Andreea Bălan
Background information
Born (1984-06-23) 23 June 1984
OriginPloiești, Romania
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1998–present
LabelsCat Music
Member ofAndrè
Websiteandreeab.ro

Andreea Bălan (Romanian pronunciation: [anˈdree̯a bəˈlan]; born 23 June 1984) is a Romanian pop singer. Bălan started singing on children's TV shows, but became known as a member of the girl group Andrè (1998–2002), along with Andreea Antonescu.[1] In 2002, she started a solo career and archived over 6 solo albums. Bălan is recognized for her concert tours in Romania, mixing dance music and performances with over ten costume changes.

Life and career

Childhood and early career (1994-1998)

Andreea Bălan was born on 23 June 1984 to Săndel and Valeria Bǎlan.[2] She was known by those around her during her early years as being a "very good child".[2] She attended Ion Luca Caragiale High School in Ploiești.[3]

Bălan began singing at the age of 10, under the guidance of her father. She composed several pieces with which she participated in a series of performances for children in Ploiești.[3] In these recitals, she was noticed by Mihai Constantinescu. Bălan was then invited by him to participate in the children's show, Ba da, ba nu, which was broadcast on the Romanian channel TVR 1. She was later invited to other shows, such as Feriți-vă de măgăruș, Abracadabra, Video Magazin and Tip Top Mini Top.[3] During this period, she participated in various children's festivals, receiving several awards, with the most notable being the Little Prince International Festival. Attended by children from 16 countries, Bălan was given the "Little Princess of Europe" award, presented by then President Emil Constantinescu.[3] Negotiations were made for her to form a group with Simona Nae, but the plans never materialized following disagreements between their parents.[4]

In 1997, Bălan took part in Eurovision's National Gala, performing "Un univers mai liniștit", but was disqualified because she did not fit the age criteria.[3] In the following year, Bălan became the first child to release an album on a compact disc in Romania. The album, Amețiți de fum, contained 10 songs composed by her father and dances orchestrated by Cătălin Tîrcolea. Although officially released, it was not widely distributed due to a lack of funds.[2][3] It was claimed to be the first Romanian dance music release, due to songs on the album, such as "Rezemat de gard".[2]

Andrè (1999–2001)

Towards the end of 1998, the musical project Andrè was born, with members Andreea Antonescu and Bălan first meeting on the program Ba da, ba nu. Although member Gigi Antonescu was reluctant to join at first,[5][6] Andrè proved to be a national success, gaining notoriety both within Romania and internationally, with their target audience being teenagers. The songs on their debut album, La întâlnire, were made mostly by Săndel Bălan. The album included the song "Un univers mai liniștit," known in other countries as "Iluzii", which was previously performed by Bălan at Eurovision.[2][4] Their debut album was released in May 1999 and proved to be a commercial success,[4] selling over 50,000 copies by that September.[2] The group gained major popularity due to their simple musical style and rhythmic beats.[7] To promote the album, they performed "La întâlnire", "Să ne distrăm" and "Nu mă uita" on numerous television shows, but none of the songs featured music videos.[8] Their first single earned success on radio stations, despite the radio's lack of support for Romanian musicians.[9][10]

The song "Liberă la mare" was released in the summer of 1999, and became a signature song for the group.[11] It was played during several occasions, including the Mamaia's Festival, where the song won 1st place, with Bălan becoming the youngest singer to win the award.[4][12] At the end of that year, the album "Noapte de vis" was released, and was promoted with the song "Noapte de vis (Moșule, ce tânăr ești)", along with a video for the song.[4] "Noapte de vis" was named number 16 in the "Top 20 after 90", a ranking organized by Kiss FM and "Click" magazine, based on public voting.[13] In 2008, "Liberă la mare" was ranked in the top 29 television made U TV entitled "Top 100 songs that Romania had broken in two".[14]

Andrè released their third album, Prima iubire, in 2000, promoted with the singles "Prima iubire" and "Lasă-mă papa la mare", both Top 20 hits in Romania. "Lasă-mă papa la mare" was named No. 19 in the "Top 20 after 90" ranking based on public voting.[13] Andrè released their next album, Am să-mi fac de cap, in 2000, which was promoted with the songs "Am să-mi fac de cap" and "Flori de tei" as well as their respective music videos. The music video for "Flori de tei" became the most expensive video ever made Romania at the time, with a budget of US$12,000, as well as the first music video shot on film.[4][12]

