Twins

🇸🇪 Road to Malmö: Sweden

photo: PhotoAnnaR, Wikimedia Commons We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Sweden. Marcus & Martinus Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, the Norwegian identical twins behind the dance-pop duo M&M, have been captivating audiences since their 2012 debut. Hailing from Elverum, Norway, they were born on February 21, 2002, and swiftly rose to fame after winning Melodi Grand Prix Junior with “To dråper vann.” Their first album, “Hei,” and its hit singles, including “Elektrisk,” dominated the Norwegian charts. By 2016, the twins had expanded their reach, collaborating with Madcon on “Girls,” securing chart-topping success in Norway and Sweden, and releasing “Together,” their English-language album. They shone at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and continued to release chartbusters like “Like It Like It” and “First Kiss.” Their creative momentum continued with the album “Moments,” and singles like “Invited.” After a stint of new music, including “Belinda” with Alex Rose and “Feel” with Bruno Martini, they won Sweden’s “Masked Singer” in 2022. In 2023, they nearly captured Melodifestivalen with “Air,” and in 2024, they triumphed, earning the honor to represent Sweden at Eurovision with “Unforgettable,” marking a new pinnacle in their vibrant career. Melodifestivalen Already in the sixties, the name of the Swedish national final was Melodifestivalen. The past over 20 years, it has been a national final with 4 or 5 semifinals. It has become the most popular national final all over Europe. But who remembers Abba, not winning it in 1973 with “Ring Ring”, but winning it a year later with “Waterloo”? The rest is history. This year, many stars from Sweden took part in it, as every year. However, none of them participated in the Eurovision Song Contest before. Jury and televoter agreed with eachother: Marcus and Martinus were the winners for both. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Swedish entry came in 1958, but it all really started exactly 50 years ago. In 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo”, and changed Eurovision completely… forever! Ten years later, Herrey’s won with “Diggy-loo, diggy-ley”. Carola was the one who did the job in 1991 with “Fångad av en stormvind”. But since 1999, the chain of victories never ended: Charlotte Nilsson with “Take me to your heaven” in 1999, Loreen with “Euphoria” in 2012, Måns Zelmerlöw with “Heroes” in 2015 and Loreen again last year, with “Tattoo”. Sweden is one of two countries holding the record of most victories. photo: EBU/Chloe Hashemi The Bookmakers An 8th victory for Sweden is not likely. Currently, Marcus and Martinus hold the 10th place to win in the betting odds. What will really happen…. we’ll see! The song And this is the song:

Marcus & Martinus

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen Born21 February 2002 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionMelodifestivalen 2024Melodifestivalen 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUnforgettable (2024) Biography Marcus & Martinus, known as M&M, are a Norwegian dance-pop duo formed by identical twin brothers Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, born on 21 February 2002 in Elverum, Norway. The duo’s career began in 2012 when they competed in the eleventh season of Melodi Grand Prix Junior, held at the Oslo Spektrum and broadcast live by NRK. They won the contest with their song “To dråper vann” (“Two Drops of Water”), which peaked at number eight on the Norwegian Singles Chart. In 2015, Marcus & Martinus released their debut studio album “Hei” (“Hi”), which climbed to number 1 on the Norwegian Albums Chart and stayed in the top ten for 20 consecutive weeks out of 35. The album featured the single “Plystre på deg” (“Whistle at You”), and they also released other singles like “Elektrisk” (“Electric”) with Katastrofe, and “Ei som deg” (“One Like You”) with Innertier. They later released a special fan version of “Hei”, including “Elektrisk” among other extras. 2016 was a busy year for the duo as they released several singles including “Girls” with Madcon, which hit number 1 in Norway and Sweden, and “Heartbeat” and “I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”. They followed up with “Light It Up” and “One More Second”. Their first English album, “Together”, was released in November, featuring hits like “Girls” and “Heartbeat”, and debuted at number 1 in Norway and Sweden. They performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December. In 2017, Marcus & Martinus announced Norway’s Jury points for the Eurovision Song Contest. They released singles including “Like It Like It” with Silentó, “First Kiss”, and performed a special song for Swedish Crown Princess Victoria’s 40th birthday. They also released “Dance with You”, “Make You Believe in Love”, “One Flight Away”, “Never”, and their third album “Moments”. The single “Invited” was released in September. From 2019 to 2021, they released an EP called “Soon”, singles “Love You Less”, “It’s Christmas Time”, and were featured on Stig Brenner’s “Miserabel”. They also released “Belinda” with Latin star Alex Rose, and “Feel” with Bruno Martini. In 2022, they won the Swedish version of “Masked Singer” and released “When All the Lights Go Out”. They competed in Melodifestivalen 2023 with “Air”, finishing second behind Loreen. They participated in Melodifestivalen 2024 with “Unforgettable” and won on 9 March with 177 points, set to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. In the Grand Final of the contest, they reached a 9th place. Entries Unforgettable Country🇸🇪 Sweden Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen MusicJimmy ‘Joker’ ThornfeldtJoy DebLinnea DebMarcus GunnarsenMartinus Gunnarsen DancersDaniel KoivunenKenny LantzKim PastorPauline Eddeborn Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 174Position: 9Running order: 1 https://youtu.be/DcZpzObYzxs?si=p7IAkrPs3QigWuK2

