Martijn

Malta: first quarterfinal MESC 2023

Tonight, Malta makes a start with their first quarter final of MESC (Malta Eurovision Song Contest). The show starts on 21.00 CET and you can watch it here. Four quarter finals will be held. Out of 13 songs, 8 will be chosen to go to the semifinal. The songs are: Aidan sings “Regina” Christian Arding sings “Eku car” Clintess sings “Lura Qatt” Eliana Gomez Blanco sings “Guess what” Fabrizio Faniello sings “Try to be better” Geo Debono sings “The mirror” Haley sings “Tik Tok” Jason Scerri sings “Anything can happen” Klinsmann sings “Piranha” Maria Debono sings “X’allegria” Mikhail sings “Leħen Fiċ-Ċpar” Nathan sings “Creeping walls” Stefan Galea sings “Heartbreaker” Aidan took part in MESC in 2018 (4th), X-Factor 2019 (semifinals) and MESC 2022 (2nd)Christian Arding took part in 2006 (5th) and 2009 (semifinal)Fabrizio Faniello took part in 1998 (2nd), 1999 (8th), 2000 (2nd), 2001 (1st), 2004 (3rd), 2005 (12th), 2006 (1st), 2011 (4th), 2012 (6th) and 2014 (semifinal). He took part in Eurovision in 2001 with “Another summer night” and in 2006 with “I do”.Klinsmann took part in 2007 (3rd), 2008 (7th), 2009 (13th), 2010 (11th), 2011 (7th), 2012 (16th), 2013 (semifinal) and 2017 (10th).Mikhail took part in X-Factor 2019 (semifinals).Stefan Galea took part in 2016 (semifinal) and X-Factor 2019 (auditions).

Estonia: semi final results are in

Both the expert jury and the televoters have decided. The songs, heading to the final, are in bold: “House of glass”, sung by Janek “Pretty girl”, sung by Ellip “Valik”, sung by Kaw “Unicorn vibes”, sung by Merlyn “Üks samm korraga”, sung by Mia “Tokimeki”, sung by Neon Letters & Maiko “Venom”, sung by Ollie “Why do you love me”, sung by Andreas “Monsters”, sung by The Bedwetters “You need to move on”, sung by Anett & Fredi Janek was chosen by televoters only in the second voting round. The others were already chosen by mixed jury/televoting in the first round.

France: La Zarra goes to Liverpool

La Zarra will represent France in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. That is what French Television announced today. “She combines the class and style of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, with the sense of tragedy of Edith Piaf, the post-modern intoxication of Lady Gaga, the naked frankness of Barbara, and the fragility of Dalida.”, states the French delegation. La Zarra herself says: “I am very proud to have the chance to perform my song in front of millions of viewers around the world. I am a great admirer of the most beautiful French voices such as Edith Piaf, Barbara, Dalida, but also Céline Dion, and I am so excited to make all Europeans discover my song which I hope will become theirs. I am very honoured to represent France at Eurovision, the most iconic song contest in the world.” On her instagram, the singer says: “D-Day has arrived! I am happy to finally be able to announce that I will wear the colors of France at Eurovision! When I was little my mother rocked me with “L’oiseau et l’enfant” by Marie Myriam… who would have thought that today it was my turn to sing for this mythical competition. Then who is La Zarra? Her real name is Fatima Zahra Hafdi. She is Canadian-Moroccan. She grew up near the city of Longueuil. In 2016, La Zarra rose to fame through an artistic collaboration with Niro on the title “Printemps blanc”. At the NRJ Music Awards 2021, she was nominated for the French-speaking revelation of the year. She scored hits with “Tu t’en iras” (2021) and “Sans moi” (2022). In 2022 she collaborated with Slimane in the song “Les amants de la colline”. It is not yet known when the song will be released.

Estonia: Eesti Laul, 1st semifinal

Tonight is the night: Eesti Laul will have it’s first semifinal. Out of 10 songs, 6 will be chosen to go to the final: four of them by a 50/50 jury-televoting. After that, two more songs will be chosen by televoting only. The show will be aired on ETV at 21:20 CET and you can watch it here. The contestants are: “House of glass”, sung by Janek “Pretty girl”, sung by Ellip “Valik”, sung by Kaw “Unicorn vibes”, sung by Merlyn “Üks samm korraga”, sung by Mia “Tokimeki”, sung by Neon Letters & Maiko “Venom”, sung by Ollie “Why do you love me”, sung by Andreas “Monsters”, sung by The Bedwetters “You need to move on”, sung by Anett & Fredi Mia took part in the semifinal of Eesti Laul 2012Joosep Järvesaar (The Bedwetters) took part in 2016 as a member of the band Cartoon. They became 3rd.Karl-Kristjan Kingi (The Bedwetters) took part in 2017 (4th) and 2018 (5th)Annett & Fredi took part in 2020 and became 3rd.

Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi go to Liverpool

Albina & Familja Kelmendi have won the televote of Festivali i Këngës 61, and thus will represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool next year. The song “Duje” () is written by Eriona Rushiti and composed by Enis Mullaj. Here is the full list of participants: 2 Farm, “Atornike” Sergio Hajdini, “Vështirë” Gjergj Kaçinari, “Dje” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi, “Melodi” Vanessa Sono, “Aroma jonë” Elsa Lila, “Evita” Erma Mici, “Kozmosi i dashurisë” Franc Koruni, “Në pritje” Gent Hoxha, “Ajër” Petrit Çarkaxhiu, “Emri yt mirësi” Melodajna Mancaku, “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Manjola Nalbani, “Dua” Urban Band, “Në çdo hap” Enxhi Nasufi, “Burrë” Rovena Dilo,“Motit” Fifi, “Stop” Rezarta Smaja, “N’Eden” Evi Reçi, “Ma khte” Fabian Basha, “Një gotë” Albina & Familja Kelmendi,“Duje” LYNX, “Nëse ke besim” The expert jury had no vote in who is going to Eurovision. Their top-3 was: Elsa Lila,“Evita” Albina & Familja Kelmendi, “Duje” 2 Farm, “Atornike” Therefore, Elsa Lila became the overall winner for a 3rd time. However, she never represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest, while the previous two times where before 2004, Albania’s debut.

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 61, final

Tonight is the night: Albania will select it’s Eurovision entry. After two semifinals and a night with duets, the country will make a final decision. The show can be watched at 21.00 CET here and here and on Youtube. 21 songs are left. These are the titles: Enxhi Nasufi sings “Burrë” Erma Mici sings “Kozmosi i dashurisë” Fabian Basha sings “Një gotë” Fifi sings “Stop” Urban Band sings “Në çdo hap” 2 Farm sing “Atornike” Rezarta Smaja sings “N’Eden” Albina & Familja Kelmendi sing “Duje” Sergio Hajdini sings “Vështirë” Rovena Dilo sings “Motit” Melodajna Mancaku sings “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Gjergj Kaçinari sings “Dje” Franc Koruni sings “Në pritje” Petrit Çarkaxhiu sings “Emri yt mirësi” Elsa Lila sings “Evita” Genti Hoxha sings “Ajër” Evi Reçi sings “Ma khte” Manjola Nalbani sings “Dua” LYNX sings “Nëse ke besim” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi sing “Melodi” Vanessa Sono sings “Aroma jonë” Enxhi Nasufi took part in the 2016 final and became 6th.Fabian Basha took part in 2008 and became 15th in the final as a member of the group Produkt 28.The Urban Band reached the final last year.Rezarta Smaja took part in 2013 (7th), in 2014 (7th), in 2015 (7th), in 2016 (with Klodian Kaçani, 4th), in 2017 (7th), in 2018 (with Luiz Ejlli, final), and in 2022 (final).Rovena Dilo took part in 2004 (final), in 2008 (semifinal), in 2009 (with Eugent Bushpepa, 12th) and in 2010 (10th).Gjergj Kaçinari took part last year and reached the final.Franc Koruni took part in 2017 (11th) and 2021 (semifinal).Evi Reçi participated in 2021 and 2022, both times finalist.Manjola Nalbani took part in 2006 (final), 2008 (6th), 2018 (final). Due to a positive Corona test, she had to withdraw in 2021.LYNX took part in 2013 (14th), 2014 (15th), 2017 (10th) and 2018 (semifinal).Alban Kondi took part in 2008 as a member of Produkt 28 (15th).Lorela Karoshi took part in 2017 (12th).

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 61, semifinal 2

The Albanian national selection starts tonight. In four evenings, Albania will make a choice. Tonight, the second semifinal will be held. It starts at 21.00 CET and you can watch it here and here and on Youtube. Albania usually is the first country to select an entry. Not this year, as we already know Ukraine’s entry. The Albanians will select through four evenings. The seminfinals will be held on Monday and Tuesday, another show, not with the participating songs, will be on Wednesday. Thhe final will be on Thursday. These are tonight’s entries: Melodajna Mancaku sings “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Permit of Stay sings “Fobia” Arsi Bako sings “Sonte dua të jem me ty” Gjergj Kaçinari sings “Dje” Franc Koruni sings “Në pritje” Petrit Çarkaxhiu sings “Emri yt mirësi” Elsa Lila sings “Evita” Genti Hoxha sings “Ajër” Evi Reçi sings “Ma khte” Manjola Nalbani sings “Dua” LYNX sings “Nëse ke besim” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi sing “Melodi” Vanessa Sono sings “Aroma jonë” Gjergj Kaçinari took part last year and reached the final.Franc Koruni took part in 2017 (11th) and 2021 (semifinal).Evi Reçi participated in 2021 and 2022, both times finalist.Manjola Nalbani took part in 2006 (final), 2008 (6th), 2018 (final). Due to a positive Corona test, she had to withdraw in 2021.LYNX took part in 2013 (14th), 2014 (15th), 2017 (10th) and 2018 (semifinal).Alban Kondi took part in 2008 as a member of Produkt 28 (15th).Lorela Karoshi took part in 2017 (12th).

