{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (born 1995)}} {{pp-protected|small=yes}} {{About|the musician|the actress|Melanie Martinez (actress)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox person <!-- Please see Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians for infobox template use: this format is correct --> | name = Melanie Martinez | image = File:Melanie Martinez (K-12).jpg | caption = Martinez performing in 2019 | birth_name = Melanie Adele Martinez | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|4|28}} | birth_place = New York City, U.S. | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer-songwriter }} | years_active = 2012–present | partner = | website = {{Official website|melaniemartinezmusic.com}} | signature = Melanie Martinez's Signature.svg | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | origin = | instrument = {{flatlist| *Vocals *guitar }} | discography = {{hlist|Albums|songs}} | genre = <!--Source genres before adding --> {{flatlist| * Pop * alternative pop * electropop * art pop <!--Listed by multiple sources from her album PORTALS --> }} | label = Atlantic }} }}
'''Melanie Adele Martinez''' (born April 28, 1995) is an American singer-songwriter. Born in Astoria, Queens, and raised in Baldwin, New York, Martinez rose to fame in 2012 after appearing on season 3 of the American television talent show ''The Voice''. Following the show, she{{efn|Martinez uses she/her and they/them pronouns, as indicated on her Instagram page.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/littlebodybigheart |title=melanie martinez ⟡ [littlebodybigheart] |access-date=January 13, 2024 |via=Instagram}}</ref> This article uses she/her pronouns for consistency.}} was signed to Atlantic Records and released her debut single "Dollhouse", followed by her debut extended play of the same name (2014).<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2016/12/05/melanie-martinez-dollhouse-earns-platinum-certification-us/ |title=Melanie Martinez' "Dollhouse" Earns Platinum Certification In The US |date=December 5, 2016 |work=Headline Planet |access-date=February 26, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Martinez later released her debut studio album, ''Cry Baby'' (2015), which went on to be certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idolator.com/7602587/melanie-martinez-sippy-cup-video |title=Melanie Martinez Delivers A Twisted Sequel To "Dollhouse": Catch Up with the Family From Hell In "Sippy Cup" |date=July 30, 2015 |website=Idolator.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117123028/http://www.idolator.com/7602587/melanie-martinez-sippy-cup-video |archive-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref> The album amassed numerous commercially successful singles including "Pity Party", "Soap" and "Mrs. Potato Head".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2017/08/01/melanie-martinez-sippy-cup-mad-hatter-cry-baby-earn-gold-certifications-united-states/ |title=Melanie Martinez' "Sippy Cup," "Mad Hatter," "Cry Baby," "Mrs. Potato Head" Certified Gold In US |date=August 1, 2017 |work=Headline Planet |access-date=February 26, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2017/09/27/melanie-martinez-pacify-receives-gold-certification-united-states/ |title=Melanie Martinez' "Pacify Her" Receives Gold Certification In United States |date=September 27, 2017 |work=Headline Planet |access-date=February 26, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2017/04/06/melanie-martinez-soap-earns-gold-certification-us/ |title=Melanie Martinez' "Soap" Earns Gold Certification In US |date=April 6, 2017 |work=Headline Planet |access-date=February 26, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> She has since released three follow-up albums: ''K–12'' (2019), ''Portals'' (2023), and ''Hades'' (2026).
Known for her colorful two-toned hair and bangs, Martinez's visual style plays an important part in her music videos and performances. She came to fame cultivating a doll-like look complemented by babydoll dresses and emotive facial expressions.
== Early life == Melanie Adele Martinez was born on April 28, 1995, in Astoria, Queens, to parents Mery and Jose Martinez, who are of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent.<ref name="BirthName">{{cite web |date=March 29, 2012 |title=Melanie Adele Martinez (eliminated, Round 2) |url=http://www.news12varsity.com/melanie-adele-martinez-eliminated-round-2-1.1006344 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803015258/http://www.news12varsity.com/melanie-adele-martinez-eliminated-round-2-1.1006344 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2018 |publisher=News 12 Long Island / MSG Varsity}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt0vgP--wUg |title=Melanie Martinez's (18th Birthday Celebration) Stageit Show: Performed Online Live 4/27/13 |date=April 27, 2013 |publisher=YouTube |time=00:18 |access-date=November 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621205126/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt0vgP--wUg |archive-date=June 21, 2014 |url-status=live |quote=It's my birthday. Not really – tomorrow's my birthday.}}</ref><ref name="liherald">{{cite web |last1=Connolly |first1=Chris |title='Voicing' her thoughts |url=http://liherald.com/baldwin/stories/Voicing-her-thoughts,43518 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807001535/http://liherald.com/baldwin/stories/Voicing-her-thoughts%2C43518 |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |website=Long Island Herald |location=Baldwin, New York}}</ref><ref name="billboard">{{cite magazine |last1=DiGiacomo |first1=Frank |title=Melanie Martinez on 'Cry Baby,' Not Wanting to Be a Role Model & What She Learned From 'The Voice' |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/videos/interviews/6685879/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-role-model-the-voice |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708121652/http://www.billboard.com/articles/videos/interviews/6685879/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-role-model-the-voice |archive-date=July 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lovece |first1=Frank |date=September 6, 2019 |title=LI's Melanie Martinez explores bold ideas in her new movie musical 'K-12' |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/melanie-martinez-k12-movie-j73852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222095701/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/melanie-martinez-k12-movie-1.35842291 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=Newsday}}</ref><ref name="us25">{{cite web |last1=Weekly Staff |first1=Us |title=Melanie Martinez Doesn't Own Jeans: 25 Things You Don't Know |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/25-things-melanie-martinez--2015118 |work=Us Weekly |access-date=July 18, 2016 |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525030254/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/25-things-melanie-martinez--2015118/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Her family moved to Baldwin, New York, on Long Island, when Martinez was four.<ref name="liherald" />
Martinez attended Plaza Elementary School, where her teacher Mr. Nadien taught her to sing.<ref name="liherald" /> She began writing poetry in kindergarten<ref name="nylon">{{cite web |last1=Manders |first1=Hayden |title=melanie martinez is queen of the dollhouse |url=http://www.nylon.com/articles/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-interview |work=Nylon |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712162553/http://www.nylon.com/articles/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-interview |archive-date=July 12, 2016}}</ref> and was a shy, emotional child with few friends, often crying when overwhelmed.<ref name="wonderland">{{cite web |title=New Noise: Melanie Martinez |url=http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2016/05/new-noise-melanie-martinez/ |work=Wonderland Magazine |access-date=August 22, 2016 |date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725025709/http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2016/05/new-noise-melanie-martinez/ |archive-date=July 25, 2016}}</ref> She also practiced photography and painting.<ref name="artistdirect">{{cite web |last1=Sciarretto |first1=Amy |title=Interview: Melanie Martinez Reveals 'Cry Baby' Secrets |work=ARTISTdirect |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/interview-melanie-martinez-reveals-cry-baby-secrets/11752246-all |publisher=Artist Direct |access-date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801025851/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/interview-melanie-martinez-reveals-cry-baby-secrets/11752246-all |archive-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> Her emotional nature led others to call her a "cry baby," which inspired the character of her debut album, ''Cry Baby''.<ref name="wonderland" /><ref name="aquarian">{{cite web |last1=Ciccone |first1=Rachael |title=An Interview with Melanie Martinez: It's Her Party |url=http://www.theaquarian.com/2016/03/23/an-interview-with-melanie-martinez-its-her-party/ |work=The Aquarian Weekly |date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801211659/http://www.theaquarian.com/2016/03/23/an-interview-with-melanie-martinez-its-her-party/ |archive-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name="azcentral" /><ref name="rollingstone10" />
Martinez grew up in a "traditional Latin household" that she described as "super-conservative"<ref name="TheTimes">{{cite news |last=Hodgkinson |first=Will |title=Melanie Martinez is a phenomenon and nobody over 18 knows who she is |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/melanie-martinez-is-a-phenomenon-and-nobody-over-18-knows-who-she-is-dx8pdhnkc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260408191355/https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/melanie-martinez-is-a-phenomenon-and-nobody-over-18-knows-who-she-is-dx8pdhnkc |url-status=dead |archive-date=2026-04-08 |newspaper=The Times |date=18 November 2016 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> where she was made to feel shameful about her sexuality, feeling as if she would not be accepted if she came out as bisexual. She says that her family is now fully accepting of her sexuality.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BozkI0jFk4W/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BozkI0jFk4W |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration |title=Melanie Martinez on Instagram: "Happy national coming out day!🌈💗 Everyday I get DM's from kids who have similar experiences to mine growing up, living in a traditional..." |website=Instagram |language=en |date=October 11, 2018 |access-date=July 1, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
