Female Artists

🇷🇸 Road to Malmö: Serbia

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: Serbia. Teya Dora Teodora Pavlovska, known professionally as Teya Dora, was born on May 1, 1992, in Bor, Serbia. Balancing her academic endeavors in Belgrade with a musical education specializing in piano at the “Dr. Vojislav Vučković” Music School, she furthered her studies at Berklee College of Music. There, she focused on vocal studies alongside Charlie Puth and contributed backing vocals for American Grammy winners like Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson. After Berklee, she moved to New York, engaging in English songwriting for ARKTKT Publishing. Her Serbian music industry debut came with “Nema limita” for Nikolija in 2018, leading to numerous songwriting contributions for artists like Nataša Bekvalac. As a solo artist, her release “Da na meni je” in July 2019 marked the start of her vocal career, followed by her notable work “Džanum” for the “South Wind” series sequel, which achieved viral success on TikTok and significant streaming numbers on Spotify. By 2024, Teya Dora’s innovative musical contributions and unique blend of genres propelled her to represent Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Ramonda”, highlighting her as a significant figure in the Serbian music scene. Pesma Za Evroviziju The Serbian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest is called Pesma Za Evroviziju. The name exists since 2022. Before that, the national final was named Beovizija. This year the contest contained two semifinals with 14 songs each. The final consisted of 16 songs. A familiar name in the contest was the one of Konstrakta, who had a song and act being a close follow up of the 2022 song “In corpore sana”. Konstrakta reached a 4th place. Teya Dora was the no. 1 in both televote and jury vote. Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest Serbian artists have taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest in the past when Serbia was a part of Yugoslavia, and later Serbia and Montenegro. Serbia’s debut as an independent country was in 2007, when Maria Šerifović sang “Molitva” and won the contest. It was the only time Serbia won so far, but Željko Joksimović reached a 3rd place in 2012. Konstrakta was 5th in 2022. Last year, Luke Black reached the final but ended up in 24th place. photo: Indrek Galetin, Wikimedia Commons The bookmakers Currently, Serbia is in 18th place in the odds to win the Eurovision Song Contest. Although the odds for semifinal 1 are not ready, we can safely say that Serbia might reach the final. What they will do there depends on a lot of things. The song And this is the song:

🇨🇾 Road to Malmö: Cyprus

photo: EBU/CyBC 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: Cyprus. Silia Kapsis Silia Kapsis is a dynamic and talented Cypriot-Australian singer, dancer, and actress, chosen to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with her song “Liar”. Born on December 5, 2006, in Sydney, Australia, Kapsis has been making waves in the entertainment industry from a young age. Before her Eurovision selection, she was known for being the lead singer for the Australian Youth Performing Arts Company (AYPAC) and for performing at numerous high-profile events around the world. Her journey into music saw her releasing singles like “Who Am I?”, which she wrote and composed at the age of 12, followed by “No Boys Allowed” and “Disco Dancer” in 2023, showcasing her evolving musical style. Kapsis’s artistic talents extend beyond singing. She was selected for the ImmaBeast Dance Company in Los Angeles, has appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, and was featured in a dance documentary produced by Taboo from the Black-Eyed Peas. Her acting skills were highlighted in her role as Zoe in the short film “Pearly Gates”, and she has worked on various projects for Nickelodeon, including being a regular host on “Nick News”. Australians for Cyprus? Silia Kapsis is internally selected for the Eurovision Song Contest. Although born in Australia, she has Cypriot roots. That brings us to last year’s Cypriot participant: Andrew Lambrou. Andrew was also born and raced in Australia, but has Cypriot roots. For Cyprus, he reached a 12th place in the 2023 contest with the song “Break a broken heart”. Does that mean we have to look at Australia to know the 2025 Cypriot participant? photo: EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Cypriot song in the Eurovision Song Contest was “Monica”, from the group Island in 1981. Anna Vissi (1982), Chara & Andreas Constantinou (1997) and Lisa Andreas (2004) reached a 5th place. The best score ever came, however, from Eleni Foureira, whose “Fuego” reached a 2nd place in the 2018 contest and was even one of the hot favourites to win the competition. Eleni is still one of the more popular Eurovision participants. photo: EBU/Andres Putting The bookmakers Currently, Cyprus has a 24th place in the betting odds. Although the odds for the semifinals are not published yet, we can say from the winners’ list that Cyprus would get through as a 10th finalist. But who knows what will happen on the night of the 1st semifinal itself. The song And this is the song:

🇬🇪 Georgia: This is how “Firefighter” sounds

“Firefighter” is the title of the Georgian entry. Nutsa Buzaladze was already chosen some time ago to represent Georgia in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Her song is written and composed by Ada Skidka and Darko Dimitrov. Dimitrov pens the Georgian entry for the first time. However, he has written the North Macedonian entry on 6 occasions, the Serbian one 3 times and also 1 Montenegrin Eurovision Song. His biggest success was “Proud”, sung by Tamara Todevska; the song became 7th overall and the jury winner of 2019. This is how “Firefighter” sounds:

🇮🇱 “Hurricane” is the song for Israel

Tonight, the Israeli song “Hurricane” has been presented. Singer Eden Golan was chosen already a few months ago. Her entry was controversial: the lyrics of the song, originally titled “October rain”, where rejected by the EBU. Another text was also rejected; after that Israeli broadcaster changed the lyrics of “October rain”, now titled “Hurricane”. It became the Israeli song. The song is written and composed by Avi Ohion, Keren Peles and Stav Beger.

Iolanda

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameIolanda Costa Born04 November 1994 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival RTP Da Canção 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongGrito (2024) Biography Iolanda Costa, known simply as Iolanda, is a Portuguese singer and songwriter. Iolanda Costa was born in São Pedro, Figueira da Foz, on November 4, 1994. In her childhood, she moved to Pombal, where she discovered her passion for music. Her parents supported her interest, enrolling her in music studies first at Tecnimúsica, a local school, and later at the Conservatory. By the age of 14, in December 2008, Iolanda participated in the first edition of the contest Uma Canção para Ti, aired on TVI, but was eliminated in the 2nd gala. At 17, she again sought television exposure by participating in the 5th edition of Ídolos in 2012 on SIC, but did not advance to the live gala phase. After completing high school, Iolanda moved to Lisbon to pursue higher education and graduated in Communication Sciences from ISCSP. During this period, she sought to break into the music scene through performances in bars and national talent contests. Her journey continued when she moved to London to study songwriting at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute at the University of Sussex. In 2014, she competed in the Blind Auditions of the second season of The Voice Portugal on RTP1, performing “Who You Are” by Jessie J, yet none of the four mentors turned their chairs for her. Iolanda’s first significant contribution to music came in 2022 as a co-author and co-composer of the song “Mar No Fim,” performed by Blacci at the Festival da Canção. The following year, in 2023, she released her first EP titled “Cura,” which was inspired by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Iolanda achieved a notable milestone by being selected to compete in the RTP Festival da Canção with her song “Grito.” She won the contest on March 9, 2024, and was thus chosen to represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. Iolanda reached the Grand Final and got a 10th place there. Entries Grito Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2024 LanguagePortuguese LyricsIolanda Costa MusicIolanda CostaAlberto Hérnandez DancersGonçalo CarrapiçoInês GonferMélissa CarodosoRenato GarciaTelmo Teite Results Semi Points: 58Position: 8Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 10Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/OZn4-H6JvKU?si=OykbBlOVGYiKga_y