In early 2001, the magazine Bravo awarded the distinction of "Best band for teens" to Andrè. Record label Cat Music awarded the group with five platinum and one gold certifications for the 1.5 million albums sold, calling their music "princesses dance music", and becoming the first group and the only with these awards.[12] The group split for a short time because of disagreements.[4] Bălan continued her career by forming a duo with Alina Sorescu. Although they had a number of television appearances, the project ended after six months without releasing an album or a video.[4] At the same time, a greatest hits album was released for Andrè, titled Andrè - The Best Of.[4]

The group met after the death of Antonescu's father, whose last wish was that the group reunite. The group released a duo album, O noapte și-o zi, in 2001 as well as a single of the same name accompanied by a video, but split again.[4] Bălan consequently denied any chance of a reconciliation work between the two, considering only a possible duet.[12]

Throughout her career alongside Antonescu, the two were heavily criticized for the fashion style and image they promoted. The two had a great influence on the young, bringing platform heels, box braids, mini skirts and as well as push-up bras that highlighted their breasts, into fashion.[15][16][17] This fashion has been heavily criticized for their vulgarity and for influencing girls with their frivolous image.[18][19] The two performers were also constantly the attention of tabloid newspapers that published rumors of their quarrels.[12]

Solo career (2002–2007)

On 23 June 2002, Bălan released her second solo album Te joci cu mine, which was released under the Cat Music label and distributed by Media Services.[2] The album contains the song "Te joci cu mine", originally composed for Andrè. The song was promoted and ranked lowest of the Romanian Top 100. No other singles were promoted on the album. Between June and September of the same year, over 30,000 copies of "You Play With Me" were distributed.[3]

The success of the album was followed by the release of another album, Liberă din nou, in September.[2] Between 22 December 2002 and 22 January 2003, she gave a tour of 14 concerts in the United States.[2] The album included the singles "Liberă din nou" and "Plâng de dor".[3] On 1 March 2003, the video for the single "Plâng de dor", that would later be available as a maxi single, was filmed.[2] In the following summer, the song "Nopți de vară" was released in the remake album Liberă din nou. It enjoyed great success on radio, received first place in the "Best Songs" category of Mamaia's Festival as voted by viewers.[4] During the same period, Bălan began a collaboration with the band News, a group of 12 instrumentalists, starting a national tour. The collaboration was shortly halted due to financial problems.[4]

Bălan released the album Așa sunt eu in 2004, containing lyrics of a more mature pop rock influence.[20] The album promoted five singles, with three tracks placing on the Romanian Top 100.[21] The singles were released in five separate parts. "Aparențe" and "Oops, eroare" were each released in 2004, and "Evadez", "Invidia" and "O străină" were each released in 2005. This made Bălan one of the few Romanian artists to promote five singles from a single album.[4] The songs on the album were inspired by her life, each covering themes such as fame, life in front of the camera, and failure of love.[3][4] In 2005, Bălan received an award for the best website at the MTV Romania Music Awards.[4] The website presented a picture of the musician, characterized by black clothes, makeup, and a rebellious attitude, that contrasted with the image she promoted previously.

Bălan produced two more singles with the album Andreea B. The first single was "Nu știu să fiu numai pentru tine" (feat. Keo), which was nominated for the award "Best Hit - Featuring" on the Romanian Top Hits.[22] The second single, "Prinde-mă, aprinde-mă!", was designated the "gay song of the year" at the Gala Gay Awards 2007.[23] "Prinde-mă, aprinde-mă!" is the most watched video of the artist on YouTube, with over 2.8 million views.[24]

Dancing and return to dance music (2008–present)

Bălan opted to participate in a dance pair in the third season of dance competition television show Dansez pentru tine, broadcast on PRO TV in the spring of 2007.[25] The evolution of the dance pair through the competition was acclaimed by audiences and the jury. Bălan ultimately placed in third place.[26][27] In the spring of 2008, the dance pair participated in the "League winners" season, dedicated to the best in the history of the competition. Bălan placed first place.[27] Between the two seasons, she was selected to participate in the PRO TV international version of Dansez pentru tine, titled Dancing Around the World.[28] The competition was held in Mexico, and Bălan participated alongside dance partner Petrişor Rudge, her partner during Dansez pentru tine.[29] The pair ultimately ranked in second place,[30] enjoying great popularity among the Mexican public,[31][32] and received a contract from EMI Music to record an album.[33] Following her appearance on Dansez pentru tine, her career took her on the rise.[34]