At fourteen, Martinez's family could not afford guitar lessons, so she taught herself how to play guitar by studying chord diagrams of songs she enjoyed, which she found online. She wrote her first songs by pairing her poetry with the chord diagrams<ref name="wonderland" /><ref name="billboard2">{{cite magazine |last1=Carroll |first1=Leah |title=The New Pioneers: Melanie Martinez on Transcending 'The Voice' and Pop's Conventions |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7468536/melanie-martinez-the-voice-pop-music |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 21, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819124350/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7468536/melanie-martinez-the-voice-pop-music |archive-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name="TheTimes"></ref> and began sharing music on her YouTube channel, but says that playing guitar "eventually got stale".<ref name="artistdirect" /><ref name="azcentral">{{cite web |last1=Masley |first1=Ed |title=Melanie Martinez's huge artistic leap from 'The Voice' to 'Cry Baby' |url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/12/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby-voice/82813658/ |work=The Arizona Republic |publisher=Mi-Ai Parrish |access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone10" /><ref name="chattanooga" /> Martinez graduated from Baldwin High School.<ref name="newsday" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/music/os-melanie-martinez-new-album-20150902-post.html |title=Melanie Martinez turns bullying into musical inspiration for new album |last=Tutten |first=James |work=Orlando Sentinel |location=Florida |date=September 2, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082425/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/music/os-melanie-martinez-new-album-20150902-post.html |archive-date=January 1, 2018}}</ref>
== Career ==
=== 2012–2014: Breakthrough with The Voice and ''Dollhouse EP'' === In 2012, during her junior year of high school, Martinez participated in the MSG ''Varsity Talent Show'', a televised talent competition. She sang the Beatles' rendition of "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong and "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)" by the Four Tops. She was eliminated in the second round.<ref name="msgbio">{{cite web |url=http://www.msgvarsity.com/melanie-adele-martinez-eliminated-round-2-1.1006344 |title=Melanie Adele Martinez (eliminated, Round 2) |publisher=MSG Varsity |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190235/http://www.msgvarsity.com/melanie-adele-martinez-eliminated-round-2-1.1006344 |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref>
[[File:Terry McDermott and Melanie Martinez (9910416746) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1|Martinez (right) with Terry McDermott (left) in 2013, during ''The Voice'' ]] Martinez then auditioned for the third season of ''The Voice''. She had not watched the show herself prior to the audition.<ref name="wonderland" /> The initial, untelevised audition was an open call, held at Javits Center. She recalls that while she and her mother were driving to the audition, her mother's car broke down before they reached the Queens–Midtown Tunnel, and the two were forced to "hitchhike" a taxicab in order to get there. Several months after the initial audition, while at Roosevelt Field Mall, Martinez received word that she had advanced to the "second round". She then received multiple callbacks until she was finally selected to audition on the show itself.<ref name="liherald" /> Martinez auditioned singing Britney Spears's "Toxic" with three of the four judges (Adam Levine, CeeLo Green and Blake Shelton) hitting their "I Want You" button. Martinez ultimately chose Adam Levine to be her coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=Baldwin's Melanie Martinez lands spot on the voice |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/baldwin-s-melanie-martinez-lands-spot-on-the-voice-p29200 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |newspaper=Newsday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029213435/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/backstage-pass-1.811987/baldwin-s-melanie-martinez-lands-spot-on-the-voice-1.4012668 |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref>
In the Battle Round, Martinez competed against Caitlin Michele. They performed a duet of the Ellie Goulding song "Lights". Martinez won and moved on to the Knockout Round. Michele was stolen by Cee Lo Green and also moved on. In the Knockout Round, Martinez was paired with Sam James. She chose to sing La Roux's "Bulletproof". Levine eliminated James, and Martinez moved on to the Live Rounds as one of the five remaining members of Team Adam. In week one of the Live Rounds, Martinez sang "Hit the Road Jack". Public vote saved Team Adam members Amanda Brown and Bryan Keith. Levine then chose Martinez over Loren Allred and Joselyn Rivera to remain in the competition. In week three, Martinez's performance of "Seven Nation Army" finished the voting period at #10 on the iTunes Top 200 Single Chart, causing her iTunes votes to be multiplied by ten.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itunescharts.net/us/charts/songs/2012/11/20 |website=iTunesCharts.net |title=US Songs Tuesday, 20th November 2012 |access-date=November 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925052841/http://www.itunescharts.net/us/charts/songs/2012/11/20 |archive-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> This occurred again in week four, when "Too Close" ended the voting period at #6.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itunescharts.net/us/charts/songs/2012/11/27 |website=iTunesCharts.net |title=US Songs Tuesday, 27th November 2012 |access-date=November 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923095611/http://www.itunescharts.net/us/charts/songs/2012/11/27 |archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>
Martinez was eliminated by audience vote in week five, along with the fellow Team Adam member Amanda Brown, leaving Levine with no artists. In response, Martinez said, "I never expected to get this far and this is beyond what I've ever dreamed of. I'm just so glad I got to express who I am as an artist and really touch people's hearts because that was the ultimate goal".<ref name=HuffingtonPost>{{cite news |last=Elkin |first=Jaimie |title='The Voice' Top 4 Revealed: Melanie Martinez And Amanda Brown Eliminated |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04/the-voice-top-4_n_2241195.html |access-date=November 27, 2013 |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020719/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04/the-voice-top-4_n_2241195.html |archive-date=November 11, 2013}}</ref>
:{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} – Studio version of performance reached the top 10 on iTunes {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; line-height:16px;" |- ! scope="col"| Round ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Original Artist ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Result |- ! scope="row"| Blind Audition | "Toxic" | Britney Spears | September 7, 2012 | 4.1 | 3 Chairs Turned<br /> Joined Team Adam |- ! scope="row"| Battle Round | "Lights" <small> (vs. Caitlin Michelle)</small> | Ellie Goulding | October 15, 2012 | 11.5 | Saved by Coach |- ! scope="row"| Knockout Round | "Bulletproof" <small> (vs. Sam James)</small> | La Roux | October 29, 2012 | 16.5 | Saved by Coach |- ! scope="row"| Live Playoffs | "Hit the Road Jack" | Ray Charles | November 5, 2012 | 18.3 | Safe (Coach's Save) |- ! scope="row"| Top 12 | "Cough Syrup" | Young the Giant | November 12, 2012 | 21.9 | Saved by Public Vote |- ! scope="row"| Top 10 | style="background:gold;" | "Seven Nation Army" | The White Stripes | November 19, 2012 | 23.3 | Saved by Public Vote |- ! scope="row"|Top 8 | style="background:gold;" | "Too Close" | Alex Clare | November 26, 2012 | 25.4 | Saved by Public Vote |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Top 6 | "The Show" <small>(Coach's choice)</small> | Lenka |rowspan="2" | December 3, 2012 | 27.10 | rowspan="2" | Eliminated |- | "Crazy" <small>(Artist's choice)</small> | Gnarls Barkley | 27.6 |}
After the show, Martinez began working independently on original material, which she says she spent the majority of 2013 writing. She released her debut single, "Dollhouse", on February 9, 2014.<ref name="usdollhouse">{{cite web |last1=McRady |first1=Rachel |title=Voice's First Breakout? Melanie Martinez Releases Haunting New Single |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/voice-alum-melanie-martinez-releases-haunting-dollhouse-single-watch-the-music-video-2014102 |work=Us Weekly |date=February 10, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220003856/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/voice-alum-melanie-martinez-releases-haunting-dollhouse-single-watch-the-music-video-2014102 |archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> She later compared the song's story to ''Edward Scissorhands'', saying "[It's] the perfect home with the perfect lawn and they all look the same. But behind each house there's a screwed up group of people who are hiding behind wealth and perfection."<ref name="tam">{{cite web |last1=Boise |first1=Danielle |title=Interview with Melanie Martinez on 'Dollhouse' EP and Life out on the Road |url=http://tamagazine.com/interview-melanie-martinez-dollhouse-ep-touring/ |work=Target Audience Magazine |access-date=August 22, 2016 |date=June 2, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514180044/http://tamagazine.com/interview-melanie-martinez-dollhouse-ep-touring/ |archive-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> Martinez also released a music video for the track, which was fan-funded by an Indiegogo page created by Martinez, and hair, makeup, and shooting were all done by friends of hers.<ref name="billboard" /><ref name="hellogiggles">{{cite web |last1=Min |first1=Lilian |title=In conversation with 'Cry Baby' artist Melanie Martinez |url=http://hellogiggles.com/melanie-martinez-crybaby-interview/3/ |website=HelloGiggles.com |access-date=July 21, 2016 |date=November 20, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817063242/http://hellogiggles.com/melanie-martinez-crybaby-interview/3/ |archive-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="groundsounds">{{cite web |last1=Berrien |first1=Jon |title=Interview: "Dollhouse" singer Melanie Martinez plays nice with GroundSounds |url=http://groundsounds.com/2014/05/28/interview-dollhouse-singer-melanie-martinez-plays-nice-groundsounds/ |website=GroundSounds.com |access-date=September 1, 2016 |date=May 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718045731/http://groundsounds.com/2014/05/28/interview-dollhouse-singer-melanie-martinez-plays-nice-groundsounds/ |archive-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> The song was produced and cowritten by NYC songwriting duo Kinetics & One Love.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.warnerchappell.com/song-details/WW010304680000 |title=Dollhouse |publisher=Warner Chappell |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713133539/http://uk.warnerchappell.com/song-details/WW010304680000 |archive-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref>
