Female Artists

Kaleen

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameMarie-Sophie Kreissl Born12 November 1994 Nationality🇦🇹 Austrian National SelectionInternal selection In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongWe Will Rave (2024) Biography Kaleen (real name Marie-Sophie Kreissl, born in 1994) is an Austrian dancer, choreographer, and singer. Her passion for performing arts blossomed at a tender age. As a toddler, she was captivated by music shows on TV, often dancing in her living room. Her formal journey in dance commenced with ballet lessons. She rapidly diversified into various genres including commercial, tap, jazz, musical, modern, Latin, and standard dances. Kaleen’s talent shone early. She won her first national championship at seven. Kaleen subsequently clinched over 100 national and European championships, along with five world championships. Kaleen’s influence extended to the Eurovision Song Contest starting in 2018, initially participating as a stand-in lead artist and choreographer. Kaleen is also skilled in music. She released her first self-produced single in September 2021 under Wifi Records, followed by her debut album “Stripping Feelings” in September 2023. By 2021, she escalated to the role of creative director for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Spain and Bulgaria. She took over as the stage director for the 2022 contest in Spain. Her expertise was further sought in 2023. She aided Austria, Armenia, Germany, and Georgia with their stage performances at the contest in Liverpool. On 16 January 2024, it was announced that Kaleen was going to represent Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, “We will rave”, was presented the 1st of March. Austria reached the final with the song. Entries We Will Rave Country🇦🇹 Austria Year2024 LanguageEnglish Lyrics Jimmy ‘Joker’ ThörnfeldAnderz WrethovThomas Stengaard MusicJimmy ‘Joker’ ThörnfeldAnderz WrethovJulie AagaardThomas Stengaard BackingsBradley SalterChase VollenweiderJaih BetoteLuca Rainbow Results Semi Points: 46Position: 9Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: 24Position: 24Running order: 26 https://youtu.be/VZ6SlZnk_EI?si=4tn-sevN1e5APtkd

🇦🇹 Kaleen represents Austria

29-year old Kaleen will represent Austria in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Austrian broadcaster ORF announced that news this morning. The song and its title will be announced later. Extremely proud Kaleen herself commented on her election: ‘I think I haven’t fully grasped the fact yet, that I’ll be standing on that stage as an artist myself. I am in love with this world of lights and cameras and believe it’s a privilege to take the audience on a journey. I worked hard for this, and I am extremely proud. I am very looking forward to showing the world what I can do!’ Dancing career Kaleen (real name Marie-Sophie Kreissl, born in 1994) is an Austrian dancer, choreographer, and singer. Her passion for performing arts blossomed at a tender age. As a toddler, she was captivated by music shows on TV, often dancing in her living room. Her formal journey in dance commenced with ballet lessons. She rapidly diversified into various genres including commercial, tap, jazz, musical, modern, Latin, and standard dances. Kaleen’s talent shone early. She won her first national championship at seven. Kaleen subsequently clinched over 100 national and European championships, along with five world championships. Music Kaleen is also skilled in music. She released her first self-produced single in September 2021 under Wifi Records, followed by her debut album “Stripping Feelings” in September 2023. Eurovision Kaleen’s influence extended to the Eurovision Song Contest starting in 2018, initially participating as a stand-in lead artist and choreographer. By 2021, she escalated to the role of creative director for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Spain and Bulgaria. She took over as the stage director for the 2022 contest in Spain. Her expertise was further sought in 2023. She aided Austria, Armenia, Germany, and Georgia with their stage performances at the contest in Liverpool. And now she will be in Malmö in 2024.

