Groups

Hotel FM

About Quick Facts MembersGabriel BăruţaAlex SzűzDavid BryanNewton Aycliff Active2005 – 2011 Nationality🇷🇴 Romanian (Gabriel, Alex)🇬🇧 British (David, Newton) National SelectionSelecţia Naţională 2011Selecţia Naţională 2010 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongChange (2011) Biography Hotel FM was a Romanian band, established in April 2005 by British expatriate David Bryan, Gabriel Băruţa, and Alex Szűz. Initially, they performed concerts across various cities in Romania and Germany, debuting a promotional CD in the spring of 2006. David Bryan, a founding member and the lead vocalist, hails from Newton Aycliffe in North East England. Before moving to Romania, he worked as a binman in his native town. The inception of Hotel FM dates back to 2005, sparked by Romanian composer Gabriel Băruţa. He gathered several musicians from Oradea, his hometown, to forge a new musical direction, focusing on a modern pop-rock genre that emphasized melody and innovation, hallmarks of Băruţa’s compositions. Over time, the band’s lineup featured Nicolae Vedinaş (vocals, flute), Berek Szilard (vocals), Marius Pop (guitar), Vlady Săteanu (bass), Gabi Drăgan (drums), and Sanyi Zakar (guitar). They continued to perform in Romania and Germany, celebrating the release of their promotional CD in 2006. In the realm of Eurovision, Hotel FM made a significant impact. They achieved 4th place in the Eurovision 2010 national selection final with the song “Come As One”. The lineup for this event included David Bryan (vocals), Gabriel Băruţa (guitar and backing vocals), Vicky Sava (backing vocals), Darius Neagu (drums, backing vocals), and dancers Mihuţ “Levi” Lennon and Diana Mărmăreanu. Their Eurovision journey continued in 2011 with the track “Change” (composed by Gabriel Băruţa, with lyrics by Alexandra Ivan and Băruţa). Winning the national final with 22 points, they earned the privilege to represent Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. They progressed from the second semifinal on May 12th and participated in the final on May 14th, securing the 17th position. Around the Eurovision participation, Hotel FM released several songs, like “The gathering”, “Living it up tonight” and “The letter”, but after that, it remained silent around the band. Gabriel Băruţa wrote and produced several songs for Romanian national selections: “Feel the same” for his band Mosquito in 2013 and “Hearts collide” for Anca Florescu. Băruţa is active as a producer at Mosquito Productions and plays in a band called Mustang. Entries Change Country🇷🇴 Romania Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsGabriel BăruţaAlexandra Ivan MusicGabriel Băruţa DancersRoxana UrecheAlexandra Elena Gerache Results Semi Points: 111Position: 4Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 77Position: 17Running order: 17 https://youtu.be/k2Q-tkBXEzA?si=RBhGHdkgMO9WrVq9

Minus One

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersFrançois MichelettoHarrys PariConstantinos AmerikanosAntonis LoizidesChristopher Ioannides Founded2009 Nationality🇨🇾 Cypriot National SelectionInternal selection 2016Eurovision Song Project 2015 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm SongAlter Ego (2016) Biography Minus One is a Cypriot rock band. Formed in 2009 in Limassol, Cyprus, Minus One initially consisted of lead vocalist François Micheletto, guitarist Harrys Pari, bassist Constantinos Amerikanos, and drummer Chris J (Christopher Ioannides). In 2015, Minus One participated in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. However, their song “Shine” reached a third position in the final. Minus One reached new heights when they were internally chosen to represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest a year later. Their entry, “Alter Ego,” reachted the final, earning them a respectable 21st place finish. After Eurovision, Loizides and Micheletto left the band and were replaced by Constantinos Amerikanos and Maxim Theofanides. Building on their Eurovision success, Minus One released their debut album, “Red Black White,” in 2016. The release was met with critical acclaim, further establishing the band as a rising force in the rock music scene. Songs like “The Reason I Stay” and “Save Me” showcased their ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly tunes without compromising their edgier rock roots. Since then, Minus One has continued to evolve and grow as a band. They have toured extensively, performing in renowned venues and festivals across Europe, including supporting legendary rock band Bon Jovi on their “This House Is Not for Sale” tour. Their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy have made them a favorite among concert-goers, and their reputation as a must-see live act continues to grow. In 2021, Minus One released their highly anticipated second album, “Got it covered,”. Tracks like “Girl”, “What’s up” and “My girl – where did you sleep last night” were released on single. In 2021, the new single “Pretty woman” was released. Entries Alter Ego Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsMinus OneThomas G:son MusicMinus OneThomas G:son BackingsLars Säfsund Results Semi Points: 164Position: 8Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 96Position: 21Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/idUxTqmCFR0

