Brody Chandler

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Brody Chandler

Chandler in 2015
Born Broderick James Chandler
(1986-05-02) May 2, 1986 (age 38)
San Diego, California, United States
Residence Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • stage actor
  • television personality
  • philanthropist
Years active 2008–present
Works
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Spouse(s) Leslie Michaelson (m. 2016)
Partner(s) Whitney Wilson (2008–2009)
Natasha Coyle (2009–2012)
Children 1
Parents Stephen Chandler
Dianne Chandler
Relatives
Awards Full list
Musical career
Genres
  • Pop
  • dance-pop
  • electronic
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels Music Nation Label Group

Broderick James Chandler (born May 2, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, television personality, philanthropist, and stage actor. Universally regarded as the most influential and globally celebrated male artist in popular music, famed for powerhouse vocals, virtuoso musicianship, hybrid soundscapes, and provocative lyricism, he is often referred to as "the King of Pop", or simply, "the King".

At the tail end of the 2000s, Chandler rose to prominence with the release of his debut album Introduction in January 2009. It sold over 30 million copies worldwide, bolstered by its five successful global hit singles — "Bodyrock", "Firecracker", "Emergency", "Vacancy" and "Future" — and has been certified double diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album earned Chandler his first three Grammy Awards, most notably for Album of the Year at the first annual ceremony in 2010.

From 2011 through 2013, Chandler focused on musical theater work and songwriting for other artists, effectively putting his music career on hiatus; he had starring roles in Wicked on Broadway and Grease on the West End. In 2014, Chandler resumed his music career with his second album Casanova, a bold collection of illustrious pop songs reflecting his evolution as a musician and an individual. It became the only album in history to produce number one hits in three separate calendar years, as well as the only album to achieve seven number one singles on the Billboard Singles Chart. Casanova is the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of 35 million copies worldwide.

Time magazine honored Chandler as an Icon on their influential Time 100 List in 2014. On March 5, 2014, he received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first and only MusicNation artist to achieve the honor. Having sold more than 65 million albums since the beginning of his career, he is one of the top-selling male recording artists in pop music history.

Early life

Chandler was born in San Diego, California, to Dianne (née Butler), a ballet instructor and Stephen Chandler, an attorney and actor. He is the middle child between two other famous siblings, older brother Marlon Percy and younger sister Natalie Chandler. "At a young age Brody had always shown his interest in music," said Dianne of her son. Chandler's start in show business began at age 7 when he competed on Star Search as "Broderick Chandler", singing Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" — and lost. Despite the setback, he used his consolation prize money to buy a portable sound system so he could sing in the park and at neighborhood parties.

At the age of 19, a talent agent discovered Chandler humming and singing to a Prince song at his local grocery store. The agent was looking for a singer to record a song for a GAP ad campaign and asked him to cut a one-take demo. The demo was FedExed to GAP and 48 hours later, he was told that they'd gone with another singer. Following the rejection, Chandler considered quitting music. "He was very sad, because after he did the song, he had expectations of becoming a star," revealed Dianne. In 2008, Chandler got a call from another agent, Rick Ferlin, who'd heard his GAP demo, and set him up with an audition for Music Nation Label Group. The label was so impressed with Chandler that they signed him on the spot.

Career

2008–2009: Career beginnings and Introduction

From the point of signing his first record deal, Chandler moved from San Diego to Los Angeles, where he began assembling a management team to jumpstart his career. Chandler developed a friendship with production duo Joey "Riprock" Delphino & Alex "Alex-G" Goldstein, with whom he set out to achieve adult pop appeal, while also creating a strong foundation within the young audience. Within six weeks, Chandler and the duo crafted his debut studio album, Introduction, released in January 2009. The album topped the Billboard Albums Chart and was certified 2x diamond, becoming one of the highest certified albums in the US. Internationally, the album also scored big, debuting at number one in the UK, Australia and Japan. To date, Introduction has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

