2024

🇸🇪 Malmö will host Eurovision

Today, the news came: Malmö will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The contest will be held on 7, 9 and the Grand Final on 11 May. It is the 3rd time in Eurovision history that the contest will be held in Malmö. Also in 1992 and in 2013, the contest was hosted in this city. EBU Event supervisor Martin Österdahl responds on the decision: “The EBU is thrilled that Malmö has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Malmö holds a special place in the history of the Contest, having successfully hosted it firstly in 1992 and then in 2013 – following Loreen’s last win. We’re excited to be returning to this vibrant and dynamic city which has demonstrated it has the venues and infrastructure that are perfect for staging the world’s largest live music event. Malmö’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the competition. Furthermore, its compact size and well-developed transport infrastructure means everyone involved in the Contest, including delegations, media, and fans will be able to navigate the city easily. Its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives also aligns perfectly with our own values, making it an ideal Host City for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. Malmö’s bid demonstrated a huge passion for the Eurovision Song Contest, and I have full confidence in their ability to create an unforgettable experience that will bring together fans, artists, and viewers across the globe. Together with Host Broadcaster SVT, we will create an extraordinary celebration of music, unity, and diversity that will captivate the world in May next year.”

🇱🇺 Luxembourg: national finals in history

Luxembourg is back The news came out two days ago: Luxembourg will have a national final. The national final will take place on January 27. Other news is that participants must hold Luxembourgish nationality or have resided in Luxembourg for at least three consecutive years or exhibit a strong cultural involvement and proven connection with the Luxembourgish music scene. With that news, Luxembourg is breaking with a tradition. In the past, Luxembourg chose it’s participants from other countries most of the time. And very seldomly the songs were chosen through a national final. Winners for, but not from Luxembourg No less than five times Luxembourg won the contest. But never ever anyone with the Luxembourgish nationality held the trophy. Jean-Claude Pascal (1961), France Gall (1965), Anne-Marie David (1973) and Corinne Hermes (1983) were from France. Vicky Leandros (1972) was from Greece, but lived and still lives in Germany. 1976 and 1978 About national finals in the sixties, nothing is known. It is said that in 1972, Vicky Leandros offered 9 songs to the Luxembourgish broadcaster. However, nothing about a televised final is known. It was German singer Jürgen Marcus who first won a Luxembourgish final, in 1976. He defeated among others Marianne Rosenberg. Two years later, Spanish duo Baccara won the national final. However, Danish Gitte Haenning and Belgian Liliane Saint Pierre were also involved. Gitte already took part for Germany before. Liliane was the Belgian contestant in 1987. Park Café and Marion Welter That was it for Luxembourgish national finals with plural contestants. However, the American/Luxembourgish group Park Café offered the audience three songs. 66,5% of the voters chose “Monsieur” as their entry. In 1992, Luxembourgish Marion Welter was supposed to sing the song “Iwerall doheem”. However, to give the selection an extra touch, the audience was able to make a choice between two songs. And of course, not “Iwerall doheem” but the other song “Sou fräi” won. Internal selections All of the other years, Luxembourg selected their song and artist internally. However, there are two songs we want to share with you. In 1979, Penny McLean, member of Silver Convention (esc 1977) submitted a song. The English version became a hit. Enjoy “Tut-ench-Amun”: Three years later, it was Marcha (esc 1987) who almost got the job. She was the lead singer of Babe, an all girl group. Their song “Boomerang” was released in English. Do you recognize Marcha?

Natalia Barbu

EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameNatalia Barbu Born22 August 1979 Nationality 🇲🇩 Moldovan National SelectionEtapa națională 2024Selecția Națională 2013 (Romania)O melodie pentru Europa 2011Pentru Eurovision 2007 In Eurovision2024 Malmö2007 Helsinki SongIn The Middle (2024)Fight (2007) Biography Natalia Barbu (born August 22, 1979, in Bălți, Moldavian SSR, USSR) is a rock and pop singer from the Republic of Moldova. Natalia Barbu is the daughter of the folk music, romance, and stage music performer Ana Barbu. Career In her career, Natalia has worked with the band Trigon on a jazz-folk alternative music experiment. Natalia Barbu is a songwriter, writing the lyrics for most of her songs herself. In 2006, Natalia signed a 3-year contract with the record label Cat Music Records (Sony Music) in Romania. Among her greatest successes is the release of the single “Îngerul meu” (“My Angel”) in Romania. The song was at No. 1 in the Romanian Top 100 for 11 weeks and received extensive media coverage on MTV Romania. On December 14, 2006, Natalia Barbu won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 with the song “Fight.” At the contest, she qualified from the semifinal on May 10, 2007, to the final, which took place on May 12, 2007, finishing in 10th place with a total of 109 points. In 2012, she began collaborating with music producer Radu Sîrbu and composer Ana Sîrbu (Sianna) under the Rassada Music label. At the end of the summer, Natalia presented her new song, “I Said It’s Sad,” which, according to her, was a major style change for her. The new song reached No. 1 in the Top 10 Airplay in Moldova. Later in 2012, she released “Iubire cu aromă de cafea” (“Love with a Scent of Coffee”) and “Confession,” with which she participated in the national selection for Eurovision 2013. In December 2015, Natalia Barbu was named the sexiest woman alive from the Republic of Moldova in a ranking made by the American magazine Esquire. Natalia Barbu represented her country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song “In the Middle,” after winning the National Selection that same year. Unfortunately, she didn’t manage to make it to the final. Entries In The Middle Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsKhris RichardsNatalia Barbu MusicNatalia Barbu Backings– Results Semi Points: 20Position: 13Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/evIoGkZXj2s?si=Mx5SiYe1z7rsWxvM Fight Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2007 LanguageEnglish LyricsElena Buga MusicAlexandru Braşoveanu BackingsLudmila ZnamenskiRodica Sterbet??? Results Semi Points: 91Position: 10Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 109Position: 10Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/SZzcIOvoIfo?si=hCvF5R5KGbtQ_JBc

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