Encyclopedia

Megara

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersKenzyRoberVittiRa Tache Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionUna Voce Per San Marino 2024Benidorm Fest 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song11:11 (2024) Biography Megara, an alternative metal music ensemble from Spain, was established in 2015. Comprised of members Kenzy on vocals, Rober on guitar, Vitti on bass, and Ra Tache on drums, this Madrid-based quartet has made a name for itself in the music scene. Identified primarily within the alternative metal genre, Megara’s sound also embraces what they term as “fucksia rock” or “fucksia metal.” This inventive label, blending the words “fuck” and “fuchsia,” signifies their desire to incorporate a broad range of musical influences without being confined to a single genre, aiming instead to embody the broader spectrum of rock music. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Muérase quien pueda, in 2015, featuring notable tracks like “Seis” and “Baños de sangre.” This was followed by their first full-length album, Siete, in 2016, and their second album, Aquí estamos todos locos, in 2018. Their rising prominence led to a performance at Resurrection Fest in 2019. Their third studio album, Truco o trato, was released in 2022. In the early part of 2023, Megara competed in the Benidorm Fest 2023’s first semifinal, earning 111 points with their song “Arcadia” and securing a spot in the final. Despite not being chosen to represent Spain at Eurovision, their participation sparked discussions, especially due to some staging similarities between their performance and that of Serbia’s Eurovision entry. April of the same year saw them announced as the opening act for Babymetal’s Spanish tour dates. Attempting another shot at Benidorm Fest in 2024 with the track “11:11,” they faced rejection from the selection committee. However, not deterred, they entered the song into San Marino’s selection for Eurovision, Una voce per San Marino. With minor lyrical adjustments to include Italian verses, they managed to impress the jury in the final, leading to their selection as San Marino’s representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Unfortunately, the band didn’t make it to the Grand Final of the contest. Entries 11:11 Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2024 LanguageSpanish LyricsRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral MusicRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral DancersAria BedmarEmma Fernández Huerta Results Semi Points: 16Position: 14Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/IqyJvkGmAjo?si=nXITqURAaMC7qrCZ

Luna

©EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameAleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas Born28 Augustus 1999 Nationality🇵🇱 Polish National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongThe Tower (2024) Biography Luna, known offstage as Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas (born on August 28, 1999, in Warsaw), is a prominent Polish vocalist, lyricist, and composer. Aleksandra was born in Warsaw. Her educational journey in music began with violin lessons. Furthering her academic pursuits, she attended a high school specializing in law and political sciences, from 2015 to 2018. Subsequently, she embarked on higher education in artes liberales at the University of Warsaw starting in 2018. Aleksandra’s musical career took off in 2010 when she joined the Władysław Skoraczewski-named Artos children’s choir at the Grand Theatre. Her involvement in operatic performances and theatrical productions at the Grand Theatre marked the beginning of her career in music. In 2018, her musical direction took a pivotal turn with her collaboration with Kayax record label on the “My Name is New” project, leading to the release of her debut single “Na wzgórzach niepokoju”. This period also saw her taking the stage at notable events, including the Night of Museums and the Pol’n’Rock Festival. 2020 was a transformative year for Aleksandra as she embraced the stage name Luna, collaborating with Michał “Fox” Król and releasing the single “Luna”. This marked a new chapter in her artistic expression, exploring new musical landscapes. She also ventured into incorporating cosmic sounds into her music, evident in singles like “Serca przemokną” and “Mniej”, featuring sounds from space provided by NASA. Her single “Zgaś” received acclaim, making its mark on the Polish music scene and receiving extensive radio play. Luna’s music, often described as “cosmic pop”, reflects her fascination with the cosmos, nature, and poetry, drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Cave and Björk. In 2024, Luna was selected to represent Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “The Tower”, showcasing her talents on an international stage. Unfortunately Luna did not manage to reach the final with her song. Aside from her musical career, Luna has contributed to theatrical productions and is actively involved in promoting music equality as an ambassador for the Equal Spotify campaign, achieving the distinction of being the first Polish woman featured on Times Square under this initiative. Entries The Tower Country🇵🇱 Poland Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAleksandra Katarzyna WielgomasMax CookePaul Dixon MusicAleksandra Katarzyna WielgomasMax CookePaul Dixon BackingsMaciej StarnawskiMarta Dywicka DancersAngus SimpsonJordan GarciaJulia Żytko Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/ESKG8Uo1YaU?si=TIDO_9rvGULADXR0

