Baku

Trackshittaz

About Quick Facts MembersLukas PlöchlManuel Hoffelner Active2010 – 2015 Nationality🇦🇹 Austrian National SelectionÖsterreich Rockt Den Song Contest 2012Düsseldorf – wir kommen! 2011 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongWoki Mit Dem Popo (2012) Biography Trackshittaz was an Austrian hip-hop duo. They originated from the Mühlviertel in Austria. In early 2010, Lukas Plöchl, also known as G-Neila, and Manuel Hoffelner (stage name Manix), a student from Leopoldschlag, formed the band. The idea for the band’s name emerged as they decided to enter the UHS band contest in Freistadt, despite having no songs written together at that time. They quickly produced six tracks in just eight days, a requirement for contest participation. In 2010, Trackshittaz gained popularity through YouTube with their parody “Alloa bam Fraunz” of Stromae’s “Alors on danse”, garnering over 100,000 views quickly. Lukas Plöchl appeared on the ORF talent show Helden von morgen from October 2010 to January 2011. Following his initial performance, Sony Music signed them with their hit “Oida taunz!”, which topped the Austrian single charts. It was a milestone as the first Austrian download-only release to debut at number one. Their song “Guuugarutz”, released in January 2011, also reached the top spot. In 2010, the band was selected for the Austrian Eurovision Song Contest 2011 preliminaries and secured the second place with “Oida Taunz!”. Their July 2011 album, “Prolettn feian längaah”, achieved number one status like their debut album and received a gold record. The non-album track “Touchdown” was featured as the official song for the Football World Cup, and their song “Schnitzi” was included in the soundtrack of the film adaptation of Thomas Glavinic’s novel ‘Wie man leben soll’. Trackshittaz participated once more in Austria’s Eurovision Song Contest 2012 selection, Österreich rockt den Song Contest, and triumphed with “Woki mit deim Popo”, beating future ESC winner Conchita Wurst. However, they were eliminated in the Baku Eurovision semi-final, ranking last. Hoffelner sustained a knee injury during their performance. The band made a comeback in March 2014 with their fourth album “#TS4”, preceded by singles “Gmiatlich Dreschn” and “Schuachblattlaboogie”. On July 24, 2015, the duo announced the end of Trackshittaz, citing extensive physical and time commitments as the main reasons for the band’s dissolution, the EP “#TS15” being the last product of the duo. Entries Woki Mit Dem Popo Country🇦🇹 Austria Year2012 LanguageMühlviertel Dialect LyricsLukas PlöchlManuel Hoffelner MusicLukas Plöchl DancersConny AitzetmüllerMarie-Therese LeopoldsbergerBianca Borghesi Results Semi Points: 8Position: 18Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3gPt8R33POY?si=oNmHd5uxwX6MDsUB

Izabo

About Quick Facts MembersRan Shem TovShiri HadarJonathan LeviNir Manzur Founded1989 Nationality🇮🇱 Israeli National SelectionInternal selection 2012 In EurovisionYear City SongTime (2012) Biography Izabo was an Israeli band. Izabo was founded in Petah Tikva in 1989. Their original line-up consisted of Ran Shem Tov, Shiri Hadar, Nir Graf and Tamir Muskat. In 1994, they released their first album titled “Movie Maker”, along with three singles. This album is often omitted from Izabo’s chronology and songs from it are never played in live concerts. The band’s line-up changed following the release of the album and again in 1997, with the final line-up, which remained for 19 years, consisting of founders Shem Tov and Hadar, as well as Jonathan Levy and Nir Mantzur. Their sophomore album, “The Fun Makers”, was released in late 2003 and received highly positive critical acclaim, with the songs “Morning Hero” and “Cook Me” achieving major radio success in Israel. Several months later, Izabo signed on to Sony BMG, through which they released their British debut, “The Morning Hero EP”. The release was accompanied by a concert tour during which Izabo performed in England, Scotland and the Netherlands. Izabo collaborated with a large variety of artists, on stage and in studio, from singer-songwriter Ahuva Ozeri to choreographer Ohad Naharin. Izabo’s collaboration with Shotei Hanevuah produced the single “Hu”, which won the Music 24’s “song of the year” award. Their third LP, “Super Light”, was released in July 2008. On March 26, 2012, Izabo released an EP titled Summer Shade. The EP included the 2012 singles “Summer Shade”, “On My Way” and “I Like It”, the band’s final singles under the name Izabo. In early February it was revealed that Izabo had been chosen by a group of mass communications and music industry experts to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The song, Time, has verses in English and choruses in Hebrew. They did not progress past the semi-final round. On May 21, 2012, they released the album “Life Is on My Side in the UK”, through 100% Records. In 2016, Nir Mantzur and Jonathan Levy left the band, and the band changed its name to Cherie and Renno. Two years later, Cherie and Renno released a self-titled album. The album is Cherie and Renno’s first album, and the fifth in the band’s history.On October 24, 2022, the band returned in it’s former line up with a comeback concert. In November of the same year they performed at the Israel Music Showcase Festival in Jerusalem. On 28 February 2023 they released a brand new single”Midnight Chains”. In May they teamed up with Ilan Peled for a new single, “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”…. yes, a Michael Jackson cover. Entries Time Country🇮🇱 Israeli Year2012 LanguageEnglishHebrew LyricsRan Shem TovShiri Hadar MusicRan Shem TovShiri Hadar Backings– Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/-uy4ggnLzKI?si=VqmK1KMNcnOBJAsR

