GOLD Eurovision Song Contest 2019

Netta Barzilai - Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018

All songs, videos, participants & biographies of the ESC 2019 participants in Tel Aviv

ESC Participants in Tel Aviv 2019 Albania Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland

Israel

14 01 12 09 18 08 10 10 01 06 07 14 03 F 11 F 16 07 13 02 F

F 05 12 11 03 02 North Macedonia 17 Norway 15 Poland 04 Portugal 15 Romania 06 Russia 13 San Marino 17 09 Serbia Slovenia 05 Spain F Sweden 08 Switzerland 04 The Netherlands 16 F United Kingdom Italy Latvia Lithuania Malta Moldova Montenegro

Notes on this interactive table of contents : - A click on the country name takes you to the relevant information and content of the participant.

- Right after the country names you'll see the starting points of the contribution in the first semifinal (green) , second semifinal (blue) and the already known finalists (yellow): Israel and the big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

The running order of the Final will be announced later.

- General Wikipedia information about the participating countries will be displayed by clicking on the flag-symbols.

- A click on the heart symbol will provide you with information on the history of the country as an ESC participant.

- A click on the home symbol on the participants pages will take you back to this page / the table of content.

2 | 3

Dear friends and Eurovision Song Contest fans, this year I won't comment on politics, war and terror in the context of the Eurovision Song Contest. In recent weeks and months, this has already been done by several scatterbrains in ESC related forums, but also more than enough by some media and newspapers. Just so much: I'm glad the ESC is taking place in Tel Aviv and I hope that all the artists, organizers, guests in Israel and the many millions of TV viewers will have a peaceful musical festival. I also hope that this year's musical quality will once again play a bigger role in the winning title than the message of the song, the image or the gender of the participant. While all of this may have reached the hearts of ESC fans in the past three years, the winning songs haven't done well in the charts - except in their home countries - and gained frustraing sales figures. All in all they were doing worse than what can be expected from the winner of the biggest song festival in the world. Some may say that musical claim or artistic merit is not expressed in sales. I can only argue that the ESC has never been a competition of music genres with a musical claim, but a song festival of popular contemporary music contributions. When it comes to watching music with artistic demands, one should prefer to attend a jazz festival or a classical evening. But when it comes to pop, hits and fun, the ESC is the place to be. Although some ESC fans will regret it, most artists will not present themselves as colorful and flashy as in many years before, this year - after all, this could be an indication that the music will be much more in the centre of attention and not the look of an artist or the staging of his performance.

Pesonally I don't care if the participant is a woman or a man or whatever, gay, bi or nonsexual, fat or too slim... as long as I like the song that the artist presents.

Just like every year you'll be able to find interesting informations on all participants of the two semi-final rounds and the finals (the "Big Five" consisting of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom and the host Israel are already set) with lyrics of their songs, a brief biography with pictures, links to their Facebook- and webpages and to their official video in this 2019 ESC edition of our GOLD Webzine. Apart from that you'll find soome special features that are listed in the picture links below. We wish you a good read and a lot of fun with this interactive special edition.

Kind regards, Reinhard Schnitzer and the GP Team Reinhard Schnitzer on Facebook

Gold Publishing official Webpage

Gold Publishing on Facebook

Special Features Click the pics to view the content

Alan’s Corner

DJ Alan T: His stories about Eurovision songs and trivia facts

Matia Bazar

The story about a musical chameleon - A biography by Reinhard Schntzer -

§ Please note: This is NOT an official program from the EBU or any sponsors. This GOLD ESC Edition is published without any commercial background or interest. It does not include paid advertising and is intended only as a practical guide for ESC aficionados and fans who want a quick overview. If content or presentation of this webzine violates the rights of third parties or legal regulations, we ask for notification without issuing a debit note. Justifiably criticized content will be removed immediately, so that the involvement of a lawyer is not necessary. If you still initiate costs without prior contact, we completely reject and may submit a counter-claim for breach of the rules in this paragraph.

The Eurovision Song Contest has ist own official channel on ► . Click on the icon to open the channel. For those on Facebook, the official Eurovision Song Contest Page provides a great place for discussion and entertainment. Please check out ► Facebook.com/EurovisionSongContest

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

01 CYPRUS Songwriter

Participant

Song

Alex Papaconstantinou, Teddy Sky, Viktor Svensson, Albin Nedler, Kristoffer Fogelmark

Tamta

Replay

Replay

Tamta (full name: Tamta Goduadze) was born and raised in Georgia, where she started singing at the age of five. She graduated from high school and attended Tbilisi State University. When she was 21 years old, she moved to Greece and took part in the TV show Super Idol, winning the 2nd 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. She has released four studio albums, twelve digital singles and 26 music videos. She has won a lot of awards and numerous award nominations. Most of her singles topped in the radio charts throughout the years.

VERSE: You got a problem 2 am I’m in your head Let’s just be honest, tonight Only I can solve it Ya twisting turning in your bed Them sheets need my body, tonight CHORUS: That’s when you call me, that’s when you call me, Say u 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 need my love on Replay VERSE2:

Between 2014 and 2018, she became one of the judges on the talent show XFactor, both in Georgia and in Greece, an experience that accelerated her popularity and fame to the highest of levels in the said two countries and Cyprus.

In December 2018, it was revealed that Tamta would represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Replay".

Replay

You stuck on me darlin’ Like a love song on repeat Yeah u got a problem alright I know I’m the one to blame Because I make you scream my name Baby I’m all in tonight

Official Tamta

4 | 5

Photo by Kynthia Kindeli

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

02 MONTENEGRO Songwriter

Participant

Song

Adis Eminić Dejan Božović

D mol

Heaven

Heaven

The band D mol was established thanks to their mentor Danijel Alibabić, who came to the idea to form a band with six young talented vocalists: Amara Vujacic, Mirela Ljumic, Ivana Obradovic, Rizo Feratovic, Zeljko Vukcevic and Emel Franca.

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 (Chorus) Fallin’I’m in heaven Fallin’I’m in heaven Fallin’ Straight into your heart Fallin’I’ll catch you while you’re Fallin’I hear your heart Callin’Into my arms I’m in heaven There’s no Place I’d rather be As the candle glow flees But with you right here I got used to Feelin’ naked Walkin’ blind With hanging heart I was ready To give up but Now you came Into my life

They attend the same music school, and their first ever song together – “Heaven”, had been selected as one of the five finalists of "Montevizija", Montenegro’s selection show for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. It took place on Feb 9, 2019, where a total of five acts competed to represent Montenegro in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Israel. After two rounds of voting, the clear winners (of both rounds) were the only group in the competition – D-Moll.

Heaven

(Chorus) (Chorus) I’m in heaven Fallin’

D mol

6 | 7

Photos by Miodrag Marković & Isidora Mijanović

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

03 FINLAND Songwriter

Participant

Song

Sebastian Rejman Ville Virtanen

Darude

Look Away

Look Away

Darude (real name: Ville Virtanen) is a Finnish DJ and record producer from Eura, Finland. He started making music in 1995 and released the platinum-selling hit single "Sandstorm" in late 1999. His debut studio album "Before the Storm" was released on 18 September 2000 and sold 800,000 copies worldwide, earning Darude three Finnish Grammy Awards. It peaked at number one on Finland's Official List and number 6 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart in the United States. Darude's second studio album "Rush" reached number 11 on the Billboard dance chart in 2003 and number 4 on weekly album chart in Finland.

There's something you should know That 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 awaylook away look awaylook away, heylook away look awaylook awaylook away, no-o-o Is it in my head? Is it in my head? look awaylook away, hey, no-o-o There's something in the air at night That feels so different And I don't understand

His third studio album "Label This!" was released in 2007. Though it did not chart as high as his previous albums, Gawker praised the album's single "In the Darkness" as "a floating, gossamer piece of trance music... it's tightly composed, easy to dance to, and has a soaring, undeniable hook." In 2011, he co-founded the record label EnMass Music, through which he has released a number of mix compilations related to his radio show Salmiakki Sessions. After performing at festivals such as the tenth anniversary of Tomorrowland in 2014 and Future Music Festival in 2015, he released his most recent studio album, Moments, on 14 August 2015, followed by a tour of the United States and Canada in September 2015.

His music is characterised by its progressive/uplifting style. He will represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Look Away" with singer Sebastian Rejman.

I didn't see this one coming 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?

Look Away

Where the war has just began?

We look away look away look away look away, hey look away look away look awaylook 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 awaylook away look away, hey, no-o-o

Darude darude.com

8| 9

Photo by Anton Sucksdorff

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

04 POLAND Songwriter

Sonia Krasny, Allan Rich, Jud Friedman, Nadia Dalin Fire Of Love (Pali się) 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

Participant

Song

Tulia

Fire Of Love (Pali się)

Tulia is a Polish female band, performing music which mixes traditional folk music with modern production. The band was formed in early 2018, in Szczecin, Poland.

There are four singers in the band: Joanna Sinkiewicz, Dominika Siepka, Patrycja Nowicka and Tulia Biczak, whose name was chosen as the name of the band. They have received a major attention in Poland in 2017, after sharing a cover of Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence" on YouTube.

In 2018, they released their first album, called "Tulia" and distributed by Universal Music Poland, which includes a number of original songs, as well as covers of Polish and international artists. The album went platinum in Poland, selling more than 30,000 copies from the date of release. Tulia also won all three awards during the oldest and most important Polish Song Festival in Opole, appeared on numerous summer festivals, and played the first – and what is more important – sold out tour.

On 15 February 2019, it was announced that Tulia was chosen by Polish state TV broadcaster, TVP to represent Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. They will perform the song “Fire Of Love (Pali się)” in Tel Aviv.

