2009

Kejsi Tola

About Quick Facts NameKejsi Tola Born05 February 1992 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali I Këngës 2013Festivali I Këngës 2011Festivali I Këngës 2010Festivali I Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongCarry Me In Your Dreams (2009) Biography Kejsi Tola, born 5 February 1992, is an Albanian singer and songwriter. Kejsi Tola started singing when she was six years old. She studied at the Jordan Misja Artistic Lyceum. At age 11, she won the Young Voices of Albania competition and won the Young Voices of Shkodra twice. She was a finalist on Gjeniu i Vogël and won the fourth season of Ethet, the Albanian version of Pop Idol. In 2008, she was chosen by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) to compete in the 47th Festivali i Këngës with her song “Më merr në ëndërr”. She won the contest with 126 points and got the chance to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow. She qualified for the grand final, finishing 17th overall with 48 points. In late 2009, Kejsi competed in the 48th Festivali i Këngës with the song “Ndonjëherë” and finished 15th with 58 points. After this, she took a break to study classical singing at the University of Arts in Tirana. She came back to Festivali i Këngës in 2010 with the song “Pranë”. However, she didn’t make it to the final. In 2012, she participated in the 51st Festivali i Këngës with the song “S’jemi më atje”. She made it to the final and finished in 4th place with 42 points. In 2014, Kejsi entered Kënga Magjike with the song “Iceberg”. She placed 5th and won the Production Award. In 2018, she had a hit single with the song “U rritëm”. She competed again in Kënga Magjike in 2018 with the song “Me ke mua”, which was nominated for Best Song of the Year at the 2019 Kult Awards. In 2023, she was set to compete in Festivali i Këngës 62 with the song “Vallëzoj me dritën”, but she withdrew from the competition. Entries Carry Me In your Dreams Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAgim DoçiJune Taylor MusicEdmond Zhulali BackingsEra Rusi DancersJenia Evgenios BuliArdi KocajAndi Kocaj Results Semi Points: 73Position: 7Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 48Position: 17Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/w6Ori4A4ATo?si=J1J-e2Jh0gCo6QWq

Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey. Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and worked with producer Yves Gaillard on her first single, “Sweat,” released on November 1, 2004. The song reached number 19 on Belgium’s Ultratop charts. Her second single, “Stir Me Up,” released in May 2005, gained her recognition in Turkey. Her third single, “Milk Chocolate Girl,” released in October 2005, reached number 13 on the Ultratop chart. In November 2005, Hadise released her first album, “Sweat,” including hits like “Ain’t No Love Lost” and “Bad Boy.” These songs helped her become a rising star in Belgium and Turkey. Second Album: Hadise (2008) In September 2007, Hadise released “A Good Kiss,” the first single from her second album. The music video was filmed in Istanbul. The second single, “My Body,” was released in February 2008. That same year, she collaborated with Turkish singer Serdar Ortaç on the song “Düşman.” In June 2008, Hadise released her second album, “Hadise,. The album included a Turkish version of “A Good Kiss” called “Deli Oğlan,”. It became a hit in Turkey, boosting her popularity. Eurovision and New Albums (2009-2010) In October 2008, it was confirmed Hadise would represent Turkey at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed “Düm Tek Tek,” co-written with Sinan Akçıl and Stefaan Fernande, on December 31, 2008, on TRT. She finished fourth in the contest held in Moscow on May 16, 2009, receiving 177 points. In May 2009, Hadise released her third album “Fast Life” outside Turkey, topping the Indonesian music charts and reaching number 16 in Belgium. The title track “Fast Life” won the Best Song from Turkey award at the Balkan Music Awards. In June 2009, Hadise released her fourth album, “Kahraman,” produced by Sinan Akçıl. The album featured the hit single “Evlenmeliyiz.” Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? and More (2011-2013) Hadise’s fifth album, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?,” was released in April 2011. The album sold 35,000 copies in Turkey that year and featured hits like “Superman,” which reached number 5 on the Turkish charts. The second and third singles, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?” and “Mesajımı Almıştır O,” also received music videos. In June 2012, she released the single “Biz Burdayız,” and in 2013, the single “Visal.” Recent Work (2014-Present) Her sixth album, “Tavsiye,” was released in August 2014 by Pasaj Music, selling 16,000 copies in Turkey. The album featured hits like “Nerdesin Aşkım?,” “Prenses,” and “Yaz Günü,” with “Nerdesin Aşkım?” reaching number one in Turkey. Hadise released her seventh album, “Şampiyon,” in June 2017. The title track was the lead single and entered the charts at number two. The second single, “Sıfır Tolerans,” topped the Turkish charts but faced controversy for being too erotic. Hadise criticized this decision as sexist. In 2019, Hadise became the face of Fanta’s advertising campaign in Turkey and released the single “Geliyorum Yanına” in August. The music video premiered at her concert on August 10. In September 2020, she released the single “Küçük Bir Yol”. In February 2021, she released her second EP, “Aşka Kapandım.” The lead single was “Olsun,”. In June 2021, she released the single “Hay Hay,”. In September 2021, Hadise became the digital face of Pubg Mobile, releasing the single “Coş Dalgalan.” On July 1, 2022, Hadise released “İmdat,” a duet with rapper Murda. The music video was filmed in the Netherlands and Spain. In response to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey, Hadise participated in a charity single, “People Help the People,” with over thirty Flemish artists. Hadise released the single “Feryat” on April 14, 2023, and collaborated again with Murda on the single “Sen Dönene Kadar,” released in May 2023. The music video was filmed at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. On September 29, 2023, Hadise released the single “Sevmiyo,” with a music video directed by Utku Kemal. Other Work and Personal Life Hadise is fluent in Turkish, Dutch, French, German, and English. She was a judge on “O Ses Türkiye” from 2011 to 2020 and since 2021, has been a judge on “O Ses Türkiye Rap.” In October 2021, she launched her fashion brand, Kert. In 2022, UNICEF Turkey appointed her as a “Child Rights Advocate.” Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on April 30, 2022, but announced their divorce on September 15, 2022. The couple divorced amicably on September 30, 2022. Entries Düm Tek Tek Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsHadise AçıkgözStefaan FernandeSinan Akçıl MusicSinan Akçıl BackingsEva Jane Smeenk-WillemsOlga PotapovaSvetlana NikitaevaUğur YıldırımSteve Kashala Results Semi Points: 172Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 177Position: 4Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/_uYGPl8galc?si=J7d6gdfqsYY3oJst

