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Lena Meyer-Landrut

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Lena Meyer-Landrut
Lena Meyer-Landrut at PC after 2010 Eurovision 2.jpg
Lena Meyer-Landrut at the winner's press conference of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010
Background information
Birth name Lena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut
Also known as Lena
Born (1991-05-23) 23 May 1991 (age 32)
Hanover, Germany
Genres Pop, indie pop[1]
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter
Years active 2010–present
Labels USFO, Universal Music Germany
Website lena-meyer-landrut.com

Lena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut[2] (born 23 May 1991),[3] known professionally as Lena (pronounced [ˈleːna]), is a German singer-songwriter. She represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo and won the contest with the song "Satellite".[4][5] With her three entries from the German national final Unser Star für Oslo (Our Star for Oslo), Meyer-Landrut set an all-time chart record in her home country by debuting with three songs in the top five of the German singles chart.[6] Both "Satellite" and her first album My Cassette Player debuted at number one in Germany, while the former has been certified double Platinum since, the album has been certified five times Gold for sales of over 500,000 units.[7][8][9] Meyer-Landrut represented Germany for the second consecutive time in the Eurovision Song Contest at Düsseldorf in 2011 with the song "Taken by a Stranger".[10]

Early life

Lena Meyer-Landrut was born in Hanover, Germany.[11] She is the granddaughter of Andreas Meyer-Landrut, the Estonian-born West German ambassador to the Soviet Union in Moscow from 1980 to 1983 and 1987 to 1989[12][13] and Hanna Karatsony von Hodos who was of Hungarian nobility. She grew up as an only child,[12] and started taking dancing lessons at the age of five; initially doing ballet and later practising various modern styles, including hip-hop and jazz dance.[14] Meyer-Landrut grew fond of singing and appeared as an extra in a number of German television series;[12] however she never received any formal acting or vocal training.[15] In June 2010 she graduated from IGS Roderbruch Hannover, a comprehensive school, receiving her Abitur diploma.[16]

Career

2009–2012: Unser Star für Oslo and Eurovision Song Contest

Meyer-Landrut decided to take part in the talent show Unser Star für Oslo (Our Star for Oslo), a newly created national television programme to select the German entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo.[15] The show was organised by public broadcaster ARD and private television station ProSieben, as well as entertainer, music producer and former Eurovision entrant Stefan Raab. Among 4,500 entrants, Meyer-Landrut was picked as one of the 20 contestants for the show. Asked about her motivation to apply, she stated, "I like to test myself. I wanted to see how I am perceived, and I wanted to hear what people with knowledge have to say about it. I personally can't judge myself at all."[13]

After her first appearance, performing "My Same" by British singer Adele, Meyer-Landrut received much praise from the show's jury panel and was instantly considered the favourite.[15] The following week, Adele's "My Same" entered the German singles chart at position number 61.[17] Meyer-Landrut reached the final of Unser Star für Oslo, mainly performing lesser known songs of international artists such as The Bird and the Bee, Kate Nash, Paolo Nutini and Lisa Mitchell. Out of her eight cover performances, five of the original songs subsequently charted in Germany, with all but "Foundations" reaching their peak chart position.[18][19][20][21] In the final on 12 March 2010, Meyer-Landrut sang three songs specifically written for the contest, "Bee", "Satellite" and "Love Me". Through televoting, the audience chose "Satellite", written by American Julie Frost and Dane John Gordon, to be her designated song in case she won the show. In a second round of voting, Meyer-Landrut was chosen as Germany's entry for the 55th Eurovision Song Contest, beating the last remaining contestant, Jennifer Braun.[22] The music video for "Satellite" was shot during the night of the final and premiered on German television stations four days later.[23]

Throughout the show, Meyer-Landrut was seen as the clear favourite.[24] One day after winning Unser Star für Oslo, all three of her songs from the finals topped the German iTunes Store sales chart,[25] making her the first singer to achieve that.[26] "Satellite" sold over 100,000 downloads in its first week, becoming Germany's fastest selling digital release ever.[27] Her three songs all entered the top five of the German singles chart, reaching positions number one, three and four, which no artist had ever achieved since charts were first established in Germany in 1959.[6] "Satellite" was certified gold after the first week and platinum after the fourth week of its release.[27][28] The song has remained at number one for five consecutive weeks in Germany.[7]