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 Porzucone serce które nic nie czuje Światu obojętne, twarde jak głaz Ale gdy przyspieszy, samo się rozkuje Doda oczom blasku, nadrobi czas

Fire Of Love (Pali się)

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

Tulia

10 | 11

Photo by Grzegorz Gołębiowski

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

05 SLOVENIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Zala Kralj Gašper Šantl

Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl

Sebi

Sebi Ko so tvoje misli polne, lahko poslušaš, kako mi bije srce.

Ko težko je tvoje breme, k meni se lahko zatečeš.

Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl are a Slovenian musical duo from Maribor consisting of vocalist Zala Kralj and multi-instrumentalist Gašper Šantl. The duo formed in 2018, after Zala Kralj had begun performing vocals on some songs written and produced by Šantl. Initially, she was only credited as a featured artist. They released the singles "Valovi", "Baloni", and "S teboi" in 2018, before releasing their debut extended play "Štiri" in February 2019.

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.

The duo will represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Sebi".

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd, sam ostani sebi zvest.

Ne govori mi oprosti.

Ko solze v tvojih so očeh, pusti jih, da tečejo.

Ko najine želje so različne, sprejmeš me in sprejmem te.

Poglej me, je nujno, 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.

Ni ti treba se dokazovat.

Vežejo nas iste solze, isti strah.

Sebi

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd, sam ostani sebi zvest.

Ne govori mi oprosti.

Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl

12 | 13

Photo by Ana Å antl

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

06 CZECH REPUBLIC Songwriter Jan Steinsdoerfer Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec Albert Černý

Participant

Song

Lake Malawi

Friend Of A Friend

Friend Of A Friend

Lake Malawi are an indie-pop band founded by Albert Černý in 2013. The band consists of Albert Černý (lead vocal, guitar), Jeroným Šubrt (bass and keys) and Antonín Hrabal (drums) and Pavel Palát (guitars). Albert Černý was born in the Can you hear it?

There’s someone behind the wall making the same sounds Czech steel-making town Třinec on the Slovak / Polish border. He writes the music and lyrics of Lake Malawi songs (as in his previous band Charlie Straight). He Can you hear it? received four Czech Music Academy Awards “Anděl”, two “Slavík” awards and an It sounds like you and me when we’re making love MTV award for his work.

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 D’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 through 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 Can you feel it?

There’s someone sliding up and down the ceiling Breathing, he is synchronising with her beating heart (With her beating heart) She was my neighbour when we were thirteen She moved back in...There’s not much between us now D’you know what I mean?

(Chorus) She’s only a friend of a friend ….

Lake Malawi opened for Thirty Seconds to Mars in Prague in 2014. They performed at The Great Escape festival in 2015 and released the EP "We Are Making Love Again" with the single Chinese Trees winning the new music Audition Poll on Amazing Radio. Lake Malawi later caught the attention of both The Kook's and Mika's managers which secured them a support slot at their Prague arena shows.

Lake Malawi released their full-length debut album "Surrounded By Light" in 2017.

The critically acclaimed record includes the singles "Paris", "Prague (In The City)", "Bottom of the Jungle" and "Surrounded By Light". They have played over 300 gigs in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria and Britain.

This year Lake Malawi applied to play at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the single "Friend Of A Friend".

Friend Of A Friend

Ooooh...

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 through 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

Lake Malawi lakemalawimusic.com

14 | 15

Photos by Kynthia Kindeli

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

07 HUNGARY Songwriter

Joci Pápai Ferenc Molnár Caramel Az én Apám 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 Latom őt múló idővel arcomon Az ő hitét büszkeség vallanom Ezer egy dalból azt az egyet 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 zúgasát is hallom még A szél hangjában is hallom még

Participant

Song

Joci Pápai

Az én Apám

Joci Pápai (real name: József Pápai) came into contact with music early because his older brother had started playing guitar at the age of four, writing songs. He was influenced by music of the 1960s and 1970s, and rock, pop, soul, and R&B music.

His public debut was in 2005, when he was a part of the second season of the TV2 show Megasztár, where he was eliminated in the consolation rounds, and interviewed by the Budapest tabloid daily Blikk. Afterwards, he started to move towards his debut.

His first big success was Ne nézz így rám. In 2006, he collaborated with rapper Majka with Nélküled and Nekem ez jár, but his greatest success came in 2015 with Mikor a test örexik. He then released a song in collaboration with Caramel and Zével Szabo titled “Elrejtett világ”. His last collaboration with Majka appeared together with the pop-funk song “Senki más”.

He won 'A Dal 2017' that took him to the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv where he finished 8th in the Grand Final. This year he won the Hungarian national selection with a song about his intimate relationship with his father, entitled ‘Az én apám’ and will therefore represented Hungary with this song at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Egy dallal űzte messze el a bánatom Mit adhatok csak azt, hogy hozzá tartozom 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 napfényét A szél fütyült altatót Legyen álmom szép A szél fütyült altatót Ma is hallom még

Az én Apám

Pápai Joci

16 | 17

Photo by TV2 © Photo: Boglárka Bodnár

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

08 BELARUS Songwriter

Participant

Song

Yuliya Kireyeva Victor Drobysh

ZENA

Like It

Like It

ZENA (real name: Zinaida "Zina" Alexandrovna Kupriyanovich) began her career as a child singer in 2013, competing in New Wave Junior 2013 and 2014 Junior Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.

I guess I forgotten to turn my phone Off I'm outside my comfort zone, I'm tired of being lonely,Tam-tara-ram Nobody gonna like this, no Ok, I don’t like these empty words, I'll go even if it really hurts It's making me stronger Tam-tara-ramI know it's gonna be...

Uuuuuh what should I do, It's up to you, karma uuuuh I wish I knew Give me a sign, karma Just to remind you,I don't give up I won't give up noI'll always try!

ZENA competed in the Belarusian national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest twice; she placed fourth in 2015 with the song "Mir" and third in 2016 with the song "Kosmos". In 2017, she placed third in the tenth season of Fabrika Zvyozd, the Russian version of Operación Triunfo. Afterwards, she began a career in television presenting, and co-hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Minsk alongside Evgeny Perlin and Helena Meraai. As an actress, she has voiced the Russian dub of the character Moana in the films Moana and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

She will represent Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Like It".

Yes, you gonna like it, Yes, you gonna like it, Let me in your heart, Yes, you gonna like it,Yes, you gonna like it, Let's break the rules, Yes, you gonna like it, Yes, you gonna like it, I'll share what I've got, Yes, you gonna like it,Yes, you gonna like it, Baby repeat my moves.

It feels crazy and a little wild, I know what is wrong and what is right, It's making me wiser, Tam-tara-ram The universe is ours now.

Ok, put your favourite sneakers on And show your emotions on the floor Add hashtag to find ya, Tam-tara-ram I know it's gonna be...

Like It

Uuuuuh what should I do, It's up to you, karma Uuuuuh I wish I knew Give me a sign, karma Just to remind you, I don't give upI won't give up noI'll always try!

Yes, you gonna like it,Yes, you gonna like it, Let me in your heart, Yes, you gonna like it, Yes, you gonna like it, Let's break the rules, Yes, you gonna like it,Yes, you gonna like it, I'll share what I've got,Yes, you gonna like it, Yes, you gonna like it, Baby repeat my moves.

I feel the flow of energy, I should let go mistakes of me, I feel the flow of energy…

And you go with me, baby!

18 | 19

Zina Kupriyanovich ZENA today

Photo by BTRC

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

09 SERBIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Nevena Božović, Darko Dimitrov

Nevena Božović

Kruna

Kruna

Nevena Božović is a Serbian singer-songwriter who debuted by representing Serbia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007with the song "Piši mi", placing third.

In 2012, Nevena took part in Serbia's version of The Voice. After three months of live shows, battles and challenges, Nevena qualified for the final, where she ranked second after Mirna Radulović.

Pogled mili, Jedini dušu smiri, O volim te.

Noć je duga, Bez tebe tuga, Ruku mi daj, Nikad ne puštaj.

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.

In 2013, together with Mirna and Sara, all three participants in Prvi Glas, she took part in Beosong 2013 with "Ljubav je Svuda" (Love is all around). The trio won the contest with over 25,000 votes and went on to represent Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, where they performed in the first semi-final and finished eleventh, missing out on the final by six points. That same year, in July, she presented her new single, named "Pogledaj me" (Look at me). In the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna, she was one of the five jurors for the Serbian jury panel.

Her single "Jasno mi je" (It's Clear to Me ) was awarded at the 2019 Music Awards Ceremony. She competed in Beovizija 2019 with the song, "Kruna", and won the competition, receiving the rights to represent Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with that song.

Kruna je tvoja, LJubavi moja, Želim da znaš, Da tebi pripada.

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, Volim te ja.

Kruna

Nevena Božović

20 | 21

Photo by Alek Živković

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

10 BELGIUM Songwriter

Participant

Song

Pierre Dumoulin

Eliot

Wake Up

Wake Up

Eliot (full name: Eliot Vassamillet) first came to prominence early 2018 during his first blind audition at The Voice Belgique, where coach Slimane was impressed by the power, ease and sensitivity of Eliot’s performance.

I wake up every night I can't find anyone to pray somewhere in the light Changing all up I 'm afraid, on the side Looking out for the lines to say Someone has the light Feeding our fire

Later Eliot was chosen by Belgian national broadcaster RTBF to represent the country at the 64th Eurovision Song Contest this May in Tel Aviv. There he will perform the song “Wake Up” composed by Pierre Dumoulin. Pierre is the composer and leader of the Belgian group Roscoe and is one of the composers of Belgium’s 2017 Eurovision Song Contest entry "City Lights", the song with which Blanche reached fourth place in the Grand Final in Kyiv.