Alex Swings Oscar Sings!

About Quick Facts MembersAlex ChristensenOscar Loya Active2009 Nationality🇩🇪 German (Alex)🇺🇸 American (Oscar) National SelectionInternal selection In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongMiss Kiss Kiss Bang (2009) Biography Alex Christensen Alex Christensen, born on April 7, 1967, in Hamburg, Germany, is a famous composer, music producer, and DJ. He is also known by the names Jasper Forks and Alex C. Alex became well-known in the early 1990s with the music project U96. Their song “Das Boot” reached number 1 on the German charts in 1991. Growing up in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg, Alex attended Buddestraße School and trained as a shipping clerk. He started his music career in 1987 with his first production, “Drums in Your House.” In 1990, he wrote “Ritmo de la Noche” for the project Chocolate, earning his first Gold Record. After several hits, he achieved major success with U96. In 2007, Alex had another number 1 hit with “Du hast den schönsten Arsch der Welt,” sung by Yass. This song was popular in Germany and Austria. He also produced songs for famous artists like Right Said Fred, Tom Jones, *NSYNC, and Sarah Brightman. Oscar Loya Oscar Loya, born June 12, 1979, in Indio, California, is an American singer and musical theater performer. He grew up in California and discovered his love for music and performing at a young age. Oscar’s big break came when he moved to Germany and began performing in musical theater productions. After Eurovision, Oscar continued to work in music and theater. He released his debut solo album “Beast” in 2013, showcasing his versatile voice and style. The album included a mix of pop, dance, and ballads, highlighting his wide range of musical talents. In addition to his solo work, Oscar has been involved in various musical theater productions across Europe, performing in shows like “Hair,” “Cabaret,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He has also collaborated with other artists and producers, expanding his presence in the music industry. Oscar and Alex participated for Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. They performed the song “Miss Kiss Kiss Bang” as part of the duo Alex Swings Oscar Sings! They finished 20th in the final but earned a lot of attention for their energetic performance and catchy song. The two recorded one album together, “Heart 4 Sale”. Dita von Teese On stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, Alex Swings Oscar Sings! was accompanied by Dita von Teese. Dita von Teese, born Heather Renée Sweet on September 28, 1972, in Rochester, Michigan, is a famous burlesque dancer, model, and actress. Known for her glamorous and vintage style, she helped revive the art of burlesque in the modern era. Dita began her career as a fetish model and performer, eventually becoming a global icon. She has appeared in numerous magazines and has performed worldwide. Dita is also known for her marriage to musician Marilyn Manson from 2005 to 2007. Besides performing, she has launched lingerie lines and written books about beauty and style. Entries Miss Kiss Kiss Bang Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlex ChristensenSteffen Häfelinger MusicAlex ChristensenSteffen Häfelinger Backings? DancersDita Von Teese?? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 35Position: 20Running order: 17 https://youtu.be/veeOUiB6ojk?si=NXH5Sq4qR9V0TmGm

