2009

Grupa Regina

About Quick Facts MembersDavor EbnerAleksandar ‘Aco’ ĆovićDenis ČabrićBojan Milićević Active1990-2000, 2006- Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongBistra voda (2009) Biography In 1989, five members—Aleksandar Čović, Bojan Milicevic, Bojan Milijas, Boris Milijas, and Goran Lucic—started an amateur band in Sarajevo, in those days in Yugoslavia. They had a problem because they didn’t have a singer. Soon, they found Davor Ebner, who gave the band the name Regina. That same year, Regina released their first album, called Regina. Aleksandar Čović wrote the lyrics, and he was inspired by the Irish band U2. The first album had hit songs like “Spavaj,” “Ne pitaj me,” and “Kao nekada ona,” and the band quickly became one of the most popular in the former Yugoslavia. In 1992, they released another album called “Ljubav nije za nas,” but the band stopped working because the war started in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though the band stopped performing, Aleksandar Čović continued working in Belgrade between 1992 and 1999, releasing several albums: “Regina,” “Oteto od zaborava,” “Godine lete,” “Ja nisam kao drugi,” “Kad zatvorim oči,” and “Devedesete.” From 2000, the band didn’t work until 2006, when Čović started working again with singer Davor Ebner, and they reformed the band. They soon released another album called “Sve mogu ja.” On January 12, 2009, BHT announced that Regina, with their song “Bistra voda,” would represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. The song was officially presented on March 1, 2009. Theyqualified for the final on May 16, 2009, performing 12th. In the final, they finished in 9th place with 106 points. On June 5, 2009, they released their 10th studio album called “Vrijeme je.” The album included the Eurovision song “Bistra voda,” its English and Russian versions, and 10 new songs. In 2011, the band recorded a duet with Tifa, the former singer of the band Bijelo Dugme, titled “Ptico mala,” which premiered in the summer of 2011, along with a music video. They also announced a new album, “Sarajevo,” with “Ptico mala” as the lead single. Although “Sarajevo” was announced for autumn 2011, the band postponed the album release. In May 2012, it was announced that a new song “Kad poludimo” was recorded. The music video was released on May 8, 2012, and it was announced that the new album would be titled “Kad poludimo,” set to be released by the end of May 2012. On May 18, 2012, Regina announced that the album was on sale. In 2015, Bojan Miličević left the band. On 16 August 2016, the band’s long-time bassist, Denis Čabrić, suddenly died of a heart attack, leaving the band with three members. On Valentine’s Day 2017, Regina, now a trio, released a new studio album called “U srcu,” with the single “Za one stare dane,” the video for which was filmed in Paris. After thirty years of performing and many concerts, Davor Ebner decided to start a new project called “Ebner,” with some well-known Sarajevo musicians. The idea of the project was for Davor Ebner to try a different style of music compared to Regina. With his lead and the new musicians, Regina entered a new phase, aiming to connect the “Ebner” project with the Regina band by trying to produce and perform music closer to new market trends. Regina’s songs are still performed in their original form but with a more modern and better sound to make the differences between genres smaller along with the “Ebner” project songs. In December 2022, Ebner left Regina, leaving the band as a duo. Entries Bistra voda Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2009 LanguageBosnian LyricsAleksandar ‘Ćović MusicAleksandar Ćović BackingsElma SelimovićDanijela Večerinović Results Semi Points: 125Position: 3Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 106Position: 9Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/TcRWjoEkzMk?si=LzeMNMSO6B_60ZKG

