Belgium

Blast from the past: Belgium 1981

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 1981, when Emly Starr represented Belgium with her song “Samson”. Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest Belgium is one of the countries that participates from the beginning on. The Belgians switch every year between the Flemish and Wallon broadcasters. Just once, Belgium won: in 1986, Sandra Kim sang she was 15, claimed she was 14 and in the end appeared to be 13. However: more Belgian songs were successful. In 1978 and 2003 Belgium was the runner up: Jean Vallee and Urban Trad were very close. In recent years, Belgium made it to the top-5 with Loïc Nottet (2015) and Blanche (2017). The best scoring Flemish entry was the 2010 song “Me and My Guitar”, sang by Tom Dice. Eurosong 1981 No less than 40 songs participated in the Belgian selection of 1981. Out of three heats, 10 finalists were chosen. The final was held in the Amerikaans Theater in Brussels, hosted by Luc Appermont. No results were made public, apart from the winner. However, in later years jury members of those days confirmed that Liliane Saint-Pierre’s “Brussel” reached the 2nd place. Fancy Free sang “De Wereld Is Een Showtoneel“ De Opera sang “De Opera“ Gene Summer sang “Zing Het Maar“ Stella sang “Veel Te Veel“ Ann Michel sang “Ik Ben Gelukkig“ Johann Stollz sang “Hello Hello“ Emly Starr sang “Samson en Delilah“ Lester & Denwood sang “Bonnie“ Venus sang “Talisman“ Liliane Saint-Pierre sang “Brussel“ Liliane Saint-Pierre Stella already participated in 1970 for the Netherlands as a member of Hearts Of Soul, and in 1977 for Belgium as a member of Dream Express. She sang solo for Belgium in 1982. Liliane Saint-Pierre represented her country in 1987, in….. Brussels! The title of the winning song was later shortened to “Samson”. Emly Starr Emly Starr, born Marie-Christine Mareels on September 5, 1957, in Wetteren, Belgium, is a singer best known for representing Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. She began her career at a young age under the stage name “Heidi” but later adopted the name Emly Starr, performing English-language pop and disco songs. In 1978, she appeared in the short film Santiago Lovers. Starr gained recognition with her disco act “Emly Starr Explosion,” and in 1980, she participated in the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo, finishing eighth with the song Mary Brown. The following year, she won Belgium’s Eurosong contest, earning the opportunity to perform Samson at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, where she finished in 13th place. In 1985, Starr played the role of Erika in the film Springen and sang its title song, Jump in the Dark. Eventually, she transitioned from performing to the business side of the entertainment industry, working alongside her husband, Tony Winter (Frans De Schrijver). Together, they manage the Globe Show Center in Denderleeuw, which houses a television studio and organizes events. They also provide showbiz equipment rentals, contributing to the Belgian entertainment scene. Samson “Samson” was composed by Kick Dandy, a pseudonym for Tony Winter (Frans De Schrijver), and the lyrics were written by Penny Els. It is a dynamic, upbeat disco-pop track, characterized by its catchy rhythm and energetic performance, which was a popular style in the early 1980s. The lyrics of “Samson” playfully reference the biblical story of Samson, known for his great strength, and Delilah, who betrays him. However, the song reinterprets the tale, using it as a metaphor for a romantic relationship, with the singer comparing herself to the powerful figure who falls for a lover’s charm. Emly Starr’s lively stage presence and the colorful, engaging choreography added to the song’s appeal. The daring dress with a high slit contributed to the festive atmosphere. Despite the spirited performance, “Samson” scored 40 points at Eurovision and finished in 13th place out of 20 entries. Although it did not achieve a top ranking, the song remains a memorable part of Emly Starr’s career.

