Top 20 Most Famous Singers from Norway

Top 20 Most Famous Singers from Norway

*Originally published by Lynn on October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in September 2023 and Updated by Beatrice J in May 2024

Famously known for pop and rock music, Norwegian music has a diversity of genres it has become renowned for, without forgetting black metal.

Norway’s black metal music gets a lot of attention. While there’s been a rise in singing bands, there are a lot of other genres embraced by Norwegian artists, from rising stars to some of the most established names in the Norwegian music scene.

Below is a short list of some of Norway’s most famous singers in the top 20 most famous singers from Norway.

1. Anni-Frid Flagstad

Anni-Frid Lyngstad during the opening of ABBA; The Museum May 6, 2013 – Wikipedia

Born Anni-Frid Synni Lyngstad and goes by the nickname “Frida,” is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and environmentalist. She started her solo career as a jazz singer in 1967 after winning a talent competition with her song “En ledig dag.”

Anni-Frid reached international fame when she joined ABBA, a popular Swedish pop band, serving as the leader. ABBA has sold over 150 million albums and singles worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music act, but later on, Anni-Frid would break up from ABBA and continue as a solo artist.

She recorded her last album in 1996, aged 51, before retiring from music. Her celebrated biography has been translated into 61 different languages on Wikipedia.

2. Aurora

Aurora at the Electric Castle festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 2021 – Wikipedia

Aurora Aksnes, popularly known as Aurora, was born on 15th June 1996. She is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer. She began writing songs aged six and started her career by self-releasing her songs.

At just 22 years, she’s a fast-rising star in Norwegian music, and she’s already attracting international attention. She released her first album, Running with the wolves, in 2015. 

Aurora has managed to develop her style and put her stamp on iconic songs, which has seen her grab some awards since her debut.

3. Sigrid

Sigrid Raabe is a pop sensation from Alesund, Norway. She is a newcomer to the music scene but already enjoying success.

She began her career by releasing a debut single, “Sun,” in 2013 aged 16. Sigrid tasted international success in 2017 after releasing her single, Don’t kill my vibe. The song won her the BBC Music Sound of 2018 award. The song also impressed executives at Island Records, who promptly offered her a contract. 

4. Astrid S.

Astrid S. at the Moroccan Lounge, 2019 – Wikipedia

Astrid Smeplass, born on 29th October 1996, is a singer and songwriter from Berkak, Norway.

She released her first single, “Shattered,” co-written by American singer Melanie Fontana. In 2013, she signed a deal with Sony ATV music publishing and released her first single, “2 AM”, in 2014 through Universal Music.

Astrid has done some music covers of some of music’s biggest names, and she also provided backing vocals for Katy Perry in her song “Hey Hey Hey.”

The singer’s passion for music made her ditch a promising football career to pursue music. Her plan was successful, as she became the first female artist to win a Spellemannsprisen (Norwegian Grammy Awards) in 15 years. 

5. Nico and Vinz

Nico and Vinz – Wikipedia

Nico and Vinz are a Norwegian duo consisting of Nicolay Sereba as Nico and Vincent Dery as Vinzy V. They were known as Envy when starting in 2010, but later changed their name to Nico and Vinz by the end of 2012.

After changing their name, they released their first single, “Am I wrong,” in 2013. The song’s video was shot in Africa to present a positive side of the African continent.

They received the European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA) in 2014 and later launched the “Am I wrong” worldwide tour. 

The duo has released some great music, with one of their songs, “Find a way,” featured in EA Sports FIFA 15 game.

6. Gunnarsen Brothers

Gunnarsen Brothers, 2018 – Wikipedia

The Gunnarsen brothers are a Norwegian duo consisting of twin brothers Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, both born on 21st February 2002.

They introduced themselves onto the music scene after winning the eleventh season of the Melodi Grand Prix junior in 2012. In February 2015, they released their debut studio album, followed by a second version in November.

The brothers have won various awards, including the Spellemannsprisen award. At just 16 years, they have three albums to their names and are claimed to be the biggest pop act in the Nordic region.

7. Morten Harket

Morten Harket performing in 2013 – Wikipedia

Morten Harket is a Norwegian vocalist and songwriter born on 14th September 1959.

