2010

Thea Garrett

About Quick Facts NameThea Garrett Born15 March 1992 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionThe GO Malta Eurosong 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongMy Dream (2010) Biography Thea Garrett was born on March 15, 1992, in Ħal Tarexin, Malta. She has been studying voice technique and interpretation with soprano Gillian Zammit. She studied musical theatre for ten years at the Masquerade Theatre School, where she participated in performances of “The King and I” and “Beyond the Barricades” at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. Thea also earned qualifications from Trinity Guildhall College in Musical Theatre, Voice Technique, and Drama. For two summers in a row, Thea attended a week-long workshop at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. She was also chosen to be the secondary vocalist in the West End for Paco Peña, a famous Spanish singer. Thea participated in the British Voice of Tomorrow festival, where she was among the top thirty contestants out of hundreds. In late 2009, Thea sang with the well-known Italian singer Gigi D’Alessio at the opening of his world tour in Rome and later in Milan, where Gigi played the piano for her. Currently, Thea is a member of the gospel group “Enkor,” where she also sings as a soloist. On February 20, 2010, Thea Garrett won the right to represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song “My Dream.” The song was composed by Jason Cassar and had lyrics by Sunny Aquilina. In Oslo, Norway, Thea performed in the eleventh position in the first semi-final on May 25, 2010. Unfortunately, she did not advance to the finals, finishing in twelfth place, just seven points short of qualifying. In 2011, she released two singles, “Frontline” and “Walk On By”. Additionally, Thea remained active in musical theatre, a field in which she has extensive training and experience. In 2012, she moved to London in order to study musical theatre. She also has been active in jewelry design. Living in London, she played roles in several musicals. She took a private tuition with Charles Miller in 2016. Entries My Dream Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsSunny Aquilina MusicJason Paul Cassar BackingsJes SciberrasPamela BezzinaNadine AxisaJackie Pace Delicata Results Semi Points: 45Position: 12Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/iwgF3TC2Kj0?si=KCOkm3h0lPdyxOjq

Kuunkuiskaajat

About Quick Facts MembersJohanna VirtanenSusan Aho Active2009-2016, 2023 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionEuroviisut 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongTyölki ellää (2010) Biography Kuunkuiskaajat was a Finnish folk duo, composed by Johanna Hytti-Virtanen and Susan Aho of the Värttinä band. Susan Aho has been a member of the Värttinä band since 1997 and Johanna Hytti since 2001. Kuunkuiskaajat (The moon whisperers) were formed when the German-Finnish Society was looking for a band to perform on eleven occasions on a German tour, including a tango. Virtanen and Aho stated that they could do this and went on a tour. The combination worked, and Kuunkuiskaajat released their first record in August 2009. In 2010, they represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Työlki ellää”. Eurovision made the release of their first album delay until December. In 2016, Kuunkuiskajat released their second album “Revitty rakkaus”. As a result, the duo also performed on Midsummer 2016. In May 2023, Kuunkuiskaajat released their parody of Käärijä‘s song ‘Cha cha cha,’ calling it a ‘boomer version.’ Kuunkuiskaajat have cited Laila Kinnunen and the Harmony Sisters as their musical influences. Entries Työlki ellää Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2010 LanguageFinnish LyricsTimo Kiiskinen MusicTimo Kiiskinen BackingsAki EronenJukka TarvainenMaria Baric (violin) Results Semi Points: 49Position: 11Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/oicT3jWtsc4?si=F1oa64fNsrS89Kbw

