Groups

Jon Lilygreen

About Quick Facts NameJon Lilygreen Born04 August 1987 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Biography Jon Lilygreen is a Welsh singer and songwriter. Jon Lilygreen originates from Bettws, in the port city of Newport, where he still lives today and completed his education at Coleg Gwent in singing, guitar, and composition. During his training, he wrote his own songs, which were published in 2009 on the school’s own Coleg Gwent Green Album. Subsequently, Lilygreen performed numerous gigs in his hometown, including the Summer Sessions (2009) hosted by the Riverfront Theatre. He is signed to the independent label Long Life Records. In early February 2010, Lilygreen, together with the band The Islanders, won the Cypriot national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. Their song “Life Looks Better in Spring” was written and composed by Cypriots Nasos Lambrianides and Melis Konstantinou. They reached the final with the song. In 2011, Jon teamed up with Jon Maguire and formed the duo Lilygreen & Maguire. Maguire was involved in music production and had been part of the pop punk band The Story So Far. Additionally, they played together in the band Editions. Their partnership was formed after they met at an open mic night at Kama Lounge in Newport, where Lilygreen was performing cover songs. During the 2012-2014 period, the duo supported Olly Murs and Westlife on their UK tours and embarked on an open-air busking tour across Wales, covering cities like Bangor, Wrexham, and Cardiff. In October 2012, they supported Scouting For Girls on tour. They announced a new single, “Dear Photograph,” for 2013, inspired by the blog of the same name, with plans to collaborate with Taylor Jones of DearPhotograph.com for the music video. Their debut studio album, “Have a Good Time All the Time,” was scheduled for release in November 2013, featuring a mix of new songs, previous singles, and B-Sides. The duo revealed their decision to part ways in January 2014, citing the challenges of the previous year. However, by June 2014, they announced a reunion and soon after released a new single, “Counting Cars.” Meanwhile, Lilygreen frequently teamed up with Scruffman (Pete Morgan, aka Bongo Peet) and Sian King for performances. In 2017, Lilygreen took part in the X-Factor UK, where he sang, among others, “Life looks better in spring”. After the X-Factor he released an album and single, both titled “Pictures of you”. In July 2019, a new EP called “Bottlekids” was released.In September 2019 Lilygreen started performing with a new band, The Brotherhood Wedding & Party Band. In October 2020, Jon teamed up with Bmotion to feature in the song “Alive”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=5VylwyPTL_AGqBKL

The Islanders

About Quick Facts MembersJon GregorySylvia StrandKatherine SquireSean WattsCharalambos Kallonas Active2010 – 2011 Nationality🇬🇧 British (Jon, Katherine, Sean)🇳🇴 Norwegian (Sylvia)🇨🇾 Cypriot (Charalambos) National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (with Jon Lilygreen, 2010) Biography The Islanders were a British band. The band was built around John Gregory and Norwegian Sylvia Strand, who also formed a duo. They started their career in 2010, when they, along with Jon Lilygreen, represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Life looks better in spring”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& Jon Lilygreen) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=plXLRIcCGLEB8BMf

