ESCplus 2019 handbook, Tel Aviv by ESCplus

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Albania Armenia

#ALB #GER #ARM #AUS #AUT #AZE #BEL #BLR #CYP #CRO #DEN #SLO #ESP #EST #FIN #FRA #GEO #GRE #HUN #IRL #ISL

#ISR #ITA #LAT #LTU #MKD #MLT #MDA #MNE #NOR #NED #POL #POR #GBR #CZE #ROU #RUS #SMR #SRB #SWE #SUI

ALBANIA #ALB RTSH / Radio Televizioni Shqiptar / www.rtsh.al Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Jonida Maliqi “Ktheju tokës” Eriona Rushiti Eriona Rushiti Second Semi-Final Festivali i Këngës 57

Biography Jonida Maliqi will represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest this year. She is a graduate of the University of Arts in Tirana and studied the violin and guitar. She won many prizes and awards, including the first place in several national children festivals in Albania and Albania's musical event Kënga Magjike. Jonida Maliqi participated in the televised music competitions Top Fest and Festivali i Këngës in Albania and took part in various international festivals all over Europe. Jonida not only performs as a solo artist, but has also starred in various musicals in Albania. Besides being a singer, she is also a presenter, hosting several musical and dancing shows on Albanian television. With her 435,000 Instagram followers she is a well known influencer and fashion icon in her home country. Lyrics: Ti kendon edhe qan Në duar lotët mbledh, i mban Një ditë jeton, në tjetrën vdes Sa mall, pak shpresë I vetëm, pa identitet Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh… Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah… Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah… Ktheju tokës tende O njeri që zemrën lë peng Ktheju tokës tende Ti e di një zemër të pret Ah, ah, iaia… Ah, ah, ia… Ah, ah, iaia… Iaiaia…

Ah, ah, iaia… Ah, ah, ia… Ah, ah, iaia… Iaiaia… Një ditë jeton, në tjetrën vdes Sa mall, pak shpresë I vëtëm, pa identitet Ktheju tokës tende O njeri që zemrën lë peng Ktheju tokës tende Ti e di një zemër të pret Ah, ah, iaia… Ah, ah, yi, ah… Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… uuuhhh… Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… uuuhhh…

ARMENIA #ARM AMPTV / Armenia 1 TV / www.1tv.am Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Srbuk “Walking out” Lost Capital Tokionine Garik Papoyan Second Semi-Final Internal

Biography This year's Eurovision Song Contest representative for Armenia is Srbuk, a 24-year-old pop-soul singer, recording artist and songwriter whose career took off after taking the runner-up spot in the inaugural season of hit TV show 'X Factor Armenia' in 2011. She has been studying music since her early childhood and has become one of Armenia's biggest stars. Lyrics: Who are you? What you really do? When you have to fight the agony? That’s aiming back at you Who are you? Who you run to? Depend, defend, hope on Can you function on your own? Are you from those? Who will swallow down the pain? Disgrace, the sadness, yeah… When the one You love so much Can take your soul and break it? (No…) Wait for, oh wait for What I waited for? Wait for, oh wait for Oh, no, I’m done Walking out uuuhhh… Whatever I’ve built I’m gonna burn down I’m walking out, uuuhhh… You’re no more a king ‘Cause I was your crown First you said, you would die for me But in the end I was the one Bleeding all alone First you said You kneeled, you swore You loved, you lived for me How could you forget it all?

Are you from those? Who can take a loving heart And squeeze it out of love? Than prepare to slowly get Not loved but hated instead Walking out, uuuhhh… Whatever I’ve built I’m gonna burn down I’m walking out, uuuhhh… You’re no more a king ‘Cause I was your Crown Walking out, walking out No crying now Walking out, walking out No begging Walking out, uuuhhh… At last, I feel proud I’m walking out You knew that my heart wasn’t small But somehow you came and filled it all Walking out, uuuhhh… Whatever I’ve built I’m gonna burn down I’m walking out, uuuhhh… You’re no more a king ‘Cause I was your crown Walking out, walking out No crying now Walking out, walking out No begging Walking out, uuuhhh… At last, I feel proud

AUSTRALIA #AUS SBS / Special Broadcasting Service / www.sbs.com.au Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Kate Miller – Heidke “Zero gravity” Kate Miller – Heidke y Keir Nuttall Kate Miller – Heidke y Keir Nuttall First Semi-Final Australia Decides

Biography Kate Miller-Heidke is an award-winning singer-songwriter who traverses the worlds of contemporary pop, folk and opera. She has released four studio albums in Australia, achieving multi-platinum status and appearing in the top 10 album and singles charts numerous times. Her most recent album 'O Vertigo!' debuted at number four on the Australian album charts, broke Australian crowdfunding records and was nominated for an ARIA Award. Kate's previous albums include Nightflight, which reached number two on the Australian chart, and Curiouser, which reached double platinum sales in Australia and spawned the multi-platinum hits The Last Day On Earth and Caught In The Crowd. In 2009 she won the Grand Prize in the International Songwriting Competition for Caught in the Crowd, becoming the first Australian to do so. Lyrics: Hey you, it’s me again Hey you (hey you hey you) Stone in my shoe I’ve been aching feeling low You’re so heavy I have got to let you go I’m going with this zero gravity Zero gravity, zero gravity I’m free, ooohhh… Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you) Lock with no key Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you) Earth with no sea I’ve been freezing on the ground You’re so heavy I can’t let you keep me down anymore Oh, zero gravity, zero gravity (And it feels like) Ooohhh… (And it feels like) Ooohhh... (And it feels like) Aaahhh... (And it feels like) Aaahhh

(Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down, now) (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) Aaahhh… (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down, now) (Nothing holding me down) Zero gravity (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down, now) (Nothing holding me down) Zero gravity (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down, now) (Nothing holding me down) Zero gravity (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down, now) (Nothing holding me down) Zero (Nothing holding me down) (Nothing holding me down) Aaahhh…

AUSTRIA #AUT ORF / Österreichischer Rundfunk / www.orf.at Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

PÆNDA “Limits” PÆNDA PÆNDA Second Semi-Final Internal

Biography

Singer-songwriter and producer PÆNDA's will represent Austria at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest with her ballad 'Limits'. The song also features on her new album 'Evolution II', released on 26 April 2019. The song tells the story of how she pushed herself beyond all limits in her zeal and passion for music to the point of full exhaustion. PÆNDA explains "Being aware of the moments where I needed a break was a process for me. It was a long and at times difficult road to learning my own limits." The song expresses her vulnerability. At the same time, it conveys the message that it is important to believe in yourself in order to find your own way. The highest premise: no limits. The same applies to PÆNDA's music, while she creates various sounds in her home studio, she passionately plays with stylistic restrictions and narrowing genres. Lyrics: Mind's got to move, but I'm so trapped within me Expanded all my limits too carelessly I'm calling all the time to get me back alive 'Cause nothing really makes sense no more But I'm sat on hopes [?] anymore 'Cause the face in the mirror just couldn't be clearer Right back from me And how I'd like to say we'll be better tomorrow or any day

And I'm letting it all come crushing down, come breaking in It's like the rain just left And I'm talking 'bout you, you, you, and the love you're trying to find You, you, you, and how hard you try to hide it

Yeah, I'm talking 'bout you, you, you, and the luck you're trying to find You, you, you, and how hard you try to hide it I sensed the pain, but it doesn't hurt anymore It's even number than the ache I felt before So I smile for a while, let the torture begin now The pressure on my chest becomes almost routine, oh It's not like I don't care, but there's nothing left to bear And I'm talking 'bout you, you, you, and the luck you're trying to find You, you, you, and how hard you try to hide it

AZERBAIJAN #AZE İTV / İctimai Televiziya / www.itv.az Performer(s): Chingiz Song: “Truth” Composer(s): Borislav Milanov, Trey Campbell, Bo J, Pablo Dinero,

Hostess y Chingiz Writer(s): Borislav Milanov, Trey Campbell, Bo J y Hostess Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: Internal

Biography

Chingiz will represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest this year. He was born in Moscow and moved to Qazax in Azerbaijan when he was 6 years old. He learned to play the guitar and started composing his own songs while still a young boy. At the age of 13, Chingiz moved with his mother and his brother to Baku, where eventually he was invited to audition for the Azerbaijani version of Pop Idol. Chingiz won the competition thanks to tremendous support from the jury and viewers of the show. His victory turned him into a rising star in the Azerbaijani music industry and by 2013, he was already representing the country internationally at the New Wave festival in Jūrmala, Latvia. Three years later, he took part in The Voice Ukraine. Lyrics: I'm in the mirror, so freaking bitter But I've gotta get through I'm gotta get through Keep it together, be cool under pressure ‘Cause she wants to break you She wants to break you Drink till I forget, she's on to the next And when the ghost starts screaming Right when they resonate Hear my heart confess It's been so hard to bear So shut up about it, shut up about it It's just to hard to hear So shut up about it, shut up about it Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… Ooohhh… ooohhh… shut up, shut up about it Out of the mirror, it's getting clearer But then out of the blue She crashes the room

Gotta remember, she is a killer With that freaking perfume Girl, it's too son It's been so hard to bear So shut up about it, shut up about it It's just to hard to hear So shut up about it, shut up about it Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… Ooohhh… ooohhh… shut up, shut up about it Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… Ooohhh… ooohhh… shut up, shut up about it I don’t need, I don’t need truth I don’t need, I don’t need truth It's been so hard to bear So shut up about it, shut up about it It's just to hard to hear So shut up about it, shut up about it Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… Ooohhh… ooohhh… shut up, shut up about it Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… Ooohhh… ooohhh… shut up, shut up about it

BELGIUM #BEL RTBF / Radio Télévision Belge de la Communauté Française / www.rtbf.be Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Eliot “Wake up” Pierre Dumoulin y Eliot Vassamillet Pierre Dumoulin y Eliot Vassamillet First Semi-Final Internal