Malcolm Lincoln

About Quick Facts MembersRobin JuhkentalMadis Kubu Active2009 – 2012 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2012Eesti Laul 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongSiren (2010) Biography Malcolm Lincoln was an Estonian band that started as a solo project by Robin Juhkental in October 2009. Initially, Juhkental uploaded his first songs to MySpace under the name Malcolm Lincoln. He then invited Madis Kubu to join him for their first performance on October 31, 2009, in Tallinn. The band’s name, Malcolm Lincoln, comes from a mistake on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? where a woman incorrectly answered “Malcolm Lincoln” when asked for the first name of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Juhkental described their style as “electronic pop with a slightly quirky undertone.” In December 2009, Estonian singer-songwriter and producer Vaiko Eplik contacted Juhkental and offered to release a small volume of records under his label, Mortimer Snerd, with Eplik as the producer. Juhkental submitted two songs, “I’m Still Standing Here” and “Siren,” to the Eesti Laul 2010 song contest. “Siren” was chosen as one of the ten final songs and won the final competition on March 12, 2010, performed with a vocal quartet called Manpower 4. As a result, Malcolm Lincoln represented Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. In April 2010, Malcolm Lincoln signed an artist contract with Universal Music. They released their debut album, “Loaded With Zoul”, on May 20, 2010. The band performed at the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 25, 2010, but did not qualify for the final. In February 2011, the band underwent a lineup change, adding Ott Adamson and Jakob Juhkam. The new lineup included Robin Juhkental, Jakob Juhkam, Siim Raidma, Ott Adamson, Johan Alexander Petti, and Hans Kurvits. The band competed again in Eesti Laul 2012 with the song “Bye” but did not make it to the final. Robin Juhkental took part in the Estonian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest twice more: in 2015 (6th, with his band The Big Bangers) and in 2023 (didn’t reach the final). Entries Siren Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsRobin Juhkental MusicRobin Juhkental BackingsManpower 4:Jaanus SaagoAndrei OzdobaMick PedajaKristjan Knight Results Semi Points: 39Position: 14Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/yFbVAQjESzE?si=-UT7VxohVw5qUPwW