Megara

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersKenzyRoberVittiRa Tache Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionUna Voce Per San Marino 2024Benidorm Fest 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song11:11 (2024) Biography Megara, an alternative metal music ensemble from Spain, was established in 2015. Comprised of members Kenzy on vocals, Rober on guitar, Vitti on bass, and Ra Tache on drums, this Madrid-based quartet has made a name for itself in the music scene. Identified primarily within the alternative metal genre, Megara’s sound also embraces what they term as “fucksia rock” or “fucksia metal.” This inventive label, blending the words “fuck” and “fuchsia,” signifies their desire to incorporate a broad range of musical influences without being confined to a single genre, aiming instead to embody the broader spectrum of rock music. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Muérase quien pueda, in 2015, featuring notable tracks like “Seis” and “Baños de sangre.” This was followed by their first full-length album, Siete, in 2016, and their second album, Aquí estamos todos locos, in 2018. Their rising prominence led to a performance at Resurrection Fest in 2019. Their third studio album, Truco o trato, was released in 2022. In the early part of 2023, Megara competed in the Benidorm Fest 2023’s first semifinal, earning 111 points with their song “Arcadia” and securing a spot in the final. Despite not being chosen to represent Spain at Eurovision, their participation sparked discussions, especially due to some staging similarities between their performance and that of Serbia’s Eurovision entry. April of the same year saw them announced as the opening act for Babymetal’s Spanish tour dates. Attempting another shot at Benidorm Fest in 2024 with the track “11:11,” they faced rejection from the selection committee. However, not deterred, they entered the song into San Marino’s selection for Eurovision, Una voce per San Marino. With minor lyrical adjustments to include Italian verses, they managed to impress the jury in the final, leading to their selection as San Marino’s representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Unfortunately, the band didn’t make it to the Grand Final of the contest. Entries 11:11 Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2024 LanguageSpanish LyricsRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral MusicRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral DancersAria BedmarEmma Fernández Huerta Results Semi Points: 16Position: 14Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/IqyJvkGmAjo?si=nXITqURAaMC7qrCZ

🇸🇲 Megara represents San Marino!

Spanish Megara has won Una Voce Per San Marino and thus represents the small state in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song “11:11” is written and composed by Isra Dante Ramos Solomando, Roberto la Lueta Ruiz and Sara Jiménez Moral. San Marino will perform in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal. The full results are: Megara, “11:11” Loredana Bertè, “Pazza” La Rua, “Governo del cuore” Aimie Atkinson, “A dare for love” Booom!, “Dance like this” Marcella Bella, “Chi siamo davvero” Dana Gillespie, “The last polar bear” XGiove, “Nostalgia” Mate, “Big mama” Jalisse, “Il paradiso di qui” Massala & Foresta, “Paranoia” Daudia, “With you” Aaron Sibley, “Human” Wlady, DJ Jad, Corona & Ice MC, “Questa volta” Kida, “Invincible” Dez, “Freedom” Pago, “Il protagonista”

5miinust

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersEstoni KohverPäevakoerPõhja-KoreaLancelot Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup, 2024) Biography 5miinust, is a hip hop group from Estonia, founded in Võsu in 2015. The original members include Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with a later addition of Venelane (Pavel Bocharov). Venelane announced his departure from the group in the summer of 2023, and since his exit, the group has reverted to its original composition. Originating from Võsu in Lääne-Viru County, 5miinust gained significant attention in 2018, following the success of their studio albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar”, released in 2016 and 2017 respectively through Legendaarne Records. Both albums secured positions in the top twenty of the national best-selling albums chart, ranking them among the 18 most successful albums of 2018. In collaboration with Nublu, they released the single “Aluspükse” in 2019, which led the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks in a row, earning the title of the 3rd best-selling song in Estonia for that year. That same year, they signed with Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, under which they released hit singles “Paaristõuked”, “Peo lõpp”, and “Loodus ja hobused”, each reaching the number one spot on the Eesti Tipp-40 chart. 5miinust has been honored at the Estonian Music Awards, the premier awards of the Estonian music scene, winning the Artist of the Year category twice, in addition to receiving two other nominations. In November 2023, 5miinust, together with Puuluup, were announced as semi-finalists for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with their entry “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”. They advanced from the first semi-final round and were victorious in the final, securing their place as Estonia’s representatives for the contest. In the contest itself, they reached the Grand Final, where they ended up in a 20th place. Entries (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2024 LanguageEstonian LyricsKim WennerströmKristjan ‘Kohver’ JakobsonPriit ‘Lancelot’ TomsonMihkel ‘Päevakoer’ TammKarl ‘Põhja-Korea’ Kivastik MusicKim WennerströmMarko VeissonRamo Teder Backings– Results Semi Points: 79Position: 6Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 37Position: 20Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/RSMMU2wX0Bk?si=plzcHqhQvQ55gewE

