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Robert Wells

About Quick Facts NameRobert Henry Arthur Wells Born07 April 1962 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionInternal selection 2010Eirodziesma 2007Melodifestivalen 2003Melodifestivalen 1987 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongButterflies (with 3+2, 2010) Biography Robert Wells, born in Stockholm on April 7 1962, is a Swedish composer, arranger and musician. Wells was educated at Adolf Fredrik’s Music Classes and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Throughout the 1980s, he played alongside numerous Swedish artists, such as Lill-Babs, Gösta Linderholm, Eva Bysing, and Jerry Williams. He later embarked on a solo career, achieving success with the hit “Upp på berget,” which reached Svensktoppen in 1986. In the Melodifestivalen of 1987, he participated with the song “Sommarnatt,” and he returned to the Melodifestivalen stage in 2003, performing in a duet with Sofia Källgren the song “My Love.” Wells gained significant popularity as a pianist on the TV game show “Så ska det låta,” where he showcased his extensive musical talent. His “Rhapsody in Rock” annual concert tours have been audience favorites in Sweden and internationally, drawing over 1.9 million spectators in Sweden since 1998. In addition to his Melodifestivalen appearances, Wells also competed in the Latvian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, Eirodziesma, in 2007 with the song “The Legends of Rock and Roll.” as a member of the group Johnny & Meldra featuring The Rockettes. In 2007, Wells contributed his piano skills to “A Song For You,” featuring vocals by Céline Dion, and also co-wrote the song. His music was selected as the official TV music for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. During the winter of 2008/2009, he was part of TV4’s “Körslaget,” leading his own choir. He wrote “7 Days & 7 Nights” for the Swedish hard rock band The Poodles for their 2009 album “Clash of the Elements,” and also played piano on the album. Additionally, he performed on the piano for Belarus’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. In 2021, Wells appeared on TV4’s “Masked Singer” disguised as a raven. Entries Butterflies (& 3+2) Country🇧🇾 Country Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsMalka Chaplin MusicMaxim Fadeev Backings– Results Semi Points: 59Position: 9Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 18Position: 24Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/MvK2KU2zfzA?si=KFhGTi9aHc9hlIw4

3+2

About Quick Facts MembersYulia ShishkoArtsem MikhalenkoElgiazar FarashanAlena KarpovichNinel Karpovich Active2009 – 2010 Nationality🇧🇾 Belarusian National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongButterflies (feat. Robert Wells, 2010) Biography 3+2 was a pop group from Belarus that participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 held in Oslo, Norway. The creation of the band was spearheaded by the Belarusian TV channel ONT alongside the initiative “New Voices of Belarus” in 2009. The band comprised finalists from this television competition. Securing a spot in the national selection for Eurovision 2010 significantly boosted the group’s popularity. On February 25, 2010, 3+2 was selected through an internal process to fly the Belarusian flag at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. The group received various song submissions from Belarusian and foreign songwriters. After considering numerous proposals for their song, visuals, and stage performance, the group’s management decided to seek insight from the renowned producer and songwriter Max Fadeev. Fadeev delivered a complete package for the group within a week, including the song “Butterflies,” which he co-wrote with Swedish musician Robert Wells and Polish poet Malka Chaplin specifically for 3+2. Initially, the group had selected “Far Away” for their Eurovision entry but switched to “Butterflies” following unfavorable feedback online. In the grand finale, “Butterflies” ended up in 24th place, accumulating a total of 18 points. After the Eurovision Song Contest, the group had not been active together. Entries Butterflies (featuring Robert Wells) Country🇧🇾 Belarus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsMalka Chaplin MusicMaxim Fadeev Backings– Results Semi Points: 59Position: 9Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 18Position: 24Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/MvK2KU2zfzA?si=hkYZ0kobr6MbVQPq

