Jason Derulo
A hitmaker who defined pop radio in the 2010s with his name-shouting intros, slick dance moves, and a string of undeniable global smashes.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American singer and songwriter·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Jason Derulo announced himself to the world with his 2009 debut single 'Whatcha Say,' a song built on a sample of Imogen Heap's 'Hide and Seek' that immediately topped charts and signaled the arrival of a precise pop craftsman. His formula—catchy hooks, rhythmic verses, and his trademark vocal tag—proved wildly effective, leading to a relentless series of hits like 'In My Head,' 'Talk Dirty,' and 'Wiggle.' Derulo's background as a dancer is central to his appeal; his performances are tightly choreographed spectacles, and he often incorporates viral dance challenges to engage his massive online following. Beyond recording, he has served as a judge on television competition shows, leveraging his industry knowledge. While his sound has evolved with the times, incorporating trap and hip-hop influences, his core identity remains that of a purveyor of immaculate, dance-ready pop anthems.
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.
Jason was born in 1989, 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 Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Has sold over 250 million singles worldwide as a solo artist.
- Achieved fourteen platinum-certified singles in the United States.
- His debut single 'Whatcha Say' reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- Has amassed billions of streams and views across digital platforms.
Did You Know?
He changed his stage name from 'Jason Derülo' to 'Jason Derulo' to make it easier for fans to find him online.
He wrote songs for other artists like Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Sean Kingston before his solo debut.
He suffered a serious neck injury in 2012 while practicing a tumbling pass, which required surgery and a period of recovery.
He is an avid user of TikTok, where he frequently posts dance videos and has tens of millions of followers.
“I knew I wanted to be a performer since I was five years old.”
