Moscow

Copycat

About Quick Facts NamePatrick Ouchène Born05 December 1966 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongCopy Cat (2009) Biography Patrick Ouchène is a Belgian musician best known for his role as the lead singer of the rockabilly band Runnin’ Wild. Born in Belgium, Ouchène developed a passion for music at a young age, drawing inspiration from classic rock and roll and rockabilly sounds. His unique voice and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a standout figure in the European rockabilly scene. Ouchène’s musical career took a significant leap forward when he formed Runnin’ Wild, a band that gained a reputation for its energetic performances and authentic rockabilly style. The group became a fixture in the European rockabilly circuit, playing at numerous festivals and events, and earning a loyal fan base. In addition to his work with Runnin’ Wild, Patrick Ouchène is also known for representing Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Performing under the stage name “Copycat,” Ouchène brought a retro rock and roll flair to the contest with his song “Copycat,” a homage to Elvis Presley. However, there was a lot of criticism about the song, according to Elvis-fans being disrespectful to The King. Ouchène ended up getting only one point in the semifinal. In 2012 Crystal, the daughter of Patrick Ouchène, became the lead singer of Runnin’ Wild. In April 2013, the band won the Belgian edition of Hard Rock Rising, an international competition hosted by Hard Rock Café. They released the EP “Free The Demoons”. In 2015 the album “Good Taste In Bad Friends” came out. Inj 2018, In 2016, Ouchène joined the group Mike Fanton & The Bop-A-Tones, and released the single “Fantomas Rock” and the album “Too Hot To Bop”. The group kept on performing and, with a changed line up, continued in 2018. Also in 2018, Crystal & Runnin’ Wild released a new album, “The Midnight Creature”. Crystal & Runnin’ Wild had their goodbye concert in October 2019. After this, he moved to France, but due to COVID19 got stuck in Morocco. At his return to Brussels in August 2020, Patrick started offering guitar lessons. In 2021, Crystal & Runnin’ Wild made a comeback. He also started performing again with Mike Fanton & The Bop-A-Tones. In 2022, Patrick also joined another band: The Floridas. They gave a few performers. In 2023, he joined The Scoundrells. The band was supposed to be a new version of Patrick’s old group The Dominos. One of the members is Jules Sautier, Patrick’s son! Entries Copy Cat Country🇧🇪 Belgium Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsJacques Duvall MusicBenjamin Schoos BackingsMiami Monster Miam (Benjamin Schoos)Lenn DauphinMiss T Blue (Marie-Ange Tchaï-Teeuwen)Miss D Lite (Desta Hailé) Results Semi Points: 1Position: 17Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/FXJu6SJdVvA?si=jGSDKSK-TDCvbCka

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

Andrea Demirović

About Quick Facts NameAndrea Demirović Born17 May 1985 Nationality🇲🇪 Montenegrin National SelectionMontevizija 2019Internal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongJust Get Out Of My Life (2009) Biography Andrea Demirović, also known simply as Andrea, is a distinguished Montenegrin singer born on June 17, 1985, in Podgorica, Montenegro, which was then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Her musical journey began at a young age, culminating in her enrollment at the Cetinje Music Academy, where she pursued studies in Music Pedagogy. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in music, allowing her to blend technical knowledge with her natural talent. Andrea’s breakthrough in the music scene came in 2002 at the Sunčane Skale festival, a prominent music event in the region. This performance garnered her significant attention and marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Following this initial success, Andrea continued to make waves in regional music festivals, including the Serbo-Montenegrin and Montenegrin national finals for the Eurovision Song Contest. These competitions further established her as a notable artist in the Balkans. In 2006, Andrea released her debut album titled “Andrea” under the City Records label. The success of her debut album paved the way for her subsequent projects. By 2009, she was preparing to release her follow-up album, with the lead single being “The Queen of the Night,” a cover of Mirela’s song from the Misión Eurovisión 2007. Andrea’s career took a significant turn in 2009 when it was announced on January 23 that she would represent Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia. She performed the song “Just Get Out of My Life,” which was the opening song in the first semi-final on May 12. Despite a captivating performance, the song did not advance to the final. However, her participation in Eurovision significantly raised her profile on the international stage. Andrea’s 2012 hit, released in June, was called “Odlazim”. This song and “All the best” were the songs with which she represented Montenegro at the Baltic Song Contest in 2013. In 2015, she had the honor of announcing the Montenegrin votes at the Eurovision Song Contest, further cementing her connection with the event. In 2016, she joined the Congress of OGAE Spain. At the same time, a new single and video were released: “Posveta”. Andrea teamed up with the Rock Band Akademija for performances in April 2017. In June of that year the single “Pamti” came out. In April 2018, Andrea started performing with a new band as Andrea & Bend. It was in 2019 when she took part in Montevizija, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, “Ja sam ti san”, reached a 3rd place in the competition. Andrea teamed up with Bojan Jovović for a duet called “Proljeće” in May 2021. It was released almost at the same moment as her song “Igra”. In 2022, Andrea became a politician, as a candidate councilor for the political party Prava stvar – zajedno bar. However, she kept on making music. “Poquito”, a song she wrote in 2020, was released with video in 2023. Andrea Demirović is also a teacher in music. Entries Just Get Out Of My Life Country🇲🇪 Montenegro Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsJosé Juan Santana RodriguezBernd Meinunger MusicRalph Siegel BackingsPeter BischofAriana RothKatrin Schild von Spannenberg DancersNikola Tomašević Results Semi Points: 44Position: 11Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/UaETVttl1P4?si=SuPO-zb3wWAZxmIg