Biography Originally from Mons, Belgium, Eliot will represent his home country at the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. His song 'Wake Up' was written by Pierre Dumoulin. Pierre was the creative force behind 'City Lights', a melancholic pop ballad sung by Blanche that took fourth place for Belgium at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. Eliot Vassamillet was discovered in season 7 of The Voice Belgique. After his first live show, he was contacted by Pierre Dumoulin who was enchanted by Eliot’s voice and presence. After The Voice, Eliot performed at several concerts across Belgium. Still just 18 years of age, Eliot also is currently finishing his secondary schooling at the Collège Saint-Stanislas in Mons. Lyrics:

I wake up every night I can’t find anyone to pray Somewhere in the light Changing along I’m afraid on the side Looking out for the lies to say Someone has the light Fading of us

I came to fight I came to fight over you Don’t want your lies Don’t want your lies, I need truth I came to fight I came to fight over you No one will try No one will try if that’s true

And I can face you now No, I won’t break you down If I can find you, I won’t hurt you It’s not what I’d do

I won’t wait for the sign I can’t find anyone to stay But there’s something in the light Saving our lives

I came to fight I came to fight over you Don’t want your lies Don’t want your lies, I need truth I came to fight I came to fight over you No one will try No one will try if that’s true

BELARUS #BLR BRTC / BelaRussian Radio & Television Company / www.tvr.by Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

ZENA “Like it” Yuliya Kireyeva Yuliya Kireyeva y Victor Drobysh First Semi-Final Nacional’nogo Otbora

Biography ZENA is this year's Eurovision Song Contest representative for Belarus. Born Zina Kupriyanovich on 17 September 2002 in Minsk, she began performing as a young child and already has several awards to her name. In 2016, ZENA became the voice of Moana, the lead female character in the Russian version of the Disney movie by the same name. No stranger to the Eurovision stage, ZENA was a finalist at the 2015 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk and came in third place in 2016. Last year, she was asked to co-host the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest which was held in Minsk once again. Lyrics: I guess I forgot how to turn off my phone No fun outside of my comfort zone I'm tired of being lonely, tam da – da – dum Nobody gonna like this, no Okay, I don’t like these empty words I'll go even if it really hurts Here to make me stronger, tam da – da – dum I know it's gonna be Oh, what should I do? It’s up to you, karma Oh, I wish I knew, give me a sign, karma Just to remind you I don't give up (give up), I won't give up, no I always try

Yes, you're gonna like it, yes, you're gonna like it Let me in your heart Yes, you're gonna like it, yes, you're gonna like it Let's break the rules Yes, you’re gonna like it, yes, you’re gonna like it I'll share what I’ve got Yes, you're gonna like it, yes, you're gonna like it Baby, repeat my moves Heya, give me fly, give me fly, give me fly Heya, like it too, like it too, like it too, baby I feel the floor of energy, I should let go mistakes of me I feel the floor of energy, yeah, you go with me, baby

It feels crazy a little, well I know what is going to work, it's right Here to make me wiser, tam da – da – dum [?] Okay, what if [?] a song And show your emotions on the floor Ah, hashtag feel fine, yeah, tam da-da-dum I know it’s gonna be

Oh, what should I do? It's up to you, karma Oh, I wish I knew, give me a sign, karma Just to remind you I don't give up (give up), I won't give up, no I always try

SWITZERLAND #SUI SRG SSR / Sociedad Switzerland de Radiodifusión y Televisión / www.srgssr.ch Performer(s): Luca Hänni Song: “She got me” Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Mac Frazer, Jon Hällgren, Lukas Hällgren

y Luca Hänni Writer(s): Laurell Barker, Mac Frazer, Jon Hällgren, Lukas Hällgren

y Luca Hänni Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: Internal Biography Luca Hänni is Switzerland's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest entrant. His musical career started with a bang in 2012: then just 17 years old, when the Swiss teenager won 'Deutschland sucht den Superstar', Germany’s version of Pop Idol. He was the first non-German to win the show and also the youngest ever winner. Luca, who is now 24 years old, grew up in a musical family. He started learning the drums when he was five, followed by piano, guitar and singing lessons. After finishing school, he began training as a bricklayer, and he still loves practical work today – he likes getting stuck in with both hands. Lyrics: I noticed her when she arrived Kinda of lady that mama like But mama, she ain't here tonight Gettin' rowdy, rowdy When she poured out a little spice Got the whole place on a vibe Monday night into Friday night Gettin' rowdy, rowdy She let her body, talk She make the party, stop She gettin' naughty, ya Droppin' it, droppin' it down When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin' When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin' Dirty dancin', dirty dancin', dirty dancin’ Oh, she lightin' the fire now We're goin' wild, like an animal All in, gonna sweat it out Gettin' rowdy, rowdy Turnin' heads and turnin' up Breakin' necks, she breakin' cups Look at her, can't get enough Gettin' rowdy, rowdy

She let her body, talk She make the party, stop She gettin' naughty, ya Droppin' it, droppin' it down When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin' When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin' Dirty dancin', dirty dancin' All the boys go (yo – yo – yo), all the girls go (yo – yo – yo), everyone go (yo – yo – yo), she got us dirty dancin' When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin' (hey, hey, hey) She got me dirty dancin', dirty dancin' Oh, she got me dirty dancin' Yeah, she got me, got me, got me, dirty dancin' When she go low, when she go low She go so low, she go so low Oh, she know, oh Oh, she know she got me dirty dancin', dirty dancin

CYPRUS #CYP CyBC / Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation / www.cybc.com.cy Performer(s): Tamta Song: “Replay” Composer(s): Alex Papacostantinou, Teddy Skin, Kristoffer Fogelmark,

Albin Nedler y Viktor Svensson Papacostantinou, Geraldo Sandell, Svensson, Albin Nedler y Kristoffer Fogelmark Debut Show: First Semi-Final Selection Method: Internal Writer(s): Alex

Viktor

Biography Tamta will represent Cyprus at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. She was born and raised in Georgia before moving to Greece at the age of 22. She took part in the TV show 'Greek Idol', and took second place. She is currently one of the most successful and influential artists in the Greek pop music industry, and also considered as one of the best vocalists and performers in Greece. The press usually refers to Tamta as a fashion icon and as a modern Cinderella due to her fashion choices and the extraordinary achievements in her life and career. Up until today, she has released 4 studio albums, 12 digital singles and 26 music videos. Tamta has won a lot of awards and numerous award nominations. Most of her singles topped in the radio charts throughout the years. Lyrics: You got a problem, 2 A.M, I’m in your head Let’s just be honest tonight, yeeeehhh… Only I can solve it You’re twisting, turning in your bed Them sheets need my body tonight, mmm… aaahhh… That’s what you call me, that’s what you call me Say you’re feeling lonely Early in the morning, early in the morning Time is moving slowly We keep it undercover, I know you miss the taste Heart beats like an 808, you need my love on replay Replay, replay, replay, yeah… You need my love on replay Replay, replay, replay, yeah… You’re stuck on me darling like a love song on repeat Yeah, you got a problem, alright, yey… yeah… And I know I’m the one to blame Because I make you scream my name Baby, I’m all in tonight, mmm… aaahhh…

That’s what you call me, that’s what you call me Say you’re feeling lonely Early in the morning, early in the morning Time is moving slowly We keep it undercover, I know you miss the taste Heart beats like an 808, you need my love on replay Replay, replay, replay, yeah… You need my love on replay Replay, replay, replay, yeah… And I know I’m the one to blame ‘Cause I make you scream my name Baby, I’m all in tonight, mmm… aaahhh… That’s what you call me, that’s what you call me That’s what you call me, that’s what you call me Say you’re feeling lonely Early in the morning, early in the morning Time is moving slowly We keep it undercover, I know you miss the taste Heart beats like an 808, you need my love on replay Replay, replay, replay, yeah… yeah… yeah… You need my love on replay

CZECH REPUBLIC #CZE ČT / Česká Televize / www.ceskatelevize.cz Performer(s): Lake Malawi Song: “Friend of a friend” Composer(s): Jan Steinsdoerfer, Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec y Albert

Černý Writer(s): Jan Steinsdoerfer, Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec y Albert

Černý Debut Show: First Semi-Final Selection Method: Eurovision Song CZ

Biography Lake Malawi will represent Czech Republic at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. The indie-pop band was founded by Albert Černý in 2013 and the band's name was inspired by a Bon Iver song. Since the very beginning, Lake Malawi wanted to make it outside of their home country Czech Republic with all their repertoire sung in English, and they will do just that when they take to the stage in Tel Aviv. Shortly after the release of their first single Always June on BBC London, Lake Malawi opened for Thirty Seconds to Mars in Prague (2014). In 2015, the band performed at The Great Escape festival in Brighton and released the EP We Are Making Love Again – the single Chinese Trees won the new music Audition Poll on Amazing Radio. Lyrics: Can you hear it? There’s someone behind the wall making the same sounds Can you hear it? It sounds like you and me when we’re making love Who is it? You said you wish they weren’t taking such a long time She was my neighbour when we were thirteen She moved back in There’s not much between us now Do you know what I mean? She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend She’s never home ‘cause she plays in a band I don’t know if you’d understand She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend I had a dream that she walked throught the door I can’t recall her name anymore Please believe me, I’m your man She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend (I’m only a friend) Uuuhhh, uuuhhh, uuuhhh… Can you feel it? There’s someone sliding up and down the ceiling Breathing, he is synchronizing with her beating heart (With her beating heart)

She was my neighbour when we were thirteen (Uuuhhh, uuuhhh…) She moved back in There’s not much between us now Do you know what I mean? (Woah…) She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend She’s never home ‘cause she plays in a band I don’t know if you’d understand She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend I had a dream that she walked throught the door I can’t recall her name anymore Please believe me, I’m your man She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend (I’m only a friend) Uuuhhh, uuuhhh, uuuhhh… (I’m only a friend) Uuuhhh, uuuhhh, uuuhhh… She’s only a… She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend She’s never home ‘cause she plays in a band I don’t know if you’d understand She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend I had a dream that she walked throught the door I can’t recall her name anymore Please believe me, I’m your man She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend 26

