2009

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