Blue

About Quick Facts MembersAntony CostaDuncan JamesLee RyanSimon Webbe Founded2000 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongI Can (2011) Biography Blue is a British all guy band. In the late 1990s, Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe crossed paths in the British music scene. Bonding over their shared passion for music, they decided to form a band. Blue was born, and the four members embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. Blue’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the release of their debut single, “All Rise,” which quickly climbed the UK charts and established the group as a new force in the pop world. Their debut album, also titled “All Rise,” followed later that year. Following the success of their debut album, Blue continued to make waves in the music industry with their subsequent albums “One Love” (2002) and “Guilty” (2003). Their growing popularity led to collaborations with prominent artists such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder, as well as sold-out tours and numerous awards. Blue’s appeal extended beyond the UK, with the group gaining a loyal fan base in countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Despite their success, the members of Blue faced personal and professional challenges that led to the group’s decision to take a hiatus in 2005. Each member pursued solo projects, exploring different musical styles and personal interests. In 2011, Blue regrouped to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “I Can.” Although they did not win, their participation marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band. They went on to release new music, including the album “Roulette” in 2013. In 2015, they released “Colours,” an album featuring a mix of new songs and classic soul covers. This album marked a departure from their usual style and was aimed at a more mature audience. It received a lukewarm reception and modest sales. On 30 November 2021, Blue announced an arena tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary, with Atomic Kitten supporting them. During an interview on “This Morning,” they revealed they were recording a new album, hinting at new music to accompany the tour. On 11 April 2022, the group announced their sixth studio album, “Heart & Soul,” initially set for release on 9 September 2022. The album’s release date was later pushed back to 28 October 2022. They unveiled the track listing on social media and released the first single, “Haven’t Found You Yet.” Another single, “Dance with Me,” a cover of the 2001 112 single, was released on 29 June 2022. In November 2022, Blue performed at a fan festival in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a decision that attracted criticism due to Qatar’s human rights issues and strict anti-LGBT laws. Entries I Can Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsCiaron BellBen CollierIan HopeDuncan JamesLiam KeenanLee RyanStarSign MusicCiaron BellBen CollierIan HopeDuncan JamesLiam KeenanLee RyanStarSign BackingsDaniel ThomasBryan Chambers Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 100Position: 11Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/9mUKrCGshog?si=uLr7H2IZE1l7W35_

A friend in London

About Quick Facts MembersTim SchouSebastian Vinther OlsenAske Damm BrammingEsben Svane Active2005 – 2014 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongA New Tomorrow (2011) Biography A Friend in London, often abbreviated as AFIL, was a Danish pop rock and alternative rock band that gained international recognition after representing Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. Originating from Vostrup, Denmark, the band was active from 2005 to 2014. The band’s journey began in 2005 when the members met at a boarding school in Vostrup. Tim Schou, the lead singer, had won the Danish Young Talent 2005 contest, leading to the recording of their first single, “Thoughts of a Boheme”. The band quickly gained traction, with their single “Shoot Me” receiving airplay on Danish national radio and their track “Dead Beat” being used in a TV-commercial contest. They toured Denmark extensively, playing over 100 gigs, and their break came in 2008 with the Bodog Million Dollar Battle of the Bands, where they won the European leg. A Friend in London’s international presence grew with tours in Canada and the United States, where they became particularly popular in Canada, embarking on three successful tours, the last in 2011. They also signed a management agreement with a Canadian music group. The band’s most significant achievement came in 2011 when they won the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with their song “New Tomorrow”. This victory led them to represent Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Despite controversies, including allegations of plagiarism and a controversial statement by lead singer Tim Schou during the contest, the band finished fifth. After Eurovision, A Friend in London released their debut album “Unite” on January 21, 2013, featuring collaborations with notable artists like Howie D. from the Backstreet Boys and Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. The album included pre-released tracks “New Tomorrow”, “Calling a Friend”, and “Get Rich in Vegas”. However, in 2013, the band underwent a significant change with three original members leaving. Tim Schou continued with new members for a short period before announcing the band’s dissolution in 2014. The band’s influence extended beyond music. Tim Schou appeared on Danish television in various roles, mentoring young artists and participating in reality shows. Their single “New Tomorrow” was also used in a spaceflight documentary, showcasing their impact on popular culture. Entries A New Tomorrow Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsLise CabbleJakob Glæsner MusicLise CabbleJakob Glæsner BackingsLone Strandbjerg BaltzerTim Daniel McEwan Results Semi Points: 135Position: 2Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 134Position: 5Running order: 3 https://youtu.be/9DcYb8kt4mc?si=CP4TUHxDZvGZYRSN