Soraya

About Quick Facts NameSoraya Arnelas Rubiales Born13 September 1982 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionEurovisión 2009: El retorno In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLa noche es para mí (2009) Biography Early Life and Career Beginnings Soraya Arnelas Rubiales was born on September 13, 1982, in Valencia de Alcántara, Cáceres, Spain. From a young age, she had a passion for performing arts and moved to Madrid at 11 to pursue her dreams. Although she initially aimed to study drama, Soraya worked as an airline stewardess for Iberworld, traveling worldwide. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, which helped her connect with a diverse audience. Rise to Fame: Operación Triunfo and Debut Album Soraya’s big break came in 2005 when she participated in the fourth season of the Spanish TV show “Operación Triunfo.” She impressed the audience and judges with her vocal talent, finishing as the runner-up. This exposure led to the release of her debut album, “Corazón De Fuego,” on December 5, 2005. The album, produced by Kike Santander, reached number 13 on the Spanish charts and earned Platinum status, marking a successful start to her career. Continued Success: Ochenta’s and Dolce Vita In 2006, Soraya released her second album, “Ochenta’s,” on November 21. This album featured English-language covers of 1980s hits, including RAF’s “Self Control,” which achieved Gold status in Spain. “Ochenta’s” peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and also earned Platinum certification. Following this success, Soraya released “Dolce Vita” on September 11, 2007. The album included more 1980s covers, such as “La Dolce Vita,” Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky,” and Eurythmics’s “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” It also peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and received Gold certification. Exploring New Sounds: Sin Miedo In 2008, Soraya released her fourth album, “Sin Miedo,” which marked a departure from her previous 1980s cover albums. This album featured 12 original tracks, including a duet with Kate Ryan called “Caminaré.” Despite debuting at number 21 on the Spanish Albums Chart, the album’s new edition helped it re-enter the Top 40 at number 32. Eurovision and Beyond: Dreamer and Universe In Me In 2009, Soraya represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “La noche es para mí,” finishing in 23rd place. Despite the result, this experience boosted her international profile. In 2010, she released “Dreamer,” an electronic-dance-pop album produced by Antoine Clamaran. The album peaked at number 8 on the Spanish Albums Chart and included the hit single “Live Your Dreams,” which charted in several European countries. Soraya continued her musical journey with the release of “Universe In Me” on November 11, 2013. This album reached number 31 on the Spanish charts and showcased her growth as an artist. Live Performances and Recent Work In 2016, Soraya released a live album, “Akustika,” which included both CD and DVD formats and peaked at number 97 on the Spanish Albums Chart. She continued to release singles, such as “Con Fuego” in 2013, “Plastic” in 2013, and “Neon Lovers” in 2014, maintaining her presence in the music industry. Soraya released several singles becoming hits in Spain. In 2015, she reached the charts with the song “You Didn’t Do It”, a year later “Long Time” was a success. She teamed up with Mister Mimon, who featured in her 2017 hit “El Pretendiente”. A year later, “Qué bonito” was a hit. In 2023, Soraya released a brand new single, “La Botella”. Television Appearances and Acting Soraya’s television career is extensive. She first appeared on “Operación Triunfo” in 2005 and then on “Mira quién baila” in 2006. Between 2006 and 2007, she was a contestant on “El Club de Flo.” In 2009, she led a choir in “La Batalla de los Coros” and represented Spain in the “Eurovision Song Contest 2009.” She also appeared on “Canta si puedes” during New Year’s Eve in 2009 and 2010, and served as a judge on “Generación de estrellas” in 2010. Soraya made guest appearances on shows like “Adivina quién viene a cenar esta noche” in 2010, “Juntos” in 2011, “Tu cara me suena” from 2011 to 2018, and “Atrapa un millón” in 2011. She co-hosted “Cabaret Olé” from 2011 to 2013 and appeared in special episodes of “Pasapalabra” in 2012 and 2013. She was also a contestant on “¡A bailar!” in 2014 and a judge on “¡Vaya fauna!” in 2014. More recently, she served as a judge on “Tú sí que sí” in 2017, appeared on “Trabajo Temporal” in 2018, and was a contestant on “Celebrity Bake Off” in 2021 and “Sálvame Mediafest” in 2022. In 2023, she was a guest judge on “Drag Race España.” Personal Life Since 2012, Soraya has been in a relationship with male model Miguel Ángel Herrera. The couple welcomed their first child, Manuela Grace, on February 24, 2017. Soraya Arnelas Rubiales continues to be a prominent figure in the Spanish music scene, known for her versatility and enduring appeal. From her early days on “Operación Triunfo” to her international ventures and personal milestones, she remains a beloved artist with a rich and diverse career. Entries La noche es para mí Country🇪🇸 Spain Year2009 LanguageSpanish LyricsFelipe Pedroso MusicDimitri StassosIrini MichasJason Gill BackingsAlexey PostoloskyDima OleschenkoNoemí GallegoNora JiménezVerónica Ferreiro Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 24Position: 23Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/zw8uKCrDt7U?si=61YjGfBK1gkn9mcn