Gåte

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even SchrärerMats PaulsenJohn Stenersen Founded1999 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionNorsk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUlveham (2024) Biography Gåte is a Norwegian folk rock band. The group traces its origins to spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli, then 13, and Sveinung Sundli performed at Veita Scene in Trondheim, marking the beginning of their musical journey. This performance spurred a collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, and Martin Langlie, and soon after, Gjermund Landrø joined the team. Together, they released an EP featuring five tracks, including notable pieces like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg”. The band achieved significant success between 2002 and 2005, a period marked by the release of their debut album, Jygri, in 2002, which sold 40,000 copies and won a Spellemann Award for “newcomer of the year”. Their music and performances, including a notable presence at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various nominations for prestigious awards, underscored their rising prominence in the Norwegian music scene. Despite their success, the band disbanded in 2005 after a final performance in Setesdal. From 2005 to 2017, Gåte occasionally reunited for performances, including a notable concert in Oslo in 2005 which was later released as the live album Liva and a DVD featuring additional performances. A brief return in 2009 for a cultural festival in Trondheim led to a mini-tour in 2010, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal. In 2017, Gåte reformed with a blend of original and new members, including Gunnhild Sundli, Sveinung Sundli, Magnus Børmark, Jon Even Schärer, and Mats Paulsen. This era was highlighted by collaborations with folk musician Knut Buen, resulting in the release of new music that embraced traditional Norwegian folk influences. Their work during this period included the EPs “Attersyn” and “Til Nord”, as well as the studio albums Svevn and Nord, which continued to explore and expand upon Norway’s rich musical heritage. In 2023, Gåte embarked on their largest tour yet, performing across Norway and Denmark and introducing new material from an upcoming album. Their participation in the Melodi Grand Prix 2024, where they competed with the song “Ulveham” and emerged as winners, solidified their status as leading figures in Norwegian folk rock. Their victory in the competition means Gåte will represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, marking a significant milestone in their career. The group reached the Grand Final in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, after the final they admitted that they were in serious doubt about performing, after the Dutch artist had been disqualified. Entries Ulveham Country🇳🇴 Norway Year2024 LanguageNorwegian LyricsSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer MusicSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer Backings– Results Semi Points: 43Position: 10Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 16Position: 25Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/YBbL8ORqNVU?si=TL6P-6EaqDDu3yOK

