Agnes

Agnes emerged as one of the rare European Pop Idol champions to register meaningful success on British singles charts through her role in delivering a leading dance anthem of 2009. She entered the world as Agnes Emilia Carlsson in Vänersborg, Sweden, in 1988 and took her first steps on stage during childhood by performing in the local church choir while also playing violin at school recitals. Drawing influence from Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson, she entered Sweden’s 2005 Pop Idol competition. Although she did not advance into the final eleven or the wild-card round at first, the judges ultimately selected her as their special contestant. Strong showings on songs by Oasis, Irene Cara, and Avril Lavigne earned her the title of Sweden’s first female Pop Idol after she defeated runner-up Sebastian Karlsson with 57 percent of the vote.

Signing with Sony BMG, she watched both her opening single “Right Here, Right Now” and her self-titled debut album climb to number one. The next release, Stronger, likewise entered at the top spot before she parted ways with the label in 2008 over creative differences. She soon joined Roxy Recordings and began work on her third album, Dance Love Pop, alongside Anders Hansson. Lead single “On and On” reached number eight, yet it was the follow-up “Release Me” that secured her international breakthrough by hitting number three in the U.K. and landing inside the top ten in several European territories plus Australia.

Her rising profile prompted Ron Fair—the executive behind the careers of Black Eyed Peas and Pussycat Dolls—to sign her to A&M/Interscope Records. Agnes also placed eighth in the 2009 Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s contest to choose its Eurovision Song Contest entrant, served as support for N-Dubz and Cascada on the Clubland tour, and performed at the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. She issued both Dance Love Pop and I Need You Now in 2009 before releasing Veritas in 2012.