Harel Skaat

About Quick Facts NameHarel Skaat Born08 August 1981 Nationality🇮🇱 Israeli National SelectionKdam Eurovision 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongMilim (2010) Biography Early life and background Harel Skaat, born on August 8, 1981, in Kfar Saba, Israel, is a renowned Israeli singer and songwriter. His family is of Yemenite-Jewish and Iraqi-Jewish descent. Harel’s musical journey began at a very young age. At six, he won a national children’s song festival called A Star for the Evening – Singing Big in his hometown, marking the start of his public performances. Throughout his youth, he appeared on various television shows and festivals, including a notable appearance on the children’s TV show Parpar Nehmad. During his teenage years, Harel was the lead singer for both his city’s band and his high school band. His passion for music continued through his mandatory military service, where he sang with the Israeli Defense Forces’ Communication Corps Band. Education and Early Career After completing his military service, Harel attended Beit Zvi, a prestigious performing arts college. He won two significant scholarships for his performances in school musicals. During this time, he recorded his first single, “Ein Od Si’kui” (“No More Chance”), and participated in the televised talent show “Ha’melech Ha’ba” (“The Next King”), where he finished in sixth place. Rise to Fame: Kokhav Nolad Harel’s big break came in 2005 when he joined the second season of Kokhav Nolad (“A Star is Born”), Israel’s version of American Idol. Although a friend signed him up without his knowledge, Harel quickly became a favorite among viewers and judges. He consistently received high praise and votes, making it to the finals. Harel finished in second place. Debut Album and Success Following Kokhav Nolad, Harel signed with Hed Arzi, one of Israel’s largest music companies. In July 2006, he released his debut album, “Harel Skaat,” which included hit singles like “Ve’at” (“And You”), “Kama Od Efshar” (“How Much More is Possible”), and “Mashehu Mimeni” (“Something from Me”). The album was a commercial success, achieving platinum status in Israel and solidifying Harel’s status as a leading pop singer. Legal Disputes and Second Album In early 2008, Harel and Hed Arzi became embroiled in a legal dispute, which was resolved after a year. He then signed with Aroma Music and released his second album, “Dmuyot” (“Figures”), in September 2009. The album featured hits like “Muvan Li Achshav” (“Now I Understand”) and “Boi Ha Yom” (“Come Today”). Despite being certified gold, “Dmuyot” did not match the commercial success of his debut album. Eurovision Song Contest 2010 In December 2009, Harel was selected to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song “Milim” (“Words”). The contest was held in Oslo, Norway, where Harel’s performance earned Israel 14th place out of 39 entries. Despite the mid-range finish, he received significant accolades, winning all three Marcel Bezençon Awards for best artist, composition, and entry. Continued Career and Personal Life Harel continued to release music and perform extensively. His third album, “Shuv Me’ushar” (“Happy Again”), released in January 2012, included hits like “Mashehu Tov” (“Something Good”), “Tihye Li Ahava” (“I Will Have Love”) and “HaMea Ha-21” (“21st Century”). Harel also ventured into acting, starring in musical productions such as Les Miserables at the Habima Theatre and Peter Pan. He also played a main role in the musical Kim’at normali. 4th Album, Tsmarmoret In 2013, a new song was released, “Akhshav”. The song became #1 in the Israeli I-Tunes charts rightaway. That also counts for the second song, “Boom” in January 2014. In 2015, the first song from his new album came out: “Tsmarmoret”. It was followed by a single in English, “Hollow”, meant for the international market. Meanwhile, he released “Gadol Bishvilech” in Hebrew for the Israeli market. In the same year, Harel performed in Paris and London. Les Miserables and HaKokhav Haba Harel recorded “At Li Hakol”, the title song of the movie Galis. The song was released in April 2016. In August of the same year, the song “Boker Tov Motek” came out, followed two months later by “Anachnu po”. For the song “Milim shektot” he teamed up with Nasrin Kadri. In the last 3 months of 2016 Harel performed as Marius in Les Miserables. Jubilee In February 2017 a new song was released: “Ahava Mesovevet HaKol”. That was also the title of his compilation album, released for his 12 1/2 year jubilee as a singer. He also made a special tour, the tour of the decennium. In December of the same year, he released the song “Bein hashmikot”. Shortly after that, a cover version of “Im nin’alu”, Ofra Haza’s hit, came out. In 2019, he teamed up with Osher Bachta for the song “Kulam Oto Davar”. At the end of the year, the song “Aba ve’Aba” was released. In August 2020, he teamed up with Ania Bukhstein for the song “Kol hayom”. Recent years In February 2021, Harel’s new song “Chazak Al HaRitzpah” was released. In October of the same year, “Ba Li” came out. 2022 started with “Ad ShehaSheket Ya’azov”. Two months later he teamed up with Keren Peles for the song “Silchi li”. It was by the end of the year that his song “Lehargish Babayit” came out, with a video containing family pictures of his husband and kids. USA In June 2023 Harel Skaat went on tour in the USA, in a.o. New York and Los Angeles. In August of the same year, a new single called “Mi Yagid Li” was released. HaKokhav Haba Harel Skaat started to be a judge in the new series of HaKokhav Haba, the second season of an Israeli talent show, in 2014/2015. The contest was also the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2015. He continued to do so in the 2016 until the 2019 contest. In his personal life, Harel is openly gay. He married Idan Roll, a model and Knesset member, in March 2021. The couple has two children born through surrogacy. Harel is actively involved in charitable organizations supporting

