Martijn

Joost Klein for The Netherlands

photo: AVROTROS Joost Klein will represent The Netherlands in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, next year in Malmö. That is what Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced this morning. One of the Dutch radiostations, NPO3, already campaigned a lot for Joost. And in the end, it worked. Below, you see the video where he got the phonecall from AVROTROS, telling him he is selected. “Following a careful and multi-phase process, the selection committee ultimately opted for Joost Klein. There were a lot of entries from a wide range of genres, but in our view his had the most hit potential. In the song, you hear his familiar mix of party and nostalgia.” “With his enormous creativity, we think Joost can put on a great show in a totally original way, and that the Netherlands and Europe are in for a positive surprise. We’re really looking forward to working with him.” Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen, chair of the selection committee. Joost Klein: “Taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream come true. I used to watch it together with my parents, glued to the screen, year after year. It’s an honor to represent the Netherlands, and I’m committed to giving my all for the best possible outcome.” source: AVROTROS This is not the Eurovision Song but it is an idea of what you can expect:

🇸🇪 National selections: what’s going on?

Several countries have an update or will have it soon. Here we will have a view on a few of them.

37 countries in Eurovision

37 countries will participate in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Compared with last year’s contest, Romania will not take part. EBU says it is still talking with Romanian broadcaster TVR about future participations. Also compared to last year, Luxembourg returns to the contest. After the 1993 contest, Luxembourg left Eurovision. In order to select a song for the 2024 contest, RTL (Radio Télé Luxembourg) already started with auditions. A national final will be held with multiple artists.

🇨🇿 Tonight: Czechia selects a song!

Tonight Czechia selects a song! The Czech audience will select their song out of seven contestants. The show will be aired from the Roxy in Prague. The show will be hosted by Adam Mišík and former Austrian representative Cesár Sampson. The show starts at 20.15 and you can watch it here. Although the plan was that the titles and songs were going to be revealed during the show itself, some of the songs leaked. None of the contestants participated before. These are the participants: Aiko The angel’s share Elly Gianna Lei Lenny Red Flag Parade MYDY Tom Sean Out Of My Mind Tomas Robin