Nutsa Buzaladze

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameNutsa Buzaladze Born28 January 1997 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionInternal selection 2024Evroviizis erovnul konkurss 2017 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongFirefighter (2024) Biography Nutsa Buzaladze (Georgian: ნუცა ბუზალაძე; born 28 January 1997) is a Georgian singer-songwriter. Born in Tbilisi, Buzaladze embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of 5, joining a children’s performance group. Her early years also saw her taking the lead as vocalist and guitarist in a band, followed by piano lessons from age 8. Her path to a solo career began in 2011 with a participation in Georgia’s Got Talent. Achieving international fame in 2014, she represented Georgia and clinched victory at the New Wave Music Festival in Jūrmala, Latvia. Buzaladze further showcased her talents in various competitions such as The Voice of Turkey, Two Stars Georgia, and Georgian editions of Your Face Sounds Familiar and Dancing with the Stars, collaborating with renowned artists like Turkish singer Hadise. 2017 marked a significant year with her song “White Horses Run,” securing second place in Georgia’s Eurovision selection. Her debut album, Nutsa22, released in 2019, featured a mix of Georgian covers and original English songs, including the hit “Gelodebi.” This success was followed by a well-received single in Russia. Buzaladze’s career continued to flourish with appearances in All Together Now Russia in 2020 and 2021, performances at Expo 2020 in Dubai, and other prestigious venues. She also competed in Kënga Magjike 2021 in Albania, finishing second, and made it to the top 12 in American Idol 2023. As of 12 January 2024, Buzaladze was selected to represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. She managed to break the spell of not reaching the final for Georgia: she performed at the Grand Final on May 11. Having spent time in Los Angeles to hone her musical skills, she has since made Dubai her permanent home. Entries Firefighter Country🇬🇪 Georgia Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAda SatkaDarko Dimitrov MusicAda SatkaDarko Dimitrov BackingsAndrea MariciDaniele NocchiDante Jonathan GerloNicolas de Souza Results Semi Points: 54Position: 8Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 34Position: 21Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/He4PGhm7jOw?si=gNJBvzkY6D_NEc07

🇬🇪 Nutsa Buzaladze represents Georgia

Former American Idol participant Nutsa Buzaladze will represent Georgia. That is what Georgian public broadcaster 1TV announced today. Nutsa Buzaladze is a Georgian singer and performer, renowned for her exceptional vocal talent and dynamic stage presence. Born in the scenic city of Batumi, Georgia, Nutsa’s love for music was evident from a young age. Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, she was encouraged to pursue her passion, which laid the foundation for her future success. Nutsa’s journey to stardom accelerated when she won the New Wave competition in 2014 in Jurmala, Latvia. This significant achievement highlighted her remarkable vocal range and expressive performance style, bringing her widespread acclaim. Her performances, featuring a mix of heartfelt ballads and energetic tunes, captivated both the judges and the audience, marking her as a versatile and compelling artist. In addition to her success in New Wave, Nutsa gained international recognition through her participation in American Idol. She participated in this contest in 2023 and ended up in the top-12 of the show. Beyond these competitions, Nutsa has released a variety of singles and music videos. Her work often intertwines her Georgian roots with contemporary influences, offering a fresh and engaging sound to her listeners. Nutsa’s music career is also marked by her philanthropic endeavors. She actively participates in charity events and initiatives, using her influence to support various causes. The song Nutsa will present in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. Nutsa Buzaladze with Kylie Minogue during American Idol.

Besa

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameBesa Kokëdhima Born29 May 1987 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2024Festivali i Këngës 2011Selecţia Naţională 2009Festivali i Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongTitan (2024) Biography Besa Kokëdhima is an Albanian singer. She was born 29 May 1986 and known simply as Besa, is a renowned Albanian vocalist. Born into an Albanian family in Fier, Albania, Besa moved to the United Kingdom at 15 for her education. Her musical journey began in 2003 with her debut track “Më Beso,” a collaboration with Florian Mumajesi and Albanian group Produkt 28, earning her the Mikrofoni I Artë award. In 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, a result of collaborations with notable figures in the Albanian music industry. Besa’s musical career includes victories and notable participations in various contests. She won the R&B category at “Notafest” for her single “Lëshoje Hapin.” In december 2008, she participated in Festivali i Këngës. She reached the semi-finals of Romania’s Selecţia Naţională for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Nothin’ Gonna Change.” She was honored as the Best Female Singer at Top Fest 2010 with her single “Kalorësi i Natës.” In December 2010 she participated again in Festivali i Këngës. Besa has released several successful singles, including “Fishekzjarre,” “Burning,” and “Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj.” In addition to her music, Besa has served as a judge on The Voice of Albania and released two acclaimed albums, “Besa për Festat” and “Ti Je Festa Ime,” featuring collaborations with the National Orchestra. Her French ballad “En Equilibre” marked her entry into the French music scene in 2022. Her selection for Festivali i Këngës 62 with “Zemrën n’dorë” and her subsequent televoting victory to represent Albania in Eurovision 2024 are recent highlights of her career. For the Eurovision Song Contest, Besa changed the song into English language, now entitled “Titan”. Unfortunately, Besa did not manage to make it to the final. Entries Titan Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsGia Koka MusicBesa KokëdhimaKledi BahitiFabrice ‘Alias LJ.’ Grandjean BackingsKevonSofia Mountassir DancersRiina HarjuSofia RuijaYasmin Janatuinen Results Semi Points: 14Position: 15Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/aQG22XJIdWw?si=wxdieI4JethPQPMZ