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

Jade Ewen

About Quick Facts NameJade Louise Ewen Born24 January 1988 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionEurovision: Your Country Needs You 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongIt’s My Time (2009) Biography Jade Louise Ewen, born on 24 January 1988, is a talented British singer and actress who gained fame as a member of the girl group Sugababes. Her career has taken her from the pop music scene to the stages of London’s West End, showcasing her versatility and talent. Early Life Jade Ewen was born in Plaistow, London, to Trevor and Carol Ewen. Her father is Scottish with Italian ancestry, and her mother is Jamaican. Both of her parents have disabilities; her father is blind and partially deaf, while her mother is visually impaired. Because of her parents’ disabilities, Jade has been a caregiver to them and her two younger siblings, Shereen and Kiel, from a young age. Jade’s passion for music and performance was evident early on. She began singing and taking dance classes before the age of four. She attended Brampton Manor Academy before earning a scholarship to the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School (SYTS). While at SYTS, Jade appeared in several television productions, including “The Bill,” “Casualty,” “Mr. Harvey Lights a Candle,” and “The Ghost Hunter.” At ten, she auditioned for and landed the role of Young Nala in the West End production of “The Lion King.” Early Career and Eurovision (2002–2009) Jade’s early career included appearances in children’s dance DVDs and music videos, such as Busted’s “What I Go to School For.” In 2005, she joined the girl group Trinity Stone, which signed with Sony BMG but disbanded in 2007 without releasing an album. Jade continued to pursue her music career, recording with rapper Kwamé and releasing a digital single, “Got You,” in 2008. In January 2009, Jade was selected to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “It’s My Time,” written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren. She finished in fifth place, the UK’s highest placing at Eurovision from 2002 until 2022. This performance brought her significant recognition and led to a contract with Polydor Records. Joining Sugababes (2009–2011) In September 2009, Jade joined the well-known girl group Sugababes, replacing Keisha Buchanan. Although her single “My Man” was released around the same time, promotional activities were canceled due to her new commitment to the group. Despite this, “My Man” reached number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. Jade quickly integrated into the group, recording and promoting new music. The Sugababes’ single “About a Girl” debuted at number eight in the UK, and their album “Sweet 7” reached number 14 on the UK Albums Chart. Another single, “Wear My Kiss,” peaked at number seven in the UK. In 2010, Jade became the face of Miss Ultimo lingerie and continued to work with the Sugababes on new music. However, by 2011, the group had left their record label and signed a new deal with Sony Music’s RCA Records. They released a promotional single, “Freedom,” but it was offered for free and did not chart. West End and Acting Career (2013–Present) After her time with Sugababes, Jade shifted her focus to acting and musical theatre. In 2014, she played Clara in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of “Porgy and Bess,” receiving positive reviews for her performance. She was cast in the lead role for “Godspell” in 2015 but had to withdraw due to illness. In September 2015, Jade made her West End debut in “In the Heights,” playing Vanessa. Her performance was well-received, and she continued to showcase her talent on stage. In November 2015, she was cast as Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin” at the Prince Edward Theatre. However, she later sued Disney, alleging damage to her voice from having to sing too loudly during performances. Television and Film Jade has also made various television appearances, including roles in “Casualty,” in 2015, “Tracey Ullman’s Show in 2016,” “Lovesick,” in 2018 and “Luis Miguel: The Series.” in 2021. She played Mariah Carey in the latter. Entries It’s My Time Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAndrew Lloyd WebberDiane Warren MusicAndrew Lloyd WebberDiane Warren BackingsRustom PomeroyAndrew Lloyd Webber??? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 173Position: 5Running order: 23 https://youtu.be/-GwOojK3VRU?si=r2IICAQLrf9pe2le