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 cry, no one will cry if it’s true I’ll wait for the sign I can't find anyone to stay But there’s something in the light Saving our lives ?

And I can't face you now No I won't break you down If I can't find you I won't hide you It's not what I do

Wake Up

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 cry, no one will cry if it’s true

Eliotmusicbe

22 | 23

Photo by Wouter Struyf

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

11 GEORGIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Diana Giorgadze Roman Giorgadze

Oto Nemsadze

Keep On Going

Keep On Going (Sul tsin iare)

Oto Nemsadze rose to fame in Georgia after winning Idol in 2011. He was a finalist of The Voice of Ukraine in 2013 and in 2017 he took part in the Georgian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest as a member of the group Limbo, where he finished eleventh among 25 contestants.

Sul tsin iare!

Bevri iare!

Edzebe!

Ipove!

Iare! Iare!

Sadghats mgherian!

Gulit mgherian, Mavtulebia!

Mgherian!

Iare!

Maints mgherian!

Varado varado, varada rada hee.

Varado varado, varada rada hee.

Iare edzebe, ipove!

Dakargul simgherebs Khma rom miatsvdino mteli khmit imgere!

Sul tsin iare! Gulit iare!

Iare! Iare!

Am mavtulebze gadaiare!

Varados mgherian mamebi, shvilebi Aatskve chonguri, chven ar davishlebitIare gulit da zghva gadaiare, Simgherit vushushebt ertmanets iarebs.

Varada varada ...Varada varada ...Varada varada, varada rada he Varada varada, varada rada Iare gulit da zghva gadaiare, Simgherit vushushebt ertmanets iarebs!

This year he will represent his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song “Keep On Going” (“Sul tsin iare”). He won the right by winning Georgian Idol on 3 March.

Keep On Going (Sul tsin iare)

Oto Nemsadze

24 | 25

Photo by Giorgi Tsaava

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

12 AUSTRALIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Kate Miller-Heidke Keir Nuttall

Kate Miller-Heidke

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity

Kate Miller-Heidke is a classical trained award-winning singer-songwriter who combines the worlds of contemporary pop, folk and opera.

She has released 4 albums in Australia, achieving multi-platinum status and appearing in the top 10 album and singles charts numerous times. Her album "O Vertigo!" debuted at number 4 on the Australian album charts, broke Australian crowdfunding records and was nominated for an ARIA award. Her previous albums include "Nightflight", which reached number 2 on the ARIA chart, and "Curiouser", which reached double platinum sales in Australia and spawned the multi-platinum hits ‘Last Day On Earth’ and ‘Caught In The Crowd’. In 2009 she became the first Australian to win the grand prize in the International Songwriting Competition for ‘Caught in the Crowd’.

In recent years Kate has opened the Coachella Festival in California, toured the USA, UK and Europe extensively with Ben Folds, and sang a principal role in "The Death Of Klinghoffer" for the English National Opera (ENO).

Hey you It’s me again 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 where there’s zero gravity Zero gravity Zero gravity I’m free Hey you Lock with no key 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 And it feels like And it feels like And it feels like Nothing holding me down Nothing holding me down Nothing holding me down now Nothing holding me down

In 2013 Kate performed in the ENO's world premiere of "Sunken Garden". She has also just completed an extensive tour of Australia, performing sold-out shows in churches, cathedrals and theatres around the country. In 2015 Kate broke into national television, featuring in "The Divorce", a four-part ABC mini-series,which was nominated for Best Soundtrack/Cast Recording at the 2016 ARIA Awards.

This year she won the competition "Australia Decides 2019" and will represent Australia at the ESC 2019 with the song "Zero Gravity".

Zero Gravity

Zero gravity Zero gravity Zero gravity Zero

Kate Miller-Heidke katemillerheidke.com

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Photo by Jo Duck

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

13 ICELAND Songwriter

Participant

Song

Einar Hrafn Stefánsson, Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan, Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson

Hatari

Hatrið mun sigra

Hatrið mun sigra

Hatari is a three member punk- techno group from Reykjavik and consists of Klemens Hannigan, Matthias Haraldsson, Einar Stefánsson. The group was formed in 2015 and released its first album in 2017. Their music combines punk and techno sounds, and they call themselves as the “anticapitalistic BDSM techno group”.

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.

Their performances and political statements cause often reactions as their apperances are adjusted to their BDSM culture, while the lyrics of their songs are mostly satyrical aiming to bring down capitalism . Their entry “Hatrið mun sigra” (Hatred will prevail) is exclusively in Icelandic and the members themselves are behind the lyrics of the song.

On March 2, Hatari won Iceland’s Eurovision 2019 national final, Söngvakeppnin 2019, with the song “Hatrið mun sigra”. Hatari will now represent the country in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

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.

Hatrið mun sigra

Allt sem ég sá.

Runnu niður tár.

Allt sem ég gaf.

Eitt sinn gaf. Ég gaf þér allt.

Hatrið mun sigra. Ástin deyja.

Hatrið mun sigra.

Gleðin tekur enda.

Enda er hún blekking.

Svikul tálsýn.

Hatrið mun sigra.

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Hatari hatari.is

Photo by Íris Dögg Einars

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

14 ESTONIA Songwriter Stig Rästa, Vallo Kikas, Victor Crone, Sebastian Lestapier

Participant

Song

Victor Crone

Storm

Storm

Victor Crone is a Swedish singer who previously participated in Melodifestivalen 2015, featuring in a song sung by Behrang Miri called "Det rår vi inte för“, which failed to qualify from the Andra Chansen round, losing to Samir & Viktor.

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

This year he will represent Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv with the song "Storm".

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 But 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 But when it all calms down We're still safe and sound Even if the sky falls down We can turn it all around We'll escape the darkest clouds And we'll be safe and sound

Storm

Wherever we may go Whatever happens down the road However far from home I know we won't let go In no time the storm will end And it’ll be alright again The battle scars won't matter then But I might, I might be all wrong

victorcronemusic

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Photo by Stina Kase

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

15 PORTUGAL Songwriter

Participant

Song

Conan Osíris

Conan Osíris

Telemóveis

Telemóveis Eu parti o telemóvel A tentar ligar para o céu Pa saber se eu mato a saudade Ou quem morre sou eu Quem mata quem, quem mata quem, mata?

Quem mata quem?

Nem eu se Quando eu souber eu não ligo a mais ninguém 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 e vou Estragar o telemóvel O telelé 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 pa ver se a saudade morre Vai na volta quem morre sou eu

Conan Osíris (real name: Tiago Miranda) was born in Lisbon. Conan learned to write, compose and produces his own songs. In 2010 he finished his degree on graphic design at the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco. He worked at the one of the stores of the most known Portuguese sex shop chain, ContraNatura, in Lisbon.

Conan released his debut album "Música Normal" in 2016. He explains the title: "Normal music is any music that can be consumed by a living being. Normal music is a song that gives what one wants: laughing, crying, dancing, travelling, bathing."

In 2018, after releasing his second album "Adoro Bolos", he made his debut on Portuguese tv in the RTP program 5 Para a Meia Noite.

This year he gained national recognition after he presented his song "Telemóveis", with which he entered the 2019 Festival da Canção. "Telemóveis" went to the top Portuguese trends of Youtube and Spotify right after the song was posted online.

On March 2nd, 2019 Conan Osíris won the Festival da Canção. Therefore, he will represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, in Tel Aviv.

Telemóveis

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.

Conan Osiris

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Photo by Royal Contemporary

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

16 GREECE Songwriter

Participant

Song

Katerine Duska, Leon of Athens David Sneddon

Katerine Duska

Better Love

Better Love Live for the mess Make me feel ageless No pain, no gain Teach me carelessness

Katerine Duska was born and raised in Montreal, Canada and lives now in Athens, Greece and rose to indie star status with her hit "One in a Million" and her cover of Arctic Monkeys "Do I Wanna Know".

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

She released her 2015 debut album with the title "Embodiment" and in 2018, her single "Fire Away" was selected for an official television ad campaign on Canadian tv. Also In 2018, she appeared in a concert at the Concert Hall in Athens performing songs from her album with songs composed by Swedish singer-songwriter Albin Lee Meldau. Albin Lee Meldau also appeared in concert with Duska in September 2018 at the Palace Garden in Athens. In December 2018 she appeared in concert with musician Petros Klampanis.

And I can’t hide it I won’t fight this Yearning feeling inside

Earlier this year the Greek-Canadian singer-songwriter has been unanimously chosen by Greek broadcaster ERT through an internal selection processto to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019with the song “Better Love”.

Gotta get Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love 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 can’t hide it I won’t fight this Burning feeling inside Gotta get Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love

Better 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 Better love, better love All that we’re after Way to love, who you love What you waiting for, what you waiting fo-or, what you waiting for?

Better love, who you love

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Katerine Duska

Photo by Evi Gousi

SEMI FINAL 1

May 14, 2019

17 SAN MARINO Songwriter

Participant

Song

Serhat, Mary Susan Applegate

Serhat

Say Na Na Na

Say Na Na Na

Serhat (real name: Ahmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu) is a Turkish singer, producer and television presenter who already represented San Marion at the ESC 2016 with the song "I Didn't Know". Apart from establishing his own tv production company and working as a host in several successful tv shows Serhat started his musical career in 1997, with a single of two songs Rüya and Ben Bir Daha. In 2005, he released his second single named Total Disguise with the French singer Viktor Lazlo as a duet.

