Nightwish the big winner at this year's Emma Gala
Female performers in top form: Tarja Turunen, Jonna Tervomaa, and Irina
collected the most awards
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The 2005 Emma Gala (the Finnish equivalent to the Grammys) held at Helsinki's Kulttuuritalo on February 26th produced two anticipated winners: Nightwish and Jonna Tervomaa. Both had been nominated in five categories, and Nightwish secured as many awards.
To crown a successful year, Nightwish was awarded the band of the year Emma, while their Once album was honoured as the best heavy metal album and the biggest-selling album of the year.
In Finland Once has sold over 90,000 copies, in other words more than triple platinum.
Nightwish's overseas success was rewarded with an export Emma, and the band even grabbed the public vote category.
For Jonna Tervomaa, the evening was almost equally successful. She took home three prizes.
Tervomaa was awarded the female vocalist of the year Emma, and her Halo album was named the album of the year as well as the rock album of the year.
Furthermore, Tervomaa's band's guitarist, songwriter and producer Jussi Jaakonaho was rewarded for his merits as a producer. In addition to Tervomaa, Jaakonaho has produced music by Ismo Alanko and J. Karjalainen.
Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen and Jonna Tervomaa were not the only women who celebrated on Saturday night. The female onrush was completed by Irina, who was awarded the pop newcomer title, and whose CD was named the debut album of the year.
Irina's Vahva (Strong) album, which was released last year, has already gone gold with over 15,000 copies sold.
The surprise act of the year Emma was awarded to Ella and Aleksi's children's album
Lenni Lokinpoikanen (Lenni the Seagull Nestling) from outside the original nominees' list. The album has enjoyed exceptional success in the charts.
Long-time contributors to the Finnish music scene were also recognised. Rock'n'roll veteran Jussi Raittinen received a special Emma, while the golden Emma went to jazz and pop music producer Paavo Einiö.
The biggest disappointments were experienced by bands Eppu Normaali and The 69 Eyes, who went home empty-handed despite getting four Emma nominations each.
Singers Hanna Pakarinen and Antti Tuisku of Finnish Pop Idol fame were also left without Emmas despite their three nominations. Their fate was shared by pop singer Anne Mattila.
Emma prizes are awarded by the IFPI (International Federation of Phonographic Industry) Finland. The criteria for receiving an Emma award include the attention-grabbing quality of the music, commercial and musical success, and general popularity.
Links:
Nightwish - the official website
Jonna Tervomaa (website in Finnish)
Irina (website in Finnish)
Emma Gaala (website in Finnish)
IFPI Finland
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 28.2.2005 - TODAY |
Nightwish the big winner at this year's Emma Gala
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