2009

Noa

About Quick Facts NameAchinoam Nini Born23 June 1969 Nationality🇮🇱 Israeli National SelectionKdam Eurovision 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThere must be another way (& Mira Awad, 2009) Biography Achinoam Nini (born June 23, 1969), also known as Noa, is an Israeli singer, composer, and left-wing activist. Biography Achinoam Nini was born in Tel Aviv to parents from Bat Yam. Her family moved to New York when she was two years old because her father, a chemical engineer, received a scholarship. She grew up in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, where she attended modern orthodox schools and studied singing and dance. At age 15, she started attending the High School of Performing Arts in New York. She also joined the Riverdale tribe of Tzofim Tzabar Scouts, which strengthened her connection to Hebrew and Israel. During a tour of Israel organized by the Society for the Protection of Nature, she met Asher Barak and fell in love with him. At 17, she returned to Israel alone, intending to stay for about a year. During this time, she studied at the Mae Boyar High School in Jerusalem and lived in a boarding school. She decided to stay in Israel, and after a few years, her parents followed. After completing high school, she served in the IDF’s Northern Command band, where she sang the song “Always 18.” Her early career saw her recording the song “Babel” for the soundtrack of the film “Notre Dame de Paris” by Gerald Pullicino in 1988. The song was in English, French, and Hebrew and became a hit in France in 1989. Achinoam Nini’s acceptance to the Rimon School of Music in 1990 marked a significant turn in her career, where she met guitarist and arranger Gil Dor. They started working together as a musical duo. The duo performed at the international jazz festival in Eilat in 1990. Following this, they released their first album, “Achinoam Nini and Gil Dor Live” in July 1991. Their second album, “Achinoam Nini Gil Dor,” came out in September 1993, featuring songs by Leah Goldberg and Rachel, including the hit “Boi Kala.” Her international career began in 1994 with the album “Noa.” She collaborated with many international artists and performed for Pope John Paul II in 1994 and 2000. Continuing her music journey, she released “Calling” in May 1996, “Achinoam Nini” in April 1997, and “Achinoam Nini and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra” in April 1998. Further albums include “Blue Touches Blue” in March 2000, “Now” in September 2002, and “Noa Live” in October 2005. She explored new sounds with “Napoli-Tel Aviv” in September 2006 and “Genes and Jeans” in March 2008. In 2009, she collaborated with Mira Awad on “There Must Be Another Way.” Chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in January 2009, she performed the song with Mira Awad in Hebrew, English, and Arabic, finishing in 16th place. The creative journey continued with “Noapolis – Noa Sings Napoli” in February 2011, “Eretz, Shir” in April 2011, “Love Medicine” in June 2014, and “Letters to Bach” in 2019. In 2023, she was selected to perform at the championship celebrations of Napoli. Political Positions Achinoam Nini frequently expresses left-wing political views. She participated in a left-wing demonstration in Jerusalem in May 2010, supporting “one capital for two peoples.” Ahead of the UN session in September 2012, where Palestinians declared statehood, she criticized Netanyahu’s government, saying it did not represent her. She performed at an alternative memorial ceremony for Jewish and Palestinian bereaved families and faced boycotts from right-wing groups. In January 2017, she compared US President Donald Trump to Hitler and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vulgar and racist. She actively participated in protests against Benjamin Netanyahu and the thirty-seventh Israeli government, which sometimes led to the cancellation of her performances. Nini serves as a board member of the New Israel Fund. After the surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, she was involved in organizing a letter condemning violence against Israeli civilians and calling for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Personal Life Achinoam Nini is married to pediatrician Asher Barak, and they have three children. She has been a vegetarian since 2011. Her sister, Odia Nini, is also a singer-songwriter. Awards In 2006, she was awarded the title of “Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity” by the President of Italy. In 2019, she received the Shulamit Aloni Lifetime Achievement Award. Entries There must be another way (& Mira Awad) Country🇮🇱 Israel Year2009 LanguageEnglishHebrewArabic LyricsGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad MusicGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad BackingsGil Dor?? Results Semi Points: 75Position: 7Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 53Position: 16Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/bBTQFOkFZw8?si=acmzkXO5AkmFsjxr