Catalin Maruta and Andreea Bălan

Bălan was among the best-selling artists in Romania in terms of concerts from 2008 to present in both years, ranking in the top 3.[27][35] As of 2011, Bălan has performed at more than 150 concerts.[36]

On 28 June 2009, Bălan released a new single titled "God". It was released exclusively on Kiss FM.[37][38] "Trippin'", released in 2010, became one of Bălan's most popular singles released,[39] as well as her first Top 40 hit in the Romanian Top 100 in five years.[40] Bălan performed the song "Trippin'" in several events, including the final of Miss Universe Romania in 2010,[41] and at the ninth edition of the Romanian Music Awards.[42] The song contains elements of dance music combined with elements of popcorn, a musical style intensely broadcast on Romanian radio at the time of the song's release.

The song "Like a Bunny" was released on 13 May 2011 on Bălan's YouTube account, with its music video presenting Bălan in a bathing suit, reminiscent of a Playboy Playmate.[43] On 8 June 2011, Bălan released the song "Loving" in collaboration with Andra, Connect-R and Puya.[44] In October 2011, Bălan mentioned that there is a chance of the reunion of Andrè, since they could not handle a solo career.[45] In 2012, Bălan released the single "Money Love".[36][46] Holds several shows including Dancing Show, Bunny Show, Beach Party and Christmas Party.[36] In October 2012, Bălan released the twenty-fifth video of her musical career, "Mă doare fără tine".[47] In August 2013, she released the song "Things U do 2 me" in collaboration with Mike Diamondz.[48] Presently, Bălan consistently holds concerts around the country.[49]

In 2015 the artist was chosen by Disney to provide the Romanian singing voice of Esmeralda for the feature film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. [50]

Image and musical style

Over her musical career, Bălan has adopted several musical styles and image changes in an attempt to adapt to new trends.[51] Her album Superwoman visibly distanced its musical style from her past recordings, and contains elements of samba, rock and roll, and jive,[51] and finalizing her image as a soloist dancer.[52]

Bălan's choreographies and costumes artist have sometimes been criticized for being too sexual,[53][54] although in general, her concerts have received positive reviews by both the public and journalists.[55]

Bălan has named Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Loredana Groza as singers that she appreciates the most.[2][56][57] She is often referred as the Romanian princess of pop music or the Romanian Britney Spears.

Andreea in Buftea for the event "Miscarea inseamna viata"

Personal life

In 2004, Bălan moved from her parental home in Ploiești to Bucharest, where she met Teo Păcurar.[58] In 2005, the two were engaged.[58] The couple broke up in 2006 due to disagreements in living arrangements.[59] Shortly after the breakup, Bălan appeared at social events with Keo, who helped her overcome her separation from Păcurar.[60] Despite rumors of their separation, Bălan and Keo have denied these rumors.[61][62]

Bălan has completed specialization courses in journalism and philosophy from the Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, citing a desire to have a future career in television.[3]

Bălan is not related to Dan Bălan, a Moldovan singer and songwriter.

Reaction to tabloid newspapers

Bălan has had a frequent presence in tabloid newspapers.[63][64][65][27]

A dispute arose between the singer and TV presenter Cătălin Măruță, on the PRO TV television show Happy Hour in late April 2010. Invited to the show, Bălan presented views critical of newspapers.[66] The conflict continued for a short period, with the two criticizing each other in the press on various occasions,[67][68] culminating in the blocking of Bălan's appearance in a special edition of the show Dansez pentru tine.[69]

Discography

Albums with Andrè

  • La Întâlnire (1999)
  • Noapte de Vis (1999)
  • Prima Iubire (2000)
  • Am Să-mi Fac De Cap (2000)
  • The Best Of (2001)
  • O Noapte Și-o Zi (2001)

Solo albums

  • Te joci cu mine (2002)
  • Liberă din nou (2002)
  • Așa sunt eu (2004)
  • Andreea B (2006)
  • SuperWoman (2009)
  • Soare după nori (2021)