Anastasiya Prikhodko

About Quick Facts NameAnastasiya Kostyantynivna Prykhodko Born21 April 1987 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionVidbir 2016Evrobachennya 2011 – Natsionalyni vidbirEvrovidenie 2009 – Nacionalny OtborEvrobachennya 2009 – Natsionalyni vidbir In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongMamo (2009) Biography Anastasia Konstantinovna Prikhodko, born on April 21, 1987, in Kyiv, USSR (now Ukraine), is a renowned Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and political activist. She has received the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2017. Early Life and Background Anastasia was born into a mixed heritage family, with a Russian father and a Ukrainian mother.Her childhood was marked by the divorce of her parents, leading her to be raised by her mother in Kyiv. Her family history is diverse, including a great-great-grandfather of Japanese descent and a grandfather who was a World War II veteran. Education and Early Career At the age of fifteen, Anastasia aspired to join the pop group VIA Gra but did not succeed. Undeterred, she pursued her passion for music, graduating from the Kyiv Music College with a focus on folk vocals. She furthered her education at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts and actively participated in various local music festivals. Rise to Fame Anastasia’s breakthrough came in 2007 when she won Fabrika zvyozd 7, a popular Russian TV music competition. This victory led to a contract with the well-known producer Konstantin Meladze. Musical Achievements In 2008, she gained further recognition by performing a hymn dedicated to Family, Love, and Fidelity Day on the First Channel and releasing a music video for her song “Bezotvetno,” directed by Alan Badoev. Eurovision Experience Anastasia’s attempt to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 was met with disqualification. She then successfully competed in the Russian national selection with her bilingual song “Mamo,” winning the opportunity to represent Russia. She performed at the Eurovision 2009 in Moscow, finishing in 11th place. Following this, her collaboration with Konstantin Meladze ended. Continued Music Career In October 2009, Anastasia starred in the musical How Cossacks…, aired on New Year’s Eve. She released the video for “Vspykhnet svet” in 2010 and continued to participate in music contests, including the Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2011. In 2011, she collaborated with David on “Mezhdu nami nebo” and released “Yasnovidyashchaya” in 2012. Political Involvement In 2016, Anastasia competed in the Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision with “I Am Free Now,” but did not make it to the final. She later released a Ukrainian version of the song, “Ya vilna,” dedicated to Nadiya Savchenko. In October 2018, Anastasia announced her shift from music to politics, joining Yulia Tymoshenko’s Batkivshchyna party. She ran for a seat in the Verkhovna Rada in June 2019 but later decided to leave the party and return to music. Recent Activities In February 2021, Anastasia declared her return to the music scene. She competed in the Ukrainian TV show “Maska,” (The Masked Singer) reaching the semifinals as the Dragonfly. In late 2021, she released a new song titled “Podruga,” and in June 2022, she came out with a music video for her Ukrainian-language song “Stepom.” Entries Song Title Country🇷🇺 Russia Year2009 LanguageRussianUkrainian LyricsDiana GoldeKonstantin Meladze MusicKonstantin Meladze Backings????? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 91Position: 11Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/vxZGknFxE58?si=iM7tcEXzIPgHqf_c

Inga & Anush

About Quick Facts MembersInga ArshakyanAnush Arshakyan Founded2000 Nationality🇦🇲 Armenian National SelectionEvrotesil 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongJan Jan (2009) Biography Inga & Anush: Biography Inga and Anush Ashoti Arshakyan, known as the Arshakyan Sisters, are a famous Armenian folk singing duo. They represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 and finished in 10th place in the final. Early Life Anush Arshakyan was born on December 24, 1980, in Yerevan. She graduated from S. Aslamazyan music school, specializing in piano. In 1994, she won first place and the audience prize in the “Sonorous Voices” competition in Omsk. Anush started promoting herself as a writer and composer. After finishing her studies in 2001, she graduated from A. Babajanyan music college, also in piano. She debuted as a soloist with the Armenia State Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in 1999. From 2001 to 2005, she studied jazz vocals at Yerevan State Conservatory. Her sister, Inga Arshakyan, was born on March 18, 1982, in Yerevan. She graduated