Krassimir Avramov

About Quick Facts NameKrassimir Ivanov Avramov Born5 November 1972 Nationality🇧🇬 Bulgarian National SelectionBŭlgarskata pesen v „Evroviziya 2009” In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongIllusion (2009) Biography Krassimir Ivanov Avramov, born in Sliven, Bulgaria, is a singer known for his extraordinary vocal range, spanning four octaves. His unique voice, often classified as a male soprano, brought him to prominence in the 1990s, making him a sensation in the Bulgarian music scene. His unusual vocal capabilities allowed him to create a new genre, “popera,” blending classical opera with modern pop sounds. Avramov’s vocal talent, described as unparalleled in Bulgaria, made him a phenomenon, earning him the nickname “The Man-Voice.” Avramov’s rise to fame began with his album Silent Voices (1997), which climbed to the top of the music charts in Bulgaria. Despite his success, he decided to move to the United States in 1998 to pursue bigger dreams. Settling in Los Angeles, Avramov worked tirelessly to build his career. In 2005, he was awarded “Superstar of the Year” by the LA Music Awards, becoming the first Bulgarian to perform a solo concert at the prestigious Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held annually. His groundbreaking album Popera (2005) showcased his innovative fusion of pop and opera, cementing his reputation as the pioneer of this genre. Avramov continued to release music, including The Best of Krassimir (2009) and the live album Experience Popera / Live from the Ancient Theater Plovdiv (2024), which captured his remarkable performances. In 2009, Avramov represented Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with the song Illusion, which he recorded over two months. His Eurovision journey inspired him to write his autobiographical novel Between Two Worlds: Love, Lies, and a Song. Over the years, Avramov has performed globally, from Russia to Japan, and continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of popera. His contributions to both Bulgarian and international music remain significant, as he plans his next major concert in Bulgaria, titled Bulgarian World. Entries Illusion Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsCasie TabanouKrassimir AvramovWilliam Tabanou MusicKrassimir AvramovWilliam Tabanou BackingsAlbena VeskovaAnna LozanovaCarin NolandPetya BuyklievaTrey Knight Results Semi Points: 7Position: 16Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/vF_qBBfu7nQ?si=Vd5NHswMrNYHs-Mi

Lovebugs

About Quick Facts MembersAdrian SieberFlorian SennSimon RamseierStefan WagnerThomas Rechberger Founded1992 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThe Highest Heights (2009) Biography Lovebugs, a Swiss rock band from Basel, was founded in 1992 by Adrian Sieber, Sebastian “Baschi” Hausmann, and Julie Lagger. The band originated when Adrian placed an ad looking for a drummer, which led to their early success by winning a local talent contest. This victory enabled them to record their debut album, Fluff, released in 1994. Shortly after, Julie left the band and was replaced by Simon Ramseier on drums. The band’s momentum grew as they embarked on their first European tour in 1995 and released their second album, Tart. Their breakthrough came in 1996 when the single “Fantastic” climbed to number 40 in the Swiss charts, leading to a deal with BMG Ariola. In 2000, Transatlantic Flight hit number three in the Swiss charts, followed by their first number one album, Awaydays, featuring the hit single “Music Makes My World Go Round.” Over the years, the band saw lineup changes, with bassist Florian Senn and keyboardist Stefan Wagner joining. In 2006, their album In Every Waking Moment topped the Swiss charts, and the single “Avalon” featuring Lene Marlin became a notable success. After a hiatus and a Eurovision appearance in 2009, Lovebugs returned with their 2024 album Heartbreak City, marking their resurgence with a fresh lineup. Entries The Highest Heights Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAdrian Sieber MusicAdrian SieberThomas RechbergerFlorian Senn Backings– Results Semi Points: 15Position: 14Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/bMv0nMrrScE?si=XGLpBh6u0kx_Z87j