Filipa Azevedo

About Quick Facts NameName Born31 07 1991 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival da Canção 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongHá dias assim (2010) Biography Filipa Daniela Azevedo de Magalhães, born on July 31, 1991, in Massarelos, Porto, is a versatile Portuguese singer known for her remarkable talent and dynamic performances across various music genres, including hip-hop, R&B, rock, electronic, Latin pop, jazz, and pop. Raised in Valbom, Gondomar, Filipa’s musical journey began early, leading her to attend the National Conservatory of Music, where she learned to play the transverse flute. Filipa first gained national attention in 2007 when she won the television competition “Família Superstar” on SIC. Her performances were widely celebrated, with her videos becoming the most viewed among contestants on YouTube and generating numerous supportive blogs. Her exceptional talent on the show led journalist and judge Clara de Sousa to compare her favorably to Amy Lee of Evanescence, while Tozé Brito, a prominent figure in Portuguese music, described her as “a hurricane on stage.” The members of the Portuguese band Anjos also praised her as the best performer in the competition. Following her success on “Família Superstar,” Filipa Azevedo appeared on various television programs and performed concerts throughout Portugal in 2008. She continued to build her musical career and, at the end of 2009, released her self-titled debut album, “Filipa Azevedo,” under the Iplay label. In early 2010, Filipa was invited to participate in the television program “Vida Nova” to support the victims of the Haiti earthquake. She performed iconic songs such as “We Are the World” by Band Aid, “The Earth Song” by Michael Jackson, and “Imagine” by John Lennon, showcasing her vocal prowess and humanitarian spirit. Her career took a significant leap in March 2010 when she won the Festival RTP da Canção with the song “Há dias assim,” written by Augusto Madureira. This victory earned her the honor of representing Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, Norway. Her heartfelt performance of “Há dias assim” captivated audiences and placed her among the notable acts of the competition. Filipa continued to engage with her audience through various projects and performances. In 2015, she participated in the third season of “The Voice Portugal” on RTP1. Despite being eliminated in the first live show, she made a lasting impression under the mentorship of Anselmo Ralph. In addition to her singing career, Filipa Azevedo has ventured into acting, particularly in musical theater, further showcasing her artistic versatility. Her contributions to music and theater have solidified her presence in the Portuguese entertainment industry. Filipa’s discography includes her 2009 debut album “Filipa Azevedo,” and several singles such as “Só eu sei” (2008), “Tu és magia, tu és a paz” (2009, a duet with Susana Azevedo), “Há Dias Assim” (2010), and “Num Instante (Somos Uma Voz)” (2019, a duet with Nelson Antunes). She has also contributed to compilation albums like “Família Superstar” (2007) and “Carrossel de Papel” (2008), a social solidarity CD. In 2019, Filipa plated in the musical O Princibe Nabo. In December of the same year, she got the role of Cinderella in a play. In 2020, she teamed up with Jakson D’Alva for the song “Arrepio”, dedicated to Black Lives Matter. It was followed by Feiticeiro de Oz (2022) and Bela Adormecida (2023). Entries Há Dias Assim Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2010 LanguagePortuguese LyricsAugusto Madureira MusicAugusto Madureira BackingsPatrícia AntunesPatrícia SilveiraPedro MimosoAugusto Madureira Results Semi Points: 89Position: 4Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 43Position: 18Running order: 23 https://youtu.be/TvmnvtL_DcQ?si=QOA5EUZFzpvmcFc8

