Benjamin Ingrosso
Benjamin Daniele Wahlgren Ingrosso (born 14 September 1997) is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and record producer of Italian-Swedish descent, renowned for his contributions to contemporary pop music and his prominent role in Sweden's entertainment industry.[1] Born in Danderyd, a suburb of Stockholm, to dancer and choreographer Emilio Ingrosso and singer-actress Pernilla Wahlgren, he hails from a prominent showbiz family; he is the grandson of actors Hans Wahlgren and Christina Schollin, cousin to electronic music producer Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia, and brother to singers Oliver and Bianca Wahlgren Ingrosso.[1] Ingrosso began his career as a child performer, starring in musicals such as the 2003 film adaptation of Nils Karlsson Pyssling and winning the junior song contest Lilla Melodifestivalen in 2006 with "Hej Sofia," which led to his debut single "Jag är en astronaut" charting at number two on the Swedish Singles Chart in 2007.[1] Rising to national prominence in his teens, Ingrosso competed on the reality show Let's Dance in 2014, which he won, and made multiple appearances in Melodifestivalen, Sweden's Eurovision selection process, placing third in 2017 with "Allting som jag känt" before securing victory in 2018 with the upbeat pop track "Dance You Off."[1] Representing Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, he performed "Dance You Off" to an international audience, finishing seventh overall and boosting his profile across Europe.[2] His self-taught skills on piano and guitar inform a versatile pop style blending Swedish and English-language songs, with major releases including his debut studio album Identification (2018), the two-part En gång i tiden (2021), Playlist (2022), and the chart-topping Pink Velvet Theatre (2024), which debuted at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart.[1] In recent years, Ingrosso has expanded his career through international touring, including the "Better Days Tour" in 2023 and his first North American tour in early 2025 following the release of Pink Velvet Theatre, alongside performances at major festivals like Lollapalooza Berlin in July 2025.[3][4] He also served as the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö and starred in the HBO Max documentary series This Is Benjamin Ingrosso, with its third and final part premiering in August 2025, offering intimate insights into his personal and professional life.[2][5] Additionally, in 2025, he won several Grammis Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, recognizing his ongoing influence in the pop genre.[6]Life and background
Early life
Benjamin Daniele Wahlgren Ingrosso was born on September 14, 1997, in Danderyd, Sweden.[7][8] He is the son of Swedish singer and actress Pernilla Wahlgren and Italian-Swedish dancer and choreographer Emilio Ingrosso.[9][7] Ingrosso has two full siblings: older brother Oliver Ingrosso, a DJ and music producer, and older sister Bianca Ingrosso, a singer and influencer.[9][7] He also has a younger half-brother, Theodor Wahlgren, from his mother's side.[9] His extended family is deeply rooted in the Swedish entertainment industry, including maternal grandparents Hans Wahlgren and Christina Schollin, both acclaimed actors.[9][7] Growing up in this artistic environment, Ingrosso was immersed in music and performance from an early age, with his family frequently engaging in creative activities around the home.[10][11] He learned to play the piano by ear as a young child, influenced by the constant presence of music from his mother's singing career and his father's background in dance.[10] This familial exposure shaped his early interest in the arts, blending informal home-based learning with observations of professional performances.[12] Ingrosso made his initial acting debut as a child in leading roles in several Swedish musicals, beginning in the mid-2000s, which marked his entry into the performing arts.[1][13]Personal life
Ingrosso was in a six-year relationship with Swedish influencer Linnea Widmark, beginning when they were teenagers around 2013 and ending in March 2019. The couple's romance was highly public, frequently shared on social media, and drew significant media coverage due to their status in Sweden's entertainment and influencer scenes.[14][15] As of 2025, Ingrosso maintains a private stance on his romantic life and has not confirmed any ongoing partnerships. In a February 2025 interview, he discussed preferring to date women slightly older than himself, valuing their confidence and social ease, but emphasized keeping personal matters out of the public eye.[16] Ingrosso resides in Stockholm's Vasastan neighborhood, having upgraded to a 90-square-meter apartment in 2025 that features a modern, 1970s New York- and Italy-inspired design with warm wood tones and boutique-chic elements. His lifestyle draws influences from his family's entertainment legacy, including Italian roots through his father, which inform his appreciation for creative expression and home aesthetics.[17][18] He has expressed keen interests in fashion, often highlighting his eclectic style in interviews and collaborations, such as bold outfits during tours and features in Vogue Scandinavia that showcase his blend of retro and contemporary looks. Ingrosso advocates for mental health awareness through personal disclosures in his 2024 HBO Max documentary series, where he addresses self-doubt and fame's pressures, and by contributing to initiatives like the Tim Bergling Foundation's 2021 campaign, which used music to support young adults' mental well-being.[19][20][21]Career
