Adele reportedly refused to sign a record deal because she was too busy planning her birthday party.

The "Someone Like You" singer wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday with a bash to remember and refused to let the offer of a contract get in the way, according to school friend Allan Rose.

"It was typical Adele. Her pals were more important," he said.

Allan met Adele at the BRIT school - which also counts Jessie J, Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis amongst its past pupils - where he says everyone knew she was destined for great things: "It was clear she was going to be a star. Some people were that step above everyone else, and Adele was one of them. She was just naturally musically gifted."

The singer famously refused to play any festivals in 2011 because she wanted to spend the summer "drinking cider" and leading a ''normal'' life with her friends.

"You've got to build up relationships. I'm at a point where I'm making my friends for life. I don't want to forget how to be normal. You've got to go out and have a laugh, innit?" she said at the time.

And Allan believes Adele is still the same person he once knew: "She's clearly stayed grounded. She was bubbly, fun, outgoing and popular at school. Everyone is proud we spent time with this amazing talent."