Brinck

About Quick Facts NameNiels Brinck Kristensen Born24 September 1974 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2013Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongBelieve Again (2009) Biography Niels Brinck Kristensen, known as Brinck, was born on 24 September 1974 in Aabyhøj, a suburb of Aarhus, Denmark. He is a Danish singer and songwriter who sings in English. In 2008, Brinck released his first solo album titled “Brinck”. This album was a big success in Denmark, reaching the Top Ten on the Danish albums chart. It included popular songs like “I Don’t Wanna Love Her”, which became a Top 20 hit, and “In the End I Started”, a duet with Swedish singer Maria Marcus. This duet was the theme song for the second season of the TV crime series “Anna Pihl”. In the same year, Brinck wrote “The 1”, a hit song for Martin, a young pop singer who won the first season of the Danish “The X Factor”. Brinck also helped perform the songs “Face Me” and “Gravity Hurts” for the Bionicle franchise with the band Cryoshell. In 2009, Brinck won the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Believe Again”, written by Lars Halvor Jensen, Martin Larsson Moller, and Ronan Keating. This victory allowed him to represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia, where he finished 13th in the finals on 16 May 2009. Brinck released his second album in 2013. The first single from this album was “The Heights”. With the song “Human” he participated in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix for a second time. The follow up of this song was “Sommer”, released in June. In May 2015 Brinck was part of a concert in order to support Kræftens Bekæmpelse, to collect money for cancer research. After a lot of studio work, he returned to the stage in June 2017, when he gave a small concert in a restaurant in Greve. In December 2019, it was time for Brinck’s 10 years jubilee concerts. Entries Believe Again Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsLars Halvor JensenMartin Michael LarssonRonan Keating MusicLars Halvor JensenMartin Michael LarssonRonan Keating BackingsAnders ØhrstrømClaus PetersenOliver McEwanSøren AndersenTim McEwan Results Semi Points: 69Position: 8Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 74Position: 13Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/j7ZatW7tsxQ?si=ogj-6VfxL-oed50c

Urban Symphony

About Quick Facts MembersSandra NurmsaluMann HelsteinJohanna MängelMari Möldre Active2007 – 2010 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongRändajad (2009) Biography Urban Symphony was an Estonian music group. In autumn 2007, Sandra Nurmsalu participated in the singing talent show 2 takti ette, organized biennially by Eesti Televisioon and broadcast nationwide. During one week of the contest, contestants were tasked with forming their own bands and producing a performance. Nurmsalu, who had studied violin for two years at the Georg Ots Music School and previously arranged Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” for a string ensemble, decided to form a string-based band. She recruited Mann Helstein on viola, Johanna Mängel on cello, a female contrabass player, and a male keyboardist from her former school. The newly formed band re-arranged the song “Hungry” by Kosheen, resulting in a well-received televised and recorded performance. After the talent show ended, Nurmsalu, Helstein, and Mängel decided to continue their collaboration. They brought in new cello player Mari Möldre and began working with music producer Sven Lõhmus. Their first completed track was “Rändajad”, which they entered into Eesti Laul, Estonia’s selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. The song earned them a 6th place finish in the Eurovision final. For this project, Marilin Kongo and Mirjam Mesak joined the group as backing vocalists. They also performed in other songs such as “Päikese poole”, “Skorpion”, and “Crying in the Rain”. In 2010, Urban Symphony announced their disbandment. The decision came as Sandra Nurmsalu wished to prioritize motherhood, while the other members chose to continue their studies and pursue other interests. Sandra Nurmsalu participated in Eesti Laul twice more. In 2014 her song “Kui tuuled pööprduvad” reached a 5th place, while “Soovide puu” was 8th in 2019. Entries Rändajad Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2009 LanguageEstonian LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus BackingsMirjam MesakMarilin Kongo Results Semi Points: 115Position: 3Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 129Position: 6Running order: 15 https://youtu.be/gi0FEO2tFFA?si=4PR2hl24THvalkOh

