Maria Ilieva
Encyclopedia
Maria Ilieva is a Bulgarian singer and producer recognized by some as the most successful female vocal artist of the contemporary Bulgarian music scene. Judge on the upcoming first season of X factor Bulgaria.
, Bulgaria
, in a family of renowned musicians. Her mother, Vanya Moneva, is the choir-master of the Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria choir and her father, Krasimir Iliev, is the conductor of Sofia Wind Orchestra. Trained pianist since the age of five, she developed her vocal skills as a member of the “Petko Stainov” Choir Academy.
Ilieva graduated from the elite Sofia High School of Mathematics. She proceeded to receive a Master’s degree in Insurance and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
Her career as a performing vocal artist started in the late 90’s, when she was the lead vocalist of the Kaffe
Band – best known abroad for representing Bulgaria
at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest
.
Singles released from the album ("Moon Dream", "Nothing") have gone straight to No.1 in all leading Bulgarian radio and television pop charts, while "Alright" (produced in collaboration with the avant-garde soul-funk band TE), shot to fame by staying on the top of Bulgarian Top 100 chart for an unprecedented 13 successive weeks.
’s World Chart Express
. The second artist produced by Stereo Room is B.O.Y.A.N. and his first single's ("It's Over") video premiere is on MAD TV on the 9th of February 2009.
, Simple Minds
, Danni Minogue, Atomic Kitten
, Garaj Mahal
and more.
Ilieva has also performed alongside such greats as Simply Red
, Scorpions
, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple
), UB40
, Gipsy Kings
, Zucchero
, Kim Wilde
, Spike Edney
’s All Star Band and Lou Bega
.
2007
2006
2005
2004
2002–2003
2001–2002
Bulgarian movie productions include:
•2002 – “Emigrants” – A Boyana Cinema Production
Early life
Maria Ilieva was born in 1977 in Veliko TarnovoVeliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists...
, Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
, in a family of renowned musicians. Her mother, Vanya Moneva, is the choir-master of the Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria choir and her father, Krasimir Iliev, is the conductor of Sofia Wind Orchestra. Trained pianist since the age of five, she developed her vocal skills as a member of the “Petko Stainov” Choir Academy.
Ilieva graduated from the elite Sofia High School of Mathematics. She proceeded to receive a Master’s degree in Insurance and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
Her career as a performing vocal artist started in the late 90’s, when she was the lead vocalist of the Kaffe
Kaffe (band)
Kaffe is a Bulgarian jazz band who represented their home country in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. The group, who sung the song "Lorraine", finished 19th in the semi final.- Biography :...
Band – best known abroad for representing Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2005
The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 was the 50th Eurovision Song Contest, which was held at the Palace of Sports, Kiev, Ukraine. The winner was Greece's My Number One, written by Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou and performed by Swedish-born Greek singer Elena Paparizou, who scored 230 points,...
.
2001: Moon Dream
The launch of Maria Ilieva’s solo career is marked by the release of her first single "Moon Dream" in the summer of 2001. The album (also titled Moon Dream) was duly released later on in the year, having been described by a Bulgarian website as a phenomenon in BG pop music.Singles released from the album ("Moon Dream", "Nothing") have gone straight to No.1 in all leading Bulgarian radio and television pop charts, while "Alright" (produced in collaboration with the avant-garde soul-funk band TE), shot to fame by staying on the top of Bulgarian Top 100 chart for an unprecedented 13 successive weeks.
2003: Stereo Room
Ilieva's next project, Stereo Room, included remixes by Bulgarian DJs. The single "Stereo room" was the first completely animated Bulgarian music video produced.2007: I Come To You
After establishing her own record label “MI Productions” in 2003, Maria Ilieva worked in collaboration with Bulgarian and American musicians, songwriters and producers to record her album I Come To You, including:- "What Does It Take" - first single released in English /video produced in Los Angeles, USA/, went straight to No.1 as a new entry on MM TV’s TOP 20;
- "You Come To Me" – Ilieva’s first ballad single;
- "Born for Love" – duet single with Bulgarian male vocalist/composer Graffa, whose video went to No.6 on MTV EuropeMTV EuropeMTV Europe is a pan-European 24-hour entertainment cable and digital television network launched on August 1, 1987. Initially, the channel served all regions within Europe being one of the very few channels that targeted the entire European continent...
