No Angels

No Angels
Company type	Girl group
Industry	Music
Founded	2000
Founder	Nadja Benaissa, Lucy Diakovska, Sandy Mölling, Vanessa Petruo, Jessica Wahls
Headquarters	Germany
Products	Pop music recordings and performances
Number of employees	5 (initial members)

No Angels is a German female pop ensemble established in 2000. Initially formed as a quintet consisting of Nadja Benaissa, Lucy Diakovska, Sandy Mölling, Vanessa Petruo, and Jessica Wahls, the group originated from the inaugural season of the German version of the talent competition Popstars. They were among the pioneering television-assembled acts to attain sustained commercial acclaim throughout Central Europe during the early 2000s. Their major breakthrough occurred with the record-setting single "Daylight in Your Eyes" alongside their debut album, Elle'ments (2001). A series of successful releases reinforced their position as one of the decade’s leading female vocal groups, boasting four chart-topping singles, four number-one albums, and sales exceeding five million records. Their achievements include winning three ECHO awards, a World Music Award, an NRJ Music Award, two Comet awards, a Bambi, and a Goldene Kamera.

The group disbanded in late 2003 due to fatigue, with members embarking on solo ventures in music, theatre, television, and film. In 2007, four founding members reunited to release Destiny, marking their first album after more than four years. The following year, they represented Germany at Eurovision with the song "Disappear", finishing in 23rd place. Their 2009 release, Welcome to the Dance, did not meet commercial expectations. In September 2010, Benaissa departed for personal reasons, leaving the band as a trio before entering another hiatus. Early in 2021, the group reassembled as a quartet to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut. Their sixth studio effort, 20, which included both re-recorded tracks and new songs, was released in June 2021 and secured their fourth number-one album.

2000: Formation on Popstars

No Angels came into existence through RTL2’s first season of Popstars, a reality talent show designed to form a five-member girl group. The series was procured by producer Holger Roost-Macias at the 2000 MIPTV Media Market held in Cannes, France, following similar adaptations in Australia and New Zealand. During August and September, more than 4,300 applicants auditioned across key German cities, demonstrating both singing and dancing abilities. The judging panel featured entertainer Simone Angel, concert promoter Mario M. Mendryzcki, and Polydor Records A&R head Rainer Moslener.

Out of an initial selection of 200 girls invited to recall rounds, 32 contestants advanced to Mallorca, Spain for rigorous training encompassing vocals, dance routines, and physical conditioning. Choreographer Detlef Soost and vocal coach Robert Bicknel conducted daily eliminations until only eleven finalists remained before the ultimate selection. The final lineup—Nadja Benaissa, Lucy Diakovska, Sandy Mölling, Vanessa Petruo, and Jessica Wahls—secured contracts with Polydor Records. Initially managed by Joy Berhanu, the ensemble adopted the name No Angels through public televoting and relocated near Munich.

The televised program covered their studio recordings, photo sessions, music video shoots, as well as promotional events such as showcases and instore appearances. Their debut live performance took place at The Dome event held in Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle in February 2001.

2001: Major commercial success with Elle'ments

On 5 February 2001, No Angels launched their debut single, "Daylight in Your Eyes". The track quickly claimed the top positions on the Austrian, German, and Swiss Singles and Airplay Charts, establishing itself as one of the most triumphant debuts of the year. With sales surpassing one million copies, the single also charted in countries such as France, Latvia, Poland, and the UK, while reaching number one in Brazil and Estonia. Although a different video was produced for the North American market, the single experienced moderate success there, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart in June 2002.

Their first album, Elle'ments, crafted by German producers Thorsten Brötzmann, Leslie Mandoki, and Peter Ries, debuted at number one across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. No Angels achieved a record as the inaugural act to simultaneously debut at number one in all three countries with both their initial single and album. The album's global sales exceeded one million copies, making it Germany's highest-selling album of 2001. It garnered triple platinum and sevenfold gold certifications from the IFPI, alongside accolades such as a Bambi, two ECHO Awards, and a World Music Award.

The group's follow-up single, "Rivers of Joy", secured a position within the top ten, while their third release, "There Must Be an Angel", a rendition of the British duo Eurythmics, once again topped charts in Austria and Germany. The concluding single from Elle'ments was a double A-side featuring "When the Angels Sing" alongside "Atlantis", a collaboration with original artist Donovan. Re-recorded for the end credits of Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire, it reached the top five in Germany and received Gold certification.

After gaining exposure by supporting acts such as DJ Bobo and Westlife during German tour dates, No Angels embarked on their own concert tour starting October 2001. The tour encompassed over 30 sold-out performances and wrapped up in December 2001.

2002: Progression with Now... Us!

