AVA MAX BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

Born Amanda Koçi, the Albanian-American pop singer known as Ava Max turned one of the biggest breakout singles of the late 2010s into a lasting global career. Her debut single Sweet but Psycho arrived in August 2018 and became a worldwide phenomenon, topping the charts in 22 countries and spending four weeks at No. 1 in the UK. She belongs to a generation of pop stars who broke through with one defining single — a story with echoes in our Chappell Roan biography.

After a decade-long run with Atlantic Records that produced three studio albums, Max parted ways with the label in February 2026 and rebooted as an independent artist. With comeback singles like Kill It Queen and Energy, plus a high-profile slot on the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, she has entered the boldest chapter of her career yet — a reinvention arc reminiscent of the one traced in our Katy Perry biography.

Early Life

Ava Max was born Amanda Koçi on February 16, 1994, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Albanian immigrant parents. Her mother was an opera singer and her father a pianist, so music filled the house from the start. When she was around two years old, the family moved to Virginia, where she spent most of her childhood.

She grew up singing and writing songs, entering local competitions and performing wherever she could. Those early years shaped the powerhouse voice and sharp pop instincts that would later define her sound.

Career

Max signed with Atlantic Records in 2016, and after two years of groundwork she released "Sweet but Psycho" in August 2018. The single became a genuine global smash: No. 1 in 22 countries, four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, and a No. 10 peak on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has since crossed one billion views on YouTube and more than two billion streams worldwide.

She followed the breakthrough with a string of hits including "So Am I", "Kings & Queens" and "My Head & My Heart", and released her debut album Heaven & Hell in September 2020. Her second album, Diamonds & Dancefloors, arrived on January 27, 2023. A third album, Don't Click Play, followed on August 22, 2025, but it underperformed — missing the Billboard 200 entirely — and its supporting tour was canceled. Fans of modern dance-pop should also enjoy our Dua Lipa biography.

Along the way, her asymmetric blonde "Max Cut" hairstyle became one of the most recognizable visual signatures in pop.

Recent Work

In February 2026, Max announced she was leaving Atlantic Records via an open letter, describing the split as mutual. She has since partnered with Artist Partner Group and now releases music through her own company, Ava Brands LLC.

Her independent era kicked off with "Kill It Queen" on February 25, followed by "Out of Your Mind" in April, "Fate" with Alan Walker, and "Energy" — a duet with BIA featured on the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. She performed a stripped-down version of the track at FIFA House in New York during the July finals week. A fourth studio album is slated for later in 2026, and she is also working on a Christmas album and a Netflix holiday film, with a new tour in the planning stages. Like the icon profiled in our Madonna biography, Max has repeatedly reinvented herself to stay relevant.

Her trophy cabinet includes two iHeartRadio Titanium Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award, four Los 40 Music Awards and two Spotify plaques for songs surpassing a billion streams.

Personal Life

Max keeps her private life largely out of the spotlight — a contrast with outspoken peers such as the star of our Doja Cat biography. She is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed any current relationship.

Watch the Official Video

Watch the official music video for "Sweet but Psycho" above — the breakout single that started it all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Ava Max?

Ava Max was born on February 16, 1994, which makes her 32 years old as of 2026.

What is her real name?

Her real name is Amanda Koçi, and she is of Albanian descent.

Why did she leave Atlantic?

In February 2026 she announced a mutual parting from Atlantic Records through an open letter, choosing to go independent via her own Ava Brands LLC in partnership with Artist Partner Group.

What is her biggest song?

"Sweet but Psycho" remains her biggest hit — a No. 1 in 22 countries with over a billion YouTube views and more than two billion streams.