Swedish soprano Birgit Nilsson was one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to sing a wide range of roles. Nilsson was born in 1918 and began her career as a singer in 1945. She went on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and La Scala in Milan. Nilsson was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 and was made a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2003.