Charlotte Perrelli rose to international prominence after winning the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest in Jerusalem with the song Take Me to Your Heaven. Born Anna Jenny Charlotte Nilsson in Hovmantorp, Sweden, in 1974, she has built a career as a versatile singer, songwriter, and television presenter, navigating styles from traditional dansband to modern pop and jazz.
Early Career and Dansband Years
Perrelli began her professional path at age thirteen with the local dansband Bengt Ingvars. After attending the High School of Performing Arts in Växjö, she joined the group Kendix before moving to the ensemble Anders Engbergs in 1994. By 1997, she transitioned to the successful band Wizex, which earned a Swedish Grammis nomination for the album Mot nya mål and achieved gold status with the record Tusen och en natt.
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In 1999, Perrelli secured her first national Melodifestivalen victory, leading to her Eurovision success. The following period saw the release of her debut solo album, Charlotte, and a pivot toward pop and rock with the 2001 record Miss Jealousy. This project included the hit single You Got Me Going Crazy and the radio track Light of My Life, which she promoted throughout Europe and New Zealand.
Television Hosting and Mid-Career Projects
Beyond music, Perrelli expanded into television, hosting Melodifestivalen in 2003 and 2004, and appearing in the talent show Super Troupers. In 2006, she released the album I din röst, a tribute to jazz singer Monica Zetterlund. During this period, she also participated in large-scale tours such as Rhapsody in Rock and Diggiloo, while continuing to release singles like the ballad Som du.
The Hero Era and Chinese Expansion
Perrelli claimed a second Melodifestivalen win in 2008 with the track Hero. She represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, finishing 18th in the final. The album Hero reached platinum status in Sweden and was subsequently released in China after she signed a record deal there. Her late 2000s work included the Christmas album Rimfrostjul and judging duties on the talent series Talang 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Hovmantorp, Sweden
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, recording artist
- First prize: Eurovision Song Contest 1999
- Melodifestivalen winner: 1999, 2008
- Known by maiden name until: 2003
- Band history: Bengt Ingvars, Kendix, Anders Engbergs, Wizex
- Acting credits: Vita lögner, Jesus Christ Superstar
Questions readers ask
What song did Charlotte Perrelli sing to win Eurovision?
She won the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Take Me to Your Heaven.
Did Charlotte Perrelli represent Sweden more than once at Eurovision?
Yes, she represented Sweden in 1999 with Take Me to Your Heaven and again in 2008 with Hero.
Achievements
- Worked as singer, songwriter and recording artist
