After winning the first ever Norwegian Idol contest in 2003, he went on to be a huge success in Norway, with the hit "She's so High". The year after, he won the World Idol contest too, beating the bookies' favourite Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the American Idol, after being told by Simon Cowell that "You look like a hobbit, but you sing like an angel!". His voice has often been compared to that of Bono from U2.

He has recorded several albums, the latest one Rise To The Occation - with the single "Lost Highway" together with country legend Willie Nelson. _The_ Willie Nelson. Kurt has also played with Willie on his tour here in Norway.

Kurt Nilsen married Kristin Halvorsen in the summer of 2006. He has two kids from a previous relationship. His wife, Kristin, is one of the backupsingers in Kurt Nilsens hit "Push Push".

In the sparetime he enjoys trips to his lodge in the Norwegian mountains, and he is a huge fan of fishing.

Kurt is a son of a truck driver, and used to skip school for several weeks, just to be with his father on the road. Kurt was originally a plumber before he entered the Norwegian Idol contest, where he against all odds won.