Eva Rivas

About Quick Facts NameValeria Alexandrovna Reshetnikova-Tsatouryan Born13 July 1987 Nationality🇦🇲 Armenian🇷🇺 Russian (not sure) National SelectionEvrotesil 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongApricot Stone (2010) Biography Eva Rivas is a Russian-Armenian singer. She was born Valeria Reshetnikova-Tsatouryan on July 13, 1987, in Rostov-on-Don, hails from a diverse background. Her father, Alexander Reshetnikov, was born in Vladivostok, while her mother, Piruza Tsatouryan, is Armenian from Yerevan. Eva’s stage name honors her Greek great-grandmother. Eva’s musical career began early in life. She joined the Armenian school choir and, from ages 9 to 17, was the soloist for the Armenian pop ensemble Arevik. The ensemble earned numerous accolades, including the title of People’s ensemble in 1997. Eva herself won the Grand Prix at the Scarlet Flower children’s song contest and two silver medals at the First Russian Youth Delphic Games in 1999. In addition to her musical pursuits, Eva trained at the Image-Elite beauty and social etiquette school, becoming one of its leading models and twice winning the title Little Beauty of Rostov. She participated in various modeling contests across Russia. In 2004, she entered Rostov State University, majoring in World Economics and International Relations. 2005 marked a significant year for Eva. She earned titles such as Golden Voice of RSU, Miss Pearl of Don, and Vice-Miss Caucasus. She also won first prize at the Song of the Year of Armenia contest in Moscow, where she met her future producer Valery Saaryan. In 2007, she placed third in the Five Stars Song Contest in Sochi and spent two years dancing with the Street Jazz school. In 2008, Eva began working with the Moscow production center Armenia Production. She recorded an album featuring compositions by Sayat Nova, guided by maestro Ruben Matevosyan. In 2009, she released a music video for “Tamam Ashkhar” and frequently appeared on Armenian TV shows. Eva’s career reached new heights in 2010 when she represented Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with the song “Apricot Stone.” The song, symbolizing Armenian nostalgia, earned her a spot in the finals, where she finished in 7th place. In 2012, there were plans to represent Armenia again in the contest; however, Armenia decided not to take part that year. In 2014, Eva Rivas released a new single called “Armenia”. In June of that year, she performed in Georgia along with Anri Jokhadze. In August, the song “Veradardz” was released. Also, she was one of the judges in The Voice Armenia. As a model, Eva Rivas played a main role in the video of Anri Jokhadze’s song “Tovli Modis”. In 2020, Eva Rivas received an award for her good deeds during corona. It was given her by the prefect of the North-Western Administrative District of Moscow; the area were she currently lives. In April 2023, Eva Rivas started performing again. Entries Apricot Stone Country🇦🇲 Armenia Yearyear LanguageEnglish LyricsKaren Kavaleryan MusicArmen Martirosyan Backings– Results Semi Points: 83Position: 6Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 141Position: 7Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/A60atIirQAw?si=-5LFzJ1ZXd97cdtn