Susanne Georgi

About Quick Facts NameSusanne Jonah-Lynn Georgi Born27 July 1976 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionPassaport a Moscou 2009Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2007 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLa teva decisió (Get a Life) (2009) Biography Early Life and Career Beginnings Susanne Georgi was born on July 27, 1976, in Sjølund, Denmark. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in music, nurtured by a supportive family environment. Her early years were marked by a dedication to strengthen her vocal skills and an ambition to break into the music industry. Formation of Me & My In the early 1990s, Susanne, along with her sister Pernille Georgi, formed the pop duo Me & My. The duo quickly gained recognition for their catchy pop tunes and infectious energy. Their breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of their debut single, “Dub-I-Dub.” The song became an international hit, charting in several countries and establishing Me & My as a prominent act in the Eurodance scene. The success of “Dub-I-Dub” was followed by the release of their self-titled debut album, which included other popular tracks like “Baby Boy” and “Loving You.” The album’s upbeat and danceable style resonated with fans worldwide, solidifying the duo’s reputation. Continued Success and Evolution Me & My continued to release music throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, adapting their style to the evolving music landscape. Their second album, “Let the Love Go On,” released in 1999, showcased a more mature sound while still retaining their signature pop essence. The title track became a fan favorite, and the album received positive reviews for its growth and diversity in musical arrangements. The duo’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots allowed them to maintain a loyal fan base. They continued to perform across Europe, delighting audiences with their energetic performances and nostalgic hits. In 2007, Me & My participated in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Their song “Two Are Stronger Than One” reached a 6th place in the national final. Solo Career and Personal Life In addition to her work with Me & My, Susanne Georgi embarked on a solo career. She relocated to Andorra in 1995, where she became deeply involved in the local music scene. Her solo work demonstrated her versatility as an artist, exploring various genres and showcasing her vocal prowess. Susanne’s commitment to music extended beyond performing. She became a prominent figure in Andorra’s entertainment industry, working as a television host and participating in various music-related projects. Her efforts contributed significantly to promoting Andorran culture and music on an international stage. Eurovision and Advocacy Susanne was chosen to represent Andorra in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2009, she performed the song “La Teva Decisió” (“Get a Life”) in the competition. Although the song did not advance to the final, Susanne’s performance was praised for its heartfelt delivery and catchy melody. In recent years, Susanne has been an advocate for Andorra’s return to the Eurovision Song Contest. Her dedication to this cause highlights her enduring love for music and her desire to see Andorran talent shine on a global platform. Entries La Teva Decisió (Get A Life) Country🇦🇩 Andorra Year2009 LanguageEnglishCatalan LyricsRune BrågerMarcus Winther-JohnLene DissingSusanne GeorgiPernille GeorgiJosep Roca MusicRune BrågerMarcus Winther-JohnLene DissingSusanne GeorgiPernille Georgi BackingsMaría Ángeles Barahona PaisanOlga Romero PazBelinda Sánchez LealSusana Ribalta Ponce Results Semi Points: 8Position: 15Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovAVtq3gyB4