Stoyan Yankoulov

About Quick Facts NameStoyan Yankoulov Born10 September 1966 Nationality🇧🇬 Bulgarian National SelectionInternal selection 2022Bŭlgarskata pesen v „Evroviziya 2013”Bŭlgarskata pesen v „Evroviziya 2007” In Eurovision2022 Turin2013 Malmö2007 Helsinki SongIntention (2022, Intelligent Music Project)Samo Shiampioni (2013, with Elitsa Todorova)Water (2007, with Elitsa Todorova) Biography Stoyan Yankulov was born on September 10, 1966, in the town of Elin Pelin, Sofia region. At the age of eight, he began piano lessons. At the same time, he showed interest in percussion instruments. From an early age, he was already the basis of musical groups as a drummer. In Sofia, he graduated from the “Lyubomir Pipkov” music school, and then the “Pancho Vladigerov” State Music Academy specializing in percussion instruments. He was admitted to the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio. Yankulov plays with rock and jazz groups, folklore ensembles, jazz-rock, and fusion groups. He has performed in Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Turkey, the USA, Canada, Japan, and Russia. Stoyan Yankulov has presented Bulgarian cultural heritage in front of the presidents of Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Hungary, His Highness Prince Albert, the King and Queen of Sweden, Koichiro Matsuura – UNESCO, and OSCE ministers. He participated in projects with Bobby McFerrin, Okay Temiz, Cornel Horvat, Carlo Ritzo, Arabel Karayan, Enver Izmailov, as well as with Theodosii Spassov, Ivo Papazov, Milcho Leviev, Simeon Shterev, Yildiz Ibrahimova, Anatoli Vapirov, and Petar Ralchev. In a duet with Elitsa Todorova, Yankulov ranked an impressive 5th place in the Eurovision Song Contest’s final in 2007 in Finland. Together with the Wladigeroff Brothers, Stoyan gave a jazz concert in April 2011 in Montreal, Canada. In 2013, he and Elitsa Todorova were again chosen to represent Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest. Out of three songs, the song “Kisnet” was chosen. However, due to a copyright issue with the composer of the song, it was withdrawn and replaced by “Samo Shiampioni”. Unfortunately, Elitsa and Stoyan didn’t manage to reach the final. In December, Yankoulov performed at the Bulgarian festival MoMental. In 2014, Stoyan teamed up with the fusion Jazz Band Zone C for a couple of performances and recordings. In October of the same year he worked together with the Classic FM Orchestra and a month later with the Black Sea Quartet. Stoyan Yankoulov also joined the Intelligent Music Project. At the end of 2021 it was announced that Intelligent Music Project would participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin. The band sang the song “Intention”. Unfortunately, the group did not make it to the final. Entries Intention (Intelligent Music Project) Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2022 LanguageEnglish LyricsMilen VrabevskiMD MusicMilen VrabevskiMD Backings– Results Semi Points: 29Position: 16Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/EwZTI5AoTg4?si=ZTNgdNfyl9Q1C2Zw Samo Shiampioni (with Elitsa Todorova) Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2013 LanguageBulgarian LyricsElitsa TodorovaChristian Talev MusicElitsa TodorovaChristian Talev BackingsDesislava GeorgievaBilyana SokolovaBiserka Danova-PilarskaVenci Venc’ Results Semi Points: 45Position: 12Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Cb46Mhy_mCI?si=W7vdlU5LmBd16nD1 Water (with Elitsa Todorova) Country🇧🇬 Bulgaria Year2007 LanguageBulgarian LyricsElitsa Todorova MusicElitsa TodorovaStoyan Yankoulov Backings– Results Semi Points: 146Position: 6Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 157Position: 5Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/CVO3mEj8Udo?si=AbtLJDRFxjrfHVDo

Koza Mostra

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersIlias KozasAlexis ArchontisStelios SiomosChristos KalaitzopoulosVasilis NalbantisDimitris Christonis (not on stage) Founded2011 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEurosong 2013 – a MAD Show In EurovisionMalmö 2013 SongAlcohol Is Free (2013, with Agathon Iakovidis) Biography Formed by Ilias Kozas in 2011, Koza Mostra is a Greek rock ensemble that seamlessly blends ska, punk, and rock with the distinctive sounds of traditional Greek folk, such as Macedonian Greek rhythms and rebetiko. The band features Ilias Kozas (lead vocals, classical and electric guitar), Dimitris Raptis (drums), Stavros Apostolidis (bouzouki and backing vocals), Giannis Bellos (bass and backing vocals), Tasos Gentzis (saxophone and backing vocals), and Asterios Fragos (electric guitar and backing vocals). In 2013, alongside Agathonas Iakovidis, they took the Eurovision Song Contest by storm with their catchy tune “Alcohol Is Free,” securing a commendable 6th place in the final. That same year, their debut album, “Keep up the Rhythm,” earned a triple Platinum certification from the IFPI, a key authority in the Greek music industry. Four years later, in 2017, they dropped their second album, “Corrida.” The single “Don’t panic, we’re on Titanic” followed. In 2018 they released a Theodorakis cover, “Leventis”. In April 2019, the band teamed up with the band Kultur Shock for several performances. The band did a European tour and performed in Bulgaria, Czechia and Italy and later in Germany. On January 31, 2020, a new single was released: “Requiem”. The song featured Pedro Erazo. It took 2 years, until June 29 2022, when a new song, “Bilio” was released. The song was followed by a tour. They visited Bulgaria again, and in 2023 Germany, Serbia and The Netherlands. Entries Alcohol is Free (With Agathon Iakovidis) Country🇬🇷 Country Year2013 LanguageEnglishGreek LyricsStathis PachidisIlias Kozas MusicIlias Kozas FeaturingAgathonas Iakovidis Results Semi Points: 121Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 6Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/LFs9AdNV4Qw