Pernilla Karlsson

About Quick Facts NamePernilla Karlsson Born11 June 1990 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongNär Jag Blundar (2012) Biography Pernilla Karlsson, born June 11, 1990, in Siuntio, is a Finland-Swedish artist. Karlsson engaged in music from an early age, though not always at a professional level. She has been singing and dancing almost her entire life, and at the age of 15, she won a competition called The Smallest Schlager Competition in the World. Despite her musical successes, she continued to focus on her other passion, handball, playing in Finland’s top division with Siuntio IF. As a female handball player, Karlsson has highlighted issues of sexist comments in the sports world. On February 25, 2012, she won Finland’s national selection (The Contest for New Music). She performed in the first semi-final on May 22 but did not advance to the final. After representing Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, she has worked in music, including collaborations with her brother Jonas. On the Finland-Swedish radio channel Yle X3M, she created the program Stiftelsen together with Frida Lindholm. They called themselves “Frillan” and “Prillan” and since August 2014, also produced the podcast Frillan & Prillan OFF AIR. Karlsson left the radio channel in June 2018. Entries När Jag Blundar Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2012 LanguageFinnish LyricsJonas Karlsson MusicJonas Karlsson BackingsHeikki Takkula (cello) Results Semi Points: 41Position: 12Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/MRC5NzxmrAA?si=Gjx9BkslIeoImg6S

Sinplus

About Quick Facts MembersIvan BrogginiGabriel Broggini Founded2009 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionDie Grosse Entscheidungs Show 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongUnbreakable (2012) Biography SinPlus is a Swiss rock band consisting of brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggini. Growing up in a family deeply passionate about music, Ivan (on guitar) and Gabriel (on vocals) were naturally inclined towards music from a very young age. This early exposure laid the foundation for their musical careers, fostering a love for “dirty bass lines, pounding rhythms, and infectious melodies.” The Broggini brothers quickly made a name for themselves as SinPlus, gaining recognition for their raw energy and compelling sound. Their talent and dedication earned them multiple awards and nominations, including an MTV award as Best Swiss Act and a nomination as Best European Act. One of their most notable achievements was representing Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the song “Unbreakable.” Their musical journey saw them collaborating with artists like Californian singer/songwriter Mickey Shiloh on the ballad “You and I,” which went gold in Switzerland. Furthermore, their soundtrack for the European Gymnastics Championship, “Tieniti Forte,” also struck gold, cementing their status in the music industry. SinPlus embarked on tours across Europe, playing in diverse venues ranging from intimate bars to large arenas and prestigious festivals like Isle Of Wight and Moon & Stars. They shared stages with renowned international acts, including Roxette, showcasing their versatility and appeal. As their career progressed, they began incorporating more pop sounds and experimentation into their music. However, they remained true to the energy and attitude of rock and roll, evident in their album “This Is What We Are.” In 2019, the brothers embarked on a transformative journey, returning to California to soak in the West Coast rock vibe and then to Nashville. There, they worked with Grammy-nominated producer J.T. Daly, refining and experimenting with their sound. This period marked the birth of a new SinPlus sound, blending alternative rock with guitar-hooks and break-beats. They released the EP ‘It’s Not About Being Good’ in 2020, heralding the start of a new era for the band. This was followed by their album ‘Break The Rules,’ which they described as the first album to truly capture their vision from the outset: pure Rock and Roll. Following the success of ‘Break The Rules,’ in 2021, including significant recognition on major rock radio playlists and Spotify’s editorial “All New Rock,” SinPlus released the single “Wildflower” in March 2022. This track not only confirmed their distinctive sound but also marked the beginning of a new creative phase. In October 2022 the song “Dark Horse Running” came out. In December it was an EP the brothers released: “Waiting For The Dawn”. In October 2023 they opened for The Darkness in their show. Entries Unbreakable Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsIvan BrogginiGabriel Broggini MusicIvan BrogginiGabriel Broggini BackingsLisa PanigadaRoberto Bianchetti Results Semi Points: 45Position: 11Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/lkMSptuVqHQ?si=1t3B30tAQV3IjqbC

