Bulgaria

Elitsa Todorova

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts NameElitsa Todorova Born02 September 1977 Nationality🇧🇬 Bulgarian National SelectionBŭlgarskata pesen v „Evroviziya 2013”Bŭlgarskata pesen v „Evroviziya 2007” In Eurovision2013 Malmö 2007 Helsinki SongSamo Shiampioni (2013, with Stoyan Yankoulov)Water (2007, with Stoyan Yankoulov) Biography Elitsa Todorova is a Bulgarian folk singer, percussionist, music producer, and inventor. She was born in Varna, Bulgaria, on September 2nd 1977. As a child, she spent 7 years with her parents in Africa. She graduated from the Dobri Hristov Music School in Varna with a specialty in Percussion instruments. She then completed her studies at the Filip Kutev Music School in Kotel with a specialty in folk singing. Later, she graduated from the Pancho Vladigerov State Music Academy in Sofia, specializing in percussion instruments. She is a soloist of the Varna Ensemble and the choir Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria. In 2003, together with her partner Stoyan Yankoulov, considered one of the most innovative Bulgarian percussionists, they started the Drumboy project. Among the instruments she plays are the tarambuka, drum set, maracas, claves, pendaris, shepherd bells, streamers, lustra, and guiro. Todorova uses traditional percussion instruments in an unconventional way, blending authentic folklore with jazz, drum and bass, classical, and ethnic music with a lot of improvisation. In 2005, she received the Golden Phenomenon award for exceptional achievements in the field of vocal and instrumental art and the presentation of Bulgarian culture worldwide. In February 2007, Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankoulov won the right to represent Bulgaria at the Eurovision 2007 with their song “Water”. They qualified for the competition’s final, and osecured fifth place in the final ranking. In 2008, the BNT team and Lili Ivanova invited Elitsa and Stoyan to remake Ivanova’s song “Panairi” with Elitsa’s folkloric voice, bagpipes, and percussion instruments. In 2009, she created the “Stihia” (Element) comic along with Daniel Atanasov, dedicated to the elements of water, earth, fire, wind. Its premiere presentation was in concerts in Tokyo, Japan, accompanied by the environmental campaign “Keep the Earth clean”! Together with 2,000 Bulgarians in national costumes, she represented Bulgarian culture at the World Cultural Music Festival at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin in 2011. In her performance, she introduced a unique drum patented in her name – “Cosmic Tree from Bulgaria”. In 2012, Elitsa Todorova created an instrument called “Bulgaria’s Olympic Drum”. She has performed in 40 countries, showcasing Bulgarian folklore and culture. Along with Stoyan Yankoulov, they have performed for notable figures such as Princess Victoria, the King and Queen of Sweden, Pope John Paul II, Prince Albert II of Monaco, presidents of all Balkan countries, Dmitry Medvedev and Todor Zhivkov. On May 24, 2011, at the UN headquarters, the singer participated in a joint concert with soloists from all Slavic countries. In 2013, she and Stoyan Yankoulov were again chosen to represent Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest. Out of three songs, the song “Kisnet” was chosen. However, due to a copyright issue with the composer of the song, it was withdrawn and replaced by “Samo Shiampioni”. Unfortunately, Elitsa and Stoyan didn’t manage to reach the final. From 2013 to 2017, she participated in a trio consisting of Elitsa Todorova (voice and percussion), Martin and Kristian Pishtolski (drums and voice) on tours in Bulgaria and Europe. In 2017, Elitsa sang and played with 101 bagpipes at the first international Devin festival and at the “Bells” monument. She has worked for many years with the daughter of the world-renowned conductor Herbert von Karajan. In 2021, she released her illustrated biography book “With Rhythm and Love”. In 2022 she re-released the album “Water” with new versions of the songs. She also released a new single, “Sharena gayda”, in duet with Nancy Ivaylova. She also was awarded the Dostoyna Varnenka (Preserve the Woman) Award 2022. She also did masterclasses and shows with children, to make them familiar with traditional music. In 2023 her musical album “Svetlina” was released. Meanwhile, Elitsa was a member of the jury of the dance competition “Be A Star”. Entries Samo Shiampioni (& Stoyan Yankoulov) Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2013 LanguageBulgarian LyricsElitsa TodorovaChristian Talev MusicElitsa TodorovaChristian Talev BackingsDesislava GeorgievaBilyana SokolovaBiserka Danova-PilarskaVenci Venc’ Results Semi Points: 45Position: 12Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Cb46Mhy_mCI?si=PoUjkIYNE20STVas Water (& Stoyan Yankoulov) Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2007 LanguageBulgarian LyricsElitsa Todorova MusicElitsa TodorovaStoyan Yankoulov Backings– Results Semi Points: 146Position: 6Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 157Position: 5Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/CVO3mEj8Udo?si=R7avcgiYzk_gH9bk

3 withdrawals in one day: what’s happening!?