GERMANY #GER NDR / Norddeutscher Rundfunk / www.ndr.de Performer(s): S!sters Song: “Sister” Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Marine Kaltenbacher, Tom Oehler y

Thomas Stengaard Writer(s): Laurell Barker, Marine Kaltenbacher, Tom Oehler y

Thomas Stengaard Debut Show: Final Selection Method: Unser Lied Für Israel

Biography S!sters is a duo that consists of Carlotta Truman (19) and Laurita Kästel (26). Both started singing at an early age and since then they have had numerous appearances as singers both in bands and as solo artists. Now they will represent Germany at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv after winning 'Unser Lied Für Israel', Germany's national selection show to pick the country's entry for Tel Aviv. Lyrics: I’m tired, tired of always losing I tried to stop your fire Turns out that I couldn’t I’m tired, tired of competing I tried to hold you under But honey you kept breathing When you said you wanted the world I said you couldn’t too You were walking right beside me But I left no room for you Calling you my enemy But my enemy’s right here It was my mistake to try and break That power that I feared I see flames in your eyes Damn they burn so bright Oh you gotta know I’m with ya Now shine like city lights Torches in the sky Don’t you try to hide it, sister

When you said you wanted the world I said you couldn’t too You were Walking right beside me But I left no room for you Calling you my enemy But my enemy’s right here It was my mistake to try and break That power that I feared I see flames in your eyes Damn they burn so bright Don’t you try to hide it, sister, sister, sister Don’t you try to hide it, sister, sister, sister Don’t you try to hide it I see flames in your eyes Damn they burn so bright Oh you gotta know I’m with ya Now shine like city lights Torches in the sky Don’t you try to hide it Don’t you try to hide it, sister

I’m sorry, sorry for the drama I tried to steal you thunder Turns out that I don’t wanna

DENMARK #DEN DR / Danmarks Radio / www.dr.dk Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Leonora “Love is forever” Lise Cabble, Melanie Wehbe y Emil Lei Lise Cabble, Melanie Wehbe y Emil Lei Second Semi-Final Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2019

Biography Denmark's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest participant is Leonora and she will perform 'Love is Forever' in Tel Aviv. The 20-year-old is a young woman with many talents. As a figure skater, she has won the Danish championship 3 times and participated in the Junior World Championship and Nordic Championship in figure skating. Lyrics: Travel the world to see The ruins of what has been Learning our history But still we don’t take it in Why we make it tough The world has had enough Don’t get too political And who are we to judge? It doesn’t take too much Only just a miracle Love is forever Love is forever and everyone Love is forever Love is forever and everyone Just a taste of love, a taste of what Could actually rule both me and you A taste of love is all we got So don’t you never ever give up love Come over my long lost friend And work on a happy end Imagine what we could do After what we’ve been through Why we make it tough The world has had enough Don’t get too political And who are we to judge? It doesn’t take too much Only just a miracle

Love is forever Love is forever and everyone Love is forever Love is forever and everyone Just a taste of love, a taste of what Could actually rule both me and you A taste of love is all we got So don’t you never ever give up love Venez découvrir la vie Ce soir on va tous partir Le beau temps n’est pas fini Qu’en dîtes – vous, mon ami? Hvorfor skal vi slås? All we need is love Liebe ist für alle, da Kærlighed er håb Alle ka' forstå Kærlighed er samme sprog L’amour est pour toujours L’amour est pour toujours et pour tout le monde L’amour est pour toujours L’amour est pour toujours et pour tout le monde Just a taste of love, a taste of what Could actually rule both me and you A taste of love is all we got So don’t you never ever give up love

SPAIN #ESP RTVE / Corporación de Radio y Televisión Española / www.rtve.es Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Miki “La venda” Adrià Salas Adrià Salas Final Operación Triunfo Eurovisión 2019

Biography Miki was selected by both audience and jury as the Spain's representative at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. He will perform the song 'La Venda' (The Blindfold), an infectious and festive number that stands out for its hybrid musical character. Born in 1996 in Terrassa, Spain, Miki Núñez has learned a lot through practice, although he does not think of himself as a self-taught musician. Miki started studying music as a child because of his parents' dedication to providing him with instruments, even though his home was not particularly musical. The musical training he had under his belt by the time he was in college helped him gain experience on various talent shows. With those skills, Miki carries an uplifting song like La Venda, with a critical and yet integrating twist, as a proposal for self-knowledge to value one's own gifts. After years of practice, the ardent and versatile performer can deliver an impressively wide musical range. Lyrics: Te compran porque te vendes Te vendes porque te sobras Te pierdes porque hay camino Te digo, hay otras cosas Te sales porque te quieres Te quieres, tu mente en forma Te eliges porque hay camino Te digo, hay otras cosas La venda ya cayó y sólo quedó la alegría La venda ya cayó y empezarán nuevos días La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías La venda ya cayó y serás como querías Te rezas porque confías Te sientes que ya tenías Te vives, alto voltaje Te traje buenas noticias Te vales y ya no fuerzas Te vives y te interesas Te saltas, no quedan normas Ahora, la vida loca

La venda ya cayó y sólo quedó la alegría La venda ya cayó y empezarán nuevos días La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías La venda ya cayó y serás como querías Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, e La venda ya cayó y sólo quedó la alegría La venda ya cayó y empezarán nuevos días La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías La venda ya cayó y serás como querías

ESTONIA #EST ERR / Eesti Rahvusringhääling / www.err.ee Performer(s): Victor Crone Song: “Storm” Composer(s): Stig Rästa, Vallo Kikas, Victor Crone y Sebastian

Lestapier Writer(s): Stig Rästa, Victor Crone y Fred Krieger Debut Show: First Semi-Final Selection Method: Eesti Laul 2019

Biography Victor Crone will represent Estonia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. He was born in 1992 in Österåker, Sweden and grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother being a singer and his grandfather being a violinist. But it was not until his parents bought him his first guitar at the age of 12 that he began to embrace his musicality. At age 14 he began to sing and write his own songs, and at 18, he got the incredible opportunity to travel to the United States to write music in Tennessee, New York and at the iconic Capitol Records in Los Angeles. Lyrics: All my life I’ve wondered why I keep fighting all the tides For a million reasons that I find But I might, I might be all wrong I’ve hit highs and I’ve hit lows But somewhere down the winding road It felt like I could lose it all But I might, I might have been wrong A storm like this Can break a man like this And when it all calms down We’re still safe and sound All my life I’ve tried to find The meaning of what’s left behind They say it’s life itself but I feel It might, it might be all wrong A storm like this Can break a man like this And when it all calms down We’re still safe and sound A storm like this Can break a man like this And when it all calms down We’ll be safe and sound

Even if the sky falls down We can turn it all around We’ll scape the darkest clouds Then we’ll be safe and sound Wherever we may go Whatever happens down the road However far from home I know we won’t let go A storm like this Can break a man like this And when it all calms down We’ll be safe and sound Even if the sky falls down We can turn it all around We’ll scape the darkest clouds Then we’ll be safe and sound A storm like this Can break a man like this And when it all calms down We’ll be safe and sound In no time the storm will end It’ll be alright again The battle scars won’t matter then But I might, I might be all wrong

FINLAND #FIN YLE / Yleisradio / www.yle.fi Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Darude ft. Sebastian Rejmar “Look away” Sebastian Rejman y Ville Virtanen Sebastian Rejman y Ville Virtanen First Semi-Final Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2019

Biography Darude will represent Finland at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest along with singer Sebastian Rejman. Darude is one of the most successful Finnish artists of the modern era with a true global appeal and remains one of dance music's most influential stars. At the height of the trance boom of the early 2000's Darude, aka Ville Virtanen, created the milestone single 'Sandstorm'. The track went on to become one of the biggest selling dance singles in the history of electronic dance music with more than 10 million global sales and has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams worldwide across streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Darude is a multi-platinum, award-winning producer and DJ, who to date has released 4 critically acclaimed studio albums with most recent being Moments (2015). Adding to his stellar discography and remaining as fresh and exciting as ever, recent releases including Surrender and his end of 2018 single Timeless. Lyrics: There's something you should know I can't sing a love song anymore There's something going on And I can't turn my back on it anymore

How can we go to sleep at night And lay there in our beds When we know what's going on With the world today

Is it in my head? Am I the only one? Is it in my head? Where the war has just began? We look away, look away, look away, look away, hey Look away, look away, look away, look away Is it in my head? Am I the only one? Is it in my head? Where the war has just began? We look away, look away, look away, look away, hey Look away, look away, look away, look away, hey, no – o

Is it in my head? Am I the only one? Is it in my head? Where the war has just began? We look away, look away, look away, look away, hey Look away, look away, look away, look away Is it in my head? Is it in my head? Look away, look away, hey, no – o – o There's something in the air at night That feels so different And I don't understand I didn't see this one coming

FRANCE #FRA France 2 / France Télévisions / www.france2.fr Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Bilal Hassani “Roi” Emilie Satt, Jean – Karl Lucas, Bilal Hassani Emilie Satt, Jean – Karl Lucas, Bilal Hassani Final Destination Eurovision 2019

Biography Bilal Hassani is a singer, songwriter and social media star. The talented 19-year-old phenomenon won 'Destination Eurovision' in Paris with 35% of the public vote capturing the chance to represent his country at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. Bilal will represent France with the song 'Roi', a message of selfacceptance and hope. The song was written with Madame Monsieur, who represented France last year in Lisbon. The emotional lyric video accompanying the song has already been viewed by millions of users. Bilal is more than just a regular artist: he hosts a YouTube channel with funny, memorable videos that get viewed by more than 2 million people, especially in French-speaking countries. He opens every video with “Bonsoir Paris!”, and colourfully chronicles his daily life in them. His covers of Djadja by Aya Nakumura and Made for Now by Janet Jackson have attracted the attention of their respective performers and received strong endorsements from the two women. Lyrics: I am me, and I know I will always be Je suis free, oui, j’invente ma vie Ne me demandez pas qui je suis Moi je suis le même depuis tout petit Et malgré les regards, les avis Je pleure, je sors et je ris You put me in a box, want me to be like you Je suis pas dans les codes, ça dérange beaucoup At the end of the day, you cannot change me, boo Alors, laisse – moi m’envoler I, I’m not rich, but I’m shining bright I can see my kingdom now Quand je rêve, je suis un roi Quand je rêve, je suis un roi I’m not rich, but I’m shining bright I can see my kingdom now Quand je rêve, je suis un roi And I know, oh, oh, ow, even though, oh, oh, oh You try to take me down, you cannot break me, nah, nah Toutes ces voix: “Fais comme ci, fais comme ça” Moi, je les cala pas, you can never remove my crown