Elena Gheorghe

About Quick Facts NameElena Gheorghe Born30 July 1985 Nationality🇷🇴 Romanian National SelectionSelecția Națională 2009Selecția Națională 2005 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThe Balkan Girls (2009) Biography Elena Gheorghe (born 30 July 1985; Romanian pronunciation is a celebrated Romanian singer. Over the years, she has evolved from being a member of a popular band to a successful solo artist with numerous hits. Early Life and Career Beginnings Elena was born in Bucharest, Romania, into a family deeply rooted in religious and musical traditions. Elena’s musical journey began at the tender age of three when she performed the folk song “Sus în Deal în Poieniţă”. Recognizing her talent, she joined the Children’s National Palace at age eleven, where she honed her singing skills. She won the gold trophy at the Little Bear competition in Baia Mare in 2000 with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time”. In 2001, she also participated in the prestigious Mamaia Festival. Career with Mandinga (2002–2005) In 2002, Elena joined the pop group Mandinga, known for its lively Latino music. Her time with Mandinga was marked by significant achievements, including the release of their debut album “…De Corazón” in June 2003. The band’s popularity soared, and in 2005, their song “Soarele meu” secured 4th place in the Romanian National Eurovision Selection, later earning a golden disc. In January 2006, Elena opened her dance school, Passitos, and shortly after, she decided to leave Mandinga to pursue a solo career. Her departure from the band marked the beginning of a new chapter in her musical journey. Solo Career Beginnings (2006–2008) Elena’s solo career took off in June 2006 with the release of her debut album “Vocea Ta”. Her single “Vocea Ta” (Your Voice) was a hit, reaching the top ten in the Romanian Top 100. In 2007, she continued her success with the release of her second album, “Te Ador”. The title track became a popular hit, and she won several awards, including the Best Song of 2007 at the Romanian Top Hit Music Awards for “Ochii Tăi Căprui”. Eurovision Song Contest (2009) In late 2008, Elena’s career took a significant turn when she was chosen to represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song “The Balkan Girls”. After a successful promo tour across Europe, she advanced to the Grand Final, where she finished 19th. Despite the challenging competition, her performance was well-received, and it boosted her recognition across Europe. European Recognition and “Disco Romancing” (2010–2012) Following her Eurovision experience, Elena released the single “Disco Romancing”, which became a major hit in Romania and other European countries, including Hungary, where it reached the top ten. Her follow-up single “Midnight Sun” also enjoyed success in various charts. In 2011, she collaborated with Dony on the hit single “Hot Girls” and embarked on her first European tour, performing in Germany, Spain, and Greece. Her album “Disco Romancing” was released in 2012 in Spain and Japan, featuring additional singles like “Your Captain Tonight” and “Hypnotic”. Recent Years (2013–Present) In 2016, Elena was chosen by Disney Enterprises and Walt Disney Romania to sing the main theme for the animated TV series Elena of Avalor. In 2019, she organized an event to celebrate Aromanian National Day, showcasing her commitment to her cultural heritage. In March 2022, she released a new song titled “Brațele”. Discography Highlights Elena Gheorghe’s discography includes notable albums such as “Vocea Ta” (2006), “Te Ador” (2008), “Disco Romancing” (2012), and “Lunâ Albâ” (2019). Her singles, including “The Balkan Girls” and “Disco Romancing”, have enjoyed considerable success, making her a well-known name in the Romanian and European music scenes. Entries The Balkan Girls Country🇷🇴 Romania Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsLaurenţiu DuţăAlexandru Pelin MusicLaurenţiu DuţăOvidiu BistriceanuDaris Mangal BackingsLiliana CauniiRoxana UrecheFlavia Brigitta MihasanLucia DumitrescuAndreea Comşa Results Semi Points: 67Position: 9Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 40Position: 19Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/2uf7trjAj20?si=2j0Vezmy1P0t2HOm

