Maria Ilieva facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maria Ilieva
Background information
Birth name	Maria Ilieva (Мария Илиева)
Born	(1977-12-01) 1 December 1977 (age 47) Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Genres	Pop Soul R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer producer songwriter
Labels	MI Productions Stereo Room

Maria Ilieva (Bulgarian: Мария Илиева, born on December 1, 1977) is a famous Bulgarian singer, songwriter, and producer. Many people see her as one of the most successful female singers in modern Bulgarian music.

For over 20 years, Maria has released more than 30 hit songs. She also has two award-winning albums and a greatest hits album. She has won over 40 awards for her music and style.

Besides singing, Maria Ilieva has been a judge on popular TV shows. These include X Factor Bulgaria, The Masked Singer Bulgaria, and The Voice of Bulgaria. She also appeared in the Bulgarian version of Your Face Sounds Familiar. Maria has acted in several Bulgarian and international movies and TV shows.

Maria is also very active in helping others. She supports many social and charity projects across Bulgaria.

Early life

Maria Ilieva was born in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Her family was full of musicians. Her mother, Vanya Moneva, leads a famous female choir. Her father, Krasimir Iliev, was a conductor for the Sofia Wind Orchestra.

Maria started playing piano when she was five years old. She also improved her singing skills in the "Petko Stainov" Choir Academy.

She went to the Sofia High School of Mathematics. Later, she earned two master's degrees. One was in Insurance and the other in International Relations.

Maria began her singing career in the late 1990s. She was the lead singer for bands like Visoko and Kaffe Band. Kaffe Band is known for representing Bulgaria at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest.

Music career

Moon Dream (2001)

Maria Ilieva started her solo career in the summer of 2001. This was when she released her first song, "Moon Dream." Her album, also called Moon Dream, came out later that year. People called it a "phenomenon" in Bulgarian pop music.

Songs from the album, like "Moon Dream" and "Nothing," quickly became number one hits. They topped all major Bulgarian radio and TV pop charts. Another song, "Alright," stayed at the top of the Bulgarian Top 100 chart for 13 weeks. She made "Alright" with the band TE.

Stereo Room (2002)

Maria's next project was Stereo Room. It included remixes by Bulgarian DJs. The song "Stereo Room" was special because its music video was the first fully animated one in Bulgaria.

I Come To You (2007)

In 2003, Maria Ilieva started her own record label, "MI Productions." After that, she worked with musicians and producers from Bulgaria and America. Together, they created her album I Come To You.

Some popular songs from this album include:

• "What Does It Take" – This was her first song in English. Its video was filmed in Los Angeles, USA. It went straight to number one on MM TV’s TOP 20.
• "Idvash kam men" (You come to me) – This was Maria's first ballad.
• "Kradena Lubov" (Born for love) – A duet with Bulgarian singer Graffa. Its video reached number 6 on MTV Europe’s World Chart Express.
• "Off the Record" – Maria's first song with a hip-hop artist, Knas. It was number one for 3 weeks on the Out of 5 chart of Bulgarian national television.
• "Minalo" (Past) – This song was number one on "BG Radio's TOP 20" chart for 5 weeks.
• "Dumi" (Words) – It went straight to number one on MM TV's TOP 20. It first played on MTV Europe in November 2007.

"Truly" (2009)

"Truly" was the first song from Maria's next album. It was a dance song with American DJ Keith Thompson. A remix of "Truly" by Bassmonkeys was number one on BG Radio's weekly Top 20 chart for six weeks. This was a record for that chart. It won the Best Duet Award in 2010. "Truly" also won the Best SEE Pop Song at the SEEME Awards in 2010. The song was also very popular in Australia and Argentina.

"I Like" (2010)

"I Like" was Maria's next big hit. It reached number one on all national music charts. It stayed at number one on Eurochannel's Prime Time Top 10 chart for three months.

O Primeiro Grande Amor – a duet with Tony Carreira

In 2012, Maria Ilieva met Tony Carreira, a famous Portuguese singer. He asked her to record a duet for his album "Essencial." The song, "O Primeiro Grande Amor" (The first big love), was recorded in Paris. The album quickly sold millions of copies.