’s World Chart ExpressWorld Chart ExpressThe World Chart Express chart is a show played on MTV Europe every Saturday, repeating then on Sundays and Fridays. It's a top ten chart, consisting of popular songs across the world...
; - "Off the Record" – Ilieva’s first collaboration with a hip-hop artist – Knas /Knas&Bacardi/ - 3 weeks at No.1 - Out of 5 chart of Bulgarian National TelevisionBulgarian National TelevisionThe Bulgarian National Television or BNT is the public broadcaster of Bulgaria. The company was founded in 1959 and began broadcasting on December 26 of the same year. It began broadcasting in color in 1970...
; - "Past" – a single that has gone to No.1 on BG Radio’s TOP 20 chart and stayed there for 5 weeks;
- "On My Own" - a single dedicated to the fight against human trafficking and forced prostitution. Official world premiere - 24.03.2007, at The stars of Europe concert, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of EU, broadcast on 56 national TV stations worldwide;
- "Words" - went straight to No.1 on MM TV’s TOP 20 three weeks after its release. Premiered on MTV Europe on 24.11.07.
Stereo Room - the record label
In 2007 Maria Ilieva founded her new label to promote young Bulgarian talent called “Stereo Room”. This record label aims at producing and promoting young talented singers from Bulgaria. Special auditions took place in the beginning of 2008 and the first artist - Krista - was selected. Her debut single, "Tova, koeto iskash", went straight to #1 at all the national music charts and reached #2 on MTV EuropeMTV Europe
MTV Europe is a pan-European 24-hour entertainment cable and digital television network launched on August 1, 1987. Initially, the channel served all regions within Europe being one of the very few channels that targeted the entire European continent...
’s World Chart Express
World Chart Express
The World Chart Express chart is a show played on MTV Europe every Saturday, repeating then on Sundays and Fridays. It's a top ten chart, consisting of popular songs across the world...
. The second artist produced by Stereo Room is B.O.Y.A.N. and his first single's ("It's Over") video premiere is on MAD TV on the 9th of February 2009.
Concerts
Billed as a top star at all established regional international music festivals, Maria Ilieva has performed as the opening act for celebrated artists such as George MichaelGeorge Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
, Simple Minds
Simple Minds
Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band who achieved worldwide popularity from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. The band produced a handful of critically acclaimed albums in the early 1980s and best known for their #1 US, Canada and Netherlands hit single "Don't You ", from the soundtrack of the...
, Danni Minogue, Atomic Kitten
Atomic Kitten
Atomic Kitten were an English girl group from Liverpool, first established in 1997. Created by Andy McCluskey, the final line-up, and most commercially successful, consisted of Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon, and Jenny Frost...
, Garaj Mahal
Garaj Mahal
Garaj Mahal is a four piece band, based in the United States, playing a fusion of jazz, Indian music, rock, and especially funk: Kai Eckhardt , Fareed Haque , Alan Hertz , Sean Rickman and Eric Levy...
and more.
Ilieva has also performed alongside such greats as Simply Red
Simply Red
Simply Red were a British soul band that sold more than 50 million albums over a 25-year career. Their style drew influences from blue-eyed soul, new romantic, rock, reggae and jazz...
, Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
), UB40
UB40
UB40 are a British reggae/pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham. The band has placed more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. One of the world's best-selling music artists, UB40 have sold over 70 million records.Their hit singles...
, Gipsy Kings
Gipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings are a group of musicians from Arles and Montpellier, who perform in Spanish with an Andalucían accent. Although group members were born in France, their parents were mostly gitanos, Spanish Romani people who fled Catalonia during the 1930s Spanish Civil War. Chico Bouchikhi is of...
, Zucchero
Zucchero
Adelmo Fornaciari, Commander , more commonly known by his stage name Zucchero Fornaciari or simply Zucchero /ˈtsukkero/, is an Italian rock singer. His music is largely inspired by gospel, blues and rock music, and alternates between ballads and more rhythmic boogie-like pieces.Zucchero is the...
, Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde is an English pop singer, author and television presenter who burst onto the music scene in 1981 with the number 2 UK Singles Chart new wave classic "Kids in America". In 1987 she had a major hit in the United States when her version of The Supremes' classic "You Keep Me Hangin' On"...