from S. Aslamazyan music school and A. Babajanyan music college as a violinist in 1997. While studying, Inga worked in the G. Achemyan violin ensemble and toured Armenian provinces. In 1998, Inga joined Anush, and together they started performing duets and arias, where the violin played a significant role. Inga graduated in strings in 2002 and followed her sister into the Yerevan State Conservatory, where she studied jazz vocals, graduating in 2005. Career In 2000, Inga and Anush joined the State Song Theater of Armenia. They performed national, ethnic songs and songs written by A. Grigoryan and Anush. They sang as soloists in many cities across Armenia. In September 2002, they went to the United States for a concert tour with song theater soloists. After performing at the “Alex” Theatre in Los Angeles, they received an offer to return for solo concerts. They also performed in Tehran with the same program. In 2002, the Armenian variety song festival Golden Lyre awarded Anush and Inga the “Sympathy of Audience” nomination. In February 2003, they prepared the concert program “Seasons of Life,” which included ethnic, national, and modern songs, along with songs accompanied by violin, guitar, and piano. In March 2003, Inga and Anush had solo concerts at the “Alex” Theater, and their first album, “We and Our Mountains,” was released. This led to invitations to perform in New York City, Toronto, Argentina, and Paris. In November, they left the theater staff to work independently. In 2004, their rendition of the folk song “Tamzara” won the Golden Lyre 2004 festival and the Tigran Naghdalyan award at the National Music Awards in December 2005. The song’s video was released the same year and included on their second album, “Tamzara,” in 2006. Following the release of “Tamzara,” they toured the USA, Tehran, London, Paris, Russia, and Germany. From 2008, Inga and Anush started working with SHARM Holding LLC. Their third studio album, “Heartbeat of My Land,” was released in November 2009. The single “Menq Enq Mer Sarerệ” was chosen as the 2009 song for the annual Armenian Telethon, under the name “Our Shushi.” They performed at the televised show on November 26, 2009. On May 21, Inga and Anush began a tour to promote “Heartbeat of My Land,” with shows in Yerevan, Syria, Beirut, and Russia. Eurovision Song Contest 2009 The Arshakyan Sisters were chosen by the Armenian public on February 14, 2009, to represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow with the song “Jan Jan.” The song was composed by Mane Akopyan, with lyrics by Avet Barseghyan and Vardan Zadoyan, and arranged by Ara (Murzo) Torosyan. They aimed to present Armenian folk music in a new way. “Jan Jan” advanced from the first semi-final on May 12 and finished in 10th place with 92 points in the final on May 16. Despite being Armenia’s less successful performance at Eurovision up to that point, it marked the country’s fourth consecutive top-ten finish. “Jan Jan” also entered the Pmachinery Top 30 chart, peaking at number 3 on August 1, 2009, and remained on the chart for 16 weeks. Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Inga represented Armenia again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 as a member of the group Genealogy. Discography and Videography Inga and Anush’s discography includes their first album, “We and Our Mountains,” released in 2003, followed by “Tamzara” in 2006. In 2009, they released “Heartbeat of My Land,” and in 2014, they came out with “Sketches.” Their singles include popular tracks like “Tamzara,” “Khlpane,” “Marry Song,” “Jan Jan,” “Gutan,” “The Road,” “You Will Not Be Alone,” “Don Hay,” “We Are Our Mountains,” “Love Yerevan,” “My Name is Armenia,” “Hay Hay [Hye hye],” and “Aysor Ton E”. They released a new single in 2019, “Dzyan heqiat”, from their 2018 album “Tsari”. In 2019 they also performed in Boston, United States. In 2019 the sisters started as vocal coaches. In 2021 they came up with a new children’s project, Hay Notes. They also produced a live concert video in 2006, titled “Inga & Anush.Live concert,” and in 2011, they released a video for “The Road.” Both sisters played a role in the movie 3 weeks in Yerevan, released in 2016. Awards In 2015, Inga and Anush won the “Best Video” category at the Armenian Pulse Music Awards in Yerevan. They won the Special Van Music Award in 2016 for the song “Aprelu April”. They were judges themselfs in Depi Evratesil 2017, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Entries Jan Jan Country🇦🇲 Armenia Year2009 LanguageEnglishArmenian LyricsAvet BarseghyanVardan Zadoyan MusicMane Hakobyan Dancers???? Results Semi Points: 99Position: 5Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: 92Position: 10Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/YhfqLTT8mpo?si=nNCSUkHR3I4UkpZJ