Teya Dora

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameTeodora Pavlovska Born01 May 1992 Nationality🇷🇸 Serbia National SelectionPesma za Evrovizija 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongRamonda (2024) Biography Teodora Pavlovska (born May 1, 1992, in Bor), known as Teya Dora, is a Serbian singer, composer, and producer. Biographical Overview Born on May 1, 1992, in Bor, within the former SFR Yugoslavia, Teodora Pavlovska balanced her academic pursuits in Belgrade with music education, specializing in piano at the “Dr. Vojislav Vučković” Music School. Her musical journey continued at Berklee College of Music in Boston, focusing on vocal studies, where she shared a classroom with Charlie Puth. Her experience expanded as she provided backing vocals for renowned American artists including Grammy winners Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Jerry Allen, and Valerie Simpson. Post-graduation, Pavlovska spent time in New York, where she engaged in English songwriting for ARKTKT Publishing. Her introduction to the Serbian music industry came in 2018 with the song “Nema limita” for Nikolija, leading to further songwriting contributions for Serbian talents such as “Dođi mami” (2019) for Nataša Bekvalac, “Jasno mi je” for Zoi, and “Pazi se” (2020) for Jovana Nikolić. Her own vocal career took off with the release of “Da na meni je” in July 2019 under Basivity label, followed by “Oluje” in March 2020 for the TV series “South Wind.” March 2023 saw the release of “Džanum” for the sequel series “South Wind: On the Edge,” which quickly went viral on TikTok, securing the fourth spot on Spotify’s global chart of viral songs by May 22. By June, Teya Dora joined the ranks as the third Serbian artist to garner over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, following the footsteps of Konstrakta and Luke Black who had similarly surged in popularity after their Eurovision appearances. The track also made its mark on Billboard’s music chart in Croatia, landing in the sixth position by the end of April. In addition to her solo projects, Teya Dora has contributed as a songwriter to the works of other prominent artists, including Nikolija, Nataša Bekvalac, Jovana Nikolić, Anastasija, and Zoi. On March 2nd, 2024, Teya Dora was chosen to represent Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Ramonda”. The song reached the Grand Final of the contest and gained a 17th place there. Entries Ramonda Country🇷🇸 Serbia Year2024 LanguageSerbian LyricsTeodora PavlovskaAndrijano Kadović Ajzi MusicTeodora PavlovskaLuka Jovanović Backings– Results Semi Points: 47Position: 10Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 54Position: 17Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/4hUg64uIY_4?si=P7UBm8ED4Wn-0Wo2

🇮🇱 Israel: Kan makes a statement about withdrawal

Today, Israeli broadcaster Kan made a statement about withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest. While Eden Golan was chosen to represent the country, it might be the song that causes a withdrawal. The song, “October rain”, is on investigation by the EBU; one of the rules of the contest is that no politics are allowed in the lyrics. To the Huffington post, an EBU spokesperson said: The EBU is currently in the process of scrutinising the lyrics, a process which is confidential between the EBU and the broadcaster until a final decision has been taken. All broadcasters have until 11 March to formally submit their entries.If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters are then given the opportunity to submit a new song or new lyrics, as per the rules of the Contest. This is the statement Kan published in response to “October rain” being investigated: It should be noted that as far as the Israel Broadcasting Corporation is concerned, there is no intention to replace the song. Meaning, if it is not approved by the European Broadcasting Union – Israel will not be able to participate in the competition that will be held in Sweden this coming May.

Luna

©EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameAleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas Born28 Augustus 1999 Nationality🇵🇱 Polish National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongThe Tower (2024) Biography Luna, known offstage as Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas (born on August 28, 1999, in Warsaw), is a prominent Polish vocalist, lyricist, and composer. Aleksandra was born in Warsaw. Her educational journey in music began with violin lessons. Furthering her academic pursuits, she attended a high school specializing in law and political sciences, from 2015 to 2018. Subsequently, she embarked on higher education in artes liberales at the University of Warsaw starting in 2018. Aleksandra’s musical career took off in 2010 when she joined the Władysław Skoraczewski-named Artos children’s choir at the Grand Theatre. Her involvement in operatic performances and theatrical productions at the Grand Theatre marked the beginning of her career in music. In 2018, her musical direction took a pivotal turn with her collaboration with Kayax record label on the “My Name is New” project, leading to the release of her debut single “Na wzgórzach niepokoju”. This period also saw her taking the stage at notable events, including the Night of Museums and the Pol’n’Rock Festival. 2020 was a transformative year for Aleksandra as she embraced the stage name Luna, collaborating with Michał “Fox” Król and releasing the single “Luna”. This marked a new chapter in her artistic expression, exploring new musical landscapes. She also ventured into incorporating cosmic sounds into her music, evident in singles like “Serca przemokną” and “Mniej”, featuring sounds from space provided by NASA. Her single “Zgaś” received acclaim, making its mark on the Polish music scene and receiving extensive radio play. Luna’s music, often described as “cosmic pop”, reflects her fascination with the cosmos, nature, and poetry, drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Cave and Björk. In 2024, Luna was selected to represent Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “The Tower”, showcasing her talents on an international stage. Unfortunately Luna did not manage to reach the final with her song. Aside from her musical career, Luna has contributed to theatrical productions and is actively involved in promoting music equality as an ambassador for the Equal Spotify campaign, achieving the distinction of being the first Polish woman featured on Times Square under this initiative. Entries The Tower Country🇵🇱 Poland Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAleksandra Katarzyna WielgomasMax CookePaul Dixon MusicAleksandra Katarzyna WielgomasMax CookePaul Dixon BackingsMaciej StarnawskiMarta Dywicka DancersAngus SimpsonJordan GarciaJulia Żytko Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/ESKG8Uo1YaU?si=TIDO_9rvGULADXR0

