Amanda Jenssen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amanda Jenssen
Amanda Jenssen performing in 2013.
Background information
Birth name	Jenny Amanda Katarina Bengtsson
Born	(1988-09-12) 12 September 1988 (age 36) Lund, Sweden
Genres	Jazz, acoustic, soul
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, musician
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Sony BMG (2007–present)
Associated acts	Marit Bergman, Pär Wiksten, Miss Li

Jenny Amanda Katarina Jenssen (born September 12, 1988) is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She first became famous as the runner-up in the Swedish TV show Idol 2007.

Her first album, Killing My Darlings (2008), was a huge hit in Sweden. It reached number 1 on the Swedish album chart and was one of the best-selling albums of the year. She has also had seven hit singles on the Swedish music charts.

In 2012, she released the album Hymns for the Haunted, which sold so well it earned a gold certification in Sweden. She later released her first album in the Swedish language, Sånger från ön (which means Songs from the Island), in 2015.

A Musical Start

Amanda Jenssen was born in Lund, Sweden, in 1988. She loved music from a young age. As a teenager, she was the lead singer for two bands: Oh Hollie Neverdays and Amanda and the Papas. Her band Oh Hollie Neverdays wrote and performed their own songs.

In May 2007, her band won a Swedish music competition called "Musik Direkt." The prize was a chance to tour and perform in the country of Gambia.

Path to Stardom

Competing on Idol

In 2007, Jenssen joined the singing competition Idol on the Swedish TV channel TV4. Her powerful performances quickly made her a fan favorite.

She made it all the way to the final round on December 7, 2007, at the Globen Arena in Stockholm. She competed against Marie Picasso for the top spot. Although Jenssen came in second place, she still received an amazing 48.7% of the votes from the audience.

What Songs Did She Sing on Idol?

During the show, Jenssen performed many famous songs, showing her unique style. Some of them were:

Career After Idol

On January 3, 2008, Jenssen announced she had signed a record deal. Her first single, "Do You Love Me," was released later that month. Her next single, "Amarula Tree," which she co-wrote, came out in April 2008.

Her first album, Killing My Darlings, was released on May 7, 2008. It shot to number 1 on the Swedish album chart and became one of the best-selling albums of the year. Jenssen wrote most of the songs herself. She then went on a successful tour across Sweden.

In 2009, Jenssen won several awards, including "This Year's Female Artist" and "This Year's Newcomer" at the Rockbjörnen awards.

Success with Happyland

Jenssen's second album, Happyland, was released in October 2009. The album's first single, also called "Happyland," was a hit in both Sweden and Germany.

Jenssen performing at Gröna Lund theme park in Stockholm, 2013.

The Happyland album started at number three on the Swedish charts. It sold so many copies in its first week that it was certified Gold. The album was also loved by critics and won two Swedish Grammy Awards for best female artist and best composer.

Jenssen's music even appeared in American TV shows. Her song "Do You Love Me" was featured in an episode of Privileged. Another song, "Our Time," was used in a fashion show for the famous brand Dior.

Hymns for the Haunted

Jenssen's third album, Hymns for the Haunted, was released in November 2012. Before the album came out, she released the single "Dry My Soul."

A song from this album, "The Carnival," was used in commercials for the popular TV show American Horror Story: Freak Show.

Singing in Swedish

In 2015, Jenssen released Sånger från ön (Songs from the Island). This was her first album with songs written and sung entirely in her native language, Swedish.

Musical Influences

Jenssen has said that her music is inspired by many artists, especially from the 1960s. She looks up to blues singers like Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. She is also influenced by rock bands like The Velvet Underground and The Kinks, and the famous songwriter Bob Dylan.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Other releases

See also

In Spanish: Amanda Jenssen para niños