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Gåte

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even SchrärerMats PaulsenJohn Stenersen Founded1999 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionNorsk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUlveham (2024) Biography Gåte is a Norwegian folk rock band. The group traces its origins to spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli, then 13, and Sveinung Sundli performed at Veita Scene in Trondheim, marking the beginning of their musical journey. This performance spurred a collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, and Martin Langlie, and soon after, Gjermund Landrø joined the team. Together, they released an EP featuring five tracks, including notable pieces like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg”. The band achieved significant success between 2002 and 2005, a period marked by the release of their debut album, Jygri, in 2002, which sold 40,000 copies and won a Spellemann Award for “newcomer of the year”. Their music and performances, including a notable presence at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various nominations for prestigious awards, underscored their rising prominence in the Norwegian music scene. Despite their success, the band disbanded in 2005 after a final performance in Setesdal. From 2005 to 2017, Gåte occasionally reunited for performances, including a notable concert in Oslo in 2005 which was later released as the live album Liva and a DVD featuring additional performances. A brief return in 2009 for a cultural festival in Trondheim led to a mini-tour in 2010, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal. In 2017, Gåte reformed with a blend of original and new members, including Gunnhild Sundli, Sveinung Sundli, Magnus Børmark, Jon Even Schärer, and Mats Paulsen. This era was highlighted by collaborations with folk musician Knut Buen, resulting in the release of new music that embraced traditional Norwegian folk influences. Their work during this period included the EPs “Attersyn” and “Til Nord”, as well as the studio albums Svevn and Nord, which continued to explore and expand upon Norway’s rich musical heritage. In 2023, Gåte embarked on their largest tour yet, performing across Norway and Denmark and introducing new material from an upcoming album. Their participation in the Melodi Grand Prix 2024, where they competed with the song “Ulveham” and emerged as winners, solidified their status as leading figures in Norwegian folk rock. Their victory in the competition means Gåte will represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, marking a significant milestone in their career. The group reached the Grand Final in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, after the final they admitted that they were in serious doubt about performing, after the Dutch artist had been disqualified. Entries Ulveham Country🇳🇴 Norway Year2024 LanguageNorwegian LyricsSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer MusicSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer Backings– Results Semi Points: 43Position: 10Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 16Position: 25Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/YBbL8ORqNVU?si=TL6P-6EaqDDu3yOK

Tali

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameTali Golergant Born2000 Nationality Luxembourgish National SelectionLuxembourg Song Contest 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongFighter (2024) Biography Tali Golergant is an Israeli born Luxembourgish singer, songwriter, film actor, and musical theater performer, now making waves in the NYC music and arts scene. Influenced by the likes of Lizzy McAlpine, Sara Bareilles, and Lady Gaga, Tali has crafted a unique blend of pop, indie, and R&B in her music. Her journey in music began impressively; her debut single, written at the age of 16, has already amassed over 70,000 streams on Spotify. In 2021, Tali released her debut EP titled “lose you,” co-written with the artist Francis of Delirium, showcasing her evolving artistry. After the pandemic, Tali began performing live gigs in New York City with her music group, gracing stages at renowned venues such as RockWood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, Arlene’s Grocery, and The Delancey. Her performances have captivated audiences, highlighting her prowess as both a singer and a songwriter. Beyond her burgeoning career in pop music and songwriting, Tali has also made significant strides in the film and theater worlds. She starred in the indie short film “Agua,” which is currently in post-production. Her versatility as a performer is further exemplified in her theatrical roles, where she has portrayed characters like Tzeitel from “Fiddler on the Roof,” Susan Snell in “Carrie,” and Eponine in “Les Miserables.” Tali Golergant’s multifaceted talent continues to shine across different facets of the arts, marking her as a rising star in both the music and acting industries. On 27 January, 2024, Tali was chosen to represent Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Fighter”. Being the first Luxembourgish participant since 1993, she reached the Grand Final and reached a 13th place there. Entries Fighter Country🇱🇺 Luxembourg Year2024 LanguageEnglishFrench LyricsAna ZimmerManon RomitiSilvio Lisbonne MusicAna ZimmerDario FainiManon Romiti DancersLuana ManukaMathilde EggenRandy RochaSalaam ParachSimi Simoes Results Semi Points: 117Position: 5Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 103Position: 13Running order: 4 https://youtu.be/TCWH3Nq5y9A?si=eBOGxo-vlqnY4B1F

