Duets

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

Read More »

Musiqq

© Mysuka, Wikimedia Commons About Quick Facts MembersMarats OgļezņevsEmīls Balceris Born2009 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongAngel In Disguise (2011) Biography Musiqq, a Latvian pop music duo from Liepāja, was formed in 2009 by Marats Ogļezņevs and Emīls Balceris. The formation process began when Marats Ogļezņevs left his previous group “Device” and invited Emīls Balceris to collaborate. They had first met in 2008 while participating in the TV show “Koru kari” (“Choir Wars”), where they both sang in the Liepājas red choir, led by singer Chilli. Following this, after seeing Balceris perform on a youth broadcast, Ogļezņevs reached out with an invitation to meet and work together, leading to their first meeting where they wrote four demo versions of songs. The duo first gained exposure in June 2009 with the release of their single “Klimata kontrole”(“Climate control”). This was followed by their second single “Abrakadabra” on October 1, 2009, which became a radio hit in Latvia and won the “SEB Musical Bank 2009.” Their debut album “Šī ir tikai mūzika”(“This is just music”) was released in March 2010, featuring tracks such as “Abrakadabra”, “Dzimšanas diena” (“Birthday”), and “Klimata kontrole” (“Climate control”). The duo received significant recognition for their contributions to music and their city, being awarded the “Gada Liepājnieks” (“Liepajnieks of the Year”) in the music category and receiving three Copyright infinity prizes for their frequently played songs on radio, television, and concerts. In 2011, Musiqq represented Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with the song “Angel in Disguise.” Following their participation in Eurovision, they continued their music career and in 2011 also formed a Latvian rap duo named “Bermudu Divstūris,” a play on the Bermuda Triangle, translating to “The Bermuda Digon.” As “Bermudu Divstūris,” they released three studio albums and won The Golden Microphone award in 2014 for “Best hip-hop or dance album.” Musiqq’s second album “Vēl viena mūzika”(“Another music”) was released in November 2014, marking the group’s fifth anniversary. This album featured several popular singles including “Sekundes”(“Seconds”) and “Cтрана без называния”(“Country without name”). Their largest live performance to date was their fifth birthday concert in Palladium in Riga on November 16, 2014, where they showcased this album. In 2015, Musiqq released their first acoustic album “Silta sirds”(“Warm heart”) in collaboration with various artists, marking a new phase in their musical journey. The album led to their first acoustic concert tour “Silta sirds,” visiting five cities in Latvia. Their album “10,” celebrating their 10th anniversary, was released in 2019. This album included 10 tracks and was commemorated with a grandiose concert in “Arena Riga” on April 27, 2019, showcasing the duo’s continued success and popularity over a decade. Hitsingles of this album were “Miljonārs” and “Bozies”. A new single, “Garīgais arī”, was released in August 2020 and “Mēs viena koka zari” in November of the same year. A year later, they came up with the song “Varu bez tevis”. After COVID19, they were able to perform on festivals again in the summer of 2022. In October of that year, Musiqq started a tour, “Bijis, ir un būs”, followed by a series of concerts with the same name. In December, they released a new single, “Ar tevi kopā”. The mini album, “Bijis, ir un būs”, was released on all streaming platforms only in January 2023. In January 2024, Musiqq released their new single “Mākslas darbs”. Entries Angel In Disguise Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsMarats Ogļezņevs MusicMarats Ogļezņevs BackingsRuta DudumaLība Ēce-KalniņaKristaps ŠēnbergsGatis Supe Results Semi Points: 25Position: 17Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/W083yQOluq4?si=9y_ekGDChNXiJrX_

Read More »

Greta Salóme

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir Born11 November 1986 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2016Söngvakeppnin 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm2012 Baku SongHear Them Calling (2016)Never Forget (with Jónsi, 2012) Biography Greta Salóme (born in 1986, in Mosfellsbær in the west of Iceland) is an Icelandic pop singer, composer, songwriter, and violinist. Currently, she plays the second violin in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavík. Starting at the age of four, Greta began her journey as a violinist and has since performed numerous classical concerts.  In 2012 and 2013, Greta achieved success in the Icelandic preselection competition, Söngvakeppnin, for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won alongside singer Jónsi with their duet “Mundu eftir mér,” a song she wrote. Although they reached the final, they secured 20th place. Greta released her debut album, “In the Silence,” in November 2012, featuring ten new tracks. Between 2014 and 2015, Greta worked as a singer on Disney Cruise Line ships. In 2015, she released an Icelandic-language single titled “Í dag.” In 2016, Greta participated in Söngvakeppnin for the second time. She qualified for the final with her song “Raddirnar” and won with the English version, “Hear Them Calling.” She represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm but did not advance to the final, finishing in 14th place during the semifinals. In 2017, Greta announced a joint concert with Alexander Rybak. She also performed at the Icelandic preselection, Söngvakeppnin 2017, for the Eurovision Song Contest, where she introduced a new single called “My Blues.” In 2018, Greta wrote a song titled “Crazy” for the British preselection of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was performed by Raya but not selected to represent the United Kingdom. Additionally, she composed and wrote the title song, “Wildfire,” for the Icelandic animated film Ploey: You Never Fly Alone. Greta is also set to participated in an Icelandic production of The Phantom of the Opera. Greta released her single, “Mess it up,” on February 1, 2019. This was followed by the release of “Án þín,” her rendition of an old song, on June 8, 2020. Another notable release came in July 2021 with the debut of the song “Svartur hrafn.” Entries Hear Them Calling Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonGísli MagnaHafsteinn ÞórólfssonKristján GíslasonLilja Björk Runólfsdóttir Results Semi Points: 51Position: 14Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/6osxLLPLUDk Never forget (with Jónsi) Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonAlma Rut KristinsdóttirGuðrun Árný KarlsdóttirGísli Magna Results Semi Points: 75Position: 8Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 46Position: 20Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/zRqmHRbJvTo

Read More »

Dino Merlin

About Quick Facts NameEdin Dervišhalidović Born12 September 1962 Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2011Vaš šlager sezone 1999 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf1999 Jerusalem SongLove In Rewind (2011)Putnici (with Beatrice, 1999) Biography Dino Merlin, born Edin Dervišhalidović on September 12, 1962, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a renowned Bosnian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He grew up in the historic Alifakovac neighborhood of Sarajevo. Despite his mother’s initial reluctance, Dino pursued a career in music, forming his first band, Merlin, with childhood friends. Merlin’s early life was marked by his parents’ divorce when he was seven, leading him to be raised by his mother. His musical journey began with a gift of a guitar from his mother at the age of 12. By 14, he was writing his own songs, heavily influenced by Yugoslavian musicians like Bijelo Dugme and Zdravko Čolić. In university, he formed the band Merlin, which started his musical journey in earnest. Merlin’s early career was not without struggles. He had to work in a metal factory to support his family while trying to make a mark in the music industry. His perseverance paid off when he released his first album with his band in 1985. The band Merlin went on to record five studio albums, gaining significant popularity. During the Bosnian War, Merlin faced personal loss with several members of his band Merlin, including their long-time manager, being killed in attacks. This period marked a challenging phase in his life, leading to a brief contemplation of abandoning music. However, Merlin’s resilience and passion for music prevailed. In 1991, Merlin embarked on a solo career, releasing several successful albums such as “Moja bogda sna” (1993), “Fotografija” (1995), and the highly acclaimed “Sredinom” (2000). This album, in particular, became a massive hit, selling around 2,000,000 copies in the former Yugoslav republics. Merlin’s solo career also saw him perform at large venues, including a record-breaking concert at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo. Merlin’s music style is predominantly pop, incorporating elements of rock, folk, jazz, and classical music. His lyrics often explore themes like love, loss, nostalgia, and social issues. He has collaborated with various artists, including Haris Džinović and Goran Bregović, and has won numerous awards, such as the Zlatni melos, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Porin awards. Notably, Merlin represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions. He wrote and performed “Sva bol svijeta” in 1993 and collaborated with French singer Béatrice in 1999 for the song “Putnici.” His contributions to music and culture have made him one of the most influential figures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the year 2000, Dino Merlin’s career continued to flourish, solidifying his status as one of the most prominent figures in the music scene of the Balkans. His album “Sredinom,” released in 2000, was a monumental success, becoming the top-selling album in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the former Yugoslav republics. The album’s remarkable sales, estimated around 2,000,000 copies, set a new benchmark in the region. Merlin’s “Sredinom” tour comprised over 200 concerts, including a historic, record-breaking performance at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo, attracting an audience of approximately 80,000 people. In the subsequent years, Merlin continued to release successful albums, including “Burek” in 2004, “Ispočetka” in 2008, “Hotel Nacional” in 2014 and “Mi” in 2021.  He was also deeply involved in the cultural and national identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Merlin was invited by the Bosnian state government to write its first-ever national anthem, “Jedna si jedina,” which served as the state’s anthem until the late 1990s. His Eurovision participation continued, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina again in 2011 with the song “Love in Rewind.” In 2021, Merlin released the single “Jedan dan jedna noć”. followed in 2022 by “Krive karte” and “Kako da ti kažem”. In November 2023, his song “Skoro će zima” came out. Entries Love In Rewind Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsMaya SarAida MušanovićEdvin HadžićNermin PuškarMahir BeatHouse Results Semi Points: 109Position: 5Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 125Position: 6Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/1VCS-qa1RGs?si=FBzGadMTDfxGNLZJ Putnici (& Beatrice) Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2012 Language🇬🇧 English LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsVesna Andrée-ZaimovićSelma Muhedinović?? Results Points: 86Position: 7Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/RRxgcossuOs?si=hKA-jipYhE8QZlkb

Read More »

Jessika

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameJessica Muscat Born27 February 1989 Nationality???????? Maltese National SelectionMalta Song For Europe 2008Malta Eurosong 2009Malta Eurosong 2010Malta Eurosong 2011Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2015Malta Eurovision Song Contest 20161 in 360 2018 (San Marino)Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongWho we are (2018, with Jenifer Brening) Biography Jessica Muscat, better known as Jessika, is a Maltese singer, songwriter and actress. She was born in Mosta. In 2004, she participated in the national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Four years later, she took part in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. She did so continuously every year until 2016.  Jseeika toured throughout the United Kingdom in 2009 and took singing lessons in the United States. She took part in the International Discovery Festival in Varna, Bulgaria. Her debut single “Golden ways” was released in 2012, followed in 2016 by “Can’t let go”. Meanwhile, she plays in a soap opera called Ħbieb u Għedewwa on a daily basis. In 2018, she took part in the Sammarinese national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She sang “Out of the twilight” solo and “Who we are” originally in a duet with Sammarinese rapper Irol. When he withdrew, he was replaced by Jenifer Brening. Jessika and Jenifer won the contest and represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. A new single, “No la conoces”, was released a year after the Eurovision adventure. With the song “Kaleidoscope”, Jessika returned to Malta Eurovision Song Contest, the Maltese national final, in 2022. Entries Who We Are (with Jenifer Brening) Country???????? San Marino Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening MusicMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening BackingsLeni SommerBasti SchmidtCarlota de Bastos CarreiraJoana de Lima Results Semi Points: 28Position: 17Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/66D0pKVdA-4