Petr Elfimov

About Quick Facts NamePetr Petrovich Elfimov Born15 February 1980 Nationality🇧🇾 Belarusian National SelectionEurofest 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongEyes That Never Lie (2009) Biography Petr Petrovich Elfimov was born on February 15, 1980, in Mogilev, Belarus, into a family of musicians. He started his musical education at the age of 6, focusing on the trumpet. In 1994, Elfimov enrolled in the Mogilev Gymnasium-College of Music and Choreography, specializing in choir conducting. During his time there, he was a soloist in the studio Double V, winning the television contest for young pop artists, Zornaya Rostan-96. In 1998, he joined the Belarusian State Academy of Music, where he studied academic singing in the vocal-choral department. From August 2003 to June 2004, he was a member of the ensemble Pesnyary. In 2004, Elfimov won the Grand Prix at the International Pop Song Performers Contest “Vitebsk-2004,” part of the “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk” festival. He graduated with a master’s degree from the Belarusian State Academy of Music in 2009. Elfimov represented Belarus as a backing vocalist for the duo “Alexandra and Konstantin” at Eurovision 2004 with the song “My Galileo.” Although the song did not make it to the final, it marked the beginning of his association with the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2006, he released his debut album “Ya Khochu,” followed by “Kolokola” in 2007 and “S novym rozhdeniyem” in 2009. On January 19, 2009, Elfimov won the Belarusian national selection for Eurovision 2009 with the song “Eyes That Never Lie.” He performed at the Eurovision semi-final in Moscow, finishing 13th, which did not qualify him for the final. From July 17 to 25, 2010, Elfimov competed at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles. He represented Belarus in five categories and won five gold medals. In the fall of 2013, Elfimov participated in the second season of the popular Russian TV show Golos (The Voice), reaching the quarterfinals as part of Leonid Agutin’s team. In 2015, he competed in the TV pop song contest Glavnaya stsena (Main Stage) on Russia-1, winning the competition based on viewers’ votes. On September 8, 2011, Elfimov performed the song “Kolokola” at a memorial evening in Minsk-Arena, dedicated to the Yaroslavl “Lokomotiv” hockey players who died in a plane crash. Petr Elfimov released his album “Kniga otkroveniy” in 2012, and “Glavnaya rol” in 2015. In the same year, Elfimov starred in the film “Ukrast Belmondo” (Steal Belmondo). Since November 15, 2018, Elfimov has been the vocalist and songwriter for the heavy-power band Gran-Kurazh. His concert repertoire includes works ranging from hard rock to romance, featuring pieces by Vladimir Mulyavin, Igor Luchenok, Deep Purple, Czeslaw Niemen, and classical composers. With Gran-Kurazh, he released a studio album “Epokhi, geroi i sudby” in 2021. He also released EPs such as “Eyforiya” in 2022 and “Skomorokh” in 2023, along with the live album “IX zhizney” in 2022. In 2024, Petr released a new album: “Legendy mira iz ognya”. His music videos include “Moya dusha” in 2008, “Eyes That Never Lie” in 2009, “Shag navstrechu” in 2016, “Vybor yest!” in 2017, and “Tsarstvo dikikh lyudey” in 2021. Throughout his career, Petr Elfimov has received numerous accolades, including the Medal of Francysk Skaryna. In his personal life, he was first married to Natalya Dementyeva. He is now married to Tatyana Kosmacheva, with whom he has a daughter named Polina. Entries Eyes That Never Lie Country🇧🇾 Belarus Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsValery Prokhozhy MusicPetr Elfimov BackingsAnton ToimentsauEkaterina MatskevichPhilip MazurovDmitry MikulichYan Zhenchak Results Semi Points: 25Position: 13Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6824_LUFgE8

Copycat

About Quick Facts NamePatrick Ouchène Born05 December 1966 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongCopy Cat (2009) Biography Patrick Ouchène is a Belgian musician best known for his role as the lead singer of the rockabilly band Runnin’ Wild. Born in Belgium, Ouchène developed a passion for music at a young age, drawing inspiration from classic rock and roll and rockabilly sounds. His unique voice and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a standout figure in the European rockabilly scene. Ouchène’s musical career took a significant leap forward when he formed Runnin’ Wild, a band that gained a reputation for its energetic performances and authentic rockabilly style. The group became a fixture in the European rockabilly circuit, playing at numerous festivals and events, and earning a loyal fan base. In addition to his work with Runnin’ Wild, Patrick Ouchène is also known for representing Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Performing under the stage name “Copycat,” Ouchène brought a retro rock and roll flair to the contest with his song “Copycat,” a homage to Elvis Presley. However, there was a lot of criticism about the song, according to Elvis-fans being disrespectful to The King. Ouchène ended up getting only one point in the semifinal. In 2012 Crystal, the daughter of Patrick Ouchène, became the lead singer of Runnin’ Wild. In April 2013, the band won the Belgian edition of Hard Rock Rising, an international competition hosted by Hard Rock Café. They released the EP “Free The Demoons”. In 2015 the album “Good Taste In Bad Friends” came out. Inj 2018, In 2016, Ouchène joined the group Mike Fanton & The Bop-A-Tones, and released the single “Fantomas Rock” and the album “Too Hot To Bop”. The group kept on performing and, with a changed line up, continued in 2018. Also in 2018, Crystal & Runnin’ Wild released a new album, “The Midnight Creature”. Crystal & Runnin’ Wild had their goodbye concert in October 2019. After this, he moved to France, but due to COVID19 got stuck in Morocco. At his return to Brussels in August 2020, Patrick started offering guitar lessons. In 2021, Crystal & Runnin’ Wild made a comeback. He also started performing again with Mike Fanton & The Bop-A-Tones. In 2022, Patrick also joined another band: The Floridas. They gave a few performers. In 2023, he joined The Scoundrells. The band was supposed to be a new version of Patrick’s old group The Dominos. One of the members is Jules Sautier, Patrick’s son! Entries Copy Cat Country🇧🇪 Belgium Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsJacques Duvall MusicBenjamin Schoos BackingsMiami Monster Miam (Benjamin Schoos)Lenn DauphinMiss T Blue (Marie-Ange Tchaï-Teeuwen)Miss D Lite (Desta Hailé) Results Semi Points: 1Position: 17Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/FXJu6SJdVvA?si=jGSDKSK-TDCvbCka