While competing at Unser Star für Oslo, Meyer-Landrut continued to attend school. The last show was held one month before the start of her final exams.[12] Following her exams, she released her debut album, My Cassette Player, on 7 May 2010.[29] Produced by Stefan Raab, it includes the singles "Satellite", "Love Me" and "Bee", as well as two cover songs and eight unreleased titles. Meyer-Landrut is credited as a co-writer for the lyrics of five songs.[30] The album debuted at number one in the German albums chart.[9] It peaked at number one in the Austrian albums chart, number three in the Swiss albums chart.[31][32]

Following her success in Germany, Meyer-Landrut has said she would enjoy pursuing a singing or acting career,[13] but explained, "I'm not fixated on doing music my whole life."[33] She stated she originally planned to study acting after graduating school, but now is unsure "if time allows".[33] She has said her musical influences include Adele, Kate Nash, Vanessa Carlton, as well as the singer Clueso and German pop rock band Wir sind Helden.[34]

Representing a "big four" country, Meyer-Landrut automatically qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. Germany received a wild card during the running order draw, allowing the German representatives to pick the country's position for the final. They chose position 22 out of the 25 spots. Meyer-Landrut arrived one week before the show in Oslo, where she completed five rehearsals of her song "Satellite". Prior to the final, she was considered one of the favourites. Bookmakers regarded her second favourite behind Azerbaijan's Safura, while Google projected she would win based on search volume in the participating countries.[35] According to Norway's Aftenposten she received the most media attention of all participants.[36]

The final was held on 29 May 2010 at Oslo's Telenor Arena. Appearing fourth from last, Meyer-Landrut wore a simple black dress and performed on a bare stage with four backing singers. Her pared-back presentation was a break from recent Eurovision trends, as it did not feature any form of choreography, dancers or elaborate stage show.[37] "Satellite" received a total of 246 points, giving Germany its first win since 1982, and the first victory as a unified country. The song won over Turkey's entry "We Could Be the Same" with a margin of 76 points, at that time the second-biggest in Eurovision history, second only to Alexander Rybak's margin of 169 points in the 2009 contest (it would later be beaten by Loreen's victory in 2012, sporting a margin of 113 points). "Satellite" was awarded the maximum of 12 points nine times and received points from all but five countries.[5]

Lena on stage in Düsseldorf

The BBC called "Satellite" the first "contemporary pop hit Eurovision has produced in decades", ushering in "a new era for the annual music jamboree".[38] Meyer-Landrut's victory received much attention in Germany and the show was seen by 15 million viewers on German television (a 49.1 percent market share).[39] She returned to Hanover the following day, where she was greeted by 40,000 people.[40] In June, "Satellite" regained the top spot in the German singles chart for one week and also peaked at number one in Denmark,[41] Finland,[42] Norway,[43] Sweden[44] and Switzerland.[45] It also topped European Hot 100 singles chart,[46] being the first Eurovision song to achieve this.[47]

In June 2010 in the German dubbed version of the computer-animated film Sammy's Adventures: The Secret Passage, Meyer-Landrut provided the voice for the character originally spoken by Isabelle Fuhrman.[48]

In January 2011, the TV-Show "Unser Song für Deutschland" was held and Meyer-Landrut's 2011 Eurovision song was determined via televoting.[49] All twelve songs Meyer-Landrut performed during that show were recorded on her second studio album Good News which was released on 8 February 2011. The album reached Gold status in Germany within one week after its release.[50]

On 18 February 2011, the "Unser Song für Deutschland" final was held and it was decided through televoting that Meyer-Landrut would perform the entry "Taken by a Stranger" in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.[51]

In April 2011, she went on her first German tour in the largest concert halls in Berlin, Hanover, Frankfurt, Dortmund, Leipzig, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne.[52] though the concerts were not sold out.

In May 2011, Meyer-Landrut attempted to defend her title in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.[10] She was the third winner to do so, and the first in over 50 years.[53] She also appeared in the opening performance of the show, less than an hour before she came on stage to represent Germany.

2012–2014: Stardust and The Voice

On 24 May 2012, Meyer-Landrut performed as part of the interval act during the second semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. She was joined by the last five Eurovision winners from 2007 to 2011 which included Marija Šerifović, Dima Bilan, Alexander Rybak, and Ell & Nikki. Meyer-Landrut, Marija, Dima and Alexander performed their winning song entry accompanied by traditional Azeri instruments, being joined by Ell & Nikki for a rendition of "Waterloo".[54]

Lena Meyer-Landrut at the Echo music award 2013

On 1 August, Meyer-Landrut announced via her Twitter account that "Stardust" will be the first single from her new album with the eponymous title. The single was released on 21 September[55] and was certified Gold for selling 150,000 copies[56] The album was released on 12 October and it debuted at No. 2 on German Albums chart.[57] In late July and early August she went on a promotion tour called "Lenas Wohnzimmer" (Lena′s Lounge), which led her to Munich, Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin and presented several of her new songs.[58] Since October 2012 she performed the theme song in the opening credits of Sesamstraße, the German version of Sesame Street.[59] In November 2012 she covered the Pippi Longstocking song Sjörövar Fabbe (Seeräuber-Opa Fabian) for the compilation album Giraffenaffen.