The second semifinal

photo: EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett The hosts Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman open the show with their own version of “Tattoo.” Malta In the Maltese act by Sarah Bonnici, there is a lot of movement and dancing. Later during the act, she is blindfolded, as are her dancers. Despite so much movement, Sarah manages to sing remarkably well. Albania Besa wears a turquoise gown with gemstones. The stage also includes several dancers, which might make it look a bit messy. However, many dancers are projected onto LED screens. Besa’s voice sounds a bit sharp here and there. Greece First, we see her purple boots, then the whole Marina Satti. She is also flanked by four dancers, but it looks much more organized. Greece has chosen a sophisticated entry not meant for casual listeners. A lot happens during this entry. Marina continues to sing well. Switzerland Nemo takes the viewer into his story with the song “The Code,” managing to crack the (binary) code. Their clothing says it all. Nemo has so far managed to enhance their narrative through fashion statements. Nemo jumps, skips, shows himself to be a balancing artist… and continues to sing crystal clear. We do not know if this is a winner, but we definitely respect their skills. Czechia You would expect Aiko to be standing on a pedestal during her performance. That’s not the case, but we find that the ceiling (one of the cubes) is very low. Aiko has four… Her nipples are no longer visible. Pay particular attention to the high note that Aiko effortlessly hits. Aiko surprises! During the first semifinal, Nicole (from Hugo) received a tribute, and in this semifinal, Jahn Teigen (ESC 1978, 1982, 1983) is honored. We are treated to a journey through Eurovision history with several participants who did not finish very high. France Slimane, dressed in white, starts singing while lying down, then sits up. Everything is shot in close-up, which makes the song even more intimate. Slimane pulls out all the stops in terms of his singing ability. The song has its distinct fans, but others are completely on the opposite end of the spectrum. Austria It’s interesting to put someone on stage who has held various other roles at the contest. Singing is clearly not Kaleen’s strongest suit. Regardless of how enjoyable the song may be found, the singing is forgotten in Austria. However, the act looks absolutely tight, and Kaleen knows very well what she is doing in terms of dance. Denmark It seems like you only see a singer sprinkling some sand and singing her song. However, we also see a second Saba in the background… A hologram, as it turns out, because at one point she disintegrates into sand. Occasionally, Saba tends to sing too loud, which makes the whole thing seem a bit shouty. Armenia Cheerfulness all over, garnished with typical Armenian sounds. Singer Jaklin Baghdasarian of Ladaniva plays a leading role throughout the act. The other band members and backing band stand behind her, but at one point, the flutist also comes forward. We see all sorts of things in the background: trumpets, chickens, and the artists themselves. Latvia Looking at his Instagram account, he is very cheerful and humorous: the Latvian Dons. But seeing him standing there in his sleeveless leather outfit amid a circle, and hearing his very serious ballad, we notice little of that. There is nothing wrong with this song, but that might also be the problem. Spain Both the singer and the dancers are dressed in black. The singing isn’t fantastic, but Nebulossa certainly knows how to throw a party in the hall. And of course, halfway through the act, the dancers strip off their clothes and continue dancing with bare chests and buttocks. At the end, a keyhole appears behind the singer Mery. The Spaniards really throw a party. San Marino We stick with the Spanish language, as San Marino sends the Spanish group Megara. Singer Kenzy Loevett is briefly flanked by two dancers in scary Easter bunny suits. Everything is pink and black in this act. It’s all rock, and the group tries to match the scariness of Bambie Thug, but it remains rather tame for a horror show. Georgia Nutsa Buzaladze is dressed in gold and stands in a circle of fire, which at one moment looks like a sun, the next a burning hoop. Nutsa is flanked by four dancers, and gives her all in terms of singing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. For Georgia, it’s definitely not a done deal. Belgium We had already seen photos of Mustii amid a circle of microphones, but he starts alone on stage. He then stands on a rotating platform. Later, he goes into this circle. Mustii is dressed in white. The singing we hear here is very cautious, with Mustii consciously staying below the high notes. He did not, as we previously reported, take his shirt off. But towards the end, we see the whole hall going wild with the Belgian entry! Estonia 5miinust and Puuluup are having a party on stage. The title of the song is, as previously mentioned, the longest ever. Whether the party really come across with all the “hey hey hey” is still a question. Possibly a finalist position for Estonia, but that is by no means certain. Italy Angelina Mango starts lying down, with roses projected under her. She has a sort of henna-like print depicted. This print also continues with the dancers. There are so many prints all over. There are so many details that you occasionally don’t see Angelina and her dancers at all. The singing is fine where it concerns Angelina. She ends a cappella. That takes skilsl, and Angelina has them. Italy will finish high, but perhaps not win. Israel The Israeli entry is the only ballad in this latter stage of the second semifinal. Just before she starts singing, Eden Golan leans back in a circle with lights. Five dancers flank her,