Silvester Belt

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameSilvestras Beltė Born26 November 1997 Nationality🇱🇹 Lithuanian National SelectionEurovizija.LT 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongLuktelk (2024) Biography Silvestras Beltė, who goes by the stage name Silvester Belt, is a prominent Lithuanian singer and songwriter. Born on 26 November 1997 in Kaunas, Lithuania, Beltė pursued his higher education at the University of Westminster in London, where he earned a degree in Commercial Music Performance. Following his graduation, he returned to Lithuania to focus on producing new material in the electronic/pop genre. Beltė’s career took a significant turn in 2017 when he emerged as the winner of the Lithuanian reality competition show Aš – superhitas (I Am a Superhit). This victory led him to relocate from Kaunas to Vilnius, where he released “Noise,” his debut single. In addition to his early success, he contributed off-screen to the production of 2 Barai, the Lithuanian adaptation of the reality competition The Bar. His competitive spirit led him to participate in the sixth season of X Faktorius, the Lithuanian edition of The X Factor, although his journey ended in the fourth week. On 19 December 2023, it was announced that Beltė would participate in Eurovizija.LT, the national selection process for Lithuania’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with his song “Luktelk.” He competed in the first semi-final, which he successfully won, advancing to the final. His victory in the competition confirmed his position as Lithuania’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest. Silvester reached the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, where he reached the 14th place. Due to the booing of Israel and Silvester performing right after that entry, he stated it traumatized him. He had prefered to stay in the semifinal because of this. Entries Luktelk Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Yearyear LanguageLithuanian LyricsDžesika ŠyvokaitėElena JurgaitytėSilvestras Beltė MusicDžesika ŠyvokaitėElena JurgaitytėSilvestras Beltė BackingsMonika Švilpaitė DancersAndrius VrubliauskasArnas Ginevičius Kajus Kiševičius Nerijus Trilikauskas Results Semi Points: 119Position: 4Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: 90Position: 14Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/N8YuQzJLR_k?si=-KBzSFCfHdAUktox

Puuluup

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersRamo TederMarko Veisson Founded2014 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with 5Miinust, 2024) Biography Puuluup, a distinctive Estonian nu-folk duo, was formed in 2014 by Ramo Teder, known solo as Pastacas, and Marko Veisson. The duo is recognized for their unique use of the hiiu kannel/talharpa and loopers to create their music. In 2018, Puuluup released “Süüta mu lumi” (“Light my snow”), marking the beginning of their discography. The year 2020 saw the release of “Kasekesed / Kasekäpa”, adding to their growing collection of music. They continued to expand their discography in 2021 with “Viimane suusataja”. In November 2023, Puuluup, in collaboration with the hip hop group 5miinust, was selected as a semi-finalist for Eesti Laul 2024. This competition is the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Their joint entry, “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”, successfully advanced from the first round of the semi-finals and went on to win the final, securing their position to represent Estonia in the contest. This progression highlights Puuluup’s evolving musical journey, culminating in their upcoming representation on the international stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, alongside 5miinust. In the contest itself, they reached the Grand Final, where they ended up in a 20th place. Entries (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with 5miinust) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2024 LanguageEstonian LyricsKim WennerströmKristjan ‘Kohver’ JakobsonPriit ‘Lancelot’ TomsonMihkel ‘Päevakoer’ TammKarl ‘Põhja-Korea’ Kivastik MusicKim WennerströmMarko VeissonRamo Teder Backings– Results Semi Points: 79Position: 6Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 37Position: 20Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/RSMMU2wX0Bk?si=qRSLtNAIkkO0fjav