Bambie Thug

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameBambie Ray Robinson Born6 March 1994 Nationality🇮🇪 Ireland National SelectionEurosong 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongDoomsday Blue (2024) Biography Bambie Ray Robinson, born in 1994 and popularly known as Bambie Thug, is an Irish singer. Robinson unveiled their debut EP, Cathexis, on 11 August 2023, with its official release on 12 October. The EP was introduced alongside two singles, “Careless” and “Last Summer (I Know What You Did).” In a discussion with DIY Magazine, Robinson shared that the EP draws inspiration from their passion for musical theatre, embodying various personas and characters. They elaborated that these characters serve as a form of protection, especially during challenging mental health periods, yet all represent different aspects of their identity. Robinson was confirmed on 11 January 2024 to compete in Eurosong 2024 with their entry “Doomsday Blue” on 26 January. Robinson secured their spot by garnering the highest votes from both the national jury and the public televote and thus represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. Bambie Thug managed to become 6th in the Grand Final. Robinson describes their music as “ouija-pop,” a unique blend that they further define as “hyperpunk avant electro-pop,” alternatively referred to as “grit pop” or “rot.” They aim to be positive role models through their music, criticizing the glamorization of drug addiction within the industry. In an interview with the Gay Times, they emphasized the importance of promoting healthy behavior to be exemplary figures for younger audiences who look up to them. Robinson lives in East London and was born into a family with a Swedish father and three sisters. They identify as non-binary and have openly discussed their experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, especially regarding the significance of having relatable figures in the music scene. Robinson has openly acknowledged their past struggles with drug addiction. Entries Doomsday Blue Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsBambie Ray RobinsonOlivia Cassy BrookingSam MatlockTyler Ryder MusicBambie Ray RobinsonOlivia Cassy BrookingSam MatlockTyler Ryder DancersMatt Williams Results Semi Points: 124Position: 3Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: 278Position: 6Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/UMq8ofCstMQ?si=WI5_kC6wHq4AbgKm

Kaleen

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameMarie-Sophie Kreissl Born12 November 1994 Nationality🇦🇹 Austrian National SelectionInternal selection In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongWe Will Rave (2024) Biography Kaleen (real name Marie-Sophie Kreissl, born in 1994) is an Austrian dancer, choreographer, and singer. Her passion for performing arts blossomed at a tender age. As a toddler, she was captivated by music shows on TV, often dancing in her living room. Her formal journey in dance commenced with ballet lessons. She rapidly diversified into various genres including commercial, tap, jazz, musical, modern, Latin, and standard dances. Kaleen’s talent shone early. She won her first national championship at seven. Kaleen subsequently clinched over 100 national and European championships, along with five world championships. Kaleen’s influence extended to the Eurovision Song Contest starting in 2018, initially participating as a stand-in lead artist and choreographer. Kaleen is also skilled in music. She released her first self-produced single in September 2021 under Wifi Records, followed by her debut album “Stripping Feelings” in September 2023. By 2021, she escalated to the role of creative director for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Spain and Bulgaria. She took over as the stage director for the 2022 contest in Spain. Her expertise was further sought in 2023. She aided Austria, Armenia, Germany, and Georgia with their stage performances at the contest in Liverpool. On 16 January 2024, it was announced that Kaleen was going to represent Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, “We will rave”, was presented the 1st of March. Austria reached the final with the song. Entries We Will Rave Country🇦🇹 Austria Year2024 LanguageEnglish Lyrics Jimmy ‘Joker’ ThörnfeldAnderz WrethovThomas Stengaard MusicJimmy ‘Joker’ ThörnfeldAnderz WrethovJulie AagaardThomas Stengaard BackingsBradley SalterChase VollenweiderJaih BetoteLuca Rainbow Results Semi Points: 46Position: 9Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: 24Position: 24Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/VZ6SlZnk_EI?si=4tn-sevN1e5APtkd