Lyrics and music of the song were written by Olcayto Ahmet Tuğsuz and the song was performed both in English and French. The single also contained several remix versions of the song. In 2005 he recorded Chocolate Flavour and the song was released with Total Disguise as a single in Greece. In 2008 he collaborated with Russian/Georgian singer Tamara Gverdtsiteli and they recorded I Was So Lonely, No No Never (Moscow-Istanbul) and Ya + Ti (Russian version of Total Disguise). These songs were released as a single and also appeared in Gverdtsiteli's album Vozdushiy Potsyelui (2008).

In 2014 Serhat started to work in France and Germany. He released his fifth single, a French song called Je M'Adore with the music video directed by Thierry Vergnes shot in Paris. Je M'Adore reached number 1 for 5 weeks in a row on Deutsche DJ Black/Pop Charts, number 1 on Black 30, number 2 on British Dance Charts, number 8 on French Dance Charts and number 9 on Swiss Dance Charts.

Celebrating its tenth year in the Eurovision Song Contest, San Marino RTV invited Serhat to represent the country again in 2019. He will perform "Say Na Na Na" in Tel Aviv.

You look sad and lonely, is something wrong tonight Why this rush to run away, things will be all right Just be strong and look at me, hear me when I say Who cares that you’re outta love, it happens every day All your dreams have gone away, no matter what you do Love all colours 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 dark deserted way 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 and sing na na na Say na na na All your dreams have gone away, no matter what you do Love all colours 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 If you’re feeling lonely We can take it slowly Think I’m going crazy Yes, I’m going crazy We can all go crazy Bir İki Üç (1-2-3) Say na na na On a dark deserted way 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 and sing na na na Say na na na Say na na na

Say Na Na Na

Serhat serhatofficial.com

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Photo by Cem Talu

“ My Stories about Eurovision songs and trivia facts The Eurovision Song Contest has a long history but a short memory. Although the Contest is in constant flux, its shape was defined in its first decade . . .

The Netherlands and Switzerland will send a contestant to the Eurovision Song Contest for the 60th time this year. Greece will be on board for the 40th time, Croatia, Estonia and Slovenia are joining the competition for the 25th time, and Latvia and Lithuania will both take part for the 20th time. San Marino is sending an act for the 10th time in the contest's history. Sending their 63rd entry in 2019, Germany holds on to the record of most participations. 19 countries have a chance to bring home Eurovision victory, and thus the opportunity to host the contest, for the very first time.

Roll on 2019 and times have changed. A few years ago, we were looking at artists like Lena, Loreen and Alexander Rybak as successful output from TV talent shows as great Eurovision successes. And they were. TV Talent shows give a great platform for all these artists to learn the know-how to play to camera, to tweak their artistry to appeal to the masses. The last few winners of the Eurovision Song Contest however have been increasely divisive. Since Conchita’s 2014 victory there’s been one common theme with the winners. They have all had some unique character on stage. Be it a Måns Zelmerlöw as a buff superhero or Salvador Sobral’s introvert or Netta’s clucking-chicken – each winner has managed something well away from the norm.

Eurovision winning songs are brave, bold and individual – Netta is the only artist I can think of who would sell ’Toy’ enough to win. The same goes for all the others.

Fairytale Alexander Rybak 2009

Satellite Lena 2010

Euphoria Loreen 2012

Heroes Måns Zelmerlöw 2015

amar pelos dois Salvador Sobral 2017

Toy Netta 2018

Some countries are still using the TV talent show breeding ground approach to success. The modern audience is looking for diversity, courageousness and empowerment from their songs and performers. Our Eurovision winners are less likely to look like ’Running Scared’ or ’Only Teardrops’ any time soon, these are now a generation out of date. Modern Eurovision winners need a strong character and personality far more than ever before. You can be Mr or Miss X Factor Idol Voice Got Talent Alumni 2591…or you can be…you – and successful because you have already carved out a niche.

Click the tv screens to watch the videos

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DJ Alan T in Lisboa

About this years host Israel Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 41 times since making its debut in 1973. Israel was able to enter the contest as the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is a member organisation of the European Broadcasting Union, which is responsible for the event. Israel has won the contest four times, and has hosted the contest twice, in 1979 and 1999, both times in Jerusalem. Israel will host the contest for the third time in Tel Aviv in 2019. Israel's first appearance at the contest in 1973 was successful, with Ilanit finishing fourth with her song “Ey sham”.

Ey sham Ilanit 1973

A-Ba-Ni-Bi Izhar Cohen & Alphabeta 1978

Hallelujah Milk & Honey 1979

Israel then achieved victories in 1978 and 1979, with wins for Izhar Cohen & Alphabeta, with the song "A-BaNi-Bi“ and Gali Atari and Milk and Honey, with "Hallelujah“.

In 1980, the IBA declined to host the contest for the second successive year for financial reasons, and as the date for the contest in The Hague conflicted with Yom Hazikaron – Israeli Memorial Day – Israel did not participate. This is the only time that the winning country did not compete the following year.

Israel did have an entry but did not participate: Brothers & Sisters with "Pizmon Khozer“.

Another non participation was in 1984. Ilanit originally was to be again the Israeli Eurovision entry that year singing “Balalaika”, but due to the Contest being held on a memorial day Israel didn't take part. As great a song as it is but I don't think it would have won, even if Ilanit had worn golden boots... Enjoy!

Pizmon Chozer Brothers & Sisters 1980

Balalaika Ilanit 1984

Diva Dana International 1998

The country's best results in the 1980s were the second-place finishes for Avi Toledano in 1982 and Ofra Haza in 1983. Former winner Izhar Cohen returned to place fifth in 1985, before Duo Datz finished third in 1991.

Israel achieved its third victory in 1998, with Dana International and "Diva". Eden then finished fifth in 1999.

As of 2018, Israel has the record for most participations in the contest without ever coming last, but it has placed second to last in the final three times, in 1986, 1993 and 2006.

Since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, Israel has failed to reach the final six times. In 2005, Shiri Maimon gave the country its tenth top five result, finishing fourth. Having failed to qualify for the final for four consecutive years (2011–14), Israel reached the final for the first time in five years, with Nadav Guedj finishing ninth in 2015, and the country has participated in the final every year since. Israel's fourth victory came when Netta won the 2018 contest in Lisbon, with the song "Toy“.

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Bucks Fizz Bucks Fizz is a British pop group that achieved success in the 1980s, most notably for winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up". The group was formed in January 1981 specifically for the contest and comprised four vocalists: Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston.

They received attention for the dance routine which accompanied the song, in which the male members of the group ripped the female members' outer skirts off to reveal much shorter mini-skirts beneath. The group went on to have a successful career around the world (although they were commercially unsuccessful in the United States), but the UK remained their biggest market, where they had three No.1 singles with "Making Your Mind Up" (1981), "The Land of Make Believe" (1981) and "My Camera Never Lies" (1982) .

But did you know that Bucks Fizz were covered by World Stars??!!

1981 they released one of their biggest hit “The land of make believe”. 1988 Celine Dion who also won the Eurovision Song Contest covered it “À quatre pas d'ici”.

The Land Of Make Believe Bucks Fizz 1981

À quatre pas d'ici Celine Dion 1988

1988 they released the song “Heart of Stone” – and Cher covered “Heart Of Stone in 1989!

Heart Of Stone Bucks Fizz 1988

Heart Of Stone Cher 1989

Stories about Eurovision songs and trivia facts …. Did you know ????

Last time Ireland finished Top 5... Posh and Becks started dating Last time Spain finished Top 5... Britpop began to invade radio Last time Poland finished Top 5... Sony Playstation wasn't yet released Last time Switzerland finished Top 5... Ariana Grande wasn't born yet Last time Sweden sung a word in Swedish... Britney Spears was recording her debut album Last time Denmark sung a word in Danish... Princess Diana was still alive!

Last time Lithuania sung a word in Lithuanian... NYC Twin Towers were still standing

The seventies saw 4 countries win Eurovision for the first time, including Ireland at the beginning of the decade. 176 songs took to the Eurovision stage during the 1970s. Sweden’s love affair with the contest also first bloomed with their iconic victory in Brighton, there were two sets of back-to-back winners from Israel and Luxembourg and it was also the last time both France and the Netherlands had Eurovision victories – so all in all, quite a busy decade!

In the 1980s, which were quite an exciting time at the contest – 4 countries won for the first time, Ireland got 2 of their 7 Eurovision trophies and we also saw the first (and so far only) African nation take part too: Morocco with Samira Said and the song “Bitakat Hob”.

Exactly 200 songs graced the Eurovision stage during the 1980s !

Bitakat Hob Samira Bensaïd 1980

Barbara Dex You know sometimes when you hear a song and realize it was in our favorite TV show years ago, it really makes you feel old! This has become a classic in several senses of the word. It was performed in Ireland – remember contests were once held there. Barbara Dex (real name: Barbara Maria Karel Deckx) was there in 1993, and became so famous that she spawned an award. A Belgian singer who represented her country in the Eurovision Song Contest 1993 with the song "Iemand als jij".

Barbara Dex had qualified via the Belgian national heat, Eurosong 93, held at the Casino Knokke on 6 March. At the Eurovision in Millstreet and came last, in 25th place.