Read More »

Laura Põldvere

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameLaura Põldvere Born30 August 1988 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021 (Finland)Eesti Laul 2020Eesti Laul 2017Eesti Laul 2016Eesti Laul 2009Eurolaul 2007Eurolaul 2005 In Eurovision2017 Kyiv2005 Kyiv SongVerona (2017, with Koit Toome)Let’s get loud (2005, Suntribe) Biography Laura Põldvere is an Estonian singer. She was born in the Estonian city of Tartu. Laura’s career started in 2005, when she took part in Eurolaul, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. As a solo singer, she sang “Moonwalk”. The song became 2nd and reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. However, she also participated as a member of the girlband Suntribe. The group won and represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Let’s get loud”. The band had previously recorded a song in Estonian, “Ei tunne mind”. After 2005, the group split up and Laura went for a solo career. In 2007, Laura was back in Eurolaul, this time with the song “Sunflower”. She reached the 3rd place. Again, Laura’s song reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. In the same year, on 1 September, her debut album “Muusa” was released. Laura took a break from her singing career to study at Berklee College in Boston, USA.In 2009, Laura made a comeback at Eesti Laul, now the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song “Destiny” reached a 3rd place. Another album followed, “Ultra”, which was released on 8 December 2009. In November 2011 the album was followed by a compilation album with the title “Sädemeid taivast”. After a few years of silence, Laura made a comeback in 2016, and her stage again was Eesti Laul. The song “Supersonic” became 2nd and again was good for a #1 in the Estonian charts. The follow up song “94-95” had the same success. Together with Koit Toome, Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2017. The song “Verona” won and took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. “Verona” did not reach the final. On 12 May 2017 however, a “Greatest hits” album appeared with “Verona” on it. In 2018, Laura released a few non-album singles: “Waterfall”, “Tõusulained” and “Lennujaamas”. A new album, “9 Elu” found it’s release on 3 December 2019. On this album a.o. another duet with Koit Toome. In 2020, Laura took part in Eesti Laul again. The song this time was called “Break me”. Laura reached the 11th place in the final this time. The song was followed by one in Estonian, “On meie aeg”. In 2021, Laura participated in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, the Finnish national selection for the Eurovision song contest. Unfortunately, her song “Play” became last in the final. After this, she released two new singles and went on to perform in Poland and Italy. In 2022, on 11 March, a new single was released: “Gameboy”, which was a collaboration with Jyrise. The band Tabloided invited her to record a song together, which was titled “Zeitgeist”. In May of that year, the new song “Prayers to you” came out. In the summer, Laura organized a music camp, Make Music Until You Drop.  It was in March 2023 that Laura released a song called „Lilled jäävadki Sulle“. With that song, she participated in the show Uus Laul II. She and her team reached the final of the contest. In August she opened for Bonnie Tyler. A new single, “Pahupidi”, was released in September. Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2024, where she sang “Here’s Where I Draw The Line”. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to the final. Entries Verona (with Koit Toome) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2017 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus BackingsKaire VilgatsDagmar OjaRolf Roosalu Results Semi Points: 85Position: 14Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/NxqPpzWYN1c Let’s get loud (Suntribe) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2005 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus Backings– Results Semi Points: 31Position: 20Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/mqvOUfdwQtw

Read More »

Ermal Meta

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameErmal Meta Born20 April 1981 Nationality???????? Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021Festival di Sanremo 2018Festival di Sanremo 2017 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongNon mi avete fatto niente (2018) Biography Ermal Meta is an Italian songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Albania but went to Italy when he was 13. Ermal began playing piano and guitar at 16 and was part of several bands before joining Ameba 4, as a guitarist. This band took part in the Festival of San Remo 2006 in the sezione Giovani . They released one album, but broke up not too long after the festival.In 2007 Meta founded the group La Fame di Camilla, with whom he made the three studio albums. Also this band took part in the sezione Giovani of the Festival of San Remo, in 2010. Following the dissolution of the group, Meta started writing for other artists. In 2014 he wrote the song “Tutto misce”, inserted in the soundtrack of the television series Braccialetti rossi. In october he released his debut single “Lettera a mio padre”.  In november 2015 the single “Odio le favole” was released. Meta took part in Sanremo Giovani 2015, being selected among the Nuove Proposti of the Sanremo Festival 2016.  Around that time, his first studio album “Umano” was released.In 2017 Meta took part in the Festival of San Remo in the “Big” section with the song “Vietato morire”. This was also the title of Meta’s second album. The album reached the top of the Italian charts.  Together with Fabrizio Moro, Meta took part in the festival of San Remo 2018 with the song “Non mi avete fatto niente”. The song won the first prize in San Remo. When asked to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest, the two decided to say yes. The festival was followed by a new album, “Non abbiamo armi”. He promoted the album by a tour and in 2019, he released a live album “Non abbiamo armi – Il concerto”. In 2019 he wrote several songs for Alberto Urso. The following year Meta joined the Italian supergroup Allstars 4 Life which brought together over fifty Italian artists for the recording of the song “Ma il cielo è semper blu”. The money, earned with the single, was donated to the Italian Red Cross to support Il Tempo della Gentilezza, a project to support the most fragile people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meta presented the new single “Finerà bene” during the concert of the 1st of May.  On January 15, 2021, the single “No Satisfaction” was released, aimed at anticipating his fourth album. The album, titled “Tribù urbana” was released on March 12 of the same year and included in the track list the other single “Un milione di cose da dirti”. With this song, Ermal took part in the 71st Sanremo Festival, where it was ranked third. On November 26, Meta released single “Milano non esiste”, which was followed on March 4, 2022 by “Una cosa più grande” in collaboration with Giuliano Sangiorgi. In the same year he published the book “Domani e per sempre”, set in Albania during World War II. Entries Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente Country???????? Italy Year2018 LanguageItalian LyricsErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo MusicErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo BackingsRoberto MaccaroniAndrea Vigentini Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 308Position: 5Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/81M-mp5t8uM

Read More »

Waylon

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameWillem Bijkerk Born20 April 1980 Nationality???????? Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2018Internal selection 2014Nationaal Songfestival 2005 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon2014 Copenhagen SongOutlaw in ’em (2018)Calm after the storm (The Common Linnets, 2014) Biography Waylon is a Dutch singer, songwriter and musicion. He was born in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. He chose his stage name as he was a fan of Waylon Jennings. In 1995 he started singing in the tv show Telekids. He signed a record contract in 1997 and was allowed to record an album in Nashville. However, it was never released. In 2001 he lived and worked in the United States for a year . He appeared in the show of his idol Waylon Jennings with whom he also worked. Jennings passed away and Bijkerk returned to the Netherlands. After his return, he sang in the bands Santa Rosa and Millstreet. Waylon joined Rachel Kramer in 2005 as the duo ‘Rachel & Waylon’ in Het Nationaal Songfestival, the Dutch national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2008 he reached the final of Holland’s Got Talent. Despite the fact he did not win, this marked his breakthrough. His first record, “Wicked way”, became a huge hit in the Netherlands. It was followed by a debut album, “Wicked ways”, in 2009. In april 2010, he won a 3FM Award as ‘best newcomer’ and a TMF Award as ‘new talent’. In october 2011, his second album “After all” followed and he won another 3FM Award, now for ‘best singer’.Together with Ilse Delange, Waylon formed The Common Linnets. They represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Calm after the storm” and became 2nd. After Eurovision, the only performance of the two together was at the Tuckerville concert in Enschede, organized by The Common Linnets. After this concert, Waylon left the band.Two solo albums followed: “Heaven after midnight” (2014) and “Seeds” (2016). Meanwhile, Waylon was a coach in The Voice of Holland. In 2018, Waylon took part in the Eurovision Song Contest again, now as a solo singer with the song “Outlaw in ’em’. He reached the final again. The song was also released on his new album, “World can wait”. A tour with the subject ‘outlaws in country music’ followed: My heroes have always been cowboys. In december 2019, Waylon released a 6th album, “Human”. During the first lockdown of COVID19, he sang a version of Willeke Alberti’s song “Samen zijn”, together with the original singer and Wibi Soerjadi.In 2022, Waylon started singing in Dutch. His duet with former Eurovision-host Jan Smit (as Willem & Jan), “Tussen jou en mij” was released on single. Entries Outlaw In ‘Em Country???????? The Netherlands Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy MusicJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy BackingsJustin PieplenboschPierre AngandaRoger MakadiPieter LikiyoBrandon Likiyo Results Semi Points: 174Position: 7Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 121Position: 18Running order: 23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jHz5asMs8 Calm After Storm (The Common Linnets) Country???????? Country Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge MusicIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge BackingsJB MeijersBart VergoossenMartijn Van Agt Results Semi Points: 150Position: 1Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 238Position: 2Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA

Read More »