Svetlana Loboda

About Quick Facts NameSvitlana Serhiivna Loboda Born18 October 1982 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionEvrobachennya 2009 – Natsionalyni vidbir In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongBe My Valentine (Anti-crisis girl) (2009) Biography Early Life and Education Svitlana Serhiivna Loboda, known professionally as Svetlana Loboda or simply LOBODA, was born on October 18, 1982, in Oleksandrivskaya Clinical Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. She spent her early years in Irpin, Kyiv region. Svetlana’s childhood was marked by a strong passion for music. She attended a music school where she excelled in piano, conducting, and academic vocal studies. This early education laid the foundation for her future career in music. After completing her initial musical training, Svetlana continued her education at the Kyiv Variety and Circus Academy, enrolling in the Variety Vocal Department. During her first year, she joined the musical group Cappuccino, which gained a respectable place in the Ukrainian music scene. However, she later left the group, feeling it wasn’t the right fit for her. Early Career and Breakthrough Svetlana’s early career saw her participate in the first Ukrainian musical Equator, directed by Viktor Shulakov. She played one of the main roles, Mirana, which garnered attention and praise. During this period, she released a song and music video titled “Black Angel,” which received wide rotation and further increased her visibility. In December 2003, Svetlana formed her own band, Ketch. By spring 2004, she auditioned and became a soloist for the popular Ukrainian girl group VIA Gra, also known internationally as Nu Virgos. With VIA Gra, she toured Asian cities and starred in the music video for the song “Biologiya.” Despite her success with the group, she left after a short stint and released her debut solo single, “Chyorno-belya zima,” in December 2004. In November 2005, she released her first solo album, “Ty ne zabudesh,” which marked the beginning of her solo career. Her subsequent single “Chyorny Angel” and a trip to Japan led to the recording of the song “Postoy, mushchina!.” She also hosted the show Shoumaniya on Novy Channel and the Miss CIS pageant on TET channel. Additionally, she opened a travel agency, “Happy Vacations,” and released the music video for her song “Schactye” Eurovision and Growing Popularity In 2009, Svetlana Loboda represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl).” Her performance and campaign to raise awareness against domestic violence brought her international recognition. Despite finishing in 12th place, her song and video became very popular, with high view counts on Eurovision’s YouTube channel and significant search interest. Continued Success (2010-2015) Between 2010 and 2015, Svetlana Loboda’s career continued to flourish. She released several hit singles and albums, including the song “Zhit legko,” which humorously depicted her weight gain after Eurovision. She also recorded a duet, “Serdtse byotsya,” with Max Barskikh, and in 2011, she released the single “Na svete” at the Crimea Music Fest. Her 2012 project “Oblaka” included a short film, “Woman-Crime,” filmed in Miami, exploring themes of passion and crime. In April 2012, she launched her show The Beginning, touring Ukraine for nearly a year. Her song “What about U” was included in the official tracklist for the UEFA Euro 2012 championship. She continued to release popular music, including the single “40 gradusov,” and became a coach on the talent show The Voice Kids in 2012. Achievements and Awards Svetlana Loboda has received numerous awards throughout her career. In June 2013, she was honored with the title Honored Artist of Ukraine. She has been recognized at various music award ceremonies, including the YUNA Awards, where she won several categories such as Best Female Performer and Best Song. Her album “H2LO,” released in 2017, achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries. Continued Success (2017-2024) In 2017, Svetlana Loboda released her album “H2LO,” which included hit singles like “K chyortu lyubov” and “Tvoi Glaza.” The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, topping charts in several countries including Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Her song “Tvoi Glaza” held the top position on the iTunes charts in the CIS for five weeks and won the Golden Gramophone award in Moscow. In March 2018, at the Bravo Awards, she received awards for Best Album and Best Singer from Eros Ramazzotti. During this event, she also announced her pregnancy and took a brief hiatus from concert activities. However, two weeks after the birth of her second daughter, she returned to the stage at the Muz-TV Award and received the award for Best Singer. In 2019, Svetlana became a mentor on the show The Voice Kids on Channel One. Although she faced controversy due to the voting results, she continued to release popular music. Her album “Sold Out,” released at the end of 2019, went triple platinum, and she became the best streaming artist on the Sony Music Entertainment Russia label. In 2020, she collaborated with rapper Pharaoh on the track “Boom Boom,” which sparked controversy but quickly gained popularity, receiving platinum status in Russia. She also released the single “Moloko,” which entered the top 40 radio charts in Russia and Ukraine and achieved platinum status. Support for Ukraine and Recent Projects In February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Svetlana Loboda ceased her collaboration with Russia and canceled her scheduled concert tour. She publicly supported Ukraine and shared regular updates about the war’s impact on Ukrainians on her social media platforms. She also transformed her office into a volunteer headquarters to assist Ukrainians in need. On June 3, 2022, Svetlana released “Molytva,” her first song since the start of the war, dedicating it to Ukraine. The music video, filmed in Riga, Latvia, featured 45 musicians from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. In November 2022, she released the Ukrainian-language single “Dva neznaiomtsi,” dedicated to Ukrainians experiencing separation due to the war. In early 2023, she released the song “Po-Ukrainski,” which became the lead single for her new album “Made in U”, which was released in March 2023. In 2024, she released the single