Gipsy.cz

About Quick Facts MembersRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ BangaVojta LavičkaNoemi FialováTibor ŽidaMatěj ČernýOliver Lipenský Active2004-2013 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionEurosong 2009Eurosong 2008Eurosong 2007 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAven Romale (2009) Biography Gipsy.cz was a Czech Romani hip hop group renowned for their innovative fusion of hip hop and traditional Romani music. The band’s lyrics were primarily sung in the Romani language, with some songs featuring Czech and English. They have made significant strides in the music industry, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Early History and Formation: 2004-2008 In 2004, rapper Radovan “Radek” Banga released his solo album “Ya favourite Cd Rom.” Shortly thereafter, he met violinist Vojta Lavička and brothers Jan (upright bass) and Petr Surmaj (guitar and accordion). Together, they formed Gipsy.cz, blending their diverse musical backgrounds to create a unique sound. The band’s rise to fame began in 2006 with the release of their single “Romano Hip Hop,” from their debut album of the same name. This single reached the MTV World Chart Express and was later certified Gold in the Czech Republic. That same year, Gipsy.cz won the Discovery of the Year award at the Anděl Awards, marking their breakthrough into the mainstream music scene. In 2007, Gipsy.cz participated in the Czech national final for the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Muloland,” finishing in second place. They achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Czech group to perform at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Additionally, their song “Jednou” was included in the “Gypsy Groove” compilation album published by Putumayo in 2007. The following year, at the 2008 Český slavík awards, they won the Rising Star of the Year award. With the song “Benga Beat”, they participated in the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest again. In June 2008, they released their second studio album, “Reprezent,” which reached second place on the World Music Chart in Europe and stayed there for four weeks. The album included the controversial song “A na závěr si s námi dejte trochu té Čunárny,” which mocked politician Jiří Čunek known for his anti-Roma comments. To avoid legal issues, Gipsy.cz released an alternate version of the song without the offending lyrics. Eurovision and Continued Success: 2009-2013 In January 2009, Jan and Petr Surmaj left the band. New members joined, including Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass and Jan Sochor on accordion. This year marked a significant achievement as Gipsy.cz finally succeeded in representing the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with their song “Aven Romale.” Unfortunately, they finished last in the first semi-final without receiving any points. In 2011, Gipsy.cz toured Australia as part of the Karavan Festival and released their third studio album, “Desperado.” This album showcased the band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences while staying true to their Romani roots. Two years later, they issued their fourth record, “Upgrade,” further solidifying their presence in the music industry. That was the last album, released by Gipsy.cz as a group. Throughout their career, Gipsy.cz has received several accolades. They were nominated for the Best Hip Hop Album at the 2005 Anděl Awards. In 2006, they received nominations for Best Album in the World and Best New Artist, winning the latter. Band Members The last lineup of Gipsy.cz included Radoslav Banga aka Gipsy on vocals, Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass, Jan Sochor on accordion, and Viliam Didiáš on violin. Past members who contributed to the band’s success include Vojta Lavička on violin and vocals, Noemi Fialová on violin and vocals, Tibor Žida on guitar and vocals, Matěj Černý on bass, Oliver Lipenský on drums, and the Surmaj brothers, Petr on guitar and accordion and Jan on electric upright bass. With a discography that includes “Romano Hip Hop” (2006), “Reprezent” (2008), “Desperado” (2011), and “Upgrade” (2013), Gipsy.cz continued to inspire and innovate within the music world. After 2013, Radoslav Banga aka as Gipsy continued solo. Entries Aven Romale Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2009 LanguageRomaniEnglish LyricsRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga MusicRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga Backings– Results Semi Points: 0Position: 18Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/F39OvgrEEpg?si=hEv9lZXnTrUNYgTo