Iemand als jij Barbara Dex 1993

Barbara returned to the Belgian final in 2004, teaming up with Alides for the song "One Life" which placed third. A further Eurovision attempt came in 2006 with the country line-dancing flavoured "Crazy" which earned her fifth place. In Eurovision, Barbara wore a self-made dress, which inspired the Barbara Dex Award for worst dressed contestant

The Barbara Dex Award The Barbara Dex Award became an annually awarded, fan-voted accolade for the "worst dressed" artists in the Eurovision Song Contest. It was created by Edwin van Thillo and Rob Paardekam, the founders of Dutch Eurovision fansite “The House of Eurovision” in 1997 According to William Lee Adams of Wiwibloggs, Dex wearing her own costume had her ending up "looking like a lampshade", a feature that eventually led to the award's inception. Debbie Scerri, representing Malta in the 1997 edition of the contest, was the first artist to receive the Barbara Dex Award. For the third edition of the award in 1999, The House of Eurovision opted to open to up for a public user vote.

In a January 2006 interview between Dex and ESCToday staff writer Sietse Bakker, Dex stated that there was "nothing wrong" with the Barbara Dex Award. In July 2015, Wiwibloggs held a poll on the "worst dressed Barbara Dex Award winner", which was won by Guildo Horn, Germany's 1998 Eurovision act. Some of the winners are 2007 Ukraine, Verka Serduchka, 2012 Albania, Rona Nishliu, 2015 Netherlands, Trijntje Oosterhuis or 2017 Montenegro, Slavko Kalezić. I think Australia and Jessica Mauboy should have won in 2018!

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R I P Montserrat Caballé María de Montserrat Viviana Concepción Caballé was a Spanish operatic soprano. She sang a wide variety of roles, but is best known as an exponent of the works of Verdi and of the bel canto repertoire, notably the works of Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. In 1987, Caballé made a rare excursion into the world of pop music when she released a duet with Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, which was titled "Barcelona". The song was inspired by Caballé's home city and later used as one of the two official theme songs for the 1992 Olympic Games but did you know that she had connections with Eurovision?

Mike Moran produced “Barcelona” and he performed “Rock Bottom” in the 1977 Eurovision with Lynsey de Paul.

She sang with Johnny Logan who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980 and in 1987. His third win came in 1992, as composer of Linda Martin's winning entry "Why Me?".

Barcelona, * 12 April 1933 Barcelona, † 06 Oct 2018

Rock Bottom Lynsey de Paul & Mike Moran 1980

Another duet was recorded with René Froger (The Toppers - Shine 2009 Moscow) called “Out Of The Blue”.

Visions Of Glory Johnny Logan & Montserrat Caballé 1984

Françoise Hardy (Monaco – ESC 1963 ) turned 75 this year We should remember our heritage. Those days, when everyone in Western Europe had to watch, because there were no other channels to tune into. Some stars from those far-off days are still names in the music industry, and one of those turned 75 This year.

The legendary Yé-Yé performer (among other things) Françoise Madeleine Hardy was already well-known when she went to London in 1963. Born in France, she sang for the Principality of Monaco. She managed a fifth place in what was a very groovy little contest won by a very cool winner. Alain Barrière, José Guardiola, Esther Ofarim, Carmela Corren, Grethe & Jørgen Ingmann (The winners), Monica Zetterlund and …… Nana Mouskouri! All ended up having a significant lasting carrier.

Any other year in the 1960s, she probably would have won.

Out Of The Blue Renè Froger & Montserrat Caballé 1998

In 2018 she released her latest CD called “Personne d'autre”. Her 28th studio album “Personne d’autre” features 10 original songs, including one sung in English, "You’re My Home" penned by Yael Naim, a cover of Michel Berger’s "Seras-tu là", and an adaption of Finnish band Poets Of The Fall’s ‘Sleep’, titled as "Dors mon ange”. It entered the French Chart at number 2 and stayed there for 3 weeks. It was certified Gold and stayed in the chart for 34 weeks.

L'Amour S'En Va Françoise Hardy 1963

Le Large Françoise Hardy 1988

When Celine won ! … And that's how Eurovision can reboot a career.

One could argue that the world’s favourite Song Contest was in the midst of a terrible slump. Viewing figures were falling across the continent and the Contest hadn’t produced a major hit since Nicole’s 'Ein Bißchen Frieden' six years previously. Thanks to Johnny Logan’s second Eurovision victory (with ‘Hold Me Now’), RTÉ would be hosting the Eurovision for only their third time. Just as in 1981, the Simmonscourt Pavilion would be the venue used to stage the live show. As the results came in, two countries with very different Eurovision track records battled for the title. Switzerland’s 1980s Eurovision entries either did very well (five top five results with one winner) or badly (five outside the top 10). Meanwhile the 80s were an era when the United Kingdom did consistently, if not overwhelmingly, well: One winner, four other top five results and only one song that did not place in the top 10. 1988 would be a battle between a country whose recent Eurovision fortunes had been something of a roller coaster versus another that did consistently well.

The Duelling Reboots The UK found a consistent level of success with acts who had limited previous chart success. In Dublin, Scott FitzGerald carried the Union Flag. His Eurovision entry, ‘Go’, was written Julie Forsyth, who also sang backing vocals onstage in Dublin. FitzGerald was the epitome of a one hit wonder whose duet with Yvonne Keeley ‘If I Had Words’ had made it to #3 in the UK charts in 1978. Eurovision 1988 represented a chance to showcase himself on one of the biggest musical stages in the world, a second chance at stardom.

Switzerland would be represented by a rarity…. a teenager in need of a comeback: Céline Dion!

Go Scott Fitzgerald 1988

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Ne partez pas sans mo Céline Dion 1988

Céline Dion was a local celebrity in (French) Canada when one of her singles became a massive hit in France.

‘D’amour ou d’amitié’ earned a gold record in France, something no other Canadian artist had achieved by that point. The lyrics were written by Eddy Marnay, who had also penned the lyrics for Frida Boccara’s Eurovision (co)winning ‘Un jour, un enfant’. Dion and Marnay would work together through her teen years, with edgy and hip songs like ‘Mon ami m'a quittée’ (My Friend is Gone) and ‘Tellement j'ai d'amour pour toi’ (I’m So in Love with You).

Songs like these gave Dion the sort of catalogue that little girls and grandmothers loved, but not anyone else. Dion never had a big hit in France after ‘D’amour ou d’amitié’ and her cheesy chart toppers in (French) Canada were drying up by the late 80s. It was time for a reboot. Starting with this gem on the right: Céline Dion’s ‘Lolita’. This is indeed the heartwarming song about a teenager girl imploring her older lover to help her lose her virginity - or she will find someone else to do it. Let’s just move on to the results..

Lolita Céline Dion 1989

The Scores It’s worth remembering that in 1988 we were still a decade ahead of any significant public input to determine a Eurovision Song Contest result: juries determined the winner. Delegations seeking the win worked along those lines, trying to send entries that would inspire support among music and media professionals. Which, it should be said, did not exactly produce a series of winners (or entries) that fired up the European singles charts of the 1980s (or indeed the 90s).

Overall, the best description of the 1988 scoreboard would be flat. There were only seven points between the third and seventh ranked entries. At the other end of the results table there were five very lowly ranked entries that earned between zero and ten points (sadly, Austria received the dreaded nul points). The average score per country for the winner was only 6.85 points our of a possible 12. Despite there being two entries finishing well clear of the rest, this was not a year with a landslide result. In fact, there was a lot of love for a lot of entries. Ten of the twenty-one entries received at least one douze points. Five countries – Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Yugoslavia - each received three top marks; each also ended up in the top six. But the Contest demands a winner. 1988 was no different. With only three juries left to report, the United Kingdom had a fifteen point lead over Switzerland...

- France blanked the UK and gave the Swiss a single point, cutting the lead to 14 points...

- Portugal gave the Swiss twelve points, but the UK only three: now the lead was down to five points...

- The Yugoslav jury, not known for voting reliably for either country, gave the Swiss six points, and a lead of a single point.

Any score for the UK and Fitzgerlad would win... Seven points to the Netherlands... Eight to Germany... Ten to Norway… Then the camera crew sprinted away from the UK delegation to the Swiss, Fitzgerald knew it was over, and the final twelve points went to France. 'Ne partez pas sans moi’ beat ‘Go’ by a single point, on the last jury. Neither entry was a hit. ‘Go’ didn’t manage to make the UK top 50; Dion’s entry only managed 11th in the Swiss charts. Yet there is some irony here: Dion did 'go' on to bigger and better things, 'leaving without' FitzGerald. Scott FitzGerald never had another hit. Céline Dion, of course, became a global superstar within a few years of her Eurovision victory. She’s currently 11th on the all-time global music sales list. All the acts ranked ahead of her started out in the anglosphere. Her album 'D'eux' remains the best selling French language album in history.

Which of these victims of "Nul Points" is a really good song ? And why ?

The first "Nul Points" in Eurovision were scored in 1962, under a new voting system. When a country finishes with a score of zero, it is often referred to in English-language media as "Nul Points", albeit incorrectly.

Grammatical French for "Nul Points" is pas de points or zéro point.