Kejsi Tola

About Quick Facts NameKejsi Tola Born05 February 1992 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali I Këngës 2013Festivali I Këngës 2011Festivali I Këngës 2010Festivali I Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongCarry Me In Your Dreams (2009) Biography Kejsi Tola, born 5 February 1992, is an Albanian singer and songwriter. Kejsi Tola started singing when she was six years old. She studied at the Jordan Misja Artistic Lyceum. At age 11, she won the Young Voices of Albania competition and won the Young Voices of Shkodra twice. She was a finalist on Gjeniu i Vogël and won the fourth season of Ethet, the Albanian version of Pop Idol. In 2008, she was chosen by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) to compete in the 47th Festivali i Këngës with her song “Më merr në ëndërr”. She won the contest with 126 points and got the chance to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow. She qualified for the grand final, finishing 17th overall with 48 points. In late 2009, Kejsi competed in the 48th Festivali i Këngës with the song “Ndonjëherë” and finished 15th with 58 points. After this, she took a break to study classical singing at the University of Arts in Tirana. She came back to Festivali i Këngës in 2010 with the song “Pranë”. However, she didn’t make it to the final. In 2012, she participated in the 51st Festivali i Këngës with the song “S’jemi më atje”. She made it to the final and finished in 4th place with 42 points. In 2014, Kejsi entered Kënga Magjike with the song “Iceberg”. She placed 5th and won the Production Award. In 2018, she had a hit single with the song “U rritëm”. She competed again in Kënga Magjike in 2018 with the song “Me ke mua”, which was nominated for Best Song of the Year at the 2019 Kult Awards. In 2023, she was set to compete in Festivali i Këngës 62 with the song “Vallëzoj me dritën”, but she withdrew from the competition. Entries Carry Me In your Dreams Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAgim DoçiJune Taylor MusicEdmond Zhulali BackingsEra Rusi DancersJenia Evgenios BuliArdi KocajAndi Kocaj Results Semi Points: 73Position: 7Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 48Position: 17Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/w6Ori4A4ATo?si=J1J-e2Jh0gCo6QWq

Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey. Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and worked with producer Yves Gaillard on her first single, “Sweat,” released on November 1, 2004. The song reached number 19 on Belgium’s Ultratop charts. Her second single, “Stir Me Up,” released in May 2005, gained her recognition in Turkey. Her third single, “Milk Chocolate Girl,” released in October 2005, reached number 13 on the Ultratop chart. In November 2005, Hadise released her first album, “Sweat,” including hits like “Ain’t No Love Lost” and “Bad Boy.” These songs helped her become a rising star in Belgium and Turkey. Second Album: Hadise (2008) In September 2007, Hadise released “A Good Kiss,” the first single from her second album. The music video was filmed in Istanbul. The second single, “My Body,” was released in February 2008. That same year, she collaborated with Turkish singer Serdar Ortaç on the song “Düşman.” In June 2008, Hadise released her second album, “Hadise,. The album included a Turkish version of “A Good Kiss” called “Deli Oğlan,”. It became a hit in Turkey, boosting her popularity. Eurovision and New Albums (2009-2010) In October 2008, it was confirmed Hadise would represent Turkey at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed “Düm Tek Tek,” co-written with Sinan Akçıl and Stefaan Fernande, on December 31, 2008, on TRT. She finished fourth in the contest held in Moscow on May 16, 2009, receiving 177 points. In May 2009, Hadise released her third album “Fast Life” outside Turkey, topping the Indonesian music charts and reaching number 16 in Belgium. The title track “Fast Life” won the Best Song from Turkey award at the Balkan Music Awards. In June 2009, Hadise released her fourth album, “Kahraman,” produced by Sinan Akçıl. The album featured the hit single “Evlenmeliyiz.” Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? and More (2011-2013) Hadise’s fifth album, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?,” was released in April 2011. The album sold 35,000 copies in Turkey that year and featured hits like “Superman,” which reached number 5 on the Turkish charts. The second and third singles, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?” and “Mesajımı Almıştır O,” also received music videos. In June 2012, she released the single “Biz Burdayız,” and in 2013, the single “Visal.” Recent Work (2014-Present) Her sixth album, “Tavsiye,” was released in August 2014 by Pasaj Music, selling 16,000 copies in Turkey. The album featured hits like “Nerdesin Aşkım?,” “Prenses,” and “Yaz Günü,” with “Nerdesin Aşkım?” reaching number one in Turkey. Hadise released her seventh album, “Şampiyon,” in June 2017. The title track was the lead single and entered the charts at number two. The second single, “Sıfır Tolerans,” topped the Turkish charts but faced controversy for being too erotic. Hadise criticized this decision as sexist. In 2019, Hadise became the face of Fanta’s advertising campaign in Turkey and released the single “Geliyorum Yanına” in August. The music video premiered at her concert on August 10. In September 2020, she released the single “Küçük Bir Yol”. In February 2021, she released her second EP, “Aşka Kapandım.” The lead single was “Olsun,”. In June 2021, she released the single “Hay Hay,”. In September 2021, Hadise became the digital face of Pubg Mobile, releasing the single “Coş Dalgalan.” On July 1, 2022, Hadise released “İmdat,” a duet with rapper Murda. The music video was filmed in the Netherlands and Spain. In response to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey, Hadise participated in a charity single, “People Help the People,” with over thirty Flemish artists. Hadise released the single “Feryat” on April 14, 2023, and collaborated again with Murda on the single “Sen Dönene Kadar,” released in May 2023. The music video was filmed at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. On September 29, 2023, Hadise released the single “Sevmiyo,” with a music video directed by Utku Kemal. Other Work and Personal Life Hadise is fluent in Turkish, Dutch, French, German, and English. She was a judge on “O Ses Türkiye” from 2011 to 2020 and since 2021, has been a judge on “O Ses Türkiye Rap.” In October 2021, she launched her fashion brand, Kert. In 2022, UNICEF Turkey appointed her as a “Child Rights Advocate.” Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on April 30, 2022, but announced their divorce on September 15, 2022. The couple divorced amicably on September 30, 2022. Entries Düm Tek Tek Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsHadise AçıkgözStefaan FernandeSinan Akçıl MusicSinan Akçıl BackingsEva Jane Smeenk-WillemsOlga PotapovaSvetlana NikitaevaUğur YıldırımSteve Kashala Results Semi Points: 172Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 177Position: 4Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/_uYGPl8galc?si=J7d6gdfqsYY3oJst