2006–2013: Lilla Melodifestivalen and early singing and acting
Benjamin Ingrosso entered the Swedish entertainment scene at a young age, influenced by his family's longstanding involvement in music and performance. Born into a prominent show business dynasty—his mother, Pernilla Wahlgren, is a renowned singer and actress, while his grandmother Christina Schollin is an acclaimed performer—Ingrosso began appearing on stage as early as age three, participating in family-related events and local gigs that honed his natural talent for singing and acting.[10][22] In 2006, at the age of nine, Ingrosso achieved his first major breakthrough by winning Lilla Melodifestivalen, the junior version of Sweden's Eurovision selection contest, with his original song "Hej Sofia." This victory earned him the opportunity to represent Sweden at MGP Nordic 2006 in Stockholm, where he performed the same track and finished in fourth place among participants from Nordic countries. The experience marked a pivotal moment, exposing him to a broader audience and solidifying his interest in competitive singing.[1][23] Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, Ingrosso balanced singing with acting roles in musical theater, showcasing his versatility as a young performer. He took on lead parts in productions such as the children's musical Nils Karlsson Pyssling in 2005, where he shared the spotlight with fellow child actor Oscar Wells, drawing attention for his stage presence despite the pressures of early fame. Additional theater work included Hujeda mej vá många sånger (2008–2009), further developing his skills in live performance and character portrayal within Sweden's vibrant youth theater circuit.[24][25] As a pre-teen navigating the Swedish entertainment industry, Ingrosso faced challenges inherent to child stardom, including intense public scrutiny tied to his family's celebrity status, which often overshadowed his individual efforts. These pressures encouraged personal growth, as he learned to refine his self-taught piano and guitar skills while striving to establish his own artistic identity amid expectations. By 2013, these formative years had built a foundation of resilience, preparing him for more professional pursuits in music and performance.[10]2014–2017: Let's Dance and initial Melodifestivalen appearances
In 2014, at the age of 16, Ingrosso achieved a significant breakthrough by winning the Swedish celebrity dance competition Let's Dance, broadcast on TV4, alongside professional dancer Sigrid Bernson.[1][26] The victory showcased his charisma and performance skills, drawing widespread media coverage and establishing him as a rising talent in Swedish entertainment.[1] Following this success, Ingrosso shifted focus to music, releasing his debut single "Fall in Love" in October 2016 through TEN Music Group.[1] He performed the track on TV4's morning show Nyhetsmorgon, marking his entry into the recording industry and earning initial airplay among younger audiences.[1] This period also saw him appearing on the family reality series Wahlgrens värld on Kanal 5/MAX starting in 2016, which further amplified his visibility in Swedish media.[1] Ingrosso made his debut in Melodifestivalen, Sweden's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2017 with the upbeat pop track "Good Lovin'", which he co-wrote with Louis Schoorl, Matt Parad, and MAG.[1][27] Competing in the second semi-final in Malmö, he secured direct qualification to the grand final by winning the heat, ahead of entrants like Mariette and Etzia.[28][29] In the final held on 11 March in Stockholm, "Good Lovin'" placed fifth overall, solidifying his presence in the competitive music scene.[1][27] These appearances propelled Ingrosso's popularity among Swedish youth, with his energetic performances and familial entertainment legacy contributing to a growing fanbase and increased media profiles in outlets covering pop culture and talent shows.[1][26] The combination of dance competition exposure and musical contest entries highlighted his versatility, positioning him as an emerging pop figure by the end of 2017.[1]2018–2019: Eurovision participation and debut album Identification