🇮🇱 🇲🇹 National final season started already

France has already decided for a song and Czechia is about to do so. But two more countries have started their national selections. An update: Israel It is not a big surprise, the Israel-Hamas war influenced their national selection. The show was postponed, in the first show segments of the Israeli Defence Force were shown and the second show was postponed again due to a press conference about the hostages. However, two shows of HaKokhav Haba were shown so far. HaKokhav Haba (Rising Star) is the national final, as it was between 2015-2020. Every auditioning artist has to get 70% of the votes in order to get through to the next round. 22 November Shay Tamino, 85% Lian Biran, 97% Eliya Sharabi, 56% Eden Golan, 100% 2 December: Moriya Angel, 96% Jonathan Bitton, 86% Malka, 45% Arik Sinai, 90% Arik Sinai participated before. He earned a 4th place….. back in 1985!! Malta Malta has had four semifinals in October and November: 27 October Kurt Calleja, “Misunderstood” Sarah Bonnici, “Loop” Gail Attard, “Wild card” Mark Anthony Bartolo, “Condition or Fiction” Eliana Gomez Blanco, “There’s Only Flowers” Oxygyn, “Cloudmaker” Nathan, “Ghost” Lyndsay Pace, “Fire proof” Dominic Cini, “Bewsa” Kurt Calleja became 3rd in 2011, won in 2012 and represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest with “This is the night”.Sarah Bonnici took part in X-Factor Malta 2019 and became 12th in 2022.Gail Attard also took part in X-Factor Malta 2019.Mark Anthony Bartolo also took part in X-Factor Malta 2019, became 11th in 2022 and reached the semifinal in 2023.Eliana Gomez Blanco was 9th in 2023.Nathan was 11th in 2022.Lyndsay Pace took part in the 2015 semifinal and, of course, in X-Factor Malta 2019.Dominic Cini was involved in the 2009 semifinal. 3 November Marie-Claire, “Fading” Franklin Calleja, “Puppet” Desirei Grech, “Watch Me” Sopranique, “Empire” Janvil, “Man” Haley Azzopardi, “Tell Me That It’s Over” Denise Mercieca, “Mara” Mark Portelli, “Just be” Maria Christina, “Moving On” Marie-Claire took part in the 2023 semifinal.Franklin Calleja took part in 2013 (semifinal), 2014 (7th) and X-Factor Malta 2019 (10th).Janvil or J. Anvil took part in 2005 (3rd), 2006 (4th), 2009 (10th), 2010 (semifinal), 2011 (10th) and 2012 (14th).Denise Mercieca was involved in the auditions of X-Factor Malta 2019 and in 2022 (5th). Also Mark Portelli and Maria Christina took part in the auditions of X-Factor Malta 2019. 10 november Jessica Micallef, “Tagħna Tnejn” Cosette Baldacchino, “Free fall” Michela Galea, “Let’s talk about love” Thea Aqulina, “Blood stream” Miguel Bonello, “Better off alone” Moira Stafrace, “Feather flight” Dan, “Baraxx” Stefan Galea, “Numb” Karin Duff, “Breaking bad” Jessica Micallef auditioned for X-Factor Malta 2020. Michela Galea did the same in 2019. Miguel Bonello did an attempt in both years.Moira Stafrace took part in 1992 (2nd), 1993 (final), 1994 (winner in duet with Christopher Scicluna). Chris and Moira represented Malta in 1994 with “More than love) .Dan auditioned for X-Factor Malta 2020 and took part in 2023 (12th).Stefan Galea was involved in 2016 (semifinal), X-Factor Malta 2019 (auditions) and in 2023 (16th). 17 November Erba’, “Sirena” Miriana Conte, “Venom” Christian Arding, “Bellus” Lisa Gauci, “Breath” Matt Blxck, “Banana” Martina Cutajar, “Miles away” Greta Tude, “Topic (bla bla)” Ryan Hill, “Karma” Kyle George, “Arrows” Miriana Conte took part in 2017 (16th), 2018 (12th), in the X-Factor Malta 2019 and 2020, 2022 (6th), Already in 2006, Christian Arding took part (5th), and in 2009 (semifinal) and 2023 (10th).Matt Blxck took part in X-Factor Malta 2019 (auditions), 2020 (auditions), 2022 (7th) and 2023 (4th).Greta Tude reached the semifinal in 2023. The names in bold letters go through to the final in January.