In June 2002, No Angels unveiled their sophomore album, Now... Us!, which included songwriting contributions from all group members and earned praise from critics previously doubtful of the band's sustainability. The album entered the charts at number one in Germany, number two in Austria, and number four in Switzerland, ultimately achieving platinum and double gold status from the IFPI.^[1] Esteemed producers such as Mousse T. participated in creating Now... Us!, whose lead single "Something About Us", co-written by band member Petruo, became their third non-consecutive chart-topper in Austria and Germany within a span of 16 months.^[2]

Additional singles included the Latin pop-influenced ballad "Still in Love with You", which reached the top five and earned a NRJ Music Award,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name as well as "Let's Go to Bed", a funk track produced by Mousse T., marking their first single not to break into Germany’s top ten.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In October, No Angels presented an exclusive swing concert at Berlin’s Tränenpalast venue, followed by the release of a DVD and live album titled When the Angels Swing. This project featured jazz reinterpretations of hits from their first two albums arranged by Grammy-nominated musician Till Brönner.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The live album attained number nine on the German Albums Chart and was certified gold.^[1] In November, they initiated their second nationwide concert series, the Four Seasons Tour, performing sold-out shows throughout German-speaking Europe with support acts including B3 and the Sugababes.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Shortly thereafter, Jessica Wahls declared she would take a hiatus to have her first child. Although plans were initially made for her return in 2003, management officially announced her departure in July 2003 as No Angels continued successfully as a quartet.^[3] Wahls signed a solo deal under the group's label, while fellow member Sandy Mölling later referred to Jessica’s pregnancy as "the beginning of the end of No Angels".^[3]

2003–2004: The Pure period and group dissolution

At the beginning of 2003, the four remaining members of No Angels intensified their efforts on their third studio album, assuming greater influence over the recording process and song choices to create a more intimate and authentic work—despite doubts expressed by their label Cheyenne Records and Polydor. Released in August 2003, Pure became their third album to reach number one in Germany. The record featured a sophisticated pop style, earning favorable comparisons to Madonna’s Ray of Light as well as groups such as All Saints and the Sugababes. Although it sold approximately 150,000 copies and achieved gold status, it did not attain the commercial heights of their earlier releases. The lead single "No Angel (It's All in Your Mind)" topped the German charts and entered the Austrian top ten, while "Someday" and "Feelgood Lies" both secured positions within the top five.

Subsequent singles were canceled after the band announced on 7 September 2003 that they would refrain from new projects in 2004 due to fatigue, with plans to disband by the end of that year. Their planned Pure Acoustic Tour for 2004 was called off amid widespread media speculation. Nevertheless, they issued a final compilation album titled The Best of No Angels in December 2003, which included all singles released between 2001 and 2003 alongside a revamped version of "Reason" featuring returning member Jessica Wahls; this became their last top ten hit prior to disbandment. At the same time, their vocals were featured on the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", which reached number three on German charts.

After performing a farewell concert at Munich’s Olympiahalle on 28 November and completing promotional activities, the members parted ways to pursue individual careers across music, theatre, television, and film. A live album capturing their unplugged set at Munich’s P1 club, entitled Acoustic Angels, was released in July 2004 as their final project under Cheyenne Records.

2006–2008: Reunion and participation in Eurovision

In early 2006, Lucy Diakovska took the initiative to reconnect with her former bandmates for a reunion. While Vanessa Petruo opted not to return due to her solo career ambitions, Sandy Mölling, Nadja Benaissa, and Jessica Wahls agreed to reunite after completing their individual projects. The group worked discreetly on new material and decided to proceed independently by obtaining rights to use the No Angels name and signing with Universal Music Germany’s Domestic Division. During summer 2006, they appeared as guest judges on Popstars – Neue Engel braucht das Land.

After much speculation, a press event on 31 January 2007 officially announced No Angels’ comeback and revealed plans for a new studio album. Although media coverage was largely positive, this reunion did not replicate their prior commercial achievements. Their 2007 release Destiny debuted at number four on German charts—marking their first studio album not to reach number one. The lead single "Goodbye to Yesterday" entered Germany’s top five; however, subsequent singles "Maybe" and the double A-side "Amaze Me"/"Teardrops" failed to gain significant commercial traction. In March 2008, they released Destiny Reloaded, an expanded edition featuring unreleased songs and remixes. Additionally, in late 2007 No Angels recorded "Life Is a Miracle," the theme track for Warner Bros.’ animated film Little Dodo.

In January 2008, No Angels qualified for Germany’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with "Disappear," produced by Remee and Thomas Troelsen. Following promotional activities across Europe, they won the national final with a narrow majority of 50.5% audience votes. Released on 29 February 2008, "Disappear" peaked at number four in Germany, becoming their most successful single in several years. As one of the largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union, Germany secured direct qualification for No Angels into the Eurovision final held in May 2008.

The contest finale attracted an estimated audience of 100 million viewers across 43 countries participating in televoting via phone and text messages. No Angels finished in 23rd place out of 25 entries with a total of 14 points—receiving twelve points from Bulgaria (Diakovska’s home country) and two points from Switzerland. Only Poland and the United Kingdom ranked below them.