Chiara

About Quick Facts NameChiara Siracusa Born25 September 1976 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionGO Malta Eurosong 2009Malta Song For Europe 2005Maltese national final 1998 In Eurovision2009 Moscow2005 Kyiv1998 Birmingham SongWhat if we… (2009)Angel (2005)The One That I Love (1998) Chiara Siracusa, known mononymously as Chiara, is one of Malta’s most celebrated vocalists. Born on September 25, 1976, Chiara’s journey to stardom began in earnest in 1998. As a relatively unknown artist, she walked onto the Eurovision stage in Birmingham and delivered a powerful rendition of “The One That I Love,” a song written by Jason Cassar and Sunny Aquilina. Her performance captured the hearts of many and secured a remarkable third-place finish, catapulting her into the spotlight. Between 1998 and 2003, Chiara’s star continued to rise. She released three successful albums in Malta and was honored with the “Best Female Artist” award at the Malta Music Awards in 1998. Her talent and stage presence led to notable performances alongside international stars such as Leo Sayer in 2000 and Boney M in 2001, showcasing her versatility and appeal across different musical genres. In 2005, Chiara made a triumphant return to the Maltese Eurovision Song Contest finals with “Angel,” a song she penned herself. Her powerful performance won her the opportunity to represent Malta at the 50th Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv. Chiara’s heartfelt rendition of “Angel” made her one of the favorites to win and secured her a memorable second-place finish, further solidifying her status as a Eurovision icon. That same year, Chiara, with unwavering support from her father, embarked on creating a new album featuring songs by esteemed songwriters from Sweden, Belgium, and the United States, including the legendary Diane Warren. This album marked a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her growth as an artist and her international appeal. Following her success in 2005, Chiara remained active in the music scene, performing extensively in Malta and abroad, particularly in Greece and Cyprus. In 2008, she added another feather to her cap by presenting the Malta Song for Europe and serving as a supporting act during Michael Bolton’s concert in Malta. However, Chiara’s life was not without its challenges. The birth of her daughter, Ebony, brought immense joy, while the loss of her father in late 2008 was a profound personal tragedy. His unwavering support had been a cornerstone of her career, and his passing fueled her determination to achieve even greater success as a tribute to his memory. In 2009, Chiara once again returned to the Malta Eurosong finals with “What If We,” a song written by Gregory Bilsen and Marc Paelinck. She represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, reaching the final for the 3rd time. Chiara Siracusa served as Malta’s spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010, announcing the points from the Maltese vote during the final. In June 2010, she released the Official Malta Gay Pride Anthem titled “Believe (We Are One).” She re-recorded it for 2011. She also featured in the Slink-track “Music is the answer”. In 2011, Chiara got the chance to perform in Amsterdam for the Eurovision Artists Event. She also performed at the Eurovision event in Portugal. She teamed up with Ludwig Galea for the Christmas song “Ħelu Bambin”. Chiara presented a new song in October 2012: “Forget forgetting me”. The song reached the no. 1 spot in the Maltese I-Tune charts within a week after the release. She started the year 2013 with several performances in San Francisco. She teamed up with Haffi Haff, who featured in the song “Zarbun”. This song, released in April 2013, became a hit too. In the summer of 2013 she recorded an EP along with Hera Björk as Two Divas: “9 to 5”, a cover version of Dolly Parton’s song. On May 4 2014, Chiara premiered her new song in the Euro Fan Cafe in Copenhagen during the Eurovision week: “Mermaid in Love”. In 2015 she performed in London and, along with Hera Björk, in Iceland. In January 2016 she sang in Munich. Especially as a tribute for the late Sunny Aquilina, Chiara wrote the song “Ismani Ftit Habib”, which she premiered in January 2017. She was also part of the show A Night With Tom Jones And The Best Of Soul. In February 2018, Chiara was part of the concert series of Spiteri Lucas Entertainment A Night with Engelbert, Sinatra, Shirley Bassey and Tina. She also played a role in the musical Il Ħanina Maddalena. A new series of concerts came up in February 2019: A Night with Cliff Richard, Robbie Williams, Withney Houston and Celine. In May she performed in Tel Aviv during the Eurovision week. A month later she performed at a Eurovision related concert in Hannover. In January 2020 a new tribute concert was there: A Night with Paul Anka, Elton John and the Best of Divas. Chiara performed in Rotterdam during the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 at the virtual Eurovillage. In August 2022 she performed at the Eurovision concert in Setúbal. Meanwhile, she kept on performing with the Spiteri Lucas Band. In October 2022 Chiara performed in Cardiff at Eurobash, along with Katrina. A month later, she sang in Cologne. In June 2023 she was able to perform with the 3 Tenors and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. She also sang at Amsterdam Calling in April 2024. Entries What If We… Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsGregory Bilsen MusicMarc Paelinck Backings– Results Semi Points: 86Position: 6Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 31Position: 22Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/kX5STdIuiEg?si=NNcFi0HNWPb-zHKI Angel Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2005 LanguageEnglish LyricsChiara Siracusa MusicChiara Siracusa Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 192Position: 2Running order: 3 https://youtu.be/FS52OvqzmF8?si=mbpqWOqzwaS3d-cl The One That I Love Country🇲🇹 Malta Year1998 LanguageEnglish LyricsSunny Aquilina MusicJason Paul Cassar Conductor– Backings– Results Points: 165Position: 3Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/j82DG4HmrUQ?si=NhGUmszmpK8k3VeB