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 61, semifinal 1

The Albanian national selection starts tonight. In four evenings, Albania will make a choice. Tonight, the first semifinal will be held. It starts at 21.00 CET and you can watch it here and here. Albania usually is the first country to select an entry. Not this year, as we already know Ukraine’s entry. The Albanians will select through four evenings. The seminfinals will be held on Monday and Tuesday, another show (we don’t have more information on that one yet) on Wednesday, while the final will be on Thursday. These are the entries: Enxhi Nasufi sings “Burrë” Erma Mici sings “Kozmosi i dashurisë” Fabian Basha sings “Një gotë” Anduel Kovaçi sings “Malli” Fifi sings “Stop” Urban Band sings “Në çdo hap” 2 Farm sing “Atornike” Sara Kapo sings “Para teje” Rezarta Smaja sings “N’Eden” Albina & Familja Kelmendi sing “Duje” Sergio Hajdini sings “Vështirë” Luna Causholli sings “Jetën ta fal” Rovena Dilo sings “Motit” Enxhi Nasufi took part in the 2016 final and became 6th.Fabian Basha took part in 2008 and became 15th in the final as a member of the group Produkt 28.The Urban Band reached the final last year.Rezarta Smaja took part in 2013 (7th), in 2014 (7th), in 2015 (7th), in 2016 (with Klodian Kaçani, 4th), in 2017 (7th), in 2018 (with Luiz Ejlli, final), and in 2022 (final).Rovena Dilo took part in 2004 (final), in 2008 (semifinal), in 2009 (with Eugent Bushpepa, 12th) and in 2010 (10th).

Joker Out represents Slovenia

Today, Slovenian TV station RTVSLO announced it: the band Joker Out will represent Slovenia. After years of EMA, the Slovenian national final, RTVSLO decided not to have a national final. Joker Out is quite a famous band in Slovenia. The band started their carreer in 2016 as a combination of two other bands. Their breakthrough came a year later, when they won Špil Ige, a talent show. Their song “Omamljeno telo” became a hit. It was followed by songs as “Gola”, “Vem da greš” and “Umazane misli”. The band released two full albums so far. Their most recent album and it’s title song are “Demoni”. About Eurovision, a statement was brought by the band: ‘All members in the band are big fans of the Eurovision. It is our wish to perform there for some time now, but we were waiting for the right moment. Although we are young, the fast progress of our career has brought us loads of experience, motivation and creative energy: we are ready for this challenge. Regarding the style of music present at the Eurovision Song Contest – we need to say that it is well past being defined or limited to just one genre. We are staying true to our distinctive Joker Out sound, no matter where and when we perform.’ On February 4th, the Slovenian entry will be presented in a television show.

Galit Burg died in car accident

Galit Burg passed away. The singer, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989, was killed in a car accident. According to the Times of Israel, she was involved in a collision between a truck and two vehicles near Kfar Daniel in central Israel. Youth Galit Burg was born on June 8, 1968. She was born and raised in Bat Yam as the eldest daughter in a family of six children. Kdam Eurovision In 1989, musician Shaike Paykov submitted his song “Derech ha’melech” to Kdam Eurovision, the Israeli preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest. He chose 12-year-old Gili Netanel to perform his song. Shortly before the competition, the producers of the Eurovision song contest decided to attach an adult singer to it. That then became Galit Burg. Thus was born the duo “Gili and Galit”. Eurovision Song Contest After winning Kdam Eurovision 1989, the two represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The song placed 12th out of 22 contestants. The two recorded an English version of the song called “Shine for Tomorrow”. Although the song was unsuccessful in other countries, it became a hit in Israel. The English version of the song was not a success and the duo split up shortly afterwards. Tramp In 1991, two years after the Eurovision appearance, Burg founded the band “Tramp”, with which she performed at “Telrock” in Holon. In 1995, they competed for the “Wheel of Fortune Girl” title. United States and Europe Burg married the band’s guitarist and intermittently moved to the United States, where she was engaged in music. In 1994 she released a rock album in Israel that was not a success. Three years later, she went to the European market under the stage name “Galecia”, and published a dance song in English called “You Are The One”, which received a lot of airplay. Later, in 2005, she released an album called “Nogat Bach” consisting of her and her husband’s material. In 2013, she entered the auditions for the first season of X Factor Israel. Private life Borg was the mother of two children. In the first decade of the 21st century, she returned to Israel. Galit Burg was 54 years old.