Takasa

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersSarah BreiterJonas GygaxKatharina HauriChristoph JakobEmil RamsauerMichel Sterckx Active2012 – 2013 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionDie grosse Entscheidungsshow 2013 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongYou And Me (2013) Biography Takasa was a pop ensemble formed by members of the Bern Salvation Army. They were initially formed to compete in the Swiss preliminary round for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. While they started out as Heilsarmee for the qualifiers, they adopted the name Takasa for the main competition in Malmö. Claiming victory with their song “You and Me” during the Swiss national selection for Eurovision, the group secured 37% of public votes in a live telecast by Swiss Television SRF 1 on December 15, 2012. This triumph meant they would represent Switzerland at Malmö’s Song Contest. However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed reservations about the group’s name and uniform being potentially non-compliant. This posed the question of whether they would participate, as the Salvation Army identity and attire were integral to their brand. The EBU hadn’t raised any concerns before the initial stages. Come January 2013, the band declared their intention to compete with a new name and adjusted attire. Their track “You and Me” made its debut on the Swiss charts at the 21st spot on January 6, 2013, remaining there for three weeks. On March 13, 2013, the band revealed a rebrand to Takasa, which means “clean” in Swahili, along with a new white-blue attire. They released a fresh music video for “You and Me” on March 14, 2013, showcasing their trip to Malmö in a vibrant red Fiat 600. Speculation suggested that “Takasa” stood for phrases akin to Prince’s naming style, such as “The artists…” or “The act known as Salvation Army”, but the band dismissed such claims. Ultimately, after performing in the second semi-final of the contest, they didn’t advance to the final. After the Eurovision Song Contest, Takasa kept on performing on several occasions, but the last time they did so was around christmas 2013. Most of the time they performed on the streets of Bern. However, in November 2013 they got the opportunity to perform in the Royal Albert Hall in London. Sarah Breiter was the youngest member of the band at 20, whereas Emil Ramsauer, turning 95 in March 2013, was the eldest. Remarkably, Emil became the most senior musician ever to join the Eurovision stage. The ensemble mourned the loss of their bassist, who passed away at 103, 12 December 2021. Entries You And Me Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2013 LanguageEnglish LyricsGeorge SchluneggerRoman CamenzindFred Hermann MusicNames Backings– Results Semi Points: 41Position: 13Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/nH34iARVI-s?si=QKNvxIz7-R4xwfNT

Ethno-Jazz Band Iriao

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersBidzina MurguliaLevan AbshilavaShalva GelekvaGeorge AbashidzeMikheil Javakhishvili Founded2013 Nationality???????? Georgian National SelectionInternal selection 2018 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongFor you (2018) Biography Iriao is a jazz and ethnic folk music group from Georgia. The band is named after the “Maskulinum” (Iriao-uruao), which is used as onomatopoeia for the Krimanchuli, the Georgian yodel. The group of seven (David Malazonia, Nuzgar Kavtaradze and David Japaridze were not on stage in Eurovision) was founded in 2013 by David Malazonia. It is considered the first group to combine jazz with Georgian ethnic folk. Founder David Malazonia lives in Germany, where he writes music for TV, theater and other projects. The band first appeared internationally at the Borneo Jazz Festival in Malaysia in 2014. The group was selected as the representative of Georgia for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon with the song “For you”. In October 2018, they were able to perform in Moscow. A month later, David Malazonia got very seriously indured by an accident in Beijing. Iriao organized a benefit concert in order to collect money for his treatment. In 2019, Iriao performed at the Baku Summer Jazz Days in Azerbaijan and at the Days Of Georgian Culture in Minsk, Belarus. In November of the same year, they performed at the Münsterland Festival in Germany. Entries For You Country???????? Georgia Year2018 LanguageGeorgian LyricsIrina Sanikidze MusicDavid MalazoniaMikheil Mdinaradze Backings– Results Semi Points: 24Position: 18Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/FvVx5-mzmm0

