Vienna

Monika Linkytė

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennet About Quick Facts NameMonika Linkytė Born03 June 1992 Nationality🇱🇹 Lithuania National SelectionPabandom iš naujo! 2023Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2015Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2014Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2011Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2010 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool2015 Vienna SongStay (2023)This time (2015, with Vaidas Baumila) Biography Monika Linkytė (born June 3, 1992) is a Lithuanian singer. After graduating from high school Monika entered Vilnius University. That is where, at the Faculty of Medicine, she completed three semesters of the public health bachelor’s program. Since 2014 studied law at the VU Faculty of Law in September, but in 2016 she chose to study music creation at the BIMM Institute in London. Although Monika wanted to be a dancer as a child, after encountering music in piano lessons, she wanted to pursue a career as a singer. From 2006 to 2008 she participated in various competitions where she achieved high places. in 2007 she participated in the national selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Monika also participated in the Eurovision selection in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015. in 2014 she represented Lithuania in the New Wave contest in Jūrmala with the song “Tonight”. She took the 4th place there. In the same year, the singer competed in the second season of Lietuvos balsas (The Voice of Lithuania) and took the second place. Together With Vaidas Baumila she represent Lithuania at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. There, the duet with the song “This Time” . The two made it to the finals, where they took 18th place. In September of the same year, Monika released her debut album “Walk With Me”, which was promoted by the recent Eurovision song and perhaps the artist’s most popular single “Po dangum”. Both the single and the album went platinum. in 2015 she was awarded at the M.A.M.A. awards ceremony. She won awards wfor Album of the Year (for “Walk with Me”), Song of the Year (for “Po dangum”) and Female Artist of the Year. At the 2016 M.A.M.A. awards, she was once again nominated for the artist of the year award. The song “Padovanojau” became Gold in the same year. On 30 August 2016, Monika released a new song called “Gal Tai Meilė?”. It was followed by “O tu” on 20 February 2018. On 28 March 2019, Monika released a song and video in English again: “All alone”. It took some time, but in June 2020 a new song was released, including the video “Visada šalia”. The song was accompanied by a mini documentary about the singer and song. In 2022, Monika released two songs: “Naktis” in April and “Degtukas” in June. In November of the same year she teamed up with Leon Somov for the song “Dūšia”. Monika Linkytė won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Pabandom iš naujo! with the song “Stay”. In the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool she reached the 11th place in the Grand Final. Entries Stay Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsChris NoahMonika Linkytė MusicChris NoahMonika Linkytė BackingsYvonne GarshNicola LambrianosDeborah ‘Ouraa’ OsiboduCharleen Afolabi Results Semi Points: 110Position: 4Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 127Position: 11Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/QsgouAEd34U This time (with Vaidas Baumila) Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsMonika Liubinaitė MusicVytautas Bikus BackingsRūta ŽibaitytėJustė KraujalytėDainotas VarnasJurijus Veklenko Results Semi Points: 67Position: 7Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 30Position: 18Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/xtB_slM63JA

Vaidas Baumila

About Quick Facts NameVaidotas Baumila Born28 March 1987 Nationality🇱🇹 Lithuanian National SelectionEurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2016Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2015Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2014 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongThis Time (2015, with Monika Linkytė) Biography Vaidas Baumila (born in 1987 in Vilnius) is a Lithuanian singer. When he started his career in 2005, Vaidas Baumila was known by the pseudonym Ozono. Soon, he decided to participate in the TV reality show “Danguje”. He reached the final there and finished third. After the success of “Danguje”, he started to perform a lot. On 11 December 2006 Vaidas released his debut album “Ká tu mýsti?”, which sold over 5,000 copies. In 2007 he was working on the second album. 6 songs were already prepared for the new album. Vaidas Baumila hoped to record a song with the lead singer of “G&G Sindikato”, Gabrielis Liaudanskas-Svarus. in 2008 he released the solo album “Išklausyk”, won two Radiocentr statuettes – in the best artist and post-realism nominations. He was chosen as the best children’s performer of that year at the Vaikau balsa awards held at the beginning of the summer. He participated in the music show Žvaigždžių duetai 2 with businesswoman Violeta Buožyte. In January 2009 month of January, his duet with Daura Zenkevičiūte reached the semi-finals of Žvaigždžių duetai and reached the semi-finals. In Vilnius College he finished his studies in entertainment stage art and decided to continue his studies at the University of Scotland. He attended preparatory acting courses. In 2010 he entered the GSA musical theater school in Guilford, UK. in 2012 worked as a singer on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth. in 2015 participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, in a duet with Monika Linkyte. The duo reached the final where they got an 18th place. in 2022, Vaidas led the project The Voice of Lithuania, together with Ieva Prudnikovaite, members of the group 69 Danguje, Karina Krysko, Nijolė Pareigyte-Rukaitiene and Goda Aliyeva and rock music representative Bena Aleksandravičius from the group Ba. Entries This time (with Monika Linkytė) Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsMonika Liubinaitė MusicVytautas Bikus Backings Rūta ŽibaitytėJustė KraujalytėDainotas VarnasJurijus Veklenko Results Semi Points: 67Position: 7Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 30Position: 18Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/xtB_slM63JA

