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Across the vast landscape of the entertainment industry, there is a select group of individuals whose presence is so iconic that they need only one name to capture the attention of fans. Most of these Hollywood stars have created symbols of their artistic mastery and creative identity and are remembered by one their one stage name.
The journey to adopting a single name is often designed to simplify their moniker for instantaneous recognition. It’s a choice that not only reflects their distinct identity but also resonates powerfully with their audience, etching their names into pop culture.
Here are celebrities who are so iconic, they go by just their first names or a single name chosen long ago.
The legendary singer and actress Cherilyn Sarkisian chose “Cher” early in her career. She began her musical journey alongside her former husband Sonny Bono in the 1960s.
The name choice was inspired by the French word “cher,” which translates to “dear” or “beloved.” This name perfectly encapsulated the profound and affectionate bond she shared with her fans, making it a fitting symbol of their enduring connection.
Iconic singer and actress Cher, whose stage name is a symbol of her enduring connection with fans, arrives at the premiere of "Chevalier" in Los Angeles on April 16, 2023. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, Filer)
Madonna, pictured in her iconic Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra, sets the stage on fire during the Blond Ambition Tour. (Gie Knaeps)
Prince Rogers Nelson, known as "Prince," adopted an unpronounceable symbol as his name in the 1990s. Here is a 1981 Lynn Goldsmith photograph of Prince. (Source: Court documents)
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, the captivating singer, songwriter and performer, shed her last name early in her professional career, preserving it as a cherished part of her personal life. (Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
Madonna Louise Ciccone, known worldwide as “Madonna,” embraced her first name as her professional identity around the late 1970s and early 1980s. This single name became synonymous with her music and brand, and she is now widely recognized by it worldwide.
Madonna’s fame is a result of her numerous chart-topping hits, constant reinvention, and her ability to provoke thought and conversation, making her an everlasting figure in the entertainment industry.
The artist formerly known as “Prince,” born Prince Rogers Nelson, made headlines when he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in the ’90s.
The name “Prince” combined the male and female gender symbols, which was both artistic and contractual. The reason behind his name change was to gain more control and protest against his recording contract with Warner Bros., which he believed restricted his creative freedom.
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Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter dropped her last name early for her professional career, keeping it as a cherished part of her personal life. She is an immensely famous for multiple reasons, primarily her extraordinary talent and captivating stage presence as a singer, songwriter and performer.
She began her career in the late 1990s as part of Destiny’s Child, a highly successful girl group, and later transitioned into a remarkable solo career. Where she achieved numerous chart-topping hits and multiple Grammy Awards.
With a voice that touches the soul, Adele Laurie Blue Adkins goes simply by “Adele.” She rose to fame in the 2000s and quickly gained recognition for her powerful, soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and emotional connection she creates with her audience.
Adele, renowned for her soulful voice and hit songs, has captivated the world with her music. Here she is preforming in Hyde Park on July 2, 2022, in London. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Adele)
Rihanna, the global sensation, not only rocks the stage but her famous name has become synonymous with music, fashion and beauty. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
In the 1970s, Gordon Sumner, the original voice behind The Police’s iconic sound, changed his name to "Sting." The adoption of this nickname as his stage name harmonized perfectly with his musical journey. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Shakira, the Colombian pop star, is globally recognized by her iconic first name, a symbol of her fame and artistic prowess. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)
Adele did not change her name for her career; instead, she embraced her first name as her professional identity, becoming one of the most recognized and celebrated artists in the world.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the Barbadian singer and actress, is known by her middle name. Rihanna first gained recognition in the 2000s with her debut single “Pon de Replay” and subsequent albums. She’s also a savvy entrepreneur who used her last name, Fenty, to create her brand empire.
The name “Fenty” became synonymous with her venture into the world of fashion, makeup and lingerie. Her decision to incorporate her last name into the brand not only showcased her commitment to inclusivity but also created a sense of personal connection between her and her fans.
Born Gordon Sumner, the lead vocalist of The Police, adopted the name “Sting” in the 1970s based on a black and yellow striped sweater that resembled a bee and earned him the nickname “Sting.”
He adopted this nickname as his stage name when he pursued his music career, which was a distinctive choice suited his musical journey.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, the Colombian singer and dancer, professionally goes by her first name – a choice that not only simplified her name for international audiences but also helped her create a memorable and distinct brand.
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Shakira’s incredible fame, combined with her choice to use her first name as her professional identity, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. She remains an icon and continues to inspire aspiring artists worldwide.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2023 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
Hollywood stars who have made history and only go by one name – Fox News
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