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Mika (singer)

Mika is a British-Lebanese singer, songwriter, and record producer born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mika is a British-Lebanese singer, songwriter, and record producer born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr. in Beirut, Lebanon, on 18 August 1983. He rose to international prominence with his 2007 single "Grace Kelly" and debut album *Life in Cartoon Motion*. He has also appeared as a television personality and judge on music competition shows.

Early life

Mika was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and is the son of a Lebanese mother and an American father. He spent part of his childhood in Paris and later in London, where he received musical training.

Career

He first gained widespread attention with "Grace Kelly" in 2007 and the success of *Life in Cartoon Motion*. He has since released several studio albums, including *The Boy Who Knew Too Much*, *No Place in Heaven*, *My Name Is Michael Holbrook*, and *Que ta tête fleurisse toujours*, and maintained a career across European pop markets.

Musical style

Mika is known for a distinctive high vocal range and theatrical pop songwriting. His work is commonly associated with pop, pop rock, and electropop, with influences from glam rock.

Television work

In addition to recording, Mika has appeared on television as a judge and personality on music competition programmes, especially in European markets.

Key facts

  • Mika was born in Beirut and later became known internationally as a pop singer.
  • His 2007 debut album *Life in Cartoon Motion* was a major commercial success.
  • "Grace Kelly" became his breakthrough hit and reached number one in the United Kingdom.
  • He has released multiple studio albums and worked in television as a judge on talent shows.
  • His music is described as theatrical pop with influences from glam rock and indie pop.
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Canadian context

Mika has performed and released music for a global audience, including Canadian listeners, but the available sources do not indicate a distinct Canada-specific role or event in his career.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mika?
Mika is the stage name of Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr., a British-Lebanese singer, songwriter, and record producer born in 1983.
What is Mika best known for?
He is best known for his 2007 hit single "Grace Kelly" and his debut album *Life in Cartoon Motion*.
Where was Mika born?
Mika was born in Beirut, Lebanon.
What genres is Mika associated with?
He is associated mainly with pop, pop rock, and electropop.
Has Mika worked in television?
Yes. He has served as a judge on television talent shows, including versions of *The Voice* and *X Factor*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_(singer)
    Supports: Stage name, birth name, nationality, career overview, studio albums including later releases.
  2. Smooth Radio — https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/mika-facts-age-partner-height-songs/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, breakthrough hit, debut album sales, television judging roles, sexuality note.
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mika-mn0000476425
    Supports: Artist description, musical style, and genre associations.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2461576/bio/
    Supports: Birth details and acting/composing credits.
  5. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_(singer)
    Supports: Later album releases and recent career milestones.