Mélanie René

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameMélanie René Born01 September 1990 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionDie grosse Entscheidungsshow 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongTime To Shine (2015) Biography Melanie René, performing under the stage name Melyz (* September 1, 1990, in Geneva), is a Swiss singer. She was born in Geneva to Mauritian parents. At the age of seven, she started performing at family gatherings and festivities. In 1995, her family moved to the French department of Haute-Savoie. In 2009, she represented Switzerland at the Gregoriu International Festival in the Romanian city of Brăila with a self-composed song titled “Il chante avec les anges”, a tribute to her grandfather, and won the competition. In 2010, she attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, England, as well as the Institute of Modern Music in Brighton, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. On January 31, 2015, she wonthe Swiss national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna, Die grosse Entscheidungsshow, with her self-written song “Time to shine.” In the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, Mélanie René finished last, failing to qualify for the final. On January 25, 2018, Mélanie René announced on her Facebook page that she would start a new project after a year of experimentation, associated with a new musical style that she described as “electro-pop with a small alternative side.” Along with this announcement, she revealed her new stage name, Melyz, bidding farewell to her birth name. She had already created her YouTube channel under the same name on August 22, 2017, and released her first music video in the new style, “Dancefloor,” on April 13, 2018. On January 27, 2019, Melyz’ first EP “Don’t Tell On Us” was released. It was followed by a single and video, “Don’t Tell”, on the 1st of March. Within’ a month, the song had 50k views. Due to COVID19, Melyz could only release a new song on November 13 2020. The song was called “Bad together”. In February 2022, Melyz released a new song, “Look at me now”. Entries Song Title Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsMélanie René MusicMélanie René BackingsAnissa Condemi MontemouhinIdyl NahlaFlavie Crisinel CheuwaNatacha Karine Montille Results Semi Points: 4Position: 17Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/ya1r_nFHiCQ

Leonor Andrade

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameLeonor Margarida Coelho Andrade Born13 September 1994 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival Da Canção RTP 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongHá Um Mar Que Nos Separa (2015) Biography Leonor Margarida Coelho Andrade (Barreiro, September 13, 1994), also known as Ella Nor, is a Portuguese singer and actress. She has been playing the piano since she was four years old, but only started singing when a female vocalist was needed in her brother’s band. In 2014 she participated in the RTP program The Voice Portugal, having been subscribed by her friends. Still in 2014 she was chosen for the tv series Água de Mar where she played the role of Joana Luz. In March 2015, she won the Festival RTP da Canção 2015 with “Há Um Mar Que Nos Separa”, thus being chosen to represent Portugal in Vienna, Austria, in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. In May 2016 she released the album “September” with 10 songs, all of her own authorship, including ‘Strong For Too Long’ and ‘Já Mei’, previously released as a single. Among the songs we can also find a duet with Marisa Liz in ‘Deixa-me o Chão’. She changed her stage name to Ella Nor. She collaborated on a new song by Miguel Gameiro, “Ficas-me Bem”. Ella Nor ga voice to Yorn commercials, with the song “Shake It”, released in October 2017. The original version of the theme “Bang” in English started playing in TVI’s soap opera A Herdeira. The Portuguese version, adapted from the original in English with the collaboration of Carolina Deslandes, is the generic theme of TVI’s tv series Jogo Duplo. In 2020, Leonor started working in a project called Lefty, a four man band. They were first known for their single “Sede”, followed by “Fiança”. Their album “Andrómeda” was released in October 2021. In February 2022, the video of their song “Camel” was released. Entries Há Um Mar Que Nos Separa Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2015 LanguagePortuguese LyricsMiguel Gameiro MusicMiguel Gameiro BackingsPedro MimosoRicardo QuintasTânia TavaresCarla Ribeiro Results Semi Points: 19Position: 14Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/vE-LqXkb0ok