1962 Belgium : Fud Leclerc – “Ton nom” Spain: Victor Balaguer – “Llámame” Austria: Eleonore Black – “Nur in der Wiener Luft” The Netherlands: The Killjoys – “Katinka” 1963 The Netherlands: Annie Palms – “Een speeldoos” Norway: Anita Thallaug – “Solvherv” Finland: Laila – “Muistojeni laulu” Sweden: Monica Zetterlund – “En gång i Stockholm” 1964 Germany: Nora Nova – “Man gewöhnt sich so schnell an das Schöne” Portugal: António Calvary – “Oração” Yugoslavia: Sabahudin Kurt – “Život je sklopio krug” Switzerland: Anita Traversi – “I miei pensieri” 1965 Spain: Conchita Bautista – “¡Qué bueno, qué bueno!” Germany: Ulla Wiesner – “Paradies, wo bist du?“ Belgium: Lize Marke – “Als het weer lente is“ Finland: Viktor Klim – “Aurinko laskee länteen“ 1966 Monaco: Tereza – “Bien plus fort” Italy: Domenico Modugno – “Dio, come ti amo” 1967 Switzerland: Géraldine – “Quel cœur vas-tu briser?“ 1970 Luxembourg: David Alexander Winter – “Je suis tombé du ciel“ 1978 Norway: Jahn Teigen – “Mil etter mil“ 1981 Norway: Finn Kalvik – “Aldri i livet” 1982 Finland: Ko Jo – “Nuku pommiin“ 1983 Spain: Remedios Amaya – “¿Quién maneja mi barca?” Turkey: Çetin Alp & The Short Waves – “Opera“ 1987 Turkey: Seyyal Taner & Locomotif – “Şarkım sevgi üstüne” 1988 Austria: Wilfried – “Lisa, Mona Lisa“

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1989 Iceland : Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson – “Það sem enginn sér“ 1991 Austria: Thomas Forstner – “Venedig im Regen“ 1994 Lithuania : Ovidijus Vyšniauskas- “Lopšinė mylimai“ 1997 Norway: Tor Endresen – “San Francisco“ Portugal: “Célia Lawson- Antes do adeus“ 1998 Switzerland: Gunvor – “Lass ihn“ 2003 United Kingdom: Jemini – “Cry Baby“ 2015 Austria: The Makemakes – “I Am Yours“ Germany Ann Sophie – “Black Smoke“ "Dio, come ti amo" (God, How I Love You) was performed first time as duo by Domenico Modugno and Gigliola Cinquetti in San Remo Festival, 1966. Later it was the Italian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1966, performed in Italian by Domenico Modugno. The song is a ballad, in which Modugno tells his lover how he feels about her. He expresses his amazement at the depth of his own feelings, with the title phrase being used frequently. At the close of voting, it had received the dreaded “Nul points” (zero), for the first and also the only time in Italian Eurovision history, placing 17th (equal last) in a field of 18.

Due to the song becoming a solo performance, rather than a duet, it had been rearranged since its performance at the Sanremo Music Festival. However, this broke the EBU rules stating that the arrangement should be finalized well in advance. During rehearsals mere hours before the final, Modugno performed the new arrangement with three of his own musicians as opposed to the orchestra, which went over the three minute time limit. Following his rehearsal Modugno was confronted by the show's producers about exceeding the time limit and was asked to use the original arrangement with the orchestra. Modugno was so dissatisfied with the orchestra that he threatened to withdraw from the Contest. Both the producers and EBU scrutineer Clifford Brown felt it was too short notice to fly Gigliola Cinquetti to Luxembourg to represent Italy, so the EBU gave in and allowed Modugno to use his own ensemble instead of the orchestra. Shirley Bassey recorded a version of the song titled "Dio, come ti amo (Oh God How Much I Love You)"

Dio Come Ti Amo Domenico Modugno 1966

Dio Come Ti Amo (Oh God, How Much I Love You) Shirley Basey 1991

Baccara - "Parlez-vous français?”

"Parlez-vous français?" ("Do you speak French?") was the Luxembourgish entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978, performed in French by Spanish disco duo Baccara. Since I have been DJaying at the EuroClubs and Eurovillages it is a song I “have” to play crossing all generations. It has become a favourite among Contest fans, most recently being performed as part of a medley by Dana International during the Congratulations special in late 2005.

Baccara was a female vocal duo formed in 1977 by Spanish artists Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola. Mayte graduated as a teacher from the Royal Spanish Academy for Arts, Drama and Dance in Madrid and then joined Spanish Television's Ballet Company. While there she met fellow performer María. In 1976 the two women formed a singing and dancing duo (using the title Venus) and left the Ballet Company. Initially the duo's act was simply that of variety show dancers. They relocated to the Canary Islands in search Parlez-vous français? of work. Here they found that there was an audience for the performance Baccara 1978 of traditional Spanish music and dance in a form that was adapted to suit ininternational tastes. The duo were spotted by Leon Deane, manager of the German subsidiary of record company RCA, whilst performing flamenco dance and traditional Spanish songs for tourists (mostly German) in the Tres Islas Hotel on the island of Fuerteventura. He invited them to Hamburg in order for them to meet the 30-year-old Dutch producer/composer Rolf Soja who was the prime mover behind what became Baccara.

He developed their stage performance and recruited their instrumental support. Mateos and Mendiola were retitled Baccara, after the name of the black rose, in reference to the women's dark Spanish appearance.

Soja is generally credited with the Baccara formula - consisting of breathy lyrics, lush backing, a disco beat and the striking image of two women (Mateos dressed in black, Mendiola in white) dancing. While drawing lightly on Spanish flamenco song and dance tradition, the formula was very much rooted in 1970s disco music. Soja's song arrangements generally used Mateos as the lead singer while Mendiola contributed backing and refrains. The pair rapidly achieved international success with their debut single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie", which reached number one across much of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie Baccara 1977 Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and part of Asia and and became the best-selling single of all-time by a female group, eventually selling more than 18 million copies worldwide. Brotherhood of Man recorded the song on their 20 Disco Greats / 20 Love Songs album. So did Goldfrapp and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. In 2014, the Tolmachevy Sisters (Eurovision Song Contest 2014) perforperformed the song live on Russian variety show Odin v Odin! A successful follow-up single "Sorry, I'm a Lady" and European tour led to a number of album releases, numerous television appearances and the duo's selection to represent Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978.

They finished 7th.

The French-language version of "Parlez-vous français?" was included on Baccara's second studio album Light My Fire and an English version - with the same title - was also released as a single in certain markets. The song was composed and produced by the same team who had written the duo's breakthrough single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie"

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The song is an up-tempo disco duet, with the singers describing the importance of speaking French described as "The language of love and summer". One of them at least has recently been on holiday and required a working knowledge of that language in order to have a holiday romance.

Despite its moderate success in the Contest "Parlez-vous français?" proved to be one of the year's best-selling entries, reaching #8 in Sweden, #18 in Austria, #21 in Germany and #30 on the Dutch singles charts. However, when the duo released their first 'greatest hits' album in late 1978, The Hits of Baccara, the song was surprisingly omitted. In 1981, after RCA declined to renew their contract, Mateos and Mendiola ended their professional partnership and both launched solo careers.

In 2004, Mayte Mateos was once again involved with Eurovision, when she took part (along with Cristina Sevilla) in the Swedish Melodifestivalen preselection contest to represent Sweden with the song "Soy tu Venus". However, Baccara lost out to local star Lena Philipsson, who eventually placed 5th in the competition.

A full-length studio album recorded in Sweden, Soy tu Venus, followed.

DJ Alan T with the swiss duo „Zibbz“ – ESC 2018

DJ Alan T at the Eurovillage in Kyiv 2017 with 2 TV presenters

DJ Alan T (SYD) #We Got Love Forever Lisboa ’s Memories 2018 Eurovision by alan tubery's Podcast - Alekseev v/s Jessica Mauboy We Got Love Forever DJ Alan T (SYD) Short Mix - Yianna Terzi Όνειρό Μου - Eleni Foureira Fuego - Franka Crazy - Netta Toy - Saara Aalto Monsters - Jessica Mauboy #We Got Love - Equinox Bones - SuRie Storm - Sergey Lazarev You Are The Only One - Benjamin Ingrosso Dance You Off - Christabelle Taboo - DoReDoS My Lucky Day - Rasmussen Higher Ground - Madame Monsieur Mercy - The Humans Goodbye Outro - Alekseev v/s Jessica Mauboy Forever We Got Love DJ Alan T (SYD) Long Mix

The life and times of Matia Bazar If one thinks of pop and rock from Italy, many famous musicians come to mind: Adriano Celentano, Gianna Nannini, Bobby Solo, Eros Ramazotti, Gianni Morandi, Mina, Albano & Romina Power, Toto Cutugno, Loredana Bertè and in connection with the Eurovision song Contest of course Gigliola Cinquetti, Domenico Modugno and Marco Mengoni - just to name a few. Sure, there were also many Italian bands, but none was ever as successful - even abroad - as Matia Bazar, whose incredible career began in the 1970s. Unbelievable, above all, because the band's line-up has been subject to countless changes since the beginning. In the current formation there is not a single founding member of the band anymore. Matia Bazar can therefore rightly be called the chameleon of Italian pop music.

No other music group has participated more often in Italy’s traditional Sanremo Festival and has won more awards than Matia Bazar: “Ma perché” – 1977 “… E dirsi ciao” – 1978 (winner) “Vacanze romane” – 1983 (critics prize) “Souvenir” – 1985 (critics prize) “La prima stella della sera” – 1988 “Piccoli giganti” – 1992 “Dedicato a te” – 1993 “Brivido caldo” – 2000 “Questa nostra grande storia d’amore” – 2001 “Messaggio d’amore” – 2002 (winner) “Grido d’amore” – 2005 “Sei tu” – 2012

At this point it should also be mentioned only briefly that Matia Bazar also participated in the Eurovision Song Contest: With their song Raggio di luna the group represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 where they reached a notParis, particularly flattering 15th place Neuilly-sur-Seine, among 19 participants. * 09 October 1947 † 07 January 2018 The question therefore arises: How did the group managed to survive this result and their numerous member replacements?

To find out the reasons why this has been possible let's first look back to the beginnings of Matia Bazar.

The group Matia Bazar was artistically born in Genoa in 1975: Piero Cassano, Aldo Stellita and Carlo Marrale were members of the group Jet before and Giancarlo Golzi played in the band in the band Museo Rosenbach.

