Carly Rae Jepsen

Jespen dated fellow pop star Matthew Koma back in 2012. However, the couple called it quits in 2014. Later on, she began dating the famous photographer David Kalani Larkins.

The singer is also an active gay rights activist.

Carly Rae Jepsen was born on November 21, 1985 in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. She is the second child of her parents, Alexandra and Larry Jepsen, who were teachers by occupation. They are a family of six people - her parents and three siblings.

As a child Jepsen’s father would sing to her James Taylor’s songs before bed and this inspired her to pursue music as a career option. During her school days at Heritage Park Secondary School, she started nurturing her passion for music and musical theatre. She took part in several students’ productions of The Wiz, Grease, as the main lead.

After completing graduation from school, Jespen moved to the West Side Vancouver and worked in minimum wage jobs. She worked as a barista and pastry chef assistant at Trees Organic Coffee and bartended at the Media Club. It was during her leisure time that she started writing songs and performing at musician-friendly holes in the wall.

After applying to a number of colleges in various music related courses, she was offered admission at Capilano College and the University of British Columbia.

Finally, she got through the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia, in its one year long program along with 24 other female students. This gave her a clear picture of her desire of making a musical career rather than trying out acting and dancing.

While assembling a swing band, Jespen went to try her luck at the fifth season of Canadian Idol auditions in 2007 after being convinced by her high school drama teacher, Beverly Holmes. There she performed her original composition ‘Sweet Talker’, a folk inspired song which gave her the third place in the finale of the show.

In June 2008, Jespen released her debut single ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’, a cover of John Denver's song.

At the end of the Idol tour she was signed by Fontana and MapleMusic. After this, she devoted all her time in the preparation of her first album with producer Ryan Stewart.

Her debut album named ‘Tug of War’ that released on September 16th, 2008 gave her a nationwide recognition. According to various reliable sources, the album sold over 10,000 copies in Canada. The same year, her singles ‘Tug of War’ and ‘Bucket’ made their way in the top 40 of the Canadian Hot 100.

Jespen continued to taste success even in 2009 when the song ‘Sour Candy’, a duet with Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench was released. She then went on touring to western Canada with Marianas Trench and Shiloh. She was also seen accompanying Marianas Trench on a cross-Canada tour.

At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, Jepsen received the Rising Star Award which made her the first Canadian recipient of the esteemed award.

The year 2013 won her three prestigious awards. ‘Kiss’ won the Album of the Year award as well as the Pop Album of the Year award. ‘Call Me Maybe’ won in the Single of the Year category.

She also got nominations at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards for the Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

At the annual SOCAN Awards in Toronto in 2014, Jespen, along with her co-writers Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay, was the recipient for the International Achievement Award.

Jespen also got nominated for the Fan Choice award at the Juno Awards 2016.