Andrea Demirović

About Quick Facts NameAndrea Demirović Born17 May 1985 Nationality🇲🇪 Montenegrin National SelectionMontevizija 2019Internal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongJust Get Out Of My Life (2009) Biography Andrea Demirović, also known simply as Andrea, is a distinguished Montenegrin singer born on June 17, 1985, in Podgorica, Montenegro, which was then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Her musical journey began at a young age, culminating in her enrollment at the Cetinje Music Academy, where she pursued studies in Music Pedagogy. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in music, allowing her to blend technical knowledge with her natural talent. Andrea’s breakthrough in the music scene came in 2002 at the Sunčane Skale festival, a prominent music event in the region. This performance garnered her significant attention and marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Following this initial success, Andrea continued to make waves in regional music festivals, including the Serbo-Montenegrin and Montenegrin national finals for the Eurovision Song Contest. These competitions further established her as a notable artist in the Balkans. In 2006, Andrea released her debut album titled “Andrea” under the City Records label. The success of her debut album paved the way for her subsequent projects. By 2009, she was preparing to release her follow-up album, with the lead single being “The Queen of the Night,” a cover of Mirela’s song from the Misión Eurovisión 2007. Andrea’s career took a significant turn in 2009 when it was announced on January 23 that she would represent Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia. She performed the song “Just Get Out of My Life,” which was the opening song in the first semi-final on May 12. Despite a captivating performance, the song did not advance to the final. However, her participation in Eurovision significantly raised her profile on the international stage. Andrea’s 2012 hit, released in June, was called “Odlazim”. This song and “All the best” were the songs with which she represented Montenegro at the Baltic Song Contest in 2013. In 2015, she had the honor of announcing the Montenegrin votes at the Eurovision Song Contest, further cementing her connection with the event. In 2016, she joined the Congress of OGAE Spain. At the same time, a new single and video were released: “Posveta”. Andrea teamed up with the Rock Band Akademija for performances in April 2017. In June of that year the single “Pamti” came out. In April 2018, Andrea started performing with a new band as Andrea & Bend. It was in 2019 when she took part in Montevizija, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, “Ja sam ti san”, reached a 3rd place in the competition. Andrea teamed up with Bojan Jovović for a duet called “Proljeće” in May 2021. It was released almost at the same moment as her song “Igra”. In 2022, Andrea became a politician, as a candidate councilor for the political party Prava stvar – zajedno bar. However, she kept on making music. “Poquito”, a song she wrote in 2020, was released with video in 2023. Andrea Demirović is also a teacher in music. Entries Just Get Out Of My Life Country🇲🇪 Montenegro Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsJosé Juan Santana RodriguezBernd Meinunger MusicRalph Siegel BackingsPeter BischofAriana RothKatrin Schild von Spannenberg DancersNikola Tomašević Results Semi Points: 44Position: 11Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/UaETVttl1P4?si=SuPO-zb3wWAZxmIg