Elnur Hüseynov

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameElnur Hüseynov Born03 March 1987 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2015Land of Fire 2008 In Eurovision2015 Vienna2008 Belgrade SongHour of the wolf (2015)Day after day (Elnur & Samir) Biography Elnur Hüseynov is an Azerbaijani singer. He was born on March 3, 1987, in Ashgabat. In 1992, he entered the ROXMIM for gifted children alongside the Turkmenistan Conservatory, where he received education in piano class. In 1999, Elnur Hüseynov came to Baku and was admitted to the Dental Technical Specialty of the Medical School in 2000. However, in 2001, he left the medical school and joined the Asaf Zeynalli Music School. Elnur worked at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater for a while. After graduating from the Music School in 2004, he learned the profession of stylist-barber. In the early years, in 2003, Elnur participated for the second time in the Sing Your Song project. He won the grand prize. This was his first success in his career. In 2005, he recorded the song “Besdir” with the group Prestij, written by Eldar Mansurov. Later, a music video was made for this song. In late 2007, Elnur performed at the Lighting Azerbaijan international concert program in the assembly hall of the Kiev President Hotel in Ukraine.  In 2008, Elnur Hüseynov participated in the national selection to represent Azerbaijan for the first time at the Eurovision Song Contest. Elnur performed the song “If You Never Back,”. Later, he performed the song “Day After Day” in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh. After the jury’s voting, it was announced that they had won the duet category with Samir. At the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, they were the first ever representants from Azerbaijan. In the final held on May 24, they placed 8th among the 25 countries competing in the final. Travel to Ukraine and subsequent years In December 2009, Elnur announced that he would continue his music career in Ukraine and would not return to Azerbaijan. However, he returned to his homeland a few months later. In April 2010, Elnur participated as a contestant in the  reality show Maşın but was eliminated on the first day. In 2010, Elnur participated in a musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, portraying the character of Phoebus de Châteaupers. This musical marked a first in Elnur’s career.  On December 1, 2014, Elnur participated in the O Ses Türkiye (The Voice of Turkey) competition, which aired on Turkey’s TV8 channel.  After winning the final stage, it was determined that Elnur received the highest number of votes ever recorded in the competition, reaching one million votes.  Elnur was chosen internally to represent Azerbaijan again in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. He presented his song “Hour of the wolf”, reached the final and became 12th in the contest. In 2015, Elnur performed the song “Avropa Oyunları qədim Bakı torpağında” (European Games in Ancient Baku Land) dedicated to the inaugural European Games held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. He performed the song together with Samir Javadzadeh and Honored Artist Sevda Elekberzadeh. Although Samir and Sevda initially performed the duet, Elnur later joined them. They performed the song in both Azerbaijani and English languages. Elnur Hüseynov also performed live shows before the opening ceremony held at Baku Olympic Stadium on June 12.  In 2017, Elnur released a music video for his new song “Vibration,” with lyrics by Diana Hajiyeva and music by Isfar Sarabski. In September 2018 he released a new single again, this time with the title “Dreamer”. Ali Nasib wrote another song for Elnur. “Try to be yourself” was released on 26 April 2019. In 2020, Elnur teamed up with Ilgara Kazimova for the song “Deniz ver”. In 2021, Elnur joined a new band, the Sonar House Collective. Their debut single “Since I know you” was released on the 1st of February of that year.  In February 2023, Elnur had a concert together with the “Mavi Ürəklər” blue choir, consisting of members with autism syndrome. On 7 April of the same year, his new video and song “Monster pop” was released. He performed at a youth festival organized for the Heydar Aliyev Year. Entries Hour Of The Wolf Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas RebscherSandra Bjurman MusicLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas Rebscher BackingsKrysten CummingsNicklas LifTamara Nivillac DancersJulia SpiesserLukas McFarlane Results Semi Points: 53Position: 10Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 49Position: 12Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/IcVrAFtc5YI Day After Day (Elnur & Samir) Country Azerbaijan Year2008 LanguageEnglish LyricsZahra Bədəlbəyli MusicGovher Hasanzadə BackingsNames of the 2 dancers and 2 backing singers are unknown. Results Semi Points: 96Position: 6Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 132Position: 8Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/6OGVL_9P5fw

Read More »

Electro Velvet

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAlex LarkeBianca Nicholas Active2014-2015, 2018 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongStill In Love With You Biography Electro Velvet were a British musical duo. The duo existed of Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke. Bianca Nicholas has appeared on popular TV shows like The X Factor and The Voice UK. She has had notable performances, including singing a duet with Will Young and performing in front of Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. In 2011, Nicholas released a single called “Hold On To Your Dreams,” which made it onto the UK Top 100 singles chart. Additionally, she had a small role in the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp. It’s worth noting that Nicholas suffers from cystic fibrosis. Larke, on the other hand, was born in Welwyn Garden City. He currently serves as the lead singer for The Rolling Stones tribute group called The Rolling Clones and has toured extensively with the band in the UK and internationally. Larke has collaborated with notable artists like Cut La Roc and Donald D on their album Larger Than Life, which also features Gary Lightbody, the frontman of Snow Patrol. Apart from his music career, Larke works part-time in a primary school and teaches ukulele and recorder. In the past, he worked in a special needs school, focusing on children and young adults with profound to severe learning difficulties. Regarding their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, Electro Velvet was chosen by the BBC to represent the United Kingdom with their song “Still in Love with You.” The song received mixed to negative reviews upon its announcement. In the contest, they received 5 points and ranked 24th out of 27 participants.  Following their Eurovision experience, Electro Velvet expressed gratitude to their fans on their official Facebook page and hinted at upcoming plans. However, their debut EP, which was scheduled for release and available for pre-order on PledgeMusic, was ultimately canceled due to Nicholas’ ongoing health issues. After a pause of three years, Electro Velvet went back to the studio in 2018 to record a new song, “Take me home”. However, the song did not know any follow up. Entries Still In Love With You Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsDavid MindelAdrian Bax White MusicDavid MindelAdrian Bax White BackingsScarlette DouglasJoe HuntSophie Carmen JonesRyan Heseltine Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 5Position: 24Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/Ethyx4A5ajM

Read More »

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

Read More »

Musiqq

© Mysuka, Wikimedia Commons About Quick Facts MembersMarats OgļezņevsEmīls Balceris Born2009 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongAngel In Disguise (2011) Biography Musiqq, a Latvian pop music duo from Liepāja, was formed in 2009 by Marats Ogļezņevs and Emīls Balceris. The formation process began when Marats Ogļezņevs left his previous group “Device” and invited Emīls Balceris to collaborate. They had first met in 2008 while participating in the TV show “Koru kari” (“Choir Wars”), where they both sang in the Liepājas red choir, led by singer Chilli. Following this, after seeing Balceris perform on a youth broadcast, Ogļezņevs reached out with an invitation to meet and work together, leading to their first meeting where they wrote four demo versions of songs. The duo first gained exposure in June 2009 with the release of their single “Klimata kontrole”(“Climate control”). This was followed by their second single “Abrakadabra” on October 1, 2009, which became a radio hit in Latvia and won the “SEB Musical Bank 2009.” Their debut album “Šī ir tikai mūzika”(“This is just music”) was released in March 2010, featuring tracks such as “Abrakadabra”, “Dzimšanas diena” (“Birthday”), and “Klimata kontrole” (“Climate control”). The duo received significant recognition for their contributions to music and their city, being awarded the “Gada Liepājnieks” (“Liepajnieks of the Year”) in the music category and receiving three Copyright infinity prizes for their frequently played songs on radio, television, and concerts. In 2011, Musiqq represented Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with the song “Angel in Disguise.” Following their participation in Eurovision, they continued their music career and in 2011 also formed a Latvian rap duo named “Bermudu Divstūris,” a play on the Bermuda Triangle, translating to “The Bermuda Digon.” As “Bermudu Divstūris,” they released three studio albums and won The Golden Microphone award in 2014 for “Best hip-hop or dance album.” Musiqq’s second album “Vēl viena mūzika”(“Another music”) was released in November 2014, marking the group’s fifth anniversary. This album featured several popular singles including “Sekundes”(“Seconds”) and “Cтрана без называния”(“Country without name”). Their largest live performance to date was their fifth birthday concert in Palladium in Riga on November 16, 2014, where they showcased this album. In 2015, Musiqq released their first acoustic album “Silta sirds”(“Warm heart”) in collaboration with various artists, marking a new phase in their musical journey. The album led to their first acoustic concert tour “Silta sirds,” visiting five cities in Latvia. Their album “10,” celebrating their 10th anniversary, was released in 2019. This album included 10 tracks and was commemorated with a grandiose concert in “Arena Riga” on April 27, 2019, showcasing the duo’s continued success and popularity over a decade. Hitsingles of this album were “Miljonārs” and “Bozies”. A new single, “Garīgais arī”, was released in August 2020 and “Mēs viena koka zari” in November of the same year. A year later, they came up with the song “Varu bez tevis”. After COVID19, they were able to perform on festivals again in the summer of 2022. In October of that year, Musiqq started a tour, “Bijis, ir un būs”, followed by a series of concerts with the same name. In December, they released a new single, “Ar tevi kopā”. The mini album, “Bijis, ir un būs”, was released on all streaming platforms only in January 2023. In January 2024, Musiqq released their new single “Mākslas darbs”. Entries Angel In Disguise Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsMarats Ogļezņevs MusicMarats Ogļezņevs BackingsRuta DudumaLība Ēce-KalniņaKristaps ŠēnbergsGatis Supe Results Semi Points: 25Position: 17Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/W083yQOluq4?si=9y_ekGDChNXiJrX_

Read More »

Greta Salóme

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir Born11 November 1986 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2016Söngvakeppnin 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm2012 Baku SongHear Them Calling (2016)Never Forget (with Jónsi, 2012) Biography Greta Salóme (born in 1986, in Mosfellsbær in the west of Iceland) is an Icelandic pop singer, composer, songwriter, and violinist. Currently, she plays the second violin in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavík. Starting at the age of four, Greta began her journey as a violinist and has since performed numerous classical concerts.  In 2012 and 2013, Greta achieved success in the Icelandic preselection competition, Söngvakeppnin, for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won alongside singer Jónsi with their duet “Mundu eftir mér,” a song she wrote. Although they reached the final, they secured 20th place. Greta released her debut album, “In the Silence,” in November 2012, featuring ten new tracks. Between 2014 and 2015, Greta worked as a singer on Disney Cruise Line ships. In 2015, she released an Icelandic-language single titled “Í dag.” In 2016, Greta participated in Söngvakeppnin for the second time. She qualified for the final with her song “Raddirnar” and won with the English version, “Hear Them Calling.” She represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm but did not advance to the final, finishing in 14th place during the semifinals. In 2017, Greta announced a joint concert with Alexander Rybak. She also performed at the Icelandic preselection, Söngvakeppnin 2017, for the Eurovision Song Contest, where she introduced a new single called “My Blues.” In 2018, Greta wrote a song titled “Crazy” for the British preselection of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was performed by Raya but not selected to represent the United Kingdom. Additionally, she composed and wrote the title song, “Wildfire,” for the Icelandic animated film Ploey: You Never Fly Alone. Greta is also set to participated in an Icelandic production of The Phantom of the Opera. Greta released her single, “Mess it up,” on February 1, 2019. This was followed by the release of “Án þín,” her rendition of an old song, on June 8, 2020. Another notable release came in July 2021 with the debut of the song “Svartur hrafn.” Entries Hear Them Calling Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonGísli MagnaHafsteinn ÞórólfssonKristján GíslasonLilja Björk Runólfsdóttir Results Semi Points: 51Position: 14Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/6osxLLPLUDk Never forget (with Jónsi) Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonAlma Rut KristinsdóttirGuðrun Árný KarlsdóttirGísli Magna Results Semi Points: 75Position: 8Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 46Position: 20Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/zRqmHRbJvTo

