Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen Bio

Carly Rae Jepsen (born November 21, 1985) is a Canadian singer, songwriter and actress from Mission, British Columbia. She gained early attention after placing third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007 and released her folk-influenced debut album Tug of War in 2008. Jepsen achieved global breakthrough with the 2012 single “Call Me Maybe,” which sold millions of copies worldwide and led to major-label deals; her second album Kiss followed the same year.

Early Life and Background

Carly Rae Jepsen was born on November 21, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia to Alexandra and Larry Jepsen, the second of their three children. She is of Danish, English and Scottish descent and has an older brother, Colin, and a younger sister, Katie. Jepsen attended Heritage Park Secondary School where she developed a passion for musical theatre, appearing in student productions of Annie, Grease, and The Wiz.

After graduating from high school, Jepsen applied to music-related programs, including those at Capilano University and the University of British Columbia. However, on the advice of her high school drama teacher, she auditioned for the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia and was one of 25 female students to gain admission into its year-long program in 2004. After graduation, Jepsen relocated to Vancouver’s west side and held several jobs, including a barista, assistant pastry chef, and bartender while writing songs in her spare time.

Path to Music

In 2007, Jepsen was convinced to audition for Canadian Idol by her high school drama teacher. In the audition, she performed her original song “Sweet Talker.” In the competition, she finished in third place, which she considered the best possible outcome in retrospect. Her demo recording attracted the attention of music manager Jonathan Simkin, who signed Jepsen to a management deal with 604 Records that same year.

Jepsen released her first promotional single, a cover of John Denver’s song “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” in June 2008. Her debut studio album, Tug of War, was released in September 2008, and sold 10,000 copies in Canada. The singles “Tug of War” and “Bucket” peaked in the top 40 of the Canadian Hot 100, and received Gold certifications for sales of 40,000 units each. “Sour Candy,” a duet with Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench was released as the final single.

Carly Rae Jepsen Career

Early Career (2007-2010)

In 2009, Jepsen toured western Canada with Marianas Trench and Shiloh. During this early period, she was developing her musical style, influenced by her parents’ interest in folk music and inspired by artists such as Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and Van Morrison. This folk influence was prominently featured on her debut album Tug of War, which established her as a promising new artist in the Canadian music scene.

Jepsen’s early career demonstrated her versatility as both a performer and songwriter. While continuing to develop her sound, she also honed her live performance skills through touring and appeared at various Canadian music festivals and events. These formative experiences helped shape her artistic direction and set the foundation for her subsequent breakthrough into the international music market.

Breakthrough (2011-2014)

In the summer of 2011, Jepsen recorded material for her second studio album with Josh Ramsay, Ryan Stewart, and Tavish Crowe. The track “Call Me Maybe,” co-written by Crowe and Ramsay, was released in September 2011. The song received a promotion from fellow Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber, leading Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, to sign Jepsen to a joint worldwide recording contract with his label, Schoolboy Records, and major label Interscope Records.

“Call Me Maybe” reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100, making Jepsen the fourth Canadian artist to top the chart. In the US, the single spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, earning the title “Song of the Summer” from Billboard magazine. The single was the best-selling single of 2012 worldwide and topped the charts in 19 countries, including the United Kingdom, where it was the year’s second best-selling single.

Jepsen’s second studio album, Kiss, was released in September 2012 and included the singles “This Kiss” and “Tonight I’m Getting Over You.” It reached the top ten chart positions in Australia, the UK, Canada and the US. The same year, Jepsen became a spokesperson and model for clothing retailer Wet Seal and appeared on the fifth-season premiere episode of The CW primetime soap opera 90210.

Notable Works and Milestones

Jepsen’s career-defining moment came with “Call Me Maybe,” which became a global phenomenon and established her as an international pop star. In addition to chart success, the song won Single of the Year at the 2013 Juno Awards. Her Broadway debut playing the titular character in Cinderella for 12 weeks in 2014 further demonstrated her versatility as a performer. Jepsen has been noted for her “subversively catchy lyrics, slick musical arrangements, and pop experimentation” and is classified as a soprano with a voice described as both “hushed” and “flawless” by critics.

Carly Rae Jepsen Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Carly Rae Jepsen has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards recognizing her musical talent and commercial success. She has been nominated for Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Polaris Music Prize, and People’s Choice Awards. In 2025, Jepsen ranked number 75 on Billboard Top Women Artists of the 21st Century Chart, highlighting her significant impact on the music industry over the years.

Carly Rae Jepsen Awards Won

Jepsen has won multiple significant awards throughout her career, recognizing both her commercial success and artistic achievements. She has received three Juno Awards across various categories, three Billboard Music Awards, and one Allan Slaight Award for her contributions to Canadian music. These awards span different phases of her career, from her breakthrough with “Call Me Maybe” to her later critically acclaimed albums.

Carly Rae Jepsen Family

Carly Rae Jepsen is the daughter of Alexandra Jepsen and Larry Jepsen. She has two siblings: an older brother named Colin and a younger sister named Katie. Her parents were teachers, which influenced her early education and career considerations. Jepsen comes from a family of Danish, English, and Scottish descent, which has contributed to her multicultural background and artistic influences.

Personal Life

In September 2024, Jepsen announced her engagement to American record producer Cole M.G.N. They married on October 4, 2025. On November 3, 2025, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. Jepsen has been referred to as a queer icon, having performed at several pride parades and with many fans being gay men in their 30s. In March 2013, Jepsen pulled out of performing at the Boy Scouts of America 2013 National Scout Jamboree due to their policy on homosexuality.