🇦🇱 Besa Kokëdhima represents Albania

Besa Kokhëdima represents Albania with the song “Zemrën n’dorë “. The song was chosen by televoting out of all the participating songs from Festivali i Këngës, the national song contest in Albania. Besa wrote the song together with Kledi Bahiti and Rozana Radi. The winner of the contest itself was Mal Retkoceri. These are, as far as we know, the results of the contest: Mal Retkoceri, “Çmendur” Tiri Gjoci, “Në ënderr” Shpat Deda, “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” other songs in the final: Kastro Zino, “2073” Erina & The Elementals, “Jeten n’skaj” Melodajn Mancaku, “Nuk jemi më” Kleansa Susaj, “Pikture” Irma Lepuri, “Me prit” Festina Mejzini, “Melos” Eldis Arrnjeti, “Nje kujtim” Martina Serreqi, “Vetem ty” Besa Krasniqi, “Esenciale” Sergio Hajdini, “Uragan” Olimpia Smajlaj, “Saj” Anduel Kovaci, “Nan” Michela Paluca, “Për veten” PeterPan Quartet, “Nje here” Besa Kokëdhima, “Zemrën n’dorë” Arsi Bako, “Sgjohu” Elsa Lila, “Mars” Andi Tanko, “Herë pas here” Big Basta & Vesa Luma, “Mbinatyrale”

Aiko

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameAlena Shirmanova-Kostebelova Born26 December 1999 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionESCZ 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongPedestal (2024) Biography Alena Shirmanova, known by her stage name Aiko, is a Czech singer-songwriter born on December 26, 1999, in Karlovy Vary. Currently residing in Brighton, England, she is poised to represent the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Alena gained initial fame in the fourth season of the reality talent show “Česko Slovenská SuperStar.” Adopting the stage name Aiko, she released her first album, also named “Aiko,” in 2018. This was followed by “Expiration Date” in 2020, marking her debut single “Hunt.” Aiko’s career includes several notable firsts: she was the first Czech artist to appear on the Times Square screen in New York and the first Czech woman to participate in the Spotify Equal Campaign. Her live performances include Rock for People, ESNS, Metronome Prague, The Great Escape, and Grape festivals. She has also toured as a supporting act for artists like Alice Merton and Tamino. Her music has been featured in popular TV shows like “Teen Mom” and “Love Island.” On October 13, 2023, Aiko released her album “Fortune’s Child.” She was later announced as a contestant in the Czech national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 on November 28, 2023. Competing with the song “Pedestal,” co-written with Steven Ansell, she emerged as the winner of the selection on December 13. With this song, she performed in the 2nd Semifinal on May 11, but unfortunately she didn’t make it to the final. Entries Pedestal Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlena Shirmanová MusicSteven Ansell BackingsNikol Držmíšková DancersDaša NemcováEva KučíkovaLucia GomolováLus Juklova Results Semi Points: 38Position: 11Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/RiItbHRF1BY?si=8WHVwTA4D4mnWkKY