In March 2018, Benjamin Ingrosso won Melodifestivalen, Sweden's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with his song "Dance You Off", earning the highest combined score from international juries and public televotes.[30] This victory qualified him to represent Sweden at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest held in Lisbon, Portugal.[31] Ingrosso performed "Dance You Off" in the second semi-final on 10 May 2018, advancing to the grand final by finishing second among the qualifiers with strong jury and televote support.[32] In the final on 12 May, he delivered a high-energy performance featuring choreography and electronic pop elements, ultimately placing seventh overall with 274 points, including 118 from juries and 156 from televotes.[32] The song's upbeat production and Ingrosso's charismatic stage presence garnered international media attention, with outlets like the BBC drawing comparisons to Justin Bieber due to his youthful appeal and vocal style.[33] To promote his Eurovision entry, Ingrosso participated in key pre-contest events, including the Eurovision In Concert promotional party in Amsterdam in April 2018, where he performed alongside other entrants and conducted interviews highlighting his musical influences and preparation process.[34] Media coverage emphasized his family legacy in Swedish entertainment—son of singer Pernilla Wahlgren and producer Emilio Ingrosso—and his transition from child performer to international contender, though he faced minor controversy after posting a video reviewing rival songs, for which he issued a public apology.[35] Building on the momentum from Eurovision, Ingrosso released his debut studio album, Identification, on 28 September 2018 through TEN Music Group.[36] The 12-track project blended pop, electropop, and R&B influences, exploring themes of self-discovery and relationships, with "Dance You Off" included as a key track alongside new singles like "I Wouldn't Know" (released in August 2018) and "Behave" (October 2018).[37] Commercially, Identification debuted at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart (Sverigetopplistan) upon its release in early October 2018, marking Ingrosso's first chart-topping album and spending a total of 42 weeks in the top 100.[38] It achieved over one million full album streams on Spotify within its first day, reflecting strong initial fan engagement post-Eurovision.[39] Critically, the album received positive reviews for its polished production and Ingrosso's versatile vocals, with Scandipop praising tracks like "All I See Is You" for their "blissed out trance" quality and overall pop craftsmanship, positioning it as a strong introduction to his artistry.[40] Promotion included track-by-track video breakdowns and media appearances, solidifying his domestic breakthrough during late 2018 and into 2019.[41]2020–2022: En gång i tiden project and Playlist album
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted live performances and tours, Benjamin Ingrosso shifted focus to studio work and virtual engagements in 2020. He participated in the Swedish television program Så mycket bättre, where he interpreted songs by fellow artists such as Lisa Nilsson's "Långsamt farväl" and Silvana Imam's "Tänd alla ljus," performances that aired in October 2020 and emphasized emotional, acoustic renditions suitable for broadcast formats.[42] These appearances, along with social media streams, allowed him to maintain audience connection amid global restrictions, building on his prior Eurovision momentum as a foundation for creative output. The En gång i tiden project emerged from this period, culminating in a double studio album released in two parts, with part 1 on January 15, 2021, and part 2 on April 23, 2021, by TEN Music Group. Comprising 21 tracks entirely in Swedish, the album features covers of classic Swedish songs alongside original compositions, drawing inspiration from Ingrosso's personal experiences, childhood writings (some dating back to age 12), and the Swedish musical heritage tied to his family's entertainment background.[43][44] Notable tracks include "Sarah," a reflective cover, and originals like "Smile," co-written for his sister Bianca Ingrosso to honor their sibling bond, first performed live on her television show. The album debuted at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart, spending 96 weeks in the top rankings and earning gold certification for its nostalgic, retro-infused sound.[45] Building on this introspective phase, Ingrosso's songwriting evolved toward greater self-production and international influences, including trips to Los Angeles for collaborations with writers like Gladius. His third studio album, Playlist, marked a return to English-language pop on June 17, 2022, via Record Company TEN, with 14 tracks emphasizing upbeat, dance-oriented themes. Featuring singles like "Dance for Me" and "Rewind It," both co-written and co-produced by Ingrosso, the album highlighted his maturation as a multifaceted artist blending soulful pop with electronic elements. It debuted at number four on the Swedish Albums Chart, underscoring sustained commercial success post-pandemic.[43][46][47]2023–2025: Better Days Tour, Pink Velvet Theatre, and recent performances