The making of Introduction was an experience the emerging megastar didn't expect. "I thought it was going to be all work and no play," he stated. "It turned out to be all play and no work. I had an incredible time recording the album and I think you hear it in my voice. You hear the joy. And the content is... well, my favorite subject is no secret — sex." The lyrical themes of the album include sex, fantasy, romance, and heartbreak. The album was declared "remarkably nervy and liberatingly lewd" for a pop star, also considered "the first album to unabashedly combine complex erotic wordplay against clean, simple melodies". The album spawned four top ten Billboard hits, "Bodyrock", "Firecracker", "Emergency", and "Vacancy". The first and final singles from the album, "Bodyrock" and "Vacancy", became his first pair of number one hits on the Billboard Singles Chart. Introduction received three Grammy Awards, including "Album of the Year", and three American Music Awards, most notably "Favorite Pop/Rock Album". It also won three MTV Video Music Awards from six nominations. At this point, Chandler had successfully become "the most prolific male pop icon of his generation", securing noteworthy fame on a global scale.

Chandler in Munich on his Introducing Brody Chandler World Tour, July 2009

Prior to the release of Introduction, the NFL announced that Chandler would headline the performance at the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show on February 1, 2009. During the performance he was joined by Krystal Hayes as a musical guest on the platform. It was the first Super Bowl halftime headlined by a performer under 30. The show is now the fifth most watched halftime show in the history of the Super Bowl, drawing a rating of 95.7 million viewers, only surpassed by Damita Jo (112.5 million viewers), Suite 44 (110.5 million viewers), Jamaica (104 million viewers) and Ace Winston (103.8 million viewers).

While riding high on his success as a recording artist, Chandler was commissioned by Music Nation Label Group to craft songs for labelmate Damita Jo's debut album, Amplified. Fused by the production of Riprock & Alex-G and Robert "Mr. Magic" Ocean, Chandler co-wrote Jo's first US single, "Entertain U", and "Spaceship", which went on to peak at number one and number three on the Billboard Singles Chart, respectively.

To promote Introduction, Chandler embarked on the Introducing Brody Chandler World Tour. The tour started on April 24, 2009 at the Qualcomm Stadium in his hometown of San Diego, California. The tour was an 8-month long venture, criss-crossing the US and Canada before flying into Europe in June of 2009. Chandler sold out shows all over Europe, most impressively the O2 Arena in London with six consecutive shows, which holds the record for the fastest sell out in the history of the venue, a record seven minutes. He flew back to North America for another stint before flying to Australia and then rounding out the year in South America. The tour eventually came to a close in Japan, officially ending in Sapporo, Japan on January 21, 2010.

2010–2012: Musical hiatus, theatre work and delayed album

Chandler at a press event for Wicked at Bloomingdale's in Manhattan, June 2010

In 2010, instead of returning to the studio to work on an immediate follow-up to Introduction, Chandler put his recording career on hiatus, citing overexposure as his reason for doing so. "My overexposure reached fever pitch. I was on the cover of every magazine, all over the radio, at every award show and I performed over 100 concerts last year," he told Japanese publication What's In. "Even I'm sick of seeing my face, so I can only imagine what the general public thinks. I can't be that desperate artist who just has to be the center of attention all the time to stay relevant. If me taking a break means I'm going to lose fans and appeal, then f**k it. I'm willing to take that chance." During this period, while not creating music for himself, he still took an interest in writing and producing for other acts, such as Absolute and Simone Benson.

In the midst of his hiatus, Chandler developed a passion for musical theatre and went on to star in two stage productions. The first gig he took during this time was the role of Vinkus prince Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked from June to July 2010. The timing coincided with Wicked celebrating its 7th Broadway anniversary. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to try something completely new in my career and I can't think of a better way to challenge myself than to do Broadway," Chandler said in a statement. "Wicked is such an iconic musical, and to be able to say I'm going to be a part of it is an incredible feeling. It's going to be a summer I'll never forget." Despite some early skepticism over his casting, he earned glowing reviews for his performance. Ben Rimalower, in Playbill, wrote that, for Fiyero, "the gold standard was unquestionably and indelibly set" by Chandler's performances.

