The first prize of the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest was claimed by Sertab Erener with her performance of Everyway That I Can. Born in Istanbul in 1964, she developed a career as a composer, singer, and songwriter. Her professional trajectory reflects a transition from classical opera training to the prominence of Turkish pop music during the 1990s.
Education and Early Vocal Development
Erener attended Işık High School before enrolling at the Istanbul University State Conservatory to pursue opera. She later continued her studies at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University within the Opera Major Arts and Concert Singing Department. Before completing her degree, she shifted her professional focus toward stage performances. Her musical background is rooted in both Western opera traditions and classical Turkish music, a blend that influenced her subsequent creative output.
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In 1987, she performed at a birthday party for Sezen Aksu, which led to an offer to work as a backing vocalist. Although she initially hesitated, she eventually accepted the role. She participated in various music competitions, including the 1987 Kuşadası Golden Pigeon Music Competition and the 1989 Eurovision qualifiers as a member of Klips ve Onlar. Her debut studio album, Sakin Ol!, was released in 1992, establishing her presence in the Turkish music scene.
Discography and Stylistic Evolution
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Erener released several albums, including Lâ'l, Sertab Gibi, No Boundaries, Aşk Ölmez, and Rengârenk. While she gained initial recognition for pop music, she also experimented with avant-garde elements. Her 2012 album, Ey Şuh-i Sertab, was dedicated to her father, Nizamettin Erener. She returned to her stylistic roots with the 2016 release, Kırık Kalpler Albümü. Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated diverse musical influences into her work.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Istanbul
- Citizenship: Turkey
- Education: Işık Lisesi
- Notable work: Everyway That I Can
- Notable work: No Boundaries
- Notable work: Rengârenk
- Award: First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest (2003)
- Occupation: Composer, singer, musician, songwriter
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of Sertab Erener's name?
Her father named her after the song Ey Şûh-i Sertab, which means the main light or radiance.
Did Sertab Erener have a formal music education?
Yes, she studied at the Istanbul University State Conservatory and the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University before focusing on her professional career.
Achievements
- First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest — 2003
- Notable work: Satılık Kalpler Şehri
- Notable work: Everyway That I Can
- Notable work: Here I Am
- Notable work: İyileşiyorum
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music and dance-pop