Peter Nalitch & Friends

About Quick Facts NamePeter Andreyevich Nalitch Born30 April 1981 Nationality🇷🇺 Russian National SelectionEvrovidenie 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLost And Forgotten (2010) Biography Youth and education Peter Nalitch, born on April 30, 1981, is a Russian musician and composer. Peter graduated from the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) in 2003, showcasing his aptitude in both technical and creative fields. However, music was an ever-present force in Peter’s life. His paternal grandfather, Zahid Omerovich Nalitch, was a renowned lyric tenor and broadcaster for the Yugoslav section of Moscow Radio, instilling in Peter an early appreciation for music. Zahid’s life story, marked by war and resilience, deeply influenced Peter. His grandfather, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, faced severe hardships during World War II, including the loss of his singing ability due to a tragic injury. This legacy of perseverance and passion for music became a cornerstone of Peter’s identity. Peter’s formal music education began at the Myaskovsky Children’s Music School, followed by studies at the Music College of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Orpheus studio under Irina Mukhina. In 2010, he further honed his skills by entering the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, specializing in Academic Singing. Early career Nalitch’s music career took a significant leap in 2007 when he uploaded a self-made music video for his song “Guitar” on YouTube. The video quickly went viral, amassing 70,000 views in a month. This unexpected success led to his first public concert on November 9, 2007, at the Apshu club in Moscow. Following this, Peter formed the “Musical Collective of Peter Nalitch” (MKPN), which quickly gained popularity with successful concerts and a growing fan base. Between 2007 and 2010, MKPN toured extensively across Russia, supporting national sports teams at major events like the European Football Championship and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Their first album, “Joy of Simple Melodies,” was released in 2008, followed by a concert film and maxi-single “Sea.” Eurovision In 2010, Peter Nalitch and his band represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with the song “Lost and Forgotten.” Their heartfelt performance earned them 11th place, cementing Peter’s reputation on the international stage. Eurovision was a pivotal moment in Peter’s career, exposing him to a wider audience and solidifying his status as a versatile artist. 2010 – 2018 Following Eurovision, Peter continued to diversify his musical repertoire. He ventured into classical opera, performing roles such as Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” He also released several more albums, including “Merry Baboons” (2010) and “Goldfish” (2012), showcasing his evolving musical style. Peter’s innovative spirit led to the creation of albums like “Kitchen” (2013), featuring songs in the fictional Babur language, and “Reflections in Puddles” (2018), funded through crowdfunding. His involvement in multimedia projects, such as composing for the RT channel’s “Romanovs100” project, further highlights his versatility. From 2018 onwards, Peter’s career continued to flourish. On November 9, 2018, he released his eighth album “Reflections in Puddles,” which featured complex arrangements performed by a chamber orchestra. The album was funded by a successful crowdfunding campaign on Planeta.ru. 2019 – 2024 In 2019, Peter’s work on the RT multimedia project “Romanovs100” received significant recognition, earning a shortlist position for Clio Music in the “Best Use of Original Music” category and winning the Original Music award at the 2019 New York Festival TV & Film Awards. Additionally, he composed the soundtrack for the film “Call Me Drozd,” which premiered in December 2020 and received accolades at several film festivals. The same year, Nalitch participated in the All-Russian competition for young composers “The Score of the Future,” where he was awarded the first prize in the “Composition for Voice and Piano” category. In December 2019, he also performed at the opening of the independent opera house — the Moscow Opera House (MOD), taking on the role of Vaudémont in Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta.” 2020 saw the release of Peter’s ninth album “Morra” on October 23. Initially announced as a maxi-single, it expanded into a full-length album with 14 tracks, all funded through a crowdfunding campaign. The album’s presentation took place on December 19 at the Gorbunov Palace of Culture. In 2021, Peter released his first vinyl record, which included 11 tracks from his “Morra” album. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the film “Call Me Drozd,” which faced delays due to the pandemic but was well-received upon its eventual release. In May 2021, the film was presented at the V International Film Festival named after Vyacheslav Tikhonov in Pavlovsky Posad. Peter’s tenth album, “Pirates’ Songs,” was released on November 25, 2021, funded by his supporters on Planeta.ru. This album continued his tradition of blending various musical styles and exploring new creative territories. In 2022, Peter released his eleventh album “VIVAMUS” on February 4, again funded by a crowdfunding campaign. He was also recognized as the laureate of the first prize at the First All-Russian Competition for Composition and Instrumentation for the Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments. In 2023, Peter appeared on the TV show “My Hero” with Tatyana Ustinova, and in May, he defended his diploma at the Gnessin Academy by performing the suite “Oblomov’s Marshes” for symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists. His compositions continued to captivate audiences, with premieres of new works like “Diary of an Old Master” and his participation in significant cultural events. In 2024, Peter released his twelfth album “Vanya, the Bird, and the Striped Shirt” on April 12, featuring 55 tracks and created in collaboration with Herman Mogilevsky. The album’s concert version premiered on April 26 and 27 at the Central House of Architects in Moscow. Entries Lost And Forgotten Country🇷🇺 Russia Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsPeter Nalitch MusicPeter Nalitch FriendsYuri KostenkoSergey SokolovKostya ShvetsovDima SimonovDenis Marinkin Results Semi Points: 74Position: 7Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 90Position: 11Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/nFEwKjpDD2c?si=GKPf1NNZsCOLA5Ca