The Humans

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersCristina CaramarcuAlexandru CismaruAlexandru MateiAlin NeagoeCorina MateiAdi Tetrade Founded2017 Nationality???????? Romanian National SelectionSelecția Națională 2018 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongGoodbye (2018) Biography Alin Neagoe, Alex Matei, Cristina Caramarcu and Adi Tetrade played in a band called Jukebox when they wanted to start a new musical project. Alexandru Cismaru and Adrian Tanase joined them and The Humans were born. Their debut single was released in 2017 and was called “Îndură inima”. The band from Bucharest managed to win Selecția Națională 2018, the national selection for Eurovision 2018, and thus represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Goodbye”. However, the group kept on singing in Romanian; the follow up of their Eurovision song was “Binele meu”. They also released a christmas song, “Despre zâmbete”. In 2019 they released a single titled “N-are rost”. After this song, it took a year before the song “Aminitirea” was released. The latest song “Mai stai” was released in 2021. Entries Goodbye Country???????? Romania Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsCristina Caramarcu MusicAlexandru MateiAlin Neagoe Backings– Results Semi Points: 107Position: 11Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/DGR4S3y7qcw

Moje 3

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts Members Nevana Božović Sara Jovanović Mima Radulović Active 2013 Nationality 🇷🇸 Serbian National Selection Beosong 2013 In Eurovision 2013 Malmö Song Ljubav je svuda (2013) Biography Moje 3 was a Serbian girl group. Mirna Radulović, Nevena Božović, and Sara Jovanović first connected during the initial rounds of Prvi glas Srbije‘s second season, an equivalent of The Voice in Serbia. They were all chosen by judge Aleksandra Radović for her team. They reached the finale on 20 January 2013, clinching the top three positions with Radulović leading, followed by Božović and Jovanović. In February 2013, the trio, now called Moje 3, was set to participate in Beosong 2013, Serbia’s Eurovision 2013 selection event. With their track, “Ljubav je svuda” (English: Love Is All Around), they emerged as Beosong 2013 victors, earning the honor to present Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden. Before the contest, Moje 3 rolled out various versions of their song in assorted arrangements and languages and performed at the Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam on 13 April 2013. At the Eurovision 2013, Serbia performed last in the first semi-final on 14 May but didn’t progress to the finals, landing at 11th position with 46 points. Interestingly, Moje 3 received the Barbara Dex Award, a playful nod to the contest’s most distinctively dressed artist. Though they had achieved success together, Radulović, Božović, and Jovanović clarified that Moje 3 was not a long-term project. By May’s end in 2013, they disbanded, with each artist focusing on individual pursuits. Entries Ljubav Je Svuda Country 🇷🇸 Serbia Year 2013 Language Serbian Lyrics Marina Tucaković Music Saša Milošević Mare Backings Ksenija Milošević Dunja Vujadinović Jelena Mitić Results Semi Points: 46 Position: 11 Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: – Position: – Running order: –