Anmary

About Quick Facts NameLinda Dinsberga, born Amantova Born03 March 1980 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2012Eirodziesma 2009 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongBeautiful Song (2012) Biography Linda Dinsberga (born Linda Amantova on March 3, 1980), better known by her stage name Anmary, is a Latvian singer and vocal coach. Anmary got her education at a Children’s Music School, Music College, Latvian Music Academy, and Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy. In Gulbene and Rēzekne, she learned to play the piano. She has worked as a vocal coach on various TV shows and in several pop music studios, . In 2003, she participated in the TV show , where she secured the 2nd place. She has participated in the production of the musical West Side Story, portraying the character Carlita. In 2008, she took part in the TV3 show Koru Kari (Choir Wars) in Arnis Mednis’ Riga choir. As part of the group Policistas, she participated in the 2009 Eirodziesma, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “In Love We Trust”, finishing in 11th place in the semi-final and thus not qualifying for the final. In 2012, Anmary’s song “Beautiful Song” qualified for the Eurovision semi-final. She won the final, becoming Latvia’s representative at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan. In the Eurovision semi-final in Baku, she ranked 16ths. Anmary has participated in various musical projects – concerts, concert performances, portrayed the role of Mother in Jānis Lūseņš and Māra Zālīte’s rock opera Kaupēn, mans mīļais, sung in a duet with Uģis Roze in Jānis Lūseņš’ musical ensemble Promenāde, collaborated with many Latvian musicians, and in 2021, participated as Saulesmeita in the TV3 show Balss Maskā (The Masked Singer). On August 9, 2022, Anmary returned to her audience with new original songs, the mini-album “Laidies ar mani” (“Lie Down With Me”) and a video for the title track. The music for the mini-album’s title track “Laidies ar mani” was written by Anmary and Juris Ludženieks, who is also the single’s producer. The lyrics were written by Anmary, and guitarist Jānis Griķis participated in its creation. The mini-album “Laidies ar mani” includes four songs. In October 2023 she played one of the main roles in the rockopera Lāčplēsis. Entries Beautiful Song Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsRolands Ūdris MusicIvars Makstnieks BackingsLīga RobežnieceAnna ZhukovaAnita LevšaJelena Matule Results Semi Points: 17Position: 16Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/KAxYfMFE_94?si=uHteQq8Yy_y_stng