The next year, Chandler made his West End debut playing Danny Zuko in Grease from January to March 2011. Initial reaction to his first preview performance was highly positive, with critics calling him everything from "intoxicatingly charming" to "a true vocal masterclass with a natural flare for the stage." Grease grossed a whopping £988,298 ($1,575,050 USD) for its first full week of performances, according to figures released by the League of British Theatres and Producers. The five performances played to 100 percent of capacity at the Piccadilly Theatre. During the production of Grease, fans grew concerned that Chandler had abandoned his recording career for a more permanent theater foundation. He addressed the concerns in a radio interview promoting his stint. "I hope I'm not done with music, because the fans have been hanging on for two years and I don't want to disappoint them," he said. "I'm a firm believer in everything happening in its own time. When the time is right, I'm sure I'll be back and ready for the second round." By the end of his West End engagement, Chandler said the experience had improved his vocal ability and stage presence.

Chandler attending the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 2011

Immediately after wrapping Grease, Chandler dropped out of the public eye, but was still active as a songwriter and producer. Most notably, he wrote what critics believe to be Krystal Hayes' most transformative hit, "Striptease", from her 2011 album, krYstal. While many felt his behind the scenes work constituted a break from the industry, Chandler thought otherwise. He later described this period of his life to Billboard saying, "I never really took a break, I just found other ways to express myself as an artist, such as doing musical theatre and writing for other artists. Honestly, Introduction was bigger than I was prepared for and I didn't want to immediately jump into another album without allowing myself the time to reflect on everything."

In April 2011, Chandler revealed he would return to the studio in May to begin work on his second studio album. At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in August, discussed the album's progress, stating, "The album is moving along at a gradual pace because I'm taking my time really finding my zone, as opposed to throwing every idea at the wall and trying to see what sticks." He also spoke of wanting to center his music around his voice, citing musical theater as an influence. "I'm using my voice in ways I've never used it before. The range I've acquired through broadway training has benefitted me exponentially," he said. "You're going to hear stronger vocals and a more mature sound overall from me."

On the third US anniversary of Introduction, January 20, 2012, Chandler took to social media to announce that his second studio album would be titled Casanova, and confirmed a summer 2012 release. On April 8, 2012, Rolling Stone magazine confirmed an exclusive interview with Chandler about the album in its subsequent issue, but plans never materialized. By June 2012, production on Casanova had ceased, with Chandler's then-girlfriend Natasha Coyle claiming he had quit the industry. However, other sources simply stated the album was indefinitely delayed for personal reasons. "It had nothing to do with the music which was amazing," a source revealed. "He's never been lacking in confidence in his work. The problem was that he just wasn't ready for the demands of the industry again. He needed more time to enjoy a simpler life." In the fall of 2012, Chandler was listed as one of the co-writers of Suite 44's hit single "Centerfold", from their remix compilation Chaos and Disorder.

2013: The MN Factor

Brody Chandler on the set of The MN Factor, April 2013

After six months of down time, Chandler made an unexpected return to the spotlight as a television personality. In early 2013, he became a judge on the first cycle of the singing competition The MN Factor alongside singer Nicole Jordan, music producer Picasso and sister-in-law Charisma Chandler. Prior to accepting the gig, Chandler had reservations about embracing his high profile celebrity status again. "I was on the fence about the whole thing. I got approached by the producers and felt a little apprehensive about the idea of putting myself out there again," he said of his initial thoughts on participating in the series. "But after contemplating the offer for awhile, I gained a whole new perspective that made me want to do it. It's such a beautiful thing to be a guide to someone, to be able to help someone achieve their most ambitious dream. Music is still my most cherished passion and I feel like it's my duty to use this passion for something good, whether it's coming directly from me as an artist or from me on the sidelines as a mentor."

He mentored three acts; his only solo female act Ana Simpson reached the final two and won the series. Another notable act of his was Adrenaline, who placed within the top seven. Chandler bonded with his acts on and off the show, often inviting them to his Los Angeles home for rehearsals and giving them his personal phone number for text exchanges. Despite his well-received stint on the first cycle, Chandler did not return for the show's second cycle and was replaced by Jeremy Grove. Then-executive producer Katy Di'Minico confirmed it was Chandler's decision. She stated, "We approached all four judges; Brody did not wish to continue with the series, feeling it the right time for him to exit. And we respect his decision. The door will always be open to return in any capacity he sees fit in the future."