Nelly Ciobanu

About Quick Facts NameNelea Ciobanu-Mărgineanu Born28 October 1974 Nationality🇲🇩 Moldovan National SelectionO melodie pentru Europa 2009O melodie pentru Europa 2005 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongHora din Moldova (2009) Biography Nelly Ciobanu, born on October 28, 1974, in the village of Cania, Cantemir District, Moldova, is a renowned Moldovan singer and a prominent figure in the music industry of her country. Her full name is Nelly Ciobanu-Malău, and she grew up in a musical family, which significantly influenced her career choice. From a young age, Nelly demonstrated a remarkable talent for singing. She pursued formal education in music, graduating from the Ștefan Neaga Music College in Chișinău. Her professional career began to take off in the early 1990s when she participated in various music festivals and competitions, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence. Nelly’s big break came in 1993 when she won the Grand Prix at the “Tineretul Speranțelor” festival in Chișinău. This victory opened numerous doors for her, leading to national and international recognition. She further cemented her status by winning several prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix at the “Slavianski Bazaar” in Belarus in 1996. One of the defining moments of Nelly’s career was her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. Representing Moldova with the song “Hora din Moldova,” she captivated audiences with her powerful performance, which earned her a respectable 14th place in the final. The song, which blended traditional Moldovan folk elements with contemporary sounds, became a hit and is still celebrated in Moldova. In 2012, she attempted to represent Moldova once more in Eurovision with the song “Turn on the Light” but did not make it to the final selection. In 2013, Nelly released new singles, “Tu iubire” and “Ola Hello!”. She teamed up with Stefano Nutti to record the duet “Rimani qui!!” in February 2014. In 2017, Nelly Ciobanu was a member of the expert jury for the Eurovision Song Contest. On Christmas eve of the same year, Nelly performed in Paris along with Ionel Istrati. In February 2018 Toronto followed, where she sang with Valentin Uzun. A month later, Nelly sang in Italy. In October, she released a new single, “Dă-mi înapoi”. Nelly ended the year by performing in Israel. In 2019, Nelly was awarded the Gavrill Muzicescu Award from the Moldovan ministry of Culture. In January 2020, she performed with Ionel Istrati again, this time in Russia. She became an Interpol ambassador as a member of the “Turn back crime” campaign. She also released the song “Da-mi Inapoi” in the same year. It was in March 2023 when Nelly performed for the Moldovan diaspora in Zürich, Switzerland. A month later she was a member of the Caucaz- 2023 international festival of Arts jury. In March 2024 she performed in Nice, France, in collaboration with Valentin Uzun. In May of the same year she released a new song, “Treci dragoste pe la mine”. Nelly has also been involved in television, notably hosting the popular Moldovan music program “Vedete la bis” (Stars Encore), which showcases various musical talents. In November 2021 she played one of the main roles in the movie “Bereh pravyy, bereh levyy”. Entries Hora Din Moldova Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2009 Language🇬🇧 English LyricsAndrei HadjiuNelly CiobanuAris Calimeris MusicVeaceslav Daniliuc BackingsGicu Cimbir??? Results Semi Points: 106Position: 5Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 69Position: 14Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/ZoP_0okrWyo?si=d_wODx72ZZILbdEC

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