5miinust

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersEstoni KohverPäevakoerPõhja-KoreaLancelot Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup, 2024) Biography 5miinust, is a hip hop group from Estonia, founded in Võsu in 2015. The original members include Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with a later addition of Venelane (Pavel Bocharov). Venelane announced his departure from the group in the summer of 2023, and since his exit, the group has reverted to its original composition. Originating from Võsu in Lääne-Viru County, 5miinust gained significant attention in 2018, following the success of their studio albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar”, released in 2016 and 2017 respectively through Legendaarne Records. Both albums secured positions in the top twenty of the national best-selling albums chart, ranking them among the 18 most successful albums of 2018. In collaboration with Nublu, they released the single “Aluspükse” in 2019, which led the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks in a row, earning the title of the 3rd best-selling song in Estonia for that year. That same year, they signed with Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, under which they released hit singles “Paaristõuked”, “Peo lõpp”, and “Loodus ja hobused”, each reaching the number one spot on the Eesti Tipp-40 chart. 5miinust has been honored at the Estonian Music Awards, the premier awards of the Estonian music scene, winning the Artist of the Year category twice, in addition to receiving two other nominations. In November 2023, 5miinust, together with Puuluup, were announced as semi-finalists for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with their entry “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”. They advanced from the first semi-final round and were victorious in the final, securing their place as Estonia’s representatives for the contest. In the contest itself, they reached the Grand Final, where they ended up in a 20th place. Entries (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2024 LanguageEstonian LyricsKim WennerströmKristjan ‘Kohver’ JakobsonPriit ‘Lancelot’ TomsonMihkel ‘Päevakoer’ TammKarl ‘Põhja-Korea’ Kivastik MusicKim WennerströmMarko VeissonRamo Teder Backings– Results Semi Points: 79Position: 6Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 37Position: 20Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/RSMMU2wX0Bk?si=plzcHqhQvQ55gewE

Saba

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameAnna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger Born1997 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongSand (2024) Biography Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, who performs under the single name Saba (presented in uppercase), is a Danish singer, actor and model. Born Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, she and her twin, Andrea Lykke Oehlenschlæger, were adopted from Ethiopia when they were just eight months old, growing up in Ringkøbing, Jutland. In the year 2018, Oehlenschlæger shared her diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, having been admitted to the hospital multiple times until 2020. This part of her life was detailed in the documentary produced by DR in 2020 titled “Min sindssyge tvilling” (My Insane Twin). Her teenage years were also marked by instances of self-harm. She currently serves as an ambassador for the Danish Depression Association. Saba left high school prematurely and, along with her sister, relocated to Copenhagen. There, she embarked on a career as a model and an entrepreneur in the teeth whitening industry, while her sister sought a career in singing and musical theater. Saba made her first appearance as a musical theatre actress, as a non-stunt performer, on 23 February 2023. She stepped in for her sister Andrea, who was pregnant at the time, in the role of Dionne in the musical Hair at the Østre Gasværk Teater. Her significant career milestone came on 25 January 2024, when she was announced as one of the contestants in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Denmark’s selection event for the Eurovision Song Contest. She secured her position as Denmark’s representative at the contest by winning the final on 17 February 2024, with her song “Sand.” Unfortunately, Saba didn’t make it to the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Entries Sand Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJonas ThanderMelanie WehbePil Kalinka Nygaard Jeppesen MusicJonas ThanderMelanie WehbePil Kalinka Nygaard Jeppesen BackingsMelanie Wehbe Results Semi Points: 36Position: 12Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/4f_phiGot7w?si=5jCD3WXPyggFlZT7

Isaak

©EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameIsaak Guderian Born1996 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionDas Deutsche Finale 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongAlways On The Run (2024) Biography Isaak Guderian is a German singer and musical actor, born in Minden in 1996 and raised in Costedt. His musical journey began early, nurtured by his family’s musical background, where he quickly took to learning the guitar and piano. From the tender age of twelve, Guderian ventured into street music, courageously sharing his initial songs with the public. His musical prowess caught wider attention at 15 when he participated in the X Factor TV casting show, captivating audiences with his rendition of Oasis’s “Wonderwall”. Embarking on a solo career at 18, Guderian performed at various events and parties. However, the pandemic’s event bans forced him into a period of reliance on Hartz IV, Germany’s unemployment benefits. A turning point came in 2021 when Guderian triumphed in the Show your Talent online talent show, leading to a successful career earning from streaming platforms and his YouTube channel, where even the megastar Pink has praised his abilities, commenting, “Wow, this boy can sing.” Guderian’s discography includes hits like “Water to the Seed” and “Impact,” each surpassing a million streams on Amazon. His latest collaboration with DJ David Puentez, “Baby Steps,” soared to the top of the iTunes charts. In 2024, Guderian won the German selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with his song “Always On The Run.” The song reached a 12th place in the Grand Final of Eurovision. Currently, Guderian resides in Valdorf, Westphalia, with his wife Loreen and their two sons, where he continues to inspire with his musical talent. Entries Always On The Run Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreg TaroIsaak GuderianLostLeo Jupiter MusicGreg TaroIsaak GuderianKevin LehrLeo Salminen BackingsAfra BoboFabian HauptGreg TaroNick March Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 117Position: 12Running order: 3 https://youtu.be/kVOHTxFOhak?si=zHmUVpUIqcc7VVpR

