Yasmin Avesta

Yasmin Laleh Evangeline Khatib-Avesta (born 18 June 1990) is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She first came to prominence in 2012, after placing as the runner-up on season six of Swedish Idol. She also competed in Svensksong 1 with the song "Gravity".

Early life
Avesta was born on 18 June 1990 in Gothenburg. Her parents, Amir and Anousheh, immigrated to Sweden from Iran in the late-1980s. She has one younger brother, and grew up speaking Persian, not learning Swedish until she began school.

Avesta graduated from compulsory school in 2006, and began attending a music school in Gothenburg. She graduated from music school in 2009. After her graduation, she began working at her father's business while pursuing a music career on the side.

2012–2016: Swedish Idol and breakthrough
In summer 2012, Avesta auditioned for season six of Swedish Idol in Gothenburg, and eventually made it on to the show. She ended up placing as the runner-up, and was signed to Warner Music Sweden following the end of the season.

She released her debut solo single, "Heartache", in 2013. The song became a top ten single in Sweden, and also charted in Norway and Denmark. Her debut studio album, Yasmin, was released later in the year, and peaked at number-12 in Sweden.

2016–present: Svensksong
In 2016, Avesta was confirmed to be taking part in Svensksong 1, with the song "Gravity". She performed the song in the third semi-final, and advanced directly to the final. In the final, she placed seventh.

Personal life
Avesta has stated that she grew up Muslim, but no longer identifies with the religion. She has resided in Stockholm since 2012.