2014–present: Return to music and Casanova

Chandler performing during the Tourist World Tour, September 2014. It is Chandler's highest-grossing tour and one of the longest lasting tours in history

Chandler began reworking his second studio album Casanova in the summer of 2013, with longtime collaborators Riprock & Alex-G and a then-unknown Dixon Bell on board. He publicly announced his return to the music industry in February 2014, releasing the album's introspective lead single "Tourist", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Singles Chart. On February 28, 2014, after four years of not performing in concert, Chandler was the surprise opening act at the 4th Annual Grammy Awards where he performed a medley of "Tourist" and "Intrinsic", earning a standing ovation from the audience. He also received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his impact on the recording industry and philanthropic efforts. "Everyone wants to leave behind a legacy that others can admire and respect. I still feel I have so much more to do, but this is so encouraging. This means a lot," Chandler said at the special unveiling ceremony, which took place on March 5, 2014 in front of the Los Angeles Hard Rock Cafe. Rolling Stone magazine remarked: "No singular male pop artist has impacted the world of entertainment as much as Brody Chandler," arguing that despite many imitators, few could surpass Chandler's "exceptional vocal range and dexterity."

Casanova was released on May 3, 2014. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Albums Chart after selling more than 547,000 copies in its first week. It also debuted at number one in Australia and the UK. The album's title was described as "a real life mirror of Chandler as a man, an artist, a musician and a performer, communicating what it means to compell attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others; to be divine, confident, smooth, seductive and irresistible." To promote the album, Chandler made a series of headline-making appearances, including an interview on the Graham Norton Show in London and a performance and interview on Germany's popular program called Wetten Dass. He also delivered a ratings-busting musical guest gig on Saturday Night Live where he helped the show reach a 14-month high in audience numbers. Chandler also discussed the the making of Casanova during an album release special, which aired on E! and iHeartRadio stations across North America in May 2014. "I started work on Casanova about three years ago, and in that time it was a completely different record," Chandler said in the interview. "It was only last summer that I decided to refurbish the project and flip it inside out, so to speak. I changed a lot of the melodies, lyrics and I made some executive calls on production alterations."

Chandler performing at the Grammy Awards, February 2014

Chandler supported Casanova with the Tourist World Tour, which launched at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on September 5, 2014. The tour set featured a trio of massive, curving video screens that unfolded across the stage like a tongue toward his crowd. The tour focused on fresh live performances of Chandler's signature hits, select covers, and well as songs from Casanova. On June 28, 2015, NBC documented in the tour in an all-access one-hour special, which included music performances and behind the scenes footage from the Australian leg. In 2015, Chandler co-wrote songs for Drew Tanner's self-titled debut album, including "No Matter What". Looking to take on an unexpected journey with his seventh single from Casanova, Chandler enlisted producer Van Macdonald to put a bluegrass twist on "Surrender". The new production, re-written by Chandler and Macdonald, marked Chandler's first foray into the country music genre. In January 2016, Chandler performed the country version of "Surrender" for the first time on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and revealed that Leslie Michaelson advised him on achieving his crossover sound. "Leslie recommended Van and the lightbulb in my head just went off," Chandler said on the show. "Everything just fell into place. There’s nothing more satisfying than an experiment gone right."

With singles "Tourist", "Moan", "Barriers", "Exit", "Casanova", "Intrinsic", "Surrender" and "United", Casanova became the only album in history to produce number one hits in three separate calendar years, as well as the only album to achieve eight top ten singles in all three active nations. The album earned Chandler numerous awards, including Favorite Pop/Rock Artist at the 2014 American Music Awards, Best Concept Video for "Moan" at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, and Best Mainstream Male Soloist at the 2015 MusicNation Awards. At the 2015 Grammy Awards ceremony, Chandler picked up his fourth Grammy when "Moan" won Best Pop Solo Performance. In August 2016, Casanova became the first album in MusicNation history to surpass 30 million copies in the US, and combined with its international success, was crowned the biggest selling album of all time.

After much media speculation, it was announced on October 31, 2016 that Chandler will be making his return to musical theatre in 2017. He will star as Stacee Jaxx in the Broadway revival of the 1980s-themed musical Rock of Ages, premiering at the Marquis Theatre in New York City on February 6, 2017.

Personal life

In late 2008, Chandler began dating singer and hotel heiress Whitney Wilson. Their relationship ended abruptly in January 2009.