Who are we? When we hurt, when we fight for free Only God can judge you and me Ce qu’on est, on ne l’a pas choisi On choisit son travail, sa coiffure, ses amis Sa routine, parfois l’amour aussi Ça passe ou ça casse, mais ça regarde qui? I, I’m not rich, but I’m shining bright I can see my kingdom now Quand je rêve, je suis un roi Quand je rêve, je suis un roi I’m not rich, but I’m shining bright I can see my kingdom now Quand je rêve, je suis un roi And I know, oh, oh, ow, even though, oh, oh, oh You try to take me down, you cannot break me, nah, nah Toutes ces voix: “Fais comme ci, fais comme ça” Moi, je les cala pas, you can never remove my crown Je suis un roi Quand je rêve, je suis un roi

UNITED KINGDOM #GBR BBC / British Broadcasting Corporation / www.bbc.co.uk Performer(s): Michael Rice Song: “Bigger than us” Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Anna – Klara Folin, John Lundvik y Jonas

Thander Writer(s): Laurell Barker, Anna – Klara Folin, John Lundvik y Jonas

Thander Debut Show: Final Selection Method: Eurovision You Decide 2019 Biography Michael Rice will represent the United Kingdom at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest after winning 'Eurovision: You Decide', the nation's national final. He lives in Hartlepool in the North East of England with his mum, stepdad, sister and brother. Growing up he worked at McDonalds, but always dreamt of being a singer. Michael started performing at a young age when his grandma would take him busking. His career started when a video of him singing a Years & Years song went viral. Michael is well known to the UK public as the winner of the first series of the BBC Entertainment show All Together Now which he won in 2018. During the series, he got all 100 judges – including Spice Girl Geri Halliwell - up on their feet. Michael put most of his £50,000 prize towards his mum's The Waffle and Crepe Shack in Hartlepool. Lyrics: Hear these words that I sing to you I will make it clear, it’s me and you We can have this love that we’ll never lose It’s bigger than us, mmm…

(Bigger) bigger, (bigger) bigger (It’s bigger than, it’s bigger) Ooohhh, it’s bigger (bigger), bigger (bigger) Bigger (it’s bigger than, it’s bigger)

Take my hand and I’ll lead you home Can you understand? You will never be alone

It’s bigger than us It’s bigger than you and me This kind of love It’s bigger than everything we see Yeeeaaahhh, ooohhh, ooohhh So much bigger, yeeeaaahhh

It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than you and me It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than everything we see ‘Cause I can feel the universe when I’m feeling you breathe It’s bigger than us and it’s bigger than you and me (you and me), it’s bigger I won’t give up and I won’t let go ‘Cause this kind of love is gonna be our only hope It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than you and me It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than everything we see ‘Cause I can feel the universe when I’m feeling you breathe It’s bigger than us, and it’s bigger than you and me (you and me), it’s bigger

Bigger than us (It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than you and me, it’s bigger than us) I can feel it (It’s bigger than everything we see) Everything we see ‘Cause I can feel the universe When I’m feeling you breathe It’s bigger than us And it’s bigger than you and me (you and me) It’s bigger (bigger), bigger (bigger), bigger (It’s bigger than, it’s bigger) Ooohhh (bigger), bigger (bigger), bigger (It’s bigger than, it’s bigger) Ooohhh, it’s bigger 40

GEORGIA #GEO GPB / Georgia Public Broadcasting / www.gpb.ge Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Oto Nemsadze â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep on Goingâ&#x20AC;? Roman Giorgadze Diana Giorgadze First Semi-Final Saqartvelos Varskvlavi

Biography This year's Eurovision Song Contest representative from Georgia is Oto Nemsadze. He was born on 18 June 1989 in Gori, a city located in the eastern part of Georgia. At the age of 3, his mother Maia started to teach him how to sing. Oto Nemsadze is best known for winning the fifth season of Geostar in 2010, he received the most points from the Georgian audience to be crowned the winner. In 2012 Oto was a contestant in the international music contest 10+10, broadcast by Georgian public broadcaster GPB. A year later he released his first album Fiqrebis Zgva, performed his first solo concert in Tbilisi and won the Bravo Music Contest. In 2014, Oto moved across the Georgian border to participate in The Voice of Ukraine and finished in second place. In 2016 he reached second place again, this time in another tv show called Your Face Sounds Familiar. Two years later, Oto performed at rock band Okean Elzy's concert at the Lviv Arena in Ukraine. Lyrics: Sul tsin iare Bevri iare Edzebe, ip'ove, iare, iare Sadghats mgherian Gulit mgherian Mavtulebia Mgherian Iarebia Maints mgherian

Am mavtulebzets gadaiare Varados mgherian Mamebi Shvilebi Aats'q'vet chonguri Chven ar davishlebit

Vaarada varada, varada rada hee Vaarada varada, varada rada hee Iare Modzebni Dak'argul simgherebs Khma rom miats'vdino Mteli khmit imghere

Vaarada varada (vaarada varada) Vaarada varada (vaarada simarada varada) Vaarada varada, varada rada heee Vaarada varada, varada radaaaa

Iare gulit da zghva gadaiare Simgherit vushushebt ertmanets iarebs

Iare gulit da zghva gadaiaree Simgherit vushushebt ertmanets iarebs

Sul tsin iare Gulit iare Iarebia Iare

GREECE #GRE ERT / Ellinikí Radiofonía Tileórasi / www.ert.gr Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Katerine Duska “Better love” Katerine Duska, Leon of Athens y David Sneddon Katerine Duska y David Sneddon First Semi-Final Internal

Biography Katerine Duska will represent Greece at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with the song 'Better Love'. Katerine is a Greek-Canadian singer-songwriter currently based in Athens. Her acclaimed debut album 'Embodiment' was released in 2016 by Minos EMI/Universal Records and in 2018, her single 'Fire Away' was selected for an official television ad campaign on Canadian tv. Lyrics: Live for the mess Make me feel ageless No pain, no gain Teach me carelessness And I’m about to see all that’s made up And everything they want from us No pain, no gain Once bitten, make way And I can’t hide it I won’t fight this Yearning feeling inside Gotta get Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… There’s nothing more to say to back it up when I’m unafraid, I‘ve lost enough Go on, hold on for dear life ‘Cause I won’t hide it I can’t fight this Burning feeling inside Gotta get Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Uuuhhh… uuuhhh…

Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Won’t you lean on me You can lean on me Let them look, don’t know, don’t care Go deep with me, go deep with me, go deep with me Iiihhh… iiihhh… iiihhh… iiihhh… Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love Uuuhhh… uuuhhh… What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? What you waiting for, for? What you waiting for? Uuuhhh… uuuhhh…

CROATIA #CRO HRT / Hrvatska Radiotelevizija / www.hrt.hr Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Roko “The dream” Jacques Houdek Jacques Houdek, Charlie Manson y Andrea Ćurić Second Semi-Final Dora 2019

Biography This year's Croatian Eurovision Song Contest singer is Roko, he was born on 10 March 2000 in Split, Croatia and graduated from fourth gymnasium 'Marko Marulić' in Split. Roko started his music career at an early age and besides singing, he has been playing the piano since he was 7 years old. Over the years, he has participated in many national and international festivals and music reality shows. Roko became nationally recognised in 2011 through Croatia's Got Talent where he reached the final of the show and came second. He was mentored during the series by Jacques Houdek, a member of the jury and Croatia's 2017 Eurovision Song Contest entrant with The Dream. Lyrics:

I have a dream A dream as beautiful as it is extreme I know it’s not as crazy as it may seem So I don’t ever wanna give up on this dream

I dream of love You dream of love Angels of God We all dream of love

Open your heart And you’ll arrive with where the dream has to start To pull a world together out of the parts And turn this war into a hopeful work of art

Ooohhh… svijetu nisi dužan ti Ništa donijeti Jedino si čovjek kad Možeš voljeti Eeehhh…

We have lived the darkest night Waiting for the days Now the time for us is right To arise and say

Kao heroj, kao heroj I molitva, ljubav je heroj Kao heroj, kao heroj I molitva, ljubav je heroj Wooohhh…

I dream of love You dream of love Angels of God We all dream of love

HUNGARY #HUN MTVA / Médiaszolgáltatás – Támogató és Vagyonkezelő Alap / www.mtva.hu Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Joci Pápai “Az én apám” Joci Pápai y Ferenc Molnár Caramel Ferenc Molnár Caramel First Semi-Final A Dal 2019

Biography

Joci Pápai returns to represent Hungary for a second time. Previously, he came eighth at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv with 'Origo'. Music definitely runs in the family of Joci as his father was the leader of a big gipsy orchestra. No wonder that the father figure plays a central role in Joci’s life – he admires his dad and he is also a proud father. At the age of four he has chosen the same path as Pápai senior when he first picked up a guitar, an instrument he did not let go ever since. Joci's road to fame was not an easy one: coming from a poor family he struggled to get recognised through various television shows. He tasted success after appearing in a talent show in 2005, but the breakthrough did not happen at that time. He was on the verge of abandoning his dream to become a mainstream artist, stopped listening to music for a whole year – and all this desperation lead to the composition of the song Origo in 2016. And the rest is history. Lyrics: Az én apám úgy nevelt, mint a szél Halkan fújt, énekelt, úgy mesélt Ott lakott, hol minden út véget ért Ezeregy év is kevés egy életért Egy életért Hallom őt, az ő szívét a húrokon Látom őt, múló idővel az arcomon Az ő hitét büszkeség vallanom Ezeregy dalból ezt az egyet dúdolom Dúdolom Régi napok, gyönyörű napok Szeretem az emlékét Ő hív, és hozzá szaladok Játszani így volt szép Régi dalok megidézik Még érzem a nap fényét A szél zúgását is hallom még A szél hangjában is hallom még

