Erlend Bratland

Born on October 27, 1991, in Kvinnherad, Norway, Erlend Bratland first captured national attention in 2008 by winning the second season of the talent show Norske Talenter at age 16. The Norwegian emo pop singer quickly became known for topping the charts, though observers noted the striking contrast between his emo appearance—marked by colored hair, facial piercings, and black clothing—and his largely traditional pop approach.

Following his victory, Bratland signed with Sony BMG and issued his first commercial recording that year, the Anouk-penned single “Lost.” The Dutch pop singer’s composition climbed to number one on the Norwegian singles chart, and “Still Water” soon repeated the feat. Bratland next unveiled his debut album, True Colors, an English-language collection built around familiar covers that included Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” Joni Mitchell’s “River,” and Queen’s “Love of My Life.” The project spent seven weeks in the Norwegian albums Top Five and reached a peak position of number two.