Sonu Nigam was born in Faridabad, Haryana, to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam. His father was from Agra, and his mother was from Garhwal. He has two sisters, Meenal Nigam, a yoga therapist, and Teesha Nigam, a professional singer.

At the age of four, Sonu Nigam began singing, joining his father, Agam Kumar Nigam, on stage to perform Mohammed Rafi's song "Kya Hua Tera Wada."

Sonu Nigam began accompanying his father on singing appearances at weddings and parties, developing his talent and gaining experience.

Sonu Nigam's first song was for the movie Janam, which was never released.

Sonu Nigam moved to Mumbai with his father to start his Bollywood singing career. He was trained by Hindustani classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

Sonu Nigam began his career with the song Hum To Chhaila Ban Gaye from DD1's TV serial Talash.

Sonu Nigam released his first album, Rafi Ki Yaadein.

Sonu Nigam's first film song "O Aasmanwale" was from the movie Aaja Meri Jaan.

Sonu Nigam began hosting the TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, gaining widespread recognition.

Sonu Nigam sang the patriotic song "Sandese Aate Hai" from the movie Border and performed the song "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes, both of which were highly successful.

Sonu Nigam's album Deewana, with music directed by Sajid–Wajid, was released by T-Series.

Sonu Nigam received his first Filmfare Award for the title song of the film Saathiya, composed by A.R. Rahman.

Sonu Nigam married Madhurima Mishra.

Sonu Nigam's song "Kal Ho Naa Ho" from the picture of the same name earned him his only National Film Award, his second Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, and a third IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

Sonu Nigam participated in The Incredibles tour with Asha Bhosle, Kunal Ganjawala, and Kailash Kher.

Sonu Nigam gave solo concerts titled Simply Sonu in Canada and Germany, becoming the first Indian singer to do so.

Sonu Nigam sang Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Drew Gilpin Faust.

Sonu Nigam toured India promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".

Sonu Nigam participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Sonu Nigam participated in a US tour with Sunidhi Chauhan called The Explosion 2009 tour.

Sonu Nigam was awarded Global Indian Music Academy Awards 2010 for his song 'All izz Well', BIG Star Entertainment Awards for Best Playback Singer of the Decade (2000–2010) (MALE) and Global Indian Music Award for Best Live Performer (Male).

Sonu Nigam participated in a UK tour titled All Izz Well.

Sonu Nigam collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.

Sonu Nigam collaborated with Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson on song "This Is It" which was written and composed by Sonu as tribute to Michael after his death.

Sonu Nigam performed song "Let's Go for Glory" at 2011 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony composed by Sonu himself.

Sonu Nigam collaborated with DJ Avicii on his song "Indian Levels", produced by Avicii.

Sonu Nigam won many awards for his song Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin from Agneepath, including 5th Mirchi Music Awards for Male Vocalist of The Year, BIG Star Entertainment Awards 2012, 18th Lions Gold Awards, 2013 Zee Cine Awards, 19th Lions Gold Award, 2013 Times of India Film Awards.

Sonu Nigam composed the title track of the film Singh Saab The Great and has also composed music for other films including: Sooper Se Ooper and Jal, in collaboration with percussionist Bickram Ghosh.

Sonu Nigam was ranked the Number 1 artist on the US Billboard Uncharted charts twice.

Sonu Nigam launched his own music label named 'I Believe Music' and "Rudhrashtakam" is the first track to release under the label.

Sonu Nigam launched his NFT Series which features his English-language single ‘Hall of fame’ and pages from his personal diary where he has penned down key moments of his life and details of his practice and recording session along with lyrics of his popular songs. He became the first Indian singer to launch an NFT with digital media company JetSynthesys.

Sonu Nigam travelled to United Kingdom for his tour "Rafi Kishore aur Main" presented by Grace Entertainment. He rendered his own songs, as well as evergreen tracks that were originally sung by legendary singers Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi.

Sonu Nigam was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.