On April 7, 2014, Martinez signed to Atlantic Records and released her debut EP, ''Dollhouse'', a month later on May 19, 2014.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/melanie-martinez-opens-her-dollhouse-201322002.html;_ylt=AwrBEiGhI0NTSnAAPhb_wgt. |title=Melanie Martinez Opens Her "Dollhouse"; Celebrated Singer/Songwriter Sets Debut EP, Showcased by Haunting New Single, "Dollhouse" |date=April 7, 2014 |publisher=Yahoo! Finance |access-date=November 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319234140/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/melanie-martinez-opens-her-dollhouse-201322002.html;_ylt=AwrBEiGhI0NTSnAAPhb_wgt. |archive-date=March 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ydtalk.com/idolchatteryd/dollhouse-in-hand-melanie-martinez-plans-shows-in-the-area/ |title='Dollhouse' in hand, Melanie Martinez plans shows in the area |publisher=Idol Chatter & Voice Views |access-date=November 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114338/http://www.ydtalk.com/idolchatteryd/dollhouse-in-hand-melanie-martinez-plans-shows-in-the-area/ |archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref name="knockturnal">{{cite web |last1=Gioino |first1=Catherina |title=Melanie Martinez Talks New Album 'Cry Baby' |url=https://theknockturnal.com/an-exclusive-interview-with-melanie-martinez/ |website=TheKnockturnal.com |date=August 20, 2015 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920194109/https://theknockturnal.com/an-exclusive-interview-with-melanie-martinez/ |archive-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> The only single from the EP, "Carousel", reached number nine on the Alternative Digital Songs chart, was certified gold by the RIAA, and featured in a preview for FX's miniseries ''American Horror Story: Freak Show''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="huffpost">{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Avery |title=How This Eerie Song Wound Up in The 'Freak Show' Trailer |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/melanie-martinez-freak-show_n_5863216.html |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=August 22, 2016 |date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801120828/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/melanie-martinez-freak-show_n_5863216.html |archive-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> She promoted the EP with the Dollhouse Tour which lasted from June 2014 to March 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melanie Martinez takes new album on tour |url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/entertainment/2015/09/02/melanie-martinez-voice-philadelphia-concert/71612088/ |accessdate=June 1, 2023 |website=Courier Post |last=Chimento |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2015}}</ref>
=== 2015–2022: ''Cry Baby'', "Piggyback", ''K–12'' and ''After School EP'' === [[File:Melanie Martinez - Carioca Club 2015 (9) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Martinez performing in 2015 on the Cry Baby Tour]] On June 1, 2015, Martinez released the single "Pity Party", which sampled Lesley Gore's "It's My Party".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idolator.com/7595183/melanie-martinez-pity-party-video-debut-album-cry-baby-lesley-gore |title=Melanie Martinez Teases Debut LP 'Cry Baby' With A Delightfully Depressing "Pity Party": Watch |website=Idolator.com |date=June 2, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910081557/http://www.idolator.com/7595183/melanie-martinez-pity-party-video-debut-album-cry-baby-lesley-gore |archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref> This was followed by the album's second single, "Soap".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://trendio.us/2015/07/listen-melanie-martinez-soap/ |title=Listen: Melanie Martinez – "Soap" |work=Trendio |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925083856/http://trendio.us/2015/07/listen-melanie-martinez-soap/ |archive-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> The song reached number twelve on the Alternative Digital Songs chart, and number sixteen on the Pop Digital Songs chart.<ref name=":1" /> The third single, "Sippy Cup", followed on July 31.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://trendio.us/2015/07/video-melanie-martinez-sippy-cup/ |title=Video: Melanie Martinez – "Sippy Cup" |website=Trendio.com |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811231244/http://trendio.us/2015/07/video-melanie-martinez-sippy-cup/ |archive-date=August 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ktla.com/2015/08/12/melanie-martinez-details-the-inspiration-behind-her-debut-album-cry-baby/ |title=Melanie Martinez Details the Inspiration Behind her Debut Album 'Cry Baby' |work=KTLA |date=August 12, 2015 |publisher=KTLA |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813021823/http://ktla.com/2015/08/12/melanie-martinez-details-the-inspiration-behind-her-debut-album-cry-baby/ |archive-date=August 13, 2015}}</ref> ''Cry Baby'', her debut album, was released on August 14, 2015, to moderate critical acclaim and debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/talib-kweli-nada-surf-melanie-martinez-music-reviews/story?id=33161734 |title=Talib Kweli, Nada Surf, Melanie Martinez and More Music Reviews |date=August 19, 2015 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=April 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222916/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/talib-kweli-nada-surf-melanie-martinez-music-reviews/story?id=33161734 |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/2015/11/spin-pop-report-melanie-martinez-astr-borns-leon-troye-sivan-alexx-mack/ |title=SPIN Pop Report: Melanie Martinez Loads Her Sippycups With Booze |work=Spin |date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607153456/http://www.spin.com/2015/11/spin-pop-report-melanie-martinez-astr-borns-leon-troye-sivan-alexx-mack/ |archive-date=June 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/14/arts/music/review-melanie-martinez-performs-cry-baby-and-other-songs-from-her-debut-album.html |title=Review: Melanie Martinez Performs 'Cry Baby' and Other Songs From Her Debut Album |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=September 13, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130051827/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/14/arts/music/review-melanie-martinez-performs-cry-baby-and-other-songs-from-her-debut-album.html |archive-date=November 30, 2015}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/1493230/Melanie+Martinez/chart?f=305 |title=Melanie Martinez – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507151218/http://www.billboard.com/artist/1493230/Melanie+Martinez/chart?f=305 |archive-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref> The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on February 24, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cantor |first1=Brian |title=Melanie Martinez' "Cry Baby" Album Certified Platinum |url=https://headlineplanet.com/home/2017/03/02/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-album-certified-platinum/ |website=HeadlinePlanet.com |access-date=March 2, 2017 |date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302210501/http://headlineplanet.com/home/2017/03/02/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-album-certified-platinum/ |archive-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby-second-album-7904990/ |title=Melanie Martinez Celebrates 'Cry Baby' Chart Success, Looks Ahead To Elaborate Album/Film Project |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 1, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205054508/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7904990/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby-second-album |archive-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> Martinez went on the Cry Baby Tour to promote the album, which lasted from 2015 to 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/50427/Melanie-Martinez-Cry-Baby-Tour-2016.utr |title=Melanie Martinez Cry Baby Tour 2016 |accessdate=May 31, 2023 |website=Under the Radar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/melanie_martinez_releases_new_music_video_for_mrs._potato_headwatch |title=Melanie Martinez releases new music video for "Mrs. Potato Head" |work=Alternative Press |date=December 2, 2016 |access-date=December 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202170801/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/melanie_martinez_releases_new_music_video_for_mrs._potato_headwatch |archive-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7580561/melanie-martinez-pacify-her-video |title=Melanie Martinez's 'Pacify Her' Video Is Exactly What You'd Expect: Beautiful & Freaky |newspaper=Billboard |access-date=December 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122091154/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7580561/melanie-martinez-pacify-her-video |archive-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
