Ilse DeLange

Ilse DeLange
Ilse DeLange in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Ilse Annoeska de Lange
Also known as	Ilse DeLange
Born	(1977-05-13) May 13, 1977 (age 39) Almelo, Netherlands
Genres	Country, pop, pop rock
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Warner (1998–2003) Universal (2006–present)
Associated acts	The Common Linnets
Website	Official website

Ilse Annoeska de Lange (born 13 May 1977) is a Dutch country and pop singer, better known as Ilse DeLange (English spelling). As a member of The Common Linnets (together with singer Waylon), she finished in second place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

Ilse Annoeska de Lange was born on May 13, 1977 in Almelo, Netherlands. She started her career at the age of 8 as a lip-synching artist, which won her several contests. DeLange drew greater attention after switching to a live repertoire in both regional and national talent shows in Hilversum (Dutch city where most TV-programs are recorded). This helped her book some live-performances on national television. She formed a duo with guitarist Joop van Liefland, who introduced her to country music.

In 1994, DeLange performed at the Dutch Country Music Awards. Despite positive reviews, nothing happened with her career. She did get in touch with representatives of Warner Music but it took several years of negotiation before they decided to offer her a contract. That same year, she participated in the "Zangfestival der Onbekenden" ("Song Contest of the Unknown") in the Dutch city of Eindhoven. With her implementation of Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn and The Song Remembers When by Trisha Yearwood, she won the contest and got the opportunity to record a demo. In 1996, DeLange drew the attention from the A&R-manager of Dutch record company BMI Music, Henk-Jan Smits. He persuaded her to join the occasional popgroup Wij and they released the single "De Oorlog Meegemaakt" ("Experienced The War"). However the single did not chart the Dutch Top 40.