Inna (real name — Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu) is a Romanian singer, songwriter, and one of the most successful stars of the European pop and dance scene. Her music blends pop, house, EDM, Latin, and Eastern European influences. Inna is among the most internationally recognized Romanian artists, with hits charting in over 50 countries worldwide.
Early Life
Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu was born on October 16, 1986 in Mangalia, Romania, and grew up in Neptun. From an early age, she showed a love for music, singing, and performing. Her parents were musicians and actively supported her artistic development. As a teenager, Inna took vocal lessons and participated in talent competitions, where she first stood out as a bright performer.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Her first major success came with the debut single "Hot" (2008), produced by Play & Win. The track became an instant hit across Europe — topping charts in Spain, France, the UK, Poland, Russia, and Turkey. Inna quickly became an international star, and the music video garnered hundreds of millions of views.
Her debut album "Hot" (2009) cemented her success, earning her prestigious awards such as the MTV Romania Music Awards and NRJ Music Awards. Singles like "Love", "Amazing", and "Déjà Vu" entered European charts and made her one of the most recognizable Eastern European pop artists.
Global Popularity
From 2010 to 2015, Inna released a series of dance-pop anthems that defined an era:
- "Sun Is Up" (2010) — a chart-topping track and one of her most iconic hits;
- "Club Rocker", "10 Minutes", "More Than Friends" (feat. Daddy Yankee);
- "Cola Song" (feat. J Balvin) — a Latin American breakthrough;
- "Ruleta" (feat. Erik) and "Nirvana" (2017) — blending EDM with Latin rhythms;
- "Flashbacks" (2021) — a viral global hit on TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify.
Musical Evolution
Inna constantly experiments with sound, blending pop, house, Latin pop, EDM, reggaeton, and deep dance. She sings in English, Spanish, and Romanian, making her music accessible to a global audience. The artist collaborates with top international producers — David Ciente, Marco & Seba, Sak Noel, Sickotoy — releasing both high-energy club tracks and emotional songs with elements of deep house.
Projects and Releases (2020–2025)
In the 2020s, Inna launched the innovative project "Dance Queen’s House" — a music reality series where she and her team of producers create a mini-album in just three weeks. These sessions have produced several releases:
- "Heartbreaker" (2020);
- "Champagne Problems #DQH1" (2022);
- "Champagne Problems #DQH2" (2022);
- "Just Dance #DQH3" (2023);
- "Dance Queen’s House #4" (expected in 2025).
Each release is accompanied by behind-the-scenes video diaries on YouTube, showcasing the creative process in real time.
Collaborations and International Work
Inna has collaborated with global stars, including:
- J Balvin — "Cola Song";
- Sean Paul — "Up" (2021);
- Sickotoy — "VKTM", "Papa";
- R3HAB — "Rock My Body" (2023), with Sash!;
- Dharia — "Clap Clap" (2022);
- The Motans, Carla’s Dreams, Antonia — duets for the Romanian market.
Between 2023 and 2024, Inna expanded her influence across Latin America and Eastern Europe, touring in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Ukraine, and Turkey.
Digital Achievements
- Over 10 billion views on YouTube;
- More than 7 million followers on Instagram;
- Over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify;
- Viral success on TikTok and Spotify Global playlists.
Personal Life
Inna keeps her personal life private. Since 2022, she has been dating producer Deliric (vocalist of OCS). She actively participates in charity initiatives, supporting Save the Children and UNICEF, and advocates for women’s rights and environmental awareness.
Style and Influence
Inna embodies the energy, style, and international success of modern Romania. Her vibrant image, charisma, and loyal global fanbase have made her one of the most influential women in Eastern European pop music.
Awards and Recognition
- Over 250 awards and nominations worldwide;
- Winner of MTV Europe Music Awards, NRJ Music Awards, and Romanian Music Awards;
- The first Romanian artist to enter the UK Singles Chart;
- Charted in more than 30 countries.
Present Day
As of 2025, Inna remains a symbol of contemporary European pop. She continues to release new tracks, evolve her sound, and inspire fans worldwide. Her name is synonymous with high-quality dance music, positive energy, and independence.
