Probably no one from outside Norway had ever heard of Kurt Nilsen prior to December 26, 2003. This all changed, however, on New Years Day 2004 when the singer was named World Idol by millions of voters worldwide. Nilsen was a plumber and father of two when he tried out for Norwegian Idol. The singer, who has a girlfriend, won the contest in May 2002. His debut single, “She’s So High,” went straight to number one in Norway and stayed there for nine weeks. Nilsen’s single quickly became the biggest selling Norwegian single; going platinum eleven times. Nilsen’s debut album entitled I was released in September 2003. The album contained nine original songs and three covers including Duran Durans “Ordinary World.” Nilsen then did 21 solo concerts.
The World Idol competition aired on Boxing Day 2003. The show, which was filmed at Wembley Stadium in London, was broadcasted in 22 countries. Nilsen sang a cover of U2’s “A Beautiful Day.” Judges were impressed by his voice, but said that he lacked appearance. One judge said that Nilsen looked too much like a hobbit. Judges agreed that if the show was on radio Nilsen would win. They felt his looks, however, would be a big disadvantage to him. The judges would soon be proved wrong.
The second part of World Idol occurred on New Years Day 2004. Audiences were disappointed in the judges treatment of the competitors. The creators of the television show admitted that there was a great deal of editing due to the harshness of judges. Nilsen won World Idol with a majority of the votes!
The day after the competition, the World Idol, Kurt Nilsen claimed that British Idol, Will Young was arrogant and rude. Nilsen stated that the British singer acted more important than everyone else, and would not shake his hand when he won. Nilsen then went on to call Young an “asshole.”
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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