Their meeting with Antonella Ruggiero, then singer soloist, was decisive for the birth of the band that immediately reaches the popularity thanks to the first single Stasera che sera in 1975.

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Matia Bazar in the mid 70’s: Giancarlo Golzi, Aldo Stellita, Carlo Marrale, Piero Cassano, Antonella Ruggiero (left to right)

After publishing a series of world hits such as Tu semplicità (1978), Solo tu (1978, first place in the French charts for four weeks with over two million records sold worldwide), Per un'ora d'amore (1978, first place in Spain and in the Latin-speaking countries and guests of honor at the Festival of Vina del Mar), in 1978 won the Sanremo Festival with the fascinating suggestive song … E dirsi ciao. After the success of C'è tutto un mondo intorno (cd Tournée, 1979) and their tour (which took them around the world), Piero Cassano left the group and the eclectic musician Mauro Sabbione took over the keyboards.

The first big change in the sound of Matia Bazar begun: this was the moment of the techno-turn with the single Fantasia and their experimental album Berlino, Parigi, Londra (1981), which included a cover of Lili Marleen and to instrumental songs penned by Mauro Sabbione. However, this album only suggested that the following years with keyboarder and composer Mauro Sabbione should become the most creative of the band.

Their next album Tango (1983) spanned three singles: Vacanze Romane, the song that ranked fourth at the San Remo Festival 1983 and won the critics award; Elettrochoc, with this song the group was voted best italian group for the second time and Il video sono io - the videoclip to this single won the "Myfest" Rimini award in 1983. Tango was their biggest selling album worldwide, especially in Holland and Germany and still holds the 72nd place n the ranking of the 100 most beautiful Italian records ever, according to the Rolling Stone magazin.

Matia Bazar in 1983: Aldo Stellita, Antonella Ruggiero , Mauro Sabbione , Giancarlo Golzi , Carlo Marrale (left to right)

The band was influenced in this postmodern period by bands such as Ultravox, Kraftwerk, Joy Division, Peter Gabriel but also B52, but also influenced by Italian operas, which is evident in the production of Vacanze Romane, for example. Their Tango tour 1983 prooved to become an unbelievable success with over 100 concerts and increased the interest in this experimental group: For instance Federico Fellini, who would have wanted 'Vacanze Romane' for the soundtrack of his film 'La nave va' but he was opposed by a denial by the managers of the Matia Bazar at that time.

Unfortunately Mauro Sabbione left the band in 1984 after the last two albums and was replaced on the album Aristocratica (1984) by a session musician on the keyboards: Sergio Cossu, who became an official keyboard player and a member of the band with their next album Melanchólia (1985). This album contained the song Souvenir, presented by the group at the Sanremo Festival in 1985 and winning them again the critics award, and the internationally successful single Ti sento (I Feel You). This song turned out being a million seller that aroused greatParis, interest in Japan band performed† a07series of concerts * 09even October 1947where theNeuilly-sur-Seine, January 2018 conquering public and mass media and consolidating their international fame. Matia Bazar followed this great success with a long international tour: Russia, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan and Latin speaking countries as well as becoming hosts of various television programs.

In 1987 their album Melò album was released, appreciated by critics and characterized by great musical and vocal refinement. The single Noi was taken from the album and recieved an extraordinary success. It was presented at Festivalbar (was a summer singing event held every year in Italy and sometimes Croatia from 1964 to 2007) and a videoclip had been filmed in the Cinecittà studios, choosing the exterior of the film Momo as a setting. During that summer Matia Bazar won the Telegatto award again as "the best Italian band“.

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Matia Bazar Timeline

Vocals Guitar

Violin Keyboard

Bass Drums

Percussion Studio albums

In 1988 they took part in the Sanremo Festival with the song La prima stella della sera, a tune that was included as an unpublished song in the collection of their 10 great successes. In 1989, at the height of the success with the single Stringimi, presented in the summer at Festivalbar, and the following Red Corner album, Antonella Ruggiero left the group, both because of her motherhood, and to follow personal paths.

Laura Valente In 1990, following the depature of Antonella Ruggiero from the group after a fourteen-year partnership, Laura Valente, took her place and continued to be a member of Matia Bazar until 1998. In June 1991, during a live debut in Amsterdam, Matia Bazar presented the "new" singer Laura, infront of over 20,000 Dutch fans. In the same year they released the first album of the renewed group, titled Anime pigre, in which we already trace the turning point towards a more scathing and modern genre. Among the songs on the album that stood out was Si può ricominciare.

In 1992 they participated for the sixth time at the Sanremo festival with Piccoli giganti, a song that proved to be very successful and was included as an unpublished tune in their collection Tutto il mondo dei Matia Bazar. In the fall of the same year the band performed at the Italian Festival, conducted by Mike Bongiorno, with L'amore non finisce mai, which fully revealed the maturity of interpretation reached by Valente and the group. It was the last show with Carlo Marrale, in fact the guitarist left the group definitively after eighteen years spent together, to follow a solo career. For the first time ever, the Matia Bazar become a quartet and participated in Innocenti evasioni, a tribute to Lucio Battisti, interpreting his song Con il nastro ros.

On November 22, 1995, after a two-year break, due to Laura's maternity, Matia Bazar celebrated their twentyyear career, performing the album Radiomatia at the "Propaganda di Milano". with the unpublished La scuola dei serpenti, their cover of the song You're the voice, the 1986 success of the Australian singer John Farnham,

and some other of their own successes rearranged. The album was also presented again in a long concert at the "Rolling Stone in Milan" and became a great success with the public.

In September 1996, Matia Bazar, accompanied by Paolo Gianolio were performing at the "Festival Feedback" festival in Bellinzona, where they interpreted some successes including many song from Radiomatia. On 9 May 1997 they published their next album Welcome to Sausalito, which was dedicated to the Californian town and symbol of the hippie period and on which Matia Bazar returned to experiment with refined and rocking sounds after years of traditional pop. The album was presented on June 2, 1997 at the "Propaganda" in Milan, for the "105 Night Express" radio broadcast on Italia 1.

Welcome to Sausalito, however, was not adequately promoted due to the serious illness of Aldo Stellita. After the TV shows in Tappeto volante (where they present the single Quando non ci sei e and the song Parola magica) and at the Rino Gaetano Prize, Stellita is forced to thin out his presences, and during the "Sausalito Tour" the group is accompanied by Carlo De Bei (coauthor of some songs of the album) on guitars and Nello Giudice on bass, as well as Silvia Valente, Laura's sister, as a background singer.On 9 July 1998 the founder, bassist and author of most of the group's lyrics, Aldo Stellita died. A few months later Laura Valente and Sergio Cossu left the group definitively; these outputs determine the temporary "end" of Matia Bazar after the death of Aldo.

The return on the scene with Silvia Mezzanotte After a period of stasis, the only survivor of the original formation, drummer Giancarlo Golzi, recalled his friend, Piero Cassano, the keyboardist and component engine of the historical group who became a record producer in the meantime. Together they decided to give Matia Bazar a more commercial direction, in order to create less sophisticated and more commercial music. Golzi proposes the singer Silvia Mezzanotte to Cassano and the latter, enthusiastic about the new voice, also recruits the arranger and multiinstrumentalist Fabio Perversi. The revived Matia Bazar participated in the 2000 Sanremo Festival with the song Brivido caldo, followed by the release of the homonymous album. In the summer of the same year, they took part in “Vote the voice” and won the Telegatto award as "best Italian group of the year“. The following year they were competing again at the Sanremo Festival with the song Questa nostra grande storia d'amore, which placed third and was included in their album Dolce canto. In 2002 they participated for Paris, * 09 October 1947 Neuilly-sur-Seine, † 07 January 2018 the third consecutive time at the Sanremo Festival with Messaggio d'amore, winning the event and completing the cycle of comeback with a big success of the "new" group. The song is inserted, as unpublished study together with Ritmo della luna, in the live collection Messaggi dal vivo. In 2004 singer Silvia Mezzanotte, after almost five years, left the group to dedicate herself to the solo career.

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The 2005 line-up: Roberta Faccani, Fabio Perversi, Piero Cassano, Giancarlo Golzi (left to right)

The Roberta Faccani phase To replace Silvia Mezzanotte the remaining band members called Roberta Faccani, who officially entered as a singer in late 2004, and her collaboration with the Matia Bazar was governed by a fixed-term contract that lasted five years.

In 2005 the new line-up performed once again at the Sanremo Festival with the song Grido d'amore, went to the final and received a third place in the group category. Curiously original lead singer Antonella Ruggiero, who participates in the event as a soloist, won in the women category. Soon after the festival, their album Profili svelati unveiled which included the single Grido d'amore and other unreleased songs.

On October 5, 2007 is the turn of One1 Two2 Three3 Four4, a very interesting collection that revisited great successes by Italian musicians, but also some covers of popular british hits – just as Ho in mente te (You Were on My Mind), produced and arranged in their very own style.

On 9 May 2008 the project with One1 Two2 Three3 Four4 - Volume two was repeated in a completely similar way that begun the previous year with the publication of One1 Two2 Three3 Four4, in which the group reinterpreted songs mostly from the Italian repertoire revisiting them with new arrangements. In both volumes of One1 Two2 Three3 Four4 the group availed itself of the collaboration of the national gospel choir Nicolini Gospel Choir of Piacenza. Because the second album only sold moderatly, Universal reprinted both volumes by placing them in a single package on November 7, 2008.

On April 29, 2010 a press release announced the separation from Roberta Faccani due to the expiry of the contract.