Iolanda

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameIolanda Costa Born04 November 1994 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival RTP Da Canção 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongGrito (2024) Biography Iolanda Costa, known simply as Iolanda, is a Portuguese singer and songwriter. Iolanda Costa was born in São Pedro, Figueira da Foz, on November 4, 1994. In her childhood, she moved to Pombal, where she discovered her passion for music. Her parents supported her interest, enrolling her in music studies first at Tecnimúsica, a local school, and later at the Conservatory. By the age of 14, in December 2008, Iolanda participated in the first edition of the contest Uma Canção para Ti, aired on TVI, but was eliminated in the 2nd gala. At 17, she again sought television exposure by participating in the 5th edition of Ídolos in 2012 on SIC, but did not advance to the live gala phase. After completing high school, Iolanda moved to Lisbon to pursue higher education and graduated in Communication Sciences from ISCSP. During this period, she sought to break into the music scene through performances in bars and national talent contests. Her journey continued when she moved to London to study songwriting at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute at the University of Sussex. In 2014, she competed in the Blind Auditions of the second season of The Voice Portugal on RTP1, performing “Who You Are” by Jessie J, yet none of the four mentors turned their chairs for her. Iolanda’s first significant contribution to music came in 2022 as a co-author and co-composer of the song “Mar No Fim,” performed by Blacci at the Festival da Canção. The following year, in 2023, she released her first EP titled “Cura,” which was inspired by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Iolanda achieved a notable milestone by being selected to compete in the RTP Festival da Canção with her song “Grito.” She won the contest on March 9, 2024, and was thus chosen to represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. Iolanda reached the Grand Final and got a 10th place there. Entries Grito Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2024 LanguagePortuguese LyricsIolanda Costa MusicIolanda CostaAlberto Hérnandez DancersGonçalo CarrapiçoInês GonferMélissa CarodosoRenato GarciaTelmo Teite Results Semi Points: 58Position: 8Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 10Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/OZn4-H6JvKU?si=OykbBlOVGYiKga_y

Marcus & Martinus

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen Born21 February 2002 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionMelodifestivalen 2024Melodifestivalen 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUnforgettable (2024) Biography Marcus & Martinus, known as M&M, are a Norwegian dance-pop duo formed by identical twin brothers Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, born on 21 February 2002 in Elverum, Norway. The duo’s career began in 2012 when they competed in the eleventh season of Melodi Grand Prix Junior, held at the Oslo Spektrum and broadcast live by NRK. They won the contest with their song “To dråper vann” (“Two Drops of Water”), which peaked at number eight on the Norwegian Singles Chart. In 2015, Marcus & Martinus released their debut studio album “Hei” (“Hi”), which climbed to number 1 on the Norwegian Albums Chart and stayed in the top ten for 20 consecutive weeks out of 35. The album featured the single “Plystre på deg” (“Whistle at You”), and they also released other singles like “Elektrisk” (“Electric”) with Katastrofe, and “Ei som deg” (“One Like You”) with Innertier. They later released a special fan version of “Hei”, including “Elektrisk” among other extras. 2016 was a busy year for the duo as they released several singles including “Girls” with Madcon, which hit number 1 in Norway and Sweden, and “Heartbeat” and “I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”. They followed up with “Light It Up” and “One More Second”. Their first English album, “Together”, was released in November, featuring hits like “Girls” and “Heartbeat”, and debuted at number 1 in Norway and Sweden. They performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December. In 2017, Marcus & Martinus announced Norway’s Jury points for the Eurovision Song Contest. They released singles including “Like It Like It” with Silentó, “First Kiss”, and performed a special song for Swedish Crown Princess Victoria’s 40th birthday. They also released “Dance with You”, “Make You Believe in Love”, “One Flight Away”, “Never”, and their third album “Moments”. The single “Invited” was released in September. From 2019 to 2021, they released an EP called “Soon”, singles “Love You Less”, “It’s Christmas Time”, and were featured on Stig Brenner’s “Miserabel”. They also released “Belinda” with Latin star Alex Rose, and “Feel” with Bruno Martini. In 2022, they won the Swedish version of “Masked Singer” and released “When All the Lights Go Out”. They competed in Melodifestivalen 2023 with “Air”, finishing second behind Loreen. They participated in Melodifestivalen 2024 with “Unforgettable” and won on 9 March with 177 points, set to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. In the Grand Final of the contest, they reached a 9th place. Entries Unforgettable Country🇸🇪 Sweden Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen MusicJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen DancersDaniel KoivunenKenny LantzKim PastorPauline Eddeborn Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 174Position: 9Running order: 1 https://youtu.be/DcZpzObYzxs?si=p7IAkrPs3QigWuK2