S az én fiamnak büszkeséggel mondhatom Ő az én apám, és itt az én otthonom Régi napok, gyönyörű napok Szeretem az emlékét Ő hív, és hozzá szaladok Játszani így volt szép Régi dalok megidézik Még érzem a nap fényét A szél fütyült altatót, legyen álmom szép A szél fütyült altatót, ma is hallom még Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh… Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, eeehhh…

Egy dallal űzte messze el a bánatom Mit adhatok, csak az, hogy hozzá tartozom 48

IRELAND #IRL RTÉ / Raidió Teilifís Éireann / www.rte.ie Performer(s): Sarah McTernan Song: “22” Composer(s): Janieck Van De Polder, Marcia Misha Sondeijker y Roel

Rats Writer(s): Janieck Van De Polder, Marcia Misha Sondeijker y Roel

Rats Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: Internal Biography Sarah McTernan will represent Ireland at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. She was born on 11 March 1994 and is an Irish singer-songwriter from Scariff, County Clare. She came third in the series 4 of 'The Voice of Ireland' in April 2015. At her blind audition she sang 'Who You Are' and all 4 judges turned their chairs. Her coach and mentor was Rachel Stevens of S Club 7 fame. Sarah is an only child and has a 2.5-year-old daughter Mia who also loves to sing. After graduating from secondary school in 2011, Sarah took a pre-nursing course in Ennis, County Clare. She then went on to study Music Technology at Limerick Institute of Technology after which she took a break from education and worked in retail. Sarah has also worked as a makeup artist. Lyrics: I see 22, oh, and I think of you Lately that's all I do Don't you know that I, I'm always driving back Wanna come home to you Oh, I know I've always been afraid to say How I feel, but that's got to change Every time I'm with somebody I'm confusing them with you Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do And I dream about the street where we kissed out of the blue It's your house, number 22 Baby, where are you? Number 22 I see 22, oh, it's like déjà vu Boy, if you only knew This time I messed it up, but I can't give you up Your face is all I got Yeah, I know I've always been afraid to say How I feel, but that's got to change

It's your house, number 22 Number 22, yeah Baby, where are you? Number 22 All alone tonight Wishing you were laying by my side So I just keep on driving back To pass the time (Every time I'm with somebody I'm confusing them with you) (Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do) Any time I'm with somebody And I dream about the street where we kissed out of the blue It's your house, number 22 (Every time I'm with somebody I'm confusing them with you) Everybody, no, no, no (Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do) I remember you (And I dream about the street where we kissed out of the blue, it’s your house) Number 22 Number 22

Every time I'm with somebody I'm confusing them with you Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do And I dream about the street where we kissed out of the blue

ICELAND #ISL RÚV / Ríkisútvarpið / www.ruv.is Performer(s): Hatari Song: “Hatrið mun sigra” Composer(s): Einar Hrafn Stefánsson, Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan y

Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson Writer(s): Einar Hrafn Stefánsson, Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan y

Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson Debut Show: First Semi-Final Selection Method: Söngvakeppnin 2019 Biography Award-winning, anti-capitalist, BDSM, techno-dystopian, performance art collective Hatari are proud to represent Iceland at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, brought to you almost exclusively by premier, top quality, Icelandic effervescent soft drink manufacturer SodaDream. Lyrics:

Svallið var hömlulaust Þynnkan er endalaus Lífið er tilgangslaust Tómið heimtir alla Hatrið mun sigra Gleðin tekur enda Enda er hún blekking Svikul tálsýn Allt sem ég sá Runnu niður tár Allt sem ég gaf Eitt sinn gaf Ég gaf þér allt Alhliða blekkingar Einhliða refsingar Auðtrúa aumingjar Flóttinn tekur enda Tómið heimtir alla Hatrið mun sigra Evrópa hrynja Vefur lyga Rísið úr öskunni Sameinuð sem eitt

Allt sem ég sá Runnu niður tár Allt sem ég gaf Eitt sinn gaf Ég gaf þér allt Allt sem ég sá Runnu niður tár Allt sem ég gaf Eitt sinn gaf Ég gaf þér allt Ég gaf þér allt Ég gaf þér allt Hatrið mun sigra Ástin deyja Ég gaf þér allt Hatrið mun sigra Gleðin tekur enda Ég gaf þér allt Enda er hún blekking Svikul tálsýn Hatrið mun sigra

ISRAEL #ISR KAN / Corporación de Radiodifusión Israelí / www.iba.org.il Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Kobi Marimi “Home” Inbar Wizman y Ohad Shragai Inbar Wizman y Ohad Shragai Final HaKokhav HaBa 2019

Biography The 27-year-old Kobi Marimi will represent Israel at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Kobi was born in Ramat Gan, Israel and started singing at the age of 13. After graduating from high school, majoring in theatre, he followed his passion for the stage and studied in an acting studio, for 3 years trying to build the confidence he felt he was lacking. He got much more than that; Kobi lost more than 50 kilos, starred in several plays and even won a 'Promise of the Year' award for his achievements. Even though Kobi pursued acting growing up, Kobi had no real professional music experience until he decided to participate and compete in the hit reality show Rising Star. Throughout the show, Kobi gained more and more public attention for his unique style and vocal capabilities, which ended with him reaching the finals, winning this year's competition and along with it, the chance to represent Israel at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. Lyrics: Oh… oh… oh… oh… oh… oh… oh… oh… ooohhh… Caught up in this moment 'til my heartbeat stops I've been running barefoot to the mountain tops Nothing comes as easy as it goes I can hug the water when it snows I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone And now I'm done, I'm coming home

I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone I’m standing tall not giving in ‘cause I am someone, I am someone And now I'm done, I'm coming… Now I'm done, I'm coming… Now I'm done, I'm coming home

I used to listen to the way they talk Counting down the minutes from the ticking clock I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone And now I'm done, I'm coming… Home was so far, collecting scars, I refuse Another touch won't be another bruise

ITALY #ITA RAI / Radiotelevisione Italyna / www.rai.it Performer(s): Mahmood Song: “Soldi” Composer(s): Alessandro Mahmoud, Dario Dardust Faini y Charlie

Charles Writer(s): Alessandro Mahmoud, Dario Dardust Faini y Alberto

Monachetti Debut Show: Final Selection Method: Festival Di Sanremo 2019 Biography Italy's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest representative is Alessandro Mahmoud, AKA Mahmood, he will sing 'Soldi'. Mahmood was born in Milano in 1992 to an Italian mother and Egyptian father. In 2016 he took part in Sanremo Giovani with the song 'Dimentica' and in 2017 he collaborated with superstars Fabri Fibra and Michele Bravi. A year later, he worked with Dardust on the hit single 'Nero Bali' by Elodie and Michele Bravi (Platinum), he cowrote his new album 'Atlantico' with Marco Mengoni which includes radio candy 'Hola' featuring Tom Walker, and released 'Doppio Whisky' with rap star Guè Pequeno. Lyrics: Ah, ah… In periferia fa molto caldo Mamma stai tranquilla sto arrivando Te la prenderai per un bugiardo Ti sembrava amore ma era altro Beve champagne sotto Ramadan Alla TV danno Jackie Chan Fuma narghilè, mi chiede come va Ah, ah… Mi chiede come va, come va, come va Sai già come va, come va, come va Penso più veloce per capire se domani tu mi fregherai Non ho tempo per chiarire perché solo ora so cosa sei È difficile stare al mondo quando perdi l’orgoglio Lasci casa in un giorno, tu dimmi se Pensavi solo ai soldi, soldi Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi Dimmi se ti manco o te ne fotti, fotti Mi chiedevi come va, come va, come va Adesso come va, come va, come va Ciò che devi dire non l’hai detto Tradire è una pallottola nel petto Prendi tutta la tua carità Menti a casa ma lo sai che lo sa Su una sedia lei mi chiederà Ah, ah… Mi chiede come va, come va, come va Sai già come va, come va, come va

Penso più veloce per capire se domani tu mi fregherai Non ho tempo per chiarire perché solo ora so cosa sei È difficile stare al mondo quando perdi l’orgoglio Ho capito in un secondo che tu da me Volevi solo soldi, soldi Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi Prima mi parlavi fino a tardi, tardi Mi chiedevi come va, come va, come va Adesso come va, come va, come va Waladi, waladi habibi ta’aleena Mi dicevi giocando, giocando con aria fiera Waladi, waladi habibi sembrava vera La voglia, la voglia di tornare come prima Lo da te non ho voluto soldi… È difficile stare al mondo quando perdi l’orgoglio Lasci casa in un giorno Tu dimmi se Volevi solo soldi, soldi Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi Lasci la città ma nessuno lo sa Leri eri qua ora dove sei papà Mi chiedi come va, come va, come va Sai già come va, come va, come va

LITHUANIA #LTU LRT / Lietuvos Nacionalinis Radijas ir Televizija / www.lrt.lt Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Jurij Veklenko “Run with the lions” Ashley Hicklin, Eric Lumiere y Pele Loriano Ashley Hicklin, Eric Lumiere y Pele Loriano Second Semi-Final Eurovizijos Atranka 2019