🇵🇱 Luna represents Poland

Luna will represent Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö with the song ‘The Tower’. That is what Polish broadcaster TVP announced today. Luna, a prodigious singer and multifaceted artist, has been an integral part of the music scene since her formative years. From enchanting audiences with her mesmerizing performances in folk bands to gracing the grand stages of the Grand Theatre-National Opera in Warsaw, Luna’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. At 24, she is not only a student at the University of Warsaw’s Faculty of Artes Liberales but also a virtuoso violinist and pianist, a prolific songwriter in both English and Polish, and a skilled composer. While Luna finds her muse in art, philosophy, and fashion, her fascination with astrology and her deep connection with nature serve as guiding forces in her life. As the inaugural Polish Ambassador of the Spotify Equal initiative, Luna garnered international acclaim, with her image adorning the iconic Times Square in New York. Her meteoric rise continued with a nomination for ‘Discovery of the Year’ at the prestigious Polish ‘Bestsellery EMPIKu’ Awards in 2022. The release of her debut album “Nocne Zmory” (‘Nightmares’) in 2022 marked a significant milestone in Luna’s career, celebrated with a sold-out promotional concert at Warsaw’s esteemed Niebo club. Venturing beyond borders, Luna embarked on collaborations with UK and Swedish producers, showcasing her versatility and international appeal. Her collaboration with DJ Miss Monique on the track “Subterranean” garnered millions of streams, while her contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “The Tower,” crafted alongside Fyfe and Max Cooke in the UK, further solidified her status as a rising star on the global stage.

Saba

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameAnna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger Born1997 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongSand (2024) Biography Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, who performs under the single name Saba (presented in uppercase), is a Danish singer, actor and model. Born Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, she and her twin, Andrea Lykke Oehlenschlæger, were adopted from Ethiopia when they were just eight months old, growing up in Ringkøbing, Jutland. In the year 2018, Oehlenschlæger shared her diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, having been admitted to the hospital multiple times until 2020. This part of her life was detailed in the documentary produced by DR in 2020 titled “Min sindssyge tvilling” (My Insane Twin). Her teenage years were also marked by instances of self-harm. She currently serves as an ambassador for the Danish Depression Association. Saba left high school prematurely and, along with her sister, relocated to Copenhagen. There, she embarked on a career as a model and an entrepreneur in the teeth whitening industry, while her sister sought a career in singing and musical theater. Saba made her first appearance as a musical theatre actress, as a non-stunt performer, on 23 February 2023. She stepped in for her sister Andrea, who was pregnant at the time, in the role of Dionne in the musical Hair at the Østre Gasværk Teater. Her significant career milestone came on 25 January 2024, when she was announced as one of the contestants in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Denmark’s selection event for the Eurovision Song Contest. She secured her position as Denmark’s representative at the contest by winning the final on 17 February 2024, with her song “Sand.” Unfortunately, Saba didn’t make it to the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Entries Sand Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJonas ThanderMelanie WehbePil Kalinka Nygaard Jeppesen MusicJonas ThanderMelanie WehbePil Kalinka Nygaard Jeppesen BackingsMelanie Wehbe Results Semi Points: 36Position: 12Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/4f_phiGot7w?si=5jCD3WXPyggFlZT7