Ladaniva

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersZhaklin BaghdasaryanLouis Thomas Founded2019 Nationality🇫🇷 French National SelectionInternal Selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongJako (2024) Biography Ladaniva is a French world music band from Lille. Zhaklin Baghdasaryan was born in 1997 in Eghegnazor, Armenia. She grew up in Minsk, Belarus, before immigrating to France with her mother in 2014. Zhaklin has been singing since her early childhood and, after moving to Tourcoing, France, she enrolled at the Lille Conservatory. Louis Thomas, born in 1987 in Lille, France, comes from a family of musicians and is an accomplished jazz musician. Like Zhaklin, he attended the Lille Conservatory. In 2018, Jaklin and Louis met by chance during a jam session at l’Intervalle, a music bar in Old Lille. In 2019, they founded the world music band Ladaniva in Lille, France. The band draws its musical inspiration from around the world, particularly from the traditional music of the Balkans, Maloya, and Armenian folklore. The name “Ladaniva” is derived from a very rustic Russian 4×4, the Lada Niva. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in March and April 2020, Ladaniva released two videos, “Vay Aman” and “Zepyuri Nman,” which gained significant popularity, especially within the Armenian community. Following this success, their video clip “Kef Chilini” quickly amassed 18 million views. In 2023, Ladaniva released their debut album, which is self-titled and was produced and distributed by [PIAS]. On March 9, 2024, it was announced that Ladaniva would represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Their song was called “Jako”. Ladaniva reached the final with the song and did pretty well there, ending up in 8th place. Entries Jako Country🇦🇲 Armenia Year2024 LanguageArmenian LyricsZhaklin BaghdasaryanLouis Thomas MusicZhaklin BaghdasaryanLouis ThomasAudrey Leclercq BackingsLouis DesseigneNinon ThomasPierre KastlerRomain Desreumeaux Results Semi Points: 137Position: 3Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 183Position: 8Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/hAYXDoZzAyE?si=A7AjUUP2kdJCSgRI

Jon Lilygreen

About Quick Facts NameJon Lilygreen Born04 August 1987 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Biography Jon Lilygreen is a Welsh singer and songwriter. Jon Lilygreen originates from Bettws, in the port city of Newport, where he still lives today and completed his education at Coleg Gwent in singing, guitar, and composition. During his training, he wrote his own songs, which were published in 2009 on the school’s own Coleg Gwent Green Album. Subsequently, Lilygreen performed numerous gigs in his hometown, including the Summer Sessions (2009) hosted by the Riverfront Theatre. He is signed to the independent label Long Life Records. In early February 2010, Lilygreen, together with the band The Islanders, won the Cypriot national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. Their song “Life Looks Better in Spring” was written and composed by Cypriots Nasos Lambrianides and Melis Konstantinou. They reached the final with the song. In 2011, Jon teamed up with Jon Maguire and formed the duo Lilygreen & Maguire. Maguire was involved in music production and had been part of the pop punk band The Story So Far. Additionally, they played together in the band Editions. Their partnership was formed after they met at an open mic night at Kama Lounge in Newport, where Lilygreen was performing cover songs. During the 2012-2014 period, the duo supported Olly Murs and Westlife on their UK tours and embarked on an open-air busking tour across Wales, covering cities like Bangor, Wrexham, and Cardiff. In October 2012, they supported Scouting For Girls on tour. They announced a new single, “Dear Photograph,” for 2013, inspired by the blog of the same name, with plans to collaborate with Taylor Jones of DearPhotograph.com for the music video. Their debut studio album, “Have a Good Time All the Time,” was scheduled for release in November 2013, featuring a mix of new songs, previous singles, and B-Sides. The duo revealed their decision to part ways in January 2014, citing the challenges of the previous year. However, by June 2014, they announced a reunion and soon after released a new single, “Counting Cars.” Meanwhile, Lilygreen frequently teamed up with Scruffman (Pete Morgan, aka Bongo Peet) and Sian King for performances. In 2017, Lilygreen took part in the X-Factor UK, where he sang, among others, “Life looks better in spring”. After the X-Factor he released an album and single, both titled “Pictures of you”. In July 2019, a new EP called “Bottlekids” was released.In September 2019 Lilygreen started performing with a new band, The Brotherhood Wedding & Party Band. In October 2020, Jon teamed up with Bmotion to feature in the song “Alive”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=5VylwyPTL_AGqBKL

