Biography
Who is Edsilia Rombley?
Early life and career beginnings
Edsilia Rombley was born on February 13, 1978, in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Her parents came from Aruba and Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles. She began her professional music career in 1995 as a member of the Dutch girl group Dignity. The group name stood for Dignified Individuals Giving New Insight To You, and she performed alongside Gracia Gorré, Karima Lemghari, and Susan Haps. The group released singles such as Talk To Me and Hold Me before Edsilia left the formation.
In 1996, Edsilia Rombley launched her solo career by winning the Dutch television talent show Soundmixshow with a cover of Oleta Adams' song I Just Had To Hear Your Voice. The following year, she won the European Soundmix Show with the same musical piece, which established her international reputation. She then released her debut solo single Baby It's You and recorded her first studio album titled Thuis for Douwe Egberts.
Eurovision Song Contest
In 1998, Edsilia won the Nationaal Songfestival and went on to represent the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. She performed the song Hemel en aarde, which translates to Heaven and Earth, and placed fourth in the competition with 150 points. The track was written by Fluitsma and Van Tijn and reached the top forty charts in the Netherlands.
Edsilia represented the Netherlands a second time at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 with the song On Top of the World, though she did not advance past the semi-finals. Years later, she transitioned into a hosting role for the franchise. She was selected to co-host the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam alongside Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit, and Nikkie de Jager, after previously being announced as a presenter for the cancelled 2020 edition.
Albums and television work
Throughout her career, Edsilia has released eight studio albums. Her second album, Face To Face, was released in 2002 and produced by Tjeerd Oosterhuis, featuring the single What Have You Done To Me. In 2004, she toured with jazz pianist Michiel Borstlap, incorporating jazz elements and covers of songs by Anita Baker and Oleta Adams into her performances. She also participated in the television dance contest Dancing on television, paired with dance coach Peter Bosveld.
In addition to her music, Edsilia has taken on various acting and presenting roles. She hosted season one of the Dutch celebrity talent show Beste Zangers. In 2019, she played the role of Mary in the musical television show The Passion. She later appeared in her first major film role in the 2022 movie Het Feest van Tante Rita.
Personal life and family
On September 1, 2006, Edsilia married Tjeerd Oosterhuis in Amsterdam. Her husband has also collaborated with her professionally, producing her music and writing songs such as Eén Keer Meer Dan Jij for her album Meer Dan Ooit. Together, they have been involved in various musical projects and charity initiatives, including contributions to benefit songs for victims of natural disasters.
Birthday and age
Edsilia Rombley was born on February 13, 1978, which makes Edsilia 48 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Edsilia shares the date with 23 other famous people.
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