He is best known for his lead role as the lead singer of the pop rock band A-ha. The band has released ten studio albums and sold over 55 million records to become one of the most famous pop music acts.

After A-ha went on a hiatus in 1994, Harket continued as a solo artist and has produced six studio albums. He has also worked with artists such as Espen Lind and Silje Nergaard.

Harket was named a Knight First class of the Order of St.Olav by king Harald for his services to Norwegian music.

8. Royksopp

Röyksopp in September 2014 – Wikipedia

Royksopp is a Norwegian electronic music duo consisting of Svein Berge and Torbjorn Brundtland.

They started out experimenting with various electronic music before sticking to the electronica scene. Royksopp uses multiple genres, and they are known for their elaborate concert performances and weird outfits.

Royksopp has gained critical acclaim and popularity across the world. They have been nominated for two Grammy Awards and won seven Spellemannsprisen awards.

9. Marit Larsen

Marit Larsen in Nuremberg, December 2015 – Wikipedia

Marit Larsen is a Norwegian singer and songwriter, born on 1st July 1983.

She’s widely known for forming the pop duo M2M with childhood friend and musician Marion Raven. Aged 12 and 11, Larsen and Marion released a children’s album under the name “Marit and Marion” in 1996, which was nominated for the Spellemannsprisen. Despite having a successful first few years, the duo went separate ways in 2002.

As a solo artist, Larsen released her debut solo album, “Under the Surface,” in 2006. She produced four studio albums and singles, three of which topped the charts in Norway.

10. Ole Bull

Ole Bull performing – Wikipedia

Ole Bornemann Bull was a Norwegian violinist and composer, born on 5th February 1810.

From a younger age, he desired a musical career, though his father wished him to become a minister.

He joined Musical Lyceum and became the director of Musical Lyceum and the Theater Orchestra in 1828. Bull toured across Europe, holding several concerts, and later in the United States in the 1860s and 1870s.

Ole Bull was often accompanied by sopriano Varian Hoffman, baritone Ignatz Pollak, and pianist Edward Hoffman.

His legacy has seen the Norwegian people name music institutions after him. Bull has been referred to as the Greatest of all time, and was compared with legendary Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini. 

11. Martinus Gunnarsen

Martinus Gunnarsen, a Norwegian, makes up one-half of the musical duet Marcus & Martinus, also known as just M&M. After winning a nationally broadcast singing contest in Norway in 2012, the twins became well-known. Just ten years old at the time of their talent discovery, the Gunnarsen twins.

The dance-pop music style of this gifted pair has continued to expand and grow. Martinus was nominated for several Spellemannprisens, which are Norway’s version of the Grammys. “Electric,” “Girls,” and “Light It Up” are some of M&M’s best-known tracks. Martinus and his brother Marcus gave performances during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the Swedish Crown Princess’ 40th birthday celebrations.

12. Lene Nystrøm

Simon Wedege Petersen, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lene Nystrm became a star in the 1990s thanks to the band Aqua, of which she was the lead singer and their catchy international pop single “Barbie Girl.” The band enjoyed greater enduring success in Europe but was essentially a one-hit wonder in the United States.

Nystrøm started a solo music career and appeared in multiple television and film projects in Norway. Her hit singles “It’s Your Responsibility” and “Pretty Young Thing” are just a couple. The singer, who was born in Tnsberg, continues to appear on television frequently, most notably as a judge on reality competitions like Denmark’s The Voice.

13. Lene Marlin

The fastest-selling single in Norwegian music history, “Unforgivable Sinner,” by Lene Marlin, spent eight weeks at the top of the charts there. Marlin’s fame spread well beyond Norway. She had songs on the soundtracks of films in France and Norway, as well as top 5 singles in the Netherlands, the UK and Italy.

The vocalist has written songs for international artists like Rhianna and won multiple Spellemannprisen honours, Norway’s version of the Grammys.

14. Kurt Nilsen

Ernst Vikne, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kurt Nilsen from Norway has excelled in the genre more than any other reality-singing television opponent. He won both the World Idol competition that followed in 2004 as well as the season opener of Norwegian Idol in 2003.