Amber

© EBU/Elena Volotova About Quick Facts NameAmber Bondin Born26 May 1991 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionMalta Eurovision Song Contest 2015Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2013Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2012Malta Eurosong 2011 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongWarrior (2015) Biography Amber Bondin (stage name Amber; born May 26, 1991 in Kalkara) is a Maltese singer. Amber Bondin received her first vocal training at the age of 16 from Maltese musician Brian Cefai before participating in the casting shows Trid Tarah and The Academy. At the age of 18, she was placed second in the first season of the talent show I.D and fourth in the Malta Hit Song Contest with her song “Take it easy.” Shortly after, she won the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza with her song “Trid Taprezza.” In 2011, Bondin competed in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, with the songs “Catch 22” and “Touch Wood.” She finished in 13th place. In 2012, she participated in the MESC again and placed third with the song “Answer with your eyes.” Bondin served as a backing vocalist for Malta’s representative Kurt Calleja at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, where they ranked 21st with the song “This is the night.” In 2013, she took part in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest once more with the song “In Control,” finishing in fourth place. In 2014, she competed in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Because I have you,” achieving the same result as the previous year. Bondin also was a member of the Maltese jury at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2014. In 2014, the singer applied again with the song “Warrior,” written by Elton Zarb, and became one of the 20 semi-finalists. She won the final with 72 points. However, she did not qualify for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna after participating in the second semi-final. In early 2016, Amber entered the top-10 with a new song, “What they say”. The song reached the no. 1 spot in Bay’s Top 40. On 10 November 2016, Amber’s album “Redemption” was released. A new single and video were released in October 2017: “No Neverland”. In July 2018, Amber had her first experience as an actress, when she played in the musical “Il-Ħanina Maddalena” and the rock opera “Ġensna” half a year later. Amber released the singles “Dance the night away” and “Untaggable”. She teamed up with Pamela for the song “Russian roulette”. At almost the same time, the solo single “Alive” was released and later in 2019 “That’s life”. Also in 2019, she played in another musical, “Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej”. In May 2020 she hosted two shows with Dorian Cassar, replacing the semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest. They were cancelled, due to COVID19. The same duo also hosted the 2020 Junior Malta Eurovision Song Contest. They also hosted the show Magic on TVM. In december 2020 Amber teamed up with the band SterjoTipi for the song “Oazi”. It was followed in February 2021 by the solo song “Put away your money”, which became a no. 1 in the Maltese airplay charts. With Aidan, she released the song “Naħseb Fik”. And on th 3rd of June 2021 her new album “1991” was released. “Save yourself the time” was the first single from that album. It easily reached the Airplay Top10 too. ‘Dan il-Milied’”became a no. 1 in the charts again. In May 2022 a new single, “I need you” came out. Again a hit for Amber. She also released a christmas song, “Mument maġiku”. In 2023, she hosted the Malta Eurovision Song Contest together with Glen Vella. Entries Warrior Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsMatt ‘Muxu’ Mercieca MusicElton Zarb Backings– Results Semi Points: 43Position: 11Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/SaJxu3vorLc