🇮🇸 Blast from the Past: Iceland 1989

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today this year’s last one before we fully head over to the national final season: Iceland 1989. Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest Iceland’s journey in the Eurovision Song Contest is a tale of persistence, creativity, and cultural expression. Debuting in 1986, this small island nation has become a Eurovision staple, despite never securing the coveted first place. Iceland’s music scene, known for its distinctiveness and innovation, is reflected in their Eurovision entries, ranging from pop and rock to avant-garde and electronic. Iceland’s near-victories include the uptempo song Selma presented in 1999: “All Out Of Luck” and Yohanna‘s heartfelt ballad “Is It True?” in 2009. Both songs reached a 2nd place. Daði og Gagnamagnið‘s quirky, yet catchy “Think About Things” was the top favourite to win in 2020. Unfortunately it didn’t happen as the contest was cancelled due to COVID19. One Icelandic entry ended up with a zero: “Það sem enginn sér” by Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson. That is the song we talk about today. photo: RUV Söngvakeppnin 1989 The Icelandic national final is called Söngvakeppnin. In 1989 it contained only five songs, being: “Það sem enginn sér“, by Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson, 66 pts, 1st “Þú leiddir mig i ljós“, by Jóhanna Linnet, 30 pts, 5th “Linudans“, by Ellen Kristjánsdóttir & Mannakorn, 58 pts, 2nd “Sóley“, by Björgvin Halldórsson & Katla Maria, 44 pts, 4th “Alpatwist” by Bítlavinafélagið, 58 pts, 2nd When the winner was announced, it was not a happy moment for Daniel. Whoever saw the national final could conclude that the singer didn’t express a single sign of happiness. The entire show can be watched here. Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson, an Icelandic musician with a distinctive artistic vision, has carved a unique niche in the world of music. Born on August 26, 1969, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Daniel Ágúst grew up in a country known for its rich musical heritage and stunning landscapes, both of which have influenced his artistic journey. Daniel Ágúst’s musical career began to take shape in the 1980s when he co-founded the band Nýdönsk, one of Iceland’s most popular bands. Known for their blend of rock and brass, Nýdönsk became a cornerstone of the Icelandic music scene. His tenure with Nýdönsk showcased his versatility as a musician and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly. In 1989, as said, he won Söngvakeppnin and thus represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, Daniel didn’t manage to earn any points with his song. In 1994, Daniel Ágúst’s musical direction took a significant turn when he joined GusGus, a collective known for its eclectic mix of electronic, house, and techno music. As one of the founding members, he contributed to the band’s first two albums, notably their self-titled debut and “Polydistortion,” which gained international acclaim. His work with GusGus solidified his reputation as a talented and innovative artist in the electronic music scene. After his stint with GusGus, Daniel Ágúst embarked on a solo career, exploring new musical territories. His solo debut, “Swallowed a Star” (2005), was a critical success, lauded for its experimental approach and emotional depth. The album demonstrated his ability to craft intricate soundscapes that are both haunting and beautiful. Aside from his band and solo work, Daniel Ágúst has been involved in various collaborations and projects, contributing to film soundtracks and working with other artists. Það sem enginn sér “Það sem enginn sér” stands out for its emotive and introspective nature, showcasing Daniel Ágúst’s distinctive vocal style. The song’s lyrical depth, exploring themes of introspection and the unseen struggles of the human experience, resonated with the Icelandic audience, making it a strong choice for Eurovision. The song was written and composed by Valgeir Guðjónsson, who previously wrote the 1987 Icelandic entry for Halla Márgret. However, despite its artistic merit and Daniel Ágúst’s compelling performance, “Það sem enginn sér” faced an unexpected setback at the contest. In a turn of events that stunned both the Icelandic delegation and Eurovision fans, the song received zero points, joining the infamous “nul points” club in Eurovision history.

🇵🇹 Blast from the Past: Portugal 1994

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today we want to honour Sara Tavares, who participated for Portugal in 1994. She passed away last Sunday. Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest Portugal started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964. It all started with a zero. This was the starting signal for a long and not easy road for Portugal. The idiosyncratic entries the country had often finished low. Exceptions were Carlos Mendes (1958) and José Cid (1980), both of whom reached a seventh place. In 1996, Lucia Moniz finished in sixth place with her “O meu coração não tem cor”. But for a victory, Portugal had to wait until 2017. It was Salvador Sobral who managed to enchant both the televoters and the professional jury with his subdued song “Amar pelos dois”. It turned into a landslide victory for the Portuguese; something they had been waiting for so long. photo: EBU/Andres Putting Festival RTP Da Canção 1994 The national final in Portugal is always called Festival RTP Da Canção. This year, two semifinals were held, on 10 and 17 january. Each of the semifinals contained 10 songs. Among them, Marco Quelhas, who represented Portugal in the 2001 contest as a half of the duo MTM. Eight songs headed to the final: Isabel Campelo, “Malmequer do Campo“, 122 pts, 3rd Trivium, “Trovas do Demo e d’el Rei“, 84 pts, 5th Pedro Miguéis, “Todos Nós Alguma Vez“, 136 pts, 2nd Inova Fora Nada, “O Vento Sabe o Que Quer“, 83 pts, 6th José Carvalho, “Lisboa, Minha Linda Cidade“, 92 pts, 4th Fernanda Lopes, “Se Fores Poema“, 75 pts, 7th Tó Carlos, “Ai Dona Inês“, 46 pts, 8th Sara Tavares, “Chamar a Música“, 220 pts, 1st As you can see, Sara Tavares won with a landslide, 84 points ahead of the runner up! Sara Tavares Sara Alexandra Lima Tavares, born on February 1, 1978, in Lisbon, Portugal, was a renowned Portuguese singer, composer, guitarist, and percussionist. Of Cape Verdean descent, her parents immigrated to Portugal and settled in Almada in the 1970s. Tavares grew up in Lisbon and faced early family challenges, with her father leaving and her mother moving south with her siblings, leaving Sara in the care of an older woman. Tavares exhibited remarkable musical talent from a young age. In 1994, at just 16, she won the national television song contest “Chuva de Estrelas,” performing Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” That same year, she triumphed at the “Festival da Canção,” earning a spot in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Her winning song, “Chamar a Música,” was included on her debut EP, “Sara Tavares & Shout” (1996), where she blended gospel and funk with Portuguese influences. Her debut album “Mi Ma Bô,” produced by Lokua Kanza, was released in 1999. In 2017, Tavares released the album “Fitxadu,”. It was inspired by Lisbon’s diverse African sounds and cultures, showcasing a more electronic and urban sound. The album earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Portuguese Language Roots Album. Tavares was multilingual, composing in Portuguese, Portuguese-based Creole languages, and occasionally English. Sara was known for singing the European-Portuguese version of “God Help the Outcasts” from the Disney movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,”. She won a Disney Award for the best version of the original song with it. She also won a Portuguese Golden Globe for Best Portuguese Singer in 2000. photo: Henryk Kotowski Tavares passed away on November 19, 2023, in Lisbon at the age of 45, after a long battle with a brain tumor diagnosed since 2009. Her death was a great shock in the Eurovision community. Chamar a Música “Chamar a Música,” the captivating song that Sara Tavares performed at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, showcases her exceptional talent as a young artist. At just 16 years old, Tavares brought this melodic and emotionally resonant piece to the Eurovision stage, representing Portugal with grace and artistry. The song is characterized by its smooth, soulful melody. It is blending elements of Portuguese musical tradition with contemporary influences. Although Tavares’ performance was well-received, it ultimately placed 8th in the competition. Despite this, “Chamar a Música” remains a significant part of her early career, reflecting her deep connection to her cultural roots.

