Sia Furler. She has snuck her way into our playlists with her "1000 Forms of Fear" single “Chandelier” and confused the nation with her back facing audiences during live performances and her face shrouded in larger-than-life wigs on the red carpet.

To some, she is know as the often unnoticed creative force behind some of the music industry's biggest hits—from Rihanna’s “Diamonds” to Britney Spears's “Perfume.” To others, she is a faceless hitmaker with an uncomfortably captivating aesthetic and possibly the biggest promoter of "Dance" Moms cast member Maddie Ziegler.

While Sia’s career far preceded her “Chandelier”-catapulted-stardom—and inevitable presence on mainstream radio, the Billboard Hot 100, and the Grammy stage—listeners find themselves wondering who this lyrically gifted woman with a knack for catchy composition is. Well, other than “unconventional” in every sense of the word.

The mystery that surrounds Sia is the beauty of her artistry. She has chosen to accept fame on her own terms and realizes that performance extends beyond risque videos and controversial content. In other words, Sia is a true artist.

In an Interview magazine interview, Sia said, “I'm allowed to maintain some modicum of privacy. But also I would like not to be picked apart or for people to observe when I put on ten pounds or take off ten pounds or I have a hair extension out of place or my fake tan is botched. Most people don't have to be under that pressure, and I'd like to be one of them.”

In short, Sia realizes her fame is not limited to image and her talent extends beyond the material. Hollywood has served us “unconventionally attractive” artists before and it is a pleasure to see, but Sia extends the idea of “talent over image.” Sia builds her image out of an unfailing foundation: genuine, thoughtful content.

By bringing interpretive dancers center stage and blending herself into her stage sets, Sia’s live performances convey emotion outside of sexually-charged pop performance expectations.

The soulful vigor her voice carries is rooted in pain, rather than vocal lessons and artificial studio editing. She uses her darkest moments to fuel her work -- not in the name of popularity, but rather, emotional release.

The 39-year-old singer and songwriter struggled with depression in the early 2000s. Addicted to prescription painkillers and alcohol eventually leading to a death note and, thankfully, the decision to push through the pain, Sia had seen her darkest hours. This pain, which brought about the 2004 single “Breath Me,” has bled through her work since.

Sia sings of failed love, internal battles, and addiction, which, mixed with her fluid instrumentals, makes for incomparable pleasure and unexpected relatability to those with similar experiences. Over her past six studio albums, her message has remained consistent: it’s worth the fight. And it looks like that will rain true still in her upcoming album "This Is Acting."

As shown in her recent singles, “Bird Set Free” and “Alive,” which have promoted her seventh installment, Sia embodies the power of overcoming darkness and looking for the subliminal light we unknowingly excuse.

Outside of her performance work, Sia is an advocate for PETA-Asia-Pacific—having participated in their pro-neutering commercial alongside her dog, Pantera. She is also an outspoken vegan.

Her presence in the gay rights movement, helping to normalize the often stereotyped, has been noteworthy as well.

When asked about her sexuality, Sia said, "I don't care what gender you are, it's about people. I didn't just recently open up, I just recently got famous! I've always been... well, flexible is the word I would use.”

Despite the underlying humor in Sia’s response, it is telling of her character. She knows who she was before the spotlight, and that is why she has changed the industry for the better.

Sia’s self-assurance and love for her craft have landed her awards and spots on the most esteemed stages, but she stays true to her humble upbringing, staying focused on positive messages and wholesome incentives.