Raiven

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameSara Briški Cirman Born26 April 1996 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2024EMA 2019EMA 2017EMA 2016 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongVeronika (2024) Biography Sara Briški Cirman, widely recognized by her stage name Raiven, is a renowned Slovenian mezzo-soprano, pop singer, songwriter, and harpist. Born on April 26, 1996, in Brežice, Slovenia, she has made significant strides in her musical career, distinguishing herself in both the classical and pop music arenas. Raiven first gained widespread recognition in Slovenia’s music scene during the national final Evrovizijska Melodija (EMA) in 2016, where she competed to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Črno bel.” She achieved second place in this highly competitive event. Following this success, Raiven continued to participate in EMA, securing third place in 2017 with “Zažarim” and returning in 2019 with “Kaos,” again placing second. Her talent and persistence paid off in 2024 when she was chosen to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Veronika.” In 2017, Raiven released “Magenta,” her debut album, to critical acclaim. This release earned her an award from Zlata piščal, a Slovenian cultural and artistic association, in the record of the year category. Later, Raiven expanded her horizons by collaborating with songwriters and producers at London’s Metropolis Studios. This partnership culminated in the release of the EP album “REM,” which garnered both critical and public acclaim. Raiven’s stage presence and performance skills were further highlighted at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad in 2019, where she performed on the Fusion Stage to an audience of over 56,000 people. She also showcased her versatility by performing with several esteemed orchestras, including the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and the Slovenian Police Orchestra. In 2020, she delivered a memorable performance with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra at the Ljubljana Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet. Her achievements in 2021 were notable, winning the Grand Audience Award at the Popevka 21 festival with her song “Vokovi,” earning the title Popevka 2021. That same year, Raiven completed her master’s degree in opera solo singing at Ljubljana’s Academy of Music. Raiven’s innovative approach to music was evident in her electro-opera concert project in 2022, where she skillfully blended classical opera arias with electronic pop. This project, titled “Doloroso,” was showcased in a sold-out concert at Cankar Centre. In 2023, Raiven hosted the Popevka festival and introduced her new song “Ikona,” signaling the upcoming release of her EP “Sirene,” which includes her Eurovision song “Veronika.” Raiven’s education in music began early, enrolling at the Ljubljana Music Matica at the age of four. She pursued harp lessons at the Music School in Ljubljana and later attended the Maribor Conservatory of Music and Ballet, where she majored in harp, jazz singing, and solo singing. Her talents were recognized early on, winning several awards in classical music competitions. She graduated in solo singing from the Ljubljana Academy of Music in 2015 and completed her master’s degree in 2021. In opera, Raiven dedicated herself to artistic development, performing in various roles, including in the world’s first tamburitza opera “Ambrož and Katarina” and as a scholarship holder of the Berlin Opera Academy. Her performances in significant roles, such as Rosina in Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” and the title role in Händel’s “Agrippina,” demonstrate her versatility and commitment to the opera genre. Raiven has also made her mark in theater, performing in plays like “Trojanke” and musicals such as “Povodni mož,” showcasing her multifaceted talents. Her dedication to her craft and continuous development as an artist have established her as a significant figure in both the Slovenian and international music scenes. On December 12, 2023, it was announced that she was going to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Veronika”. The song managed to reach the Grand Final on May 11. Entries Veronika Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2024 LanguageSlovenian LyricsSara Briški CirmanBojan CvjetićaninKlavdija Kopina MusicSara Briški CirmanBojan CvjetićaninDanilo KapelKlavdija KopinaMartin BezjakPeter Khoo DancersFilippo Jorio Lukas Bareman Marin Ino Mateja Železnik Matteo Moretto Results Semi Points: 51Position: 9Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 23Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/l86DxpRnz5M?si=fLlVc841n08YIFLg

Marina Satti

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameMarina Satti Born26 December 1986 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongZari (2024) Biography Marina Satti is a Greek singer. She was born to a Sudanese Arab father and a Greek mother from Heraklion, Crete, in Athens. Alhtough born in Athens, she was raced in Heraklion. Marina spent her childhood summers in Sudan. From a young age, Marina was immersed in music, beginning with classical piano and later adding vocal training during her high school years. She initially pursued architecture at the National Technical University of Athens but didn’t complete her degree. In 2008, under the tutelage of baritone Panos Dimas, Marina achieved her first degree in lyrical monody, earning honors and a first prize. The following year, she received a second degree in advanced classical studies and explored jazz at the Nakas Conservatory. Her musical journey further expanded in 2010 at the Berklee College of Music, where she studied jazz composition and contemporary writing and production on a scholarship, learning from esteemed teachers like Jamie Haddad and Danilo Pérez. Satti’s career took a diverse path. She was a member of the European Jazz Orchestra and performed with the World Jazz Nonet at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington. She collaborated with Bobby McFerrin in the a cappella group The Singing Tribe. In 2016, she founded Fonés, a female a cappella group focusing on traditional polyphonic songs, performing at prestigious venues like the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Athens Concert Hall. Her single “Koupes” achieved over 24 million YouTube views and featured on the Buddha Bar 20 Years Anniversary album by Ravin & Bob Sinclar. Her 2017 single “Mantissa” gained international recognition, appearing in the European Union’s Official Top 100 and Bulgaria’s Top 40, and was dubbed “song of the summer” by Global Citizen. NPR’s Joanna Kakissis praised it as a generation-inspiring summer hit. In 2017, Satti initiated a series of cultural events, leading to the formation of the choir Chόres, comprising 150 women, presenting traditional songs in archaeological sites. In 2018, she and Fonés showcased “YALLA!” featuring world music and Eastern Mediterranean traditional music, touring internationally. Her debut album “YENNA,” released in May 2022, was followed by a successful four-month European tour. In October 2023, she was announced as Greece’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. In the Grand Final on May 11 she reached the 11th place for Greece. Entries Zari Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2024 LanguageGreek LyricsMarina SattiOgeManolis ‘Solmeister’ SolidakisVlospa MusicGino ‘the Ghost’ BorriJay Lewitt StolarJordan Richard PalmerKonstantin Plamenov BeshkovMarina SattiNick KodonasOge BackingsErasmia Markidi DancersHüso ÇetintasIrini DamianidouVassilis KaragiannisYasin AO Results Semi Points: 86Position: 5Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: 126Position: 11Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/ENb4LCeq9Lc?si=06o5Gby9Fscbu7H5