Rambo Amadeus

About Quick Facts NameAntonije Pušić Born14 June 1963 Nationality🇲🇪 Montenegrin National SelectionBeovizija 2018Internal Selection 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongEuro Neuro (2012) Biography Rambo Amadeus is a stage name adopted by Antonije Pušić, a Montenegrin musician, singer, and songwriter known for his eclectic musical style and irreverent, satirical lyrics. Born on June 14, 1963, in Herceg Novi, a coastal town in Montenegro, Pušić grew up during the time when the country was part of the former Yugoslavia. The nickname “Rambo Amadeus” cleverly combines the machismo of a popular movie character with the elegance of a classical composer, reflecting his unique blend of humor and cultural critique. In his early life, Pušić exhibited a keen interest in various forms of art. He was known to be quite adept at painting and sports, alongside his musical pursuits. He attended a nautical school and later studied philosophy for a brief period at the University of Belgrade. However, he decided to abandon formal education to fully dedicate himself to his burgeoning musical career. Rambo Amadeus began his career in the mid-1980s, quickly establishing himself as a figure who defied conventional genre categorizations. His music is a fusion of various styles, including jazz, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, interspersed with elements of Balkan folk. Such an eclectic style has led to the coining of terms like “Balkan funk” and “turbo folk” to describe his music. Lyrically, Rambo Amadeus is known for his incisive wit and ability to satirize contemporary society, politics, and popular culture. His songs often mock authoritarian regimes, nationalism, and commercialization in the music industry, using humor and wordplay to convey complex messages. Some of his popular albums include “O tugo jesenja” (1988), “Hoćemo gusle” (1994), and “Don’t Happy, Be Worry” (2001). Each of these albums showcases his versatile musical style and his ability to infuse his work with insightful social commentary. Over the years, Rambo Amadeus has garnered a cult following in the Balkans and beyond. In 2012, Rambo Amadeus represented Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song “Euro Neuro,” in which he humorously commented on the European financial crisis. While the song did not advance to the finals, it was praised for its originality and the satirical message behind it. In 2018, he did another attempt to go to the Eurovision Song Contest, but now in duet with Beti Đorđević. With the song “Nema Te” they participated in Beovizija, the Serbian national selection. Beyond music, Rambo Amadeus is also an advocate for environmental sustainability. He often speaks about the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable living, and responsible tourism, especially considering the pristine natural beauty of his home country, Montenegro. His stage performances are characterized by a chaotic and humorous style that is intentionally unpredictable and provocative. Rambo Amadeus’s approach to his live shows is emblematic of his overall artistic philosophy – a blend of mockery, commentary, and relentless creativity. Despite his seemingly unserious stage persona, Rambo Amadeus has earned respect as a thoughtful and innovative artist. He is considered a pioneer of the alternative music scene in the Balkans, and his influence can be seen in the work of many younger artists from the region. Entries Euro Neuro Country🇲🇪 Montenegro Year2012 LanguageEnglishGerman LyricsRambo Amadeus MusicRambo Amadeus BackingsNikola MijomanovićVladimir BožovićTodor KonjevićIgor MalesevićMiroslav Tovirac Results Semi Points: 20Position: 15Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/JHnqF5PLP2w?si=2jEJkmk6_t-JLJgb

Pasha Parfeny

About Quick Facts NamePavel Parfeni Born31 May 1986 Nationality🇲🇩 Moldovan National SelectionEtapa națională 2023Finala națională 2020O melodie pentru Europa 2012O melodie pentru Europa 2011O melodie pentru Europa 2010O melodie pentru Europa 2009 (with Sunstroke Project)Pentru Eurovision 2007 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool2012 Baku SongSoarele şi luna (2023)Lăutar (2012) Biography Pavel Parfeni (born in Orhei, Moldova), known by the stage name Pasha Parfeni or Pasha Parfeny, is a Moldovan pop music singer, former member of the SunStroke Project band. Thanks to his parents, Pavel was surrounded by music as a young child. At the age of 7, he is already a student at the music school in Orhei, specializing in piano. In 2002 he submitted his papers to the music college in Tiraspol, jazz section. The studies and experience gained in this institution allow him to discover his talent as an interpreter. In 2003, Pavel won the Grand Prix at the contest at the Vocile Transnistriei. In 2006, he continues his musical studies at the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, where he tries out the position of composer. Interpreting his own creation at competition at Stelele Elatului, he obtained the 3rd Prize. Parallel to his studies, Pavel also participated as a performer in a rock music collective. In 2007, he became a member of the Pop Song Theatre, which belongs to the Elat Cultural Center. Also in 2007, he won First Place at the Duetul Anului and Argintul Iantrei, both in Bulgaria. In 2009, as a vocalist of the SunStroke Project, he participated in the national preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “No Crime”. The song became 3rd. Pavel won the Grand Prize at the International Festival George Grigoriu. He also took first place at the International Music Festival Slaveanski Bazar in Vitebsk, Belarus, in the summer of 2009. In September of the same year, Pasha Parfeny participated in the international festival Cerbul de Aur in Brașov. He won the Mamaia Festival. He performed Andrei Tudor’s song “Tu nu vezi cerul”. In late fall 2010, Pavel Parfeni’s contract expired and he left the SunStroke Project. In 2010, Pavel Parfeny wanted to participate in the Eurovision preselection in Romania. But, because he does not have Romanian citizenship, he couldn’t. But he participated with the song “You Should Like” at the national preselection in Moldova. He placed in the 2nd, On March 11, 2012, Pasha Parfeni won the national selection for Eurovision 2012 with the song “Lăutar” and represented the Republic of Moldova in Baku. For the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Parfeny co-composed the song “A Million” for Aliona Moon. The song won and represented Moldova in the contest, with Parfeny accompanying Moon on stage at the piano. It became 11th in the final. In 2015, he composed the song “Maricica” for DoReDoS, which placed 6th in the Moldovan national selection. In 2020, Pasha competed in the Moldovan national selection again with the song, “My Wine” composed in collaboration with Vica Demici. This time he finished second. In 2023, he represented Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest again. With the song “Soarele şi luna” he reached the final. He got an 18th place in the overall ranking. In September of the same year, he lead the camp Moldova Are Voce. In the same month he performed in Montreal. On the 1st of October he was able to perform in the Bizz’ Art club in Paris. After that, he released the song “Fetele”. Entries Soarele şi luna Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2023 LanguageRomanian LyricsIuliana Parfeni MusicPasha ParfenyAndrei Vulpe BackingsAdelina IordichaiValeria PashaSergiu BorşMarius BaltagaAndrei Vulpe Results Semi Points: 109Position: 5Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 96Position: 18Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/SABOfYgGk8M Lăutar Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsPasha Parfeni MusicPasha ParfeniAlex Brașoveanu Backings Aliona MoonTatiana HegheaKsyusha VertelnikovaJulia GakhovaLera Kirichenko Results Semi Points: 100Position: 5Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 81Position: 11Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/vIy0EtEeLEw