Malmö Messages: microphones, fire and circles

San Marino is represented by Megara. This morning, a discussion arose around the rehearsals: it was a missed opportunity not to have the group rehearse at 11:11, since that was the title of the song. Little has changed since the first rehearsal. Pink and black are still the colors, including of the graphics. Expectations are low: a 35th place in the odds. Georgian Nutsa Buzaladze is surrounded by a lot of fire. What else can you expect with a song called “Firefighter”. She is mostly standing in a circle with, of course, a red background. The circle seems to depict the sun. Here too, few changes compared to the previous rehearsal. Georgia is currently 18th at the bookmakers and seems set to break the curse of not reaching the finals. Belgium rehearsed third today. We already know the act: Mustii stands in a circle of microphones, dressed in a white, gem-studded outfit. At one point, he steps out of the circle and removes his blouse. It now seems as if he continues singing with a bare torso, but his torso is also adorned with gemstones. The criticism of Mustii’s singing has by now subsided, and we are curious to hear how it will sound today when the video comes out on Youtube. Belgium is currently 12th with the bookmakers. Some things only become apparent when more photos are released. 5miinust x Puuluup make clever use of the available cubes. There is a lot of attention to the instruments used during Estonia’s act. Estonia is currently 21st with the bookmakers. It will be close whether the Estonians make it to the final with (of these) narcotics we (certainly) know nothing. EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Also, little news to report from Israel, although now we see different colors of lighting in the photos: blue and yellow. The clothing is still white and Eden Golan stands in a glowing circle singing her song Hurricane. The song is one of the few ballads in this year’s festival. The bookmakers expect an 8th place.

Malmö Messages: circles, a lot of fire and an open white shirt

Latvia is represented by Dons with his song “Hollow”. Dons, dressed in a suit with a sleeveless blue jacket, stands alone on stage inside a sort of circle, also in blue with pink and orange. On the LED screens, we see gently blinking lights, as well as circles and other figures. For San Marino, the Spanish group Megara will perform. They sing “11:11”. Just like during the national final, the members of Megara are again dressed in pink and black, but now with a slightly different pattern. The LED screens also display black and pink; we see a forest and dragons; a mix between Snow White and The Addams Family. According to eurovision.tv, the dance moves don’t quite match what we expect from a rock band. And of course, there are fireworks: smoke and large fireballs. Nutsa Buzaladze will represent Georgia with a song about her Firefighter. Nutsa starts on a black platform, dressed in a golden mini dress with boots. She stands there alone in red light. Behind her is a glowing circle. However, after the first verse, four dancers in black appear. Throughout the song, the LED screens display fireballs. There is also a lot of, a great deal of fire on stage. It’s becoming a tradition. EBU/Corinne Cumming Then it’s Mustii’s turn. He will represent Belgium with his song “Before the party is over”. During the performance, Musti wears a white shirt that is open. He wears a top with inlaid sparkling stones. He builds the act slowly: at the beginning, he stands in a circle of microphones on a rotating platform. He is not only surrounded by smoke but also smoke appears on the LED screens. At the end of his performance, he steps forward. Then the choir, consisting of Eurovision fans who could send in their singing, can be heard. Especially this part seems to make a big impression.

🇧🇪 Road To Malmö: Belgium

photo: RTBf We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Belgium. Mustii Mustii, also known as Thomas Mustin, is a talented Belgian singer and actor born in Brussels in 1990. He studied theater at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion in Louvain-la-Neuve, finishing his studies in 2012. Mustii quickly made a name for himself in both acting and music. He started his acting career with a role in the French TV series “À tort ou à raison” and played Benvolio in a production of “Romeo and Juliet” that opened the new Théâtre de Liège. Mustii directed the play “Débris” in Brussels and was involved in “L’Auberge du Cheval-Blanc,” showcasing his versatility. He acted alongside famous actors in the movies “Odd Job” and “Les Survivors,” and in the popular TV series “The Break.” In 2014, Mustii’s music career took off when he signed with Black Gizah Records and released his hit single “The Golden Age.” He was recognized as a major new talent, winning Revelation of the Year at the 2016 D6bels Music Awards. In 2019, he won the Magritte Award for Most Promising Actor and continued to impress with his second album “It’s happening now” in 2022, which included the hit “Skyline.” Excitingly, on August 30, 2023, it was announced that Mustii will represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, promising to showcase his exceptional talents on an international stage. Languages in Belgium Belgium is a fascinating country with a rich linguistic landscape. It officially recognizes three languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken by the majority, particularly in the northern region of Flanders, while French is predominant in the southern part of Wallonia. German, though spoken by a smaller percentage, is primarily used in the eastern part of the country, in the region bordering Germany. This multilingual setup reflects Belgium’s complex history and cultural diversity. Each language area has its own distinct identity and cultural practices, contributing to the country’s unique mosaic. The bilingual capital, Brussels, serves as a melting pot where both Dutch and French are widely used, offering a microcosm of the nation’s linguistic diversity. Belgium’s language divide also extends into its political and educational systems, with separate governance for each linguistic community. This coexistence of languages fosters a vibrant cultural scene, but also presents challenges in terms of national unity and administration. Despite these challenges, Belgium’s multilingualism is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and openness to diversity. With Belgium speaking three languages, Mustii will sing in English. Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Belgian participants were Fud Leclerc and Mony Marc in 1956. Leclerc took part 4 times in total. In one year, the Flemish broadcaster provides the entry, the other year the Wallon broadcaster does. Mustii represents Wallon broadcaster RTBf. One time so far, Belgium won: in 1986 Sandra Kim brought the trophy to Belgium with her song “J’aime la vie”. Jean Vallée (L’amour, ça fait chanter la vie in 1978) and Urban Trad (Sanomi in 2003) reached a 2nd place. In recent years Loïc Nottet (2015) and Blanche (2017) reached a 4th place. Last year, Gustaph was also very succesful with a 7th place with his song “Because of you”. The bookmakers Currently, Belgium is in 8th place in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds to reach the final, Mustii has a 4th place. A good score for Belgium is likely. The Song And this is the song:

🇧🇪 Belgium: Mustii sings “Before the party’s over”

photo: RTBf This morning, the Belgian entry “Before the party’s over” has been presented. The song will be sung by Mustii. Belgium will perform in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal. The lyrics are written by Mustii himself along with Arianna Damato, Charlotte Clark, Nina Sampermans. The latter is a familiar name in Eurovision: she wrote “Would you” for Iris (Belgium 2012), “Tout l’univers” for Gjon’s Tears (Switzerland 2021) and “Bridges” for Alika (Estonia 2023). The song is composed by Mustii, Pierre Dumoulin and Benoit Leclerq. Dumoulin was responsible for two Belgian entries: “City lights” in 2017 and “Wake up” in 2019. Due to a mistake, made by RTBf’s radio station for youngsters, TIPIK, the song was leaked already. Sunday evening, the radio station already played the song. The result was that almost everywhere on the internet, “Before the party’s over” could be found. However, below you’ll find the official video as published by EBU.

Iris

About Quick Facts NameLaura van den Bruel Born19 January 1995 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian National SelectionEen Song Voor Iris In Eurovision2012 Baku SongWould You (2012) Biography Laura Van den Bruel, also known by her stage name Airis and as Iris, is a Belgian singer and designer. She wasborn on January 19, 1995, in Morkhoven, Belgium. Her career, spanning from 2010 to the present, showcases her versatility across genres like pop and country. Laura had her first and biggest hit, “Wonderful” in 2011. In 2012 she released her first album, “Seventeen”. Gaining prominence in 2012, she represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she performed under the name Iris. Unfortunately, she did not advance to the Grand Final. Laura’s journey in the music industry is characterized by continuous evolution. After Eurovision, she explored various musical styles, further developing her artistic identity. She scored several hits, like “Welcome to my world” (2012), “Tomorrow I’ll be OK” (2013) and “Lost For One Day” (2014). Her songs “Heartbreaker” and “I’ll Stand By You” were no big successes. After this, she decided to change her career and followed a study in order to be a graphic designer. Although she still performs every now and then, she is currently also working as a graphic designer in Herentals. She is working at Ferem Design Studio. Under her own name, she released a song called “Avalon” in 2021. Entries Would You Country🇧🇪 Belgium Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsNina SampermansJean Bosco SafariWalter Mannaerts MusicNina SampermansJean Bosco SafariWalter Mannaerts BackingsBillie BenteinJoke VinckeJana De Valck Results Semi Points: 16Position: 17Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/7Z_5s5gnrCM?si=CmTu6Ozc3eiUau65