Kelly Clarkson, a household name, and other international Idol winners were ultimately defeated by the vocalist. It was a cover of “Beautiful Day” by U2, which he performed to win. Seven albums, including a holiday record, were issued by Nilsen over his career. The Meatloaf ballads “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” and “She’s So High” are his two most well-known tracks.

15. Ane Brun

Benoît Derrier from Auxerre, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brun is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter from Norway. She is a native of the Sami or Laplanders, who inhabit the Nordic region’s most northern territory.

She is a talented musician who comes from a musical family. Since 2003, she has published 10 studio albums. This Norwegian vocalist offers a covers album, an acoustic collection, and a live album. She also blends genres. Brun is a supporter of the environment. The No More Lullabies event was arranged by her to raise awareness of climate justice. Artists like Robyn and members of the band ABBA performed on this occasion.

16.Kygo

Born in Norway as Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, Kygo is a well-known DJ, record producer, and composer. His distinct kind of tropical house music helped him become well-known in the electronic music industry.

With millions of views on SoundCloud and YouTube, Kygo’s remixes of well-known songs became well-known throughout the world. In 2014, he had his breakthrough with the track “Firestone,” which featured Conrad Sewell and peaked at the top of various national charts.

Hit singles “Stole the Show,” “It Ain’t Me” starring Selena Gomez, and “Higher Love” with Whitney Houston are just a few of the ones Kygo has released since then. “Cloud Nine,” his debut studio album, was widely praised when it was released in 2016.

17.Sissel Kyrkjebø

Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, who goes as Sissel, is renowned for her heavenly voice and broad vocal range. She performed the song “My Heart Will Go On” in the Norwegian version of the movie, which helped her acquire recognition throughout the world for her contributions to the “Titanic” soundtrack. Sissel is regarded as one of Norway’s most beloved singers thanks to her angelic voice, which has enthralled listeners all over the world.

Sissel has put out a number of CDs over her career in a variety of musical genres, such as pop, folk, classical, and traditional Norwegian music. She has worked alongside musicians like Josh Groban, André Rieu, and Plácido Domingo, demonstrating her versatility in music. Sissel has received praise from critics and recognition for her emotionally charged performances and hauntingly beautiful performances.

18.Maria Mena

Maria Mena is a pop singer-songwriter from Norway who is renowned for her expressive vocals and meaningful lyrics. In 2002, she released her debut album, “Another Phase,” after receiving widespread praise for her debut single, “My Lullaby.” Listeners connected with Mena’s open and reflective songs, and she was praised for her ability to capture unadulterated emotion on record.

Maria Mena has put out a number of hit albums over her career, such as “White Turns Blue,” “Cause and Effect,” and “Viktoria.” Her songs, which connect with listeners all over the world, frequently tackle themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Mena is one of Norway’s most gifted singer-songwriters, having gained both a devoted following and critical recognition for her reflective lyrics and deep voice.

19.Gabrielle Leithaug

Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Gabrielle Leithaug, better known by her stage name Gabrielle, became well-known in the early 2010s. Her 2011 breakthrough single “Ring Meg” shot to the top of the Norwegian charts and won her the Spellemannprisen award for Song of the Year, bringing her widespread fame.

One of Norway’s most promising emerging performers, Gabrielle immediately won over audiences with her seductive vocals and engaging compositions. Gabrielle has become a devoted fan and received critical acclaim for her honest lyrics and powerful performances, solidifying her place as one of Norway’s most promising musical talents.

20.Jarle Bernhoft

Norwegian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jarle Bernhoft, better known by his stage name Bernhoft, is renowned for his captivating live performances and beautiful vocals. He became well-known throughout the world with his solo project Bern/hoft, which blends pop, funk, and soul influences. 

Bernhoft has put out a number of hit albums over his career, such as “Islander” and “Ceramik City Chronicles.”Due to his compelling stage presence and contagious enthusiasm, Bernhoft is a highly sought-after performer who frequently sells out venues and festivals around Europe and beyond. His deep tone and indisputable talent continue to push musical boundaries and inspire listeners.