Soraya

About Quick Facts NameSoraya Arnelas Rubiales Born13 September 1982 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionEurovisión 2009: El retorno In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLa noche es para mí (2009) Biography Early Life and Career Beginnings Soraya Arnelas Rubiales was born on September 13, 1982, in Valencia de Alcántara, Cáceres, Spain. From a young age, she had a passion for performing arts and moved to Madrid at 11 to pursue her dreams. Although she initially aimed to study drama, Soraya worked as an airline stewardess for Iberworld, traveling worldwide. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, which helped her connect with a diverse audience. Rise to Fame: Operación Triunfo and Debut Album Soraya’s big break came in 2005 when she participated in the fourth season of the Spanish TV show “Operación Triunfo.” She impressed the audience and judges with her vocal talent, finishing as the runner-up. This exposure led to the release of her debut album, “Corazón De Fuego,” on December 5, 2005. The album, produced by Kike Santander, reached number 13 on the Spanish charts and earned Platinum status, marking a successful start to her career. Continued Success: Ochenta’s and Dolce Vita In 2006, Soraya released her second album, “Ochenta’s,” on November 21. This album featured English-language covers of 1980s hits, including RAF’s “Self Control,” which achieved Gold status in Spain. “Ochenta’s” peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and also earned Platinum certification. Following this success, Soraya released “Dolce Vita” on September 11, 2007. The album included more 1980s covers, such as “La Dolce Vita,” Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky,” and Eurythmics’s “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” It also peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and received Gold certification. Exploring New Sounds: Sin Miedo In 2008, Soraya released her fourth album, “Sin Miedo,” which marked a departure from her previous 1980s cover albums. This album featured 12 original tracks, including a duet with Kate Ryan called “Caminaré.” Despite debuting at number 21 on the Spanish Albums Chart, the album’s new edition helped it re-enter the Top 40 at number 32. Eurovision and Beyond: Dreamer and Universe In Me In 2009, Soraya represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “La noche es para mí,” finishing in 23rd place. Despite the result, this experience boosted her international profile. In 2010, she released “Dreamer,” an electronic-dance-pop album produced by Antoine Clamaran. The album peaked at number 8 on the Spanish Albums Chart and included the hit single “Live Your Dreams,” which charted in several European countries. Soraya continued her musical journey with the release of “Universe In Me” on November 11, 2013. This album reached number 31 on the Spanish charts and showcased her growth as an artist. Live Performances and Recent Work In 2016, Soraya released a live album, “Akustika,” which included both CD and DVD formats and peaked at number 97 on the Spanish Albums Chart. She continued to release singles, such as “Con Fuego” in 2013, “Plastic” in 2013, and “Neon Lovers” in 2014, maintaining her presence in the music industry. Soraya released several singles becoming hits in Spain. In 2015, she reached the charts with the song “You Didn’t Do It”, a year later “Long Time” was a success. She teamed up with Mister Mimon, who featured in her 2017 hit “El Pretendiente”. A year later, “Qué bonito” was a hit. In 2023, Soraya released a brand new single, “La Botella”. Television Appearances and Acting Soraya’s television career is extensive. She first appeared on “Operación Triunfo” in 2005 and then on “Mira quién baila” in 2006. Between 2006 and 2007, she was a contestant on “El Club de Flo.” In 2009, she led a choir in “La Batalla de los Coros” and represented Spain in the “Eurovision Song Contest 2009.” She also appeared on “Canta si puedes” during New Year’s Eve in 2009 and 2010, and served as a judge on “Generación de estrellas” in 2010. Soraya made guest appearances on shows like “Adivina quién viene a cenar esta noche” in 2010, “Juntos” in 2011, “Tu cara me suena” from 2011 to 2018, and “Atrapa un millón” in 2011. She co-hosted “Cabaret Olé” from 2011 to 2013 and appeared in special episodes of “Pasapalabra” in 2012 and 2013. She was also a contestant on “¡A bailar!” in 2014 and a judge on “¡Vaya fauna!” in 2014. More recently, she served as a judge on “Tú sí que sí” in 2017, appeared on “Trabajo Temporal” in 2018, and was a contestant on “Celebrity Bake Off” in 2021 and “Sálvame Mediafest” in 2022. In 2023, she was a guest judge on “Drag Race España.” Personal Life Since 2012, Soraya has been in a relationship with male model Miguel Ángel Herrera. The couple welcomed their first child, Manuela Grace, on February 24, 2017. Soraya Arnelas Rubiales continues to be a prominent figure in the Spanish music scene, known for her versatility and enduring appeal. From her early days on “Operación Triunfo” to her international ventures and personal milestones, she remains a beloved artist with a rich and diverse career. Entries La noche es para mí Country🇪🇸 Spain Year2009 LanguageSpanish LyricsFelipe Pedroso MusicDimitri StassosIrini MichasJason Gill BackingsAlexey PostoloskyDima OleschenkoNoemí GallegoNora JiménezVerónica Ferreiro Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 24Position: 23Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/zw8uKCrDt7U?si=61YjGfBK1gkn9mcn