2009–2011: Welcome to the Dance

After an underwhelming showing at the Eurovision Song Contest, the group took a break from recording and entered a hiatus. Initially managing themselves following their reunion, they later partnered with Khalid Schröder's Kool Management in mid-2008 and commenced production on their fifth studio album, Welcome to the Dance. The project involved collaboration with North American producers including The Writing Camp, Adam Messinger, Nasri Atweh, Bill Blast, and Aaron Pearce, steering their sound toward dance and electronic styles. Released on 11 September 2009 after postponements linked to Nadja Benaissa's legal difficulties, the album received mixed critical responses and debuted at number 26 on the German charts—representing their lowest chart position and sales to date. Its only single, "One Life", peaked at number 15 on Germany’s Singles Chart. Plans to release "Derailed" as a follow-up single were eventually scrapped.

In May 2010, the band embarked on their first tour in eight years: a five-date acoustic series titled An Intimate Evening With Tour across prominent German cities. Drawing inspiration from their 2003 unplugged concert, the setlist spanned all five studio albums but was performed as a trio after Benaissa withdrew due to illness. The tour garnered positive reviews and was initially intended to be extended into 2011.

By September 2010, Benaissa officially departed from the group following her suspended sentence and completion of community service, leaving the band as a trio. Although a live album and tenth-anniversary initiatives were announced for 2011, these were ultimately abandoned in favor of individual solo projects. In 2014, Lucy Diakovska confirmed that No Angels had disbanded with no plans for further commercial endeavors.

2020–2022: Second reunion and 20

The passing of Diakovska’s mother in February 2020 prompted Benaissa, Diakovska, Mölling, and Wahls to reconnect and initiate plans for No Angels’ twentieth anniversary. That year, BMG Rights Management acquired the catalog from their former label Cheyenne Records. On 27 November 2020, after a five-year absence from digital platforms, No Angels’ back catalog from 2000 to 2004 was re-released online supported by a digital marketing campaign and high-quality music video premieres. Renewed streaming success and media attention encouraged the group to create an official Instagram account where they shared behind-the-scenes content and hosted livestream sessions. Backed by BMG, the four members reunited in January 2021 to record fresh vocals for a Celebration Version of "Daylight in Your Eyes" alongside producer and manager Christian Geller. Released on 12 February 2021, this version reached the top ten on the German Download Chart.

Following their first live appearance in ten years on Schlagerchampions 2021, No Angels secured a new recording contract with BMG and began creating 20, their first full-length release since 2009 that expanded on anniversary festivities. Issued on 4 June 2021, 20 comprised four new tracks alongside sixteen reworked songs from their initial three albums. Produced by Geller, the album received mixed critiques—commended for its polished production but questioned regarding its overall significance. It debuted at number one on the German Albums Chart, marking their first chart-topping album in almost twenty years, while also reaching top ten positions in Austria and Switzerland. Singles included Celebration Versions of "Still in Love with You" (June), followed by "Mad Wild" and "When the Angels Sing" released in August and October respectively. In October 2021, they were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Preis für Popkultur for their enduring influence on pop music.

In June 2022, No Angels kicked off their Celebration Tour at Berlin’s Parkbühne Wuhlheide, continuing with ten performances across Germany through October. The Berlin concert earned a nomination for Most Impressive Live Show at the 2023 Preis für Popkultur.

2023–present: Festival performances and It's Christmas

Between 2023 and 2024, No Angels reunited for a series of festival shows and notable guest appearances, including a feature at German hip hop collective K.I.Z's International Women's Day event held at Berlin's Mercedes-Benz Arena in March 2023. In January 2024, the group revealed intentions to produce a new album during the summer months. Recording sessions occurred from July through August, with Christian Geller resuming his role as producer.

Commemorating their 25th anniversary, No Angels embarked on the Still in Love with You – Summer 2025 festival tour spanning June to October 2025, garnering praise for delivering vibrant and nostalgic live performances. In October 2025, they announced the upcoming release of their eighth studio effort and inaugural Christmas-themed album, It's Christmas, set to be issued via Geller's Stars by Edel label in November. The lead track, "I Still Believe," was launched on 10 October 2025 and served as the official anthem for the 30th RTL-Spendenmarathon.

During the same month, the group also disclosed plans for a TwentyFive Live 2026 tour, intended to extend their anniversary celebrations.

Studio albums

Elle'ments (2001)
Now... Us! (2002)
Pure (2003)
Destiny (2007)
Welcome to the Dance (2009)
20 (2021)
It's Christmas (2025)

Tours

Concert tours

Rivers of Joy Tour (2001)
Four Seasons Tour (2002)
An Intimate Evening with No Angels Tour (2010)
Celebration Tour (2022)

Festival tours

Still in Love with You – Summer 2025 (2025)

Awards

External links

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