Melanie Martinez, born on April 28, 1995, in Astoria, Queens, New York, is an American singer-songwriter and artist known for her distinctive musical style and visual aesthetic. Raised in Baldwin, New York, she developed an interest in music at a young age, influenced by artists such as Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, and Björk. Martinez’s early experiences performing in school talent shows laid the foundation for her future career in the music industry.
Table of Contents
Who is Melanie Martinez?
- Age: 29 years
- Full Name: Melanie Adele Martinez
- Family: Jose Martinez (father) and Mery Martinez (mother)
- Brothers: Joseph Timothy Martinez
- Boyfriend/ Partner: Verde
- Ex-boyfriend(s): Miles Nasta, Oliver Tree, Timothy Heller, Michael Keenan, Vinnie DiCarlo
- Sexuality: Bisexual
- Tattoos: Alphabet Soup Girl, Clock, Madeline, Vintage Plush Toys, Strawberry Boy
- Net Worth: $8 Million
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters)
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Melanie Martinez Age, Family, and Early Life
She is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, and her family moved to Baldwin, New York when she was four years old. Martinez is the daughter of Jose Martinez and Mery Martinez. Her father, Jose, was born on December 2, 1967, and has been supportive of Melanie’s music career, often appearing at her events and helping care for her pets during tours.
Her mother, Mery Martinez, is of Puerto Rican descent and prioritizes motherhood in her life. Additionally, Melanie has a younger brother named Joseph Timothy Martinez, born on October 21, 1999. Growing up in a traditional Latin household, Martinez faced cultural pressures that shaped her identity and artistic expression.
From a young age, Martinez exhibited a passion for the arts. Her singing talent was first recognized by a teacher named Ms. Nadien during elementary school, who encouraged her to pursue music seriously. By kindergarten, she began writing poetry and later taught herself to play the guitar at age 14 by studying chord diagrams online.
Despite being somewhat introverted and emotional as a child—often referred to as a “crybaby” by her peers—she used art as an outlet for her feelings, engaging in photography and painting. She often felt shame surrounding discussions of sexuality and feared rejection for being bisexual; however, her family eventually became accepting of her identity.
Rise to Fame: The Voice
Martinez’s journey to fame began in 2012 when she auditioned for the third season of The Voice. Her audition, where she performed Britney Spears’s “Toxic,” captivated both the judges and the audience. Consequently, Melanie secured a spot on Team Adam Levine.
Despite making it to the Top 6, she was eliminated during the fifth week of live shows. This experience, however, opened doors for her in the music industry. After her stint on The Voice, Martinez began working on original material.
In 2013, she released her debut single “Dollhouse,” which would become the title track of her first EP. The song’s eerie yet captivating sound marked the beginning of her distinctive style that blends pop with darker themes. In 2014, Martinez signed with Atlantic Records and began working on her debut project.
She released her first extended play (EP), Dollhouse, which included the titular single that quickly became a viral hit. The EP showcased her signature blend of dark pop and whimsical storytelling, establishing her as a unique voice in the music scene.
Breakthrough Album: Cry Baby
The success of Dollhouse laid the groundwork for her debut studio album, Cry Baby, released in August 2015. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA. It includes hit singles like “Pity Party,” “Sippy Cup,” and “Mrs. Potato Head,” all of which resonate with listeners through their relatable yet poignant lyrics.
Thematically, Cry Baby explores complex issues such as childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and societal pressures. The album’s narrative revolves around a character named Cry Baby, who serves as a metaphor for vulnerability and emotional expression. Following Cry Baby, Martinez released her second studio album K-12 in September 2019.
Accompanied by a full-length film of the same name, the album features popular tracks like “Show & Tell” and “Nurse’s Office.” The film further expanded on the themes of childhood trauma and societal expectations through a visually striking narrative that complemented the music. In March 2023, she released her third studio album Portals, which included singles like “Death” and “Void.”
This album marked a new chapter in her career as it showcased her evolution as an artist while maintaining her signature style.
Visual Aesthetic and Artistic Style
One of Melanie Martinez’s defining characteristics is her striking visual aesthetic. Known for her two-toned hair—often styled in playful pigtails—and doll-like fashion sense, she has cultivated an image that complements her music’s themes. Her music videos often feature vibrant colors and whimsical settings that contrast with the darker subject matter of her lyrics.
Martinez’s artistry extends beyond music; she is also involved in directing her music videos and has expressed interest in photography and visual arts. This multifaceted approach allows her to maintain creative control over her work while delivering a cohesive narrative across different platforms.
Controversies
Despite her success, Melanie Martinez’s career has not been without controversy. In December 2017, she faced serious allegations from former friend Timothy Heller regarding sexual assault. Martinez denied these allegations, stating that any intimacy between them was consensual.
The incident sparked discussions about consent and accountability within the entertainment industry. In response to these controversies, Martinez released the song “Piggyback,” which many interpreted as addressing the allegations directly. The incident highlighted the challenges artists face when navigating personal relationships in the public eye.
