Elena Gheorghe (born 30 July 1985; Romanian pronunciation is a celebrated Romanian singer. Over the years, she has evolved from being a member of a popular band to a successful solo artist with numerous hits.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Elena was born in Bucharest, Romania, into a family deeply rooted in religious and musical traditions. Elena’s musical journey began at the tender age of three when she performed the folk song “Sus în Deal în Poieniţă”. Recognizing her talent, she joined the Children’s National Palace at age eleven, where she honed her singing skills. She won the gold trophy at the Little Bear competition in Baia Mare in 2000 with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time”. In 2001, she also participated in the prestigious Mamaia Festival.
Career with Mandinga (2002–2005)
In 2002, Elena joined the pop group Mandinga, known for its lively Latino music. Her time with Mandinga was marked by significant achievements, including the release of their debut album “…De Corazón” in June 2003. The band’s popularity soared, and in 2005, their song “Soarele meu” secured 4th place in the Romanian National Eurovision Selection, later earning a golden disc.
In January 2006, Elena opened her dance school, Passitos, and shortly after, she decided to leave Mandinga to pursue a solo career. Her departure from the band marked the beginning of a new chapter in her musical journey.
Solo Career Beginnings (2006–2008)
Elena’s solo career took off in June 2006 with the release of her debut album “Vocea Ta”. Her single “Vocea Ta” (Your Voice) was a hit, reaching the top ten in the Romanian Top 100. In 2007, she continued her success with the release of her second album, “Te Ador”. The title track became a popular hit, and she won several awards, including the Best Song of 2007 at the Romanian Top Hit Music Awards for “Ochii Tăi Căprui”.
Eurovision Song Contest (2009)
In late 2008, Elena’s career took a significant turn when she was chosen to represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song “The Balkan Girls”. After a successful promo tour across Europe, she advanced to the Grand Final, where she finished 19th. Despite the challenging competition, her performance was well-received, and it boosted her recognition across Europe.
European Recognition and “Disco Romancing” (2010–2012)
Following her Eurovision experience, Elena released the single “Disco Romancing”, which became a major hit in Romania and other European countries, including Hungary, where it reached the top ten. Her follow-up single “Midnight Sun” also enjoyed success in various charts. In 2011, she collaborated with Dony on the hit single “Hot Girls” and embarked on her first European tour, performing in Germany, Spain, and Greece. Her album “Disco Romancing” was released in 2012 in Spain and Japan, featuring additional singles like “Your Captain Tonight” and “Hypnotic”.
Recent Years (2013–Present)
In 2016, Elena was chosen by Disney Enterprises and Walt Disney Romania to sing the main theme for the animated TV series Elena of Avalor. In 2019, she organized an event to celebrate Aromanian National Day, showcasing her commitment to her cultural heritage. In March 2022, she released a new song titled “Brațele”.
Discography Highlights
Elena Gheorghe’s discography includes notable albums such as “Vocea Ta” (2006), “Te Ador” (2008), “Disco Romancing” (2012), and “Lunâ Albâ” (2019). Her singles, including “The Balkan Girls” and “Disco Romancing”, have enjoyed considerable success, making her a well-known name in the Romanian and European music scenes.