Nutsa Buzaladze

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameNutsa Buzaladze Born28 January 1997 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionInternal selection 2024Evroviizis erovnul konkurss 2017 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongFirefighter (2024) Biography Nutsa Buzaladze (Georgian: ნუცა ბუზალაძე; born 28 January 1997) is a Georgian singer-songwriter. Born in Tbilisi, Buzaladze embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of 5, joining a children’s performance group. Her early years also saw her taking the lead as vocalist and guitarist in a band, followed by piano lessons from age 8. Her path to a solo career began in 2011 with a participation in Georgia’s Got Talent. Achieving international fame in 2014, she represented Georgia and clinched victory at the New Wave Music Festival in Jūrmala, Latvia. Buzaladze further showcased her talents in various competitions such as The Voice of Turkey, Two Stars Georgia, and Georgian editions of Your Face Sounds Familiar and Dancing with the Stars, collaborating with renowned artists like Turkish singer Hadise. 2017 marked a significant year with her song “White Horses Run,” securing second place in Georgia’s Eurovision selection. Her debut album, Nutsa22, released in 2019, featured a mix of Georgian covers and original English songs, including the hit “Gelodebi.” This success was followed by a well-received single in Russia. Buzaladze’s career continued to flourish with appearances in All Together Now Russia in 2020 and 2021, performances at Expo 2020 in Dubai, and other prestigious venues. She also competed in Kënga Magjike 2021 in Albania, finishing second, and made it to the top 12 in American Idol 2023. As of 12 January 2024, Buzaladze was selected to represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. She managed to break the spell of not reaching the final for Georgia: she performed at the Grand Final on May 11. Having spent time in Los Angeles to hone her musical skills, she has since made Dubai her permanent home. Entries Firefighter Country🇬🇪 Georgia Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAda SatkaDarko Dimitrov MusicAda SatkaDarko Dimitrov BackingsAndrea MariciDaniele NocchiDante Jonathan GerloNicolas de Souza Results Semi Points: 54Position: 8Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 34Position: 21Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/He4PGhm7jOw?si=gNJBvzkY6D_NEc07

Nigar Jamal

About Quick Facts NameNigar Aydın qızı Camal Born07 September 1980 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongRunning Scared (with Ell, 2011) Biography Nigar “Nikki” Aydin qizi Jamal, born Nigar Mutallibzadeh on September 7, 1980, in Baku, is a celebrated Azerbaijani singer. Before embarking on her singing career, Jamal spent five years as a housewife. She attended Khazar University from 1997, studying economics and management for three years. Her journey in the Azerbaijani music scene began in December 2010 with her participation in Milli Seçim Turu 2011, the national selection for Eurovision. Jamal’s initial performance in Heat 7 led to a joint first-place finish and advancement to the semi-finals. Ultimately, she and Eldar Gasimov triumphed in the final on February 11, 2011, earning the privilege to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Performing as Ell & Nikki, their song “Running Scared,” penned by international songwriters, secured victory with 221 points. Following their Eurovision win, Jamal and Gasimov toured various countries to perform their winning song. Azerbaijan honored their achievement by issuing 15,000 commemorative postage stamps. In September 2011, Jamal made a guest appearance in the Turkish comedy series Yahşi Cazibe. In 2012, Jamal was selected as one of the five Azerbaijani jury members for Denmark’s Eurovision contestant selection. On December 1, 2011, she debuted her post-Eurovision solo track “Crush on You,” along with its music video. Subsequent releases included collaborations with Miri Yusif on “Qal” (“Stay”) and Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan on “Come Into My World.” August 11, 2012, marked the release of her debut album “Play With Me,” featuring work with Danish songwriter Boe Larsen. In early 2014, Jamal served as a judge on the Turkish edition of X Factor, where she played a pivotal role in producing the show’s winner. In 2015, she reached the no. 1 spot in the Turkish charts with the song “Broken dreams”. She teamed up with Berksan for the song “Herhalde”. A year later, she released the single “Çağıran da ürəkdi” and in 2017 she came up with “Sus”. In 2023, she recorded several songs with Ell. Entries Running Scared (Ell & Nikki) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsSandra BjurmanStefan Örn MusicSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnIain James Farquharson BackingsLisa StadellVera PradaJessica MarbergerÅsa Engman Results Semi Points: 122Position: 2Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 221Position: 1Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/_0tlQUW5X0U?si=zWTMOFFGj20ZpRnk

