Anna Abreu

Although Anna Abreu didn't win the third season of Finland's Idols, she became one of the country's best-selling artists after the show's conclusion. Born in Vantaa on February 7, 1990, Anna Eira Margarida Mourão de Melo e Abreu was raised by a Finnish mother and Portuguese father, which went a long way toward explaining her varied musical tastes. She auditioned for Idols as a 16-year-old and advanced to the show's final round, singing songs by American artists (Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys), Portuguese bands (Ala Dos Namorados), and Finnish groups (Apulanta) along the way. Following her second-place finish in April 2007, she signed with the Finnish branch of Sony BMG and released her debut single, "End of Love," which cracked the Top Ten. A full-length album, Anna Abreu, appeared several months later, reaching platinum status during its first week and eventually becoming one of the country's highest-selling albums ever.

Abreu toured in support of her debut and quickly returned to the recording studio, where she began exploring a more dance-oriented sound. Now was released in late 2008 and reached platinum status, due in part to its chart-topping leadoff single, "Vinegar." Sticking with a mix of dance-pop and club music, Abreu returned to the charts one year later with Just a Pretty Face?, her third consecutive platinum record, and toured heavily throughout 2010 to promote its release. Rush followed in 2011. ~ Chris True & Andrew Leahey, Rovi