Nils Bech

Nils Bech (born 8 April 1981 in Hønefoss) is a Norwegian singer, signed to James Murphy's DFA Records.^[1] Bech became famous for performing a classic Christmas anthem O Holy Night^[2] for the Norwegian TV series Skam. His version of O Holy Night received more than 1 million of streams on Spotify^[3] on the day it was published, placing him in the top of the global charts.

Early life

Bech was raised in a small Norwegian village outside Oslo and began performing at a very young age when he was singing at the Salvation Army for his grandmother and her friends.^[4] At age 10, he began singing classical music and continued to do so until early 20s thinking he might do a career as an Opera singer^[5] but later moved to electropop.

Career

In 2017 Bech presented a show telling the story of his life,^[6] it was shown in Norway Opera and Ballet.^[7] He has also appeared in several theater plays^[8] including Oslo's National Theater's version of Shakespeare's Richard III where he played a singing Lord Richmond.^[9] A scene between Lady Anne and Richard was recorded for Bech's music video "Please stay".^[10]

He is a frequent guest at events hosted by Norwegian royal family. On 7 April 2017 Bech, together with Norwegian ballet dancer Silas Henriksen, performed "A Sudden Sickness" at the celebration of 80th birthday of Queen Sonja,^[11] and on 29 August 2018, again with Silas Henriksen, he was seen in the Oslo Cathedral at the ceremony of the 50th anniversary of King and Queen of Norway wedding^[12] performing his song "Thank You". The song tells a story of his grandmother meeting his boyfriend, Bech told on Instagram.^[13]

In the past, Nils Bech has performed in the New Museum in New York^[4] and at the Venice Biennale^[14]

Personal life

Bech is openly gay.^[2]

Discography

Albums

• 2010: Look Back
• 2012: Look Inside
• 2014: One Year
• 2016: Echo^[15]
• 2020: Foolish Heart