The young soprano from Ystad is the second opera star to receive the award; in 2004 it went to Anne Sofie von Otter.
After the ceremony at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, the surprised but happy award winner says the news has not yet sunk in.
It actually felt a bit surreal. I even think I tripped when I got up, says Christina Nilsson and continues:
These are incredibly big names and you can't compare genres, but when I read the others I thought, "Wow, what an honor to be nominated."
In addition to the award, she is also pleased that the opera genre is now being recognized.
It really feels great for the industry that what you do is seen. Because I don't think you go around thinking about it yourself - or I don't - so when it comes, you get all warm inside.
Newly appointed court singer
The award was presented by Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa (M).
Christina Nilsson was nominated along with a renowned line-up of artists: Yung Lean, Ghost, Zara Larsson, and composer Ludwig Göransson were also on the list.
The opera singer had her breakthrough in 2018 in the role of Aida at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. Last year she was appointed court singer, and among the international stages she has appeared on are the Metropolitan in New York and Covent Garden in London.
The Hives receive honorary award
The government's honorary award goes to The Hives and a special honorable mention goes to Max Martin and Shellback's production company MXM for their work on the latest Taylor Swift album.
It feels good, a bit like a gold watch for long and faithful service. You have to think about how long you've actually been at it, at the absolute top level, and it feels fun, says Pelle Almqvist, singer in The Hives.