Read More »

Dino Merlin

About Quick Facts NameEdin Dervišhalidović Born12 September 1962 Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2011Vaš šlager sezone 1999 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf1999 Jerusalem SongLove In Rewind (2011)Putnici (with Beatrice, 1999) Biography Dino Merlin, born Edin Dervišhalidović on September 12, 1962, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a renowned Bosnian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He grew up in the historic Alifakovac neighborhood of Sarajevo. Despite his mother’s initial reluctance, Dino pursued a career in music, forming his first band, Merlin, with childhood friends. Merlin’s early life was marked by his parents’ divorce when he was seven, leading him to be raised by his mother. His musical journey began with a gift of a guitar from his mother at the age of 12. By 14, he was writing his own songs, heavily influenced by Yugoslavian musicians like Bijelo Dugme and Zdravko Čolić. In university, he formed the band Merlin, which started his musical journey in earnest. Merlin’s early career was not without struggles. He had to work in a metal factory to support his family while trying to make a mark in the music industry. His perseverance paid off when he released his first album with his band in 1985. The band Merlin went on to record five studio albums, gaining significant popularity. During the Bosnian War, Merlin faced personal loss with several members of his band Merlin, including their long-time manager, being killed in attacks. This period marked a challenging phase in his life, leading to a brief contemplation of abandoning music. However, Merlin’s resilience and passion for music prevailed. In 1991, Merlin embarked on a solo career, releasing several successful albums such as “Moja bogda sna” (1993), “Fotografija” (1995), and the highly acclaimed “Sredinom” (2000). This album, in particular, became a massive hit, selling around 2,000,000 copies in the former Yugoslav republics. Merlin’s solo career also saw him perform at large venues, including a record-breaking concert at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo. Merlin’s music style is predominantly pop, incorporating elements of rock, folk, jazz, and classical music. His lyrics often explore themes like love, loss, nostalgia, and social issues. He has collaborated with various artists, including Haris Džinović and Goran Bregović, and has won numerous awards, such as the Zlatni melos, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Porin awards. Notably, Merlin represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions. He wrote and performed “Sva bol svijeta” in 1993 and collaborated with French singer Béatrice in 1999 for the song “Putnici.” His contributions to music and culture have made him one of the most influential figures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the year 2000, Dino Merlin’s career continued to flourish, solidifying his status as one of the most prominent figures in the music scene of the Balkans. His album “Sredinom,” released in 2000, was a monumental success, becoming the top-selling album in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the former Yugoslav republics. The album’s remarkable sales, estimated around 2,000,000 copies, set a new benchmark in the region. Merlin’s “Sredinom” tour comprised over 200 concerts, including a historic, record-breaking performance at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo, attracting an audience of approximately 80,000 people. In the subsequent years, Merlin continued to release successful albums, including “Burek” in 2004, “Ispočetka” in 2008, “Hotel Nacional” in 2014 and “Mi” in 2021.  He was also deeply involved in the cultural and national identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Merlin was invited by the Bosnian state government to write its first-ever national anthem, “Jedna si jedina,” which served as the state’s anthem until the late 1990s. His Eurovision participation continued, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina again in 2011 with the song “Love in Rewind.” In 2021, Merlin released the single “Jedan dan jedna noć”. followed in 2022 by “Krive karte” and “Kako da ti kažem”. In November 2023, his song “Skoro će zima” came out. Entries Love In Rewind Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsMaya SarAida MušanovićEdvin HadžićNermin PuškarMahir BeatHouse Results Semi Points: 109Position: 5Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 125Position: 6Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/1VCS-qa1RGs?si=FBzGadMTDfxGNLZJ Putnici (& Beatrice) Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2012 Language🇬🇧 English LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsVesna Andrée-ZaimovićSelma Muhedinović?? Results Points: 86Position: 7Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/RRxgcossuOs?si=hKA-jipYhE8QZlkb

Read More »

Jessika

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameJessica Muscat Born27 February 1989 Nationality???????? Maltese National SelectionMalta Song For Europe 2008Malta Eurosong 2009Malta Eurosong 2010Malta Eurosong 2011Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2015Malta Eurovision Song Contest 20161 in 360 2018 (San Marino)Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongWho we are (2018, with Jenifer Brening) Biography Jessica Muscat, better known as Jessika, is a Maltese singer, songwriter and actress. She was born in Mosta. In 2004, she participated in the national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Four years later, she took part in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. She did so continuously every year until 2016.  Jseeika toured throughout the United Kingdom in 2009 and took singing lessons in the United States. She took part in the International Discovery Festival in Varna, Bulgaria. Her debut single “Golden ways” was released in 2012, followed in 2016 by “Can’t let go”. Meanwhile, she plays in a soap opera called Ħbieb u Għedewwa on a daily basis. In 2018, she took part in the Sammarinese national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She sang “Out of the twilight” solo and “Who we are” originally in a duet with Sammarinese rapper Irol. When he withdrew, he was replaced by Jenifer Brening. Jessika and Jenifer won the contest and represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. A new single, “No la conoces”, was released a year after the Eurovision adventure. With the song “Kaleidoscope”, Jessika returned to Malta Eurovision Song Contest, the Maltese national final, in 2022. Entries Who We Are (with Jenifer Brening) Country???????? San Marino Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening MusicMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening BackingsLeni SommerBasti SchmidtCarlota de Bastos CarreiraJoana de Lima Results Semi Points: 28Position: 17Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/66D0pKVdA-4

Read More »

Laura Põldvere

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameLaura Põldvere Born30 August 1988 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021 (Finland)Eesti Laul 2020Eesti Laul 2017Eesti Laul 2016Eesti Laul 2009Eurolaul 2007Eurolaul 2005 In Eurovision2017 Kyiv2005 Kyiv SongVerona (2017, with Koit Toome)Let’s get loud (2005, Suntribe) Biography Laura Põldvere is an Estonian singer. She was born in the Estonian city of Tartu. Laura’s career started in 2005, when she took part in Eurolaul, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. As a solo singer, she sang “Moonwalk”. The song became 2nd and reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. However, she also participated as a member of the girlband Suntribe. The group won and represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Let’s get loud”. The band had previously recorded a song in Estonian, “Ei tunne mind”. After 2005, the group split up and Laura went for a solo career. In 2007, Laura was back in Eurolaul, this time with the song “Sunflower”. She reached the 3rd place. Again, Laura’s song reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. In the same year, on 1 September, her debut album “Muusa” was released. Laura took a break from her singing career to study at Berklee College in Boston, USA.In 2009, Laura made a comeback at Eesti Laul, now the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song “Destiny” reached a 3rd place. Another album followed, “Ultra”, which was released on 8 December 2009. In November 2011 the album was followed by a compilation album with the title “Sädemeid taivast”. After a few years of silence, Laura made a comeback in 2016, and her stage again was Eesti Laul. The song “Supersonic” became 2nd and again was good for a #1 in the Estonian charts. The follow up song “94-95” had the same success. Together with Koit Toome, Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2017. The song “Verona” won and took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. “Verona” did not reach the final. On 12 May 2017 however, a “Greatest hits” album appeared with “Verona” on it. In 2018, Laura released a few non-album singles: “Waterfall”, “Tõusulained” and “Lennujaamas”. A new album, “9 Elu” found it’s release on 3 December 2019. On this album a.o. another duet with Koit Toome. In 2020, Laura took part in Eesti Laul again. The song this time was called “Break me”. Laura reached the 11th place in the final this time. The song was followed by one in Estonian, “On meie aeg”. In 2021, Laura participated in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, the Finnish national selection for the Eurovision song contest. Unfortunately, her song “Play” became last in the final. After this, she released two new singles and went on to perform in Poland and Italy. In 2022, on 11 March, a new single was released: “Gameboy”, which was a collaboration with Jyrise. The band Tabloided invited her to record a song together, which was titled “Zeitgeist”. In May of that year, the new song “Prayers to you” came out. In the summer, Laura organized a music camp, Make Music Until You Drop.  It was in March 2023 that Laura released a song called „Lilled jäävadki Sulle“. With that song, she participated in the show Uus Laul II. She and her team reached the final of the contest. In August she opened for Bonnie Tyler. A new single, “Pahupidi”, was released in September. Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2024, where she sang “Here’s Where I Draw The Line”. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to the final. Entries Verona (with Koit Toome) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2017 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus BackingsKaire VilgatsDagmar OjaRolf Roosalu Results Semi Points: 85Position: 14Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/NxqPpzWYN1c Let’s get loud (Suntribe) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2005 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus Backings– Results Semi Points: 31Position: 20Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/mqvOUfdwQtw

Read More »

