Biography

For more than 35 years, Debbie Gibson has been a true pioneer and force in the entertainment industry. A singer, songwriter, producer, musician, actor, and entrepreneur, she embodies what it truly means to be an icon.

A music prodigy, Gibson burst on the Billboard Pop Charts at the tender age of 16 with the self-penned “Only In My Dreams.” The “Original Pop Princess” quickly became the youngest artist ever to write, produce and perform a No. 1 hit song, “Foolish Beat,” on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, she is still the youngest female to hold that record. Less than a year later, she did it again with her self-penned and produced hit “Lost in Your Eyes” making her to date the sole female artist to have written, produced and performed two No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. She also holds the title of the youngest artist to be awarded ASCAP Songwriter of the Year. Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide and released 11 studio albums and five compilations.

After conquering the pop world with 3 consecutive albums and world tours, she set her sights on the theater and starred in 17 musicals in 17 years. Gibson made her mark in the Broadway production of Les Miserables as Eponine. She broke box office records in the London West End production of Grease as Sandy. She then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway tours of Grease as Rizzo and Funny Girl as Fanny Brice. Gibson also wowed critics as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy, The Narrator in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella in the national production of Cinderella with Eartha Kitt, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of Cabaret with Neil Patrick Harris.

In 2016, Gibson created, executive produced and starred in Hallmark Channel’s “Summer of Dreams”. The original movie was the highest-rated and most-watched movie premiere in the network’s “Summer Nights” franchise with 2.5 million total viewers, becoming the No. 1 rated program and telecast on August 27. “Summer of Dreams” was also the week’s most social original movie premiere across broadcast and cable, attracting the most Unique and Interactions on Facebook and Twitter combined than any other original movie premiere. She reunited with Robert Gant to walk down the aisle in the sequel, “Wedding of Dreams,” which premiered September 8, 2018, on Hallmark Channel.

She celebrated the 30-year anniversary of her pop career, including her mega-hit album Electric Youth and biggest single “Lost In Your Eyes,” with her commemorative, retrospective 10 CD / 3 DVD box set We Could Be Together. In 2019, Gibson launched her bi-monthly radio show, “Debbie Gibson’s Mixtape,” on SiriusXM, and performed 55 shows on the mega successful 53-city North American Mixtape Tour selling 600,000 tickets with NKOTB. She also served as a celebrity judge alongside Ciara and host Nick Lachey on Nickelodeon’s first ever competition show “America’s Most Musical Family.”

On January 10, 2020, “Girls Night Out” was digitally released. DJ Tracy Young’s #VegasVibe remix was the most added record and No. 1 breakout hit, soaring to No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard and U.K. Music Week charts. In fall of 2020, Gibson’s debut album Out of the Blue was reissued on blue vinyl as an exclusive to Barnes & Noble and skyrocketed to No. 1 in sales during its pre-order run.

2021 was a busy year for Gibson. Her guest starring role in the musical episode of “Lucifer” debuted on Netflix. She took Vegas by storm with her pop soulmate in “Debbie Gibson & Joey McIntyre: Live from Las Vegas” mini residency at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas. Gibson released a new duet of “Lost in Your Eyes,” featuring Joey McIntyre, as well as the DJ Tracy Young co-penned “One Step Closer,” with an exclusive remix by DJ John Michael debuting on the Debbie Gibson Peloton Ride, 45 minutes devoted to Debbie’s iconic music catalog. Her first pop album of original material in 20 years, The Body Remembers, came out on her own label Stargirl Records to rave reviews. The new album promptly shot up to No. 2 on the Apple Pop Sales Charts and achieved one million streams in its first month.

In 2022, Stargirl Records released “One Step Closer Remixes” reaching No. 3 on the Swiss dance charts and landed at No. 8 on the Commercial Pop MusicWeek chart in the UK. Gibson appeared on numerous national television shows, including CBS “Secret Celebrity Renovation,” and she showed off her musical chops while sitting in with The Roots on “The Tonight Show” starring Jimmy Fallon. She embarked on a U.S. solo tour of “The Body Remembers” and celebrated the 35th anniversary of her debut album “Out of the Blue” with three sold out shows in NYC followed by the release of her first-ever holiday album “Winterlicious” and tour of the same name.

Gibson’s 2023 found her frequently on national TV whether it was competing against Donny Osmond on Criss Angel’s “Magic With The Stars,” as the “Night Owl” on Fox’s hit show “The Masked Singer,” or raising money for charity, nearly 200k combined, on “Celebrity Name That Tune” and “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” She executive produced the highly acclaimed LGBTQ TV movie for Hallmark “Notes of Autumn.” The Body Remembers Encore Tour, rolled across the US while she dropped her new single and music video for “Love Don’t Care,” appeared on HSN’s Christmas in July special, and released “Love Don’t Care – The Remixes.” Gibson also announced a book deal with Gallery for her forthcoming motivational memoir.

Gibson shows no signs of slowing down. 2024 kicked off with an appearance on Fox’s “We Are Family.” She was honored with the Trailblazer Award from The Women’s International Music Network at the 12th Annual She Rocks Awards. She is celebrating the 35th Anniversary of her No. 1 hit “Lost In Your Eyes” and No. 1 album “Electric Youth” with a brand new “Electric Youth” Newstalgia Remix by Tracy Young and special anniversary shows around the world. The celebration continued in 15 markets across the country with “Acoustic Youth: Songs and Stories from the Electric Youth Era.” Gibson’s annual “Winterlicious” holiday tradition returns in December with residencies in Los Angeles and New York and two additional shows this year in Florida. She says of her upcoming shows, “Winterlicious is a traditional song and dance extravaganza complete with tap shoes, boys in tuxes and tails, me in flirty holiday dresses, and onesies. It is a festive celebration of all holidays for all demonstrations as inclusiveness is at the heart of all I do!” Then get ready for a night of romance and timeless hits in 2025 because Gibson is bringing her “Love Songs” tour to select cities in North America.

From No. 1 hits and platinum albums to starring roles on stage and screen, Gibson is a true force in the entertainment industry with timeless talent and charisma.

Guinness Book of World Records for youngest artist ever to write, produce, and perform a number one single (“Foolish Beat”)

Youngest female artist to solely write, produce and perform a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit (“Foolish Beat,” June 1988) in the chart’s history

Only female artist to have solely written, produced and performed two No. 1 hits on Billboard Hot 100

One of four women to have solely-written multiple Hot 100 No. 1s (Diane Warren, 8; Gibson, Gloria Estefan and Dolly Parton, 2 each)

More than 16 million albums sold worldwide

Starred in more than 15 national theater tours and regional productions

Performed for UK royalty and US Presidents

“Foolish Beat” – #1 on Billboard Chart – 1988

Headlined San Remo Music Festival – 1988

Headlined Atlantic Record’s 40^th Anniversary at Madison Square Gardens with Led Zeppelin and The Who – 1988

ASCAP Songwriter of the Year (youngest artist ever at 18) – 1989

Debut Album of the Year – “Out of the Blue” – New York Music Awards – 1989

Debut Artist of the Year – New York Music Awards – 1989

Headlined Prince’s Trust – 1989

“Lost In Your Eyes” #1 on Billboard Chart – 1989

“Electric Youth” album #1 on Billboard Chart – 1989

Co-host of the American Music Awards – 1989

Rock Producer of the Year – American Songwriter Awards – 1990

Artist of the Year – New York Music Awards – 1990

Song of the Year – “Lost In Your Eyes” – New York Music Awards – 1990

Best Pop Female Vocalist – New York Music Awards – 1990

Nominated Favorite Female Music Performer – People’s Choice Awards – 1990

Nominated Best Pop Female Vocalist – American Music Awards – 1990

Starred on Broadway in “Les Miserables” as Eponine – 1992

London’s West End Production of “Grease” as Sandy (9 months Sold Out/SRO) – 1993

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – 1997

Starred on Broadway in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” as Belle -1997/98

Starred in National Production of Cinderella – 2001

Judge on American Juniors – 2003

Broadway revival of “Cabaret” as Sally Bowles (dir:Rob MArshall/Sam Mendes co-starring Neil Patrick Harris) – 2003