Sakis Rouvas

About Quick Facts NameAnastasios Rouvas Born05 January 1972 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEllinikós Telikós 2009Internal selection 2004 In Eurovision2009 Moscow2004 Istanbul SongThis Is Our Night (2009)Shake It (2004) Biography Sakis Rouvas is a famous Greek singer, actor, and former pole vaulter. He was born on January 5, 1972, in Mantouki, a village near the town of Corfu on the Greek island of the same name. His full name is Anastasios Rouvas, but he is widely known as Sakis Rouvas. Early Life and Sports Career Sakis Rouvas showed a talent for music and sports from a young age. As a teenager, he excelled in athletics, particularly in pole vaulting. He became a member of the Greek national athletics team and won several national awards. However, his passion for music was equally strong. He started playing the guitar and performing at local events, showing early signs of his future career in entertainment. Music Career Sakis Rouvas’s music career began in 1991 when he moved to Athens and signed a contract with PolyGram Records. His first single, “Par’ ta,” became an instant hit in Greece. His self-titled debut album, released the same year, established him as a rising star in the Greek music scene. Over the years, Sakis released numerous albums that achieved great commercial success. Some of his popular albums include “Min Antistekesai” (1992), “Aima, Dakrya & Idrotas” (1994), and “Kati Apo Mena” (1998). His energetic performances and charismatic stage presence made him a favorite among fans. Eurovision Song Contest Sakis Rouvas gained international recognition through his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. He first represented Greece in 2004 with the song “Shake It,” which finished in third place. His dynamic performance and catchy song made a lasting impression on the European audience. In 2009, Sakis represented Greece again with the song “This Is Our Night.” He placed seventh in the competition, further solidifying his status as a prominent international artist. His involvement in Eurovision greatly contributed to his popularity outside Greece. Acting Career In addition to his music career, Sakis Rouvas has also pursued acting. He made his film debut in 2007 with the movie “Alter Ego,” where he played the lead role of Stefanos. The film was a commercial success in Greece and showcased his versatility as an entertainer. Sakis also appeared in several television series and theatrical productions, further expanding his career in the entertainment industry. His acting skills received positive reviews, and he continued to balance both his music and acting careers. Television Hosting Sakis Rouvas has hosted various television shows in Greece. He became the host of the Greek version of “The X Factor” in 2010, showcasing his ability to engage with audiences in a different format. His charisma and popularity made him a natural choice for hosting, and he continued to appear on television as a presenter for various programs. Personal Life Sakis Rouvas is known for his private nature regarding his personal life. He has been in a long-term relationship with Katia Zygouli, a Greek model and actress. The couple has four children together: Anastasia, Alexandros, Ariadni, and Apostolos. They got married in 2017, after many years together. Philanthropy Sakis Rouvas is also involved in various charitable activities. He has supported causes related to children’s welfare, health, and education. His philanthropic efforts have earned him recognition and respect beyond his entertainment career. Awards and Achievements Throughout his career, Sakis Rouvas has received numerous awards and accolades. He has won multiple MAD Video Music Awards, Arion Music Awards, and other honors for his contributions to music and entertainment. His impact on the Greek music industry and his success in international platforms like Eurovision have solidified his legacy as one of Greece’s most prominent artists. Legacy Sakis Rouvas remains a significant figure in Greek pop culture. His contributions to music, film, and television have left a lasting impact. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to be a beloved and influential artist in Greece and beyond. Entries This Is Our Night Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsCraig PorteilsCameron Giles-Webb MusicDimitris Kontópoulos BackingsAlexandros PanayiAnna Strandberg AnderssonAnna NilssonGeorgios PapadopoulosNikolaos Marianos Results Semi Points: 110Position: 4Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 120Position: 7Running order: 8 https://youtu.be/czMloseL7yE?si=SpWvTsDTQn2_86XW Shake It Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2004 LanguageEnglish LyricsNektarios Tyrakis MusicNikos Terzis BackingsApostolos PsihramisAndonis ThominosYianna Fafaliou DancersIrina MansurovaMaria Lyraraki Results Semi Points: 238Position: 3Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 252Position: 3Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/asZwDUTEXls?si=7bxtAGgu-Zvjlelx

Yohanna

About Quick Facts NameJóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir Born16 October 1990 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2013Söngvakeppnin 2011Söngvakeppnin 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongIs It True? (2009) Biography Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir, known as Yohanna, is an Icelandic singer born on October 16, 1990. Yohanna was born in Copenhagen to Icelandic parents but moved back to Iceland when she was two. Her father, Jón Sverrir Sverrison, is an electrical engineer, and her mother, Margrét Steinþórsdóttir, is a nurse. The family lived in Reykjavík before moving to Hafnarfjörður. Yohanna started singing lessons at age nine. Yohanna began her music career in 2000 at age nine, signing with an Icelandic record label. She released two albums as a child: “Jóhanna Guðrún 9” in 2000 and “Ég sjálf” in 2001. These albums included covers of popular international songs sung in Icelandic. She released a Christmas album in 2002 before taking a break from music. After a six-year break, Yohanna returned to the music scene in 2008 and competed in Söngvakeppnin, Iceland’s national selection for Eurovision 2009 with the song “Is It True?”. She won the competition and represented Iceland in Moscow, where she finished second. This was one of Iceland’s best results in Eurovision history. Her song became a hit across Europe, reaching number one in Iceland and charting in several other countries. After Eurovision, Yohanna signed with Warner Music Sweden and released her album “Butterflies and Elvis” in 2009. The album included the single “I Miss You,” which was a top twenty hit in Iceland. Yohanna tried to return to Eurovision twice more. In 2011, she competed with the song “Nótt” and reached the finals but didn’t win. However, she won the OGAE Second Chance Contest 2011. She also released the singles “I Think Of Angels” and “Really over” in the same year. Yohanna lived in Iceland until 2012 when she moved to Kongsvinger, Norway, to be closer to mainland Europe. From there, the singles “Indian Rope Trick” and “Coming Home” came out. In 2013, she competed in Söngvakeppnin again, with the song “Þú” but didn’t make it past the semi-finals. In 2013, she also had a number-one hit in Iceland with the song “Mamma þarf að djamma,” performed with Baggalútur. After a break, she teamed up with ROK to release the song “Find A Better Man” in 2015. A year later, she came up with the single “Revolving doors”. In 2018, she married Icelandic musician Davíð Sigurgeirsson. They have two children, a daughter born in 2015 and a son born in 2019. Davíð wrote Yohanna’s 2013 single “Þú”. 2020 was the year of Yohanna’s comeback. She released a new album, the Christmas album “Jól með Jóhönnu”, and the single “Löngu liðnir dagar”. After the singles “Ætla ekki að eyða þeim ein” (2021) and “Jólin koma alltaf” (2022), a new album came out in 2023: “Óskalögin mín”. The latter contained the song “Best í heimi”, a duet with Margrét Lilja. Yohanna’s new single in 2024 is titled “Töfrar” and announces a new album. Entries Is It True? Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsÓskar Páll SveinssonChris NeilTinatin Japaridze MusicÓskar Páll SveinssonChris NeilTinatin Japaridze BackingsFriðrik ÓmarErna Hrönn ÓlafsdóttirHera Björk ÞórhallsdóttirBörkur Hrafn BirgissonHallgrímur Jensson Results Semi Points: 174Position: 1Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 218Position: 2Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/UBEpub4qE9c?si=rGTnr6b0vxYPQ800

