Groups

Ana Rucner

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameAna Rucner Born12 February 1983 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionInternal selection 2016 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm SongLjubav je (Dalal & Deen ft. Ana Rucner & Jala, 2016) Biography She was born into a musically talented family. Her mother, Snježana, is a cellist and soloist at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, while her father, Dragan, is a violinist and soloist in the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. She received her primary and secondary music education at the Elly Bašić Music Institute in Zagreb, and during her high school years and studies (from 1993 to 2003), she was constantly engaged with the Maribor Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2006, she married singer Vlado Kalember, from whom she divorced eight years later. She became particularly famous after the release of the “Ode to Joy” music video, which promotes Croatian tourism. The video was created based on her idea, and besides her, it featured the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ivan Goran Kovačić Academic Choir. The video won the tourism Oscar (“Das goldene Stadttor”) at the 11th International Tourism Film and Multimedia Festival in Berlin, competing against 180 countries. On April 9, 2013, the video was awarded a bronze medal at the New York Festivals, along with 11 other awards. In 2016, Ana performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, Sweden, together with singers Dalal Midhat-Talakić and Fuad Backović, also known as “Deen,” and rapper Jasmin Fazlić Jala, with the song “Ljubav je,” representing Bosnia and Herzegovina. The song was performed in the first semi-final on May 10 but did not qualify for the final on May 14. This was the first time that representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina did not qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest final. Entries Ljubav je (with Dalal, Deen & Jala) Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2016 LanguageBosnian LyricsAlmir AjanovićJasmin Fazlić Jala MusicAlmir Ajanović BackingsEna ĐapoZorana Guja Results Semi Points: 104Position: 11Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QLrXmTB8OaY

Dalal

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameDalal Midhat-Talakić Born05 August 1981 Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2016 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm SongLjubav je (with Deen, Ana Rucner & Jala) Biography Dalal Midhat-Talakić (born August 5, 1981) is a Bosnian singer. She was born in Sarajevo, where she also attended school. Her first original song was performed in 1995 at a choir competition in Zagreb’s Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. In 1999, Dalal formed the group Erato with singer Aida Jašarević, where she co-wrote most of the songs they released together. They released two studio albums, “Backstage” (2003) and “Make Up” (2005), and performed numerous concerts and shows throughout the region. The albums were released by the JRTV record label. Erato disbanded in 2009, after which Dalal started her solo music career. As a singer and vocal soloist, she collaborated with many songwriters, musicians, and performers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. She has released several singles, such as “Bonbon” (2015). Dalal represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 together with singers Deen, Ana Rucner, and Jala Brat. They performed the song “Ljubav je” (Love Is) written and produced by Almir Ajanović. The song did not qualify for the Eurovision final. After the Eurovision Song Contest she released the singles “Never Give Up” (2017), “Gdje sam ja” (Where Am I, 2017), and “Instant” (2019). Entries Ljubav je (with Deen, Ana Rucner & Jala) Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2016 LanguageBosnian LyricsAlmir AjanovićJasmin Fazlić Jala MusicAlmir Ajanović BackingsEna ĐapoZorana Guja Results Semi Points: 104Position: 11Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QLrXmTB8OaY

Olia Tira

About Quick Facts NameOlga Tsyra Born01 August 1988 Nationality🇲🇩 Moldovan National SelectionO Melodie Pentru Europa 2014O Melodie Pentru Europa 2010O Melodie Pentru Europa 2009O Melodie Pentru Europa 2007O Melodie Pentru Europa 2006 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongRun Away (2010, with Sunstroke Project) Biography Olia Tira, also known by her stage name FLUX LIGHT, is a singer from Moldova. She was born on August 1, 1988, in Potsdam, East Germany, to a Soviet military family. At the age of 14, she began appearing in festivals and concerts. Tira attended school in Cahul and is currently studying at the Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts in Chișinău. Her first album, titled “Your Place or Mine?”, was released in December 2006. It was produced by Nordika Multimedia, and all the songs were written by Ruslan Taranu. Tira participated in the Moldovan national finals for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006, 2007, and 2009. In 2010, she was chosen to represent Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest along with SunStroke Project. They finished 22nd in the final. Tira also competed in Moldova’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 with the song “Never Stop No,” performing under the stage name FLUX LIGHT. She tied for sixth place but did not qualify to represent Moldova in the contest. In March 2015 Olia Tira released a new song, “Moj Angel”. In December of that year she was voted Woman of the Year in the “Voice of the Year” category. Meanwhile, Olia also worked as a model. In October 2016 it was time for yet another single, “Ya znayu tochno”. In 2017, she took part in The Power of Dance – Battle of the Strongest. In March 2018, Olia released a new single, “Fixcatine”. In October of the same year, the video of the song “Ultramarin” came out. On September 11, 2020, Olia was awarded Honored Artist of Moldova. In February 2022, she released a new single, called “Neodnoznachnye”. In May 2023 it was the song “My Champion”. In October of the same year, a video of her concert Kto ya was released. Olia Tira is also a goodwill ambassador for Unaids. Entries Run Away (with Sunstroke Project) Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlina Galeţcaia MusicAnton RagozaSergey Stepanov Backings– Results Semi Points: 52Position: 10Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 22Running order: 4 https://youtu.be/pHXDMe6QV-U

