Emilija, a rising star in Latvia’s pop music scene, recently celebrated her first major solo concert on March 13 at the Palladium Rīga. The performance came with a bit of a surprise – she also received the “Best Debut” award at the Zelta Mikrofons (Golden Microphone) awards, an honor that felt slightly belated given her already established presence. While Emilija has been known for some time, a look at streaming platforms reveals she had previously only released singles.
Her breakthrough came after winning the television shows X Faktors in 2023 and Pārdziedi mani last year, but her first album, Tintes stāsts (Ink Story), wasn’t released until 2025, featuring just six original tracks. Television continues to be a powerful platform, and contestants from these shows often receive significant media attention – becoming household names quickly. As evidenced by the well-attended concert at Palladium, Emilija’s popularity is undeniable.
The concert began promptly at 8:00 PM with dimmed lights and introductory music. First to take the stage were three accompanying musicians in a configuration not previously seen, followed by Emilija herself to enthusiastic applause. From the very first song, it was clear the audience was comprised of devoted fans, singing along to every word, with young women excitedly sharing the moment with each other. This reaction suggested the songs resonated on a deeply personal level. Between songs, Emilija expressed her excitement at the large turnout, playfully apologizing for any minor musical mishaps, which were met with laughter from the crowd – despite the performance being remarkably polished.
During a break, Emilija introduced her band – a guitarist she met on a tram, with whom she quickly connected musically. The guitarist then brought on board a bassist and drummer, who proved to be a perfect fit. Even for those unfamiliar with her music, the band’s performance was impressive. With a limited catalog of original songs, Emilija also performed Kate Bush’s hit “Running Up That Hill,” a song she previously showcased on Pārdziedi mani, accompanied by dancers in a striking choreographed routine. Rappers Reiks and Deniss joined her on stage for two songs.
Unlike some other emerging pop vocalists who sound remarkably similar, Emilija stands out with her emotionally charged vocal style, which at times borders on vulnerability, reminiscent of American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman and Dolores O’Riordan of the Irish rock group The Cranberries. Emilija also has a compelling personal story, and along with Stirna, who recently received the Gamma award for best latest artist, may signal a new trend in Latvian pop music – a move towards authenticity and artists who draw from their own life experiences. This represents a shift from the traditionally polished and privileged backgrounds often seen in the industry.
Previously, the name Emīlija Bērziņa was associated with an actress who lived from 1903 to 1970 and narrated children’s fairy tales, most notably the story of the hungry bear cubs. As of this decade, the name Emīlija Bērziņa will also be linked to a pop singer who breaks the mold of typical, optimistic performers often favored by the public and the music industry.