In May 2016, Martinez released her second EP, ''Pity Party'', in Ireland, Mexico and the UK exclusively.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://atisket.pulsewidth.org.uk/?cached=075679910110-d_0-s_0-i_1107236497 |title=Pity Party by Melanie Martinez | a-tisket: A multi-source seeder for MusicBrainz}}</ref> A month later, Martinez said she had started working on and recording her second album.<ref name="azcentral" /> In November 2016, Martinez released her third EP, ''Cry Baby's Extra Clutter'', a physical vinyl release of the bonus tracks from ''Cry Baby'' as well as "Gingerbread Man", a Christmas-themed single which was initially released in December 2015 on SoundCloud but later released as a solo single in January 2016.<ref name="aquarian" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Melanie |title=Gingerbread Man |url=https://soundcloud.com/melaniemartinezmusic/melanie-martinez-gingerbread |website=SoundCloud.com |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829030846/https://soundcloud.com/melaniemartinezmusic/melanie-martinez-gingerbread |archive-date=August 29, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grebey |first=James |url=https://www.spin.com/2015/12/melanie-martinez-gingerbread-man-stream/ |title=Melanie Martinez Shares Sweet and Spicy New Track, 'Gingerbread Man' |date=December 23, 2015 |website=Spin |access-date=June 12, 2019}}</ref><ref name="crybabyextra">{{cite web |title=Cry Baby's Extra Clutter Vinyl EP |url=http://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/cry-baby-s-extra-clutter-vinyl-ep.html |website=Melanie Martinez |access-date=October 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413123110/http://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/cry-baby-s-extra-clutter-vinyl-ep.html |archive-date=April 13, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In October 2016, Martinez released a commercial for her fragrance, Cry Baby Perfume Milk, noting that the "idea for this perfume has been cultivating in my brain since the moment I finished writing" ''Cry Baby''.<ref name="billboard.com"/> The perfume was directly distributed by Martinez's record label, Atlantic, making them the first record label to distribute a fragrance.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine |last1=Weatherby |first1=Taylor |title=Melanie Martinez Unveils New Fragrance, Cry Baby Perfume Milk: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/melanie-martinez-fragrance-cry-baby-perfume-milk-7550138/ |magazine=Billboard |date=October 25, 2016 |access-date=October 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027124428/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7550138/melanie-martinez-fragrance-cry-baby-perfume-milk |archive-date=October 27, 2016}}</ref> Martinez also collaborated with cosmetics company Lime Crime, Inc. to release two "exclusive" lipsticks: a blue lipstick called "Cry Baby" on August 17, 2015, and a brown lipstick called "Teddy Bear" on March 9, 2016.<ref name="limecrime">{{cite web |last1=Deere |first1=Doe |title=Cry Baby |url=https://www.limecrime.com/crybaby/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816191233/https://www.limecrime.com/crybaby/ |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=LimeCrime.com}}</ref>
On December 22, 2017, Melanie Martinez released the song "Piggyback" on SoundCloud, believed to reflect on allegations made by her former friend, Timothy Heller.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 23, 2017 |title=Melanie Martinez Has Released A Song In Response To The Sexual Assault Allegations... - PopBuzz |newspaper=Popbuzz |url=http://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/melanie-martinez/news/piggyback-lyrics-timothy-heller-song/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223160443/http://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/melanie-martinez/news/piggyback-lyrics-timothy-heller-song/ |archive-date=December 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 23, 2017 |title=Melanie Martinez Drops New Song "Piggyback" In Response To Rape Accusations - BreatheHeavy.com |newspaper=Breatheheavy.com |url=http://www.breatheheavy.com/melanie-martinez-drops-new-song-piggyback-response-rape-accusations/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223163559/http://www.breatheheavy.com/melanie-martinez-drops-new-song-piggyback-response-rape-accusations/ |archive-date=December 23, 2017}}</ref> Heller accused Martinez of sexual assault via Twitter on December 4, 2017, which Martinez strongly denied, asserting that any intimacy was consensual.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2017 |title='The Voice' star Melanie Martinez posts second denial of rape allegations, thanks fans for support |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-voice-star-melanie-martinez-posts-second-denial-of-rape-allegations-thanks-fans-for-support |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=December 10, 2017 |title=Melanie Martinez Shares Additional Comments in Response to Rape Accusation |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-the-voice-timothy-heller-additional-comments-rape-sexual-assault-accusation-8062843/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
On May 15, 2019, Martinez released a teaser trailer for her second album, ''K–12'' which was eventually released on September 6, 2019, and debuted at number 3 on Billboard 200.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVaQmzwKg2Y |title=Melanie Martinez – K-12 |via=YouTube |date=May 15, 2019 |access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Reda |first1=Natasha |title=Everything We Know About Melanie Martinez's New Album |url=http://popcrush.com/melanie-martinezs-k-12-album-details/ |website=PopCrush |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=June 3, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The album was accompanied by a musical fantasy horror film, which was written and directed by Martinez.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/melanie_martinez_second_album_movie |title=Melanie Martinez's next album will feature an accompanying movie |work=Alternative Press |date=August 15, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135831/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/melanie_martinez_second_album_movie |archive-date=January 1, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Variety">{{cite web |last1=Bell |first1=BreAnna |title=How Atlantic Records Helped Bring Melanie Martinez's Film Fantasy to Life |date=September 6, 2019 |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/melanie-martinez-movie-k-12-budget-atlantic-records-1203323613/ |accessdate=August 1, 2020}}</ref> In an interview with ''People'', Martinez alluded to future sequels and visual albums being released.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vuT8mpxWk |title=Melanie Martinez On The Creation Of 'K-12' & The Anti-Bullying Message Behind The Movie | PeopleTV |date=September 9, 2019 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref> The album was promoted with the K–12 Tour began on October 13, 2019, in Washington, D.C. and concluded prematurely on February 17, 2020, in Brixton, England due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iahn |first=Buddy |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Melanie Martinez cancels K-12 Tour |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/melanie-martinez-cancels-k-12-tour/ |website=The Music Universe}}</ref>
In January 2020, Martinez announced she was working on an EP titled ''After School'', which was then set to be released in the spring of 2020 and serve as the deluxe edition of ''K–12''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.idolator.com/7905236/melanie-martinez-teases-new-ep-which-is-probably-called-after-school |title=Melanie Martinez Teases New EP, Which Is Probably Called 'After School' |date=January 8, 2020 |website=idolator |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075440/https://www.idolator.com/7905236/melanie-martinez-teases-new-ep-which-is-probably-called-after-school |url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 10, 2020, Martinez released a stand-alone single, "Copy Cat" which featured Tierra Whack, marking Martinez's first feature.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/melanie-martinez-tierra-whack-copy-cat/ |title=Melanie Martinez And Tierra Whack's 'Copy Cat' Is A Resonating Showcase Of Talents |date=February 10, 2020 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US |access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> Martinez later released a second single from the EP, "Fire Drill", on June 26, 2020, which had previously featured in the credits of the ''K–12'' film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.idolator.com/7912001/melanie-martinez-finally-rings-the-fire-drill |title=Melanie Martinez Finally Rings The "Fire Drill" |website=Idolator |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=June 26, 2020}}{{dead link|date=August 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Both songs were not included on ''After School'', which was eventually delayed and released on September 25, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thetartan.org/2020/2/17/pillbox/martinez |title=Melanie Martinez - After School |website=The Tartan |last=Kim |first=Madeline |language=en |date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref>
In April 2020, "Play Date" became one of the top 100 most-played songs on Spotify in the US after gaining popularity on TikTok.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melanie Martinez's "Play Date" Is A Belated Hit |url=https://www.idolator.com/7909927/melanie-martinezs-play-date-is-a-belated-hit |date=April 29, 2020 |website=idolator |access-date=May 11, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705184805/https://www.idolator.com/7909927/melanie-martinezs-play-date-is-a-belated-hit |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, Martinez featured on ''Forbes''' Under 30 list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=30 Under 30 - Music |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2021/music/ |website=Forbes}}</ref>