Biography Jurij Veklenko, Lithuania's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest representative, is a renowned Lithuanian pop musician. He rose to fame during his successful participation in several TV shows such as 'Lithuania’s Got Talent', 'The Voice of Lithuania' and winning the popular TV show 'We Are One Blood'. He will perform 'Run With The Lions' in Tel Aviv. Jurij has tried his luck in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest more than once and has twice performed as a backing vocalist at the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest (with Andrius Pojavis in Sweden in 2013, and again in Austria for Monika Linkyte and Vaidas Baumila in 2015). This year Jurij has decided to pull out all the stops and appear as the lead vocalist at Lithuania's national selection with the song Run With The Lions and it paid off with victory. Lyrics: If you wanna see, just open your eyes If you wanna breathe, let’s go outside in the open Out of the open There’s no need to stay locked up inside This kingdom is yours and this kingdom is mine Let me show you Just let me show you Uuuhhh… there’s no need to be afraid You don’t go to hide away ‘Cause we got a love that can’t be caged We got a love that can’t be caged C’mon, c’mon let your feelings out C’mon, c’mon get your freedom now, run wild Run with the lions Woah… C’mon, c’mon let your feelings out C’mon, c’mon get your freedom now, run wild Run with the lions Woah… If you wanna voice, just open your mouth Don’t worry about words, we’ll figure it out Just try it, just try it

Ooohhh, uuuhhh… There’s no need to be afraid You don’t got to hide away ‘Cause we got a love that can’t be caged We got a love that can’t be caged C’mon, c’mon let your feelings out C’mon, c’mon get your freedom now, run wild Run with the lions, woah… C’mon, c’mon let your feelings out C’mon, c’mon get your freedom now, run wild Run with the lions, woah… Uuuhhh, uuuhhh… ‘Cause we got a love that can’t be caged Uuuhhh, uuuhhh… So we got a love that can’t be caged We got a love that can’t be… Run with the lions, woah… Now run with the lions, woah… Yeah… C’mon, c’mon let your feelings out C’mon, c’mon get your freedom now, run wild, wild Run with the lions, woah… ‘Cause we got a love that can’t be caged So we got a love that can’t be caged Uuuhhh… 58

LATVIA #LAT LTV / Latvijas Televizija / www.ltv.lv Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Carousel “That night” Sabīne Žuga y Mārcis Vasiļevskis Sabīne Žuga y Mārcis Vasiļevskis Second Semi-Final Supernova 2019

Biography Carousel is a Latvian indie pop band from Riga that was founded in 2015. They will represent Latvia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with the song 'That Night'. Singer Sabine Zuga and Marcis Vasilevskis on guitar initially performed songs from their favourite Latvian artists but in 2018 they took the leap and started creating their own music. The duo dared to dream in 2019 when they took part in Supernova, Latvia's national Eurovision Song Contest selection. With their vintage, stripped back, romantic track That Night Sabine's gentle warm vocals blends with Marcis' musical artistry and they won the competition and the ticket to Eurovision in Tel Aviv. Lyrics: It was a lonely night No stars were shining, there was no light One troubled thought broke through And colored my world so blue

Lo – o – o – o – ove where are you? Lo – o – o – o – ove I need you Lo – o – o – o – ove all night through Where are you, my love? Oh…

Love… love… Lo – o – o – o – ove where are you? Lo – o – o – o – ove I need you Lo – o – o – o – ove all night through Where are you, my love? Oh…

I travelled through the time It felt for me like doing a crime My mind did crazy things Imagination opened their wings A river dark as cold It took me far away from the shore Please come to me till sunrise And take me back to my Paradise

Lo – o – o – o – ove where are you? Lo – o – o – o – ove I need you Lo – o – o – o – ove all night through Where are you, my love? Where are you?

Lo – o – o – o – ove where are you? Lo – o – o – o – ove I need you Lo – o – o – o – ove all night through Where are you, my love? Oh…

MOLDOVA #MDA TRM / Teleradio Moldova / www.trm.md Performer(s): Anna Odobescu Song: “Stay” Composer(s): Georgios Kalpakidis, Thomas Reil, Jeppe Reil y Maria

Broberg Writer(s): Georgios Kalpakidis, Thomas Reil, Jeppe Reil y Maria

Broberg Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: O Melodie Pentru Europa 2019 Biography Anna Odobescu will represent Moldova at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. She was born on 3 November 1991 in Dubasari on the left bank of the Dniester River in Moldova. Her vocal and artistic talent emerged in early childhood. She lost her father when she was a young girl, but found consolation in music for her terrible loss. Anna graduated from the faculty of pop jazz vocal at the Transnistrian College of Music, named after Anton Rubinstein (Tiraspol), and the department of pop and jazz vocal at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chisinau. She performed with the Jazz Orchestra named after Victor Zelenskiy before Anna became a vocal coach at the Chisinau School of Arts named after V. Polyakov. Anna also has a vocal coach herself, she is being coached by Cristina Pintilie. Lyrics: Hold on, even with the wind we’ll make it Be strong, keep the fire burning inside Go on as I breathe in you Look into my eyes Fly me high, right up to the sky Stay until I find a way to be together Forever’s here to stay No matter what they say It’s now or never, it’s forever This time we can try to keep our story This crime, we can stop from breaking apart No rhyme is a match for you Never let me down If I fall, I’m nothing at all Stay until I find a way to be together

Stay, stay Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (Stay) Stay, (stay) stay Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Stay until I find a way to be together Forever’s here to stay No matter what they say It’s now or never, it’s forever

Forever’s here to stay No matter what they say It’s now or never, it’s forever When you come stand beside me The earth is moving fast

NORTH MACEDONIA #MKD MKRTV / Makedonska Radio Televizija / www.mrt.com.mk Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Tamara Todevska “Proud” Darko Dimitrov, Lazar Cvetkoski y Robert Bibliov Kosta Petrov y Sanja Popovska Second Semi-Final Internal

Biography Tamara Todevska is one of North Macedonia's leading and best-selling female artists. Raised in a family of musicians, she first started performing at the young age of 6. Now she will represent her country at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.de obtener su pase a la final, pues alcanzó el décimo primer puesto en

la Second Semi-Final. Tamara's debut album Sino (Blue), with the lead single 1003, was released in 2005 to commercial and critical success throughout the region. Her second album Eden na Eden (One on One) cemented her position as one of the region's most profound artists and has produced high-charting hits such as Tesko Bez Tebe (It's Hard Without You), Tazna Ljubov, Srekna Pesna (Sad Love, Happy Song) and Brod Sto Tone (Sinking Boat). Lyrics: Girl, they will try to tell you what to do How to look, smile, act and move All the rules I made for you to lose But baby let me tell you something Girl, for every tear the world makes you cry Hold on to me, I am always on your side Don't be afraid to spread your wings and fly Tell them, raise your voice and say it loudly Show them what it means to stand up proudly Tell them, this is me and thanks to you I'm proud

Go on now, tell them Raise your voice and say it loudly Show them what it means to stand up proudly Tell them, this is me and thanks to you I'm proud, I’m proud, I’m proud Go on now, tell them Raise your voice and say it loudly Show them what it means to stand up proudly Tell them, this is me and thanks to you I'm proud Girl…

Go on now, tell them Raise your voice and say it loudly Show them what it means to stand up proudly Tell them, this is me and thanks to you I'm proud, I'm proud, I'm proud Girl, they will try to tell you what to do Have no fear, the power lies in you Shine your light, go and break the rules

MALTA #MLT PBS / Public Broadcasting Servicies Malta / www.tvm.com.mt Performer(s): Michela Song: “Chameleon” Composer(s): Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov y Johan

Alkanas Writer(s): Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov y Johan

Alkanas Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: X Factor Malta 2019 Biography Michela, will sing for Malta at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. She has only just turned 18 years of age and currently lives on the tiny island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago and known as a hidden gem in the Mediterranean. Her voice is described by many as memorable and powerful, with a breathtaking breaking point. She loves a wide range of genres from pop and country to soul. As a then-unknown talent in Malta, she exploded on to the X-Factor stage, leaving the judges speechless. Michela won the final as if it was the only thing she was born to do. Previously, she had won the Music Talent League in Lithuania, was a finalist in the Baltic Voices competition and attended the Ultimate Artist development programme in Hertfordshire London, where she worked with Rihanna's producer. Lyrics: I’m bluer than the ocean, I’m golden like the rising sun and I’m red with hot emotion (Mmm… mmm…) And when they try to hold me down inside a box I’ll find my way out, I’m keeping it in motion (Mmm… mmm…) When life brings me trouble this I know I never walk away na, na, walk away na, na We are techni color, watch us go We never walk away na, na, just stay with me now Chame, chameleon, chame, chameleon Chame, chameleon, yah, lah, lah, yah, lah, lah, lah… Chame, chameleon, chame, chameleon Chame, chameleon, yah, lah, lah, yah, lah, lah, lah…

Chame, chameleon, chame, chameleon Chame, chameleon, yah, lah, lah, yah, lah, lah, lah… Give me water, I’m a swimmer Give me fire, I’m a fighter Give me love, I’m your lover Yah, lah, lah, lah… Make me cry I’ll be a river Take my heart I’ll be a giver I can change like the weather Yah, lah, lah, lah…

When life brings me trouble this I know I never walk away na, na, walk away na, na We are techni color, watch us go We never walk away na, na The grass is always greener when you love me deeper I never walk away na, na darling, I can be your jungle (Mmm… mmm…) So when they try to hold me down inside a box I’ll find Give me water, I’m a swimmer my way out, I’m keeping it in motion Give me fire, I’m a fighter Ooohhh… ooohhh… Give me love, I’m your lover Ooohhh… ooohhh… ooohhh… When life brings me trouble this I know I never walk away na, na, walk away na, na When life brings me trouble this I know We are techni color, watch us go I never walk away na, na We never walk away na, na I never walk away na, na Just stay with me now Chame, chameleon Yah, lah, lah, lah… 66

MONTENEGRO #MNE RTCG / Radio i Televizija Crne Gore / www.rtcg.me Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

D Mol “Heaven” Dejan Božović Adis Eminić First Semi-Final Montevizija 2019

Biography D mol will sing 'Heaven' for Montenegro at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. They are a young Montenegrin vocal group of six singers that was formed at the private music school of Daniel Alibabic. Alibabic, who acts as the group's mentor, is a former member of No Name, Montenegro's participant for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv. Lyrics: Life, life was once so lonely Heartbreak was the only thing you left for me My life, my life was so empty And love was the furthest, furthest thing from me Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, straight into your heart Fallin’, I’ll catch you while you’re falling I hear your heart callin’ into my arms Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, straight into your heart Fallin’, I’ll catch you while you’re falling I hear your heart callin’ into my arms I’m in heaven