2013 singles

In 2013, Maria released three new songs. "Wanna Be The Best" was a collaboration with KNAS and Bacardy. It became a big summer hit in clubs. "Igraya stilno" was Maria's solo song, showing her unique style. A remix of it became a huge club hit. Her song "Uslovie #1" (Rule #1) was a reggae duet with Zafayah.

"Vidimo dovolni" – a duet with Krisko

In 2014, Maria recorded "Vidimo dovolni" with hip-hop artist Krisko. This song was the most played song in 2014. It also became one of the biggest Bulgarian internet hits ever, with over 35 million views on YouTube.

"Neka Vali" (2016)

"Neka Vali" is one of Maria's most famous ballads. She helped write this song.

"Vsichko" and "Ne si gotov (Vsichko p. 2)" (2018)

Maria also helped write both "Vsichko" and "Ne si gotov (Vsichko p. 2)." The second song features popular Bulgarian trap musicians V:RGO & TRF.

"Vsichko - nay-dobroto ot Maria Ilieva" (2018 Greatest hits album)

This was Maria's first greatest hits album. It included 16 original songs and four remixes. It also had 11 hit songs that were not released before. People called it a "music gem."

"Fuego" and "Contigo" / "Tvoya" (2019 & 2020)

Maria's music style changed to dancehall and Latin genres. She released two songs in Spanish, "Fuego" and "Contigo." "Contigo" also had a Bulgarian version called "Tvoya." These songs were written by Romanian producers Global Records.

"Ostani Tazi Nosht" (2021)

Maria sang and starred in the song for a Bulgarian TV show called Portalat (The Portal). The song "Ostani Tazi Nosht" was written by famous Bulgarian authors.

"Lubov" (2022)

"Lubov" was the first song Maria Ilieva wrote entirely by herself. This powerful ballad is often seen as a highlight in her career.

"Ako Utre Nyama Dnes" - duet with Miro

In 2023, Maria Ilieva and Miro released a duet called "Ako Utre Nyama Dnes." Many people in the Bulgarian music industry had been waiting for this song.

"100 Prichini" (2024)

"100 Prichini" is a disco-funk song. Maria Ilieva, Preyah, and Martin Kleveland all helped write it.

Stereo Room – the record label

In 2007, Maria Ilieva started her own record label called "Stereo Room." She wanted to help new, talented singers from Bulgaria. In 2008, they held auditions and chose their first artist, Krista. Krista's first song, "Tova, koeto iskash", quickly became number one on all national music charts. It also reached number 2 on MTV Europe's World Chart Express.

Another artist from Stereo Room is B.O.Y.A.N. His first music video, "It's Over," was shown on MAD TV in February 2009. Other artists signed to the label include MONA and KNAS.

Discography

Concerts and Performances

Maria Ilieva is a top star at many music festivals. She has performed with famous artists like Glenn Hughes (from Deep Purple), Simply Red, and the Scorpions. She has also opened for stars like George Michael and Simple Minds.

She is a main performer at big festivals in South-East Europe. These include Apolonia and Bansko Jazz Fest. Maria has toured and performed in many countries. She has visited Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, the UK, and the USA.

In 2007, she was chosen to represent Bulgaria at the Stars of Europe concert in Brussels. This concert celebrated the 50th anniversary of the European Union. It was watched by nearly half a billion people worldwide.

Since 2008, Maria has toured Bulgaria with symphonic orchestras. People loved this special way of performing her songs.

In 2011, Maria celebrated 10 years of her solo career with a national tour. Her final concert in Sofia was on the biggest stage ever built for a Bulgarian artist. It was called a top-class performance.

In 2012, she represented Bulgaria at the Top of The Top Festival in Poland. This festival brought together stars from 16 European countries.

In 2013, Maria was a special guest on Tony Carreira's world tour. She performed with him in Paris and Lisbon.

In 2015, Maria performed at the Sofia Event Center. This hall has the most advanced technology in the Balkans. Fans and critics praised her concert.

In 2019, she went on a national tour called "Vsichko - nay-dobroto ot Maria Ilieva." This tour supported her Greatest Hits album. It ended with a big concert in Sofia.

In 2023, Maria Ilieva performed in 14 Bulgarian cities with her LOVE Tour. The final show was in Sofia.

Her 2024 "100 Prichini" tour visited five Bulgarian cities.