Flor-de-lis

About Quick Facts MembersPedro MarquesAna Sofia CampeãJorge MarquesJosé CamachoPaulo PereiraDaniela VarelaRolando Amaral (not on stage) Founded2008 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival RTP da Canção 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongTodas as Ruas do Amor Biography Flor de Lis is a Portuguese musical group that won the Festival RTP da Canção in 2009. História (History) Flor de Lis started in 2008. Their music is based on Portuguese popular and folk music, with influences from around the world, especially Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2009, they joined the Festival RTP da Canção and won with the song “Todas as Ruas do Amor.” This meant they represented Portugal in Moscow at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. They performed in the first semifinal on May 12 and made it to the final on May 16. In the Eurovision final, they finished in 15th place with 57 points. Their album “Signo Solar” came out in April 2010. The main influence was Portuguese popular music and folklore. In the next year, they released a limited edition with extra tracks. Flor de Lis released the single “Cinema Paraíso” in 2013 and the single “Dona Rosa” in 2014. After that, they took a break from making new songs and focused on live performances. In 2020, they came back with a new look and sound. The main band members were still Daniela Varela (vocals), José Camacho (guitars), Vasco Corisco (bass), and Pedro Marques (percussion and drums). They also had guest musicians like Inês Vaz (accordion) and Bruno Vicente (guitars). The band continues to play live concerts and create music regularly. Entries Todas as Ruas do Amor Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2009 LanguagePortuguese LyricsPedro Marques MusicPaulo PereiraPedro Marques Backings– Results Semi Points: 70Position: 8Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 57Position: 15Running order: 6 https://youtu.be/ryE2npWRICk?si=tYPlbdAtL2Rmt7_6

Malena Ernman

About Quick Facts NameSara Magdalena Ernman Born04 November 1970 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionMelodifestivalen 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLa Voix (2009) Biography Sara Magdalena Ernman, known as Malena Ernman, was born on November 4, 1970, in Uppsala, Sweden. She is a renowned Swedish opera singer with a mezzo-soprano voice but has a unique range that extends to a coloratura soprano’s high F. She grew up in Sandviken, the daughter of economist Lars Ernman and deacon Eva Ernman, née Arvidsson. Her maternal grandmother is actress Renée Björling. Malena Ernman began singing at the age of six in the choir Coromanterna in Sandviken. She continued her musical education in Stockholm, where she sang alto in the Radio Choir under the direction of Gustaf Sjökvist and Eric Ericson. Ernman studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the music conservatory in Orléans, and the University College of Opera in Stockholm. Ernman’s breakthrough in opera came in 1998 when she performed the role of Kaja in Sven-David Sandström’s “Staden” alongside Loa Falkman. This success led to significant roles such as Cherubino in “Figaros bröllop” and Rosina in “Barberaren i Sevilla” at Staatsoper Berlin, both under Daniel Barenboim. She also performed the title roles in “Carmen” at the Royal Opera and Boesmans’ “Fröken Julie” in Brussels, Vienna, and Aix-en-Provence. Her international breakthrough was in 1999 with the role of Agrippina in performances in Brussels and Paris conducted by René Jacobs. She performed at the Glyndebourne Festival as Nancy in “Albert Herring” in 2002 and Orlovsky in “Läderlappen” in 2003. In 2006, she performed as Dido in “Dido och Aeneas” in Vienna and Annio in “La Clemenza di Tito” at the Salzburg Festspiele. In 2007, her roles included Sesto in “Julius Caesar” in Vienna, Cherubino in “Figaros bröllop” in Aix en Provence, and Nerone in “Poppeas kröning” in Amsterdam. In 2009, she was featured in “Askungen” at the Stockholm Opera and Frankfurt Opera and as Dido in “Dido och Aeneas” in Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam. Ernman gained mainstream popularity by winning Melodifestivalen 2009 with the song “La Voix,” co-written with Fredrik Kempe. She represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, finishing 21st in the final. In addition to her operatic roles, Ernman has performed in various concerts worldwide and appeared on Swedish Television. She released several albums, including “Naïve” (2000), “Cabaret Songs” (2001), “My Love” (2003), “La Voix du Nord” (2009), “Santa Lucia – En klassisk jul” (2010), and “Opera di Fiori” (2011). Malena Ernman also played roles in musicals. She was Sally Bowles in the musical “Cabaret”, Gabriella in “Så som i himmelen” and Edith Piaf in “Piaf”. Malena Ernman has received numerous awards and honors, such as the Operapriset by Tidskriften OPERA (1999/2000), membership in the Royal Swedish Academy of Music (2006), the title of Court Singer (2011), and the Litteris et Artibus medal (2011). She was also named an honorary citizen of Sandviken Municipality (2014) and received the Martin Luther King Award (2016) and the Environmental Hero of the Year award by WWF (2017). In 2018, Ernman and her husband Svante Thunberg published the book “Scener ur hjärtat,” an autobiography that includes their daughters as co-authors in later editions. Malena Ernman has been married to Svante Thunberg since 2004, and they have two daughters, Greta Thunberg and Beata Ernman. Entries La Voix Country🇸🇪 Sweden Year2009 LanguageEnglishFrench LyricsFredrik KempeMalena Ernman MusicFredrik Kempe BackingsAnna-Maria HallgarnDea NorbergJessica MarbergerMalin NilssonTine Matulessy Results Semi Points: 105Position: 4Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: 33Position: 21Running order: 4 https://youtu.be/xE9Pl3mqRbo?si=0R1R7BNZ_wpyLTfV