, Spike Edney
Spike Edney
Philip 'Spike' Edney is a British musician who, since early 1970s, has performed with a number of bands, most notably, Queen, where his participation, starting in 1984, has been so extensive that some writers have described him as the "fifth member of Queen". In the earlier phase of his career,...
’s All Star Band and Lou Bega
Lou Bega
David Lubega , also known as Lou Bega, is a German musician of Italian and Ugandan descent, and is famous for his song "Mambo No. 5 ". This song is a remake of the Perez Prado instrumental from 1949...
.
Awards
2008- Best Female Artist – MM TV Music Awards
- Most Stylish Woman Award - Bravo FM Group
2007
- Best Album Award ("I Come To You"/M.I.Productions) - MM TV Awards
- Most stylish singer as announced by Elle Magazine
- Golden Pen Award - for a Special Contribution to Bulgarian Culture - Classic Fm Radio/MAKTA
2006
- Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
- Woman of the Year Award – Grazia Magazine/Avon Awards
2005
- Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
- Best Style Award – Bravo FM Group
2004
- Best Female Artist – Melo TV Mania, BNT
- Best website of the year - International Media Festival Albena
- Best Hairstyle – Pantene Beauty Awards
2002–2003
- Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
- Best Female Artist Award – MM TV Awards
- Best Female Artist Award – Rhythm Magazine Awards
- Best Video Award (Nishto) – Rhythm Magazine Awards Най-добра изпълнителка – BG Radio Music Awards
2001–2002
- Best Debut Award – Melo TV Mania, Bulgarian National Television
- Best Debut Award – MM TV Awards
- Best Video Award (Moon Dream) – BG Radio Music Awards
- Best Video Award (Moon Dream) – Forte Top 100 Awards, Bulgarian National Television
- Best Female Artist Award – BG Radio Music Awards
- Best Female Artist Award – Forte Top 100, Bulgarian National Television
Movies
Maria Ilieva is also an accomplished actress, appearing in such Hollywood based films like:- 2005 – “Undisputed 2”- A Millenium Films / Nu Image Production
- 2004 – “SubmergedSubmergedSubmerged is an action film, released in 2005. The film stars Steven Seagal, Christine Adams, William Hope, Gary Daniels, Alison King and Vinnie Jones. The film was directed by British director Anthony Hickox.- Plot :...
” – A Millenium Films / Nu Image Production - 2004 – “Locust”- A UFO Production
- 2004 – “The MechanicThe MechanicThe Mechanic is a 1972 American action-thriller film directed by Michael Winner. It stars Charles Bronson and Jan-Michael Vincent.The film is noted for its opening...
” (aka "The Russian Specialist") - A Millennium Films / Nu Image Production
Bulgarian movie productions include:
•2002 – “Emigrants” – A Boyana Cinema Production
Social engagements
Apart from her music career, Maria Ilieva has been dedicated to a number of important social engagements and causes, such as:- 2008 - Spokesperson for ICanToo foundation's campaign to help us raising funds for the needs of children with disabilities
- 2007 – Ambassador of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
- 2006 - 2007 – Official Spokesperson for Face to Face Foundation’s Campaign Against Human Trafficking and Forced Prostitution
- 2006 – Official Spokesperson for Standard daily newspaper Fund-raiser Initiative for Talented Children
- 2005-2006 – Official Spokesperson for the AvonAvon ProductsAvon Products, Inc. is a US cosmetics, perfume and toy seller with markets in over 140 countries across the world and sales of $9.9 billion worldwide as of 2007.-Business Model:...
Cosmetics’ Campaign Against Breast Cancer, a part of the global initiative for Breast CancerBreast cancerBreast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
awareness and prevention.
Brand ambassador / spokesperson
- 2006-2007 – Official spokesperson for BMWBMWBayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
- 2005-2007 – Official celebrity spokesperson for Haute Couture designer NEVENA
- 2003-2005 – Official PantenePantenePantene is a brand of hair care products owned by Procter & Gamble. The product line was first introduced in Europe in 1947 by Hoffman-LaRoche of Switzerland, which branded the name based on panthenol as a shampoo ingredient...
Pro-V Brand Ambassador and celebrity Spokesperson
External links
- Official MySpace
- Maria Ilieva on YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
- Stereo Room official website
- Krista