Biography
Who is Mika?
Early life and family background
Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr. Was born on August 18, 1983, in Beirut. His mother, Mary Joan Mouakad, is Lebanese-Syrian, and his father, Michael Holbrook Penniman, is an American banker who was born in Jerusalem. He has four siblings: older sisters Yasmine and Paloma, a younger sister named Zuleika, and a younger brother named Fortuné. His family left Lebanon when he was one year old due to war, moving first to Paris, France.
Rise to musical fame
The musician began his professional career with the release of his debut extended play, Dodgy Holiday, in 2006. This project included the single Relax, Take It Easy, which became a chart success throughout Europe. He quickly followed this with his first studio album, Life in Cartoon Motion, released in 2007. The lead single, Grace Kelly, reached the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five weeks.
Television and design work
Beyond his music, the artist has built a career in television. He served as a judge and mentor for the French and Spanish versions of The Voice, as well as the Italian version of X Factor. He also hosted his own Italian television variety show, Stasera Casa Mika, which won the 2017 Rose d'Or Award for Entertainment. In 2022, he co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Laura Pausini and Alessandro Cattelan.
Education and influences
The performer attended several institutions during his formative years, including the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and St Philip's School in Kensington. He was the head of the Schola Cantorum, which is the St Philip's Choir. Later, he enrolled at the Westminster School in London. He also attended the Royal College of Music, although he left the institution before graduation to focus on recording his debut album at Casablanca Records.
Birthday and age
Mika was born on August 18, 1983, which makes Mika 43 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Mika shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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