On 18 January 2013, it was announced that the second single from Lena's album will be Neon. The music video for the single was shot in early February, by director Bode Brodmüller, who also directed Lena's video for her first single from the third album, "Stardust". It was shot in Rathenau-Hallen. On 1 March, Lena's video for Neon (Lonely People) premiered on Universal Music page. Lena's sixth single was released on 15 March. The same day, video was also uploaded on Lena's VEVO channel on YouTube. The single version is different from the original song version on her Stardust album. The single version is more of a dance record, remixed and a bit faster.

On 21 March, Lena Meyer-Landrut attended to ECHO awards. She was nominated for two categories this year, "Best National Video" for "Stardust" and as "Best National Female Artist". During the show, Lena received an only one award for "Best National Video" for her first single from same titled album, "Stardust". Later during the show, Lena lost the "Best Female National Artist" award to singer Ivy Quainoo.

In April 2013, Lena went on a club tour through thirteen German cities started in Stuttgart on 2 April and finished in Offenbach on 21 April. The last concert was streamed live in the Internet. The title "No One Can Catch Us Tour" was taken from a line from her first single from the album, "Stardust".

In April and May 2013 she was one of the three judges on the show The Voice Kids alongside Tim Bendzko and Henning Wehland.

On 17 May 2013 "Mr. Arrow Key", was released as third single from the Album "Stardust" and as seventh single overall. The song was written by Lena Meyer-Landrut, Linda Carlsson and Sonny Boy Gustafsson, and the original track for album was produced by Sonny Boy Gustafsson.[60]

Lena was president of the German jury (including Carolin Niemczyk, Alina Süggeler, Tim Bendzko and Florian Silbereisen) and the spokesperson for Germany, revealing the countries voting results at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 final on 18 May.

In July 2013, it was announced that she will be the German voice of Jane in the motion capture animated film Tarzan 3D which was released in German cinemas in February 2014.[61][62] In the same month she dubbed the voice of three characters in the two audiobooks Giraffenaffen – Wir sind da! (Giraffe-monkeys – We are here!) and Giraffenaffen – Die Schatzssuche (Giraffe-monkeys – Treasure hunt), which were both published in October 2013.[63]

In October 2013 Lena re-united with her Eurovision mentor Stefan Raab when she featured in "Revolution", a single from Raab's band Dicks on Fire.[64] In June 2013, this song was already used for a video about the shower head Doosh invented by Stefan Raab where Lena is posing as Lara Croft under the shower. In 2013 Lena became a L'Oréal testimonial for hair coloring and skin care product series.

From March to May 2014 she returned as coach in the second season of The Voice Kids along with Henning Wehland (from the band Söhne Mannheims) and Johannes Strate (from the band Revolverheld).[65][66]

2014–present: Crystal Sky

In early 2014 Meyer-Landrut began principal work on her fourth studio album. In January she traveled to New York City to engage in talks with record producer Bosko.[67] In May 2014 she visited the Yoad Nevo studio in London and in June 2014 she worked with Australian singer-songwriter Kat Vinter in Berlin and with Israeli-American singer-songwriter Rosi Golan in Los Angeles. In Brighton she worked with the Biffco producer team. Further she worked with Afsheen, with the producer team Beatgees from Berlin who already produced a remix of "Neon (Lonely People)" and the children's song "Schlaft alle" (Sleep all) for the compilation album Giraffenaffen 3 which was released in November 2014. In the same month she contributed to the compilation album I Love Disney with the Aladdin song "A Whole New World". On 7 August 2014 Lena revealed via her Twitter account that the title of the album will be Crystal Sky which will be released in May 2015.[68]

From February to April 2015 Meyer-Landrut was again coach in the third season of The Voice Kids along with Johannes Strate and Mark Forster. After four press concerts in Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and Cologne from late February to early March 2015 she revealed her first single Traffic Lights from the album Crystal Sky on March 10, 2015 as airplay premiere. The song, that reminds on the work by Ellie Goulding, was written by Harry Sommerdahl, Hayley Aitken, and Alexander James and was produced by Biffco and Beatgees. Traffic Lights was officially published on May 1, 2015 two weeks before the album Crystal Sky, which was released on May 15, 2015.