Gaitana

About Quick Facts NameGaita-Lurdes Born24 March 1979 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionVidbir 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongBe My Guest (2012) Biography Gaita Lurdes Essami (translated as “strong and great”; born 24 March 1979, Kyiv) is a Ukrainian singer and songwriter of Congolese origin who combines in her artistry the soulful style of performance with dance song stylings, which include elements of jazz, blues, funk, soul, and folk music. Until the age of five, she lived in the Republic of Congo, where her father is from, and spoke only French and Lingala. Later, she returned to Ukraine with her mother. Gaitana’s father still lives in Brazzaville. Gaitana graduated from a music school majoring in saxophone and later obtained an education in economics. From childhood, she played table tennis, earning the title of Candidate Master of Sports. Her singing career began in 1991 with the children’s television competition Fant-loto Hope, where she took third place. Later, composer Volodymyr Bystryakov invited her to his ensemble Altana. With this ensemble, she participated in cartoon recordings and was a backup vocalist for recordings of Irina Bilyk, Taisiya Povaliy, Ani Lorak, Mykola Karachentsov, and Oleksandr Malinin. Later, she sang with the jazz orchestra Overtimw and the pop-jazz band Unity. In December 2003, Gaitana’s debut album “O Tebe” was released. The only Ukrainian-language song in it was “Diti svitla”, which became hugely successful, leading most songs on her next album to be in Ukrainian. Her second album, “Slidom za toboiu” was released in April 2005, also at the Lavina Music studio. In 2006, she released the single “Dva vikna”, which also included an English version of the song. In early 2007, the next single “Shaleniy” was released, gaining immense popularity among listeners. On December 10, 2007, Gaitana presented a new album “Kapli dozhdyа”. The album included all the latest hits of the singer, as well as 5 music videos. In early 2008, Gaitana and her producer Eduard Klim began recording a new album with Eric Daniels — the producer and music director of Janet Jackson, who worked with famous artists like Mariah Carey, Boyz 2 Men, TLC, Brandy, Backstreet Boys, and Michael Bolton. The new record was made in a New York studio and was presented in the fall in the USA, Canada, and Japan. In early April of the same year, Gaitana presented her third Ukrainian album. Gaitana has always followed her unique musical path, bringing her authenticity to the Ukrainian show business. Her new album was titled “Taynye zhelaniya”. On April 26, 2011, the singer presented her new music video titled “Khimiya”. On October 27, 2011, Gaitana released the video “Shakhtar – Champion”, which featured most of the footballers from the club “Shakhtar”. The shooting took place in August. On February 18, 2012, she won the right to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. The singer performed the song “Be My Guest”. She made it to the final. In the Grand Final, the song scored 65 points and ranked 15th. The follow up is the song “Aliens”, released in 2013. A year later she came up with “Galaxy”. The songs can be found on her 2014 album “Voodooman”. On October 26, 2016, after a long creative break, Gaitana presented a new video for the song “Bil’ mene ne lyakaye”. With this work, the singer puts a definitive end to her past story. The song was presented on the singer’s official YouTube channel under a Creative Commons license. In January 2018 a new single, “Nebo”, came out, followed two months later by “Obiymy, ne vidpuskay”. On October 15 2019 a new video of Gaitana was released: “Tantsi z zirkamy”. A month later she sang the national anthem at the soccermatch Ukraine-Estonia. In December she teamed up with Orest to record the duet “Divo”. On 14 January 2020, Gaitana released a new single, “Snih”. In collaboration with world refugee organization UNHCR Gaitana recorded the song “Paper plane” in June of the same year. Entries Be My Guest Country🇺🇦 Ukraine Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsGaitana MusicGaitanaAlexey Mayorov (KIWI Project)Igor Burenko (KIWI Project) BackingsAlexander FlomboymAndrej GutsalTwo others, names unknown Results Semi Points: 64Position: 8Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 65Position: 15Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/sLsTn_li5d8?si=TDFmIxx87PJHFBV4