In the summer of 2009, Chandler began dating Absolute singer Natasha Coyle during the UK leg of his Introducing Brody Chandler World Tour. The couple confirmed the end of their three year relationship in December 2012, giving no reason for the split. The following year, Coyle leaked her unreleased single "Screwed", which made negative references to Chandler using his song titles. While promoting his album Casanova on London's KISS FM radio station in May 2014, Chandler was asked if he'd heard the song, to which he responded, "I heard about [the song] but never listened to it, so I have no comment on it. I sincerely wish her the best."

In February 2014, Chandler began dating country singer Leslie Michaelson, six months after they met on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2013. In February 2016, Michaelson wore a yellow-and-white 12-carat diamond ring on her ring finger to the Grammy Awards, but she nor Chandler have since confirmed an engagement.

Artistry

Chandler performing on his Tourist World Tour in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 2014

Chandler has a tenor range. His vocal range extends from bass low F (F2) to soprano high F (F6). He can belt up to tenor high F (F5). Greg Prato of AllMusic described his voice as "escalating within a few bars from a tender, vibrant tenor, to a high-pitched, perfect falsetto, pure and crystalline in the upper reaches." Alex Goldstein of Riprock & Alex-G, with whom Chandler recorded his discography, expressed his opinion that "the difference between Brody and almost all the other male pop stars is that he is selling the voice before anything else." Goldstein adds, "His technique is astonishing. No problem of tempo, he sings with an incisive sense of rhythm, his vocal placement is very good and he is able to glide effortlessly from a register to another. He also has a great musicality. His phrasing is subtle, delicate and seductive or energetic and slamming. He is able to find the right coloring or expressive nuance for each word."

Chandler's singing has garnered acclaim from prominent musical peers and publications. Music Nation Label Group executive Scott Larson said, "Brody is a truly luminous singer, in my opinion—a voice in a million." The MN Factor judge, record producer, and musician Picasso described Chandler as "the golden voice" and opined that "there's no male singer in pop music that even comes close to Brody Chandler. The power, the range, the tone—he created his own style". In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Chandler No. 11 in "The Top 25 Singers Under 25," reflecting the magazine's editorial opinion. They lauded his "technical skills" as well as his "pure tone and passionate sincerity".

In a Q&A with 4Music in May 2014, Chandler revealed that performing on Broadway and the West End helped to advance his voice. "My voice was forced to grow, especially playing night after night to a crowd that demands the best of your pipes," he said. "During rehearsals for Grease, I was seeing a vocal coach five days a week and she really made me work. I did every exercise in the book to strengthen my voice and the chords ended up extending so much that I gained an octave. For a tenor like myself to gain an octave is major, it just doesn't happen unless you're on a strict vocal regimen."

Chandler either wrote or co-wrote all the songs included on his two studio albums, Introduction and Casanova. The most notable aspect of his songwriting involves using one word titles. In May 2009, Chandler explained his process to Q magazine, "If I can't sum up a track with one word, there's probably no direct point to it. Every song I put out there will have just one title. It's a distinctive musical trait that I want to carry on for as long as I'm given the opportunity to make music." However, songs he writes for other artists do not always necessarily follow this formula (ie: "Magnetic Attraction" by Absolute). Chandler is known for his blatantly salacious lyrical content.

Chandler is revered as a live performer by critics. Leila Cobo of Billboard described Chandler's Tourist World Tour as "a riveting, relentless tour de force that cemented Chandler's stature as one of the preeminent performers of his generation. Few acts today that can match his vocal prowess and showmanship. Chandler likes to prowl the stage, arms flung wide, head thrown back. It's a grand gesture that envelops entire arenas".

Public image

On February 22, 2009, Chandler topped GQ magazine's list of the "10 Most Stylish Men in America". In May 2009, Cosmo Girl UK named Chandler the "Hottest Male Singer in the Music Business" – he was the only American artist included on the list. "Brody Chandler has a certain confidence that comes across as calm, cool, collected and nonchalant. He walks into a room and commands your attention without desperation," the publication wrote. "He is the hottest male singer because he performs with passion, whether sexual or emotional, and he knows exactly what he's doing when he's putting on a show. So many artists look like lost little puppies when they're on stage, but Chandler is such a natural. You can't learn what he does – it's something you're gifted with at birth." In April 2010, Japan's Marie Claire conducted a poll of over 2,000 readers declaring Chandler the sexiest American man in the world. Later that year, Teen Vogue readers submitted more than 190,000 votes in its annual Superstar Awards, naming Chandler the 2010 recipient of Male Celebrity of the Year, complimenting his bonafide star power, unparalleled talent and a strong display of class and dignity that many teenagers aspire to match in their own adulthood. Wax figures of Chandler are found at Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in London, New York, Hollywood, Paris, and Las Vegas. The custom made, black Dolce & Gabbana ensemble that Chandler wore during his Superbowl halftime show performance is exhibited at the San Diego Maritime Center and Museum.

