Again sad news, just at the start of 2021: Liam Reilly passed away at age 65. Liam Reilly was the Irish participant in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest and became 2nd with the song “Somewhere in Europe”.
Liam Reilly, was an Irish singer/songwriter and musician . He was a member of the group Bagatelle. He left the group in the mid-1980s and moved to the USA. There he started a solo career and recorded his first album “Savannah Serenade”. In 1988 he took part in the Irish National Song Contest, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Lifeline”. He became 2nd but came back to win the event in 1990. As a composer, Reilly returned to Eurovision in 1991 when he wrote Kim Jackson’s entry “Could it be that I’m in love”.
Liam Reilly also produced cassette ‘Throwing Caution to the Wind’. All songs were written by him except ‘Georgia on My Mind’ and ‘Moonriver’.
Reilly passed away “suddenly and peacefully” at his home on 1 January 2021. May he rest in peace.
Road to Vienna: Latvia
Road to Vienna: Latvia As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Rad to Vienna: Latvia Atvara: a rising Latvian singer-songwriter Atvara, born Liene Stūrmane, is a rising Latvian singer-songwriter from Liepāja. With a background in jazz and pop vocals, she developed her talent through music schools and early TV appearances, including shows like X Faktors. From Songwriter to Breakthrough Artist Before launching her solo career, Atvara wrote songs for other artists, including entries for Latvia’s Supernova. Her big breakthrough came in 2024 with “Pie manis tveries,” a heartfelt ballad that went viral on TikTok and reached #2 on Spotify’s Viral 50 in Latvia. Rising Success & Debut Album Following her breakout hit, Atvara released several emotional pop tracks and collaborated with artists like Intars Busulis. In 2025, she dropped her debut album Vol. 1: Vai dzirdi, kā brūces dzīst, solidifying her place in Latvia’s music scene. With her emotional songwriting and growing popularity, Atvara is quickly becoming one of Latvia’s most promising new artists, ready to make an impact on the Eurovision stage. Ēnā: A Haunting Pop Track About Emotional Burnout Ēnā explores the quiet weight of emotional exhaustion and isolation. It tells the story of someone who gives endlessly to others, yet feels empty and disconnected in their most important relationships. Themes of Isolation & Inner Conflict Beneath a polished exterior, the song reveals deep vulnerability. It captures the tension between outward composure and inner fragility, যেখানে silence, withdrawal, and avoidance slowly take over. The narrator fades into the background, reflecting a loss of voice, confidence, and presence. Emotional Depth & Relatable Storytelling Family dynamics and unspoken expectations add emotional layers to the narrative. Feelings of absence, disappointment, and suppressed emotions highlight how personal struggles often remain hidden. The song resonates with listeners who have ever felt overlooked despite giving their all. With its moody atmosphere and honest storytelling, this track offers a powerful reflection on self-neglect, emotional burnout, and the universal struggle to balance caring for others while staying connected to oneself. Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest Latvia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 24 times since its debut in 2000. Immediately, the country was succesful, with a 3rd place for Brainstorm‘s “My Star”. The country achieved its best result in 2002 when Marie N won the contest with “I Wanna.” After several years of not qualifying for the final, Latvia returned to the Grand Final in 2024 with Dons‘ “Hollow,” which placed 16th. The Bookmakers Latvia is currently 21st with the bookmakers and 11th in Semi-Final 2 — making their path to the final anything but guaranteed.
