Nico

Nico, whose full name is Nicoleta Matei, is a Romanian singer and songwriter born on February 1, 1970, in Ploiești, Romania. Known for her powerful voice, she performs pop, soul, and jazz music. She has been an influential figure in the Romanian music scene for decades.

Nico’s music journey began in the 1990s after graduating from the Școala Populară de Artă (Popular School of Art) in Ploiești. She became the lead singer of the Estradă section at the Toma Caragiu Theater in Ploiești and also completed her studies at the George Enescu Conservatory in Bucharest. Early in her career, she gained popularity by collaborating with Romanian hip hop artists like B.U.G. Mafia and Puya, blending pop with urban sounds. These collaborations helped her gain recognition in the Romanian music industry.

In 2003, she released her debut album, Gând pentru ei (“A Thought for Them”), showcasing her emotional voice and versatile style. Between 2003 and 2008, Nico established herself as a household name, releasing hits like “Nu pot să mai suport” and participating in music festivals. Her performance at the Golden Stag Festival in Brașov further boosted her fame. Seven times in a row (2003-2009), she participated in Selecția Națională, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won the contest in 2008.

In 2008, Nico represented Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest with Vlad Miriță. Their duet, “Pe-o margine de lume,” was praised for its operatic and emotional style. It reached the Eurovision final and remains one of her most iconic songs.

After Eurovision, Nico continued releasing music and performing at festivals. Between 2008 and 2020, she collaborated with artists like Cabron and Directia 5, exploring various music styles. In 2010, her hit “Poate Undeva” became a fan favorite. In 2020, she reunited with Cabron for “Oscar în doi,” a highly anticipated comeback collaboration.

Nico is married to composer Laurențiu Matei, and they own a recording studio together. Balancing her career and family life, she remains a beloved artist in Romania, known for her talent, humility, and dedication to music.