Klapa s mora

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersMarko ŠkugorAnte GalićNikša AnticaLeon BataljakuIvica VlaićBojan Kavedžija Active2013 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionInternal selection 2013 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongMižerja (2013) Biography Klapa s Mora was a traditional Croatian music ensemble. It was a super klapa group that included six male klapa from five existing klapagroups in Croatia. The group was built up especially for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. For the occasion, “Mižerja” was written. Unfortunately, the group did not reach the final in the contest. Originating from Dalmatia, Croatia, Klapa music is a traditional style of a cappella singing. The term “klapa” means “a group of friends,” and the style is deeply connected to coastal church chants. Its themes often revolve around love, the homeland, the sea, and the joys of wine. While harmony and melody dominate Klapa music, rhythm isn’t typically emphasized. In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO added Klapa to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2012. A typical klapa ensemble includes a first tenor, a second tenor, a baritone, and a bass. While all voice parts can be doubled, the first tenor remains singular. These groups usually feature up to twelve male singers. Although female klapa groups have gained popularity recently, groups traditionally remain either all-male or all-female without mixing. While klapa traditionally is a cappella, sometimes a soft guitar or mandolin, which resembles a tamburitza in look and sound, complements the singers. Additionally, synthesizer keyboards mimicking percussion instruments can occasionally accompany the ensemble. Klapa music remains a vibrant tradition with new compositions emerging and dedicated festivals celebrating it. Notably, the Dalmatian Klapas Festival in Omiš stands out as a premier event with deep roots in Klapa music. In recent years, Klapa Šufit has made a mark there, clinching the top spot for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Klapa holds a special place in the hearts of Dalmatian youth who often indulge in this musical tradition during outings for meals or drinks. It’s common to encounter impromptu klapa performances in the evenings, set against a backdrop of food and wine on the streets. Entries Mižerja Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2013 LanguageCroatian LyricsGoran Topolovac MusicGoran Topolovac Backings– Results Semi Points: 38Position: 13Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/FYm4sGd-qP0?si=jEPyb0lasQaMpTd4

Dorians

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersGor SujyanArman JalalyanArman PahlevanyanEdgar SahakyanGagik Khodavirdi Active2008 – 2013 Nationality🇦🇲 Armenian National SelectionEvrotesil 2013Evrotesil 2009 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongLonely Planet (2013) Biography Dorians were an Armenian band, built up around singer Gor Sujyan. The band rose to fame when, in February 2009, they took part in Evrotesil, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Their song, “Fly” reached a 3rd place in the contest. In April 2009, the band Dorians clinched the “Best Newcomer” award at the Tashir Music Awards in Moscow. By June, they commemorated their first anniversary with a major concert in Yerevan. A notable collaboration arose when they teamed up with renowned artists Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. Together, under the banner of Rock Aid Armenia, they held a charity concert. The proceeds were directed towards the renovation of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. 2010 saw the Dorians headlining four concerts in Moscow. They also bagged the title of “Best Rock Band of the Year” at the National Music Awards of Armenia. Their achievements didn’t halt in 2011, securing accolades for “Best Rock Band of the Year”, “Best Video of the Year”, and “Best Vocal of the Year” at the same awards. Their debut album, recorded in April 2011, was mixed at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium, and mastered at the Translab studio in Paris, France. Later in August, they were the opening act for Serj Tankian’s concert in Yerevan. December 2011 was another significant month for the band. They not only won the “Rock Number One” and “Man Number One” accolades at the VAN Music Awards but also released their debut album, “Fly”. The subsequent year, in September, they performed concerts at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex and in Nagorno-Karabakh. These concerts featured keyboardist Derek Sherinian and guest artist Glenn Hughes. In 2013, they represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest. Armenian television had invited Gor Sujyan to represent the country. However, when the song “Lonely Planet” was chosen, Gor decided he didn’t want to do it solo. He was joined by the Dorians instead. They progressed to the Grand Final and ranked 18th out of 26. After the Eurovision Song Contest, they gave a consert in the Cascade Complex in Yerevan. They did an open air concert on international childrens day. In October 2013 the band performed at the Belomor-Buggie rockfest in Arkhangelsk, Russia. In November 2013 the band performed in the Mezzo Classic House Club in Yerevan. After this, Gor Sujyan had solo projects. From 2017, Gor Sujyan began to collaborate in the project founded by Levon Arevshatyan called Project LA. Here, Gor Sujyan presents the works of famous Armenian and foreign writers in the form of songs. Entries Lonely Planet Country🇦🇲 Armenia Year2013 LanguageEnglish LyricsVardan Zadoyan MusicTony Iommi Backings– Results Semi Points: 69Position: 7Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 41Position: 18Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/UGOSZ7Uufno