Eldar Gasimov

About Quick Facts NameEldar Pərviz oğlu Qasımov Born04 June 1989 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongRunning Scared (2011, & Nikki) Biography Eldar “Ell” Parviz oglu Gasimov, born on June 4, 1989, is a renowned Azerbaijani singer. Eldar Gasimov hails from a distinguished artistic lineage, being the great-grandson of celebrated Azerbaijani actors Abbas Mirza Sharifzadeh and Marziyya Davudova, and grandson of actress Firangiz Sharifova. His musical journey began in early childhood, leading to numerous performances across Azerbaijan and Russia. Between 2001 and 2005, he honed his skills in music and piano. Gasimov is an alumnus of Baku Slavic University, where he double-majored in international relations and regional geography. He pursued postgraduate studies in international relations at the same institution since 2010. Fluent in Russian and German, he also possesses proficiency in English. Gasimov’s Eurovision journey commenced with the Azerbaijani national selection, Milli Seçim Turu 2011. His initial performance in Heat 6 earned him second place, leading to the semi-finals and eventually the final on February 11, 2011. Teaming up with Nigar Jamal as Ell & Nikki, they represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their song “Running Scared,” composed by international artists, clinched victory with 221 points. Post-Eurovision, Gasimov, alongside Jamal, toured various countries to perform their winning song. Azerbaijan commemorated their victory with 15,000 postage stamps featuring the duo. In 2012, Gasimov was a jury member for Denmark’s selection of its Eurovision contestant. His first single post-Eurovision, “Birlikda nahayat” (“At last together”), was released in January 2012. Gasimov also co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku. July 17, 2012, marked the release of his acoustic single “I’m Free,” with its official video following in September. The track, a collaboration with Azerbaijani DJ/producer ALIGEE, was produced by Farid Mammadov and Ali Abasbeili. In the academic sphere, Gasimov joined Baku Slavic University as a lecturer in international relations in October 2012. Eldar released a lot of singles, in English, Azerbaijani and Russian. He teamed up with Nikki again in 2013 for the single “Music’s Still Alive”. In 2014 he recorded “Ice On Fire”, a duet with Zlata Ognevich. In 2015 he teamed up with Rustam for the song “Gülümse”. In 2019, Eldar expressed support for the LGBT community through a post on his personal Instagram account. In 2020, he and VoColor released the song “Until The end”. From 2021 to 2022, Gasimov was a coach on The Voice of Azerbaijan‘s second season. His protégé, Nadir Rustamli, won and represented Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, achieving 16th place. In 2023, he released a new single and video, “Break Free”, and recorded several songs with Nikki. Entries Running Scared (Ell & Nikki) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsSandra BjurmanStefan Örn MusicSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnIain James Farquharson BackingsLisa StadellVera PradaJessica MarbergerÅsa Engman Results Semi Points: 122Position: 2Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 221Position: 1Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/_0tlQUW5X0U?si=7_mUm-omYWujabhE