Vesna

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts Members Patricie FuxováBára ŠůstkováOlesya OchepovskáMarkéta VedralováTereza ČepkováTanita Yankovová Founded2016 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionESCZ 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongMy sister’s crown (2023) Biography Vesna is an alternative music band with strong folklore features. It consists of singer, composer and lyricist Patricie Fuxová, violinist and vocalist Bára Šůstková, keyboardist Olesya Ochepovská, drummer Markéta Vedralová and bassist Tereza Čepková. The band was founded in 2016 by Patricia Fuxová. She got the idea to found an all-female group that would celebrate femininity and Slavism while studying at the conservatory. Together with her, Vesna was formed in the beginning by violinist Bára Šůstková, flutist Andrea Šulcová and Tanita Yankovová, whom she met at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory in Prague. The first song released was “Morana” in 2017, named after the goddess of winter and death, which they recorded in collaboration with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra; other singles were “Mokoš”, “Vesna” and “Živa”, named after the goddesses of autumn, spring and summer. In 2018, Šulcová and Yankovová left the group, who were replaced by pianist Olesya Ochepovská and drummer Markéta Vedralová. In November, they released their debut album “Pátá Bohyně” with 13 songs. With this album, the group was nominated in the Discovery of the Year category in the Anděl 2018 music award. 2019–⁠2022In June 2019, the group released the song “Bílá laň” in collaboration with Věra Martinová. In July the song “Bečva”, named after the river of the same name in collaboration with singer Zuzana Smatanova. On November 18, they released the song “Don’t Forget”; in the fall of 2019, the group organized its first club tour in the Czech Republic and Slovakia called #MyaVy. During the covid-19 pandemic, the group worked on a new album called “Anima”. It was released in October 2020, containing 11 songs; on the record, the band focused on animal archetypes, the symbolism of the night sky, the female body, self-perception or balancing the male-female worlds. The group was chosen as one of the five participants in the final selection, from which emerged the performer who will represent Czechia at Eurovision in 2023. The group entered the competition with the song “My Sister’s Crown” and clearly won the national final; domestic and foreign fans and spectators decided it in a vote. In Liverpool, they represented Czechia and reached the final. They earned a 10th place in the final. Entries My Sister’s Crown Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2023 LanguageEnglishUkrainianCzechBulgarian Lyrics Patricie Kaňok FuxováTanita YankovaKateryna Vatchenko MusicPatricie Kaňok FuxováTanita YankovaKateryna Vatchenko Backings– Results Semi Points: 110Position: 4Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 129Position: 10Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/ag8qxpvTTy0

The Busker

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersDavid ‘Dav Jr.’ GrechJean Paul BorgSean Meachen Founded2012 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionMalta Eurovision Song Contest 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongDance (Our own party) (2023) Biography The Busker is a Maltese indie pop band. The band was formed in October 2012 by singer and guitarist Dario Genovese and percussionist Jean Paul Borg. In 2014, bassist/keyboardist David Grech (aka Dav Jr.) and saxophonist Sean Meachen joined the band. The Busker was inspired by 1960s pop bands. They published their first song, “The ballad of John Brown”, on YouTube in 2013. The Busker started publishing songs on YouTube; both covers and original songs. Their debut album, “Telegram”, was released in 2017, followed by “Ladies and Gentlemen” om 2018. Dario Genovese left the group in august 2020. The band continued as a trio.The band teamed up with Matthew James for the song “Just a little bit more”. The song became no. 1 in the Maltese Top-10. In January 2021 the band teamed up with Raquella for the song “Don’t you tell me what you feel”. After these collaborations, Dav Jr. became the frontman of the band. The first single with the new line up was “Loose” in august 2021, followed in December of the same year by “Nothing more”. Both songs were released on the group’s EP “X”. On September 12, 2022, a new song “Miracle” was released. On February 11th, 2023, their song “Dance (Our own Party)” was chosen to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the final. Entries Dance (Our own Party) Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsDavid Meilak MusicDavid MeilakJean Paul BorgMatthew James BorgMichael Joe CiniSean Meachen Backings– Results Semi Points: 3Position: 15Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/zVmVt9qmg9g