=== 2023–2025: ''Portals'' === On February 18, 2023, after archiving all her Instagram posts, Martinez teased her third studio album, ''Portals''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=melanie martinez ⟡ on Instagram: "⟡𓋼 𓇗 𓆸 ⟡" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CozHyb0O37d/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref> The album was released on March 31, 2023, and was promoted with the singles, "Death" and "Void" which charted at number 95 and 61 respectively, marking her first original appearances on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.{{efn|While participating on ''The Voice'' in 2012, Martinez's covers of "Seven Nation Army" and "Too Close" had charted on the Hot 100.}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Transforms Into a Pink Creature for New Album 'Portals' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-album-1234684602/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222203522/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-album-1234684602/ |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |access-date=February 22, 2023}}</ref> ''Portals'' debuted at #2 on the ''Billboard'' 200, with 142,000 equivalent album units its first week (99,000 from pure sales). She embarked on the Portals Tour in May 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Announces ''Portals'' Summer Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-tour-1234708850/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404205548/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-tour-1234708850/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Martinez was nominated for the VMA's Best Visual Effects, for the music for her single "Void".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Visual Effects - Winners for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards |url=https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/best-visual-effects |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=MTV}}</ref>
In November 2023, Martinez announced the launch of Portals Parfums, a collection of four fragrances developed in collaboration with indie perfumery Flower Shop Perfumes. The collection launched in a sculptural vessel modeled after Martinez's four eyed "Cry Baby" alter ego which houses all four fragrances and retails for $275.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chikhoune |first=Ryma |date=November 1, 2023 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Melanie Martinez Releases Second Fragrance, Portals Parfums |url=https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fragrance/melanie-martinez-second-fragrance-portals-parfums-1235910958/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |publisher=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
Since the release, a further five music videos have appeared, one featuring the song "Tunnel Vision" in December 2023,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Diamond |date=December 20, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez's "Tunnel Vision" Video Has A Deeper Meaning Than You'd Think |url=https://www.hercampus.com/culture/melanie-martinez-tunnel-vision-music-video-meaning/ |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=Her Campus |language=en-US}}</ref> a second in February 2024 for "Faerie Soirée",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iahn |first=Buddy |date=February 13, 2024 |title=Melanie Martinez releases 'Faerie Soirée' video |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/melanie-martinez-releases-faerie-soiree-video/ |access-date=June 5, 2024 |website=The Music Universe |language=en}}</ref> a third in May 2024 for "Light Shower",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iahn |first=Buddy |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Melanie Martinez shares 'Light Shower' video |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/melanie-martinez-shares-light-shower-video/ |access-date=June 5, 2024 |website=The Music Universe |language=en}}</ref> followed by "Spider Web" and "Leeches" in December 2024 and March 2025, respectively.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc1vonVAfmk |title=Melanie Martinez - Spider Web (Official Music Video) |date=December 4, 2024 |last=melanie martinez |access-date=January 24, 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SinDUMJmsCU |title=Melanie Martinez - Leeches (Official Music Video) |date=March 28, 2025 |last=melanie martinez |access-date=January 24, 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
In 2024, Martinez embarked on her sold-out arena tour titled The Trilogy Tour, featuring songs from all three albums ''Cry Baby'', ''K-12,'' and ''PORTALS''. She packed legendary global arena venues, including two consecutive sold-out nights at NYC's Madison Square Garden. In 2024, Martinez also headlined the world-famous Lollapalooza festival in Chicago as well as the Corona Capital festival in Mexico City.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharpe |first=Josh |title=Melanie Martinez Sets Exclusive Concerts in Celebration of HADES Album |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Melanie-Martinez-Sets-Exclusive-Concerts-in-Celebration-of-HADES-Album-20260309 |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>
===2026–present: ''Hades''=== On January 22, 2026, Martinez blacked out her social media accounts alongside her website and changed her YouTube video thumbnails to black, teasing her upcoming albums.<ref>{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Adrienne |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/melanie-martinez-wipes-her-instagram-clean-she-entering-new-era-1773288 |title=Melanie Martinez Wipes Her Instagram Clean — Is She Entering A New Era? |newspaper=International Business Times |date=January 23, 2026 |access-date=January 24, 2026}}<!-- Will be replaced to better source per WP:IBTIMES--></ref> A day later, she posted a teaser video for her then upcoming fourth album, which mentioned a new character Circle, described as a "new pop star out of 'Hades Tech', who has been extracted from a secluded cult".<ref>{{cite instagram |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |user=littlebodybigheart |postid=DT3b8nrjg86 |title=Reels |date=January 23, 2026 |access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref> On January 27, the singer announced the album's lead single, "Possession", released a day later.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/melanie-martinez-surprise-release-possession-1236166345/ |title='Cry Baby Is Dead:' Melanie Martinez Ushers in New Era with 'Possession' |magazine=Billboard |date=January 29, 2026 |access-date=January 29, 2026}}</ref> After announcing her fourth album ''Hades'',<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Cuevas |first=Gabi |url=https://www.melodicmag.com/news/album-announcements/melanie-martinez-announces-her-comeback-with-4th-studio-album-hades/ |title=Melanie Martinez announces her comeback with 4th studio album, ''Hades'' |magazine=Melodic Magazine |date=February 3, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026}}</ref> she announced the second single of the album, "Disney Princess", released on February 25.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stickler |first=Jon |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/250738/9 |title=Melanie Martinez Shares New Single Disney Princess |website=Stereoboard |date=February 26, 2026 |access-date=February 27, 2026}}</ref> On March 4, Martinez announced the full tracklist of the album on her social media accounts.<ref>{{cite Instagram |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |author-link=Melanie Martinez |user=littlebodybigheart |postid=DVePx09DhNT |title=''Hades'' Tracklist |date=March 5, 2026 |access-date=March 30, 2026}}</ref> Along with the album's release on March 27, "Uncanny Valley" was released as its third single.<ref>{{cite Instagram |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |author-link=Melanie Martinez |user=littlebodybigheart |postid=DWX64wWDOmx |title=Uncanny Valley Single And My New Album ''Hades'' Is Out Now!!!! |date=March 27, 2026 |access-date=March 27, 2026}}</ref> Throughout the start of 2026, Martinez performed at several shows known as the listening chamber events in support of the album. These shows are set to be followed by her sixth headlining concert tour, Hades: The Sacrifice, which will visit North America and several countries across Europe. It is her second all-arena tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=2026-03-21 |title=LONDON ⋆·˚ ༘ * 𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖇𝖊𝖗 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DWCbOY9jBHP/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=2026-03-21 |title=AMSTERDAM ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡ 𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖇𝖊𝖗 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓𝖙 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DWINHvhDtM1/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=2026-04-16 |title=Tour |url=https://www.melaniemartinezmusic.com/tour |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=Melanie Martinez |language=en}}</ref>