Besa

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameBesa Kokëdhima Born29 May 1987 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2024Festivali i Këngës 2011Selecţia Naţională 2009Festivali i Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongTitan (2024) Biography Besa Kokëdhima is an Albanian singer. She was born 29 May 1986 and known simply as Besa, is a renowned Albanian vocalist. Born into an Albanian family in Fier, Albania, Besa moved to the United Kingdom at 15 for her education. Her musical journey began in 2003 with her debut track “Më Beso,” a collaboration with Florian Mumajesi and Albanian group Produkt 28, earning her the Mikrofoni I Artë award. In 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, a result of collaborations with notable figures in the Albanian music industry. Besa’s musical career includes victories and notable participations in various contests. She won the R&B category at “Notafest” for her single “Lëshoje Hapin.” In december 2008, she participated in Festivali i Këngës. She reached the semi-finals of Romania’s Selecţia Naţională for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Nothin’ Gonna Change.” She was honored as the Best Female Singer at Top Fest 2010 with her single “Kalorësi i Natës.” In December 2010 she participated again in Festivali i Këngës. Besa has released several successful singles, including “Fishekzjarre,” “Burning,” and “Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj.” In addition to her music, Besa has served as a judge on The Voice of Albania and released two acclaimed albums, “Besa për Festat” and “Ti Je Festa Ime,” featuring collaborations with the National Orchestra. Her French ballad “En Equilibre” marked her entry into the French music scene in 2022. Her selection for Festivali i Këngës 62 with “Zemrën n’dorë” and her subsequent televoting victory to represent Albania in Eurovision 2024 are recent highlights of her career. For the Eurovision Song Contest, Besa changed the song into English language, now entitled “Titan”. Unfortunately, Besa did not manage to make it to the final. Entries Titan Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsGia Koka MusicBesa KokëdhimaKledi BahitiFabrice ‘Alias LJ.’ Grandjean BackingsKevonSofia Mountassir DancersRiina HarjuSofia RuijaYasmin Janatuinen Results Semi Points: 14Position: 15Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/aQG22XJIdWw?si=wxdieI4JethPQPMZ

Olly Alexander

©EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameOliver Alexander Thornton Born15 July 1990 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongDizzy (2024) Biography Olly Alexander, born Oliver Alexander Thornton on July 15, 1990, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and LGBTQ advocate. His journey in the entertainment industry is marked by notable achievements in both music and acting. Alexander is best known as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop band Years & Years, which he joined in 2010. His entry into the band was somewhat serendipitous; he was overheard singing in the shower by band member Mikey Goldsworthy, who was impressed by his voice. Years & Years achieved significant success with their music, which is a blend of electropop, R&B, and 1990s house elements. Their debut single “I Wish I Knew” was released in 2012, and they gained further attention with the release of their second single “Traps” in 2013. The band’s most successful single, “King,” topped the UK Single Chart in March 2015, and their debut album, “Communion,” released in July 2015, entered the UK Albums Chart at number one. Their second studio album, “Palo Santo,” was released in 2018. In March 2021, Years & Years became the solo project of Olly Alexander. Alexander’s acting career is equally impressive. He made his acting debut in the 2008 film “Summerhill” and appeared in the British-French-Australian biographical fiction romantic drama “Bright Star” in 2009. He has worked in various films, television series, and theatre plays, including notable roles in “The Dish & the Spoon” (2010), “Peter and Alice” (2013), and the musical drama “God Help the Girl” (2014). In 2021, Alexander starred in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 and HBO Max drama “It’s a Sin,” which depicts gay life in the 1980s and early 1990s during the onset of HIV/AIDS. His performance in the show was highly praised and sparked discussions about a potential BAFTA nomination. Alexander is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, safer sex, and HIV screening. He has been open about his struggles with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which he has experienced since the age of 13. Alexander came out to his mother at the age of 20 and has been vocal about his experiences as a gay man in the entertainment industry. He was involved in a high-profile relationship with Neil Amin-Smith, a violinist from Clean Bandit, though they separated in 2015. In November 2020, he won the LGBT Celebrity of the Year award at the British LGBT Awards. He has also been recognized by Queerty, being named among the 50 heroes “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people” in June 2020. In late 2023, it was announced that Olly Alexander was going to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. On the 1st of March, 2024, his song “Dizzy” was presented. He reached an 18th place in the Grand Final of the contest. Entries Dizzy Country🇬🇧 Country Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsOlly AlexanderDaniel Harle MusicOlly AlexanderDaniel Harle BackingsAlex BrownEdd ArnoldHarrison ClaxtonRaymond Wade Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 46Position: 18Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/q0_FdJqyQW0?si=UVo-NEuDqGSpOZud