Media image

Meyer-Landrut has been noted for her unconventional way of handling the press,[69] which has been labelled "aloof" as well as "quick-witted" and "intuitive".[69] She usually refuses to answer questions about her private life, including her family, friends and personal beliefs, sometimes calling questions "stupid" or responding with counterquestions instead.[69] This has drawn praise as well as criticism, including allegations of being arrogant[70] and disrespectful.[71]

Meyer-Landrut's demeanour has been described as "carefree",[72] "laid-back and self-effacing".[73] She has been said to possess an "adequate youthful megalomania", to "cultivate her forwardness" and to stand for "unadorned genuineness"[72] and "sincerity".[71] She has also been said to give "infatuation a rhythm" and blur the "fine line between puppy love and psychotic obsession".[74] Her vocals have been both lauded[75] and criticised.[75] In an attempt to explain Meyer-Landrut's success, her appearance has been called a "mix of loveliness, professionalism and a little craziness".[76] She has also been lauded for her stage presence[76] and charisma.[77]

Appearances on Unser Star für Oslo

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Meyer-Landrut at Hanover's New City Hall after winning Unser Star für Oslo, March 2010
Show Song Original artist
1st show "My Same" Adele
3rd show "Diamond Dave" The Bird and the Bee
4th show "Foundations" Kate Nash
5th show "New Shoes" Paolo Nutini
Quarterfinal
(6th show)
"Mouthwash"
"Neopolitan Dreams"
Kate Nash
Lisa Mitchell
Semifinal
(7th show)
"Mr. Curiosity"
"The Lovecats"
Jason Mraz
The Cure
Final
(8th show)
"Bee"
"Satellite"
"Love Me"
Jennifer Braun / Lena Meyer-Landrut
Jennifer Braun / Lena Meyer-Landrut
Lena Meyer-Landrut
Jennifer Braun and Meyer-Landrut both sang different versions of "Bee" and "Satellite" in the final

Awards and nominations

Results

Year Award Category Work Result
2010 Eurovision Song Contest 2010 "Satellite" 1st
Comet Best Newcomer Herself Nominated
Goldene Henne Award Reader's award of the SuperIllu magazine: Rock/Pop/Schlager
Goldene Henne Honor Award Ambassador of Charm Won
SWR3 New Pop Festival Newcomer of the Year Herself
1LIVE Krone Best Artist
Best Single Satellite
Bravo Otto Best Singer Herself Nominated
2011 Goldene Kamera Best Music National Won
Echo Best National Newcomer
Best Female National Artist
Radio Echo for "Satellite" Satellite Nominated
Single of the Year
Album of the Year My Cassette Player
Comet Best Female Artist Herself Won
Best Song Satellite Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best German Act Herself Won
Best European Act
Best Worldwide Act Nominated
1LIVE Krone Best Single "Taken By a Stranger"
Eurovision Song Contest 2011 "Taken By a Stranger" 10th
2012 MTV Germany Jahresvoting 2011 Queen of Pop Herself Won
Echo Best Video Taken by a Stranger Nominated
Best Female National Artist Herself
1LIVE Krone Best Single Stardust
Bravo Otto Best Singer Herself
2013 Echo Best Female National Artist
Best Video Stardust Won
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Singer Germany, Austria, Switzerland Herself Nominated
Radio Regenbogen Award Listeners Award
Goldene Henne Award Reader's Award of the SuperIllu magazine – Music
MTV Europe Music Awards Best German Act Won
Best Central Europe Act
Best World Wide Act Nominated
2015 MTV Europe Music Awards Best German Act Herself Won
1LIVE Krone Best Female Artist Herself Won
Bravo Otto Best Singer Herself Won[78]

Film and television

Year Film Role Note
2010 A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures Shelly German voice-dub
2014 Tarzan 3D Jane German voice-dub
Year TV Show Role Note
2011 Bundesvision Song Contest 2011 Herself – Co-presenter
2012 Durch die Nacht mit … Casper Herself arte documentary
2013 The Voice Herself – Judge/Coach Kids Version
2014
2015

Discography

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Studio albums

References

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  78. http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2016-01/36082040-sieger-der-bravo-otto-wahl-2015-stehen-fest-youtube-trio-apecrime-ist-beliebtester-social-media-star-007.htm

Further reading

English
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German
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External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest
2010
Succeeded by
Azerbaijan Ell & Nikki
with "Running Scared"
Preceded by Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest
2010, 2011
Succeeded by
Roman Lob
with "Standing Still"
Preceded by Best European Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards
2011
Succeeded by
Russia Dima Bilan