Videography

Year Title Director Album Notes
2002 "Te joci cu mine" — Te joci cu mine —
2002 "Liberă din nou" Dragoș Buliga Liberă din nou —
2003 "Plâng de dor" Dragoș Buliga Liberă din nou —
2003 "Nopți de vară" — Liberă din nou —
2004 "Aparențe" — Așa sunt eu! —
2004 "Oops, eroare!" — Așa sunt eu! —
2005 "Evadez" — Așa sunt eu! —
2005 "Invidia" — Așa sunt eu! —
2005 "O străină" Dragoș Buliga Așa sunt eu! —
2006 "Nu știu să fiu numai pentru tine" — Andreea B —
2007 "Prinde-mă, aprinde-mă!" Dragoș Buliga Andreea B —
2008 "Baby Get Up and Dance" Dragoș Buliga SuperWoman —
2009 "SuperWoman" Iulian Moga SuperWoman —
2009 "Snow" Alex Ceaușu — —
2010 "Trippin'" Alex Ceaușu — —
2011 "Crazy About You" Alex Ceaușu — —
2011 "Like a Bunny" Alex Ceaușu — —[70]
2012 "Money Love" Alex Ceaușu — —
2012 "Mă doare fără tine" Alex Ceaușu — —[71]
2013 "Things u do 2 me" (feat. Mike Diamondz) Alex Ceaușu — —
2013 "Iubi" (feat. Sonny Flame) Ciprian Strugariu — —[72]
2014 "Decor" (feat. Criss Blaziny) Ciprian Strugariu & Criss Blaziny — —[73]
2014 "Super Soaker" (feat. Skinny Fabulous & Monsta Riot) Anthony Icuagu — —[74]
2014 "Rece" Bogdan Daragiu
2015 "Baila" Alex Ceaușu
2015 "Throw your Money" (feat. Drei Ross) Matei Dima — —[75]