Fahree

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameFahree Maisan Born10 April 1995 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongÖzünlə apar (ft. Ilkin Dovlatov, 2024) Biography Born in Baku in 1995, Fahree grew up surrounded by the arts, with a father who was an avid jazz drummer and a grandfather renowned as an actor. Throughout his university years, Fahree diligently pursued a career in law, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree over six years. Yet, during the 2020 global pandemic, Fahree experienced a revival of his early passion for music, deciding to fully embrace it. Emboldened to leave behind his potential career in law, Fahree pursued his true passion. In June 2022, he released the track “Dance”, which was his first breakthrough. A collaboration with Mila Miles, “Apardı uzağlara”, followed in October of the same year. In February 2023, he released the song “Yollar”. On March 7th, 2024, it was announced that Fahree will represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, he and his duo partner Ilkin Dovlatov didn’t manage to reach the final. Entries Özünlə apar (feat. Ilkin Dovlatov) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2024 LanguageEnglishAzerbaijani LyricsFahreeMado Salikh MusicFahreeEdgar RavinHasan HaydarMila Miles Backings– Results Semi Points: 11Position: 14Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QhN9r8TH2Hw?si=nuqKU-3xDYlpkHrJ

The Islanders

About Quick Facts MembersJon GregorySylvia StrandKatherine SquireSean WattsCharalambos Kallonas Active2010 – 2011 Nationality🇬🇧 British (Jon, Katherine, Sean)🇳🇴 Norwegian (Sylvia)🇨🇾 Cypriot (Charalambos) National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (with Jon Lilygreen, 2010) Biography The Islanders were a British band. The band was built around John Gregory and Norwegian Sylvia Strand, who also formed a duo. They started their career in 2010, when they, along with Jon Lilygreen, represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Life looks better in spring”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& Jon Lilygreen) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=plXLRIcCGLEB8BMf

