Måns Zelmerlöw
Early Life
Måns Petter Albert Sahlén Zelmerlöw was born on June 13, 1986, in Lund, a city in the province of Scania, Sweden. He was raised in a family with a deep love for music, which influenced his early interest in the field. His parents, Birgitta Sahlén, a professor in Audiology, and surgeon Sven-Olof Zelmerlöw, nurtured his talent from a young age.
Career
Early Career
Zelmerlöw's career in the entertainment industry began in 2002 when he played the character of Danny Zuko in the Swedish production of the musical Grease. His performance was well received and marked the beginning of his journey in the world of music and theater.
In 2005, he participated in the second season of the Swedish version of Idol, finishing in fifth place. Despite not winning the competition, his participation in Idol boosted his popularity and opened up new opportunities in his career.
Breakthrough
Zelmerlöw's breakthrough came in 2007 when he participated in Melodifestivalen, the music competition that selects Sweden's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. He performed the song "Cara Mia," which became a hit in Sweden, peaking at number one on the Sverigetopplistan, the official Swedish Singles Chart.
In the same year, he released his debut album Stand by For..., which included "Cara Mia" and other successful singles like "Work of Art (Da Vinci)" and "Brother Oh Brother". The album was a commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Swedish Albums Chart.
Eurovision Success
In 2015, Zelmerlöw once again participated in Melodifestivalen, this time with the song "Heroes". He won the competition and represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna, Austria. His performance was praised for its innovative use of digital technology and interactive graphics.
Zelmerlöw won the Eurovision Song Contest, marking the sixth win for Sweden. His victory brought the contest back to Sweden in 2016, where he co-hosted the event with Petra Mede.
Personal Life
Zelmerlöw is known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Zelmerlöw and Björkman Foundation, which supports vulnerable children and young people in Ukraine and South Africa. He is also an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Sweden.
In 2016, Zelmerlöw moved to London, United Kingdom, where he currently resides with his wife, British actress Ciara Janson, and their son.
Discography
Zelmerlöw's discography includes seven studio albums, numerous singles, and several music videos. His music spans various genres, including pop, rock, and electronic, and is characterized by its catchy melodies and powerful vocals.
Awards and Recognition
Over the course of his career, Zelmerlöw has received numerous awards and nominations, including the prestigious Grammis, the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards. His victory in the Eurovision Song Contest is considered one of his most significant achievements.