Sudden Lights

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts MembersAndrejs Reinis ZitmanisKārlis Matīss ZitmanisMārtiņš Matīss ZemītisKārlis Vārtiņš Founded2012 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionSupernova 2018Supernova 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongAijā (2023) Biography Sudden Lights is a Latvian alternative rock band. The band consists of Kārlis Vārtiņš (bass guitar), Mārtis Matīss Zemītis (percussion), Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis (voice) and Kārlis Matīss Zitmanis (guitar). The group was created in 2012 by Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis and Mārtiņš Matīss Zemītis, who studied at the Pāvuls Jurjānas music school at the time. In 2014, Kārlis Matīss Zitmanis and Kārlis Vārtiņš joined the group. The first step on the way to growth for the group was the victory in the Riga State 1st Gymnasium’s young musicians competition Pirmā Plate in 2015. They reached the first place. It gave them the opportunity to record their song “Tik Savādi”. It became the first song released by Sudden Lights. Soon, the group’s debut album was created, with the singles “Suburban Waltz”, “Laikmets” and “Šājā sētas pāše” being released. The songs were immediately included in the rotations of Latvian radio stations. They released video clips for “Suburban Waltz” and “Šājā sētas pāše”. On September 22, 2017, the group presented their debut album “Priekšpilsētas”. It contained 10 songs in both Latvian and English. The first self-organized concert, in which the songs of the album were played, took place at the Music House “Daile” on April 12, 2018. In 2018, the band took part in Supernova, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They reached the final and became the runner up there with the song “Just fine”. Along with the presentation of the album “Par to zēnu ks sit skārdas bungas”, They were going to open for Brainstorm. For the first time in the history of Sudden Lights, the group performed in front of thousands of listeners. With the singles “Negribu pizezemētis” and “Dzīvnieks” the group has announced a new album. It was released on October 11, 2019 and is the band’s second studio album “Vislabāk ir tur, kur manis nav”. At the end of February 2020, the group went on its first Latvian concert tour with the same name. Due to measures to limit the spread of the virus “Covid 19”, the tour could not be finished. In 2023, the group participated in the Supernova 2023 contest with the song “Aijā”. The group won the competition and got the right to represent Latvia in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately they didn’t manage to reach the final. Entries Aijā Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2023 LanguageEnglishLatvian LyricsAndrejs Reinis ZitmanisKārlis Matīss ZitmanisMārtiņš Matīss ZemītisKārlis Vārtiņš MusicAndrejs Reinis ZitmanisKārlis Matīss ZitmanisMārtiņš Matīss ZemītisKārlis Vārtiņš Backings– Results Semi Points: 34Position: 11Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/SEykwl9X9SY

Voyager to sing “Promise” for Australia

photo: SBS The band Voyager will represent Australia in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. They will sing a song called “Promise”. That is what Australian broadcaster SBS announced tonight. The band was the runner up in last year’s national final with the song “Dreamer”. Singer Daniel Estrin commented on the event: ““As a long-time Eurovision fan, this is the pinnacle – Voyager gets to play the greatest show on earth! Our song Promise is made for the Eurovision stage and collectively we feel it’s one of our best yet. We filmed the music video in both the city of Perth and beautiful parts of Western Australia to showcase the majestic beauty of our home state. Eurovisionation, we are coming!!!” SBS head of entertainment Emily Griggs said: “Voyager bring together my love for the ’80s and catchy lyrics that you can’t stop singing. I can’t wait to see Eurovision fans the world over embrace them as much as Aussie crowds have. Voyager have been determined to get centre stage for the biggest song contest in the world and SBS know they will bring that grit with them along with a whole lot of fun. Look out Europe, the Aussies are coming!” Australia will perform in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal. source: eurovision.tv