Agathonas Iakovidis

About Quick Facts NameAgathonas Iakovidis Born02 January 1955 Deceased05 August 2020 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEurosong 2013 – A MAD Show In Eurovision2013, Malmö SongAlcohol Is Free (2013, with Koza Mostra) Biography Agathonas Iakovidis was a Greek rebetiko singer and composer. He was born in Evangelismos Lagada Thessaloniki in 1955. His parents were refugees from Anatolia; therefore, the first songs he listened to were melodies from that region. He began to engage with music in 1971 and gradually taught himself to play almost all string instruments of rebetiko songs, namely: guitar, baglama, oud, bouzouki, tzoura, mandola, mandolin. In 1973, he made his first professional appearance in a nightclub in Thessaloniki. He immediately realized that the music that expresses him and suits him is rebetiko and dedicated himself exclusively to it. He owned many rare phonograph records with rebetiko songs and used his collection for radio music shows. In 1977, he created the Rebetiko Group of Thessaloniki, with which he performed in venues, held concerts, and recorded two albums. In 1981, he decided to move to Athens. He collaborated with renowned artists of popular music. He became more famous and performed concerts all over Greece and abroad, in Europe and the USA. Since 1987, he lived and worked in Thessaloniki. His discography was exclusively about rebetiko. He had performed many popular rebetika as well as old, unknown songs that he retrieved from the rich archival material he owned. In 2013, he had accepted the invitation of the band Koza Mostra to participate with them in the Eurovision Festival in Malmö, Sweden, with the song “Alcohol Is Free”, with which they advanced to the final of the event and finished in 6th place. He passed away on August 5, 2020, from a heart attack while sleeping. Entries Alcohol Is Free (with Koza Mostra) Country🇬🇷 Country Year2013 LanguageEnglishGreek LyricsStathis PachidisIlias Kozas MusicIlias Kozas Koza MostraIlias KozasAlexis ArchontisStelios SiomosChristos KalaitzopoulosVasilis NalbantisDimitris Christonis (not on stage) Results Semi Points: 121Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 6Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/LFs9AdNV4Qw

Kasey Smith

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts NameKasey Smith Born29 March 1990 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongHeartbeat (with Can-Linn, 2014) Biography Kasey Smith is an Irish singer and songwriter best known for her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 as part of the band Can-Linn. Born on March 29, 1990, in Dublin, Ireland, Smith started her musical journey from a young age. Her first major foray into the music industry was as a member of the girl group Wonderland in 2010, which was formed under the guidance of Louis Walsh and Kian Egan of Westlife. The band had some success, releasing a top ten album in Ireland before their disbandment in 2011. After Wonderland disbanded, Smith returned to Ireland and began working on a solo career. She first attempted to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 with the song “Kiss Me There”, but she didn’t make it past the national finals. In 2014, Smith was chosen to represent Ireland at Eurovision as part of the band Can-Linn. They performed the song “Heartbeat”, which Smith co-wrote. However, they didn’t progress past the semi-finals. Despite her early exposure in the music industry, Smith has maintained a relatively low profile, continuing to make music and perform around Ireland. In 2019, she started performing in a resort in Dubai every Saturday evening. She did the job until COVID19 came. Entries Heartbeat (& Can-linn) Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander MusicHazel KaneswaranJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander BackingsSarah May Rogers (Violin) Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/J9zEybTMeEs