iSound

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 h...