Wild Youth

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersDavid WhelanConor O’DonohoeEd PorterCallum McAdam Founded2016 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongWe are one (2023) Biography Wild Youth is an Irish pop rock band formed in Dublin in 2016. The band consists of lead vocalist David Whelan, guitarist Conor O’Donohoe, bassist Ed Porter, and drummer Callum McAdam. They first gained attention with their debut single, “All or Nothing”, which was released 19 June 2017 and quickly became a viral hit. Since their formation, Wild Youth has released several successful singles and EPs. They released a song called “Lose control” in September 2017. On 11 June 2018, another video was released: “Can’t move on”. The song became their first hit in the Irish musical charts. In the summer of 2018, the band was able to open for The Script. They have performed at several major music festivals, including Electric Picnic and Sea Sessions. In January 2019, Wild Youth released their debut album, “The Last Goodbye”. The first single of that album, “Close”, was released in March, followed by “Long time no see” in July. The band returned to Electric Picnic and also performed at the Indiependence Festival. In October, November and December the band had a live tour throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. After a year, on 11 September 2020, the song “Next to you” was released, followed two months later by “Through the phone”. In February and March 2022 the band toured throughout Ireland again, and they performed in London. On 3 March, they released the single “Seventeen”. In June and July of the same year, the band opened for Lewis Capaldi. Meanwhile, they released a new song, “Live without you”, followed by “Modern colosseum” in October. The song came together with another tour.T On 3 February 2023, the band won Eurosong, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “We are one”. They went on to represent their country. Unfortunately they didn’t make it to the final. Entries We Are One Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsConor O’DonohoeEd PorterJörgen Elofsson MusicConor O’DonohoeEd PorterJörgen Elofsson Backings– Results Semi Points: 10Position: 12Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/80-4_rjW10U

Let3

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts Members Damir MartinovićZoran ProdanovićIvan BojčićDražen BaljakMatej Zec Founded1987 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionDora 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongMama ŠČ! (2023) Biography Let 3 is a Croatian rock band that was formed in 1987 in the city of Rijeka. The band is known for their unique and provocative style, incorporating elements of punk, metal, and electronic music, as well as their extravagant stage performances and controversial lyrics. The band’s original lineup consisted of Damir “Mrle” Martinović, Zoran “Prlja” Prodanović, and Igor “Ico” Perković. They released their first album, “Two Dogs Fuckin’”, in 1989, which quickly gained them a cult status in Croatia. Let 3’s early music was characterized by its aggressive punk rock sound and lyrics that often dealt with taboo subjects such as sex and politics. In the early 1990s, the band began experimenting with electronic music, incorporating elements of techno and industrial into their sound. This culminated in their breakthrough album, “Peace”, released in 1996. The album featured the hit single “Dnevnik jedne ljubavi”, which became a massive hit in Croatia and established Let 3 as one of the country’s most popular bands. Throughout their career, Let 3 has remained a highly controversial band due to their provocative stage shows and lyrics, which often feature explicit sexual themes and political commentary. They have been banned from performing in certain venues and festivals due to the controversial nature of their performances. Despite this, Let 3 has remained a highly influential band in Croatia and has continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “Jedina” in 2000, “Bombardiranje Srbije i Čačka” in 2005 , “Živa pička (uživo)” in 2008. In 2013, after a 5 year break, they released a new album: “Kurcem do vjere/Thank you lord”. Their most recent album came out in 2016: “Angela Merkel sere”. On the 11th of february 2023, they won DORA, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Mama ŠČ!”. In the final of the Eurovision Song Contest they reached a 13th place. Entries Mama ŠČ! Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2023 LanguageCroatian LyricsDamir Martinović MusicDamir MartinovićZoran Prodanović DancersŽanil Tataj – Žak Results Semi Points: 76Position: 8Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 123Position: 13Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/hGuGfdEJ5Pw

Lovebugs

About Quick Facts MembersAdrian SieberFlorian SennSimon RamseierStefan WagnerThomas Rechberger Founded1992 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThe Highest Heights (2009) Biography Lovebugs, a Swiss rock band from Basel, was founded in 1992 by Adrian Sieber, Sebastian “Baschi” Hausmann, and Julie Lagger. The band originated when Adrian placed an ad looking for a drummer, which led to their early success by winning a local talent contest. This victory enabled them to record their debut album, Fluff, released in 1994. Shortly after, Julie left the band and was replaced by Simon Ramseier on drums. The band’s momentum grew as they embarked on their first European tour in 1995 and released their second album, Tart. Their breakthrough came in 1996 when the single “Fantastic” climbed to number 40 in the Swiss charts, leading to a deal with BMG Ariola. In 2000, Transatlantic Flight hit number three in the Swiss charts, followed by their first number one album, Awaydays, featuring the hit single “Music Makes My World Go Round.” Over the years, the band saw lineup changes, with bassist Florian Senn and keyboardist Stefan Wagner joining. In 2006, their album In Every Waking Moment topped the Swiss charts, and the single “Avalon” featuring Lene Marlin became a notable success. After a hiatus and a Eurovision appearance in 2009, Lovebugs returned with their 2024 album Heartbreak City, marking their resurgence with a fresh lineup. Entries The Highest Heights Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAdrian Sieber MusicAdrian SieberThomas RechbergerFlorian Senn Backings– Results Semi Points: 15Position: 14Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/bMv0nMrrScE?si=XGLpBh6u0kx_Z87j