she released Higher Than Heaven, which also topped the UK charts, tying her with Adele for the most No. 1 albums by a British female artist. That same year, her collaboration with Calvin Harris, “Miracle,” spent eight weeks at No. 1 in the UK.
Goulding has won two Brit Awards and sold over 27 million albums worldwide. She’s also known for her environmental activism and philanthropy. Today, she remains one of the UK’s most successful pop artists.
Personal Life
Goulding’s 2019 marriage to art dealer Caspar Jopling ended in 2023, though they co-parent son Arthur (born 2021). An outspoken advocate, she champions mental health awareness and environmental causes, leveraging her UN Goodwill Ambassador role to drive social change.
Net Worth
With an estimated $30 million fortune, Goulding’s wealth reflects multi-platinum album sales, sold-out global tours, and strategic brand partnerships.
Discography
- Lights (2010)
- Halcyon (2012)
- Delirium (2015)
- Brightest Blue (2020)
- Higher Than Heaven (2023)
Awards and Nominations
- Brit Awards: Critics’ Choice (2010)
- Grammy Nomination: Best Pop Solo Performance (“Love Me Like You Do,” 2016)
- Billboard Music Award: Top Soundtrack (Fifty Shades of Grey, 2016)