Molly Sterling

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameMolly Jane Sterling Born08 March 1998 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongPlaying With Numbers (2015) Biography Molly Jane Sterling is an Irish singer and songwriter. Her upbringing took place in Puckane, County Tipperary. She received her education at Kilkenny College and later attended St. Andrew’s College in Dublin. In terms of her career, Sterling gained initial recognition by winning the Teen Idol contest in November 2011, which earned her a recording prize from Popstar Studios. She also achieved a second-place award for Girl’s Vocal Solo at the 2012 Kilkenny Music Festival. Furthermore, she supported Runaway GO during a performance at Nenagh Arts Centre on June 9, 2012. In May 2014, Sterling finished as the runner-up in TV3’s All Ireland Schools’ Talent Search. Later that year, she released her debut EP, titled “Strands of Heart,” in November 2014. Moving on to her involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest, on February 27, 2015, Sterling was chosen to represent Ireland in the 2015 edition of the competition with her song “Playing with Numbers.” Despite her participation in the second semi-final, she did not qualify for the final round. In January 2016 Molly released a new single, “Hands off”. In July of the same year she did a summer tour on Majorca. On 25 October of the same year, her solo single and video “Plain static” came out. It was on 1 August 2018 that the follow up, “Stripped down”, was released. On 22 March 2019 Molly Sterling gave a solo concert in a sold out Whelan’s in Dublin, a month after her new video “Feeble” was released. In 2020, during the COVID19 lockdowns, Molly came out as having a mental illness. She confesses she already suffered from it when she was at the Eurovision Song Contest. She also came out having been abused by someone in the music industry. Molly Sterling started the Reclaim Project in 2022, a community space for gender minorities and women who are challenging power abuse in the arts through creative collaboration. Entries Playing With Numbers Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreg FrenchMolly Sterling MusicGreg FrenchMolly Sterling Backings Jimmy RainsfordDarren SweeneyNaomi ClarkePóilín LyncJessica Supple Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3B5sdNJF0lk

Anti Social Media

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersPhilip ThornhillNikolaj TøthDavid VangEmil Vissing Active2015-2016 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongThe Way You Are (2015) Biography Anti Social Media was a Danish pop rock group. The band is composed of Philip Thornhill, Nikolaj Tøth, David Vang, and Emil Vissing. They took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 as Denmark’s representative. They performed the song “The Way You Are”. Unfortunately they did not reach the final. On 4 May 2015 Anti Social Media released the single “More Than a Friend”. On 11 May 2015 they released their debut EP “The Way”. In July of the same year they performed at the Roskilde Festival. They also opened for Rasmus Seebach at his concerts. In September, one of the songs from “The Way”, “Fire exit”, was released as a single. The band also toured and performed in 2016. After that year, nothing has been heard or released from the band. Entries The Way You Are Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsRemeeChief1 MusicRemeeChief1 BackingsNellie EttisonJohanna Beijbom Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/J–Tgi_iZQ8

Daniel Kajmakoski

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameDaniel Kajmakoski-Gragevinac Born17 October 1983 Nationality🇲🇰 North Macedonian National SelectionSkopje Fest 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongAutum Leaves (2015) Biography Daniel Kajmakoski is a North Macedonian singer and songwriter. He was born on October 17, 1983, in Struga, specifically in the village of Mislesevo. At the age of 7, he relocated to Vienna, Austria, along with his family. Daniel began participating in various competitions, making his debut at the age of 17, reaching the top 12. In 2009, he had his first performance in North Macedonia at the Ohrid Fest with the self-composed and self-written song “Nežna ko princeza” (“Gentle Like a Princess”). He also took part in the Bulgarian show Pej S’men. After returning to Vienna, he found employment but continued to pursue his passion for music. In 2010, he joined Thomas Raber’s One-Worl-Projekt, which was one of the candidates to represent Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, although it did not make it to the final show. In 2011, he wrote a song for Karolina Gočeva titled “Ne se vraćaš” (“Don’t You Return”), which became a huge hit in North Macedonia and the Balkans. In 2013, Daniel Kajmakoski participated in the auditions for the inaugural season of X Factor Adria. For his initial audition, he chose to perform the song “Red” by Daniel Merriweather, captivating everyone with his performance. As the competition progressed, Daniel’s talent and abilities shone through, ultimately leading him to victory on March 23, 2014. Daniel Kajmakoski had the honor of representing Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, which took place in Vienna, Austria. He was chosen as the national representative after winning the Skopje Fest 2014. His song “Lisja esenski” impressed the international jury, earning him second place, while winning first place in the public televote, ultimately securing his victory in the competition. At the Eurovision Song Contest he sang the English version “Autumn Leaves”. Unfortunately, he did not reach the final. Additionally, on May 22, 2016, Daniel emerged as the winner of the third season of Tvoje lice zvuči poznato (the Serbian version of “Your Face Sounds Familiar”). Throughout the season, he delivered captivating performances, embodying various artists such as Rammstein, Gibonni, Karolina Gočeva, Prince, and more. In the end, he claimed the victory by emulating Måns Zelmerlöw. At the DAF BAMA Music Awards he won the prize for best North Macedonian act. In November 2018, Kajmakoski performed at a Toše Proeski tribute concert. All his performanceswere with the Blackberries Band. He did a tour throughout Montenegro in 2019. He also performed in Belgrade and Sarajevo in early 2020. Entries Autumn Leaves Country🇲🇰 North Macedonia Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsJoacim Persson MusicJoacim PerssonRobert Bilbilov BackingsMark MiddletonEric WilliamsJeremy Hanna Results Semi Points: 28Position: 15Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/TtSum7ouImU