Legacy

Chandler's rise to national attention in 2009 transformed the field of popular music and had a huge effect on the broader scope of popular culture. As the catalyst for the cultural revolution that birthed MusicNation, he was central not only to defining it as a brand new industry but in making it a touchstone of youth culture and idol worship. Chandler has been referred to as the "King of Pop" and "the King" by fans and contemporary critics. He was ranked 78th on the VH1 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time. Chandler appeared for the first time on the Time 100 list of most influential people in 2014, with Joey "Riprock" Delphino writing, "Brody has accomplished a lot at a young age, taking advantage of all the possibilities, and yet he's found time to give of himself too — he gets and gives back. He has a spirit. He does God's work through using the most of his talent."

MTV remarked on his legacy in 2012: "His music and his personality permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following is immense, and he is a symbol to people all over the world." Chandler also heralded the vastly expanded reach of celebrity in the era of mass communication: at the age of 24, within a year of his groundbreaking Superbowl halftime performance, he was one of the most famous people in the world. In polls and surveys, he is recognized as one of the most important popular music artists and influential Americans. "Brody Chandler is the greatest cultural force in the MusicNation era," said producer Dixon Bell. "He introduced the beat to everything and he changed everything—music, language, clothes. It's a whole new social revolution—the last year of the noughties came from it."

Chandler's physical attractiveness and sexual appeal is widely acknowledged. "He is sexy, astonishingly handsome", in the words of New York Post critic Lydia Feeney. Television producer Arthur Pascal, no fan of Chandler's music before he oversaw the Introducing Brody Chandler World Tour HBO special in 2009, reported, "I'm straight as an arrow and I've got to tell you, you stop, whether you're male or female, to look at him. He is that good looking. And if you didn't know he was a superstar, it wouldn't make any difference; when he walks into the room, you know somebody special is in your presence." His performance style, as much as his physical attractiveness, is responsible for Chandler's eroticized image. Chandler is noted as the man who brought a blatant sexual frenzy to the popular arts in MusicNation.

Chandler has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, making him one of the top-selling male recording artists in pop music history. His second album, Casanova, is the biggest selling album of all-time in America, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Considered a pop icon and trendsetter since his debut album, his work has influenced numerous artists, including 1OAK, Adrenaline, Owen Berton, Krystal Hayes, Nathan Hunter, Roman, Drew Tanner, Ana Simpson and more. Roman has cited him as one of his biggest inspirations, telling Entertainment Tonight, "[Being compared to Brody Chandler] is the best compliment you can get if you're a male pop artist, because he really set the blueprint for all of us. I absolutely, 100% admire Brody and what he did with Introduction. That album is so sexy, so fresh and just all-around appealing. You can't do a sexy song and not take notes from the person who did it first in MusicNation."

Awards

Throughout his career, Chandler has won four Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, two BRIT Awards, two MusicNation Awards and one MTV Europe Music Award. His most notable Grammy wins include Album of the Year for Introduction and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Moan". In March 2014, Chandler was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making him the first MusicNation artist to earn the honor.

Other ventures

Endorsements

Chandler has provided celebrity endorsement for many commercial products, this aspect of his business being managed by CAA (Creative Artists Agency) since 2008. On January 10, 2009, Chandler and Apple announced the special edition BC Ipod. "I want my audience to have a more intimate online relationship with me, and Apple can help me do that," Chandler said. "With iPod and iTunes, Apple has created a crossroads of art, commerce and technology which feels good for both artists and fans." Apple created a breakthrough television ad featuring Chandler performing "Bodyrock". The ad was a cross between Apple's award-winning "Silhouette" ads and a music video.

