Antony Costa
As a member of Blue, his soulful voice helped define the UK's brand of millennial pop-R&B, selling millions and staging a triumphant comeback.
Born 1981 (age 45)·English singer and songwriter·Birthday: June 23·Millennials
Biography
Antony Costa shot to fame in the early 2000s as one-fourth of Blue, the British boy band that traded in sleek suits and smooth harmonies. Hailing from North London, Costa brought a distinctive, soul-inflected vocal tone to hits like 'All Rise' and 'One Love', helping the group stand out in a crowded pop landscape. Blue achieved staggering success, selling over 15 million records worldwide and becoming a fixture of UK pop culture. Like many in the genre, the band eventually went on hiatus, during which Costa explored acting, appearing in stage productions like 'Boogie Nights'. The group's later reformation, culminating in representing the United Kingdom at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, proved their enduring appeal. Costa's career embodies the trajectory of a modern pop star: meteoric rise, navigating life after the spotlight, and a resilient return fueled by loyal fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Antony was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Antony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Antony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- As a member of Blue, achieved three UK number-one singles: 'Too Close', 'If You Come Back', and 'Guilty'.
- With Blue, sold over 15 million records globally and won two BRIT Awards.
- Performed as the United Kingdom's entry at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, finishing 11th.
- Starred in the UK stage musical 'Boogie Nights' and appeared on reality television shows like 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'.
Did You Know?
He worked as a painter and decorator before finding fame with Blue.
He is a passionate supporter of the football club Tottenham Hotspur.
He appeared in the music video for the Spice Girls' single 'Stop' before his own fame.
He released a solo album, 'Heart Full of Soul', in 2006.
“We were four lads from London who just wanted to sing soul music.”