Ermal Meta

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameErmal Meta Born20 April 1981 Nationality???????? Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021Festival di Sanremo 2018Festival di Sanremo 2017 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongNon mi avete fatto niente (2018) Biography Ermal Meta is an Italian songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Albania but went to Italy when he was 13. Ermal began playing piano and guitar at 16 and was part of several bands before joining Ameba 4, as a guitarist. This band took part in the Festival of San Remo 2006 in the sezione Giovani . They released one album, but broke up not too long after the festival.In 2007 Meta founded the group La Fame di Camilla, with whom he made the three studio albums. Also this band took part in the sezione Giovani of the Festival of San Remo, in 2010. Following the dissolution of the group, Meta started writing for other artists. In 2014 he wrote the song “Tutto misce”, inserted in the soundtrack of the television series Braccialetti rossi. In october he released his debut single “Lettera a mio padre”.  In november 2015 the single “Odio le favole” was released. Meta took part in Sanremo Giovani 2015, being selected among the Nuove Proposti of the Sanremo Festival 2016.  Around that time, his first studio album “Umano” was released.In 2017 Meta took part in the Festival of San Remo in the “Big” section with the song “Vietato morire”. This was also the title of Meta’s second album. The album reached the top of the Italian charts.  Together with Fabrizio Moro, Meta took part in the festival of San Remo 2018 with the song “Non mi avete fatto niente”. The song won the first prize in San Remo. When asked to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest, the two decided to say yes. The festival was followed by a new album, “Non abbiamo armi”. He promoted the album by a tour and in 2019, he released a live album “Non abbiamo armi – Il concerto”. In 2019 he wrote several songs for Alberto Urso. The following year Meta joined the Italian supergroup Allstars 4 Life which brought together over fifty Italian artists for the recording of the song “Ma il cielo è semper blu”. The money, earned with the single, was donated to the Italian Red Cross to support Il Tempo della Gentilezza, a project to support the most fragile people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meta presented the new single “Finerà bene” during the concert of the 1st of May.  On January 15, 2021, the single “No Satisfaction” was released, aimed at anticipating his fourth album. The album, titled “Tribù urbana” was released on March 12 of the same year and included in the track list the other single “Un milione di cose da dirti”. With this song, Ermal took part in the 71st Sanremo Festival, where it was ranked third. On November 26, Meta released single “Milano non esiste”, which was followed on March 4, 2022 by “Una cosa più grande” in collaboration with Giuliano Sangiorgi. In the same year he published the book “Domani e per sempre”, set in Albania during World War II. Entries Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente Country???????? Italy Year2018 LanguageItalian LyricsErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo MusicErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo BackingsRoberto MaccaroniAndrea Vigentini Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 308Position: 5Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/81M-mp5t8uM

Read More »

Waylon

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameWillem Bijkerk Born20 April 1980 Nationality???????? Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2018Internal selection 2014Nationaal Songfestival 2005 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon2014 Copenhagen SongOutlaw in ’em (2018)Calm after the storm (The Common Linnets, 2014) Biography Waylon is a Dutch singer, songwriter and musicion. He was born in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. He chose his stage name as he was a fan of Waylon Jennings. In 1995 he started singing in the tv show Telekids. He signed a record contract in 1997 and was allowed to record an album in Nashville. However, it was never released. In 2001 he lived and worked in the United States for a year . He appeared in the show of his idol Waylon Jennings with whom he also worked. Jennings passed away and Bijkerk returned to the Netherlands. After his return, he sang in the bands Santa Rosa and Millstreet. Waylon joined Rachel Kramer in 2005 as the duo ‘Rachel & Waylon’ in Het Nationaal Songfestival, the Dutch national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2008 he reached the final of Holland’s Got Talent. Despite the fact he did not win, this marked his breakthrough. His first record, “Wicked way”, became a huge hit in the Netherlands. It was followed by a debut album, “Wicked ways”, in 2009. In april 2010, he won a 3FM Award as ‘best newcomer’ and a TMF Award as ‘new talent’. In october 2011, his second album “After all” followed and he won another 3FM Award, now for ‘best singer’.Together with Ilse Delange, Waylon formed The Common Linnets. They represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Calm after the storm” and became 2nd. After Eurovision, the only performance of the two together was at the Tuckerville concert in Enschede, organized by The Common Linnets. After this concert, Waylon left the band.Two solo albums followed: “Heaven after midnight” (2014) and “Seeds” (2016). Meanwhile, Waylon was a coach in The Voice of Holland. In 2018, Waylon took part in the Eurovision Song Contest again, now as a solo singer with the song “Outlaw in ’em’. He reached the final again. The song was also released on his new album, “World can wait”. A tour with the subject ‘outlaws in country music’ followed: My heroes have always been cowboys. In december 2019, Waylon released a 6th album, “Human”. During the first lockdown of COVID19, he sang a version of Willeke Alberti’s song “Samen zijn”, together with the original singer and Wibi Soerjadi.In 2022, Waylon started singing in Dutch. His duet with former Eurovision-host Jan Smit (as Willem & Jan), “Tussen jou en mij” was released on single. Entries Outlaw In ‘Em Country???????? The Netherlands Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy MusicJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy BackingsJustin PieplenboschPierre AngandaRoger MakadiPieter LikiyoBrandon Likiyo Results Semi Points: 174Position: 7Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 121Position: 18Running order: 23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jHz5asMs8 Calm After Storm (The Common Linnets) Country???????? Country Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge MusicIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge BackingsJB MeijersBart VergoossenMartijn Van Agt Results Semi Points: 150Position: 1Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 238Position: 2Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA

Read More »

Elnur Hüseynov

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameElnur Hüseynov Born03 March 1987 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2015Land of Fire 2008 In Eurovision2015 Vienna2008 Belgrade SongHour of the wolf (2015)Day after day (Elnur & Samir) Biography Elnur Hüseynov is an Azerbaijani singer. He was born on March 3, 1987, in Ashgabat. In 1992, he entered the ROXMIM for gifted children alongside the Turkmenistan Conservatory, where he received education in piano class. In 1999, Elnur Hüseynov came to Baku and was admitted to the Dental Technical Specialty of the Medical School in 2000. However, in 2001, he left the medical school and joined the Asaf Zeynalli Music School. Elnur worked at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater for a while. After graduating from the Music School in 2004, he learned the profession of stylist-barber. In the early years, in 2003, Elnur participated for the second time in the Sing Your Song project. He won the grand prize. This was his first success in his career. In 2005, he recorded the song “Besdir” with the group Prestij, written by Eldar Mansurov. Later, a music video was made for this song. In late 2007, Elnur performed at the Lighting Azerbaijan international concert program in the assembly hall of the Kiev President Hotel in Ukraine.  In 2008, Elnur Hüseynov participated in the national selection to represent Azerbaijan for the first time at the Eurovision Song Contest. Elnur performed the song “If You Never Back,”. Later, he performed the song “Day After Day” in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh. After the jury’s voting, it was announced that they had won the duet category with Samir. At the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, they were the first ever representants from Azerbaijan. In the final held on May 24, they placed 8th among the 25 countries competing in the final. Travel to Ukraine and subsequent years In December 2009, Elnur announced that he would continue his music career in Ukraine and would not return to Azerbaijan. However, he returned to his homeland a few months later. In April 2010, Elnur participated as a contestant in the  reality show Maşın but was eliminated on the first day. In 2010, Elnur participated in a musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, portraying the character of Phoebus de Châteaupers. This musical marked a first in Elnur’s career.  On December 1, 2014, Elnur participated in the O Ses Türkiye (The Voice of Turkey) competition, which aired on Turkey’s TV8 channel.  After winning the final stage, it was determined that Elnur received the highest number of votes ever recorded in the competition, reaching one million votes.  Elnur was chosen internally to represent Azerbaijan again in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. He presented his song “Hour of the wolf”, reached the final and became 12th in the contest. In 2015, Elnur performed the song “Avropa Oyunları qədim Bakı torpağında” (European Games in Ancient Baku Land) dedicated to the inaugural European Games held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. He performed the song together with Samir Javadzadeh and Honored Artist Sevda Elekberzadeh. Although Samir and Sevda initially performed the duet, Elnur later joined them. They performed the song in both Azerbaijani and English languages. Elnur Hüseynov also performed live shows before the opening ceremony held at Baku Olympic Stadium on June 12.  In 2017, Elnur released a music video for his new song “Vibration,” with lyrics by Diana Hajiyeva and music by Isfar Sarabski. In September 2018 he released a new single again, this time with the title “Dreamer”. Ali Nasib wrote another song for Elnur. “Try to be yourself” was released on 26 April 2019. In 2020, Elnur teamed up with Ilgara Kazimova for the song “Deniz ver”. In 2021, Elnur joined a new band, the Sonar House Collective. Their debut single “Since I know you” was released on the 1st of February of that year.  In February 2023, Elnur had a concert together with the “Mavi Ürəklər” blue choir, consisting of members with autism syndrome. On 7 April of the same year, his new video and song “Monster pop” was released. He performed at a youth festival organized for the Heydar Aliyev Year. Entries Hour Of The Wolf Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas RebscherSandra Bjurman MusicLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas Rebscher BackingsKrysten CummingsNicklas LifTamara Nivillac DancersJulia SpiesserLukas McFarlane Results Semi Points: 53Position: 10Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 49Position: 12Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/IcVrAFtc5YI Day After Day (Elnur & Samir) Country Azerbaijan Year2008 LanguageEnglish LyricsZahra Bədəlbəyli MusicGovher Hasanzadə BackingsNames of the 2 dancers and 2 backing singers are unknown. Results Semi Points: 96Position: 6Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 132Position: 8Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/6OGVL_9P5fw

Read More »

Electro Velvet

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAlex LarkeBianca Nicholas Active2014-2015, 2018 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongStill In Love With You Biography Electro Velvet were a British musical duo. The duo existed of Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke. Bianca Nicholas has appeared on popular TV shows like The X Factor and The Voice UK. She has had notable performances, including singing a duet with Will Young and performing in front of Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. In 2011, Nicholas released a single called “Hold On To Your Dreams,” which made it onto the UK Top 100 singles chart. Additionally, she had a small role in the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp. It’s worth noting that Nicholas suffers from cystic fibrosis. Larke, on the other hand, was born in Welwyn Garden City. He currently serves as the lead singer for The Rolling Stones tribute group called The Rolling Clones and has toured extensively with the band in the UK and internationally. Larke has collaborated with notable artists like Cut La Roc and Donald D on their album Larger Than Life, which also features Gary Lightbody, the frontman of Snow Patrol. Apart from his music career, Larke works part-time in a primary school and teaches ukulele and recorder. In the past, he worked in a special needs school, focusing on children and young adults with profound to severe learning difficulties. Regarding their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, Electro Velvet was chosen by the BBC to represent the United Kingdom with their song “Still in Love with You.” The song received mixed to negative reviews upon its announcement. In the contest, they received 5 points and ranked 24th out of 27 participants.  Following their Eurovision experience, Electro Velvet expressed gratitude to their fans on their official Facebook page and hinted at upcoming plans. However, their debut EP, which was scheduled for release and available for pre-order on PledgeMusic, was ultimately canceled due to Nicholas’ ongoing health issues. After a pause of three years, Electro Velvet went back to the studio in 2018 to record a new song, “Take me home”. However, the song did not know any follow up. Entries Still In Love With You Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsDavid MindelAdrian Bax White MusicDavid MindelAdrian Bax White BackingsScarlette DouglasJoe HuntSophie Carmen JonesRyan Heseltine Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 5Position: 24Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/Ethyx4A5ajM

Read More »

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

Read More »

