Introducing Ella Tiritiello.

A year after being selected by the Tim Bergling Foundation to sing, perform and re-release Avicii’s 2015 hit For A Better Day alongside the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, this 15-year-old is making waves worldwide.

The Tim Bergling Foundation was founded by Anki Lidén and Klas Bergling, Avicii’s parents, after the musician died by suicide in 2018.

Tiritiello, who suffers from stage fright, sang the song in front of 16 000 people in what was her first-ever live performance at the renaming ceremony of the Avicii Arena in Stockholm in 2021. Later that year, at an Avicii tribute concert, she performed the song live for a second time, in a duet with Swedish singer Zara Larsson.

With both performances reaching millions of people worldwide, the stage was set for the singer from a small town in the south of Sweden with a big voice and artistic dreams.

Following the release of her first single, Say Something, Channel24 caught up with the Swedish singing sensation to get to know her a little better.

From revealing her music icons to what she would be doing if she wasn’t a singer and how she overcame her stage fright – get to know Ella Tiritiello in the Q&A below:

Tell us how you were chosen to sing For A Better Day by the Tim Bergling Foundation?

I did an internship at a studio in Stockholm for a week. They asked me to sing and record For A Better Day without me knowing why. A few weeks later, they called me and said that I’d been chosen by the Tim Bergling Foundation to do the song for them. Since I didn’t even know why I had recorded the song, I was shocked when they told me. Apparently, Avicii’s dad had really loved my version.

What was it like to perform with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra?

It was very cool. They’re so talented. I think they played a huge part in the song, and their support on stage made me feel very safe.

You’ve mentioned you have stage fright. What were some things you did to work through your fear before your performance?

I think I barely understood what happened when I performed at the Avicii Arena, so that helped. Before that, I worked a lot with a great vocal coach who helped me feel more secure in my performance. I also had my family and closest friend with me backstage, which calmed me.

Your new single, Say Something, is doing so well. Tell us about the song?

Say Something was made with very talented writers and producers, Ruth, Olle and Jonathan, with whom I’ve worked a lot. I really want people to feel something with my music, which I hope they do with Say Something.

Who are your music icons, and why?

Billie Eilish. I’ve been listening to her since the start, and she’s a real inspiration for me. Especially since she also started at such a young age as me. And Taylor Swift. She’s a great songwriter and musician.

What made you want to become a musician?

I’ve always loved to sing! I grew up in a music-loving family, so music has always been a big part of my life. To be able to work with what you love is so cool and something I really appreciate.

You grew up in a musical family, but is there anything else you would be doing if you didn’t pursue a career in music?

Probably cheerleading. I competed at a younger age.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

I always try to push myself and do what’s necessary, as  I did performing at the Avicii Arena even though I have stage fright – or filming on top of the roof of the Arena, even though I’m afraid of heights. I will always put my love for music first.

If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?

Taylor Swift. I’ve been listening to her all my life, so it would be a life goal to be able to open her show.

How do you feel social media (TikTok/Instagram) has impacted the music business?

Since I’ve just started out, it’s hard for me to compare with before social media. But it definitely feels easier to go viral now with social media. My managers always try to make me do more TikToks, so it’s really becoming more and more important to be present there.

What’s next for you?

I will release my debut EP this fall which I’m super excited about. Hopefully, I’ll be able to perform it for my fans in different places.