🇱🇺 Blast from the past: Luxembourg 1980

photo credits: Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Netherlands We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today: two cute ladies, but unfortunately also a sad story. Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest Luxembourg has triumphed in the contest on five distinct occasions. However, the twist is that not a single winner was of Luxembourgish descent. The champions Jean-Claude Pascal (1961), France Gall (1965), Anne-Marie David (1973), and Corinne Hermes (1983) originated from France. Meanwhile, Vicky Leandros (1972), a Greek by birth, has made Germany her longtime residence. National final In 1980, Luxembourg selected their song internally. It is not exactly known how. However, there is a video in which we can see something that looks like an audition. Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger composed a song. For the French lyrics of it, they teamed up with Jean-Paul Cara and Pierre Delanoë. The twins Sophie and Magaly were chosen to sing the entry. Sophie and Magaly Sophie and Magaly, French twin sisters, formed a musical duo. They were born in Neuilly-sur-Seine at 24 august 1962. They gained significant attention when they represented Luxembourg in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest with “Papa Pingouin”, securing the ninth position. Despite this placement, the track witnessed tremendous commercial acclaim in France, selling over a million copies. Their subsequent release, “Arlequin”, didn’t fare well, leading their German producer Ralph Siegel from Ariola to part ways with them. Another producer, Charles Talar, stepped in, but the duo’s later tracks, “Toi” and “Les nanas de Zorro”, failed to capture the audience, resulting in their disbandment. When Sophie and Magaly, still minors at the time, entered into a contract with Ralph Siegel, their parents lacked insight into the standard practices of the showbiz world. The agreement they made with Siegel ensured only a minimal percentage of the sales would go to the sisters. In April 1982, during a prime-time slot on TF1’s “Droit de réponse”, Magaly opened up about their earnings. She revealed that they each had been paid a mere 5,000 francs (equivalent to 762 € before adjusting for inflation), despite their record sales surpassing a million 45 rpm units. Further, she shared that Siegel had chosen to discontinue his professional relationship with them and was unwilling to revisit the terms of the contract, maintaining that it was already fair and binding. Years later, in 2005, French songwriter Jean-Paul Cara corroborated that Siegel’s intention was never to propel Sophie and Magaly to stardom. He had enlisted them specifically for that one song. Tragically, in the late ’80s, Magaly was diagnosed with HIV, culminating in her passing from AIDS on 2 april 1996. Sophie, grappling with severe depression, resided in southern France until her death on 27 February 2019. Papa Pingouin As said, the song was written and composed by Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger along with Pierre Delanoë and Jean-Paul Cara. The song delves into the whimsical daydreams of the main character, a restless penguin who envisions himself soaring like a seagull and journeying globally, recounting several imagined destinations. By the song’s conclusion, the penguin discerns that existence “on the ice floe” isn’t as dismal as he perceived. Symbolizing his relinquished wanderlust, he “sets his suitcase ablaze.” The song reached the 9th place in the Eurovision Song Contest in Den Haag. Additionally, Sophie & Magaly produced a German rendition of the track titled “Papa Pinguin.” A 2006 animated rendition by the penguin Pigloo propelled the song back into the limelight in France, topping the SNEP Singles Chart for a trio of weeks. With its 27-week chart presence, it ranked as the fifth most popular single in France for that year. Additionally, the tune made its mark on the Swiss Singles Chart, securing the 24th spot. Its German counterpart, “Papa Pinguin”, gained traction in German-speaking regions, climbing to fourth place in Austria and securing the sixth position in both Germany and Switzerland.