Musiqq

© Mysuka, Wikimedia Commons About Quick Facts MembersMarats OgļezņevsEmīls Balceris Born2009 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongAngel In Disguise (2011) Biography Musiqq, a Latvian pop music duo from Liepāja, was formed in 2009 by Marats Ogļezņevs and Emīls Balceris. The formation process began when Marats Ogļezņevs left his previous group “Device” and invited Emīls Balceris to collaborate. They had first met in 2008 while participating in the TV show “Koru kari” (“Choir Wars”), where they both sang in the Liepājas red choir, led by singer Chilli. Following this, after seeing Balceris perform on a youth broadcast, Ogļezņevs reached out with an invitation to meet and work together, leading to their first meeting where they wrote four demo versions of songs. The duo first gained exposure in June 2009 with the release of their single “Klimata kontrole”(“Climate control”). This was followed by their second single “Abrakadabra” on October 1, 2009, which became a radio hit in Latvia and won the “SEB Musical Bank 2009.” Their debut album “Šī ir tikai mūzika”(“This is just music”) was released in March 2010, featuring tracks such as “Abrakadabra”, “Dzimšanas diena” (“Birthday”), and “Klimata kontrole” (“Climate control”). The duo received significant recognition for their contributions to music and their city, being awarded the “Gada Liepājnieks” (“Liepajnieks of the Year”) in the music category and receiving three Copyright infinity prizes for their frequently played songs on radio, television, and concerts. In 2011, Musiqq represented Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with the song “Angel in Disguise.” Following their participation in Eurovision, they continued their music career and in 2011 also formed a Latvian rap duo named “Bermudu Divstūris,” a play on the Bermuda Triangle, translating to “The Bermuda Digon.” As “Bermudu Divstūris,” they released three studio albums and won The Golden Microphone award in 2014 for “Best hip-hop or dance album.” Musiqq’s second album “Vēl viena mūzika”(“Another music”) was released in November 2014, marking the group’s fifth anniversary. This album featured several popular singles including “Sekundes”(“Seconds”) and “Cтрана без называния”(“Country without name”). Their largest live performance to date was their fifth birthday concert in Palladium in Riga on November 16, 2014, where they showcased this album. In 2015, Musiqq released their first acoustic album “Silta sirds”(“Warm heart”) in collaboration with various artists, marking a new phase in their musical journey. The album led to their first acoustic concert tour “Silta sirds,” visiting five cities in Latvia. Their album “10,” celebrating their 10th anniversary, was released in 2019. This album included 10 tracks and was commemorated with a grandiose concert in “Arena Riga” on April 27, 2019, showcasing the duo’s continued success and popularity over a decade. Hitsingles of this album were “Miljonārs” and “Bozies”. A new single, “Garīgais arī”, was released in August 2020 and “Mēs viena koka zari” in November of the same year. A year later, they came up with the song “Varu bez tevis”. After COVID19, they were able to perform on festivals again in the summer of 2022. In October of that year, Musiqq started a tour, “Bijis, ir un būs”, followed by a series of concerts with the same name. In December, they released a new single, “Ar tevi kopā”. The mini album, “Bijis, ir un būs”, was released on all streaming platforms only in January 2023. In January 2024, Musiqq released their new single “Mākslas darbs”. Entries Angel In Disguise Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsMarats Ogļezņevs MusicMarats Ogļezņevs BackingsRuta DudumaLība Ēce-KalniņaKristaps ŠēnbergsGatis Supe Results Semi Points: 25Position: 17Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/W083yQOluq4?si=9y_ekGDChNXiJrX_

Read More »

Greta Salóme

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir Born11 November 1986 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2016Söngvakeppnin 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm2012 Baku SongHear Them Calling (2016)Never Forget (with Jónsi, 2012) Biography Greta Salóme (born in 1986, in Mosfellsbær in the west of Iceland) is an Icelandic pop singer, composer, songwriter, and violinist. Currently, she plays the second violin in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavík. Starting at the age of four, Greta began her journey as a violinist and has since performed numerous classical concerts.  In 2012 and 2013, Greta achieved success in the Icelandic preselection competition, Söngvakeppnin, for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won alongside singer Jónsi with their duet “Mundu eftir mér,” a song she wrote. Although they reached the final, they secured 20th place. Greta released her debut album, “In the Silence,” in November 2012, featuring ten new tracks. Between 2014 and 2015, Greta worked as a singer on Disney Cruise Line ships. In 2015, she released an Icelandic-language single titled “Í dag.” In 2016, Greta participated in Söngvakeppnin for the second time. She qualified for the final with her song “Raddirnar” and won with the English version, “Hear Them Calling.” She represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm but did not advance to the final, finishing in 14th place during the semifinals. In 2017, Greta announced a joint concert with Alexander Rybak. She also performed at the Icelandic preselection, Söngvakeppnin 2017, for the Eurovision Song Contest, where she introduced a new single called “My Blues.” In 2018, Greta wrote a song titled “Crazy” for the British preselection of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was performed by Raya but not selected to represent the United Kingdom. Additionally, she composed and wrote the title song, “Wildfire,” for the Icelandic animated film Ploey: You Never Fly Alone. Greta is also set to participated in an Icelandic production of The Phantom of the Opera. Greta released her single, “Mess it up,” on February 1, 2019. This was followed by the release of “Án þín,” her rendition of an old song, on June 8, 2020. Another notable release came in July 2021 with the debut of the song “Svartur hrafn.” Entries Hear Them Calling Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonGísli MagnaHafsteinn ÞórólfssonKristján GíslasonLilja Björk Runólfsdóttir Results Semi Points: 51Position: 14Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/6osxLLPLUDk Never forget (with Jónsi) Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonAlma Rut KristinsdóttirGuðrun Árný KarlsdóttirGísli Magna Results Semi Points: 75Position: 8Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 46Position: 20Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/zRqmHRbJvTo

Read More »

Dino Merlin

About Quick Facts NameEdin Dervišhalidović Born12 September 1962 Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2011Vaš šlager sezone 1999 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf1999 Jerusalem SongLove In Rewind (2011)Putnici (with Beatrice, 1999) Biography Dino Merlin, born Edin Dervišhalidović on September 12, 1962, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a renowned Bosnian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He grew up in the historic Alifakovac neighborhood of Sarajevo. Despite his mother’s initial reluctance, Dino pursued a career in music, forming his first band, Merlin, with childhood friends. Merlin’s early life was marked by his parents’ divorce when he was seven, leading him to be raised by his mother. His musical journey began with a gift of a guitar from his mother at the age of 12. By 14, he was writing his own songs, heavily influenced by Yugoslavian musicians like Bijelo Dugme and Zdravko Čolić. In university, he formed the band Merlin, which started his musical journey in earnest. Merlin’s early career was not without struggles. He had to work in a metal factory to support his family while trying to make a mark in the music industry. His perseverance paid off when he released his first album with his band in 1985. The band Merlin went on to record five studio albums, gaining significant popularity. During the Bosnian War, Merlin faced personal loss with several members of his band Merlin, including their long-time manager, being killed in attacks. This period marked a challenging phase in his life, leading to a brief contemplation of abandoning music. However, Merlin’s resilience and passion for music prevailed. In 1991, Merlin embarked on a solo career, releasing several successful albums such as “Moja bogda sna” (1993), “Fotografija” (1995), and the highly acclaimed “Sredinom” (2000). This album, in particular, became a massive hit, selling around 2,000,000 copies in the former Yugoslav republics. Merlin’s solo career also saw him perform at large venues, including a record-breaking concert at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo. Merlin’s music style is predominantly pop, incorporating elements of rock, folk, jazz, and classical music. His lyrics often explore themes like love, loss, nostalgia, and social issues. He has collaborated with various artists, including Haris Džinović and Goran Bregović, and has won numerous awards, such as the Zlatni melos, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Porin awards. Notably, Merlin represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions. He wrote and performed “Sva bol svijeta” in 1993 and collaborated with French singer Béatrice in 1999 for the song “Putnici.” His contributions to music and culture have made him one of the most influential figures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the year 2000, Dino Merlin’s career continued to flourish, solidifying his status as one of the most prominent figures in the music scene of the Balkans. His album “Sredinom,” released in 2000, was a monumental success, becoming the top-selling album in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the former Yugoslav republics. The album’s remarkable sales, estimated around 2,000,000 copies, set a new benchmark in the region. Merlin’s “Sredinom” tour comprised over 200 concerts, including a historic, record-breaking performance at the Koševo Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo, attracting an audience of approximately 80,000 people. In the subsequent years, Merlin continued to release successful albums, including “Burek” in 2004, “Ispočetka” in 2008, “Hotel Nacional” in 2014 and “Mi” in 2021.  He was also deeply involved in the cultural and national identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Merlin was invited by the Bosnian state government to write its first-ever national anthem, “Jedna si jedina,” which served as the state’s anthem until the late 1990s. His Eurovision participation continued, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina again in 2011 with the song “Love in Rewind.” In 2021, Merlin released the single “Jedan dan jedna noć”. followed in 2022 by “Krive karte” and “Kako da ti kažem”. In November 2023, his song “Skoro će zima” came out. Entries Love In Rewind Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsMaya SarAida MušanovićEdvin HadžićNermin PuškarMahir BeatHouse Results Semi Points: 109Position: 5Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 125Position: 6Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/1VCS-qa1RGs?si=FBzGadMTDfxGNLZJ Putnici (& Beatrice) Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2012 Language🇬🇧 English LyricsDino Dervišhalidović MusicDino Dervišhalidović BackingsVesna Andrée-ZaimovićSelma Muhedinović?? Results Points: 86Position: 7Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/RRxgcossuOs?si=hKA-jipYhE8QZlkb

Read More »

Jessika

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameJessica Muscat Born27 February 1989 Nationality???????? Maltese National SelectionMalta Song For Europe 2008Malta Eurosong 2009Malta Eurosong 2010Malta Eurosong 2011Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2015Malta Eurovision Song Contest 20161 in 360 2018 (San Marino)Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongWho we are (2018, with Jenifer Brening) Biography Jessica Muscat, better known as Jessika, is a Maltese singer, songwriter and actress. She was born in Mosta. In 2004, she participated in the national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Four years later, she took part in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. She did so continuously every year until 2016.  Jseeika toured throughout the United Kingdom in 2009 and took singing lessons in the United States. She took part in the International Discovery Festival in Varna, Bulgaria. Her debut single “Golden ways” was released in 2012, followed in 2016 by “Can’t let go”. Meanwhile, she plays in a soap opera called Ħbieb u Għedewwa on a daily basis. In 2018, she took part in the Sammarinese national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She sang “Out of the twilight” solo and “Who we are” originally in a duet with Sammarinese rapper Irol. When he withdrew, he was replaced by Jenifer Brening. Jessika and Jenifer won the contest and represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. A new single, “No la conoces”, was released a year after the Eurovision adventure. With the song “Kaleidoscope”, Jessika returned to Malta Eurovision Song Contest, the Maltese national final, in 2022. Entries Who We Are (with Jenifer Brening) Country???????? San Marino Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening MusicMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening BackingsLeni SommerBasti SchmidtCarlota de Bastos CarreiraJoana de Lima Results Semi Points: 28Position: 17Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/66D0pKVdA-4

