“I Think I Will Always Feel Like I Have Something To Prove”: Benjamin Ingrosso’s Still Hungry For More

For his upcoming fifth album baby don't say that, I'm sensitive, the Swedish star swaps its predecessor’s theatrics for something a little more groovy.

To many artists, music is a therapeutic practice. A chance to let go of inhibitions in the creation process and onstage in front of fans. For Benjamin Ingrosso, doing so has worked wonders. “Singing about stuff that’s so personal is a very vulnerable thing to do, but I realised that it made me more open as a person overall,” he admits. “I’m more vulnerable in interviews as well, which is kind of nice. I feel like a lot of people can relate.”

Growing up in one of Sweden’s most recognisable entertainment families, being in the limelight is nothing new for Ingrosso. His mother Pernilla Wahlgren is a singer and actor, his sister Bianca a media personality and his cousin Sebastian a member of the legendary electronic group Swedish House Mafia. However, despite having such a talented structure around him, Ingrosso has managed to  carve his own lane in the big leagues of Swedish pop, with four – almost five albums – under his belt and a Top 10 Eurovision finish to boot. 

That path started with his appearances on Sweden’s annual Eurovision selection competition, Melodifestivalen, finishing in fifth place in 2017 before going all the way in 2018 with his performance of “Dance You Off’, qualifying for the international final and finishing seventh on the night. He released his debut album Identification that same year, before creating a two-part Swedish-language sophomore En gång i tiden in 2021 that helped secure him a Grammis Award for Artist of the Year. His Romeo & Juliet-inspired  2024 LP Pink Velvet Theatre also brought him further accolades at the Swedish equivalent of The Grammy’s by 2025. 

Now, he looks towards his next era: baby don’t say that, I’m sensitive. As the name suggests, the album reveals a more vulnerable side, told through a musical language that draws on ’80s new wave and alt-pop. And with his Swedish What’s Next? arena tour well underway, Ingrosso gets candid with Man About Town about the new record, Eurovision and fashion influences.

Your new album is called baby don’t say that, i’m sensitive. Have you become more comfortable with vulnerability since creating it?

Yes, I have. I spent a lot of time in the studio, writing about thoughts and feelings without having to think about someone judging me. Then, obviously, you always wait for a while until the [work]  comes out, which gives you time to process everything. 

On “mommy’s boy”, you explore the insecurities that can be masked by outward confidence. Do you see yourself reverting to humour in uncomfortable situations?

Yes, I often make jokes about how depressing I am. And when I’m sad, I describe it in a funny way to people. It’s a coping mechanism, I guess. 

Pink Velvet Theatre was theatrical, while your new album draws on ’80s new wave and early ’00s indie. What inspired this new direction?

I think when I started this next chapter of music and the album for myself, I wanted to let go of musical theatre and dive into more elements of music that I hadn’t really discovered yet. I watched a lot of films and I listened to a lot of different genres of music, I really wanted to challenge myself. I also wanted the lyrics to be the main focus on this record. To start with the lyrics is a new way of making music for me.

Your new record explores relationship self-sabotage. Do you find the writing process aiding your own personal evolution?

Kind of, I think it’s a bit of both. I’m very good at knowing what I should and shouldn’t do, but I’m very bad at listening to those thoughts, and I usually do the opposite.

In 2018, you competed in Eurovision. When you look back on that experience at this stage of your life, what are your reflections?

I was so young. I think I would have done a different performance and a different song if I got to redo it, but I learned a lot from that and I try not to go back and regret things. I’m very proud of the Interval Act [performance] I did two years ago [at the semi-final in Malmö]. It was kind of my revival from that experience.

Your music often comes with a strong visual identity. How much does fashion influence how you perform on stage?

A lot, I would say. I think it’s a big part of my whole performance and what I wear can really help me get into my performing persona, but it depends on the show, of course. This new show is very much leaning into classic rom-coms from the ’90s, so what I wear is inspired by that. 

You’ve already achieved so much in Sweden. Do you still feel you have something to prove, or are you able to sit in your achievements?

I think I will always feel like I have something to prove. I will never be satisfied, but that is what motivates me. 

Your tour is called What Happens Next?. Is that a question you’re asking yourself or your fans?

A bit of both.

baby don't say that, I'm sensitive releases March 19, 2027 via EMI Nordic/Universal Music