Jessy Matador

About Quick Facts NameJessy Kimbangi Born27 October 1982 Nationality🇫🇷 French National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongAllez ola olé Biography Jessy Kimbangi, known by his stage name Jessy Matador, is a celebrated French coupé-décalé singer and dancer of Congolese origin, born on October 27, 1983, in Paris. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Jessy Matador grew up in various neighborhoods, including Épinay-sur-Seine, Vanves, the Luth area in Gennevilliers, and eventually settled in Saint-Denis. His journey into the entertainment industry began in 2001 when he embarked on a career as a dancer. Jessy later joined the group Les Cœurs Brisés under Dany Engobo’s direction, which took him on tours across the United States, Congo, Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Formation of La Selesao In 2005, Jessy Matador formed his own group, La Selesao, with members Dr. Love & Linho (known as Les Jumo) and Benkoff. The group gained popularity, opening for acts like Magic System. They signed with Oyas Records in late 2007 and Wagram Records in spring 2008. Breakthrough and Eurovision Jessy Matador’s breakthrough came in June 2008 with the release of his debut single “Décalé Gwada”, which became a summer hit, peaking at 14th on the French charts. This success was followed by the release of his album “Afrikan New Style” in November 2008, showcasing a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and urban musical influences. In February 2010, Jessy Matador was selected to represent France at the 55th Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. He performed the song “Allez ola olé”, finishing 12th out of 25 participants. This track, featured on his second album “Electro Soukouss” released in June 2010, achieved gold status with over 220,000 singles sold. It also served as a promotional anthem for France Télévisions and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Later Career and Ventures Jessy continued to diversify his career. He was a judge on the talent show Dance Street in 2010 and formed the all-female dance group Mata Girlz in 2011. He represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the African Night at Stade de France the same year. In 2013, he contributed to the compilation album “Tropical Family” and released his third album “Authentik”. His single “Zumba He Zumba Ha (Remix 2012)”, a collaboration with DJ Mam’s, was featured in the film “Qu’est-ce qu’on a fait au bon Dieu?” in 2014. Jessy also ventured into theater, debuting in La Fuite by Driss Homet in 2016. He appeared in the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga in 2020 and was featured in a 2021 episode of the dating show Et si on se rencontrait? on M6. In February 2021 he released a new single, “DBNG”, reaching the #1 spot in the I-Tunes list. The video was released in June of the same year. In July 2023, he managed to have 2 tracks in the club 40 charts: “Bilam bam”, featuring in a track of Clara and “Mini kawoule (Remix 2023)”, featuring Makassy. Entries Allez Ola Olé Country🇫🇷 France Year2010 LanguageFrench LyricsHugues DucaminJacques Ballue MusicHugues DucaminJacques Ballue BackingsEmilie CapelNedjim MahtallaJessie FasanoMistos CapitanoGeneral Benkhoff Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 82Position: 12Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/-NlvQ6Ln9fc?si=-tAfNRzZjHhm7YYW

Alyosha

About Quick Facts NameOlena Oleksandrivna Kucher Born14 May 1986 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionEvrobachennya Ukrayina 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongSweet people (2010) Biography Olena Oleksandrivna Kucher, professionally known as Alyosha and more recently as Olena Topolia, is a Ukrainian singer, composer, and songwriter born on May 14, 1986, in Zaporizhzhia. Olena’s musical journey began in her childhood. She was born to a traffic officer, Oleksandr Mykolayovych Kucher, and an aviation plant worker, Lyudmyla Fedorivna Kucher. Her early years were marked by family activities such as helping her father sell fish and participating in her brothers’ karate and kung fu training sessions, earning her the nickname Lyoshka. Her formal music education started early, singing in a school choir and attending the “Youth” music studio. She later honed her skills by graduating from the Faculty of Pop Vocal at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. Olena’s breakthrough came in 2006 when she won the international competition Yalta 2006, featuring contestants from 14 countries. Two years later, she triumphed at the International TV Competition Songs of the Sea, competing against representatives from 12 countries, including the USA and Poland. In 2010, Olena won the national selection for Eurovision with the song “To be free,”. The song, however, was withdrawn following plagiarism accusations. Instead, she sang the song “Sweet people”. Her performance in Oslo earned her a spot in the final, where she finished tenth. That same year, she released her English-language album “A World Outside Your Door” in the USA under Sony BMG. Olena’s career continued to flourish. In 2011, she was named “Singer of the Year” in Ukraine’s Favorites of Success rating. Known for her impressive four-octave vocal range, she has written many of her own songs and composed for other artists, including Nataliia Mohylevska and the duo Oleksiy Potapenko and Anastasiia Kamenskykh. Her album “Tocka na karte” (Point on the Map), released in 2015, and the song “Poruch” (Nearby) in 2016, showcased her versatility. The music video for her song “Kalyna,” released in 2017, became a YouTube sensation with about 7 million views in a year. The song earned her several nominations and wins at the M1 Music Awards and the “Golden Firebird” awards in 2018. In 2019, Olena embarked on the “Poruch” tour, performing in 20 cities across Ukraine. She also collaborated with Vlad Darwin, releasing the joint album “Golden Mean” and the song “Happiness Without Guilt.” In 2023, she performed at Eurovision again, this time as an interval act in a duet with Rebecca Ferguson, singing “Ordinary World.” Later that year, she transitioned from her stage name Alyosha to perform under her real name, Olena Topolia, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. Entries Sweet People Country🇺🇦 Ukraine Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsOlena ‘Alyosha’ Kucher MusicBorys KukobaOlena ‘Alyosha’ KucherVadim Lisitsa Backings– Results Semi Points: 77Position: 7Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 108Position: 10Running order: 17 https://youtu.be/20CPPV_uwmE?si=gbS_3hd-Sd6TWef-