Two more countries announced that they would not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest: North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The news came after the Eurovision community woke up this morning with the withdrawal of Montenegro. North Macedonia North Macedonia issued a statement this afternoon: “Such a decision is in the best interest of the citizens, taking into account the increased costs due to the energy crisis, which occupy a large part of the budget of the Public Service, as well as the increased registration fee for the participation in Eurovision 2023. This decision will enable the saving of funds that would have been set aside for the Macedonian delegation’s stay in Liverpool, where Eurovision 2023 is being held.” The North Macedonian broadcaster MRT has announced that they will broadcast the festival. North Macedonia has not been very successful in the past two years. They did not make the final. There was a riot around a flag in both 2021 and 2022. However, in 2019 North Macedonia still won the jury vote. “Proud”, the entry sung by Tamara Todevska, was the country’s most successful ever. Bulgaria The Bulgarian withdrawal was different. In a personal message from the Instagram account @bg_eurovision to OGAE Greece, it was announced that Bulgaria was no longer interested in the Eurovision Song Contest. BG Eurovision announces that no Bulgarian entry should be expected in the coming years. Bulgaria has been very successful in the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years. The country was almost the winner in 2017 with Kristian Kostov and his “Beautiful mess”. Conclusion? Twice (Montenegro and North Macedonia) it is a financial reason that is indicated. It is not clear what is really behind the Bulgarian withdrawal. We can only guess. Both Montenegro (2021) and Bulgaria (2019) have recently skipped a year. Immediately after the most recent Eurovision song contest, North Macedonia already expressed its doubts about participation.

Intelligent Music Project

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersBisser IvanovDimiter SirakovIvo StefanovRonnie RomeroSlavin SlavchevStoyan Yankoulov Founded2012 Nationality🇧🇬 Bulgarian🇨🇱 Chilean National SelectionInternal selection 2022 In Eurovision2022 Turin SongIntention (2022) Biography Intelligent Music Project is a Bulgarian rock band. The band is characterized by a strong change in the line-up. In 2012, the project’s first album was released, which was started by the Bulgarian businessman Milen Vrabenski. At the start he invited musicians with big names such as Simon Phillips (Toto), John Payne (Asia), Carl Sentance (Nazareth), Robert Rondinelli (Blue Öyster Cult, Black Sabbath and The Lizzards) and Todd Sucherman (Styx). After that first album, “The power of mind”, no less than five other albums were released. The line-up of the band was always different. Chilean Ronnie Romero is the current lead singer. At the end of 2021 it was announced that Intelligent Music Project would participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin. The band sang the song “Intention”. One of the current members, Stoyan Yankoulov, had already participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 and 2013. Unfortunately, the group did not make it to the final. Entries Intention Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2022 LanguageEnglish LyricsMilen VrabevskiMD MusicMilen VrabevskiMD Backings– Results Semi Points: 29Position: 16Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/EwZTI5AoTg4