Fallin’, fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’, straight into your heart (I’ll catch you while you’re…) Fallin’, I’ll catch you while you’re falling I hear your heart callin’ into my arms (Into my arms) Fallin’, I’m in heaven Fallin’ (I’m in heaven), I’m in heaven Fallin’, straight into your heart (Straight into your heart) Fallin’, I’ll catch you while you’re falling (Uuuhhh…) I hear your heart callin’ into my arms I’m in heaven I’m in heaven Fallin’

There’s no place I’d rather be As the candle glow flees But with you right here I got used to feeling naked Walking blind with hanging heart (With hanging heart) I was ready to give up, but Now you came into my life

THE NETHERLANDS #NED AVROTROS / Nederlandse Publieke Omroep / www.avrotros.nl Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Duncan Laurence “Arcade” Duncan Laurence, Joel Sjöö y Wouter Hardy Duncan Laurence, Joel Sjöö y Wouter Hardy Second Semi-Final Internal

Biography Duncan Laurence will represent The Netherlands at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Arcade'. Duncan explains: "I grew up in a town where music was a stranger. Music had no part in the regular school system. But that couldn’t keep me from making music. Somehow I was drawn to its magical ways to express myself and tell my own story. We had a small local theatre and an old music school. I played the piano every single day, wrote my own songs and poems. I remember that time as if it was yesterday. I was certain: I was going to be a musician." Lyrics: A broken heart is all that's left I'm still fixing all the cracks Lost a couple of pieces when I carried it, carried it, carried it home I'm afraid of all I am My mind feels like a foreign land Silence ringing inside my head Please, carry me, carry me, carry me home

I don't need your games, game over Get me off this rollercoaster Ooohhh, ooohhh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game Ooohhh, ooohhh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game

I spent all of the love I've saved We were always a losing game Small town boy in a big arcade I got addicted to a losing game Ooohhh, ooohhh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game How many pennies in the slot Giving us up didn’t and take a lot I saw the end 'fore it begun Still I carried, I carried, I carried on Ooohhh, ooohhh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game Ooohhh, ooohhh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game

NORWAY #NOR NRK / Norsk Rikskringkasting / www.nrk.no Performer(s): KEiiNO Song: “Spirit in the sky” Composer(s): Tom Hugo, Fred Buljo, Alexandra Rotan, Henrik Tala,

Alex Olsson y Rûdiger Schramm Writer(s): Tom Hugo, Fred Buljo, Alexandra Rotan, Henrik Tala,

Alex Olsson y Rûdiger Schramm Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: Melodi Grand Prix 2019 Biography KEiiNO is Norway's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest entry. The band mixes electronic pop with Nordic folk melodies and joik, the traditional form of song of the Sami people. The trio was formed in 2018 by awardwinning platinum singer and songwriter Tom Hugo, Sami rapper/joiker Fred Buljo and singer Alexandra Rotan. They will perform 'Spirit In The Sky' in Tel Aviv. Lyrics: Can’t you stay, stay with me into the night Stay, I need you close You can go back when the sun rise again Just stay tonight, just stay Have you seen my spirit lost in the night? The violent nighshade, they took away my light The call us nothing, my name is nothing Come see me, please see me ‘Cause I’ve been running with the demons now They all see my fear They say there’s nothing, nothing here I see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He lå e loi la I hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He lå e loi la I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He lå e loi la, čajet dan čuovgga I’ll follow you until the daylight, shy us away I need a hero, I need my light Her shining light waves will break away the night I call it freedom, our name is freedom Come find me, please find me ‘Cause I’m dancing with the fairies now They all sing our name I got my light here, shining here

I hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He lå e loi la I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He lå e loi la, čajet dan čuovgga Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, hu, na, ne, nu, nu Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Ha, la, la, ai, lo, ha, la, la, ai, lo I hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He lå e loi la I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He lå e loi la, čajet dan čuovgga Hu, nu, na, hu, nu, na, hu, na, ne, nu, nu, na Ha, la, la, ai, lo, ha, la, la, ai, lo I see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He lå e loi la, čajet dan čuovgga

POLAND #POL TVP / Telewizja Polska / www.tvp.pl Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Tulia “Fire of love (Pali się)” Nadia Dalin Sonia Krasny, Allan Rich y Jud Friedmann First Semi-Final Internal

Biography Tulia is Poland's entry in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, they will perform 'Fire of Love (Pali się)' in Tel Aviv. Everything began for the band in October of 2017, when Depeche Mode published an interesting folk version of one of their biggest hits, 'Enjoy the Silence' on their official fan page. The cover was produced by four unique and talented girls from Szczecin. Tulia was formed out of encouragement from fans of the unique style of that cover, many of whom were wiping tears from their eyes in amazement. Tulia's music is a combination of classical characteristics mixed with folk music and modern production. The group's cover of David Podsiadlo’s song Nieznajomy brought fanfare that resulted in over 10 million views online. Listeners from all over the world were taken by the magical atmosphere of the music video and the spotlight on Polish culture. Lyrics: Fire, fire, fire of love Sitting on an iceberg Waiting for the sun Hoping to be rescued Cold and alone Jedna mała iskra staje się płomieniem Unoszonym wiatrem wiosennych pór Pali się, pali się, miłosny ogień Płonie w nas, płonie w nas, jak suchy las Kochaj mnie, kochaj mnie Mocniej i mocniej Na nic tu, na nic tu, ogniowa straż Samotnemu sercu które tylko wątpi Bo nieprzytulane zmarzło na lód Promień obietnicy taki lód roztopi Wyjdzie jak z niewoli kochania głód

Porzucone serce które nic nie czuje Światu obojętne, twarde jak głaz Ale gdy przyspieszy, samo się rozkuje Doda oczom blasku, nadrobi czas Pali się, pali się, miłosny ogień Płonie w nas, płonie w nas, jak suchy las Kochaj mnie, kochaj mnie Mocniej i mocniej Na nic tu, na nic tu, ogniowa straż Fire, fire, fire of love Burns in you, burns in me Burns us alive Love me now, love me now Harder and harder Take me there, be the air I need to survive

Pali się, pali się, miłosny ogień Płonie w nas, płonie w nas, jak suchy las Kochaj mnie, kochaj mnie Mocniej i mocniej Na nic tu, na nic tu, ogniowa straż 74

PORTUGAL #POR RTP / Rádio e Televisão de Portugal / www.rtp.pt Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Conan Osíris “Telemóveis” Conan Osíris Conan Osíris First Semi-Final Festival Da Canção 2019

Biography Conan Osiris is the artist name of 30-year-old Tiago Miranda. He will sing for Portugal at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. Conan was born in Lisbon on 5 January, the same day as Hayao Miyazaki, the animation movie director that created 'Future Boy Conan' from where Tiago took inspiration for his name. The other half of his name, Osiris, comes from Egyptian Mythology from the symbol of rebirth and resurrection. Not only can Conan sing, but he is also a self-taught dancer, songwriter, composer and producer. While he formally studied Art and Design, he claims to have more closely examined people’s lives - perhaps that is why he has also worked at the most iconic sex shop in Lisbon. Lyrics: Eu parti o telemóvel A tentar ligar para o céu Pa' saber se eu mato a saudade Ou quem morre sou eu E quem mata quem Quem mata quem mata Quem mata quem Nem eu sei Quando eu souber, eu não ligo a mais ninguém

E quem mata quem mata Eu nem sei A chibaria nunca viu nascer ninguém Eu partia telemóveis Mas eu nunca mais parto o meu Eu sei que a saudade tá morta Quem mandou a flecha fui eu Quem mandou a flecha fui eu Fui eu

E se a vida ligar Se a vida mandar mensagem Se ela não parar E tu não tiveres coragem de atender Tu já sabes o que é que vai acontecer Eu vou descer a minha escada Vou estragar o telemóvel O telele Eu vou partir o telemóvel O teu e o meu E eu vou estragar o telemóvel Eu quero viver e escangalhar o telemóvel E se eu partir o telemóvel Eu só parto aquilo que é meu Tou para ver se a saudade morre Vai na volta, quem morre sou eu 76

ROMANIA #ROU TVR / Televiziunea Română / www.tvr.ro Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Ester Peony “On a Sunday” Alexandru Şerbu y Ester Alexandra Creƫu Ioana Victoria Badea Second Semi-Final Selectia Nationala 2019

Biography Romania's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest representative is 25-year-old Ester Alexandra Creţu, known as Ester Peony. She is a Romanian singer and songwriter who has discovered her passion for music since childhood when she lived with her family in Montréal, Canada. She will perform 'On a Sunday' in Tel Aviv. Ester started to study jazz singing at the age of eight, and when she returned to Romania four years later, she enrolled in the piano section of Dinu Lipatti School in Piteşti. At age 13, she transferred to classic guitar until the ninth grade, when she continued her studies at the classic singing section. Lyrics: You left me on a Sunday And I still remember that day in September Yeah, you left me on a Sunday Made sure there’s no way to forget that day Say hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Loving you is a hard price to pay Hey, hey, hey, hey Watching the smoke rise from the ashtray Filling the room with pain It’s still in my veins Can’t feel at home, ‘cause it’s so lonely So cold and so grey since you left that day You know, you know Even if the sun rises and the world moves on everyday Hey, hey, hey I will always be waiting for you to come back home to me To me, to me

Wake me up from this nightmare Is this even true? Am I without you? Love’s not fair Oh, I have learned that Just never knew that I’ll be losing you You know, you know Even if the sun rises and the world moves on everyday, hey I will always be waiting for you to come back home to me To me, to me Hey… (Loving you is a hard price to pay) Hey… Hey, hey, hey Loving you is a hard price to pay Hey

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Loving you is a hard price to pay Hey, hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Loving you is a hard price to pay Hey, hey, hey, hey 78