Angelina Mango

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameAngelina Mango Born10 April 2001 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongLa noia (2024) Biography Born in Maratea on April 10, 2001, Angelina Mango has established herself as a prominent Italian singer-songwriter. As the daughter of Pino Mango, notably recognized as Mango, and Laura Valente, the former vocalist for Matia Bazar, Angelina was raised in Lagonegro within the Potenza province alongside her elder brother Filippo, who was born in 1995. Music runs deep in their family, with both siblings passionately embracing their musical heritage. Angelina’s early musical influences include iconic acts such as the Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Aretha Franklin, alongside a profound respect for the late 16th to early 17th-century compositions, particularly from the Venetian school composers like Giovanni Gabrieli and Carlo Gesualdo, known for their polyphonic sacred music and madrigals. Her academic journey led her to a scientific high school in September 2014, which she later paused due to her father’s untimely demise. The family moved to Milan in 2016, where she not only pursued her education further but also ventured into music, performing in a band with her brother on drums. Angelina’s musical career took a significant leap forward with the release of her debut single “Va tutto bene” on November 13, 2020, setting the stage for her first EP “Monolocale.” The following year saw her opening for Giovanni Caccamo and Michele Placido on the “Parola Tour,” in addition to showcasing her talent during the Milan Music Week in November 2021. Despite participating in the Sanremo Giovani with the track “La tua buona colazione,” she didn’t make it to the final round. Her collaboration with Sony Music and producer Enrico Brun in 2022 marked a new phase in her career, participating in the Concerto del Primo Maggio and winning the Live Award at “Musica da bere.” This period also saw the release of singles like “Formica,” “Walkman” (produced by Tiziano Ferro), and “Rituali” (featuring Nashley). In September 2022, she appeared on the Rai 3 show “Via dei Matti nº0.” Angelina’s talents shone through during her stint on the twenty-second season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi,” broadcast on Canale 5, where she not only secured second place but also dominated the singing category. Her achievements on the show included opening for Elisa and performing at the “Capodanno in musica” concert. She released “Voglia di vivere” and “Mani vuote” during her time on “Amici,” followed by “Ci pensiamo domani” on May 12, 2023, which preluded her EP “Voglia di vivere,” released a week later. The EP quickly rose to second on the FIMI Album Chart, earning a gold record, while the lead single emerged as a summer anthem, achieving triple platinum status. She graced several major festivals in mid-2023, including “Battiti Live” and “TIM Summer Hits.” On October 1, 2023, Angelina previewed “Che t’o dico a fa’” on “Amici di Maria De Filippi,” officially releasing it five days later to platinum acclaim. Her “Voglia di vivere” Tour commenced on October 12, 2023, in Naples, achieving sold-out status across Italy, coinciding with the release of “Fila indiana” for the “Noi siamo leggenda” TV series soundtrack. Her successful entry into the 74th Sanremo Festival was announced on December 3, 2023, where she performed “La noia” from February 6 to 10, 2024. A highlight was her rendition of “La rondine,” a nod to her father’s legacy, performed with the Orchestra of Rome’s string quartet. Angelina clinched the top spot on February 11, 2024, outperforming Geolier and Annalisa with their respective entries. By winning the festival of Sanremo, Angelina became first choice to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest. She accepted the challenge. “La Noia” was one of the favourites in the betting odds. In the end, she ended up in 7th place. Entries La Noia Country🇮🇹 Italy Year2024 LanguageItalian LyricsAngelina MangoFrancesca Calearo MusicAngelina MangoDario FainiFrancesca Calearo DancersArianna ForteFlaminia GenoeseKelly De NigroMartina ToderiValentina Vernia Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 268Position: 7Running order: 15 https://youtu.be/zp1FXHjkjpQ?si=TijGXgQPmk3kdFBB