Waldo’s People

About Quick Facts MembersWaldoKaroliina KallioCapri VirkkunenPäivi SeloSami Lehto (not on stage)Karl Sinkkonen (not on stage)Kimmo Nissinen (not on stage) Founded1998 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionEuroviisut 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLose Control (2009) Biography Waldo’s People is a Finnish electronic dance music group that became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group is led by a talented musician known as Waldo, whose real name is Marko Reijonen. Waldo’s People created energetic and catchy dance music that captured the hearts of many fans in Finland and beyond. The band’s journey began in the late 1990s when electronic dance music was becoming very popular. Waldo’s People quickly made a name for themselves with their unique sound. They released their first album, “Waldo’s People,” in 1998. This album featured the hit single “U Drive Me Crazy,” which became a big success, reaching number 3 on the Finnish charts and even charting in Sweden. The album itself also did well, reaching number 6 on the Finnish charts. The success of this album was a significant achievement and helped the band gain even more popularity. Following their successful debut, Waldo’s People continued to produce great music. They released their second album, “No Man’s Land,” in 2000. This album included popular tracks like “I Dream,” “Let’s Get Busy,” and “1000 Ways,” the latter reaching number 4 on the Finnish charts. The album itself again reached number 6 in Finland. Their music is known for its upbeat and danceable tunes. In the early 2000s, Waldo’s People continued to influence the Finnish electronic dance music scene. In 2001, they released singles like “Remedy” and “Disconnected,” keeping their presence in the music scene alive. However, after a few years of success, the band took a break and was not as active. In 2008, Waldo’s People made a big comeback. They released a new single called “Back Again” on May 19, 2008, which reached number 1 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was followed by a compilation album, “Back Again: The Greatest Hits,” which included many of their popular songs and reached number 27 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was exciting for their fans, who had missed their energetic music. The following year, in 2009, Waldo’s People achieved another milestone. They released their third album, “Paranoid,” which reached number 13 in Finland. They were also selected to represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. They performed the song “Lose Control” in the semifinals on May 12, 2009, in Moscow. Band members Sami Lehto, Karl Sinkkonen and Kimmo Nissinen were not on stage at the event. The performance was a success, and the band made it to the finals with the help of the jury votes. In the finals, they performed second to last. Although they finished in last place with 22 points, it was one of the highest point totals ever for a song that placed last in the Eurovision finals. This was still a proud moment for the band and their fans. In 2010, they continued to release new music, with singles like “I Wanna Be a Rockstar,” which reached number 15 in Finland, and “Jackpot,” which reached number 19. They followed up with more singles such as “Echo” in 2011 and “You” in 2014, maintaining their presence in the music industry. In 2019 Waldo’s People teamed up with Movetron for the song “Nousee”, Oku Luukkainen featuring in the song. Entries Lose Control Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAri LehtonenKarimaWaldoAnnie Kratz-Gutå MusicAri LehtonenKarima DancersNiko VirtanenAnton Kasmir Jolma Results Semi Points: 42Position: 12 (saved by the jury)Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 22Position: 25Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/D-Wr0z1_quw?si=sMCMIV8c4Qpc65K9