Awards and Recognition

Maria Ilieva has won many awards for her music and style. GRAZIA magazine Bulgaria named her "Woman of the Year" multiple times. FORBES magazine Bulgaria also ranked her as the most influential female celebrity for several years.

Here are some of her music and style awards:

2001–2002

• Best New Artist – Melo TV Mania, MM TV Awards
• Best Music Video (Moon Dream) – BG Radio Music Awards
• Best Female Artist – BG Radio Music Awards

2002–2003

• Best Female Artist – BG Radio Music Awards, MM TV Awards

2004

• Best Female Artist – Melo TV Mania, BNT

2005

• Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards

2006

• Best Female Artist – BG Radio Music Awards
• Woman of the Year – Grazia Magazine/Avon Awards

2007

• Best Album ("I Come To You") – MM TV Awards
• Most Stylish Singer – Elle Magazine
• Golden Pen Award – for her special contribution to Bulgarian culture

2008

• Best Female Artist – MM TV Music Awards

2013

• Most Stylish Woman – Grazia Magazine Awards

2014

• Best Song Lyrics (Igraya Stilno) - BG Radio Music Awards

2015

• Best Song – "Vidimo dovolni" (with Krisko) – BG Radio Music Awards, 359 Hip-Hop Awards
• Best Collaboration – “Vidimo dovolni” (with Krisko) – 359 Hip-Hop Awards

2016

• Best Collaboration – "Taka da e" (with Atanas Kolev) – 359 Hip-Hop Awards

2018

• Woman of the Year - Grazia Magazine Awards

2019

• Best Female Artist - BG Radio Music Awards
• Woman of the Decade - Woman.bg

2022

• Best Female Artist - BG Radio Music Awards

2024

• Best Collaboration - "Ako Utre Nyama Dnes" with Miro - BG Radio Music Awards

Film and TV Appearances

Maria Ilieva has appeared in several films and TV shows.

Social Work and Charity

Maria Ilieva cares a lot about helping others. She is involved in many important social projects and causes.

• Since 2018, she has been an official spokesperson for UNICEF's campaign. This campaign focuses on the importance of early childhood moments.
• In 2018, she became a goodwill ambassador for JAMBA. This group works to help people with disabilities join society.
• Since 2018, she has been a spokesperson for the National Cause Movement. This group aims to increase Bulgaria's birth-rate.
• Since 2012, she has been a spokesperson for Teach For Bulgaria. This foundation helps every Bulgarian child get a good education.
• Since 2008, she has been a spokesperson for the ICanToo foundation. This group raises money for children with disabilities.
• In 2007, she was an ambassador for the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.
• Since 2005, she has been a spokesperson for the Avon Cosmetics’ Campaign Against Breast Cancer. This is part of a worldwide effort to prevent breast cancer.

Brand Ambassador

Maria Ilieva has also worked as an ambassador or spokesperson for many well-known brands.

• 2024 - Official ambassador for VISA Bulgaria's She's Next campaign.
• 2024 - Official Home2u celebrity spokesperson.
• 2023 - Influencer for Johnnie Walker Bulgaria's Footsteps for Progress campaign.
• 2023 - Brand Ambassador for VIVACOM.
• 2023 - Official Belène® Anti-Age Beauty Secret Brand Ambassador.
• 2022 - Influencer for Kaufland Bulgaria.
• 2021 - Influencer for Find Me Wines.
• 2020 - Influencer for Lavazza, Nestle Purina ProPlan, Pampers.
• 2019 - Influencer for Captain Cook & Nestlé's Maggi.
• 2016–present - Brand ambassador for British American Tobacco Bulgaria.
• 2015 - Official Samsung Galaxy Brand Ambassador.
• 2013 – 2014 – Official Mtel Brand Ambassador.
• 2013 – Official Avon Sensuelle Brand Ambassador.
• 2009 – 2010 – Official KitKat Senses Brand Ambassador.
• 2008 – 2009 – Official Société Générale Expressbank Brand Ambassador.
• 2006 – 2007 – Official spokesperson for BMW.
• 2005 – 2007 – Official celebrity spokesperson for designer NEVENA.
• 2003 – 2005 – Official Pantene Pro-V Brand Ambassador.

Images for kids

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  Maria Ilieva

See also

In Spanish: Marija Ilieva para niños