In late 2023, Ingrosso announced his Better Days Tour, a major concert series spanning Sweden and Europe that kicked off in early 2024 and continued through the year, featuring sold-out shows in cities such as Helsingborg, Malmö, Madrid, and Berlin.[48][49] The tour showcased a mix of his hits and new material, drawing large crowds and highlighting his evolution as a live performer with high-energy sets including tracks like "Better Days" and "Honey Boy."[50] Building on this momentum, Ingrosso released his fifth studio album, Pink Velvet Theatre, on October 25, 2024, via EMI and Universal Music Sweden, which debuted at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart.[51] The album, comprising 14 tracks, marked a theatrical and introspective turn in his artistry, incorporating elements from prior works while introducing fresh pop sensibilities.[52] Key singles preceding the release included "Kite," "Better Days," and "All My Life," all of which achieved top-10 positions on the Swedish Singles Chart in 2024, with "Kite" reaching number one.[52] During the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Ingrosso delivered a seven-minute medley as the interval act for the first semi-final on May 7, performing selections from his catalog including the then-new single "Look Who's Laughing Now," captivating the audience at Malmö Arena with his dynamic stage presence.[53][54] In 2025, Ingrosso embarked on the Pink Velvet Theatre Tour, encompassing dates across Europe, Sweden, and North America—his first tour in the region—beginning February 7 in Chicago and extending to major venues like the Echoplex in Los Angeles, with sold-out shows. In July 2025, he performed at Lollapalooza Berlin. The third and final part of the HBO Max series This Is Benjamin Ingrosso premiered in August 2025. In November 2025, he represented Sweden in the OGAE Song Contest 2025, placing fifth. At the 2025 Grammis Awards held in Stockholm on March 27, he secured three major victories: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Pink Velvet Theatre, and Song of the Year for "Honey Boy," affirming his dominance in Swedish pop music.[55][56][57]Works
Studio albums
Benjamin Ingrosso has released five studio albums, all of which have achieved commercial success on the Swedish Albums Chart (Sverigetopplistan).[1]| Title | Release date | Peak chart position (SWE) | Certifications (SWE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | 28 September 2018 | 1 | Gold (20,000 units) |
| En gång i tiden (del 1) | 15 January 2021 | 1 | — |
| En gång i tiden (del 2) | 16 April 2021 | 1 | — |
| Playlist | 11 November 2022 | 1 | — |
| Pink Velvet Theatre | 25 October 2024 | 1 | — |
Live albums
Ingrosso has released three live albums, capturing performances from his tours and special concerts.[61]| Title | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Live at Konserthuset Stockholm (with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra) | 30 December 2022 | Recorded during a concert with orchestra accompaniment. |
| Benjamin's – Låtarna | 30 December 2022 | Live recordings from the TV series Benjamin's. |
| Allt det vackra (Live from Dalhalla) | 2023 | Recorded live at Dalhalla amphitheatre. |
| Apple Music Session: Benjamin Ingrosso | 19 July 2024 | Live session featuring acoustic and reimagined tracks. |
Extended plays
Ingrosso has issued two extended plays, often serving as companions to his album projects.[64]| Title | Release date | Peak chart position (SWE) |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Singles | 19 April 2019 | — |
| Benjamin's | 15 October 2021 | — |
Singles
As of 2025, Ingrosso has released 34 singles as lead artist, many of which have charted highly on Sverigetopplistan, with several achieving platinum and gold status in Sweden. Representative examples include his breakthrough Eurovision entry and recent hits.[66][38]| Title | Release date | Peak chart position (SWE) | Certifications (SWE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance You Off | 23 February 2018 | 2 | Platinum (40,000 units) |
| Behave | 1 October 2018 | 8 | Gold |
| Good Lovin' | 25 February 2017 | 11 | — |
| Costa Rica | 12 July 2019 | 17 | — |
| The Dirt | 2020 | 14 | — |
| Smile | 21 May 2021 | 11 | — |
| Kite | 2024 | 1 | Platinum |
| Honey Boy (feat. Nile Rodgers & Shenseea) | 2024 | 5 | Gold |
| Angela (Radio Edit) | 2 May 2025 | — | — |
Featured appearances
Ingrosso has appeared on several tracks by other artists, contributing vocals and expanding his collaborative reach.[64]- "Paradise" by Ofenbach (2018), peaked at #3 on Sverigetopplistan.[75]
- "I Found You" by Vantage (2021).[64]