== Artistry == === Musical style === {{multiple image | footer = Martinez's music has been compared to Lana Del Rey (left) and Lorde (right). | image1 = Lana Del Rey at KROQ Weenie Roast 2017 (cropped).jpg | width1 = 149 | alt1 = | image2 = LordeRoundhse010622 (17 of 66) (52119260286) (cropped2).jpg | width2 = 138 | alt2 = | align = right}} Martinez's music has been described as pop,<ref name="noisey1">{{cite web |last1=Haidari |first1=Niloufar |date=May 31, 2016 |title=I Took Melanie Martinez on a Date to an Ice Cream Parlour |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/melanie-martinez-first-date/ |website=Noisey |access-date=September 8, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214044111/https://www.vice.com/en/article/rdzbaj/melanie-martinez-first-date}}</ref><ref name="wearemitu">{{cite web |last1=Boricua |first1=Dominicana |title=Dominicana-Boricua Melanie Martinez Shows You the Dark Side of Pop |url=https://wearemitu.com/mitu-world/dominicana-boricua-melanie-martinez-pop/ |website=Wearemitu |access-date=May 1, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501162011/https://wearemitu.com/mitu-world/dominicana-boricua-melanie-martinez-pop/ |archive-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref name="melaniemartinezallmusic">{{cite web |last1=Collar |first1=Matt |title=Melanie Martinez Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/melanie-martinez-mn0003038955/biography |website=Allmusic |access-date=August 25, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729050052/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/melanie-martinez-mn0003038955/biography |archive-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> alternative pop,<ref name="altpress k12">{{cite web |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/melanie-martinez-k-12-review/ |title=Melanie Martinez Returns to ''K-12'' for an Even Grander Life Lesson—Review |website=Alternative Press |first=Rachel |last=Campbell |date=September 6, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630225501/https://www.altpress.com/melanie-martinez-k-12-review/}}</ref> art pop,<ref>{{cite web |last=Samways |first=Gemma |title=Melanie Martinez review: Pop princess loses her way in fairytale settings |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/melanie-martinez-review-pop-princess-loses-her-way-in-fairytale-settings-a4364556.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=June 7, 2021 |date=February 18, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122234856/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/melanie-martinez-review-pop-princess-loses-her-way-in-fairytale-settings-a4364556.html}}</ref> electropop,<ref name="guardian" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/eight_lyrics_from_emo_pop_queen_melanie_martinez_that_will_give_you_the_fee/ |title=8 lyrics from emo-pop queen Melanie Martinez that will give you the feels |website=Alternative Press |date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406183743/https://www.altpress.com/features/eight_lyrics_from_emo_pop_queen_melanie_martinez_that_will_give_you_the_fee/}}</ref> and dark pop.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosenzweig |first=Mathias |title=What's Melanie Martinez Got in the Oven? |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/whats-melanie-martinez-got-in-the-oven/ |website=V |date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101010414/https://vmagazine.com/article/whats-melanie-martinez-got-in-the-oven/}}</ref> ''Cry Baby'' and ''K–12'' were seen to have hip hop and R&B undertones.<ref name="the405">{{cite web |last1=Buck |first1=Courtney |title=Step into the colourful world of Melanie Martinez |url=https://www.thefourohfive.com/music/article/the-405-meets-melanie-martinez-144 |website=The 405 |access-date=May 1, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054627/https://www.thefourohfive.com/music/article/the-405-meets-melanie-martinez-144 |archive-date=September 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/k-12-mw0003303358 |title=K-12 Review |website=AllMusic |first=Matt |last=Collar |access-date=September 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508145523/https://www.allmusic.com/album/k-12-mw0003303358}}</ref> ''Portals'' saw Melanie venturing into experimental sounds and pop-rock.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Is Born Again and Bold as Ever on 'Portals' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/melanie-martinez-portals-1234706468/ |access-date=May 5, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Martinez's music has been described by ''The Guardian'' as "off-kilter, sweary electropop".<ref name="guardian" /> ''Rolling Stone'' described Martinez's music as "twisted lullabies about love, danger and madness", and compared her music to that of {{"'}}Coin-Operated Boy'-era Dresden Dolls" and Lana Del Rey.<ref name="rollingstone10">{{cite magazine |last1=Johnston |first1=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |title=10 New Artists You Need to Know: September 2015 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-new-artists-you-need-to-know-september-2015-20150925/melanie-martinez-20150925 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715203035/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-new-artists-you-need-to-know-september-2015-20150925/melanie-martinez-20150925 |archive-date=July 15, 2016}}</ref> ''The New York Times''{{'}}s Jon Pareles described her music as "perch[ing] prettily tinkling keyboards and concise pop choruses amid the slow, ominous basslines and twitchy percussion of Southern hip-hop – a candy-coated variation on the dirges of Lorde and Lana Del Rey", and described her mezzo-soprano voice<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddirtreport.com/rustys-music/audience-invited-melanie-martinezs-perfectly-curated-madness-during-okc-stop |work=Red Dirt Report |first=Keaton |last=Bell |title=Audience invited into Melanie Martinez's "perfectly-curated madness" during OKC stop |date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113235722/http://www.reddirtreport.com/rustys-music/audience-invited-melanie-martinezs-perfectly-curated-madness-during-okc-stop}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu/2020/12/22/review-melanie-martinez-global-stream-12-17/ |first=Katarzyna |last=Jezak |work=WTBU |access-date=May 3, 2022 |date=December 22, 2020 |title=Review: Melanie Martinez Global Stream 12/17 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126100410/https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu/2020/12/22/review-melanie-martinez-global-stream-12-17/}}</ref> as "whispery, sardonic, tearful, [and] furious".<ref name="newyorktimes">{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |title=Review: Melanie Martinez Performs 'Cry Baby' and Other Songs From Her Debut Album |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/14/arts/music/review-melanie-martinez-performs-cry-baby-and-other-songs-from-her-debut-album.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 22, 2016 |date=September 13, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807195333/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/14/arts/music/review-melanie-martinez-performs-cry-baby-and-other-songs-from-her-debut-album.html?_r=0 |archive-date=August 7, 2017}}</ref> ''Billboard''{{'}}s Jason Lipshutz also compared Martinez to Del Rey and Lorde, saying, "Martinez is clearly cribbing from the dimly lit pop stylings of Lorde and Lana Del Rey, but while her wispy delivery strikes the same femme fatale poses, she lacks the subtlety of her influences", and that "Martinez is admirably ambitious, but her insistence on sticking to ''Cry Baby''{{'}}s central idea leaves her contorting into uncomfortable positions".<ref name="bbreview">{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title='The Voice' Star Melanie Martinez's Ambitious Concept Album 'Cry Baby' Fizzles: Album Review |magazine=Billboard |date=August 29, 2015 |volume=127 |issue=25 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6671140/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-album-review |access-date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819023819/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6671140/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-album-review |archive-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref>
Martinez describes her alter ego and the protagonist of her debut album, ''Cry Baby'', as a "fairy tale" version of herself,<ref name="valfre">{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Gabi |title=Girl Crush: Melanie Martinez |url=https://valfre.com/blogs/blog/40511041-girl-crush-melanie-martinez |website=Valfre.com |access-date=September 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911061639/https://valfre.com/blogs/blog/40511041-girl-crush-melanie-martinez |archive-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> inspired by her own childhood and situations that she's been through combined with fictionalized, fairy tale-inspired elements.<ref name="clture">{{cite web |title=Melanie Martinez is growing up and her voice is being heard |url=http://clture.org/melanie-martinez-is-growing-up-and-her-voice-is-being-heard/ |website=Valfre.com |access-date=May 1, 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913122411/http://clture.org/melanie-martinez-is-growing-up-and-her-voice-is-being-heard/ |archive-date=September 13, 2015}}</ref> Martinez's songs are often based on personal experiences.<ref name="goldenboy">{{cite web |title=Melanie Martinez, Golden Boy Press Interview #109... |url=http://goldenboypress.tumblr.com/post/95585229530/melanie-martinez-golden-boy-press-interview-109 |work=Golden Boy Press |access-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012192509/http://goldenboypress.tumblr.com/post/95585229530/melanie-martinez-golden-boy-press-interview-109 |archive-date=October 12, 2016}}</ref> Martinez described her own music as "very dark and honest" and "hip hop/trap inspired beats with creepy nostalgic childlike sounds such as baby pianos, music boxes, and toys".<ref name="creem">{{cite web |last1=Mania |first1=Greg |title=Melanie Martinez Dollhouse Video |url=http://creemmag.com/melanie-martinez/ |work=Creem |access-date=August 30, 2016 |date=April 19, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175737/http://creemmag.com/melanie-martinez/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref>