🇵🇹 In memoriam: Sara Tavares

The sad news came to us that today, 19th November 2023, Portuguese singer Sara Tavares passed away. Sara represented Portugal in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Chamar a musica”. Sara Tavares was a multifaceted artist whose music blended her Cape Verdean roots with world music influences. She was born on February 1, 1978, in Lisbon, Portugal. Raised in a multilingual environment, her exposure to diverse cultures and musical traditions at an early age shaped her eclectic musical style. Sara’s talent was first recognized when she won two significant Portuguese music contests, including the televised Chuva de Estrelas, at the age of 16. This early success laid the foundation for her musical career. In the same year, she won Festival Da Canção, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She reached an 8th place in the international final in Dublin, one of the higher scores for Portugal. Her debut album, “Sara Tavares & Shout,” released in 1996, showcased her unique blend of African, Portuguese, and world rhythms, establishing her as a promising new voice in world music. Tavares’ artistry is characterized by soulful melodies, rich harmonies, and a blend of languages, predominantly Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, which she seamlessly weaves into her songs. Following her debut, Tavares took a brief hiatus to refine her sound and direction. She reemerged with “Mi Ma Bô” in 1999, an album that further solidified her unique musical identity, combining traditional African sounds with contemporary influences. Tavares’ renewed breakthrough came with her 2006 album “Balancê,” which earned critical acclaim and expanded her international audience. It showcased her matured songwriting and a deeper exploration of her African roots, featuring hits like “Bom Feeling” and “Balancê.” Her subsequent album, “Xinti,” released in 2009, continued this trajectory, delving deeper into the exploration of her identity and heritage. The album was a critical success, praised for its introspective lyrics and rich, multi-layered compositions. Beyond music, Tavares is known for her activism and advocacy for cultural diversity and inclusion. She has been a vocal advocate for the African diaspora’s culture, using her music as a bridge between different cultures and generations. Sara Tavares suffered of a brain tumor and passed away at age 45.

