Groups

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

The Toppers

About Quick Facts MembersJeroen van der BoomGordon HeuckerothRené Froger Founded2005 Nationality🇳🇱 Dutch National SelectionNationaal Songfestival 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongShine (2009) Biography The Toppers are a Dutch supergroup formed in 2005, originally comprising René Froger, Gerard Joling, and Gordon Heuckeroth. They are renowned for their annual “Toppers in Concert” performances held at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, featuring a mix of covers and original songs. In 2009, Jeroen van der Boom joined the group, replacing Joling, who later returned in 2010. Gordon departed in 2011, and Jan Smit became a member in 2017, solidifying the current lineup of Froger, Joling, van der Boom, and Smit. The Toppers represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song “Shine.” Despite their energetic performance, they did not advance to the final. Their concerts are known for extravagant themes, elaborate costumes, and audience participation, often encouraging attendees to dress according to the event’s theme. Over the years, they have achieved significant milestones, including over 50 sold-out shows, making “Toppers in Concert” the longest-running concert series in Europe. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group postponed their traditional summer concerts and instead planned a Christmas edition in Rotterdam Ahoy. However, this event was also canceled due to ongoing health concerns. The Toppers made a notable return in 2024, with new concerts at May 30 and 31 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. These performances celebrated their 20th anniversary, with the theme “Stout & Fout maar Goud” (“Naughty & Wrong but Gold”). Entries Shine Country🇳🇱 The Netherlands Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsGordon Heuckeroth MusicGordon Heuckeroth BackingsDedre TwissIngrid SimonsSarina Voorn Results Semi Points: 11Position: 17Running order: 19 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/L–teFfqRuM?si=WtyWR5Y3KLYz2Su-

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

Gipsy.cz

About Quick Facts MembersRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ BangaVojta LavičkaNoemi FialováTibor ŽidaMatěj ČernýOliver Lipenský Active2004-2013 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionEurosong 2009Eurosong 2008Eurosong 2007 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAven Romale (2009) Biography Gipsy.cz was a Czech Romani hip hop group renowned for their innovative fusion of hip hop and traditional Romani music. The band’s lyrics were primarily sung in the Romani language, with some songs featuring Czech and English. They have made significant strides in the music industry, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Early History and Formation: 2004-2008 In 2004, rapper Radovan “Radek” Banga released his solo album “Ya favourite Cd Rom.” Shortly thereafter, he met violinist Vojta Lavička and brothers Jan (upright bass) and Petr Surmaj (guitar and accordion). Together, they formed Gipsy.cz, blending their diverse musical backgrounds to create a unique sound. The band’s rise to fame began in 2006 with the release of their single “Romano Hip Hop,” from their debut album of the same name. This single reached the MTV World Chart Express and was later certified Gold in the Czech Republic. That same year, Gipsy.cz won the Discovery of the Year award at the Anděl Awards, marking their breakthrough into the mainstream music scene. In 2007, Gipsy.cz participated in the Czech national final for the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Muloland,” finishing in second place. They achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Czech group to perform at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Additionally, their song “Jednou” was included in the “Gypsy Groove” compilation album published by Putumayo in 2007. The following year, at the 2008 Český slavík awards, they won the Rising Star of the Year award. With the song “Benga Beat”, they participated in the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest again. In June 2008, they released their second studio album, “Reprezent,” which reached second place on the World Music Chart in Europe and stayed there for four weeks. The album included the controversial song “A na závěr si s námi dejte trochu té Čunárny,” which mocked politician Jiří Čunek known for his anti-Roma comments. To avoid legal issues, Gipsy.cz released an alternate version of the song without the offending lyrics. Eurovision and Continued Success: 2009-2013 In January 2009, Jan and Petr Surmaj left the band. New members joined, including Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass and Jan Sochor on accordion. This year marked a significant achievement as Gipsy.cz finally succeeded in representing the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with their song “Aven Romale.” Unfortunately, they finished last in the first semi-final without receiving any points. In 2011, Gipsy.cz toured Australia as part of the Karavan Festival and released their third studio album, “Desperado.” This album showcased the band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences while staying true to their Romani roots. Two years later, they issued their fourth record, “Upgrade,” further solidifying their presence in the music industry. That was the last album, released by Gipsy.cz as a group. Throughout their career, Gipsy.cz has received several accolades. They were nominated for the Best Hip Hop Album at the 2005 Anděl Awards. In 2006, they received nominations for Best Album in the World and Best New Artist, winning the latter. Band Members The last lineup of Gipsy.cz included Radoslav Banga aka Gipsy on vocals, Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass, Jan Sochor on accordion, and Viliam Didiáš on violin. Past members who contributed to the band’s success include Vojta Lavička on violin and vocals, Noemi Fialová on violin and vocals, Tibor Žida on guitar and vocals, Matěj Černý on bass, Oliver Lipenský on drums, and the Surmaj brothers, Petr on guitar and accordion and Jan on electric upright bass. With a discography that includes “Romano Hip Hop” (2006), “Reprezent” (2008), “Desperado” (2011), and “Upgrade” (2013), Gipsy.cz continued to inspire and innovate within the music world. After 2013, Radoslav Banga aka as Gipsy continued solo. Entries Aven Romale Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2009 LanguageRomaniEnglish LyricsRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga MusicRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga Backings– Results Semi Points: 0Position: 18Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/F39OvgrEEpg?si=hEv9lZXnTrUNYgTo