=== Influences === Martinez listened to Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Britney Spears, The Beatles, Tupac Shakur, Shakira, and Biggie Smalls growing up,<ref name="golden">{{cite web |author=sunnymenagerie |title=Melanie Martinez: From Biggie to Pastels |url=https://goldenmixtape.com/2014/02/24/melanie-martinez-interview/ |publisher=Golden Mixtape |access-date=September 1, 2016 |date=February 24, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919015653/https://goldenmixtape.com/2014/02/24/melanie-martinez-interview/ |archive-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name="noisey1" /><ref name="axs2">{{cite web |last1=Yeanopos |first1=Kevin |title=Life's a 'Carousel' for rising artist Melanie Martinez |url=https://www.axs.com/news/life-s-a-carousel-for-rising-artist-melanie-martinez-36859 |publisher=AXS |access-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911192556/http://www.axs.com/news/life-s-a-carousel-for-rising-artist-melanie-martinez-36859 |archive-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> and wanted to be a singer from a young age.<ref name="kiis">{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Chuey |title=Next Up Artist of the Week: Melanie Martinez |url=http://kiisfm.iheart.com/onair/nextup-52353/next-up-artist-of-the-week-13543427/ |publisher=KIIS FM |access-date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921043337/http://kiisfm.iheart.com/onair/nextup-52353/next-up-artist-of-the-week-13543427/ |archive-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref> Martinez has cited The Beatles,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-kruczyk/no-pity-party-here-melani_b_8007290.html |title=No Pity Party Here – Melanie Martinez's Cry Baby Hits #1 on the Alternative Albums Chart |first=Lauren |last=Kruczyk |work=The Huffington Post |date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018225645/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-kruczyk/no-pity-party-here-melani_b_8007290.html |archive-date=October 18, 2016}}</ref> Neutral Milk Hotel, Feist, Kimbra,<ref name="liherald" /> Zooey Deschanel, Regina Spektor,<ref name="msgbio" /> and CocoRosie as influences of hers. Specific albums which have influenced her music include ''The Idler Wheel...'' by Fiona Apple and Ariana Grande's albums ''Yours Truly'' and ''My Everything''.<ref name="billboard" /> She attributes the "heavy hip-hop influence" in her music to her father playing hip-hop music in the family's house often during her childhood, and the storytelling aspect of her work to his obsession with The Beatles.<ref name="newsday">{{cite web |last1=Gamboa |first1=Glenn |title=Melanie Martinez of 'The Voice' issues 'Dollhouse' EP |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/melanie-martinez-of-the-voice-recording-new-music-o43756 |work=Newsday |location=New York City / Long Island |date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825164113/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/melanie-martinez-of-the-voice-issues-dollhouse-ep-1.8019951 |archive-date=August 25, 2016}}</ref><ref name="idolint">{{cite web |last1=Wass |first1=Mike |title=Melanie Martinez on Concept Albums & The Future Adventures of Cry Baby: Idolator Interview |url=http://www.idolator.com/7616369/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby |website=Idolator.com |access-date=July 18, 2016 |date=November 30, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714221707/http://www.idolator.com/7616369/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby |archive-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="golden"></ref>
The visuals in Martinez's music videos have been influenced by her favorite visual artists: Mark Ryden, Aleksandra Waliszewska and Nicoletta Ceccoli.<ref name="us25" /><ref name="latina">{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Priscilla |title=EXCLUSIVE: Melanie Martinez Talks About Her Journey After 'The Voice' |url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/celebrity/melanie-martinez-voice-alum-interview |work=Latina |access-date=September 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https:// th/web/20160913075356/http://www.latina.com/entertainment/celebrity/melanie-martinez-voice-alum-interview |archive-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref> She named Tim Burton as a large influence of hers, showing appreciation for the prominent "cartoony childlike quality" contrasted by "dark tones lying underneath" throughout his work.<ref name="tam"></ref> She has said that to make a movie with him would be her "one dream".<ref name="chattanooga">{{cite web |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Patrick |title=Patrick O'Hagan Interviews Melanie Martinez |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2015/8/26/307037/Patrick-OHagan-Interviews-Melanie-Martinez.aspx |work=Chattanoogan |date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814192936/http://www.chattanoogan.com/2015/8/26/307037/Patrick-OHagan-Interviews-Melanie-Martinez.aspx |archive-date=August 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="lcblog">{{cite web |title=Melanie Martinez: Our Favorite Cry Baby |url=http://www.ilovelimecrime.com/spotlight/melanie-martinez-interview |website=ILoveLimeLimeCrime.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810003244/http://www.ilovelimecrime.com/spotlight/melanie-martinez-interview |archive-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref>
== Public image == At age sixteen, after watching ''101 Dalmatians'' (1996), Martinez dyed half of her hair blonde, in the same vein as Cruella de Vil.<ref name="noisey1" /><ref name="lcblog" /> She became known for the look,<ref name="TeenVogue interview">{{Cite web |url=http://www.teenvogue.com/story/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby-new-music |title=Melanie Martinez on 'The Voice,' 'Cry Baby,' and New Music |last=Matta |first=Madonna |date=October 27, 2016 |work=Teen Vogue |publisher=Condé Nast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126133646/http://www.teenvogue.com/story/melanie-martinez-interview-cry-baby-new-music |archive-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref> as well as her "baby doll"-inspired outfits in music videos and when performing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenzweig |first1=Mathias |title=A Look Inside Melanie Martinez's Beautifully Twisted World |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/melanie-martinez-cry-baby-lollapalooza |website=Vogue |date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=May 10, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Throughout her career, she has intentionally shown focus on the contrast between light and dark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Melanie Martinez: The Voice, Reality TV & Cry Baby|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/31820/1/melanie-martinez-the-voice-reality-tv-cry-baby|website=Dazed Digital|access-date=2026-05-02}}</ref> ''The Guardian'' has called her image "doll-like and decidedly emo [...] hyperreal" while her music is best known to be "part-nursery rhyme, part tragic life story".<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/09/melanie-martinez-review-electropop-meshing-the-hyperreal-and-the-real |title=Melanie Martinez review – Electropop meshing the hyperreal and the real |date=May 9, 2016 |work=The Guardian |last1=Davies |first1=Hannah J. |access-date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923054032/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/09/melanie-martinez-review-electropop-meshing-the-hyperreal-and-the-real |archive-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref>
=== Advocacy and views === Martinez partnered with Love146 in 2013, hosting charity concerts and using performance proceeds to support the organization's work against child sex trafficking.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://x.com/Love146/status/299242696046956544 |title=Tweet by Love146 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=2026-05-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://houstonfamilymagazine.com/family-life/houstons-perfect-storm/ |title=Houston’s Perfect Storm |website=Houston Family Magazine |access-date=2026-05-02}}</ref>
Martinez has shown support for Palestine, including displaying a Palestinian flag and a "Free Palestine. Ceasefire now" message during a 2023 concert in Paris.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fu |first=Eddie |title=Melanie Martinez’s Mic Cuts Out During Concert as She Raises Palestinian Flag |url=https://consequence.net/2023/11/melanie-martinez-mic-palestinian-flag/ |website=Consequence |date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129153804/https://consequence.net/2023/11/melanie-martinez-mic-palestinian-flag/ |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was also among artists who signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dunn |first=Billie Schwab |title=Melanie Martinez Mic Cuts Out During Concert As Palestinian Flag Raised |url=https://www.newsweek.com/melanie-martinez-microphone-cuts-out-palestinian-flag-1847050 |work=Newsweek |date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2026}}</ref> After her name was falsely reported to be included on a pro-Israel letter in February 2024, Martinez clarified in an Instagram comment that she is opposed to Zionism and in full support of Palestine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Melanie Martinez expresses support for Palestine|url=https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/142019|website=WAFA (Palestinian News & Info Agency)|date=18 February 2024|access-date=2 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="I Do Not Support Any Zionist Bullsh*t": Melanie Martinez|url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/i-do-not-support-any-zionist-bullsht-melanie-martinez|website=The Palestine Chronicle|date=19 February 2024|access-date=2 May 2026}}</ref>