Cultural Impact
Martinez has developed a passionate fanbase known as “Cry Babies,” who resonate with her themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Her fans appreciate not only her music but also her willingness to address mental health issues openly. Her influence extends beyond music; she has become a cultural icon for many young people grappling with similar issues of identity and self-expression.
Through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Martinez engages with fans directly, fostering a sense of community among those who relate to her artistic vision.
Melanie Martinez Boyfriend(s), Sexuality, and Past Relationships
Martinez identifies as bisexual. She has publicly acknowledged her attraction to both men and women, which she expressed in a now-deleted Instagram post from 2018. Additionally, she has tweeted about her bisexuality, further confirming her sexual orientation.
As of 2025, Melanie is in a relationship with Verde. In 2022, Melanie confirmed her relationship with Verde. Martinez’s boyfriend is a musician who has been described as an integral part of her life and creative process.
Nevertheless, Melanie has had a notable relationship history alongside her rising fame. Melanie had a brief relationship with Vinnie DiCarlo in 2012 during her early music career, which was highlighted in the music video for her song “Dollhouse.” Additionally, Melanie dated producer Michael Keenan, who played a significant role in her music career by producing her debut album Cry Baby.
Their relationship was characterized by a strong creative partnership, as they collaborated on multiple projects together. The duo dated between 2015 and 2018. Moreover, Melanie was involved with Timothy Heller, a friend and fellow musician. Their relationship became controversial when Heller accused Martinez of sexual assault in December 2017.
Martinez denied the allegations, stating that their encounters were consensual. This incident led to significant media attention and public discourse around both individuals. Following her breakup with Keenan, Melanie dated musician Oliver Tree from late 2019 until early 2020.
Their relationship was relatively short-lived but received attention due to their careers in the music industry. Melanie was also linked to Miles Nasta; however, details about the nature and duration of their relationship remain vague and less documented.
Melanie Martinez Net Worth, Perfume, and Merchandise
As of 2025, Martinez’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various avenues, including her successful music career, brand collaborations, real estate investments, and other entrepreneurial ventures.
Melanie Martinez has engaged in numerous brand partnerships that have contributed to her financial success. These collaborations often include merchandise lines and promotional deals, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors. Her unique aesthetic has made her a sought-after figure for brands looking to tap into her creative influence.
Additionally, real estate has become a notable aspect of Martinez’s wealth accumulation strategy. She has made several significant property investments like purchasing the Bell Canyon Property for $2.1 million in 2017, which she listed for sale in November 2023 at $2.85 million. Moreover, Melanie acquired an 11 acre Malibu Property in 2023 for $3.1 million.
In addition to music and real estate, Martinez has explored other business opportunities, including fragrance lines and merchandise sales. Her entrepreneurial spirit allows her to effectively diversify her income streams.
Tattoos
Besides good music, Melanie is a huge fan of tattoos and art. Martinez has at least 36 known tattoos with unique meanings and inspirations. Here are some notable tattoos and their significance:
- Strawberry Boy: A pink strawberry with the words “Strawberry Boy” on her upper left arm, symbolizing a personal connection or memory from Fall 2016.
- Vintage Plush Toys: A yellow duckling wearing a bonnet, along with other stuffed animal-themed tattoos, reflects her fondness for childhood nostalgia and vintage aesthetics, inspired by nursery decals.
- Madeline Tattoo: On her left calf, this tattoo features the character Madeline alongside the quote, “We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of relationships in her life.
- Clock Tattoo: Inspired by contemporary artist Mark Ryden, this tattoo combines elements from his artwork with personal flair, representing her artistic influences.
- Heart Tattoo with “222”: A heart on her upper right arm includes the number “222,” which she considers her lucky number. She has mentioned that seeing this number often brings her good fortune.
- Alphabet Soup Girl: A young girl eating alphabet soup with added spiders for a morbid twist, showcasing her interest in blending innocence with darker themes.
FAQs About Melanie Martinez
where does Melanie Martinez live?
Martinez currently resides in a Mediterranean-style property located in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles.
how many albums does Melanie Martinez have?
Martinez does not speak fluent Spanish. While she has Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, she has mentioned that she struggles with the language and has not achieved fluency in it.
who is Melanie Martinez dating?
As of 2025, Melanie is in a relationship with Verde. In 2022, Melanie confirmed her relationship with Verde. Martinez’s boyfriend is a musician who has been described as an integral part of her life and creative process.
does Melanie Martinez have siblings?
Melanie has a younger brother named Joseph Timothy Martinez, born on October 21, 1999.
where is Melanie Martinez parents from?
Her mother, Mery Martinez, is of Puerto Rican descent and prioritizes motherhood in her life.
does Melanie Martinez speak spanish?
Martinez does not speak fluent Spanish. While she has Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, she has mentioned that she struggles with the language and has not achieved fluency in it.
who is Melanie Martinez’s mom?
Mery Martinez.
how many tattoos does Melanie Martinez have?
Martinez has at least 36 known tattoos with unique meanings and inspirations.
how many grammys does Melanie Martinez have?
As of January 2025, Melanie Martinez has not won any Grammy Awards. She has also not received any nominations for the Grammys up to this point in her career