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersPertti KurikkaKari AaltoSami HelleToni Välitalo Active2009-2016 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongAina Mun Pitää (2015) Biography Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (also known as PKN) was a Finnish punk band that operated from 2009 to 2016. The band consisted of Pertti Kurikka (guitar, compositions, lyrics), Kari Aalto (vocals, lyrics), Sami Helle (bass), and Toni Välitalo (drums). The band was managed and their music arranged by disability instructor Kalle Pajamaa. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät originated in 2009 at the Lyhty Association’s art workshop in Konala, Helsinki, which provides services for people with disabilities. Film director Pekka Karjalainen wanted to include a band of individuals with developmental disabilities in his movie called “Vähän kunnioitusta” (“A Little Respect”). Although the association had several bands, they decided to form a completely new one specifically for the film, centered around guitarist Pertti Kurikka, who had a strong punk background. Kurikka composed the song “Kallioon” (“Into the Rock”) during the summer of 2010 for the film’s premiere, with lyrics written by the band’s vocalist Kari Aalto. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät gained national attention in the spring of 2009 when Kalle Pajamaa, the instructor at the workshop, created a music video for the song and uploaded it to YouTube. Within a few weeks, it garnered over ten thousand views, and soon the band was offered a gig at the F*cking Disco punk club in Helsinki. In February 2010, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät performed at Tavastia Club, and that same winter, they embarked on their first concert tour outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, playing in Tampere. Following that, the band played hundreds of concerts and also performed internationally in countries such as the United States, Germany, Canada, Kosovo, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway. In May 2014, the band performed at a charity concert in Rovaniemi alongside Mr. Lordi of the band Lordi. In December 2014, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät embarked on a ten-concert tour in the United Kingdom with the English punk band Hard Skin. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät participated in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2015 with their song “Aina mun pitää” (“I Always Have To”). The band eventually won. However, in the Eurovision Song Contest, the band did not qualify for the final and was eliminated in the first semifinal, not among the ten acts that advanced. Pertti Kurikka announced his retirement from playing rock music after turning 60, and the band ceased its activities on Kurikka’s birthday, December 26, 2016. The tickets for their final show at On the Rocks club in Helsinki cost 60 cents. Otto Talvio from Helsingin Sanomat described the band’s last performance as sweaty, cramped, and emotional. However, on December 5, 2017, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät performed one last time at Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki. The band had promised to do one more show if the “Ei myytävänä!” (“Not for Sale!”) citizens’ initiative received over 50,000 signatures, which is the requirement for the initiative to be considered by the Finnish Parliament. The citizens’ initiative opposes the outsourcing of housing and daily life services for people with disabilities. Entries Aina Mun Pitää Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2015 LanguageFinnish LyricsPertti Kurikan Nimipäivät MusicPertti Kurikan Nimipäivät Backings– Results Semi Points: 13Position: 16Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/v4Y0HOPL5GU