Željko Joksimović

About Quick Facts NameŽeljko Joksimović Born20 April 1972 Nationality🇷🇸 Serbian National SelectionInternal selection 2012Evropesma 2004 In Eurovision2012 Baku2004 Istanbul SongNije Ljubav Stvar (2012)Lane Moje (2004) Biography Željko Joksimović, a multifaceted Serbian artist born on 20 April 1972, has worn many hats throughout his illustrious career. As a vocalist, composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Joksimović is renowned for his incredible talent. His prowess with instruments is remarkable; he plays twelve distinct ones, including the accordion, piano, guitar, and drums. Additionally, his linguistic capabilities are notable, being fluent in multiple languages besides his native Serbian, including Greek, English, Russian, Polish, and French. Born in Belgrade and raised in the city of Valjevo, Željko Joksimović’s musical journey began early. By the age of 12, he had already made a significant mark, winning the First Accordion of Europe title at a prestigious music festival in Paris. His education included music studies at the University of Belgrade, leading him to kickstart his professional music career by 1997. Joksimović’s international recognition grew substantially after he won the Pjesma Mediterana festival in 1998 with “Pesma Sirena.” This victory opened doors to perform in Belarus, where he clinched the “Grand-Prix” award at two major festivals. His initial studio albums, like “Amajlija,” “Vreteno,” and “111,” not only defined him as a pop and folk artist but also showcased hit tracks that topped Serbian pop music charts. In 1999, he clinched the Grand Prix winner title of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, Belarus. Eurovision has played a pivotal role in Joksimović’s career. He has penned five ballads for the contest, including popular numbers like “Lane moje,” “Lejla,” “Oro,” “Nije ljubav stvar,” and “Adio.” In the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, representing Serbia and Montenegro, he performed “Lane moje,” finishing a commendable second. He represented Serbia again in 2012 with “Nije ljubav stvar,” securing the third position. In 2008, Joksimović took on dual roles; not only did he compose “Oro” for Jelena Tomašević, he also co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Jovana Janković. He later contributed again to Eurovision in 2015, composing the song “Adio” for Montenegrin singer Knez. In 2021, Joksimović recorded the song “Ponoć”, from the movie Toma. The song was followed by a single “Ljubav je….”, in which Željko’s daughter Mina featured. His engagements weren’t just limited to performing and composing. Between 2013 and 2015, Joksimović showcased his expertise as a judge on X Factor Adria, the Western Balkan edition of the renowned talent show, The X Factor. His accomplishments span composing for films, television series, and theater shows, establishing his own MINACORD PRODUCTION in 2004, and releasing numerous successful albums. His concerts, such as the 2010 performance in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and those in Arena Zenica and Sava Centar, have drawn massive crowds, solidifying his place as a Balkan music legend. In January 2012, Joksimović took the significant step of marrying his co-host from the Eurovision 2008, Jovana Janković. With his diverse contributions to music, spanning multiple genres and formats, Željko Joksimović continues to be an influential figure in the Balkan music scene and beyond. Entries Nije Ljubav Stvar Country🇷🇸 Serbia Year2012 LanguageSerbian LyricsMarina TucakovićMiloš Roganović MusicŽeljko Joksimović BackingsKsenija MiloševićOlga VulovićDušan AlagićMiloš NikolićDragan Krstić Results Semi Points: 159Position: 2Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 214Position: 3Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/R9x9VbJzaDQ?si=0tiLFnNbtdrsF-Yi Lane Moje (& Ad Hoc Orchestra) CountrySerbia and Montenegro Year2012 LanguageSerbian LyricsLeontina Vukamanović MusicŽeljko Joksimović Ad Hoc OrchestraTijana MiloševićRastko AksentijevićMiloš NikolićDragan KrstićBranko Popović Results Semi Points: 263Position: 1Running order: 20 Results Finals Points: 263Position: 2Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/z7OvpjplJ_8?si=pg7sjTergMxHAgCO

