Nicky Romero
Dutch DJ and producer who co-created the UK number-one hit "I Could Be the One" with Avicii.
Nicky Romero, born Nick Rotteveel on 6 January 1989 in Amerongen, Netherlands, is a Dutch DJ, record producer and remixer who collaborated with Avicii on the 2013 single "I Could Be the One". That track became a massive success across Europe, debuting at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 17 February 2013. While it marked Romero's first chart-topper in the UK, Avicii had previously achieved a UK number one with "Levels" in 2011. On the UK Dance Chart, it debuted at number one ahead of Baauer's "Harlem Shake". Romero's partnership with Avicii represents a key moment in early-2010s progressive house, blending their distinct production styles into an anthem that defined festival seasons.
- Name
- Nicky Romero
- Role
- Producer, DJ, Collaborator
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Key Collaboration
- Avicii vs Nicky Romero
- Genre
- Progressive House, Electro House
- Status
- Active
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In 2012, Nicky Romero collaborated with Swedish DJ/producer Avicii to produce the highly anticipated single "I Could Be the One". The track became a massive success across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 17 February 2013 — for the week ending on 23 February 2013. While it became Romero's first chart-topper in the UK, Avicii had already topped the chart with "Levels" in 2011. On the UK Dance Chart, "I Could Be the One" debuted at number one ahead of Baauer's "Harlem Shake", which entered at number two. That same year, Romero achieved popularity with his own recording "Toulouse", which became a mainstay on the Beatport Top Ten for a significant period. MTV named him an EDM artist to watch in 2012. In October 2012, Romero achieved the highest new entry on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs fan poll, landing at spot number 17 — one of the highest new entries ever, together with Skrillex and Dash Berlin. He also attained a joint residency with David Guetta at Ibiza for summer 2012. Following "I Could Be the One" in 2013, Romero released "Symphonica", which reached No. 1 on the overall Beatport Top 100 chart, and a collaboration with Krewella, "Legacy", which also hit the No. 1 spot on Beatport. He performed as a resident at The Light Las Vegas and played major festivals including Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, Sensation White, and Tomorrowland. At TomorrowWorld, he was one of the first music acts to present an interactive performance experience using Google Glass. In October 2013, Romero ranked at number 7 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs annual fan poll. He helms his own weekly radio show, Protocol Radio, and his own record label, Protocol Recordings.
In Their Own Story
The studio session that produced "I Could Be the One" brought together two producers at the peak of their powers. Nicky Romero, fresh off the viral success of "Toulouse" and a joint residency with David Guetta in Ibiza, joined Avicii, who was riding the wave of "Levels". The track they built became a massive success across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 17 February 2013 — for the week ending on 23 February 2013 — becoming both Romero and Avicii's first chart-topper in the UK. On the UK Dance Chart, it debuted at number one ahead of Baauer's "Harlem Shake", which entered at number two. The collaboration cemented Romero's place in the mainstream, following his DJ Mag 'Highest New Entry' award at spot number 17 in October 2012. He would go on to rank at number 7 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs annual fan poll in October 2013, the same year he released "Symphonica" and "Legacy" — both Beatport No. 1s — and performed at TomorrowWorld with an interactive Google Glass experience.
Reader's Guide
Nicky Romero's collaboration with Avicii on "I Could Be the One" represents a landmark moment in both artists' careers. The single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 17 February 2013, becoming both Romero and Avicii's first chart-topper in the UK. On the UK Dance Chart, it debuted at number one ahead of Baauer's "Harlem Shake". This track followed Romero's 2012 breakout "Toulouse", which became a mainstay on the Beatport Top Ten for a significant period. That same year, MTV named him an EDM artist to watch, and he received the DJ Mag 'Highest New Entry' award at spot number 17 — one of the highest new entries ever, together with Skrillex and Dash Berlin. Romero also attained a joint residency with David Guetta at Ibiza for summer 2012. In 2013, after "I Could Be the One", Romero released "Symphonica" (No. 1 on Beatport Top 100) and "Legacy" with Krewella (also Beatport No. 1). He performed as a resident at The Light Las Vegas and played major festivals including Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, Sensation White, and Tomorrowland. At TomorrowWorld, he was one of the first music acts to present an interactive performance experience using Google Glass. In October 2013, he ranked at number 7 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs annual fan poll. He helms his own weekly radio show, Protocol Radio, and his own record label, Protocol Recordings.
Did You Know?
- Nicky Romero and Avicii's single "I Could Be the One" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 17 February 2013. It was Romero's first UK number one, but Avicii had already topped the chart with "Levels" in 2011.
- On the UK Dance Chart, "I Could Be the One" debuted at number one ahead of Baauer's "Harlem Shake", which entered at number two.
- In October 2012, Romero achieved the highest new entry on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs fan poll at spot number 17, one of the highest new entries ever together with Skrillex and Dash Berlin.
- Romero attained a joint residency with David Guetta at Ibiza for the summer of 2012.
- At TomorrowWorld, Romero was one of the first music acts to present an interactive performance experience using Google Glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nicky Romero?
He is a Dutch DJ and record producer born in 1989 who became well-known for his partnership with Avicii. His real name is Nick Rotteveel, and he hails from Amerongen, Netherlands.
What song did Nicky Romero make with Avicii?
They collaborated on the massive 2013 single titled "I Could Be the One". This track blended their distinct production styles within the progressive house genre.
How successful was "I Could Be the One"?
The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in February 2013, marking a first for both artists. It also topped the UK Dance Chart ahead of other major hits like "Harlem Shake".
What role does Nicky Romero play in Avicii's discography?
He served as a key collaborator and co-producer during a pivotal moment in early-2010s electronic music. His partnership represents an important blend of electro house and progressive sounds for Avicii.
Is Nicky Romero still active in the music industry?
Yes, he remains an active figure as a DJ and producer following his breakthrough collaboration with Avicii. He continues to perform and release music under his own name globally.
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