=== Sexual assault allegation === On December 4, 2017, Timothy Heller, a woman with whom Martinez once shared a friendship, alleged via Twitter that Martinez had sexually assaulted and raped her two years prior.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://popcrush.com/melanie-martinez-rape-accusations-timothy-heller/ |title=Melanie Martinez Accused of Sexually Assaulting Former Friend |date=December 5, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205054306/http://popcrush.com/melanie-martinez-rape-accusations-timothy-heller/ |archive-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> The following day, Martinez tweeted a response to Heller's accusations, saying the allegations "horrified and saddened" her, and in response to Heller alleging she "repeatedly said no" to Martinez's advances, Martinez affirmed that Heller "never said no to what [they] chose to do together".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/melanie-martinez-sexual-assault-1202630667/ |title=Melanie Martinez, Accused of Sexual Assault by Ex-Friend, Responds: 'She Never Said No' |date=December 5, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205085840/http://variety.com/2017/music/news/melanie-martinez-sexual-assault-1202630667/ |archive-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-voices-melanie-martinez-accused-of-sexual-assault-by-former-friend-denies-allegations/ |title='The Voice's' Melanie Martinez accused of sexual assault by former friend, denies allegations |website=Fox News |date=December 5, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205131003/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/12/05/voice-star-melanie-martinez-accused-sex-assault-by-former-friend-denies-allegations.html |archive-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> On December 9, 2017, Martinez released a second statement thanking her fans for analyzing past social media posts that "reveal [Heller's] false statements" and claiming she "would never be intimate with someone without their absolute consent."<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |user=MelanieLBBH |number=939706275515981824 |date=December 9, 2017 |title=I understand how hard it could be to see my side of the story. |access-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212001727/https://twitter.com/MelanieLBBH/status/939706275515981824 |archive-date=December 12, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8062843/melanie-martinez-the-voice-timothy-heller-additional-comments-rape-sexual-assault-accusation |title=Melanie Martinez Shares Additional Comments in Response to Rape Accusation |date=December 10, 2017 |first=Mitchell |last=Peters |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212004608/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8062843/melanie-martinez-the-voice-timothy-heller-additional-comments-rape-sexual-assault-accusation |archive-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref> On December 22, Martinez released the song "Piggyback" on SoundCloud, an act believed to be in response to Heller's accusations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.breatheheavy.com/melanie-martinez-drops-new-song-piggyback-response-rape-accusations/ |title=Melanie Martinez Drops New Song "Piggyback" In Response To Rape Accusations |website=BreatheHeavy.com |date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=December 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223163559/http://www.breatheheavy.com/melanie-martinez-drops-new-song-piggyback-response-rape-accusations/ |archive-date=December 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/melanie-martinez/news/piggyback-lyrics-timothy-heller-song/ |title=Melanie Martinez Has Released A Song In Response To The Sexual Assault Allegations Against Her |website=PopBuzz.com |access-date=December 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223160443/http://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/melanie-martinez/news/piggyback-lyrics-timothy-heller-song/ |archive-date=December 23, 2017}}</ref>
On July 19, 2024, Heller issued a new video statement reasserting her story, as well as denying claims that she had "admitted to lying".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Art |first=Pop Culture & |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Timothy Heller accuses Melanie Martinez of assault: here's the full statement and background history |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2481493/timothy-heller-accuses-melanie-martinez-of-assault-heres-the-full-statement-and-background-history |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Heller also described harassment and doxxing she received from Martinez's fanbase that ultimately led her to temporarily deactivate her public accounts.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Kaylyn |date=July 23, 2024 |title=Indie pop artist under fire again after resurgence of sexual assault allegations |url=https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2024/07/indie-pop-artist-under-fire-again-after-resurgence-of-sexual-assault-allegations.html |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=The Patriot-News |language=en}}</ref>
== Discography == {{Main|Melanie Martinez discography|List of songs recorded by Melanie Martinez}}
'''Studio albums''' * ''Cry Baby'' (2015) * ''K–12'' (2019) * ''Portals'' (2023) * ''Hades'' (2026)
== Filmography ==
=== Film === {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2019 | ''K–12'' | Cry Baby | Also writer, director, costume designer, and composer |}
=== Television === {| class="wikitable " ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2012 | ''The Voice'' | Herself / Contestant | Season 3 |}
=== Web === {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2019–20 | ''Extra Credit'' | Herself | YouTube Premium series |}
== Tours == '''Headlining''' * Dollhouse Tour (2014–2015) * Cry Baby Tour (2015–2017) * K–12 Tour (2019–2020) * Portals Tour (2023–2024) * The Trilogy Tour (2024) * Hades: The Sacrifice (2026)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=2026-04-16 |title=𝐻𝒜𝒟𝐸𝒮: 𝒯𝐻𝐸 𝒮𝒜𝒞𝑅𝐼𝐹𝐼𝒞𝐸 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMYgqsDsw3/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=Instagram}}</ref> '''Supporting''' * Lindsey Stirling – Music Box Tour (2015) * Adam Lambert – The Original High Tour (2016)
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" text-align:center;" ! Award ! Year ! Category ! Work ! Result ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row"|Alternative Press Music Awards |2017 |Most Dedicated Fanbase |Herself |{{nom}} |<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2017 |title=And the winners of the 2017 APMAs are... |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/entry/2017_apmas_winners_list/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410113008/https://www.altpress.com/features/2017_apmas_winners_list/ |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Billboard Music Awards | rowspan="1" | 2020 | Top Soundtrack | ''K–12'' | {{Nominated}} |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=September 22, 2020 |title=Post Malone Leads 2020 Billboard Music Awards Nominations With 16: Full List |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/bbma/9453361/2020-billboard-music-awards-nominations-list |access-date=September 22, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | BreakTudo Awards | 2020 | Rising Artist | Herself | {{Nominated}} |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.breaktudoawards.com/breaktudo-awards-2020-aqui-estao-os-vencedores/ |title=Aqui estão os vencedores |date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"|Clio Awards | 2026 | Mixed Campaign | ''Cry Baby'' | {{nom}} | <ref>https://clios.com/winners-gallery/details/208567</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan=2| Hollywood Music Video Awards | rowspan=2|2025 | Best Visual Effects | rowspan=2|"Light Shower" | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web |title=HollywoodMVAs | CATEGORIES |url=https://www.hollywoodmusicvideoawards.com/categories}}</ref> |- | Best Animation | {{won}} | <ref>{{cite web |title=HollywoodMVAs | CATEGORIES |url=https://www.hollywoodmusicvideoawards.com/winners2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | MTV Video Music Awards | 2023 | Best Visual Effects |"Void" | {{Nominated}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=MTV |title=Best Visual Effects - Winners for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards |url=https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/best-visual-effects |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=www.mtv.com}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Nickelodeon Mexico Kids' Choice Awards | 2020 | Challenge of the Year | "Play Date" | {{Nominated}} |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://spoiler.bolavip.com/extra/Kids-Choice-Awards-Mexico-2020-como-VOTAR-premios-Nickelodeon-20200825-0006.html |title=¡Haz fuerza por tu favorito! Está abierta la votación de los Kids' Choice Awards México 2020 |first=Nicolás |last=Franciulli |newspaper=Spoiler - Bolavip |publisher=spoiler.bolavip.com |language=es |date=September 2, 2020 |access-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907023332/https://spoiler.bolavip.com/extra/Kids-Choice-Awards-Mexico-2020-como-VOTAR-premios-Nickelodeon-20200825-0006.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | TikTok Awards Vietnam | 2020 | Best International Song | "Play Date" | {{Win}} |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbFvcBJhDc/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=June 11, 2023 |title=Instagram}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Dabeme Music Awards | 2021 | Best Artist of 2014 | Herself | {{Won|Won}} |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/live/IjGHpDhhwTQ?feature=share |title=Dabeme Best Artist 2021 |website=YouTube |access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> |- |}
== See also == * List of Puerto Ricans
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|http://melaniemartinezmusic.com/}}
{{Melanie Martinez}}
{{The Voice (U.S.) Season 3}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Martinez, Melanie}} Category:Melanie Martinez Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century American photographers Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people Category:21st-century American women guitarists Category:21st-century American guitarists Category:21st-century American women photographers Category:21st-century American women singers Category:American child singers Category:American LGBTQ songwriters Category:American LGBTQ photographers Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent Category:American music video directors Category:American singers of Dominican Republic descent Category:American women in electronic music Category:American women pop singers Category:American women singer-songwriters Category:Art pop musicians Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Bisexual songwriters Category:Bisexual photographers Category:Bisexual women musicians Category:Electropop musicians Category:Hispanic and Latino American women singers Category:Hispanic and Latino American LGBTQ people Category:LGBTQ people from New York (state) Category:Musicians from the New York metropolitan area Category:People from Astoria, Queens Category:People from Baldwin, Nassau County, New York Category:People from Long Island Category:Photographers from New York (state) Category:Singer-songwriters from New York (state) Category:The Voice (American TV series) contestants Category:LGBTQ women singer-songwriters Category:American pop rock singers Category:American bisexual singers