Omar Rudberg: ‘The success of Young Royals still feels surreal to me’

Omar Rudberg opens up to Xmag about his transformation from pop sensation to Netflix’s Young Royals star. In this exclusive interview, he shares personal stories, creative insights, and his hopes for the future.

From his early days on Got Talent Sweden and with the band FO&O, to becoming one of Netflix’s most beloved faces through Young Royals, Omar Rudberg opens up to Xmag about his journey, his present and his plans for the future.

In a relaxed setting, and with the candidness of someone who knows dreams are built one step at a time, Omar Rudberg reminisces about how his musical journey began. “Yes, we’re still in touch. In fact, we’re meeting up for dinner tonight. We catch up from time to time when we have the chance. Being in the band was a real learning experience,” he reveals. His time with FO&O and on Got Talent Sweden marked a major turning point in his life: “Got Talent was my launchpad – I had never performed live on stage or sung in front of an audience before. That was my beginning, it was super exciting. From there, opportunities came my way, I seized them, and kept going.”

Following the release of his single ‘Alla Ba OUFF’, Omar is pressing forward: “Now I’m releasing songs one by one, leading up to the album. I’ll drop a new track in November, though I’m not sure of the exact date yet. But it’s definitely coming in November. I hope everyone’s ready!”

When asked whether he feels he’s found his artistic path, Omar smiles: “Over the years I think I’ll explore different styles, of course, but right now I’m focused on the music I’m making. After the first album, we’ll see what comes next (laughs).”

His role in Young Royals opened up a new chapter in his life. “This role was my first experience as an actor. For me, it was something totally different, and I learnt so much during filming. It was a school for me,” he reflects.

Speaking about the upcoming second season, Omar admits he’s still in the dark: “I haven’t read the script for season two yet, so I don’t know much about the storyline. But I think it’ll be less stressful for me this time around. I’ll be able to really dive into my role and aim to do it three times better. After the first season’s experience, I’m excited and can’t wait to work on this series again.”

Reflecting on the global success of Young Royals, Omar’s voice fills with emotion: “Yes, yes, it’s honestly crazy. I never expected it to reach so many countries and get so much love. It’s something surreal and I’m so happy. The series deserves it because the message we’re conveying is so important.”

The conversation shifts to inclusion and diversity, referencing recent comments by the Dutch Prime Minister about Princess Amalia. “I don’t know (laughs), but what I feel is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re part of a royal family or not – you should live your life the way you want to. We all have the same rights, it’s a human thing. It doesn’t matter who you fall in love with, that shouldn’t be an issue. I’m here for it all,” he declares.

Omar is visibly moved when reflecting on how he and Edvin Ryding have touched so many lives through the series: “This is the part that’s strange to me. I’ll never fully understand it, I don’t know how to explain it. It’s something so huge, I can’t wrap my head around it. But I’m incredibly happy that we’re part of people’s lives and can help them. It’s crazy, but I love it and I’m so happy people have found something that truly speaks for them.”

When it comes to working with Edvin, Omar’s smile widens: “We’re real friends. I love working with Edvin and being around him, he’s such a lovely person. It’s been a wild ride. We’ve had so much fun on set and off set. He’s taught me a lot – he started acting when he was five, and being around him made me feel more at ease and confident,” he shares. He can’t resist sharing a funny moment: “One time, we were on set, outside, and a spider landed on his face. It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t stop laughing. He’s really scared of spiders (laughs). It’s all on camera – the camera was right in front of us (laughs).”

Before signing off, Omar has a heartfelt message for his fans: “I’m so happy and grateful for everything you all do for me, for Edvin, for the series… I truly love you all, and I hope I can see you and hug you all someday. Thank you so much, truly!”

Credits:
Photography: @studiodipol
Creative Direction: @hernanripiert
Stylist: @asamaria_camnert
Hair and make up: @borghelen / @agentbauer_com
Stylist’s assistant: @linaeriiksson
Management: @tenmusicgroup @theresehadinggard

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