Mustii

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameThomas Mustin Born21 November 1990 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongBefore The Party’s Over (2024) Biography Mustii, whose real name is Thomas Mustin, is a Belgian singer and actor. He was born in Brussels in 1990. Mustin completed his theater studies at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion in Louvain-la-Neuve in 2012. Soon after, he started working on the French TV series “À tort ou à raison,” directed by Alain Brunard. On the theatrical front, he was cast as Benvolio in “Romeo and Juliet,” a production helmed by Yves Beaunesne, which was instrumental in inaugurating the new Théâtre de Liège. In late 2014, Mustin directed the play “Débris” by Dennis Kelly, showcased at the Riches-Claires in Brussels during November and December. By early 2015, he was involved in “L’Auberge du Cheval-Blanc,” a show revived under the direction of Dominique Serron and performed at Charleroi’s Palais des Beaux-Arts and the Royal Opera of Wallonia. Mustin’s filmography expanded as he featured in two movies and a TV show. He co-starred with Romain Duris and Gustave Kervern in “Odd Job” (2016), a film by Pascal Chaumeil, and with Fabrizio Rongione in “Les Survivors,” a project directed by Luc Jabon. On TV, Mustin took up the role of Kevin in “The Break,” a series by Matthieu Donck that was well-received in Belgium. 2014 also saw Mustin signing with the Black Gizah Record label, owned by Kid Noize. His debut single “The Golden Age” gained traction on several Belgian radio channels in both Flanders and Wallonia. At the 2016 D6bels Music Awards, Mustin garnered six nominations, spanning categories like Male Solo Artist, Concert, Pure FM Artist/Group, Revelation, Music Video, and Songwriter. He clinched the award for Revelation of the Year. His achievements didn’t stop there. In 2019, he was honored with the Magritte Award for Most Promising Actor for his role in “The Royal Exchange.” Later that year, he earned a nomination at the Prix de la critique for Male Revelation (Espoir masculin). In 2020, Mustii teamed up with Brut for a collaboration single, “Time is up”. On January 21, 2022, he released his second album, “It’s happening now”. The album reached the 4th place in the Belgian album charts. The song “Skyline” became a hit. On August 30, 2023, news broke that Mustin will represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Mustii performed in the second semifinal, but unfortunately didn’t manage to make it to the final. Entries Before The Party’s Over Country🇧🇪 Belgium Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlloysius LloydArianna DamatoCharlotte ClarkMustiiNina Sampermans MusicBenoit LeclerqMustiiPierre Dumoulin Backings– Results Semi Points: 18Position: 13Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/hNIemQwCaM4?si=9X3KzT8pfd2rQXFj

🇧🇪 It’s gonna be Mustii for Belgium

photo credits: RTBf Mustii will sing for Belgium in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Belgian broadcaster RTBF announced it today. Mustii, with two hit albums to his name, isn’t new to the Belgian limelight. Biography acting Also recognized as Thomas Mustin, Mustii is not just a singer but also an author, composer, and actor. He boasts an impressive portfolio in theatre, TV, and Netflix, with credits including the acclaimed Belgian show, La Trêve, and movies such as Grave, Un Petit Boulot, and L’Echange des Princesses. In 2017, Mustii showcased his acting prowess, taking on a principal role alongside Mathilde Seigner in the French TV film, Je Voulais Juste Rentrer Chez Moi. He portrayed the notorious Patrick Dils, and in 2019, he was cast as Hamlet, directed by Emmanuel Dekoninck. albums Beyond acting, Mustii has solidified his position in the music industry. With two acclaimed albums, 21st Century Boy and It’s Happening Now, he’s achieved remarkable feats, from headlining tours (and notably selling out the Ancienne Belgique three times) to clinching the ‘Revelation of the Year’ title at the D6bels Music Awards. Mustii is celebrated for his enthralling vocal talent – a blend of strength and vulnerability. Eurovision and more The upcoming year promises even greater achievements for Mustii. Not only will he stand for Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, but he’s also set to rejoin the panel as a regular judge for Drag Race Belgique’s second season and feature prominently in Michiel Blanchart’s forthcoming film, La nuit se traîne, alongside Romain Duris. National selection No song has been chosen for Mustii yet. It is likely that a song will be internally selected and published in February or March.

🇧🇪 Luc Smets (Dream Express) passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Luc Smets, member of the group Dream Express, passed away. Luc Smets was born in Steendorp, Belgium, in 1947. When he was 19, he joined the band The Pebbles. He played the keyboard in the band. They had a couple of hits in Belgium, of which “Seven horses in the sky” and “Mackintosh” were the biggest. However, Smets had to leave the band. He started a new band, Shampoo. They started working with the Hearts Of Soul, a Dutch group. In the end, Luc joined the girls of the Hearts Of Soul, and together they started a new group: Dream Express. In 1977 they won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “A million in 1, 2, 3”. Despite being among the favourites, the four reached a 7th place. In 1981, one of the girls left the group, the others continued under the name LBS. Smets also co-wrote the 1982 Eurovision song “Si tu aimes ma musique” for Stella. He also wrote numerous songs for Belgian national finals. Subsequently, Luc made significant contributions to the music industry as a composer, arranger, and producer. His talents graced children’s TV shows. In late 2002, he joined forces with some familiar faces, including Marcel De Cauwer, a former member of the Pebbles, to create the cover band “No Joke.” Luc was the go-to arranger and leader for the Strato-Vani orchestra, renowned for their fresh renditions of classic and popular tunes. Tragically, after battling an illness, Luc departed on August 20, 2023, at 76 years old.