Partnered with Kurt Browning on Skating with Celebrities – 2006

“Pop Goes Broadway” at The Concert Venue at Harrah’s – 2008

Founded “Debbie Gibson’s Electric Youth” – 2008

Founded “Gibson Girl Foundation” – 2009

Starred in “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus” – 2009

“I Love You” #1 on Billboard Japan Chart – 2010

Children International spokesperson – 2010

Guest Starred in “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy” at MGM/Foxwoods – 2010

Co-Starred in “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid” – 2011

Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series – 2011

Appeared in Katy Perry’s music video for “Last Friday Night (TGIF)” – 2011

Cameo in film “Rock of Ages” – 2012

Competed in season 5 of “Celebrity Apprentice” (raised more than $50,000 for Children International) – 2012

Celebrity Ambassador for Hooplaha.com – 2012

National Cherry Blossom Parade – 2012

NBA New York Knicks Half Time Show – 2013

The 94^th Annual 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade – 2013

Co-Headlined “Hit Parade” in Santiago, Chile – 2014

“Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark” – 2014

Celebrity Judge on ABC’s “Sing Your Face Off” – 2014

Long Island Music Hall of Fame Induction – 2014

The Spirit of Christmas Concert – 2014

Starred in “The Music In Me” on UPtv – 2015

“I Want My 80s Concert” at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden – 2015

Lifetime Achievement Award, Rockers on Broadway – 2015

Celebrity Name Game – 2016

Fox & Friends All-American Concert Series – 2016

Starred in Hallmark Channel’s “Summer of Dreams” – 2016

Headlined Here and Now The Very Best of the 80s – 2016

Headlined Absolute 80’s Weekender – 2016

Oprah: Where Are They Now? – 2016

Foxwoods Holiday Performance – 2016

Totally 80’s Concerts – 2017

Co-headlined “Ladies of the ’80s” in Chicago – 2017

Celebrity Contestant, partnered with Alan Bersten, in 25th season of “Dancing with the Stars” – 2017

425^th Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars – 2018

Named one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All-Time – 2018

Celebrity Judge on “Beat Bobby Flay” – 2018

Starred in Hallmark Channel’s “Wedding of Dreams” – 2018

Celebrity Judge on American Rescue Dog Show – 2019

Mixtape Tour – 53-cities, 55-shows in North America – 2019

Launched “Debbie Gibson’s Mixtape” on SiriusXM – 2019

Celebrity Judge on Nickelodeon’s America’s Most Musical Family – 2019

Recipient of the NGLCC / American Airlines ExtrAA Mile Award – 2019

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – 2019

“Girls Night Out” #4 on U.S. Billboard and U.K MusicWeek Charts – 2020

Penn and Teller: “Fool Us” – 2020

Guest Starred in “Lucifer” on Netflix – 2021

Debbie Gibson and Joey McIntyre: Live in Las Vegas – 2021

Co-Presenter at iHeart Music Festival – 2021

Celebrity Judge at the 18th Annual Best in Show – 2021

Headlined Chicago PrideFest – 2021

Documentary “From Worst to First” the story of Z100’s and Scott Shannon’s rise to the top – 2021

The Body Remembers U.S. Tour – 2022

Out of the Blue 35th Anniversary Event at 54 Below – 2022

CBS Secret Celebrity Renovation – 2022

Winterlicious – An Evening of Holiday and Hits – 2022

Criss Angel’s Magic With The Stars – 2023

The Masked Singer – 2023

The Body Remembers Encore U.S. Tour – 2023

Beyond the Music: Debbie Gibson on QVC+ and HSN+ – 2023

Christmas In July Special on HSN – 2023

Celebrity Name That Tune – Won $81,000 for The Actor’s Fund – 2023

Headlined Global Lyme Alliance Gala – 2023

Gutenberg! The (Best) Musical (Ever) – Cameo as the Famous Broadway Producer – 2023

Winterlicious – An Evening of Holiday and Hits – 2023

Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune – Won $95,570 for Rock & Roll Rescue Dogs – 2023

We Are Family – 2024

Trailblazer Award from The Women’s International Music Network at She Rocks Awards – 2024

Electric Youth 35 Anniversary Shows – 2024

Ally Leadership Award from Silver State Equality – 2024

Acoustic Youth: Songs and Stories from the Electric Youth Era – 2024

Roller Jam – 2024

Winterlicious – An Evening of Holiday and Hits – 2024