References

  1. ↑ Andre's biography on Muzica Acasa, archived from the original on 29 October 2014, retrieved 4 November 2014
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Andreea Balan on Sanatatea.com
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Andreea Balan on Starclub, archived from the original on 3 May 2010, retrieved 4 November 2014
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Andreea Balan on Time4music
  5. ↑ Balan's biography on Muzica Acasa, archived from the original on 29 October 2014, retrieved 6 November 2014
  6. ↑ Band Andre's interview on Zoom, October 2009
  7. ↑ About band Andre on Musicmix, archived from the original on 21 February 2009
  8. ↑ "Andre - Nu ma uita" on TVR Bingo, archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  9. ↑ Band Andre on Starmania
  10. ↑ Band Andre on rt100, archived from the original on 11 January 2010, retrieved 5 November 2014
  11. ↑ Andreea Balan on Showbiz, archived from the original on 5 November 2014, retrieved 5 November 2014
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Balan vs Antonescu
  13. 1 2 Band Andre in Click magazine
  14. ↑ Top 100 songs that have broken Romania in two
  15. ↑ Andre's first concetr in 1998, archived from the original on 3 December 2009
  16. ↑ Andreea Balan and fashion, archived from the original on 23 October 2009
  17. ↑ Andre - Libera la mare on Apropo TV
  18. ↑ Andreea Balan - Press contributed to destroying the band Andre
  19. ↑ Mihai Bendeac: "Andre was dressed like prostitutes in the Ring", archived from the original on 12 March 2009, retrieved 5 November 2014
  20. ↑ Andreea Balan: Photos and Info Andreea Balan on Showbiz, archived from the original on 30 March 2010, retrieved 8 November 2014
  21. ↑ FlashBack:Andreea Balan, archived from the original on 11 January 2014
  22. ↑ Romanian Top Hits on Bacaul
  23. ↑ About Gay Awards, archived from the original on 8 November 2014
  24. ↑ Andreea Balan - Trippin' (video) on ZRecords, archived from the original on 2 June 2011
  25. ↑ Dansez pentru tine, archived from the original on 29 June 2012
  26. ↑ Andreea Balan - Dansez pentru tine, archived from the original on 24 November 2010
  27. 1 2 3 4 Andreea Balan: Child will make 30 years. So I scheduled!, 25 January 2010
  28. ↑ Andreea Balan - Succes mexican, 8 February 2008
  29. ↑ Andreea Balan, succes in Mexic, archived from the original on 23 November 2007
  30. ↑ Andreea Balan si Petrisor au castigat locul 2 la 'Bailando por el mundo', archived from the original on 15 May 2011
  31. ↑ Andreea Balan pregnant Mexico wants to do curettage!, archived from the original on 24 June 2010
  32. ↑ Andreea Balan in Mexico
  33. ↑ Andreea Balan in Mexico
  34. ↑ Cosmopolitan, May 2009
  35. ↑ Andreea Balan: It's embarrassing to be judged by the voice from 13 years, archived from the original on 8 December 2011, retrieved 9 November 2014
  36. 1 2 3 Andreea Balan - Money Love, archived from the original on 27 May 2016, retrieved 9 November 2014
  37. ↑ Andreea Balan in studio Kiss FM
  38. ↑ Andreea Balan newest single released exclusively on Kiss FM
  39. ↑ Most Wanted 24, archived from the original on 9 November 2014
  40. ↑ Romania Airplay Top 100 - 04/07/2010
  41. ↑ Miss Universe Romania 2010 is a former ballroom dance champion
  42. ↑ Connect-R reacted Romanian Music Awards 2010: "I'm a gypsy"
  43. ↑ Andreea Balan, too sexy for minors, archived from the original on 11 January 2014, retrieved 9 November 2014
  44. ↑ "Loving" in premier on Pro FM, archived from the original on 15 August 2011
  45. ↑ Andreea Balan: "A reunion Andre I would 'cannibalize' solo projects"
  46. ↑ "money-love"/ Andreea Balan naked for new video 'Love Money'
  47. ↑ Andreea Balan - Ma doare fara tine, archived from the original on 11 January 2014, retrieved 9 November 2014
  48. ↑ Andreea Balan - Things U Do 2 Me (backstage), archived from the original on 11 January 2014, retrieved 9 November 2014
  49. ↑ Official website of Andrea Balan, see Concerts
  50. ↑ "20 de ani de magie de la primul film Disney dublat în limba română - CineMagia.ro".
  51. 1 2 Andreea Balan between Love and God
  52. ↑ Andreea Balan: "Now I found my way"
  53. ↑ Andreea Balan: erotic show or bizarre?, archived from the original on 12 November 2014, retrieved 12 November 2014
  54. ↑ Stars and bad taste, archived from the original on 18 December 2014, retrieved 12 November 2014
  55. ↑ "Dancing show" Andreea Balan has raised hundreds of people in the mall in Baia Mara, archived from the original on 12 November 2014, retrieved 12 November 2014
  56. ↑ Andreea Balan - It's embarrassing to be judged by the voice from 13 years, archived from the original on 8 December 2011, retrieved 9 November 2014
  57. ↑ Andreea Balan has 'broken all' Happy Hour! (Photos and video), archived from the original on 12 November 2014, retrieved 12 November 2014
  58. 1 2 Andreea? love with Keo, archived from the original on 15 November 2008, retrieved 16 November 2014
  59. ↑ Andreea Balan
  60. ↑ A new couple: Andreea Balan & Keo, archived from the original on 1 March 2014
  61. ↑ Andreea left him (Teo Păcurar) on Keo
  62. ↑ Andreea Balan & Keo not split and want a holiday in France, archived from the original on 30 March 2009
  63. ↑ Adventure with a detective, 25 January 2010
  64. ↑ Interview Balan on Tabu.ro, archived from the original on 28 October 2009, retrieved 16 November 2014
  65. ↑ Andreea Balan is taken too seriously, archived from the original on 8 September 2012, retrieved 16 November 2014
  66. ↑ Andreea Balan is taken Măruţă: "You've changed for the audience, Cătălin!", 20 October 2008
  67. ↑ Andreea Balan: "Măruţă crosses the line", archived from the original on 18 June 2010, retrieved 16 November 2014
  68. ↑ Balan: "Măruţă can further away, exceeded the limits of common sense ", 30 April 2010
  69. ↑ Andreea Balan: "Because of Măruţă I participated in "Dansez", archived from the original on 18 June 2010, retrieved 16 November 2014
  70. ↑ Andreea Balan - Like a Bunny (Official Music Video 2011), archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  71. ↑ Andreea Balan - Ma doare fara tine (Official Video 2012), archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  72. ↑ Andreea Balan - IUBI feat. Sonny Flame (Official Video 2013), archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  73. ↑ Andreea Balan DECOR feat Criss Blaziny, archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  74. ↑ Andreea Balan SUPER SOAKER feat Skinny Fabulous & Monsta Riot, archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  75. ↑ Andreea Balan - Rece, archived from the original on 21 December 2021
  76. Andreea Balan not posing naked for all the money in the world, archived from the original on 4 March 2011, retrieved 12 November 2014
  77. Andreea Balan - Trippin (videoclip 2010), archived from the original on 12 September 2011, retrieved 12 November 2014
  78. Andreea Balan tattoo hides his former engagements, archived from the original on 6 March 2014
  79. Măruţă about Andreea Balan: "Some characters out of warranty", 20 October 2008
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