Patricia Kaas

About Quick Facts NamePatricia Noëlle Kaas Born05 December 1966 Nationality🇫🇷 French National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongEt s’il fallait le faire (2009) Biography Patricia Kaas is a well-known French singer and actress born on December 5, 1966, in Forbach, Moselle, France. She is famous for her unique voice and her contributions to the French music industry. Kaas started singing at a young age, influenced by her mother who loved music. Kaas’s early career began with local performances in Saarbrücken, Germany. Her breakthrough came in 1985 with her first single, “Jalouse,” which was written by French songwriter François Bernheim. However, it was her next single, “Mademoiselle chante le blues,” released in 1987, that brought her significant attention. The song was a hit in France and helped her gain a wider audience. In 1988, Patricia Kaas released her debut album, “Mademoiselle chante…,” which included popular tracks like “D’Allemagne” and “Mon mec à moi.” The album was a success, selling over one million copies in France. This album marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Kaas continued to build on her success with her second album, “Scène de vie,” released in 1990. This album featured hits such as “Les hommes qui passent” and “Kennedy Rose.” The album did very well in France and other countries, further establishing her as a prominent singer. In 1993, she released the album “Je te dis vous,” which included popular songs like “Entrer dans la lumière” and “Il me dit que je suis belle.” The album was successful, especially in Europe, and helped her reach international fame. Kaas’s career also includes notable live performances and tours. Her 1998 album, “Le mot de passe,” featured the hit “Ma liberté contre la tienne.” She continued to release successful albums such as “Piano Bar” (2002) and “Sexe fort” (2003). In addition to her music career, Patricia Kaas has acted in films and television. She starred in the 2002 movie “And now… Ladies and Gentlemen,” directed by Claude Lelouch. Her acting career added another dimension to her talents and helped her gain more recognition. In 2009, Kaas represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Et s’il fallait le faire.” She finished in eighth place, which helped boost her popularity in Europe. Throughout her career, Patricia Kaas has released several albums and performed around the world. Her music, which blends pop, jazz, and chanson, has won her many fans. Some of her other notable albums include “Kabaret” (2008) and “Patricia Kaas” (2016). She released a new single, “Confidential” in 2022. Entries Et s’il fallait le faire Country🇫🇷 France Year2009 LanguageFrench LyricsAnse Lazio MusicFred Blondin Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 107Position: 8Running order: 3 https://youtu.be/6gee9Qh6iVg?si=cbqZ61yiEBdENHrE

