Charlotte Perrelli

Charlotte Perrelli, the Swedish performer who captured the final Eurovision Song Contest held in the twentieth century, entered the world as Charlotte Nilsson on October 7, 1974. In 1987 she began appearing near her birthplace of Hovmantorp alongside the group Bengt Ingvars, whose name was updated to incorporate “med Charlotte.” Upon beginning secondary studies in the nearby community of Växjö, she joined Kendix. She next aligned with the nationally recognized Anders Engbergs Orkester, cutting two albums before moving to Wizex, already one of Sweden’s leading pop acts and positioned for still greater success. In 1998, shortly after Wizex’s album Tusen Och en Natt earned gold status, Perrelli left to launch a solo career. Her own album Mot Nya Mål received a Swedish Grammy nomination. She introduced her independent work by entering the Eurovision Song Contest, first winning the national selection and then repeating that victory at the finals. Her winning entry “Take Me to Your Heaven” became a hit across Europe, matching the reception of her debut album Charlotte. Three additional singles—“Take Me to Your Heaven,” “I Write You a Lovesong,” and “Damn You”—followed from the same record. She then collaborated with producers Johan Åberg and Paul Rein, who had previously worked with Victoria Beckham and Christina Aguilera. Her second album, Miss Jealousy, sustained the earlier momentum, yielding hits with the title track and “You Got Me Going Crazy.” She closed the year with the Christmas single “Julen är Här,” recorded with Christer Sjögren, and an accompanying holiday album. In 2003 she starred in a revival of Jesus Christ Superstar and issued the single “Broken Heart” late that year as a preview of the forthcoming album Gone Too Long. She also hosted the television talent contest Super Troupers. Her next album, I Din Röst, appeared in 2006.