Azerbaijani TuralTuranX present song

Today, the song TuralTuranX from Azerbaijan will sing, is published. The song, “Tell me more”, is written and composed by the brothers themselves. It is the 16th entry for Azerbaijan, the country that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. More about TuralTuranX can be found on this page. You can listen to the song below. What do you think?

TuralTuranX

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersTural BağmanovTuran Bağmanov Born30 October 2000 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongTell Me More (2023) Biography TuralTuranX is an Azerbaijani duo. The duo consists of the twin brothers Tural and Turan Bagmanov. Tural and Turan Bagmanov were born on October 30, 2000 in the city of Zaqatala in the Northwest of Azerbaijan. They started playing the piano and learning songs when they were in high school. Later, they learned to play the guitar and the synthesizer their father bought them. Although they performed in schools and some events, they took a break from their music career after the death of their father. Tural moved to Baku and in July 2019. Together with a friend who played the guitar, he created a music group called TheRedJungle. Soon, Turan also joined the group. On February 2, 2023, they became one of the 5 participants of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest selection tour for Azerbaijan. On March 9, 2023, they were announced as the winners of the selection. They represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Tell me more”. Unfortunately, they did not make it to the final. Entries Tell Me More Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsTural BağmanovTuran Bağmanov MusicTural BağmanovTuran BağmanovNihad Aliyev Backings– Results Semi Points: 4Position: 14Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/8BNtaW1IEtA

Road to Rotterdam: The Netherlands

Host country The Netherlands will be represented by Jeangu Macrooy this year. He would have participated last year and was immediately chosen by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS to do the job in 2021. The song he will sing is called “Birth of a new age”.

Tolmachevy Sisters

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersAnastasiya TolmachevyMaria Tolmachevy Born14 January 1997 Nationality🇷🇺 Russian National SelectionInternal selection 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongShine (2014) Biography Born on January 14, 1997, in Kursk, Russia, Anastasiya and Maria showed a passion for music from an early age. Their parents nurtured their interest, enrolling them in music schools to hone their talent. Their big break came in 2006 when they won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest at just nine years old. Their winning song, “Vesenniy Jazz” (Spring Jazz), made them instantly popular in their home country and across Europe. In 2007, the Tolmachevy Sisters appeared in the Children’s New Wave competition, where they took the second spot. The following year, they appeared as Snow Maidens in the Russian New Year’s Eve television show “Yolki Plyuschi” and participated in various music festivals, both domestically and internationally. As they grew older, the Tolmachevy Sisters expanded their repertoire and style, moving from childlike songs to more mature pop ballads. This evolution was reflected in their 2014 Eurovision Song Contest entry. They represented Russia with the song “Shine” and finished 7th overall. Despite some political controversy surrounding Russia at the time, the Tolmachevy Sisters received strong support from the audience and viewers, solidifying their reputation as talented and charismatic performers. Since 2016, they teach children in singing at the Studio Sisters Maria Anastasiya. On October 14, 2017, the twins performed as interpreters on the opening day of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi. A year later, they received certificates and medals for their contribution, signed by Russian president Vladimir Putin. On New Years Eve of that year, they presented a new song, “S Toboy”. In 2018, they performed at the Moscow Eurovision Party. They also performed at the Fifa Fan Fest in Rostov-on-Don. On January 15, 2020, the Tolmachevy Sisters gave their very first solo concert, called “Otrazhenie”. On May 18, 2021, they gave a concert celebrating five years of their vocal studio. Later that year, a one hour interview with the sisters appeared online on YouTube. The girls are not only singers but also models and brand ambassadors. Entries Shine Country🇷🇺 Russia Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsJohn BallardRalph Charlie al FahelGerard James Borg MusicPhilipp KirkorovDimitris Kontopoulos BackingsRui AndradeAnna NilssonAnna Strandberg AnderssonJenny Tärneberg Results Semi Points: 63Position: 6Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 89Position: 7Running order: 15 https://youtu.be/BCNN1JAgWqk

