Bea Ernman: Breaking Free from the Shadow of Greta Thunberg
- by Viorica Engelhardt
- 3 Min
Bea Ernman Set to Surpass Role as Greta Thunberg's Sibling - Bea Ernman aspires to transcend the role of Greta Thunberg's sibling.
Bea Ernman hauls focus on a modest stage in Stockholm, glittering earrings adorning her ears, a sleek leopard dress fitting snugly, her voice echoing powerfully through the venue. She belts out French chansons, original tracks - lyrics about girls needing to protect their boundaries. Bea is 19, a singer, and the sister of Greta Thunberg. An identity she's desperate to shed.
Thunberg. The name evokes both admiration and controversy. Beata Thunberg has discarded it, like a dress that's become too constricting. Today, she goes by Bea Ernman - after her mother, the opera singer Malena Ernman. But it's more than merely a name change. It's an attempt at breaking free.
Bea Ernman Paves Her Own Path
While Greta made headlines sailing off the coast of Gaza, Bea strikes a different chord: louder, bolder, more personal.
Greta Thunberg: symbol of renunciation, stern words, serious gaze, messages cautioning the world. Bea Ernman: platinum blonde hair, fishnet stockings, "Queen" crystal earrings. Her chosen stage: music, not the climate.
Bea first rose to fame at 13, appearing on a Swedish TV show, then dueting with her mother in the musical "Forever Piaf," embodying the young Édith Piaf. The press hailed her as a "giant talent" at the time.
But with every article and report that escalated Greta's fame, Bea was reduced to the mere "little sister." The one who stood in the shadow, experienced bullying, had ADHD, the one who was perhaps assumed would join the fight against the climate crisis. The disadvantages she had to bear: "The one who suffers is my sister," Greta once told "The Sun." Hate messages, threats - Bea endured them all simply because she was referred to as Thunberg.
"My Voice Was Born Out of Pain"
Today, Bea makes it clear: this isn't her fight. Her stage is the realm of music, her message different. Her songs - partly in Swedish, partly in French - delve into girls who mature too soon, learning the hard truth about self-defense. About men who overstep boundaries. About an entertainment world that praises potential until it becomes inconvenient. Her words are not slogans, they are cries. "My voice was born out of pain," she once penned.
A Performance to Prove: I Am Not the Second Greta
On Instagram, she presents herself with self-assured confidence, adorned with pink lipstick and an even pinker rhinestone bikini. A performance to prove: I am not conformist, I am not quiet. There are no hints of Greta or her political causes. Bea focuses solely on her music and the desire to be seen. She wants to be herself, not the second Greta.
Greta Thunberg is the embodiment of renunciation, the leading fighter against the impending catastrophe, and recently questionable Palestine viewpoints. Bea Ernman advocates defiance in stilettos, the struggle against patriarchy. While Greta has long been transformed into a global billboard, Bea performs in small clubs to sing about the freedom that her last name never provided her.
Enrichment Data:
Musical Focus:
- Vocal Style: Bea Ernman is known for her powerful vocals, with her stage presence characterized by corsets and fishnets, highlights of her versatility and confidence [4][5].
- Genre: While specific genres are not specified, her performances exude a mix of energetic and emotive singing, possibly leaning towards pop, contemporary, or other stylistic blends.
Personal Message:
- Critique of Objectification: Bea's music, particularly the single "I Found Your Father's Gun," serves as a strong critique of societal norms that objectify women. She employs metaphorical language to expose double standards and emphasize the importance of men respecting women's rights [2].
- Empowerment Through Music: Bea has stated that her voice was "built from pain," reflecting her past experiences with bullying due to her sister's activism. Her music functions as a means of empowerment and a way for her to express herself honestly [5].
Personal Background:
- Family and Name Change: Originally known as Beata Thunberg, Bea has opted to use her mother's maiden name, Ernman, perhaps to establish her own identity independent from her sister's controversial fame [5].
- Inspiration from Family: Bea draws inspiration from her opera singer mother, Malena Ernman, and has been applauded by Greta for her talent [2][5].
I'm not going to be able to do this, entertain the idea of following in Greta's footsteps. Instead, I'm choosing a different rhythm, one that beats with the pulsating heart of music and the raw emotions of celebrities who've dared to challenge norms, like Edith Piaf or the bold women in my music.