Stereo Mike

About Quick Facts NameMihalis Exarchos Born04 July 1978 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek🇬🇧 British National SelectionEllinikós Telikós 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongWatch My Dance (& Loucas Yiorkas, 2011) Biography Mihalis Exarchos, widely known by his stage name Stereo Mike, was born in 1978 in Piraeus, Greece. His heritage is a blend of Greek from his father’s side and Croatian from his mother, who hails from Rijeka. At 18, Exarchos ventured to the UK to pursue higher education in music, attending Leeds Metropolitan and the University of Westminster. There, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Technology and a Master’s degree in Sound Production. During his academic years, Exarchos honed his skills as a sound producer at Vault Recording Studios in Hackney, London. His work there involved collaborations with notable British hip hop artists such as Klashnekoff, Bury Crew, Skinnyman, Taskforce, Iceberg Slimm, Mike GLC, and JMC. His career took a significant turn when he joined AMG Records, leading to his first recording contract under the name ‘Stereo Mike’ with Mo’ Money Recording$. His debut album, “Satirical Nomads,” released by Mo’ Money Recording$ and licensed to Universal Music Greece, featured impactful singles like the anti-racism anthem “O Allos Babis” and the remix “I Polis.” Apart from his recording career, he also took up a post-graduate lecturing position at the University of Westminster in London, sharing his expertise in music production. Stereo Mike’s impact in the music scene was further recognized when he was nominated for the Mad Video Music Awards in 2005 and 2008, in categories including “Best Hip-Hop Video Clip” and “Video Clip of the Year.” His second album, titled “XLI3H” (leet speak for the Greek word “Εξέλιξη,” meaning “evolution”), marked another milestone in his career and was signed with Minos EMI. Concurrently, he engaged in research work towards a PhD in music. A significant highlight in Stereo Mike’s career was becoming the first MTV EMA Award winner in the “Best Greek Act” category following MTV’s regional launch in Greece in 2008. His recognition expanded to a nomination for Europe’s Favourite Act in the same year. In 2011, Stereo Mike teamed up with Loucas Yiorkas to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest in Germany. Their performance of “Watch My Dance” earned them a respectable seventh place, scoring 120 points and further cementing Stereo Mike’s status as a prominent figure in the Greek hip-hop scene. Right after the Eurovision Song Contest, the single “Apla zoi” was released, followed by “Boro”, a single chosen by fans via Facebook. As a part of the project Schizm he released the single “Akoma” with Constantine. In 2012 Stereo Mike released a new single, “Opou me pai mousiki”. He collaborated with Despina Olympiou in the song “To neo tragoudi tis”. In October 2012 he signed with Imiz Biz Entertainment. In March 2013 Stereo Mike got the opportunity to perform at the festival SXSW in Austin, Texas. There was a documentary made about this journey. In November of the same year he teamed up with Mindtrap and Irène for the track “Tonight and Forever”. In 2014 he featured in D-Light’s “Anthrope xypna”. He produced the song “Dream Big” for Hellena, which became an international hit. He was also member of her band. He also released a solo single, “Akoma edo”. In 2015 the contract Stereo Mike had with EMI ended. However, Mike kept on performing and recording. He did his producing work in his home studio. In 2016 he started the Hip Hop Time Machine; a doctorate research – passion music project of Stereo Mike. His aim? To apply vintage production techniques to contemporary Hip-Hop in pursuit of ‘sample-based’ impact and authenticity: producing multiple records within a record. In the same year, Mike also performed with the band LaKlikaria and their song “GoogleDatShit”. In 2019, Stereo Mike went on tour with Asympt Man, as a bass player now. They performed in the USA. In December of that year, he contributed to the Innovation in Music conference in London. In 2020 he made a Cambridge Scholar Publishing: Interpreting the Synthesizer – Meaning Through Sonics. Mike contributed to the (digital) book Analyzing Recorded Music – Collected Perspectives On Popular Music Tracks and released his own book Reimagining Sample-based Hip Hop in July 2023. It came along with the dual album “KATALH3H (Beats Deluxe)”. Entries Watch My Dance (& Loucas Yiorkas) Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2011 LanguageEnglishGreek LyricsEleana Vrachali MusicGiannis Christodoulopoulos DancersPavlos ManogiannakisManos DavariasGiannis SaikinMichalis Spiridis Results Semi Points: 133Position: 1Running order: 19 Results Finals Points: 120Position: 7Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/qVdMs2-dwGE?si=WsCasxfLtbBQ4cFj