Read More »

Laura Põldvere

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameLaura Põldvere Born30 August 1988 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021 (Finland)Eesti Laul 2020Eesti Laul 2017Eesti Laul 2016Eesti Laul 2009Eurolaul 2007Eurolaul 2005 In Eurovision2017 Kyiv2005 Kyiv SongVerona (2017, with Koit Toome)Let’s get loud (2005, Suntribe) Biography Laura Põldvere is an Estonian singer. She was born in the Estonian city of Tartu. Laura’s career started in 2005, when she took part in Eurolaul, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. As a solo singer, she sang “Moonwalk”. The song became 2nd and reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. However, she also participated as a member of the girlband Suntribe. The group won and represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Let’s get loud”. The band had previously recorded a song in Estonian, “Ei tunne mind”. After 2005, the group split up and Laura went for a solo career. In 2007, Laura was back in Eurolaul, this time with the song “Sunflower”. She reached the 3rd place. Again, Laura’s song reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. In the same year, on 1 September, her debut album “Muusa” was released. Laura took a break from her singing career to study at Berklee College in Boston, USA.In 2009, Laura made a comeback at Eesti Laul, now the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song “Destiny” reached a 3rd place. Another album followed, “Ultra”, which was released on 8 December 2009. In November 2011 the album was followed by a compilation album with the title “Sädemeid taivast”. After a few years of silence, Laura made a comeback in 2016, and her stage again was Eesti Laul. The song “Supersonic” became 2nd and again was good for a #1 in the Estonian charts. The follow up song “94-95” had the same success. Together with Koit Toome, Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2017. The song “Verona” won and took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. “Verona” did not reach the final. On 12 May 2017 however, a “Greatest hits” album appeared with “Verona” on it. In 2018, Laura released a few non-album singles: “Waterfall”, “Tõusulained” and “Lennujaamas”. A new album, “9 Elu” found it’s release on 3 December 2019. On this album a.o. another duet with Koit Toome. In 2020, Laura took part in Eesti Laul again. The song this time was called “Break me”. Laura reached the 11th place in the final this time. The song was followed by one in Estonian, “On meie aeg”. In 2021, Laura participated in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, the Finnish national selection for the Eurovision song contest. Unfortunately, her song “Play” became last in the final. After this, she released two new singles and went on to perform in Poland and Italy. In 2022, on 11 March, a new single was released: “Gameboy”, which was a collaboration with Jyrise. The band Tabloided invited her to record a song together, which was titled “Zeitgeist”. In May of that year, the new song “Prayers to you” came out. In the summer, Laura organized a music camp, Make Music Until You Drop.  It was in March 2023 that Laura released a song called „Lilled jäävadki Sulle“. With that song, she participated in the show Uus Laul II. She and her team reached the final of the contest. In August she opened for Bonnie Tyler. A new single, “Pahupidi”, was released in September. Laura took part in Eesti Laul 2024, where she sang “Here’s Where I Draw The Line”. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to the final. Entries Verona (with Koit Toome) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2017 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus BackingsKaire VilgatsDagmar OjaRolf Roosalu Results Semi Points: 85Position: 14Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/NxqPpzWYN1c Let’s get loud (Suntribe) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2005 LanguageEnglish LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus Backings– Results Semi Points: 31Position: 20Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/mqvOUfdwQtw

Read More »

Ermal Meta

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameErmal Meta Born20 April 1981 Nationality???????? Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021Festival di Sanremo 2018Festival di Sanremo 2017 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongNon mi avete fatto niente (2018) Biography Ermal Meta is an Italian songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Albania but went to Italy when he was 13. Ermal began playing piano and guitar at 16 and was part of several bands before joining Ameba 4, as a guitarist. This band took part in the Festival of San Remo 2006 in the sezione Giovani . They released one album, but broke up not too long after the festival.In 2007 Meta founded the group La Fame di Camilla, with whom he made the three studio albums. Also this band took part in the sezione Giovani of the Festival of San Remo, in 2010. Following the dissolution of the group, Meta started writing for other artists. In 2014 he wrote the song “Tutto misce”, inserted in the soundtrack of the television series Braccialetti rossi. In october he released his debut single “Lettera a mio padre”.  In november 2015 the single “Odio le favole” was released. Meta took part in Sanremo Giovani 2015, being selected among the Nuove Proposti of the Sanremo Festival 2016.  Around that time, his first studio album “Umano” was released.In 2017 Meta took part in the Festival of San Remo in the “Big” section with the song “Vietato morire”. This was also the title of Meta’s second album. The album reached the top of the Italian charts.  Together with Fabrizio Moro, Meta took part in the festival of San Remo 2018 with the song “Non mi avete fatto niente”. The song won the first prize in San Remo. When asked to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest, the two decided to say yes. The festival was followed by a new album, “Non abbiamo armi”. He promoted the album by a tour and in 2019, he released a live album “Non abbiamo armi – Il concerto”. In 2019 he wrote several songs for Alberto Urso. The following year Meta joined the Italian supergroup Allstars 4 Life which brought together over fifty Italian artists for the recording of the song “Ma il cielo è semper blu”. The money, earned with the single, was donated to the Italian Red Cross to support Il Tempo della Gentilezza, a project to support the most fragile people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meta presented the new single “Finerà bene” during the concert of the 1st of May.  On January 15, 2021, the single “No Satisfaction” was released, aimed at anticipating his fourth album. The album, titled “Tribù urbana” was released on March 12 of the same year and included in the track list the other single “Un milione di cose da dirti”. With this song, Ermal took part in the 71st Sanremo Festival, where it was ranked third. On November 26, Meta released single “Milano non esiste”, which was followed on March 4, 2022 by “Una cosa più grande” in collaboration with Giuliano Sangiorgi. In the same year he published the book “Domani e per sempre”, set in Albania during World War II. Entries Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente Country???????? Italy Year2018 LanguageItalian LyricsErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo MusicErmal MetaFabrizio MoroAndrea Febo BackingsRoberto MaccaroniAndrea Vigentini Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 308Position: 5Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/81M-mp5t8uM

Read More »

Waylon

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameWillem Bijkerk Born20 April 1980 Nationality???????? Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2018Internal selection 2014Nationaal Songfestival 2005 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon2014 Copenhagen SongOutlaw in ’em (2018)Calm after the storm (The Common Linnets, 2014) Biography Waylon is a Dutch singer, songwriter and musicion. He was born in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. He chose his stage name as he was a fan of Waylon Jennings. In 1995 he started singing in the tv show Telekids. He signed a record contract in 1997 and was allowed to record an album in Nashville. However, it was never released. In 2001 he lived and worked in the United States for a year . He appeared in the show of his idol Waylon Jennings with whom he also worked. Jennings passed away and Bijkerk returned to the Netherlands. After his return, he sang in the bands Santa Rosa and Millstreet. Waylon joined Rachel Kramer in 2005 as the duo ‘Rachel & Waylon’ in Het Nationaal Songfestival, the Dutch national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2008 he reached the final of Holland’s Got Talent. Despite the fact he did not win, this marked his breakthrough. His first record, “Wicked way”, became a huge hit in the Netherlands. It was followed by a debut album, “Wicked ways”, in 2009. In april 2010, he won a 3FM Award as ‘best newcomer’ and a TMF Award as ‘new talent’. In october 2011, his second album “After all” followed and he won another 3FM Award, now for ‘best singer’.Together with Ilse Delange, Waylon formed The Common Linnets. They represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Calm after the storm” and became 2nd. After Eurovision, the only performance of the two together was at the Tuckerville concert in Enschede, organized by The Common Linnets. After this concert, Waylon left the band.Two solo albums followed: “Heaven after midnight” (2014) and “Seeds” (2016). Meanwhile, Waylon was a coach in The Voice of Holland. In 2018, Waylon took part in the Eurovision Song Contest again, now as a solo singer with the song “Outlaw in ’em’. He reached the final again. The song was also released on his new album, “World can wait”. A tour with the subject ‘outlaws in country music’ followed: My heroes have always been cowboys. In december 2019, Waylon released a 6th album, “Human”. During the first lockdown of COVID19, he sang a version of Willeke Alberti’s song “Samen zijn”, together with the original singer and Wibi Soerjadi.In 2022, Waylon started singing in Dutch. His duet with former Eurovision-host Jan Smit (as Willem & Jan), “Tussen jou en mij” was released on single. Entries Outlaw In ‘Em Country???????? The Netherlands Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy MusicJim BeaversWaylonIlya Toshinskiy BackingsJustin PieplenboschPierre AngandaRoger MakadiPieter LikiyoBrandon Likiyo Results Semi Points: 174Position: 7Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 121Position: 18Running order: 23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jHz5asMs8 Calm After Storm (The Common Linnets) Country???????? Country Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge MusicIlse De LangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge BackingsJB MeijersBart VergoossenMartijn Van Agt Results Semi Points: 150Position: 1Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 238Position: 2Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA

Read More »

