Malmö

Besa

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

🇦🇱 Besa Kokëdhima represents Albania

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

🇦🇱 Albania: second night Festivali i Këngës

Tonight is the second night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The second semifinal will be held tonight, 21.00 CET. You can watch it here and on YouTube. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Big Basta & Vesa Luma sing “Mbinatyrale” Elsa Lila sings “Mars” Jasmina Hako sings “Ti” Michela Paluca sings “Për veten” Anduel Kovaci sings “Nan’” Irma Lepuri sings “Me prit” Eden Baja sings “Ajër” Erina & The Elementals sing “Jetën n’Skaj” Kleansa Susaj sings “Pikturë” Arsi Bako sings “Zgjohu” Tiri Gjoci sings “Në ëndërr” Besa Krasniqi sings “Esenciale” Bledi Kaso sings “Çdo gjë mbaroi” Troy Band sing “Horizonti i ëndrrave” Martina Serreqi sings “Vetëm ty” Vesa Luma took part in 2005 (final), 2008 (semifinal) and 2013 (15th).Elsa Lila won Festivali i Këngës last year, but the choice of the televoters went to Eurovision.Arsi Bako took part in the 2023 semifinal.Tiri Gjoci participated in 2018 (final) and 2020 (final).Besa Krasniqi took part in 2016 (final).

🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës, first evening tonight

Tonight is the first night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Normally, this marks the start of the national final season. However, this year everything is different. We already know two songs for Eurovision. The first semifinal will be held tonight, 20.00 CET. You can watch it here on YouTube and on Facebook. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Stivi Ushe sings “Askush si ty” Besa Kokëdhima sings “Zemrën n’dorë” Mal Retkorceri sings “Çmendur” Eldis Arrnjeti sings “Nje kujtim” Shpat Deda sings “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” Jehona Ponari sings “Evol” PeterPan Quartet sings “Edhe nje here” Festina Mejzini sings “Melos” Kastro Zizo sings “2073” Luan Durmishi sings “Përsëritja” Melodajn Mancaku sings “Nuk jemi ne” Olsi Ballta sings “Unë” Andi Tanko sings “Herë pas here” Sergio Hajdini sings “Uragan” Santino de Bartolo sings “Dua të rry me ty” Olimpia Smajlaj sings “Asaj” Besa Kokëdhima already took part in 2009 (4th) and 2011 (8th).Festina Mejzini was present in 2017 (semifinal), 2018 (final) and 2021 (3rd).Kastro Zizo participated in 2020 (semifinal), 2021 (final) and 2022 (semifinal).Melodajna Mancaku and Sergio Hajdini both reached the final in 2023.Andi Tanko took part in the 2016 semifinal.Olimpia Smajlaj reached the final in 2022.

🇨🇿 🇬🇧 🇮🇱 🇳🇱 🇸🇮 🇸🇪 Update after a turbulent week

It has been a turbulent week in the world of Eurovision. No less than four countries presented their participant, one of which also included a song. And as if that was not enough, the EBU also presented the theme art. Israel Let’s all start were it started. The 10th of december was the day of the next round in Israel. This was the result: Malki Lipsker, 95% Raz Levi, 53% Dor Shimon, 93% Yehuda Saado, 73% None of them took part before in Kokhav Nolad when it was the national final for Eurovision. However, Yehuda Saado won the contest in 2005, way before it became the Eurovision national final. The Netherlands Last Monday, it was announced that the Netherlands will be represented by Joost Klein. Joost is especially known for his international hit “Frieschenjung”. You can read everything about Joost here. The song will be presented in March. Slovenia Tuesday was the day of Slovenia. Rumour had it already, but now it was confirmed that Raiven will be the Slovenian representative. Raiven took part in the national selection EMA more than once. Read all about it here. Czechia Wednesday, the result of the Czech final was announced. Aiko is the happy one, her song “Pedestal” will be the Czech entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. You can also find out who Aiko is at her page on our site. Theme Art Thursday, the theme art was published. The theme art makes it possible to have a consistent experience regardless of platform or screen size. Also good to know: the allocation draw, in which it will be decided which country will perform in which semifinal, will be held on January 30. United Kingdom Surprise, surprise, Saturday evening Olly Alexander suddenly announced that he will be the 2024 UK representant. The song will be announced later, in 2024. But until then, you can find all the information about Olly here.