🇵🇹 Blast from the Past: Portugal 1994

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today we want to honour Sara Tavares, who participated for Portugal in 1994. She passed away last Sunday. Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest Portugal started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964. It all started with a zero. This was the starting signal for a long and not easy road for Portugal. The idiosyncratic entries the country had often finished low. Exceptions were Carlos Mendes (1958) and José Cid (1980), both of whom reached a seventh place. In 1996, Lucia Moniz finished in sixth place with her “O meu coração não tem cor”. But for a victory, Portugal had to wait until 2017. It was Salvador Sobral who managed to enchant both the televoters and the professional jury with his subdued song “Amar pelos dois”. It turned into a landslide victory for the Portuguese; something they had been waiting for so long. photo: EBU/Andres Putting Festival RTP Da Canção 1994 The national final in Portugal is always called Festival RTP Da Canção. This year, two semifinals were held, on 10 and 17 january. Each of the semifinals contained 10 songs. Among them, Marco Quelhas, who represented Portugal in the 2001 contest as a half of the duo MTM. Eight songs headed to the final: Isabel Campelo, “Malmequer do Campo“, 122 pts, 3rd Trivium, “Trovas do Demo e d’el Rei“, 84 pts, 5th Pedro Miguéis, “Todos Nós Alguma Vez“, 136 pts, 2nd Inova Fora Nada, “O Vento Sabe o Que Quer“, 83 pts, 6th José Carvalho, “Lisboa, Minha Linda Cidade“, 92 pts, 4th Fernanda Lopes, “Se Fores Poema“, 75 pts, 7th Tó Carlos, “Ai Dona Inês“, 46 pts, 8th Sara Tavares, “Chamar a Música“, 220 pts, 1st As you can see, Sara Tavares won with a landslide, 84 points ahead of the runner up! Sara Tavares Sara Alexandra Lima Tavares, born on February 1, 1978, in Lisbon, Portugal, was a renowned Portuguese singer, composer, guitarist, and percussionist. Of Cape Verdean descent, her parents immigrated to Portugal and settled in Almada in the 1970s. Tavares grew up in Lisbon and faced early family challenges, with her father leaving and her mother moving south with her siblings, leaving Sara in the care of an older woman. Tavares exhibited remarkable musical talent from a young age. In 1994, at just 16, she won the national television song contest “Chuva de Estrelas,” performing Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” That same year, she triumphed at the “Festival da Canção,” earning a spot in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Her winning song, “Chamar a Música,” was included on her debut EP, “Sara Tavares & Shout” (1996), where she blended gospel and funk with Portuguese influences. Her debut album “Mi Ma Bô,” produced by Lokua Kanza, was released in 1999. In 2017, Tavares released the album “Fitxadu,”. It was inspired by Lisbon’s diverse African sounds and cultures, showcasing a more electronic and urban sound. The album earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Portuguese Language Roots Album. Tavares was multilingual, composing in Portuguese, Portuguese-based Creole languages, and occasionally English. Sara was known for singing the European-Portuguese version of “God Help the Outcasts” from the Disney movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,”. She won a Disney Award for the best version of the original song with it. She also won a Portuguese Golden Globe for Best Portuguese Singer in 2000. photo: Henryk Kotowski Tavares passed away on November 19, 2023, in Lisbon at the age of 45, after a long battle with a brain tumor diagnosed since 2009. Her death was a great shock in the Eurovision community. Chamar a Música “Chamar a Música,” the captivating song that Sara Tavares performed at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, showcases her exceptional talent as a young artist. At just 16 years old, Tavares brought this melodic and emotionally resonant piece to the Eurovision stage, representing Portugal with grace and artistry. The song is characterized by its smooth, soulful melody. It is blending elements of Portuguese musical tradition with contemporary influences. Although Tavares’ performance was well-received, it ultimately placed 8th in the competition. Despite this, “Chamar a Música” remains a significant part of her early career, reflecting her deep connection to her cultural roots.