Waldo’s People

About Quick Facts MembersWaldoKaroliina KallioCapri VirkkunenPäivi SeloSami Lehto (not on stage)Karl Sinkkonen (not on stage)Kimmo Nissinen (not on stage) Founded1998 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionEuroviisut 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLose Control (2009) Biography Waldo’s People is a Finnish electronic dance music group that became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group is led by a talented musician known as Waldo, whose real name is Marko Reijonen. Waldo’s People created energetic and catchy dance music that captured the hearts of many fans in Finland and beyond. The band’s journey began in the late 1990s when electronic dance music was becoming very popular. Waldo’s People quickly made a name for themselves with their unique sound. They released their first album, “Waldo’s People,” in 1998. This album featured the hit single “U Drive Me Crazy,” which became a big success, reaching number 3 on the Finnish charts and even charting in Sweden. The album itself also did well, reaching number 6 on the Finnish charts. The success of this album was a significant achievement and helped the band gain even more popularity. Following their successful debut, Waldo’s People continued to produce great music. They released their second album, “No Man’s Land,” in 2000. This album included popular tracks like “I Dream,” “Let’s Get Busy,” and “1000 Ways,” the latter reaching number 4 on the Finnish charts. The album itself again reached number 6 in Finland. Their music is known for its upbeat and danceable tunes. In the early 2000s, Waldo’s People continued to influence the Finnish electronic dance music scene. In 2001, they released singles like “Remedy” and “Disconnected,” keeping their presence in the music scene alive. However, after a few years of success, the band took a break and was not as active. In 2008, Waldo’s People made a big comeback. They released a new single called “Back Again” on May 19, 2008, which reached number 1 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was followed by a compilation album, “Back Again: The Greatest Hits,” which included many of their popular songs and reached number 27 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was exciting for their fans, who had missed their energetic music. The following year, in 2009, Waldo’s People achieved another milestone. They released their third album, “Paranoid,” which reached number 13 in Finland. They were also selected to represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. They performed the song “Lose Control” in the semifinals on May 12, 2009, in Moscow. Band members Sami Lehto, Karl Sinkkonen and Kimmo Nissinen were not on stage at the event. The performance was a success, and the band made it to the finals with the help of the jury votes. In the finals, they performed second to last. Although they finished in last place with 22 points, it was one of the highest point totals ever for a song that placed last in the Eurovision finals. This was still a proud moment for the band and their fans. In 2010, they continued to release new music, with singles like “I Wanna Be a Rockstar,” which reached number 15 in Finland, and “Jackpot,” which reached number 19. They followed up with more singles such as “Echo” in 2011 and “You” in 2014, maintaining their presence in the music industry. In 2019 Waldo’s People teamed up with Movetron for the song “Nousee”, Oku Luukkainen featuring in the song. Entries Lose Control Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAri LehtonenKarimaWaldoAnnie Kratz-Gutå MusicAri LehtonenKarima DancersNiko VirtanenAnton Kasmir Jolma Results Semi Points: 42Position: 12 (saved by the jury)Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 22Position: 25Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/D-Wr0z1_quw?si=sMCMIV8c4Qpc65K9