Sasha Son

About Quick Facts NameDmitrij Šavrov Born18 September 1983 Nationality🇱🇹 Lithuanian National Selection“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2017“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2011“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2010Lietuvos Dainų Daina 2009“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2008 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLove (2009) Biography Sasha Song (real name Dmitrijus Šavrovas, born September 18, 1983, in Vilnius) is a prominent Lithuanian singer and songwriter. Sasha Song’s musical journey began at the tender age of 10 when he gained national fame in Lithuania with the song “Mamai,” composed by Ovidijus Vyšniauskas and Gintaras Zdebskis. His early success was marked by winning the “Bravo” award and releasing his debut album “Svajonių Laivas.” At 15, Sasha moved to Great Britain with his father. Although his father left after a year, he remained in the UK for nine years, studying music in a London college. In 2005, he returned to Lithuania with his musical partner, Hywel Sam, and won the Grand Prix at the Palanga 2005 international contest. In 2008, he re-emerged on the Lithuanian music scene under the stage name Sasha Son. He participated in the reality show Muzikos akademija, finishing in third place, and collaborated with producer Egidijus Dragūnas. Later, he modified his stage name to Sasha Song. His international success continued as he secured second place in both the Malta Euro Song contest and the Laagna Laul pop song competition in Tallinn. Sasha Song’s persistence in the Eurovision national selections paid off in 2009 when he won with the song “Pasiklydęs žmogus.” This victory granted him the opportunity to represent Lithuania at Eurovision in Moscow. The song, released in English (“Love”) and Russian (“Odinoky Geroj”), saw him reach the Grand Final and finish 23rd in the final, marking one of Lithuania’s best results in Eurovision history. Following Eurovision, Sasha collaborated with producer Martynas Tyla and performed as George Michael in the Tamabi goes… concert series. He also performed with the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra and the gospel choir Sounds in G. In 2010, Sasha joined Evelina Anusauskaitė and the Šiauliai choir in the TV3 project Chorų karai, securing sixth place. In 2011, he and beauty contest laureate Viktorija Sutkutė participated in the LNK musical project Žvaigždžių duetai 5, but were eliminated before the semifinals. In the same year, he participated in the Lithuanian finals for the Eurovision Song Contest with two songs; “The slogan of our nation” reached a 7th place, “Best friends” along with Donny Montel was 4th. In the same year, he opened for Seal on one of his concerts. In Vilnius, Sasha opened Sasha Song’s Jazz Club, a restaurant. In May 2012 Sasha released the song “Himnas herojams” for the Olympic Games. He also took part at the festival Slavianskij bazar and reached a 9th place. Also, his song “Ir tai irgi praeis” reached the #1 spot in the Lithuanian charts. Sasha Song wrote a song for Monika Linkytė for the national Eurovision selection in 2013. The song was called “Baby boy”. Unfortunately it did not make it to the final. His own new song was called “Naujas Gyvenimas”. He teamed up with Echoes for the song “Sex & City Life”. Again, the #1 spot was reached. In February 2014 Sasha released a new single, Siela, Zodziai ir Muzika”, which became a hit. The singer moved to Sint Petersburg. There he recorded his new single “Outside” and, for the Lithuanian market, “Kūnas, alkis ir kvapas” . He teamed up with Lina Žilinskaite for the song “Kvėpuot lengvai”. In October, the song “Niekada, niekada” reached the top-10. As a duet with Evelina Sašenko the song “Aš lauksiu” won the competition Dainų daina in May 2015. It was three months later that his song “Tu mano mintyse” reached the #1 spot in the Lithuanian charts. “Žodis Myliu” entered the charts at no. 2 in February 2016, followed in May by “Lyja”. Besides, he teamed up with the Dutch producer Jumé for the song “I just wanna see you move”. There was also a jubilee show, “Dima Šavrovas po 20metų”. Many Lithuanian stars joined in to support Sasha. The show should have taken place in September, but was postponed due to voice problems for Sasha. In December, the show could take place. In November 2016, he released a new album: “XX”. In 2017, he did a new attempt to go to the Eurovision Song Contest; this time with the song “Never felt like this before”. The song reached the wildcard round but not the final. In February of that year, he also tributed for the late George Michael. In 2018, he teamed up with Emeth Paul for the Christmas song “Kalėdos”. Sasha Song teamed up with Vidas Bareikis for the project “Plikių daina”. The song and video were released in February 2019. In January 2020 Sasha was one of the judges at Pabandom iš naujo, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. In January 2022 he released a new song, “Bad Boy”. In December of the same year, the song “Ten aukštai” came out. In July 2023, his album “Genai” was released. It was followed in December by the single “Šią Naktį Per Kalėdas”. Besides, Sasha Song is also a vocal teacher who offers lessons. Entries Love Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Year2009 LanguageEnglishRussian LyricsSasha SonViktorija MatulevicienėDina Grigonytė MusicSasha Son Backings– Results Semi Points: 66Position: 9Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 23Position: 23Running order: 1 https://youtu.be/ukSmGIp_xVk?si=y929vgHb_gFgZKhS