Dons

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameArtūrs Šingirejs Born10 April 1984 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionSupernova 2024Dziesma 2014Eirodziesma 2010 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongHollow (2024) Biography Artūrs Šingirejs (born 10 April 1984), better known as Dons, is a Latvian singer and songwriter. He has achieved remarkable success with the release of eight solo albums, securing multiple accolades, including winning the Latvijas Radio’s Muzikālās Banka (translated as ‘Musical Bank’) Song of the Year award five times. At the Latvian Music Recording Awards, his albums Varanasi (2014) and Tūrists (2020) have each earned him the Best Pop Album title, out of five nominations. His album Lelle (2008) garnered him the Best Rock Album award from two nominations, and Signāls (2013) received a nomination for Best Pop-Rock Album. In 2024, he emerged victorious in the Supernova song competition with his English single “Hollow,” earning him the opportunity to represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Prior to this, he had twice aimed to represent Latvia at Eurovision with the tracks “My Religion is Freedom” (2010) and “Pēdējā Vēstule” (2014), finishing as the runner-up in the Latvian national finals on both occasions. Originating from Saldus, Latvia, Dons kick-started his career on the Latvian reality show Talantu Fabrikā (meaning ‘Talent Factory’) in 2003. He released a duet album titled Viens Otram (2004) with Lily (real name Linda Kalniņa, married in 2009 and divorced in 2013) following their participation in the show. His debut solo album, Lights On (2006), was predominantly in English, marking the beginning of his successful career. He then continued to release seven subsequent albums in Latvian: Lelle (2008), Signāls (2013), Varanasi (2014), Sibīrija (2015), Tepat (2016), Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi (2018), and Tūrists (2020). While performing internationally, he has adopted the stage names Art Green and Art Singer. When he represented Latvia in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with his song “Hollow”, Dons managed to reach the Grand Final. He ended up in 16th place there. Entries Hollow Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsArtūrs ŠingirejsKate NorthropLiam Geddes MusicArtūrs ŠingirejsKate NorthropLiam Geddes BackingsKrists IndrišonoksLiam Geddes Results Semi Points: 72Position: 9Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 64Position: 16Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/kgIwQkMwURY?si=q085KGUui-8zwqbu

Windows95man

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameTeemu Keisteri Born22 August 1985 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongNo rules! (2024) Biography Teemu Keisteri, born in 1985 in Espoo, is a distinguished Finnish visual artist based in Helsinki. His fame largely stems from the creation of the Ukkeli character in the summer of 2008, a figure prominently featured on apparel, postcards, and tableware. Additionally, he is recognized for his persona as the Windows 95 man during his performances as a DJ. Keisteri explores cultural trends and the nuances of Finnish lifestyle with a distinct sense of humor, frequently incorporating his own persona into his work. His academic background includes studying photography at the Lahti Institute of Design, where he came to the realization that his true calling was in visual arts rather than photography. Beyond his work in visual arts, Keisteri has made a name for himself as a video artist and DJ. He operates Kalleria, his own gallery, located in the Kallio area of Helsinki. In a notable achievement, Keisteri and Henri Piispanen, performing together. Keisteri under the alias Windows95man. They clinched the title at the 2024 Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) with their track “No Rules”. Henri Piispanen, born in 1994, is a prominent Finnish voice actor, singer, and presenter. His notable contributions include voicing characters such as Vainu in PAW Patrol, Lloyd in Lego Ninjago, Samu in Samu ja Salla, and Lauri in The Happy Robinson Family movie. Additionally, Piispanen is the lead vocalist and bass player for the band named Pasa. In 2012, he was featured as one of the seven hosts on the television series Summeri. The song, “No rules”, managed to reach the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. In the final itself, Teemu and Henri reached a 19th place. Entries No rules! Country🇸🇲 Country Yearyear Language🇬🇧 English LyricsHenri PiispanenJussi RoineTeemu Keisteri MusicHenri PiispanenJussi RoineTeemu Keisteri BackingsHenri Piispanen DancersJesse WijnansMatti Maxim Results Semi Points: 59Position: 7Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 38Position: 19Running order: 17 https://youtu.be/7nidDtyS0Wo?si=id0ggiEaU2FBR_S7