Trijntje Oosterhuis

About Quick Facts NameJudith Katrijntje Oosterhuis Born05 February 1973 Nationality🇳🇱 Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongWalk Along (2015) Biography Trijntje Oosterhuis is a Dutch singer. She was born in Amsterdam in 1973. As a child, she played together with her brother Tjeerd in the children’s musical Wordt er in de ruimte ook gelezen? by Marjan Berk. Together with her brother Tjeerd, Oosterhuis formed the band Total Touch, which brought a musical mix of 80s, soul, 90s, R&B, funk, pop, and dance. The band originated in the 1980s when the brother and sister were still teenagers. The lineup of Total Touch changed several times in the years before their breakthrough, but brother and sister Oosterhuis were always the ones who kept the group alive. In 1991, the band won first prize in the music category during the finals of the Kunstbende competition. That same year, the band was in the spotlight during the Grote Prijs van Nederland. In 1994, Oosterhuis got the opportunity to tour the world with saxophonist Candy Dulfer in the backing choir. The tour was supposed to last for six weeks, but in the end, they traveled for two years in different periods. In 1995, Oosterhuis contributed to the successful song “Ademnood” by Linda, Roos & Jessica. Furthermore, it was the year in which Total Touch was offered a record deal with the BMG Music label. The band’s self-titled debut album was released a year later. The first single, “Touch Me There,” became a big hit in the summer of 1996 due to heavy radio and TV airplay. On August 14, 1996, during the opening of the Amsterdam ArenA, Oosterhuis sang the hymn “De zee,” written by John Ewbank. This performance resulted in a top 10 hit and a lot of media attention. In September, the second Total Touch single “Somebody Else’s Lover” was released, which gave the group their final breakthrough in the Netherlands. The single reached the third position in the charts and was certified platinum. After several hit singles and a debut album that was awarded platinum five times, Total Touch took a step back in 1997 to focus on a new album. Meanwhile, Oosterhuis scored a big hit with the song “Wereld zonder jou,” a duet with Marco Borsato. In April 1998, Total Touch returned with their second album, “This way,” of which the first single, “I’ll say goodbye,” became a big hit. The album achieved double platinum status. Oosterhuis also scored another solo hit at the end of 1998 with the song “Vlieg met me mee,” the title track of the Dutch movie Abeltje. In the same year, Oosterhuis embarked on some solo projects. She performed alongside jazz pianist Herbie Hancock at the 24th North Sea Jazz Festival. She also participated in the music tour Marlboro Flashbacks, where she delved into the repertoire of Stevie Wonder, a personal favorite of the singer. A live recording of this tour was released on CD titled “For once in my life,” which achieved platinum status. In 2001, Oosterhuis and her brother decided to disband Total Touch as a band for the time being. In the fall, Trijntje embarked on a solo tour of theaters. On Tuesday, January 28, 2002, Oosterhuis was one of the acts at the celebration in the Amsterdam ArenA for the wedding of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima Zorreguieta. In March 2002, Oosterhuis embarked on a theater tour in the Netherlands. The singer’s first true solo album, titled “Trijntje Oosterhuis,” was released in March 2003 by EMI Music, with the first single “Free” released in February. She also recorded an exclusive song for the charity CD “Hoop! Peace Songs Voor War Child,” which was released on May 2. Since its opening on June 19, 2002, the song “In this together” can be heard in the pre-show of the attraction PandaDroom at lunapark Efteling. Around the same period, a compilation CD and DVD of Total Touch were released by BMG. Oosterhuis went on tour again to promote her solo album, performing in Dutch theaters. The album was certified gold. In addition to “Free,” the album also spawned singles such as “What about us,” “It’s you I need,” and “Don’t say that you love me.” Following the birth of Princess Amalia on December 7, Oosterhuis, along with Carel Kraayenhof and violinist Janine Jansen, released the song “Nu dat jij er bent,” written by John Ewbank. The proceeds from the single went entirely to the children’s fund of Jantje Beton. In February 2004, Oosterhuis received the Gouden Harp (Golden Harp). It was the second Harp award Oosterhuis received; she had previously won the Zilveren Harp (Silver Harp) in 1997. In early 2004, the singer signed a record deal with the American jazz label Blue Note. A new live album by the singer, “Strange fruit,” featuring songs by Billie Holiday and George Gershwin, performed with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Houdini’s, was released. Two weeks after its release, the album achieved gold status, later reaching platinum status. Around the same time, the singer embarked on another theater tour, this time with a more acoustic setting. Recordings were made for a live DVD during one of the concerts. In November, the DVD “A thousand days – Live & acoustic” was released by EMI Music. Oosterhuis ended the year by releasing a Christmas single, “Merry Christmas baby,” together with saxophonist Candy Dulfer. The song, along with a Christmas song by singer Do, was released by radio station Sky Radio and reached the seventh position in the Top 40 chart. On January 1, 2005, Oosterhuis participated in the charity single “Als je iets kan doen” by Artiesten Voor Azië. The proceeds from the song went entirely to the victims of the Asian tsunami on Christmas 2004. Afterward, Oosterhuis focused on creating a new studio album. The album, titled “See you as I do,” was released in September. Its title track was chosen as the first single and became a modest hit. At the end of November,