Duets

🇪🇪 Road To Malmö: Estonia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Estonia. 5miinust 5miinust is a popular hip hop group from Võsu, Estonia, established in 2015. The group initially consisted of Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with Venelane joining later. Venelane left the group in 2023, returning it to its original lineup. They first gained major attention in 2018 after their albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar” became top sellers. Their 2019 collaboration with Nublu, “Aluspükse,” topped the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks. Signed to Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, they’ve produced multiple number-one singles. 5miinust has won several Estonian Music Awards, including Artist of the Year twice. Recently, they won Eesti Laul 2024, earning the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Puuluup Puuluup is an Estonian nu-folk duo formed in 2014 by Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Known for their innovative use of the hiiu kannel (a traditional stringed instrument) and loopers, they create a unique sound. They began their music journey with the release of “Süüta mu lumi” in 2018, followed by “Kasekesed / Kasekäpa” in 2020, and “Viimane suusataja” in 2021. In 2023, Puuluup teamed up with hip hop group 5miinust for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for Eurovision. Their entry won the competition, earning them the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Eesti Laul Eesti Laul, previously named Eurolaul, is the Estonian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 15 songs competed in a semifinal. 5 of them headed to the final, where 5 other songs were added. Former participant Laura Põldvere participated in the semifinal but didn’t make it to the final. Ollie, 5miinust & Puuluup and Nele-Liis Vaiksoo competed in a superfinal, where televoters decided for 5miinust and Puuluup to win with the song “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi“. Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest The debut of Estonia came in 1993, when Janika Sillamaa participated in the Eastern European preselection Kvalifikacija Za Millstreet. The country failed to qualify, but Estonia had a song in the 1994 contest. So far, Estonia won only one time: in 2001 with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton and their song “Everybody”. The year before, Ines was 4th with “Once in a lifetime”. The year after, Sahlene was 3rd with “Runaway”. Those were the three times that Estonia made it to the top-5. Last year, Alika did well with an 8th place. The Bookmakers Currently, the Estonian song is 21st in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds for the semifinal, Estonia has a 9th place. So at this moment it is likely for Estonia to qualify for the final. The Song And this is the song:

🇪🇸 Road To Malmö: Spain

photo: EBU We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Spain. Nebulossa Nebulossa is a lively electropop duo from Ondara, Spain, made up of singer María “Mery” Bas and keyboardist Mark Dasousa. They started making music together in 2018 after bumping into each other in an elevator, which shows sometimes amazing things happen by chance! Their name, Nebulossa, comes from their fascination with nebulae and also nods to the Valencian language with its unique spelling. They first caught everyone’s attention with their EP “Ufo” in 2019 and have been dazzling us with hit songs like “La Colmena” and “Océano de Palabras” since then. By 2021, they were really making waves with their album “Poliédrica de mí.” They even grew to a trio when Ophelia Alibrando joined in 2022, and tried to represent San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest. Although they didn’t make it that year, their spirit never faded. In 2024, they took Benidorm Fest by storm with their song “Zorra,” winning their way to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Benidorm Fest Since 2022, the Spanish entry is chosen via Benidorm Fest. There has been a contest in Benidorm in the past, from 1958 to 2007, but it has never been the national final for Eurovision. How different that was with the return of Benidorm Fest in 2022!Two semifinals with eight songs each and a final, also with eight songs, made up the contest. The songs were chosen by an expert jury, a demoscopic jury and televoters. While the expert jury prefered St. Pedro, the other two chose Nebulossa. In the end, the latter won the contest. Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest It was Conchita Bautista who brought Spain to Eurovision in 1961 with her song “Estando contigo”. The song “Zorra” is the 63rd Spanish entry. Two times in a row a victory was there: in 1968 Massiel got the trophy with her song “La la la” and a year later, Salomé did the job with her “Vivo cantando”. In the years, Spain didn’t win anymore but came close to it. “Eres tu” by Mocedades was 2nd in 1973 and became a Eurovision classic. It was until the very last moment in 1979 that Betty Missiego could be the winner with her “Su canción”. In recent years, Spain was 3rd in the contest with Chanel’s “SloMo”. Salomé wearing a porcelain dress The Bookmakers Spain is placed directly in the final. That means there are no betting odds for any semifinal. Currently, Spain is 23rd in the odds to win the contest. However, that might change completely when the rehearsals start. The song And this is the song:

🇦🇲 Road To Malmö: Armenia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Armenia. Ladaniva Ladaniva is a special band from Lille, France, known for its unique world music. The group was created by Zhaklin Baghdasaryan and Louis Thomas. Zhaklin was born in Armenia in 1997 and moved to France in 2014. She’s been singing since she was a kid. Louis, born in Lille in 1987, comes from a family of musicians and is a talented jazz artist. They met in 2018 during a music session in Lille and formed Ladaniva in 2019. Their music is inspired by sounds from around the world, like the Balkans, Maloya, and Armenian traditions. The name “Ladaniva” comes from an old Russian car, the Lada Niva. They became popular during the 2020 lockdown with videos that got a lot of love online. In 2023, they put out their first album with [PIAS]. Armenian Language The Armenian language is a unique and ancient language spoken by millions of people, mainly in Armenia and in communities around the world. It’s part of the Indo-European family, which means it’s distantly related to languages like English, Spanish, and Russian, but it stands out because it has its own branch in this family tree. Armenian has its own alphabet, invented by a scholar named Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century. This was a big deal because it helped preserve the country’s culture and literature. Armenian is split into two main types: Eastern Armenian, which is spoken in Armenia, and Western Armenian, used by Armenians in other countries. Even though it’s old, Armenian is very much alive, changing over time and used in books, music, and on the internet. It’s a language with a rich history, connecting people to their heritage and to each other. Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest Ladaniva provides the 16th Armenian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. They started participating in 2006, when André represented the country. “Without your love” was an instant success with an 8th place in the Eurovision final. Armenia reached the top-5 twice, both with a 4th place. In 2008 it was Sirusho‘s “Qele Qele”, in 2014 Aram mp3‘s “Not alone”. The latter was the number 1 at the bookmakers for a long time. We can not speak about Armenian Eurovision history without mentioning Rosa Linn and her “Snap”. In the Grand Final of 2022 she reached a 20th place only. Thanks to TikTok “Snap” became a worldwide hit and one of the most viewed Eurovision songs ever. The Bookmakers Currently, Armenia is 17th in the odds to win the Eurovision Song Contest. The country is 5th in the odds to reach the final this year. Conclusion: it is safe to say that Armenia might do well in the contest again. The Song And this is the song:

🇦🇺 Road to Malmö: Australia

photo: EBU/SBS We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Australia. Electric Fields Electric Fields is an Australian electronic music duo, composed of the talented vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and keyboardist/producer Michael Ross. They incorporate Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and English into their music. Their musical journey includes the release of an EP, numerous singles, and their upcoming representation of Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their song “One Milkali (One Blood).” The duo’s origins trace back to their solo appearances on The X Factor Australia, with Fielding competing in 2011 and Ross in 2013. They united as Electric Fields in 2015, debuting with the celebrated EP “Inma” in 2016, which was lauded for its emotional resonance and cultural richness. They’ve been recognized with several awards, including Best New Talent at the 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards, and have gained prominence for their performances and collaborations, including a notable partnership with Norwegian group Keiino. Electric Fields stands out not only for their music but also for their personal stories and advocacy. Fielding, from Mimili in the APY lands, brings a rich Indigenous Australian heritage to their music and visual arts, earning significant accolades such as the Wynne Prize and Ramsay Art Prize People’s Choice prize in 2023. Ross contributes a diverse musical influence, enhancing their sound. Together, they embody a philosophy of authenticity and unity, breaking conventional boundaries and celebrating their queer identities. Their story, told in the documentary “Voice From The Desert,” highlights their journey and the transformative power of their music. Yankunytjatjara The Yankunytjatjara language is a proud testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous Australia, belonging to the Western Desert language group. Spoken by the Yankunytjatjara people, it thrives in the central desert region of Australia, particularly around Uluru and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Despite facing challenges from historical and modern pressures, efforts to revitalize and preserve Yankunytjatjara are robust, involving educational programs and community initiatives. Its linguistic structure, embodying the intricate relationship between the land and its people, offers invaluable insights into Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and spirituality. Yankunytjatjara not only facilitates communication but also serves as a living repository of ancestral wisdom and cultural identity. Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Australian performance in the Eurovision Song Contest was Jessica Mauboy’s guest performance in 2014. As a reward for years of broadcasting the contest, Australia was able to take part in the contest itself for the first time in 2015. Guy Sebastian debuted with “Tonight again” and reached a 5th place. A year later, Dami Im was 2nd in the contest with her song “Sound of silence”. With three more top-10 positions, up until last year with Voyager, Australia is quite a succesful country in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Bookmakers Australia is currently 27th in the betting odds to win the contest. However, fans expect a special performance during the contest itself, which might completely change the odds for Electric Fields. The song This is the song:

🇦🇿 Road to Malmö: Azerbaijan

photo: EBU We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Azerbaijan. Fahree Fahree, an emerging Azerbaijani musician, was born into a culturally rich family in Baku, 1995. With a jazz drummer father and an esteemed actor grandfather, the arts were deeply ingrained in his upbringing. Despite a diligent academic pursuit resulting in law degrees, the 2020 pandemic rekindled his inherent musical inclination. Forsaking law for his true calling, Fahree launched his music career with the 2022 hit “Dance.” Further success came with “Apardı uzağlara,” a collaboration with Mila Miles. His track “Yollar” solidified his rising fame in February 2023. Come March 2024, Fahree’s artistic journey ascended as he was chosen to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest. Ilkin Dovlatov Ilkin Dovlatov, a distinguished Azerbaijani mugham vocalist, was born into a musical family on June 16, 1990, in Baku. His talent emerged early with a debut performance at age four. Recognized by his school music teacher, Dovlatov pursued his musical aspirations, leading to his acclaim as the runner-up on The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2023, guided by mentor Ilqar Khayal. He further showcased his abilities in the Azəri Star contest. In October 2023, he joined the final contenders for Azerbaijan’s Eurovision entry, eventually teaming up with Fahree to perform “Özünlə apar” on the Eurovision stage, representing their cultural heritage with pride. Mugham Mugham is an intricate form of traditional Azerbaijani music, renowned for its rich improvisational character. It intertwines passionate singing with the complex modal structure of the “mugham” modes, often accompanied by the tar (a long-necked lute), the kamancheh (a bowed string instrument), and the daf (a type of frame drum). Rooted in the cultural intersections of the Silk Road, mugham is more than music; it’s a spiritual journey that narrates stories of love, loss, and the divine through its deeply emotional and philosophical performances. This UNESCO-recognized art form is a cornerstone of Azerbaijani culture, reflecting the nation’s soul and historic ethos. It is the third time (after 2008 and 2012) that a mugham singer can be heard at Eurovision. Seyid Sushinski Ansambl, Mugham, photo: Wikimedia Commons Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest Elnur & Samir represented Azerbaijan in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Day after day”. It meant the debut of the country in the contest. With an 8th place, it was an immediate succes. So far the first and only victory came already in 2011, when Ell & Nikki won the contest with “Running scared”. But let’s not forget AySel & Arash (3rd in 2009), Safura (5th in 2010), Sabina Babayeva (5th in 2012) and Farid Mammadov (2nd in 2013). Last year, the twins TuralTuranX didn’t make it to the final. Ell & Nikki The Bookmakers Currently, Azerbaijan has a 30th place in the odds to win the contest. If we look at that, it might be a tough job for Azerbaijan to reach the final. However, stage performance and act might lift the country up in the ranking. The song And this is the song:

🇸🇪 Road to Malmö: Sweden

photo: PhotoAnnaR, Wikimedia Commons We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Sweden. Marcus & Martinus Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, the Norwegian identical twins behind the dance-pop duo M&M, have been captivating audiences since their 2012 debut. Hailing from Elverum, Norway, they were born on February 21, 2002, and swiftly rose to fame after winning Melodi Grand Prix Junior with “To dråper vann.” Their first album, “Hei,” and its hit singles, including “Elektrisk,” dominated the Norwegian charts. By 2016, the twins had expanded their reach, collaborating with Madcon on “Girls,” securing chart-topping success in Norway and Sweden, and releasing “Together,” their English-language album. They shone at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and continued to release chartbusters like “Like It Like It” and “First Kiss.” Their creative momentum continued with the album “Moments,” and singles like “Invited.” After a stint of new music, including “Belinda” with Alex Rose and “Feel” with Bruno Martini, they won Sweden’s “Masked Singer” in 2022. In 2023, they nearly captured Melodifestivalen with “Air,” and in 2024, they triumphed, earning the honor to represent Sweden at Eurovision with “Unforgettable,” marking a new pinnacle in their vibrant career. Melodifestivalen Already in the sixties, the name of the Swedish national final was Melodifestivalen. The past over 20 years, it has been a national final with 4 or 5 semifinals. It has become the most popular national final all over Europe. But who remembers Abba, not winning it in 1973 with “Ring Ring”, but winning it a year later with “Waterloo”? The rest is history. This year, many stars from Sweden took part in it, as every year. However, none of them participated in the Eurovision Song Contest before. Jury and televoter agreed with eachother: Marcus and Martinus were the winners for both. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Swedish entry came in 1958, but it all really started exactly 50 years ago. In 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo”, and changed Eurovision completely… forever! Ten years later, Herrey’s won with “Diggy-loo, diggy-ley”. Carola was the one who did the job in 1991 with “Fångad av en stormvind”. But since 1999, the chain of victories never ended: Charlotte Nilsson with “Take me to your heaven” in 1999, Loreen with “Euphoria” in 2012, Måns Zelmerlöw with “Heroes” in 2015 and Loreen again last year, with “Tattoo”. Sweden is one of two countries holding the record of most victories. photo: EBU/Chloe Hashemi The Bookmakers An 8th victory for Sweden is not likely. Currently, Marcus and Martinus hold the 10th place to win in the betting odds. What will really happen…. we’ll see! The song And this is the song:

🇺🇦 Road to Malmö: Ukraine

photo: UA:PBC We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Ukraine. Alyona Alyona Aliona Olehivna Savranenko, known professionally as Alyona Alyona, is a groundbreaking Ukrainian rapper and songwriter, born on June 14, 1991, in Kapitanivka, Novomyrhorod Raion, Kirovohrad Oblast. With a background in education, holding two bachelor’s degrees and experience as a kindergarten teacher, she transitioned from teaching to pursue music full-time. Gaining attention with her debut video for “Rybky” in October 2018, Alyona Alyona’s career quickly ascended. Her first album, “Pushka,” released in April 2019, showcased her storytelling prowess and unique approach to rap, earning her acclaim as “Ukraine’s most unlikely rap star” by Vogue. Alyona Alyona’s impact extended internationally with her signing to Def Jam Polska in 2020 and winning the Public Choice Award at the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards in 2021. Jerry Heil Yana Oleksandrivna Shemayeva, known as Jerry Heil, is a versatile Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and YouTuber, born on October 21, 1995, in Vasylkiv, near Kyiv. Her musical journey was shaped by her studies at the R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music and the Kyiv Conservatory. Adopting the stage name Jerry Heil at 15, she launched a YouTube channel in 2012, covering songs and sharing vlogs, which caught the attention of notable musicians, including Sviatoslav Vakarchuk from Okean Elzy. Signing with Vidlik Records in 2017, Heil’s debut EP, “De miy dim,” marked her professional entry into music. Her career further blossomed with hits like “Okhrana, otmyena,” leading to her debut album “Ya, Yana.” Heil’s distinctiveness continued with her engagement in Vidbir, notably winning Vidbir 2024 alongside Alyona Alyona with “Teresa & Maria” for Eurovision 2024. Fluent in multiple languages and a committed vegan, Heil’s personal and artistic choices are closely intertwined, reflecting her unique identity and values in the music industry. Vidbir Vidbir is the name of the Ukrainian national selection. The contest this year contained 11 entries. One of them was added in a late stadium as a wildcard, as a winner of an online election. One former Eurovision participant was among the contestants: Mélovin. The singer presented the song “Dreamer” and was the runner up of the contest. Following the completion of the performances, the Diia app (an app especially for the Ukrainian diaspora) experienced a malfunction, which caused the voting period to be prolonged and resulted in the postponement of the results announcement to February 4. Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest In 2003, Ukraine debuted in the contest. Already one year later, the country had its first victory: Ruslana won the contest with “Wild dances”. Ukraine won again in 2016 with Jamala‘s “1944” and in 2022 with Kalush Orchestra and “Stefania”. Ukraine never failed to reach the Grand Final, reaching the top-3 on no less than 6 occasions. photo: EBU The Bookmakers It looks like Ukraine is gonna be succesful: in the betting odds Ukraine is currently the 3rd country in chances to win the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. The song This is the song:

Ilkin Dovlatov

@EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts Nameİlkin Dövlətov Born16 June 1990 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongÖzünlə apar (& Fahree, 2024) Biography Ilkin Dovlatov (Azerbaijani: İlkin Dövlətov), born on June 16, 1990, is renowned for his contributions to Azerbaijani music as a mugham vocalist. Born into a musically inclined family in Baku in 1990, Dovlatov was greatly influenced by his father, sparking his interest in music from a young age. At just four years old, he performed “Qəlbimdə qaldı,” marking the beginning of his musical journey. His exceptional singing talent was recognized by a school music teacher who encouraged him to showcase his musical talents. Dovlatov’s career saw a significant milestone in 2023 when he participated in The Voice of Azerbaijan, specializing in native songs, under the mentorship of Ilqar Khayal. He secured the runner-up position in the competition and has also been a contestant in the Azəri Star song contest. In the latter part of October 2023, İctimai Television announced a group comprising Ilkin Dovlatov, Mila Miles, and Etibar Asadli as contenders in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest selection process for Azerbaijan. They progressed to the final six candidates the following week, performing the song “İnsanlar.” Although Fahree was initially chosen for the Eurovision representation on March 7, 2024, a subsequent announcement on March 13 revealed that Dovlatov would join Fahree on stage, presenting the song “Özünlə apar.” Unfortunately, the two didn’t reach the final. Entries Özünlə apar (& Fahree) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2024 LanguageEnglishAzerbaijani LyricsFahreeMado Salikh MusicFahreeEdgar RavinHasan HaydarMila Miles Backings– Results Semi Points: 11Position: 14Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QhN9r8TH2Hw?si=GOjsQd0BfXoI7M94

🇦🇿 The last entry of this year, Azerbaijan: Fahree & Ilkin Dövlatov with “Özünlə apar”

“Özünlə apar” is the song Azerbaijani Fahree will sing to represent his country during the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. All other countries had already announced their artist and song but Azerbaijan waited a while to release their song “Özünlə apar” on March 15th. And thus concluded the 37 act announcements. Fahree will perform the song together with singer Ilkin Dövlətov. Ilkin is known for his participation in the Azerbaijani version of “The Voice”. The song is a mix of pop and traditional elements. The music styles of the two artists will compliment each other. Fahree is considered a primarily pop artist while Dövlətov is known for incorporating more traditional and folk elements into his music. Additionally, Fahree stated: “We have already started preparations, our stage choreography will be really different and spectacular. Since the stage structure is very big and difficult, I will start acting lessons.” Moreover, a very interesting message was conveyed by “The Azeri Times” about Armenia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, “Jako” by Ladaniva. More specifically, the following text was posted on the official Twitter/X account of “The Azeri Times”: “Lovely music accompanied by a beautiful theme. The day we exchange 12 points between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a beautiful symbol of true peace. Here’s to hoping for that day!”

🇦🇲 Armenia presented their song

Armenia presented their song today. Only a few days ago, Armenian TV announced that the French/Armenian duo Ladaniva represents the country in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Now we know the song: “Jako”. The song is sung in Armenian; lyrics and music are from the duo itself, but the song is co-composed by Audrey Leclercq. Armenia will perform in the first half of the 2nd semifinal; this is the song: