Maria Haukaas Storeng

Birth Date: August 3, 1979
Birth Place: Finnsnes, Troms, Norway

Maria Haukaas Storeng (born 3 August 1979) is a Norwegian recording artist. She gained national recognition in 2004 for her participation in the Idol reality television series, and international recognition in 2008 as Norway's representative in the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest.

Maria was born in Finnsnes, but grew up in Senja, in Troms county, Norway. She first received national media attention when she had her first musical role at the age of 11, with the lead in Annie, at the Bryggeteateret in Oslo (1991). Maria and her family moved to Oslo for the musical, and when the show run was over, they moved back to Senja. She has since performed in several musicals, both in the capital Oslo, and in the county Troms where she grew up. At the age of 24, she was part of Idol (Norway) in 2004, where she finished 6th. She took part in the Idol Tour 2004, along with other contestants in the top ten. She released her debut solo album in 2005, which peaked at #13 on the Norwegian album charts. The single "Breathing" peaked at #5 and was certified Gold in Norway, while "Should've" peaked at #20. She went on a four month national tour to promote the album. Maria Haukaas Storeng performing "Hold On Be Strong" at the first Eurovision Song Contest 2008 semi-final.Maria is the Norwegian representative to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Hold On Be Strong", written by Mira Craig.The song peaked at #1 in the Norwegian iTunes chart. On 12 February 2008 the song entered the Norwegian single charts at #5, reaching #1 on 19 February 2008. Maria released her second studio album Hold On Be Strong on 28 April 2008 with help from Mira Craig.

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