Olly Alexander

©EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameOliver Alexander Thornton Born15 July 1990 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongDizzy (2024) Biography Olly Alexander, born Oliver Alexander Thornton on July 15, 1990, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and LGBTQ advocate. His journey in the entertainment industry is marked by notable achievements in both music and acting. Alexander is best known as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop band Years & Years, which he joined in 2010. His entry into the band was somewhat serendipitous; he was overheard singing in the shower by band member Mikey Goldsworthy, who was impressed by his voice. Years & Years achieved significant success with their music, which is a blend of electropop, R&B, and 1990s house elements. Their debut single “I Wish I Knew” was released in 2012, and they gained further attention with the release of their second single “Traps” in 2013. The band’s most successful single, “King,” topped the UK Single Chart in March 2015, and their debut album, “Communion,” released in July 2015, entered the UK Albums Chart at number one. Their second studio album, “Palo Santo,” was released in 2018. In March 2021, Years & Years became the solo project of Olly Alexander. Alexander’s acting career is equally impressive. He made his acting debut in the 2008 film “Summerhill” and appeared in the British-French-Australian biographical fiction romantic drama “Bright Star” in 2009. He has worked in various films, television series, and theatre plays, including notable roles in “The Dish & the Spoon” (2010), “Peter and Alice” (2013), and the musical drama “God Help the Girl” (2014). In 2021, Alexander starred in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 and HBO Max drama “It’s a Sin,” which depicts gay life in the 1980s and early 1990s during the onset of HIV/AIDS. His performance in the show was highly praised and sparked discussions about a potential BAFTA nomination. Alexander is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, safer sex, and HIV screening. He has been open about his struggles with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which he has experienced since the age of 13. Alexander came out to his mother at the age of 20 and has been vocal about his experiences as a gay man in the entertainment industry. He was involved in a high-profile relationship with Neil Amin-Smith, a violinist from Clean Bandit, though they separated in 2015. In November 2020, he won the LGBT Celebrity of the Year award at the British LGBT Awards. He has also been recognized by Queerty, being named among the 50 heroes “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people” in June 2020. In late 2023, it was announced that Olly Alexander was going to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. On the 1st of March, 2024, his song “Dizzy” was presented. He reached an 18th place in the Grand Final of the contest. Entries Dizzy Country🇬🇧 Country Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsOlly AlexanderDaniel Harle MusicOlly AlexanderDaniel Harle BackingsAlex BrownEdd ArnoldHarrison ClaxtonRaymond Wade Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 46Position: 18Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/q0_FdJqyQW0?si=UVo-NEuDqGSpOZud

Olly Alexander represents the UK

Tonight, the BBC announced that Olly Alexander will represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. It was said during the Grand final of Strictly Come Dance. Olly Alexander, born Oliver Alexander Thornton on July 15, 1990, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, is a celebrated British musician, actor, and LGBTQ advocate. He rose to fame as the lead singer of the synth-pop band Years & Years, which he joined in 2010. The band achieved significant success with hits like “King” and albums such as “Communion” (2015) and “Palo Santo” (2018). Their music, a blend of electropop and R&B, has topped charts and resonated with fans worldwide. In addition to his musical achievements, Alexander has also made a mark in acting. He debuted in the film “Summerhill” in 2008 and gained further recognition with roles in “Bright Star” (2009) and “God Help the Girl” (2014). His portrayal in the 2021 drama series “It’s a Sin” was critically acclaimed, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Beyond entertainment, Alexander is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. He has openly discussed his experiences with depression and anxiety, and his activism extends to promoting safer sex and HIV screening. The song Olly will sing will be presented in 2024. The United Kingdom will be automatically added to the final. This is Years and Years’ biggest hit, “King”, from 2015: And this is a more recent one:

EBU and SVT reveal theme art

The theme art of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is revealed. The theme art will be presented under the name “The Eurovision Lights”. The visual identity for Eurovision 2024, titled ‘The Eurovision Lights,’ merges the awe-inspiring northern lights with the rhythmic patterns of sound equalizers. This concept draws its inspiration from the parallel vertical lines that are characteristic of both the aurora borealis and sound equalizers. Utilizing simple linear gradients, this design has been crafted for adaptability and versatility, allowing it to be easily modified to suit various requirements and devices. SVT’s Christel Tholse Willers, Deputy Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, remarked: ‘We are so proud to present an identity that is designed to be ﬂexible and useful both on and off screen. It is inspired by the magnificent ‘northern lights’, the beauty and mystery of which has been transformed into ‘The Eurovision Lights’. It is a captivating and beautiful mix of the Eurovision Song Contest’s sparkling brand colours that will not only be seen across the three live shows but also in exciting variations in different contexts across the event’s digital platforms and gives a Eurovision feel in Malmö’s urban spaces.’ source: eurovision.tv

Aiko

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

Czechia chose Aiko

The Czech national final for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has been won by Aiko. With her song “Pedestal” she was selected by both Czech and international televoters. The full results are: Aiko, “Pedestal”, 1st Elly, “The angel’s share”, 2nd Gianna Lei, “Starlet” Lenny, “Good enough”, 4th Mydy, “Red Flag Parade”, 3rd Tom Sean, “Dopamine overdose”, 6th Tomas Robin, “Out of my mind”