Alexander Rybak

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameAlexander Igorevich Rybak Born13 May 1986 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionMelodi Grand Prix 2018Melodi Grand Prix 2009 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon2009 Moscow SongThat’s how you write a song (2018)Fairytale (2009) Biography Alexander Rybak, is a Norwegian singer-composer, violinist, pianist and actor. He was born in Minsk, Belarus, in those days part of the Soviet Union. He played the violin and piano since he was five years old, but after a while he chose to concentrate on the violin. Alexander practiced violin with his father Igor Rybak until he was a teenager, when Alexander began studying at the Barratt Due Music Institute. During that time he played in the Vivaldi Orchestra, which was led by his father, and the Barrat Dues Junior Orchestra. From 2000 to 2003, Alexander was a student of violinist, conductor and educator Alf Richard Kraggerud, followed by study with Eileen Siegel, 3rd Concertmaster in the Oslo Philharmonic, and with Lena Rist-Larsen, violin educator and Norwegian master of accordion. He has also had lessons and masterclasses with many other great names. In the summer of 2002, Alexander received a scholarship in the form of a free course in New Jersey, where he studied under Stephen Shipps, and where he was selected to conduct a masterclass with Pinchas Zukerman. Alexander Rybak had participated in several Norwegian courses and festivals, such as “Valdres Sommersymfoni” and the international Hemsedal Festival for dancers and musicians, where Rybak participated as one of the musicians. He was a concertmaster during Halsnøy’s symphony project in the summer of 2004, and soloist with several good orchestras such as the Minsk Chamber Orchestra and the Kringkastingsorkesteret. He has toured in Chicago, Spain, Russia and Poland. In the same year he won Anders Jahre’s cultural award. In the fall of 2005, Rybak performed the violin concerto “Musica Avventurosa” by young composer Daniel Thornhill, together with the orchestra Ung Symphoni. Alexander Rybak participated in the tv-show Idol. In 2006, he won the talent contest Kjempesjansen. In 2007, Rybak debuted as an actor when he was the fiddler in Fiddler on the roof. In 2008, Alexander was featured on the children’s album “Magiske kroker & hemmeligheter”. In November 2008, Elisabeth Andreassen invited Rybak on a tour in 2009, with songs from “Bettans” record Spellemann, with music from both Norway and Sweden with inspiration from folk tones. In 2009, Alexander Rybak won Melodi Grand Prix 2009 with the song “Fairytale”. He was able to represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest and won the contest. “Fairytale” became a huge hit all over Europe. Shortly after the contest Rybak released the album “Fairytales”. Rybak was awarded the Musician of the Year award under the Spellemann Prisen 2009.In 2010, another album, “No boundaries” was released. Also a Russian version, “Nebesa Evrope”, was released. A year later, he hosted the tv show Allsang På Grensen and released an album entirely in Swedish: “Visa vid vindens änger”. In may 2012 he sang a duet and had a small tour with Paula Seling. In 2013 Rybak composed a song for Melodi Grand Prix called “I’m With You” sung by Annsofi Pettersen. In 2015, he composed “Still Here” for Franklin Calleja in the Maltese National Finals. He also composed a song for the Belarusian group Milki entitled “Accent”, which got 4th place in the national final. In the same year he released an album called “Trolle og den magiske fela” and a year later it was followed by “I came to love you”. In 2018, Rybak took part in Melodi Grand Prix again with the song “That’s how you write a song”. For the second time, Rybak was able to represent his country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Rybak won the semifinal, but ended up just in 15th place in the final.In 2019, Rybak’s children’s musical “Trolle og den magiske fela” premiered. The show sold over 10,000 tickets and had to schedule extra performances to curb the demand. In 2020, Rybak co-wrote an entry for Melodi Grand Prix 2020 with JOWST. Singer Magnus Bokn sang the song, which reached the Melodi Grand Prix final. Rybak started attending Columbia College Chicago online from his home in Norway in the fall of 2020. By August 2021, he had moved to Chicago to continue his studies in person. He graduated from Columbia in July 2022. He released a new single in that year, “Memories”. He teamed up with Annsofi Klevfoss to release a new single “No More Me And You” in February 2023, exactly 10 years after Annsofi presented Alexanders song in Melodi Grand Prix. Two months later, he released a solo song and video, “1000 views”. In September, his new song “Kid” was released. Meanwhile, Rybak told his fans that he had been stalked for a while by a woman. That happened for over an entire year. Entries That’s How You Write A Song Country🇳🇴 Norway Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlexander Rybak MusicAlexander Rybak BackingsLisa BørudLene Kokai FlageJens Jeffry TrinidadFrode VasselAlvaro Estrella Results Semi Points: 266Position: 1Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 144Position: 15Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/N17BdRwOvBA Fairytale Country🇳🇴 Norway Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlexander Rybak MusicAlexander Rybak BackingsKarianne KjærnesJorunn HaugeSigbjørn RuaTorkjell BørsheimHallgrim Hansegård Results Semi Points: 266Position: 1Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 144Position: 15Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/WXwgZL4zx9o