Electric Fields

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersZaachariaha FieldingMichael Ross Founded2015 Nationality Australian National SelectionInternal selection 2024Eurovision – Australia Decides 2019 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song2024 One Milkali (One Blood) Biography Electric Fields is an Australian electronic music duo, encapsulating the vibrant talents of vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and keyboardist/producer Michael Ross. Known for their unique blend of modern electric-soul music intertwined with Aboriginal culture, they skillfully sing in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and English, enriching Australia’s music scene with their diversity and depth. Their journey in the music industry is marked by the release of an EP, several singles, and their forthcoming representation of Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song “One Milkali (One Blood).” Their story begins individually, with Fielding showcasing his vocal prowess on the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011, and Ross auditioning for the same platform’s fifth season in 2013. The duo united as Electric Fields in 2015, bringing to life a sound that’s been described as a cross between Daft Punk and Nina Simone set in the Deep Forest. They debuted with the EP “Inma” in 2016, a project celebrated for its emotional depth and cultural significance, drawing praise for its blend of pop and electronic music infused with Anangu languages. Electric Fields’ impact has been acknowledged with several awards, including Best New Talent of the Year at the 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards. Their journey saw them narrowly missing the chance to represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, finishing second in Eurovision – Australia Decides with their song “2000 and Whatever.” Despite this, their career continued to ascend, marked by significant performances, including a collaboration with Norwegian group Keiino and appearances at major events like the Sydney Cricket Ground for Mardi Gras. As “two feminine brothers,” Fielding and Ross defy conventional boundaries, embracing their queer identity and fostering a close, non-romantic friendship. Their motto, “bypass the barriers,” exemplifies their approach to music and life, encouraging authenticity and unity. Zaachariaha Fielding, the eldest of nine, hails from Mimili in the APY lands of north-west South Australia, with a background enriched by Indigenous Australian music. His talents extend beyond music to the visual arts, where he has received significant accolades including the Wynne Prize and the Ramsay Art Prize People’s Choice prize in 2023. Michael Ross, influenced by an eclectic mix of musical greats, brings a rich tapestry of sounds to the duo. Their story, captured in the documentary “Voice From The Desert,” reflects their artistic journey and cultural heritage. As they prepare to take the Eurovision stage in 2024, Electric Fields continue to illuminate the power of music as a bridge between cultures, stories, and hearts. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the final. Entries One Milkali (One Blood) Country🇦🇺 Australia Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsZaachariaha FieldingMichael Ross MusicZaachariaha FieldingMichael Ross BackingsAlyson JoyceBrendan MacLeanFred LeoneSimi Vuata Results Semi Points: 41Position: 11Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Wzpp6996QdI?si=xzvqxyUah-q3ehJK

Teya Dora

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameTeodora Pavlovska Born01 May 1992 Nationality🇷🇸 Serbia National SelectionPesma za Evrovizija 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongRamonda (2024) Biography Teodora Pavlovska (born May 1, 1992, in Bor), known as Teya Dora, is a Serbian singer, composer, and producer. Biographical Overview Born on May 1, 1992, in Bor, within the former SFR Yugoslavia, Teodora Pavlovska balanced her academic pursuits in Belgrade with music education, specializing in piano at the “Dr. Vojislav Vučković” Music School. Her musical journey continued at Berklee College of Music in Boston, focusing on vocal studies, where she shared a classroom with Charlie Puth. Her experience expanded as she provided backing vocals for renowned American artists including Grammy winners Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Jerry Allen, and Valerie Simpson. Post-graduation, Pavlovska spent time in New York, where she engaged in English songwriting for ARKTKT Publishing. Her introduction to the Serbian music industry came in 2018 with the song “Nema limita” for Nikolija, leading to further songwriting contributions for Serbian talents such as “Dođi mami” (2019) for Nataša Bekvalac, “Jasno mi je” for Zoi, and “Pazi se” (2020) for Jovana Nikolić. Her own vocal career took off with the release of “Da na meni je” in July 2019 under Basivity label, followed by “Oluje” in March 2020 for the TV series “South Wind.” March 2023 saw the release of “Džanum” for the sequel series “South Wind: On the Edge,” which quickly went viral on TikTok, securing the fourth spot on Spotify’s global chart of viral songs by May 22. By June, Teya Dora joined the ranks as the third Serbian artist to garner over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, following the footsteps of Konstrakta and Luke Black who had similarly surged in popularity after their Eurovision appearances. The track also made its mark on Billboard’s music chart in Croatia, landing in the sixth position by the end of April. In addition to her solo projects, Teya Dora has contributed as a songwriter to the works of other prominent artists, including Nikolija, Nataša Bekvalac, Jovana Nikolić, Anastasija, and Zoi. On March 2nd, 2024, Teya Dora was chosen to represent Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Ramonda”. The song reached the Grand Final of the contest and gained a 17th place there. Entries Ramonda Country🇷🇸 Serbia Year2024 LanguageSerbian LyricsTeodora PavlovskaAndrijano Kadović Ajzi MusicTeodora PavlovskaLuka Jovanović Backings– Results Semi Points: 47Position: 10Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 54Position: 17Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/4hUg64uIY_4?si=P7UBm8ED4Wn-0Wo2