Kurt Calleja

About Quick Facts NameKurt Calleja Born05 May 1989 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionMalta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurosong 2011Malta Eurosong 2010 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongThis Is The Night (2012) Biography Kurt Calleja, born on 5 May 1989, hails from Hamrun, Malta, and is a recognized singer and pianist. In 2005, he embarked on his musical journey by receiving vocal training under Brian Cefai. Two years later, in 2007, he made his television debut. Kurt further expanded his musical horizons by performing at renowned venues in London. By the year 2009, his presence became regular on TV shows such as “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Vespri”. 2010 marked a significant milestone for Kurt. He made his national debut at the Malta Eurosong that year, teaming up with Priscilla Psaila to perform “Waterfall”, a song penned by Mark Debono and Rita Pace. Later that year, Kurt achieved international recognition by winning the third edition of the Orfeo festival in Venice, Italy. Beyond winning, he was also honored with titles like Best Male Singer and Most Promising New Act. This victory opened doors for him to perform in countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland, and Sweden. In 2011, his song “Over and Over,” secured third place in Malta Eurosong. Throughout 2010, Kurt’s fame grew as he received an invitation to perform at the birthday celebration of the Princess of Malaysia’s best friend. He also supported Zucchero in a performance and continued to showcase his talent across Malta. Simultaneously, he was a regular on the TV show ‘Hadd Ghalik.’ Expanding his talents, he accepted a minor acting role in the production “Déjà Vu,” gaining more recognition from the Maltese audience. A significant achievement came on 4 February 2012, when “This is the Night,” a song co-written by Kurt along with Johan Jämtberg and Mikael Gunnerås, won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012. This victory meant Kurt represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, later that year. He reached the grand final and gained a 12th place. In September 2012 he released the song “Boomerang”, which rightaway reached the top of the I-Tunes list in Malta. It was followed by his debut album “Love on Mars”, which was released in 2013. In 2014 he did a tour in Lithuania. In July of that year his new single and video “Vertigo” were released. In April 2015 Kurt performed at the London Eurovision Party. Later that year he released the song “Waiting for the Sun” and performed at the Eurovision event in Portugal and at an OGAE Denmark event in Copenhagen. In May 2016 Kurt Calleja played a role in the show Rock Of Ages. After that he started singing as the lead singer of the band Narrow Lane. In March 2017 he went to Lithuania again for performances in the Lithuania Fashion Week. He went back there in August for more performances. In the same year he started hosting a cooking show, Fuq Net. He represented Malta in the 2018 Slavianski Festival in Belarus. In April 2019, for his 30th birthday, the concert 30ty – Kurt Calleja Live was held in the Aria Complex in L-Iklin. He also released a new single and video in July, “Sweet chili”. In April 2022, Kurt participated in the Maltese song contest Muzika Muzika with the song “Bla Tarf”. He managed to win the contest with this song. Another song in Maltese was released in February 2023: “Kieku nista”. Entries This Is The Night Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsJohan JämtbergKurt Calleja MusicJohan JämtbergMikael Gunnerås BackingsChristian CallejaRebecca SpiteriAmber BondinKevin CallejaWarren Bonello Results Semi Points: 70Position: 7Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: 41Position: 21Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/lUnEZp-qHxs?si=q9n05TWVs9niDIIG