There are moments in music that stop you in your tracks. The kind that makes a crowded room go dead silent, where even the air feels different. That’s exactly what happened when Marlen Tjøsvoll stepped onto The Voice Norway stage in 2025 and sang “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).”

From the first note, you could tell—this wasn’t just another audition. No flashy outfits, no over-the-top staging. Just a woman, a mic, and a voice that carried something deeper than lyrics. Within seconds, the coaches’ chairs started spinning. By the end, all four had turned, completely hooked.

Who Is Marlen Tjøsvoll?

If this was your first time hearing her, you’d think she came out of nowhere. But Marlen’s no rookie. Born and raised in Karmøy, Norway, she’s been shaping her craft for years. A trained jazz vocalist, she studied at the legendary Berklee College of Music and has shared stages with icons like Dee Dee Bridgewater and Julio Iglesias.

In 2021, she won the Sildajazz Prize, one of Norway’s top jazz honors. But The Voice was different—this wasn’t just about technique. It was about raw emotion, the kind that makes strangers stop scrolling and just listen.

The Duel That Almost Broke the Internet

After joining Team Espen, Marlen faced off against fellow contestant Bjørn Henrik Brandtenborg in a high-stakes duel. Described as “brutal” and “tense,” the battle showed just how fierce the competition was. But Marlen didn’t just sing—she told a story, and Norway couldn’t look away.

Then, something wild happened. A global superstar (whose name we’re still guessing) reposted her audition clip on Instagram. Marlen called it “almost unbelievable,” and suddenly, her voice wasn’t just echoing in Norway—it was reaching the world.

Did She Win?

As of now, the winner of The Voice Norway 2025 hasn’t been announced. But honestly? It almost doesn’t matter. Her blind audition alone racked up millions of views, with fans everywhere raving about her haunting tone, effortless control, and that rare ability to make you feel every word.

What’s Next?

Marlen isn’t just riding the Voice hype—she’s busier than ever. She’s set to perform at the Oslo Jazz Festival this August, and her live audition is now streaming on Apple Music. Whether she’s in an intimate jazz club or under TV lights, one thing’s clear: Marlen Tjøsvoll is the real deal.

In a world where music often feels mass-produced, Marlen’s performance was a reminder of what really connects us—honesty, vulnerability, and the kind of talent that doesn’t need autotune. She sang “Bang Bang,” but it wasn’t the gunshot that stuck with us.

You can watch her powerful performance below.