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Saara AaltoFinnish versatile singer
Date of Birth: 02.05.1987
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Saara Aalto: From Finnish Idol to Eurovision Star
- Finnish Idol and Eurovision Attempts
- International Breakthrough on X Factor
- Eurovision and Wild Wild Wonderland
- Personal Life and Advocacy
Saara Aalto: From Finnish Idol to Eurovision Star
Early Life and Musical BeginningsBorn on May 2, 1987, in Oulunsalo, Finland, Saara Sofia Aalto grew up in a musical household. She began playing the piano under the tutelage of Odessa native Olga Maslak and composed her first song at the tender age of five. At 11, Aalto won the Kotka Maritime Festival children's singing competition with a performance of an original song.
In 2004, she represented Finland at the Golden Stag international song contest in Romania. A year later, Aalto moved to Helsinki to study at the Sibelius Academy and hone her vocals at the Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory. She is fluent in several languages, including Swedish, French, Japanese, and Chinese.
Finnish Idol and Eurovision Attempts
Aalto first appeared on the Finnish reality singing competition "Talent Suomi" in 2007, finishing in the top three. From 2008 to 2011, she performed in musicals at the Helsinki City Theatre, starting with the role of Kelsey in "High School Musical on Stage!"
Aalto twice entered the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu national selection for Eurovision. In 2011, her song "Blessed with Love" received 40.7% of the public vote, narrowly losing to Paradise Oskar's "Da Da Dam" (46.7%). In 2016, she again finished second with her song "No Fear."
International Breakthrough on X Factor
In 2016, Aalto auditioned for the 13th season of the British version of "The X Factor." Her covers of Sia's "Chandelier" and Donna Summer's "On the Radio" earned her the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne. Despite receiving criticism for her performance of Ed Sheeran's "I See Fire," she was saved by the public outcry and returned to perform a rendition of "Je Suis Malade."
Throughout the competition, Aalto faced several bottom-two placements but was saved each time. She achieved her first chart-topper with a cover of "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" in week six. In the final, she performed "It's Oh So Quiet" and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," ultimately placing second to Matt Terry.
Eurovision and Wild Wild Wonderland
In 2018, Aalto was selected by the Finnish national broadcaster Yle to represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest. She performed her own composition, "Monsters," which won the public televote and jury votes, earning Finland eighth place overall.
Following her Eurovision success, Aalto released her debut album, "Wild Wild Wonderland," in April 2018. The album features a mix of pop, dance, and ballad tracks, showcasing her versatile vocals.
Personal Life and Advocacy
After a nine-year relationship with singer Teemu Roivainen, Aalto began dating her personal trainer and life coach, Meri Sopanen, in 2013. In August 2016, the couple announced their engagement. Aalto identifies as a lesbian and is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights.