Elnur Hüseynov

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameElnur Hüseynov Born03 March 1987 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2015Land of Fire 2008 In Eurovision2015 Vienna2008 Belgrade SongHour of the wolf (2015)Day after day (Elnur & Samir) Biography Elnur Hüseynov is an Azerbaijani singer. He was born on March 3, 1987, in Ashgabat. In 1992, he entered the ROXMIM for gifted children alongside the Turkmenistan Conservatory, where he received education in piano class. In 1999, Elnur Hüseynov came to Baku and was admitted to the Dental Technical Specialty of the Medical School in 2000. However, in 2001, he left the medical school and joined the Asaf Zeynalli Music School. Elnur worked at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater for a while. After graduating from the Music School in 2004, he learned the profession of stylist-barber. In the early years, in 2003, Elnur participated for the second time in the Sing Your Song project. He won the grand prize. This was his first success in his career. In 2005, he recorded the song “Besdir” with the group Prestij, written by Eldar Mansurov. Later, a music video was made for this song. In late 2007, Elnur performed at the Lighting Azerbaijan international concert program in the assembly hall of the Kiev President Hotel in Ukraine.  In 2008, Elnur Hüseynov participated in the national selection to represent Azerbaijan for the first time at the Eurovision Song Contest. Elnur performed the song “If You Never Back,”. Later, he performed the song “Day After Day” in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh. After the jury’s voting, it was announced that they had won the duet category with Samir. At the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, they were the first ever representants from Azerbaijan. In the final held on May 24, they placed 8th among the 25 countries competing in the final. Travel to Ukraine and subsequent years In December 2009, Elnur announced that he would continue his music career in Ukraine and would not return to Azerbaijan. However, he returned to his homeland a few months later. In April 2010, Elnur participated as a contestant in the  reality show Maşın but was eliminated on the first day. In 2010, Elnur participated in a musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, portraying the character of Phoebus de Châteaupers. This musical marked a first in Elnur’s career.  On December 1, 2014, Elnur participated in the O Ses Türkiye (The Voice of Turkey) competition, which aired on Turkey’s TV8 channel.  After winning the final stage, it was determined that Elnur received the highest number of votes ever recorded in the competition, reaching one million votes.  Elnur was chosen internally to represent Azerbaijan again in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. He presented his song “Hour of the wolf”, reached the final and became 12th in the contest. In 2015, Elnur performed the song “Avropa Oyunları qədim Bakı torpağında” (European Games in Ancient Baku Land) dedicated to the inaugural European Games held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. He performed the song together with Samir Javadzadeh and Honored Artist Sevda Elekberzadeh. Although Samir and Sevda initially performed the duet, Elnur later joined them. They performed the song in both Azerbaijani and English languages. Elnur Hüseynov also performed live shows before the opening ceremony held at Baku Olympic Stadium on June 12.  In 2017, Elnur released a music video for his new song “Vibration,” with lyrics by Diana Hajiyeva and music by Isfar Sarabski. In September 2018 he released a new single again, this time with the title “Dreamer”. Ali Nasib wrote another song for Elnur. “Try to be yourself” was released on 26 April 2019. In 2020, Elnur teamed up with Ilgara Kazimova for the song “Deniz ver”. In 2021, Elnur joined a new band, the Sonar House Collective. Their debut single “Since I know you” was released on the 1st of February of that year.  In February 2023, Elnur had a concert together with the “Mavi Ürəklər” blue choir, consisting of members with autism syndrome. On 7 April of the same year, his new video and song “Monster pop” was released. He performed at a youth festival organized for the Heydar Aliyev Year. Entries Hour Of The Wolf Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas RebscherSandra Bjurman MusicLina HanssonNicklas LifNicolas Rebscher BackingsKrysten CummingsNicklas LifTamara Nivillac DancersJulia SpiesserLukas McFarlane Results Semi Points: 53Position: 10Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 49Position: 12Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/IcVrAFtc5YI Day After Day (Elnur & Samir) Country Azerbaijan Year2008 LanguageEnglish LyricsZahra Bədəlbəyli MusicGovher Hasanzadə BackingsNames of the 2 dancers and 2 backing singers are unknown. Results Semi Points: 96Position: 6Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 132Position: 8Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/6OGVL_9P5fw

Read More »

Electro Velvet

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAlex LarkeBianca Nicholas Active2014-2015, 2018 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongStill In Love With You Biography Electro Velvet were a British musical duo. The duo existed of Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke. Bianca Nicholas has appeared on popular TV shows like The X Factor and The Voice UK. She has had notable performances, including singing a duet with Will Young and performing in front of Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. In 2011, Nicholas released a single called “Hold On To Your Dreams,” which made it onto the UK Top 100 singles chart. Additionally, she had a small role in the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp. It’s worth noting that Nicholas suffers from cystic fibrosis. Larke, on the other hand, was born in Welwyn Garden City. He currently serves as the lead singer for The Rolling Stones tribute group called The Rolling Clones and has toured extensively with the band in the UK and internationally. Larke has collaborated with notable artists like Cut La Roc and Donald D on their album Larger Than Life, which also features Gary Lightbody, the frontman of Snow Patrol. Apart from his music career, Larke works part-time in a primary school and teaches ukulele and recorder. In the past, he worked in a special needs school, focusing on children and young adults with profound to severe learning difficulties. Regarding their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, Electro Velvet was chosen by the BBC to represent the United Kingdom with their song “Still in Love with You.” The song received mixed to negative reviews upon its announcement. In the contest, they received 5 points and ranked 24th out of 27 participants.  Following their Eurovision experience, Electro Velvet expressed gratitude to their fans on their official Facebook page and hinted at upcoming plans. However, their debut EP, which was scheduled for release and available for pre-order on PledgeMusic, was ultimately canceled due to Nicholas’ ongoing health issues. After a pause of three years, Electro Velvet went back to the studio in 2018 to record a new song, “Take me home”. However, the song did not know any follow up. Entries Still In Love With You Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsDavid MindelAdrian Bax White MusicDavid MindelAdrian Bax White BackingsScarlette DouglasJoe HuntSophie Carmen JonesRyan Heseltine Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 5Position: 24Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/Ethyx4A5ajM

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Musiqq

© Mysuka, Wikimedia Commons About Quick Facts MembersMarats OgļezņevsEmīls Balceris Born2009 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongAngel In Disguise (2011) Biography Musiqq, a Latvian pop music duo from Liepāja, was formed in 2009 by Marats Ogļezņevs and Emīls Balceris. The formation process began when Marats Ogļezņevs left his previous group “Device” and invited Emīls Balceris to collaborate. They had first met in 2008 while participating in the TV show “Koru kari” (“Choir Wars”), where they both sang in the Liepājas red choir, led by singer Chilli. Following this, after seeing Balceris perform on a youth broadcast, Ogļezņevs reached

Read More »

Greta Salóme

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir Born11 November 1986 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2016Söngvakeppnin 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm2012 Baku SongHear Them Calling (2016)Never Forget (with Jónsi, 2012) Biography Greta Salóme (born in 1986, in Mosfellsbær in the west of Iceland) is an Icelandic pop singer, composer, songwriter, and violinist. Currently, she plays the second violin in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavík. Starting at the age of four, Greta began her journey as a violinist and has since performed numerous classical concerts.  In 2012 and 2013, Greta achieved success in the Icelandic preselection competition, Söngvakeppnin, for the Eurovision

Read More »

Dino Merlin

About Quick Facts NameEdin Dervišhalidović Born12 September 1962 Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2011Vaš šlager sezone 1999 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf1999 Jerusalem SongLove In Rewind (2011)Putnici (with Beatrice, 1999) Biography Dino Merlin, born Edin Dervišhalidović on September 12, 1962, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a renowned Bosnian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He grew up in the historic Alifakovac neighborhood of Sarajevo. Despite his mother’s initial reluctance, Dino pursued a career in music, forming his first band, Merlin, with childhood friends. Merlin’s early life was marked by his parents’ divorce when he was seven, leading him to be raised by his

Read More »

Jessika

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameJessica Muscat Born27 February 1989 Nationality???????? Maltese National SelectionMalta Song For Europe 2008Malta Eurosong 2009Malta Eurosong 2010Malta Eurosong 2011Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2015Malta Eurovision Song Contest 20161 in 360 2018 (San Marino)Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongWho we are (2018, with Jenifer Brening) Biography Jessica Muscat, better known as Jessika, is a Maltese singer, songwriter and actress. She was born in Mosta. In 2004, she participated in the national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Four years later, she

Read More »

Laura Põldvere

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameLaura Põldvere Born30 August 1988 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021 (Finland)Eesti Laul 2020Eesti Laul 2017Eesti Laul 2016Eesti Laul 2009Eurolaul 2007Eurolaul 2005 In Eurovision2017 Kyiv2005 Kyiv SongVerona (2017, with Koit Toome)Let’s get loud (2005, Suntribe) Biography Laura Põldvere is an Estonian singer. She was born in the Estonian city of Tartu. Laura’s career started in 2005, when she took part in Eurolaul, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. As a solo singer, she sang “Moonwalk”. The song became 2nd and reached the #1 spot in the Estonian charts. However, she also participated as

Read More »

Ermal Meta

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameErmal Meta Born20 April 1981 Nationality???????? Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021Festival di Sanremo 2018Festival di Sanremo 2017 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongNon mi avete fatto niente (2018) Biography Ermal Meta is an Italian songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Albania but went to Italy when he was 13. Ermal began playing piano and guitar at 16 and was part of several bands before joining Ameba 4, as a guitarist. This band took part in the Festival of San Remo 2006 in the sezione Giovani . They released one album, but broke up not too

Read More »

Waylon

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameWillem Bijkerk Born20 April 1980 Nationality???????? Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2018Internal selection 2014Nationaal Songfestival 2005 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon2014 Copenhagen SongOutlaw in ’em (2018)Calm after the storm (The Common Linnets, 2014) Biography Waylon is a Dutch singer, songwriter and musicion. He was born in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. He chose his stage name as he was a fan of Waylon Jennings. In 1995 he started singing in the tv show Telekids. He signed a record contract in 1997 and was allowed to record an album in Nashville. However, it was never released. In 2001 he lived and worked

Read More »

Elnur Hüseynov

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameElnur Hüseynov Born03 March 1987 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2015Land of Fire 2008 In Eurovision2015 Vienna2008 Belgrade SongHour of the wolf (2015)Day after day (Elnur & Samir) Biography Elnur Hüseynov is an Azerbaijani singer. He was born on March 3, 1987, in Ashgabat. In 1992, he entered the ROXMIM for gifted children alongside the Turkmenistan Conservatory, where he received education in piano class. In 1999, Elnur Hüseynov came to Baku and was admitted to the Dental Technical Specialty of the Medical School in 2000. However, in 2001, he left the medical school and joined

Read More »

Electro Velvet

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAlex LarkeBianca Nicholas Active2014-2015, 2018 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongStill In Love With You Biography Electro Velvet were a British musical duo. The duo existed of Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke. Bianca Nicholas has appeared on popular TV shows like The X Factor and The Voice UK. She has had notable performances, including singing a duet with Will Young and performing in front of Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. In 2011, Nicholas released a single called “Hold On To Your Dreams,” which made it onto the

Read More »