Nia Weltz

Nia DeAndria Weltz (born 1 April 1985) is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She first came to prominence in 2010, after placing fifth on the fourth season of Swedish Idol. She also competed in Svensksong 1 with the song "Böja", along with Stefania Johansson and Gina Samelli.

Early life
Weltz was born on 1 April 1985 in Malmö. Her Ethiopian mother immigrated to Sweden when she was sixteen years old, while her Venezuelan father was adopted by a Swedish family when he was two months old. They both grew up in Malmö. Weltz has two younger brothers.

Weltz completed compulsory schooling in 2001. After graduating, she began attending a music school, which she graduated from in 2004. During Swedish Idol, she revealed that she was bullied throughout school due to her skin color and ethnic origin.

After graduating from music school, Weltz enlisted in the Swedish Air Force, and received an honorable discharge in 2010.

2010–2013: Swedish Idol and Who, Me?
While still in the Air Force, Weltz auditioned for season four of Swedish Idol during the summer of 2010 in Malmö. After making it onto the show, she received an honorable discharge from the Air Force.

While on the show, Weltz was frequently publicized for her military background and bullying story, and many viewers criticized her for putting her story ahead of her singing abilities. Nevertheless, she placed fifth on the show and was subsequently signed to Universal Music Sweden. The following year, she released her debut single, "Lies", which became a top forty single in Sweden. Her debut studio album, Who, Me?, was released later that year.

2016–present: Svensksong
In 2016, Weltz was confirmed to be taking part in Svensksong 1, with the song "Böja", along with Stefania Johansson and Gina Samelli. They performed the song in the third semi-final, and advanced to andra chansen, where they were eliminated.

Personal life
Since 2010, Weltz has resided in Stockholm. She is a Christian, and has advocated for the rights of immigrants in Sweden.