Day 5: A sun that doesn’t move, a Greek tavern and COVID19

Today we saw the second rehearsals for the first 14 countries from the first semifinal. For the first time the press was allowed to see the rehearsals on large TV screens in the press center. It is now certain that the kinetic sun does not rotate. During the first rehearsals it turned out that the time between performances was too short to move the center part of the sun. As a result, several countries had to adjust their graphics, because they were not or only partially visible ALBANIA: The outfit had been changed and Ronela Hajati also had her own blond hair again, instead of the pink hair she had during the first rehearsal. It was a dynamic performance, in which there was almost constant dancing, together with her four dancers and a dancer. After the first rehearsal, there were some comments about an allegedly offensive dance move by Ronela with her dancer, but she kept it in anyway. LATVIA: The six were wearing the familiar colorful suits and the decor was also very colorful. Various types of vegetables were displayed on the LED screen. In the middle of the song there was a moment for the saxophonist. The performance ended with the singer making a split. LITHUANIA: Monika Liu stood alone on the big stage in Turin and mainly sang her song into the camera. She moved elegantly and attracted all the attention. The song doesn’t really need anything more. SWITZERLAND: Dressed all in black, Marius Bear was on stage and a broken heart was visible on his face and on the floor. So emotions abound. SLOVENIA: As said before, it was a big disco ball that mainly caught the attention of the Slovenian act. The boys wore 1970s-style velvet suits and the drummer appeared to be drumming above the disco ball. Compared to the previous rehearsal, there was little change. UKRAINE: There was a lot to see on stage, besides the colorful costumes there was a lot of visual spectacle. It was traditional, ethnic with a modern twist, just like last year’s contribution. Because of the war in Ukraine, this performance has something emotional and that is subtly reflected in the visual spectacle. BULGARIA: The performance started with a split screen, showing the drummer on one side and another member of the group. A small rock concert with all the trimmings, including a lot of fire(work). THE NETHERLANDS: There were few noticeable changes from the first rehearsal of S10. In the Netherlands, there was some fuss about the singer’s bare belly, but it is still naked for a while. A lot has been taken out of the lighting of S10. MOLDOVA: After the intimate moment of the Netherlands, a party erupted on stage with the contribution of Zdob şi Zdub, who are participating for the third time. They used the entire stage for their folklore song: Hey ho, let’s go…, but no train on stage. Lots of color, matching the contribution. CROATIA: During rehearsals today, Mia had problems with her in-ears. No surprises at Mia’s performance. The postcards were also shown to the press today. A drone searches for the location where the artist of the country in question can be seen and we see the visual artist in the area. DENMARK: The beginning was just like in the national final, Siggy starts alone at the piano, with her quieter part of the song and then the rock show starts. Last year we went back to the eighties with Denmark, now it seems back to the nineties. In case you don’t remember the name of the band, REDDI appeared on the LED screen. AUSTRIA: Of course there is a Halo on stage. Lots of fireworks and strong staging. The vocal part of the duo was, as we can see now, quite disappointing. GREECE: For those who don’t understand the act of Greece: Amanda seems to be in a Greek tavern; hence the chairs around her. But some of the seats have fallen over. That fits with the lyrics of the song. Amanda could count on a big round of applause from the audience. PORTUGAL: A delegation member from Portugal tested positive for corona, so the entire delegation had to go back to the hotel and be tested. Fortunately none of the ladies tested positive and they were able to rehearse for their performance, but later than planned. After all the rehearsals had been completed, Portugal was allowed to go on stage after Greece. During this rehearsal it was clear that it was one of the background singers who tested positive for corona. The ladies were lined up in a circle and brought this atmospheric contribution in a good way.

Rehearsals, day 1: an overview

Today was the day of the still sun. The latest update is that the water may well be replaced by virtual water on the LED screens. The sun can then rotate again. Today was also the day of the first nine rehearsals. And yes, that included bookmaker favorite Ukraine. We will go through all the performances with you. ALBANIA: What immediately stands out is Ronela’s hair: it’s pink. Furthermore, she is in black with a silver shining bra. She is surrounded by four bare-chested dancers. No fireworks for Albania, but smoke. LATVIA: In multicolored suits, the Latvian group Citi Zēni performs the cheerful “Eat your salad” accompanied by graphics with lots of fruit. The text has been slightly modified. The group still eats veggies, but no longer mention pussy. It is, after all, a family program. LITHUANIA: The jazzy ‘Sentimentai’ is performed by Monika Liu against a purple background. She herself wears a dress covered with silver. At the end of the song, the now infamous waterfall comes into view. Whether that remains the case remains to be seen. SWITZERLAND: After Lithuania, there is another act that is all alone on stage: the Swiss Marius Bear performs in black, with only a spotlight aimed at him. The folks at eurovision.tv were eager to say that Marius is very strong vocally. SLOVENIA: A huge disco ball on stage with the group LPS from Slovenia. The drummer seems to be hiding behind that. The men from Slovenia wear classic sixties tailoring during their performance. UKRAINE: Partly due to the circumstances, Ukraine is the top favorite for the final victory. Kalush Orchestra performs in traditional outfits combined with something indefinable, which most resembles the brushes from a car wash. The graphics are special and use, among other things, the Ukrainian colors blue and yellow. BULGARIA: The guys from Intelligent Music Project are, it seems, in their usual clothes. But they sure rock! Bulgaria is the country that readily uses the pyrotechnics at the end of their performance. NETHERLANDS: The Dutch S10 wears a black suit; she has a bare belly that makes her navel suddenly play a leading role in the act. Lots of smoke and dramatic light, that’s how everyone who has seen something of it describes the act. In any case, it is considered appropriate for the song. MOLDOVA: It is Zdob si Zdub that concludes today’s nine. This is the group’s third time participating. They’ve gone full neon on the lighting and the graphics, AND there are even a couple of little dance routines in the chorus. But there is no striking act, as before with a grandmother and with pointed hats. Maybe the happy Moldovan song doesn’t need that either.

