Emilia Rydberg (born 5 January 1978 in Stockholm) is a Swedish singer who has recorded under the names Emilia and Emilia Mitiku. She came to broad public attention in the late 1990s with a plaintive, minimalist ballad that became an international pop hit. Her work is typically associated with accessible melodies, clear vocal delivery and a blend of contemporary pop with soul influences.

Early life and career beginnings

Raised in Sweden, Emilia began singing at a young age and pursued music through local performances and recordings before attracting the interest of professional producers. Her early career combined mainstream pop songwriting with emotive, soul-inflected phrasing, helping her stand out in a crowded pop market and paving the way for a chart-breaking single and album release.

Breakthrough: "Big Big World"

Emilia's signature single, "Big Big World", introduced her internationally with its spare arrangement and memorable chorus. The song was widely played on radio and television and helped her debut album reach audiences beyond Sweden. The single’s success established Emilia as a recognizable voice in late-1990s pop and remains the track most commonly associated with her name.

Musical style and later work

Emilia's recorded output draws on pop and soul traditions: straightforward song structures, emphasis on melody and a vocal style that balances vulnerability with control. After her initial breakthrough she continued to record and perform, releasing additional material and appearing in concerts and festivals. Over time she has alternated between English-language songs aimed at international audiences and material for the Swedish market.

Notable traits and legacy

  • Known primarily for a single timeless ballad that secured lasting public recognition.
  • Often credited under variants of her name, which can appear in credits and press as Emilia, Emilia Rydberg or Emilia Mitiku.
  • Her style is frequently described as combining pop accessibility with soulful, emotive delivery.

While best remembered for one signature hit, Emilia has maintained a presence as a working singer-songwriter and performer. Her career illustrates how a single international success can create enduring recognition while an artist continues to develop a broader body of work in national and regional scenes.