Nightwish lineup changes explained: From Tarja Turunen to Floor Jansen’s departure

Finnish symphonic metal giants Nightwish announced on October 15, 2026, that they have parted ways with singer Floor Jansen, bringing another major change to a band whose lineup has evolved repeatedly over three decades. Jansen joined the group as a touring vocalist in 2012 and became a permanent member in 2013.

According to the band’s statement, the decision was mutual. Nightwish also said it intends to continue and enter the studio in 2027. No replacement singer has been announced. Read Chaoszine’s report on Floor Jansen’s departure for the announcement itself.

The latest news also puts the spotlight on the band’s earlier lineup changes, from the departure of original bassist Sami Vänskä to the high-profile exits of vocalists Tarja Turunen and Anette Olzon. Here is a chronological look at the most significant changes.

2001: Bassist Sami Vänskä leaves Nightwish

Sami Vänskä, who played bass during the band’s early years, was dismissed in 2001 amid reported internal disagreements. He was replaced by Marko Hietala (also widely credited as Marco Hietala), whose bass playing and vocals became a prominent part of Nightwish‘s sound for nearly two decades.

2005: Nightwish dismiss Tarja Turunen after Helsinki concert

One of the most widely discussed moments in Finnish metal history came in October 2005. Following a concert at Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena, the band dismissed founding vocalist Tarja Turunen and publicly released an open letter explaining its position.

The split sparked extensive public debate. Turunen later spoke about the emotional impact of the dismissal and the attention surrounding it. The circumstances and the band’s public handling of the departure have continued to attract interest long after the event.

2007: Anette Olzon becomes Nightwish’s second lead singer

After an extensive search for a replacement, Swedish singer Anette Olzon was introduced as the band’s new vocalist in 2007. She went on to sing on the studio albums “Dark Passion Play” and “Imaginaerum”, marking a new era in the band’s musical history.

2012: Anette Olzon and Nightwish part ways during tour

In October 2012, Nightwish and Anette Olzon parted ways during a North American tour. The group cited conflicting goals and irreconcilable differences in its public explanation. The circumstances subsequently became the subject of differing accounts from Olzon and the band.

Olzon later returned to performing songs from her Nightwish years. In a Chaoszine video interview, she discussed contacting Tuomas Holopainen about singing the band’s material live.

2012–2013: Floor Jansen joins and becomes a permanent member

Dutch vocalist Floor Jansen initially stepped in to complete touring commitments in 2012. In October 2013, Nightwish confirmed her as a permanent member. Her tenure included the albums “Endless Forms Most Beautiful”, “Human. :II: Nature.” and “Yesterwynde”.

2014–2019: Jukka Nevalainen steps aside from drumming

Longtime drummer Jukka Nevalainen announced in 2014 that serious insomnia would prevent him from taking part in the band’s forthcoming recording and touring commitments. Kai Hahto stepped in on drums and was later confirmed as the band’s permanent drummer, while Nevalainen did not return to active performing with the group.

2021: Marko Hietala leaves Nightwish

In January 2021, bassist and vocalist Marko Hietala announced his departure. He later spoke publicly about the mental-health difficulties he experienced around that period. His exit marked another significant change to the band’s established lineup.

2026: Floor Jansen leaves Nightwish after 13 years as an official member

On October 15, 2026, Nightwish announced that it and Floor Jansen had agreed to go their separate ways. The band did not name a successor or provide a detailed explanation for the decision. It did, however, confirm plans to record new music in 2027.

With the vocalist position once again open, questions about the next chapter are inevitable. For now, any suggestion about Jansen’s replacement would be speculation. The band’s own announcement is the clearest source for what has been confirmed.