On January 16, 2009, Chandler teamed up with MasterCard International to unveil its newest debit card, which featured the likeness of Chandler. "I've learned so quickly that the entertainment industry contains a huge melting pot of opportunities, so I felt that as I begin my journey as a musician, now is the perfect time for me to step it up in the business world," Chandler said in a statement. "As an entertainer, I make music for everyone, and I wanted the same mindset to apply to all my business ventures. That's why I'm so excited to work with MasterCard to launch the Brody Chandler Debit MasterCard which will financially empower people." While the MasterCard was a profitable success for all parties involved, Chandler decided not to renew his deal with the company during his 2010 hiatus. Chandler also landed endorsement deals with Samsung, Milton Bradley, Inc., Best Buy and HMV Australia.

On April 5, 2009, Emporio Armani announced Chandler as the face of their fragrance, Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men. Giorgio Armani himself explained that in addition to Chandler's abilities as a performer, “Both on and off stage he has a charm and charisma that is magnetic. His individuality, allure and nonchalant way of being are all qualities which inspired me in the creation of this new fragrance." Thanks to Chandler's campaign, overall sales for the Armani brand skyrocketed 36% according to Forbes trade reports. Over 2.7 million bottles of Diamonds for Men were sold worldwide in its first week, a record for men's cologne at the time. The high-end, upscale fragrance amassed a fortune of $60 million in less than 3 months. That total tipped well over the $150 million mark by 2009's end. Diamonds for Men went on to become one of the top 10 biggest selling fragrances of the year.

Philanthropy

Chandler has been active in several charitable pursuits since the beginning of his career. In February 2009, he helped launched the CUT-it-out campaign, a new initiative from Vodafone and the UK's leading bullying prevention charity, Beatbullying. CUT-it-out aimed to reduce mobile phone bullying amongst 13-17 year-olds, and offered young hopefuls the chance to script, direct and produce a short film about the long-term effects of bullying. Chandler commented: "Stopping bullying is something I'm very passionate about. I know, having witnessed it in the past myself, that it's something that can affect lives for years afterwards and I want to do my part to help prevent it." In April 2009, Chandler was honored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation with the 2009 Chris Greicius Award for Celebrity Wish Granter of the Year. The foundation honors members of the celebrity community who help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

On December 17, 2009, Chandler attended the Clothes Against Breast Cancer event at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. "Breast cancer is a terrible disease, but we can definitely fight it if we all come together and do everything in our power to help raise awareness for early detection," Chandler told Entertainment Tonight. Chandler donated an undisclosed six-figure amount to the Clothes Against Breast Cancer organization. On Christmas day, December 25, 2009, Chandler donated £50,000 UK SOS Children's Villages, the largest nonprofit organization in the world solely dedicated to orphaned and abandoned children.

On March 27, 2011, Chandler rallied up his celebrity friends for the Brody Chandler & Friends: Charity Football Match, which aimed to raise over £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK's leading cancer care charity. The match, which took place at Manchester Regional Arena, saw Chandler and brother Marlon Percy leading opposing teams. Absolute, Berton Brothers and Jude Harrison took the stage for post-show concerts. During a visit to the Alan Titchmarsh Show, Chandler spoke of his reasons for organizing the event: "When you think of cancer and how the disease affects so many who don't have the resources to get treatment, it's devastating. The UK has shown me so much love and I know a lot of people here are suffering with this terminal illness. I feel like it's my duty to do whatever I can to help. I'm glad all my friends, and even people I've yet to meet, have agreed to get involved, whether it's through playing in the game, performing or donating. It’s just nice to be able to come together to make a difference." Reuters reported the event was a resounding success, pulling in an estimated £190,000 from ticket sales, food/beverage and merchandise. Independent donations to Macmillan Cancer Support were not included in that total.

In September 2015, Chandler teamed up with H&M and Global Citizen to launch an exclusive t-shirt designed by Chandler in support of the movement to end inequality, ensure environmental stability and to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Discography

Filmography

Television
Year Title Role Notes
2009 CSI: NY Himself "Page Turner" (season 5, episode 18)
Musical Theatre
Year Title Role Notes
2009 Wicked Fiyero Broadway debut; limited engagement
2011 Grease Danny Zuko West End debut; limited engagement
2017 Rock of Ages Stacee Jaxx Broadway

Tours