Caro Emerald, Dutch pop and jazz singer

Hailing from the Netherlands, Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw, globally recognized by her vibrant stage name Caro Emerald, has carved a distinctive niche in contemporary music. Born on April 26, 1981, she enchants listeners with a sophisticated blend of pop and jazz, frequently infused with big band swing, electro, and cinematic influences. While her musical journey began in 2007, it was in 2009 that her unique artistry truly captured public attention.

Her breakthrough arrived with the debut single, "Back It Up." This infectious track, with its retro-inspired sound, quickly resonated with audiences. Its success was swiftly followed by "A Night Like This," which further propelled her career, soaring to the top of the charts in her native Netherlands and firmly establishing her as a rising star. Beyond her studio recordings, Emerald is widely celebrated for her live performances, known for their captivating energy, impeccable vocal delivery, and charismatic stage presence, which bring her intricate arrangements to life with remarkable flair.

A Record-Breaking Debut: "Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor"

On January 29, 2010, Caro Emerald released her eagerly anticipated debut album, "Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor." This album proved to be an unprecedented phenomenon in the Dutch music landscape. By August of the same year, it had achieved an extraordinary feat, spending an astonishing 30 consecutive weeks at number one on the Dutch album charts. This remarkable accomplishment set an all-time record, notably surpassing the legendary run of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" by an entire week, a testament to its profound cultural impact and widespread appeal across the Netherlands. Ultimately, the album became the biggest selling record of 2010 in her home country, achieving sales of over 350,000 copies by that time. Its global reach extended even further, with approximately 2 million copies sold worldwide, firmly cementing her international presence.

Her significant contributions to music were formally recognized on October 3, 2010, when she was honored with the prestigious Edison Award for Best Female Artist, one of the Netherlands' most esteemed music accolades, further highlighting her impact and artistry.

Building on Success: "The Shocking Miss Emerald"

Building upon the immense success of her debut, Caro Emerald unveiled her second studio album, "The Shocking Miss Emerald," in 2013. This highly anticipated release not only replicated the chart-topping triumph of its predecessor by entering at number one in the Netherlands but also achieved significant international acclaim by debuting at the top of the United Kingdom album charts. This was a particularly notable achievement for a Dutch artist, underscoring her broad appeal beyond her home country. The album went on to sell over 600,000 copies, reinforcing her enduring popularity and demonstrating her continued artistic evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caro Emerald

What is Caro Emerald's real name?
Her full name is Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw.
What genre of music does Caro Emerald perform?
She primarily performs a unique blend of pop and jazz, often incorporating elements of big band swing, electro, and cinematic sounds.
When did Caro Emerald become famous?
She rose to prominence in 2009 with her debut single, "Back It Up," followed by "A Night Like This" which topped charts in the Netherlands.
How successful was her debut album, "Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor"?
It was exceptionally successful, spending a record-breaking 30 consecutive weeks at number one on the Dutch album charts, surpassing Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It sold over 350,000 copies in the Netherlands (by 2010) and approximately 2 million copies worldwide.
Has Caro Emerald won any major awards?
Yes, she was awarded the prestigious Edison Award for Best Female Artist in the Netherlands in 2010.
Did her second album, "The Shocking Miss Emerald," also achieve chart success?
Indeed, it debuted at number one in both the Dutch and United Kingdom album charts and sold over 600,000 copies.