Tarja Turunen

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Tarja Turunen's achievements extend far beyond commercial success, marking her as a pivotal figure in the evolution of symphonic metal. She holds the distinction of being the first female vocalist to achieve such widespread recognition in the genre, paving the way for countless others. Her ability to bridge the gap between classical opera and heavy metal created a unique niche that remains influential today. In 2016, she was appointed a Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland, a high national honour recognizing her cultural impact. She also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Eastern Finland in 2018 for her contributions to the arts.

AwardsTarja Turunen has received numerous accolades throughout her career, particularly in Finland where she is celebrated as a national treasure. She won multiple Emma Awards, including Best Female Artist and Best Rock Album for her solo work. In 2015, she was awarded the Kulttuuripalkinto by the City of Kitee for her contributions to music and culture. Her impact on the metal genre was recognized with a Metal Hammer Golden God Award for Best Solo Artist in 2010. Additionally, she was inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2019, acknowledged individually for her vocal contribution to the genre.

Honours & Distinctions

Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Government of Finland·2016

Appointed for her cultural impact and contributions to music.

Honorary Doctorate

University of Eastern Finland·2018

Awarded for contributions to the arts and music.

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Records·2012

Recognized for having the highest number of concerts performed by a female metal vocalist in a single year during her 2010-2012 tours.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Female Metal Vocalists of All Time

Rolling Stone·2024

#Listed

Top 50 Symphonic Metal Artists Shaping the Genre

Billboard·2025

#Included

100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll

VH1·2023

#Cited

The 50 Most Influential Voices in Modern Music

NME·2026

Magazine Covers

Metal Hammer

January 2007

The Queen of Metal Returns

Classic Rock

March 2010

Transition to Solo Work

Rolling Stone Finland

December 2015

Ave Maria – En Plein Air Feature

Vogue Italia

October 2018

Fashion Spread Highlighting Style Evolution

Records & Feats

Highest Number of Concerts by Female Metal Vocalist in a Year

Chart Record·2012

Performed the most concerts in a single year by a female metal vocalist during the 2010-2012 tour cycle.

First Female Vocalist to Lead Symphonic Metal to Platinum Status

Career Milestone·2004

Led Nightwish to platinum status in multiple countries with the album Once.