TWiiNS

About Quick Facts MembersVeronika NízlováDaniela Nízlová Born15 May 1986 Nationality🇸🇰 Slovakia National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongI’m still alive (2011) Biography Twiins, formerly known as Tweens, is a Slovak musical duo formed by twin sisters Veronika and Daniela Nízlová, born on May 15, 1986, in Hronský Beňadik. The sisters pursued their education at the University of Economics and Public Administration in Bratislava. They first garnered attention in 1996 when they won a children’s song contest, Hviezdička, marking the beginning of their musical journey. Originally named Tweens, a name conceived by Daniel Hevier, they embarked on their musical career with their debut album “Tweens” in 2000. This was followed by “Máme čas…” in 2001, “Škrtni zápalkou” in 2003, and “Láska chce viac” in 2005, all under their initial band name. These albums helped establish their presence in the Slovak music scene. In 2008, the duo underwent a significant transformation, changing their name to Twiins. This change coincided with the release of their music video for the song “I Don’t Know,” which was filmed in the USA. This marked a new phase in their career, expanding their audience and artistic direction. The Twiins’ journey took an international turn on May 14, 2011, when they represented Slovakia at the 56th Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their participation in this event was a direct nomination by RTVS, the Slovak public broadcaster, due to budgetary constraints that year. Under their new name, Twiins, they released the album “Compromise” in 2009, showcasing their evolution as artists. They continued to release music, including “Singles Collection” in 2017, a compilation that highlighted their journey and success over the years. In 2021, they released “Zlatá Brána Dokorán,” further solidifying their place in the music industry. Entries I’m Still Alive Country🇸🇰 Slovakia Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsBryan ToddSandra Nordstrom MusicBryan ToddSandra NordstromBranislav Jančich Backings– Results Semi Points: 48Position: 13Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Lmn1mvWQIOY?si=gtPZRC_NAczt2IBZ

Jedward

About Quick Facts MembersJohn GrimesEdward Grimes Born16 October 1991 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2012Eurosong 2011 In Eurovision2012 Baku2011 Düsseldorf SongWaterline (2012) Biography John and Edward Grimes, born on 16 October 1991 and popularly recognized as Jedward, are an Irish duo famous for their singing and TV presentation skills. These identical twins initially stepped into the limelight as John & Edward during the 2009 sixth series of The X Factor, where they sparked a unique wave of ironic fandom termed “the Jedward paradox”. They made it until the seventh elimination round and were guided by Louis Walsh, who also mentored them on The X Factor. The duo has unveiled four albums to date: Planet Jedward in 2010, Victory in 2011, Young Love in 2012, and Voice of a Rebel in 2019. Their debut and second albums both achieved double platinum status in Ireland. They’ve rolled out numerous singles such as “Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)”, “Bad Behaviour”, and “Lipstick”. Notably, with “Lipstick”, they represented Ireland at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest held in Düsseldorf, and with “Waterline”, they did the same in Baku for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. In 2012 they also won a BAFTA Award. Beside “Waterline” they scored another hit, “Put The Green Cape On”. In October 2014, Jedward hit the charts again, this time with the song “Ferocious”. In January 2015 they got their own Vevo channel. A tour throughout the UK followed in March 2016. On 9 July 2019, Jedward released a new album, “Voice Of A Rebel”. Apart from their music, Jedward has ventured into television. They featured in the documentary series, Jedward: Let Loose in 2010, hosted the kids’ show, OMG! Jedward’s Dream Factory from 2011 to 2013, and took on Jedward’s Big Adventure from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, they were part of Celebrity Big Brother 8 in 2011, secured the second position in Celebrity Big Brother 19 in 2017, and joined the cast of Celebrity Coach Trip 4 in 2019. In 2021 they sang a cover of “True colours” and shaved their quiffs for a fundraising for cancer research, as their mother died of cancer two years before. In August 2020 they released a new single, “Extraordinary”. It was followed in October by “Teenage Runaway”. In March 2021 they shaved their quiffs off for charity, in order to get money for the Irish Cancer Society. In 2023 they performed in Liverpool during the Eurovision Song Contest, being guests in the Eurovillage. Entries Waterline Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsNick JarlSharon Vaughn MusicNick JarlSharon Vaughn BackingsClaire O’MalleyLeanne MooreShane CreevyJulian Edwards Results Semi Points: 92Position: 6Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 46Position: 19Running order: 23 https://youtu.be/e1cuimKLNpU?si=jQO3Yy1HfhAgi8zb Lipstick Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsLars Halvor JensenMartin Michael LarsenDaniel Priddy MusicLars Halvor JensenMartin Michael LarsenDaniel Priddy BackingsDaniel PriddyLeanne MooreDavid O’ConnorMorgan Deane Results Semi Points: 68Position: 8Running order: 19 Results Finals Points: 119Position: 8Running order: 6 https://youtu.be/XgrlG6hQbNM?si=O3ENFuh2DXku6P9r