Hera Björk

EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameHera Björk Þórhallsdóttir Born29 March 1972 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2024Söngvakeppnin 2019Söngvakeppnin 2010Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2009 In Eurovision2024 Malmö2010 Oslo SongScared Of Heights (2024)Je Ne Sais Quoi (2010) Biography Hera Björk Þórhallsdóttir, born on 29 March 1972, is an Icelandic vocalist celebrated for her significant contributions to music both in her home country and internationally. Hera started performing at a young age – she had already recorded some children’s songs and appeared in television commercials before her twelfth birthday. She won her first singing competition in 1988 aged just sixteen. Hera’s debut album in 1999 was “Litla Hryllingsbúðin (Little Shop of Horror)”, “Alltaf í Boltanum – Áfram Ísland”, and “Principium -Schola Cantorum”. The year 2000 saw the release of “Ilmur af Jólum / The Scent of Christmas” and “Disneylögin”, marking her ability to blend traditional Icelandic music with international themes. Her subsequent albums include “Landslag Bylgjunnar – Engum nema þér” and “Audi Creator Coeli” in 2001, followed by “Svarta Platan” and “Á Jólunum” in 2002. The years 2003 to 2009 were particularly productive for Hera Björk, with releases such as “Í faðmi þínum”, “Við gefum von”, and her solo album in 2006, demonstrating her growth as an artist. Collaborations with other artists, such as “Montagne Azzurre – Leone Tinganelli” in 2007 and various projects with The Frostroses in 2008 and 2009, highlight her versatility and ability to work across different musical landscapes. Also in 2009, Hera Björk took part in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the Danish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She was the runner up with “Someday”. Her journey on the international stage took a notable turn in 2010 when she represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Je ne sais quoi”. Despite finishing 19th, her participation marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent to a broader European audience. Hera Björk’s international acclaim further solidified in 2013 when she competed in the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. Her entry, “Because You Can”, won the Best Song category, underscoring her prowess as a singer and performer on the global stage. The years 2010 and 2013 were significant for her career, with the release of her Eurovision song “Je Ne Sais Quoi” and the award-winning “Because You Can”. Additionally, the release of “Ilmur af jólum 2” in 2013 showcased her continued appeal and talent. Hera Björk decided to participate in Söngvakeppnin again in 2019, when she reached a 4th place with the song “Moving on”. In 2015, she was a backing vocal in the Icelandic team at the Eurovision Song Contest. In addition to her successful international outings, Hera Björk has been a constant presence in Iceland’s music scene. Her versatility and range have allowed her to explore various genres and themes throughout her career. In 2024, she was chosen to represent Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time, this time with the song “Scared of Heights”. Unfortunately, this time she didn’t manage to reach the final. Entries Scared Of Heights Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsÁsdis Maria ViðardóttirMichael BurekJaro OmarFerras Alqaisi MusicÁsdis Maria ViðardóttirMichael BurekJaro OmarFerras Alqaisi BackingsÁgústa Ósk ÓskarsdottirArnar JónssonÍris Hólm JónsdottirVilli Ósk Results Semi Points: 3Position: 15Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/VChBgcycVl8?si=tWjM544QX9ceLTlv Je Ne Sais Quoi Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsÖrlygur Jakobsson SmáriHera Björk Þórhallsdóttir MusicÖrlygur Jakobsson SmáriHera Björk Þórhallsdóttir BackingsHeiða ÓlafsdóttirKristján GíslasonPétur Örn GuðmundssonErna Hrönn ÓlafsdóttirKristjana Stefánsdóttir Results Semi Points: 123Position: 3Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 41Position: 19Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/qXLqw4UpJ1w?si=jEZXSfUmNLs8U1wH