This is the running order

Today, the running order for the two semifinals in the Eurovision Song Contest has been announced. The running order for the final is not known yet, apart from Italy: Mahmood and Blanco will perform in 9th place. 1st semifinal: Albania Latvia Lithuania Switzerland Slovenia Ukraine Bulgaria The Netherlands Moldova Portugal Croatia Denmark Austria Iceland Greece Norway Armenia 2nd semifinal: Finland Israel Serbia Azerbaijan Georgia Malta San Marino Australia Cyprus Ireland North Macedonia Estonia Romania Poland Montenegro Belgium Sweden Czech Republic

Allocation draw: these are the semifinals

From the Madama Palace in Turin, the allocation draw took place this afternoon. The draw was hosted by Carolina Di Domenico and Gabriele Corsi. During the ceremony, mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb (Rotterdam) handed over the key of the Eurovision City to his Turinese colleague Stefano Lo Russo. The semifinals will be as follows: 1st semifinal, 1st half: Albania Latvia Switzerland Slovenia Bulgaria Moldova Ukraine Lithuania The Netherlands 1st semifinal, 2nd half: Norway Russia Portugal Denmark Armenia Austria Croatia Iceland Greece The countries that will not attend a semifinal but will vote in the 1st one are: France and Italy. 2nd semifinal, 1st half: Australia Georgia Cyprus Serbia Finland Azerbaijan San Marino Israel Malta 2nd semifinal, 2nd half: Montenegro Romania Czech Republic Poland Belgium North Macedonia Sweden Estonia Ireland The countries that will not attend a semifinal but will vote in the 2nd one are: United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

This is the Bulgarian entry: intention

photo: BNT On november 25, it was announced that Intelligent Music Project was going to represent Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest. Today, the song “Intention” has been presented. Listen to this rock song and let us know what you think:

It’s Intelligent Music Project for Bulgaria

photo: BNT Today, Bulgarian broadcaster BNT announced their participant for the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest. It’s the Intelligent Music Project along with Ronnie Romero. Ronnie Romero, who is known as the singer of the band Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, is the lead singer. Furthermore, the band exists of Bisser Ivanov, Slavin Slavchev, Ivo Stefanov, Dimiter Sirakov and Stoyan Yankoulov. And yes, the last one took part in 2007 and 2013 for Bulgaria, together with Elitsa Todorova. “Water”, Stoyan’s 2007 Bulgarian entry. Intelligent Music Project is a project in which a lot of musicians took part, a.o. members of bands like Toto, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep. The song the band presents at the Eurovision Song Contest is called “Intentions”. More details about the song will be revealed at the beginning of december. “Every time”, a song the band released five months ago.

Blast from the past: Austria 2018

We know a lot about Eurovision; this is knowledge we want to share with you. Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Back to 2018, the Austrian entry, Cesár Sampson with “Nobody but you”. Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest Austria is a country with a long history of bad placings in the contest. After the victory in 1966 with Udo Jürgens, it took ages before Conchita Wurst took the prize back home in 2014. However, since then Austria reached the final every time. Austria was back in the picture as a successfull country. Reason enough for the Austrians to look for another entry that would do it. National selection Conchita Wurst was chosen by ORF (Österreichischer RundFunk) internally to represent the country. After two national finals, Nathan Trent (the 2017 contestant) was selected internally again. ORF decided to do it this way again. Anyone could submit songs, but ORF also invited artists to submit songs themselves. On december 5th, 2017, there was news: it was Cesár Sampson who got the ticket to the contest in Lisbon. Songwriting team Symphonix International (Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Arman, Joacim Persson and Johan Alkenäs) wrote a song for him. “Nobody but you” was presented on March 9th. Cesár Sampson Cesár Sampson is an Austrian singer, songwriter, producer, dancer and model. He was born in Linz. His mother Kathy Sampson sang “A Good Friend” in the 1990s, the theme song of the well-known crime series Kommissar Rex. He is the nephew of the singer Helen “Pepsi” DeMacque-Crockett of the duo Pepsi & Shirlie. As a child, he was in front of the camera in a music video by La Toya Jackson.Sampson worked as a social worker for years. He has also worked in the music business as a producer for many years, including with the Symphonix International producer collective. As a backing vocal, Sampson was on stage at the Eurovision Song Contest twice in a row, in 2016 and 2017, representing Bulgaria. “Nobody but you” As mentioned, the Austrian entry was written and composed by the Symphonix International songwriters team ánd by Cesár Sampson himself. It was a song with a gospel sound. The full lyrics of the song “Nobody but you” can be found here. Although the song was not the favorite to win the contest, Austria seemed to have a sure qualifier and probably even a high scoring entry. Results Although the expectations were high, the jury vote brought a complete surprise: the expert jury chose Cesár Sampson and Austria as there winner, with no less than 9 countries awarding the song with ‘douze points’. But with the televoters only awarding it 71 points and a 13th place, the chances to win disappeared quite quickly for Austria. In the end, Sampson reached a 3rd place.