Darin

Emerging from Sweden as a teenage pop phenomenon, Darin Zanyar—simply known as Darin—first captured widespread attention through his standout performances on the 2004 edition of Pop Idol. Finishing just behind Daniel Lindström in that season’s finale, he nonetheless dominated Swedish charts throughout the next twelve months. His breakthrough arrived in 2005 when the Robyn-penned debut single “Money for Nothing” reached the top spot, followed by the full-length The Anthem and three additional Top Ten releases: “Step Up,” “Why Does It Rain,” and “Who’s That Girl.” Those successes paved the way for his self-titled sophomore album, which earned platinum certification.

At eighteen, Darin maintained momentum in 2006 with the Top Ten tracks “Want Ya!” and “Perfect,” the chart-topping set Break the News, and a pair of Swedish Grammy awards. The streak extended into 2007 via the number-one single “Desire.” The next year brought Flashback, an album whose sleek, grown-up club textures signaled a stylistic shift. In 2010 he issued his fifth studio project, Lovekiller, which featured the original track “You’re Out of My Life” alongside a cover of Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida.”

For 2013’s Exit, Darin collaborated in the United States with Jim Beanz, the Jackie Boyz, Victoria Horn, and additional producers. The resulting record spawned the singles “Nobody Knows,” “Playing with Fire,” and “Check You Out.” Two years later he unveiled “Ta Mig Tillbaka” (Take Me Back), the lead single from an album that would mark his first collection recorded entirely in Swedish.