🇮🇪 Blast from the Past: Ireland 1979

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today: Cathal Dunne, who represented Ireland in 1979 with the song “Happy man”. Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest Ireland’s journey in the Eurovision Song Contest reads like a tale of two eras. Once the undeniable monarchs of Eurovision, their story is a mix of triumph and challenge, a saga of unparalleled success followed by a period of struggle. In the golden age of Irish Eurovision history, the nation didn’t just participate; they dominated. Their legacy began with Dana’s “All Kinds of Everything” in 1970. The 1980s saw Johnny Logan emerge as a Eurovision icon. His “What’s Another Year” in 1980 and “Hold Me Now” in 1987 didn’t just win; they brought him the title Mr. Eurovision. Linda Martin, with “Why Me?” in 1992, written by none other than Logan, added another chapter to this story. The 1990s continued to smile on Ireland, with Niamh Kavanagh’s “In Your Eyes” in 1993 and the duo of Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” in 1994. Eimear Quinn’s “The Voice” in 1996 was perhaps the zenith of this era. In recent years, Ireland struggles and hardly reaches the final. Johnny Logan, 1987 The Irish National Song Contest 1979 On the 4th of February, the Irish National Song Contest was held. Eight songs were performed, and regional juries chose the winner. Some familiar names could be found on the shortlist: Tweed, “No restrictions“, 4 pts, 5th Johnny Logan, “Angie”, 15 pts, 3rd Anderson, “Goodbye”, 3 pts, 6th The Memories, “The main attraction“, 13 pts, 4th Red Hurley and Tina, “Hiding behind our smile”, 0 pts, 8th Cathal Dunne, “Happy man“, 36 pts, 1st Catriona Walsh, “Superstar”, 3 pts, 6th The Miami Show Band, “Too much is going on”, 26 pts, 2nd Both Red Hurley and Tina represented Ireland before, but faced a zero this time. Totally unknown, but soon to become one of the biggest Eurovision stars ever, Johnny Logan, made his debut in this national final. Cathal Dunne Cathal Dunne, born in 1951 in Cork, Ireland, is a renowned Irish singer, widely recognized for his participation in the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest. He represented Ireland with the song “Happy Man,” which became quite popular, reaching No. 3 in the Irish charts. Dunne’s musical journey began early, influenced by his uncle, Jack Lynch, the former Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland. After graduating from University College Cork and Montfort College of Performing Arts in 1974, Dunne quickly made his mark in the music industry. He won the Castlebar Song Contest that same year with “Shalom” and participated in the Yamaha Music Festival in 1976 with “Lover, Not a Wife.” His single “Bad Boy” and top ten hit “Danny” further established his presence in the Irish music scene. He was also known for his performances with his backing bands, Stateside and later The Formula, in Irish clubs. In 1981, Dunne’s song “We’ll be there” was featured in Fianna Fáil’s general election campaign. His Eurovision entry “Happy Man” won him the Irish National Song Contest, beating notable competitors like Tina Reynolds, Red Hurley, and future winner Johnny Logan. He finished fifth in the Eurovision final in Jerusalem. Dunne’s move to the United States in the early 1980s marked a new chapter in his career. Settling there permanently after initial concerts in Michigan in 1982, he embraced the role of a traditional Irish balladeer, releasing several albums and diversifying his performances with comedy and show tunes. His continued dedication to music has kept him connected to his Irish roots while entertaining audiences in his adopted home. Happy Man As said, “Happy Man” was Ireland’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Jerusalem that year. This ballad with its optimistic lyrics stood out as a cheerful and engaging composition. Dunne, not just the performer but also the songwriter, showcased his multifaceted talent through this entry. The song’s essence, encapsulated in its title, reflects a positive and content outlook on life. Its light-hearted and jubilant nature resonated with audiences, leading to a respectable fifth-place finish in the contest. This achievement was significant, considering the competitive nature of Eurovision and the diverse array of musical styles it encompasses. “Happy Man” enjoyed commercial success following the contest, particularly in Ireland where it reached number three on the charts. The song remains a memorable part of Cathal Dunne’s musical career.

Malmö will be united by music

The slogan of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed: United By Music. Big questionmark on the head of many Eurovision fans…. United By Music was the 2023 slogan, wasn’t it? True, but the EBU has decided that, from now on, it will be a permanent slogan. The EBU announced it with a video, mentioning all the slogans since A Modern Fairytale in 2002. Marcus Österdahl on this change: “The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a song competition; it’s a celebration of the power of music to bring people together. After over 20 years of using different slogans, and as we approach our 70th anniversary, we feel we have found one that truly encapsulates our brand. “By establishing a permanent slogan, we will have consistency in our message that music unites us all. It’s the perfect slogan to underline our values of inclusivity, equality, universality and celebrating diversity through music. As the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest continues to grow around the world, we believe using the same slogan annually will help our brand become even stronger.”