RUSSIA #RUS RTR / Rossiya 1 / www.1tv.ru Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Sergey Lazarev “Scream” Philipp Kirkorov y Dimitris Kontopoulos Sharon Vaughn y Dimitris Kontopoulos Second Semi-Final Internal

Biography Sergey Lazarev returns to the Eurovision Song Contest, for the second time representing Russia. He is one of the most famous singers, actors, and presenters in Russia and his popularity spreads into many of the former Soviet countries. Sergey's success as an artist began at a young age and his rise to fame been watched by the whole country. Sergey was born on 1 April 1983 in Moscow. At the age of 4, he was already competing in and winning artistic gymnastic competitions. However, his parents soon noticed that Sergey was more interested in music. At the age of 8, he began singing in classical choir, and soon thereafter joined the popular children’s singing group ‘Neposody’ (where Yulia and Lena from globally famous (and former Eurovision Song Contest competitors t.A.T.u also began their careers). Sergey has been participating in and winning various music contests since the age of 12. These include Italy’s Bravo Bravissimo International Contest and the prestigious Morning Star TV Music Contest. In 2002, he joined forces with fellow ‘Neposody’ singer and friend, Vlad Topalov, and created the hit duo Smash!! Lyrics: No I can’t stay here longer You cannot make me cry So, I will leave you to wonder What will become of our lives

I’ll swallow hard Fall apart Break and bleed but You won’t see

Tears will fall I hear them all

Tears won’t fall While pride stands tall Maybe they can’t be heard or seen But tears aren’t quiet things They scream They scream, ooohhh... They scream, ooohhh… Though my throat is on fire My eyes will be liars And they’ll try to stay drier Until you turn away

They scream (Scream, they scream) They scream, ooohhh… Not so silent and innocent Acid rain from your finger prints Echoes rivers of loneliness Hitting the walls of my heart They scream (Not so silent and innocent) Ooohhh… (Acid rain from your finger prints) They scream, ooohhh… (Echoes rivers of loneliness, hitting the walls of my heart)

SAN MARINO #SMR SMRTV / Radiotelevisione della Repubblica di San Marino / www.smtvsanmarino.sm Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Serhat “Say na na na” Serhat Hacipaşalioğlu Serhat Hacipaşalioğlu First Semi-Final Internal

Biography Serhat will represent San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time. He is an experienced singer, songwriter, music producer, and has hosted and produced television shows, and all that after graduating from the University of Istanbul as a qualified dentist. To Eurovision fans, Serhat is best known for representing the Republic of San Marino at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm with I Didn't Know. Although Serhat did not make it to the Grand Final, the song reached the 25th position on the Billboard Dance Charts in the United States. The new recording of I Didn't Know featuring legendary Martha Wash from the United States. And in 2018, he released a new version of Total Disguise featuring former Eurovision Song Contest winner Helena Paparizou. Lyrics: Na, na, na, na, na, na, na Na, na, na, na, na, na, na Na, na, na, na, na, na, na Na, na, na, na, na, na, na Na, na, na, na, na, na You look sad and lonely Is something wrong tonight? Why this stress to run away? Things will be alright Just be strong and look at me Hear me when I sing Who cares if you're out of love? It happens everyday All your dreams will come away No matter what you do Love all colors of this life And to yourself be true Don't forget my number Call me anytime I will always tell you Life is beautiful and fine Say na, na, na, on a doctor’s order please say, na, na, na There's a light for you that waits It’s na, na, na, say na, na, na Say na, na, na, you're not alone so stand up Na, na, na, be a hero, be the rainbow When sing na, na, na, say na, na, na Na, na, na, na, na, na, na (x3)

All your dreams will come away No matter what you do Love all colors of this life And to yourself be true Don't forget my number Call me anytime I will always tell you life is beautiful and fine Na, na, na Say na, na, na, on a doctor’s order please say, na, na, na There's a light for you that waits It’s na, na, na, say na, na, na Say na, na, na, you're not alone so stand up Na, na, na, be a hero, be the rainbow When sing na, na, na, say na, na, na (na, na, na, na, na, na, na) If you're feeling lonely (If you're feeling lonely) We can take it slowly (We can take it slowly Think I'm going crazy (Think I'm going crazy) Yes, I'm going crazy (Crazy) We can all go crazy (Crazy) Bir, iki, üç Say na, na, na, on a doctor’s order please say, na, na, na There's a light for you that waits It’s na, na, na, say na, na, na Say na, na, na, you're not alone so stand up Na, na, na, be a hero, be the rainbow When sing na, na, na, say na, na, na

SERBIA #SRB RTS / Radio – Televizija Srbije / www.rts.rs Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Nevena Božović “Kruna” Nevena Božović Nevena Božović First Semi-Final Beovizija 2019

Biography Nevena Božović will represent Serbia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest after winning Beovizija 2019, the country’s national selection competition. It is not her first Eurovision experience, Nevena took third place at the 2007 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and was part of ‘My 3’, the band that represented Serbia at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. Nevena was born in Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia on 15 June 1994. She completed elementary and high music school specialising in piano (Instrumental Music Department - piano) and gymnasium (socio-lingual sciences), and then she enrolled at the Music Academy at the age of 16. Nevena Božović was a jury member in the Serbian national finals to choose the country’s 2015 Eurovision Song Contest entry and represented Serbia in 2007 at ‘Slavianski Bazaar’ in Belarus where she finished in third. Lyrics: Pogled mili Jedini dušu smiri O – o – o – o volim te Noć je duga Bez tebe tuga Ruku mi daj Nikad ne puštaj Everything for you I give myself to yo, mmm…. Neka me svet čuje sad Životom branim te ja Neka nas svi vide sad Svako nek zna, da zauvek Tvoja sam ja

Everything for you I give myself to you Neka me svet čuje sad Životom branim te ja Neka nas svi vide sad Svako nek zna, da zauvek Tvoja sam ja Aaahhh… Svako nek zna, da zauvek Volim te ja

Kruna je tvoja Ljubavi moja (Ljubavi moja) Želim da znaš Da tebi pripada

SLOVENIA #SLO RTVSLO / Radiotelevizija Slovenija / www.rtvslo.si Performer(s): Song: Composer(s): Writer(s): Debut Show: Selection Method:

Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl “Sebi” Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl First Semi-Final Evrovizijska Melodija 2019

Biography Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl will represent Slovenia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. They are a relatively new duo that joined forces in 2017. Before they met, they were both focused on growing their individual careers in Slovenia’s music scene. The singers first met on Instagram: when Zala’s videos were shared with Gašper, he knew he had found the right vocalist for his new song. Valovi was a huge success, taking over radio stations across Slovenia and winning the Slovenian annual music award Zlata piščal for the best song of 2017. The duo returned in 2018 with 2 new songs, each showcasing Gašper’s gentle electronic pop style and Zala's soft voice. Lyrics: Ko so tvoje misli polne Lahko poslušaš, kako mi bije srce Ko težko je tvoje breme K meni se lahko zatečeš Vprašaj, kaj me vodi dalje So dosežki in razdalje Kot list gre z vetrom in se mu upira Jaz grem s tokom in se mu upiram Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Solze v tvojih so očeh Pusti, da tečejo Ko najine želje so različne Sprejmeš me in sprejmem te Poglej me Da ima vse pomen Večnost in ta planet nista prijatelja In jaz sem kot snežinka, ki čaka na Pomlad

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Ni ti treba se dokazovat Vezejo nas iste solze, isti strah Ni ti treba se dokazovat Vezejo nas iste solze, isti strah Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti Vedno se ne vidi zvezd Sam ostani sebi zvest Ne govori mi oprosti

SWEDEN #SWE SVT / Sveriges Television / www.svt.se Performer(s): John Lundvik Song: “Too late for love” Composer(s): John Lundvik, Anderz Wrethov, Andreas Stone

Johansson Writer(s): John Lundvik, Anderz Wrethov, Andreas Stone

Johansson Debut Show: Second Semi-Final Selection Method: Melodifestivalen 2019 Biography Songwriter John Lundvik got his major breakthrough as an artist in 'Melodifestivalen 2018' when his song My Turn was voted directly on to the final. He became that year's big surprise when he reached a fantastic third place. In 2019, John managed to top his achievement performing the song 'Too Late For Love' that had enormous success and sent him to the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. Too Late For Love received a lot of attention, reached the number 1 position in Sweden's top 50 and is currently one of the most played songs on Swedish radio. John Lundvik is an incredibly authentic singer who, with intimacy and great musicality, raises the level of the Swedish music scene. Lyrics: Hey, how you’ve been? I wonder, do you ever think of me? Say, am I wrong To wonder if it could be you and me?

I could be the sun that lights your dark Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark I could make it burn for you and me If I could be there, I would be there

Is it too late for love? Mmm… Is it too late for love? I wanna know Is it too late for love? I can’t take no more Is it?

Hear me, I could be the sun that lights your dark (Oh, is it too late for love?) (Is it too late for love?) Hear me, I could make it burn for you and me (Oh, is it too late for love?) (Is it too late for love?)

I could be the sun that lights your dark Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark I could make it burn for you and me If I could be there, I would be there Hear me, I could be the sun that lights your dark (Oh, is it too late for love?) (Is it too late for love?) Hear me, I could make it burn for you and me Days came and went But nothing ever really felt the same But you left a space Where everything reminds me of your face Is it too late for love? Mmm… Is it too late for love? I wanna know

We could be a storm that rages on And maybe we would own the ocean carry on Nooo… I could be the sun that lights your dark Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark (Nooo…) I could make it burn for you and me If I could be there, I would be there Hear me, I could be the sun that lights your dark (Oh, is it too late for love?) Is it too late for love? (Is it too late for love?) It isn't is too late for love? Is it?

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Miki Bilal Hassani Kobi Marimi

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“La venda” “Roi” “Home”

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S!sters Mahmood Michael Rice

“Sister” “Soldi” “Bigger than us”

S!sters Miki Bilal Hassani Kobi Marimi Mahmood Michael Rice

“Sister” “La venda” “Roi” “Home” “Soldi” “Bigger than us”

Kobi Merimi

“Home”