The 2011 line-up (left to right): Giancarlo Golzi , Piero Cassano, Silvia Mezzanotte, Fabio Perversi

The reunion with Silvia Mezzanotte After Roberta Faccani was released from the group the search for a new female voice begun. But surprisingly, on September 20, 2010, Silvia Mezzanotte's return as a soloist was made official on the official website of the group. Later Matia Bazar stated: "It was enough to meet by chance, between a TV show and a concert, to meet in the studio to listen to the new songs". The return came from the renewed artistic understanding between the singer and the group, with an album already in progress and a long tour scheduled for 2011, with initiatives and participation in those events.

On October 22, 2010 the single Gli occhi caldi di Sylvie (music by Piero Cassano and Fabio Perversi, text by Adelio Cogliati and Giancarlo Golzi arranged by Fabio Perversi) is distributed immediately widespread on the Italian radio, requested with great frequency. On 1 November, the song was made available for download on the major digital stores. On October 31, the group participates in the broadcast on "Domenica in" broadcasted

by Rai Uno, officializing the "reunion" with Silvia Mezzanotte and promoting the single.

Paris, * 09 October 1947 Neuilly-sur-Seine, † 07 January 2018 After three years of recording silence, on March 29, 2011, the album Conseguenza logica, an anticipated work was released. On April 16, 2011, thier Logical Consequence Tour started, which touched the whole of Italy and also brought them to the great European cities. In February 2012 the group took part in the 62nd Sanremo Festival with another single from the album, Sei tu, which failed to reach the final.

In April 2015 the band celebrated their 40th anniversary with the release of their first live DVD + CD "Matia Bazar dvd live 40th Anniversary Celebration” (see YouTube link on page 59), that featured the best of their repertoire live in concert with new arrangements.

To celebrate this special anniversary year, a tour was planned to follow this release….

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After their concert on 8 August 2015 at the Outlet Village Cilento in Eboli their founder member,drummer Giancarlo Golzi was strucked down by a heart attack at his home in Bordighera on the night between 12 and 13 August 2015, and died at the age of 63. The other members were deeply shocked by the sudden dead of their “Capitano” and cancelled the other dates of their tour.

On 2 February 2016, the group's record company announced the end of the collaboration with Silvia Mezzanotte, which was resumed in 2010. Although there was some speculation about the realization of a recording project and live concerts, in May 2017 Piero Cassano announced his second exit from the group (the first was in 1981).

A new start with Luna Dragonieri At the Bellaria Festival 2017 a new chapter of Matia Bazar begun, led by the new holder of the brand: the multi-instrumentalist Fabio Perversi, who, after unsuccessfully trying to gather some historical members, still received encouragement (like from the Golzi and Stellita families) to carry on a new era of the band, completely renewed and under the aegis of the Swiss Farn music label. The new beginning took place with the release of the single Verso il punto più alto, launched on January 15, 2018, a song that presented a line-up formed by the veteran Perversi; with the new vocalist Luna Dragonieri and other new members Fiamma Cardani (drums), Paola Zadra (bass) and Piero Marras (guitar). The new ensemble now counts two men and three women, radically changing the band's tradition. According to Perversi, the decision to make use of female figures on bass and drums was taken in order not to obscure with unnecessary comparisons the memory of the two founder members Stellita and Golzi who disappeared prematurely, irreplaceable, while the choice of Luna Dragonieri - that Perversi and Cassano were on the verge of producing as a soloist before Golzi's death - it is consistent with the band's great vocalist tradition. On June 14th of the same year the Matia Bazar launched a second single Questo è il tempo.

The 2019 line-up (left to right): Luna Dragonieri, Fabio Perversi, Paola Zadra, Piero Marras and Fiamma Cardani

(click the tv screens to watch the videos)

Stasera che sera 1975 (Live@RSI 1981)

Solo tu 1978

Fantasia 1982

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Italian Sinfonia 1975

Ma Perchè 1977

E dirsi ciao San Sanremo winner 1978

Ragio de Luna ESC title 1979

Vacanze Romane 1983

Elettrochoc 1983

Palestina 1983

I Bambini Di Poi 198

Aristocratica 1984

Souvenir Sanremo 1985

Ti Sento 1986

Noi 1987

(click the tv screens to watch the videos)

Matia Bazar - Live in Munich 1987 (43:09)

La Prima Stella Della Sera 1988

Stringimi 1989

Piccoli Giganti Sanremo 1992

Dedicato A Te Sanremo 1993

Parola magica 1997

Brivido Caldo 2000

Messaggio d'amore Sanremo 2002

Grido d'amore Sanremo 2005

Conseguenza Logica 2011

A piene mani 2011

Sei Tu 2012

Verso il punto piĂš Alto 2018

Questo è il tempo 2018

Live 40th Anniversary 2015 Whole concert (1:39:54)

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

01 ARMENIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Garik Papoyan Lost Capital, tokionine

Srbuk

Walking Out

Walking Out

Srbuk (real name: Srbuhi Sargsyan), is an Armenian singer, who studied at the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan, where she learned to play the qanun. She first came to prominence after competing in season one of the Armenian version of The X Factor, where she sang "Soon We'll Be Found" by Sia. She joined Garik Papoyan's team and ended up in the second place. In 2012, Srbuk formed her band, called Allusion. In 2014, she was featured on Papoyan's single "Boat", which was one of the soundtracks for a Russian film.

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) PreChorus: Wait for, oh wait for, What I waited for? Wait for oh wait for, On no I’m done.

In 2016, Srbuk released her debut single "Yete Karogh Es". In 2018, she competed in season eight of The Voice of Ukraine, being coached by Ukrainian singer Potap and placing fourth.

In November 2018, she was announced as the Armenian representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv. Right after the announcement, AMPTV also opened the song submission period for composers to send their entries. The song she will perform in Tel Aviv turned out to be “Walking Out".

Chorus: Walking out (uhuuu) Whatever I’ve built I’m gonna burn down, I’m walking out (uhuuu) You’re no more a king‘cuz 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.

Chorus:Walking out (uhuuu) Whatever I’ve built I’m gonna burn down, I’m walking out (uhuuu) You’re no more a king‘cuz I was your crown.

Walking out, walking out No crying now, Walking out walking out No begging, Walking out (uhuu)At last, I feel proud I’m walking out.

Bridge: You knew that my heart wasn’t small, But somehow you came and filled it all.

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Walking Out

Srbuk official srbuk.com

Photo by AMPTV

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

02 IRELAND Songwriter Janieck van de Polder, Marcia Sondeijker, Roel Rats

Participant

Song

Sarah McTernan

22

22

Sarah McTernan took a pre-nursing course in Ennis, County Clare, after graduating in 2011. She then went on to study music technology at Limerick Institute of Technology for several months. She always said 'My career will either be to help people or music'. Sarah took a break from education and continued to work as a retail employee in Penneys (Primark). In September 2014, Sarah enrolled in University of Limerick to study Voice and Dance, but had to defer until September 2015. She plays guitar, piano and tin whistle.

I see 22, oh when I think of you Lately, that's all I do Don’t you know that II’m always driving by Want to come home to you Now I know, I've always been afraid to say How I feel But this's got to change Every time I’m with somebody I’m confusing him with you Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do And I dream about our street where we kissed out of the blue at your house number 22 I see 22 I t's like deja-vuBoy, if you only knew This time, I messed it up but I can't give you up Your face is all I've got Oh I know, I've always been afraid to say How I feel But this's got to change Every time I’m with somebody I'm confusing him with you Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do And I dream about our street where we kissed out of the blue at your house number 22

In November 2014, after getting through the blind auditions on "The Voice of Ireland" without ever doing any gigs, Sarah set up a band to gain experience with performing. The four piece band "The JEDS" was made up of guitarist Dwayne Mann, drummer John Moroney, bassist Declan Larkin and Sarah on vocals.

Sarah McTernan entered "The Voice of Ireland" in 2015. At her blind audition she sang "Who You Are", for which all four judges turned their chairs. She then chose to go on S Club 7 star, Rachel Stevens' team. Sarah's audition video remains the highest viewed video of the series with 90,100 plus hits. For "The Battle" show she competed against Tara Gannon Carr. They performed "Changing" by Sigma, featuring Paloma Faith. Stevens decided to send Sarah through to the Live Knockouts. Sarah sang "Ghost" by Ella Henderson and was up against Paul Taylor and Cian O Meila. Stevens decided to send Sarah through to the Live Shows while Paul and Cian got sent home.

On March 8 2019, Sarah McTernan was announced by RTE as the Irish representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. She will perform the song "22" in the second semi final.

22

All alone tonight Wishing you were laying by my side So I just keep on driving by To pass the time Every time I’m with somebody I’m confusing him with you Anywhere I go reminds me of the things we used to do And I dream about our street where we kissed out of the blue at your house number 22 OoohOoohOoohOooh

62 | 63

Sarah McTernan

Photo by Lili Forberg / RTEĚ 2019

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

03 MOLDOVA Songwriter Georgios Kalpakidis, Thomas Reil Jeppe Reil, Maria Broberg

Participant

Song

Anna Odobescu

Stay

Stay

Anna Odobescu is from Dubasari, on the left bank of the Nistru River in Moldova.

She 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.

Anna has taken part in various musical competitions and won many national and international awards, including participating in contests in St. Petersburg, Smolensk, Grand Prix of Discovery 2007 in Tiraspol, and has taken first place at the Martisoare Dorohoian Festival 2012, Două inimi gemene in 2015 and second place at the Slavic Bazaar festival in Vitebsk 2016. She auditioned for the Russian series of The Voice in 2017 and in 2018 she competed in Moldova's national Eurovision Song Contest selection O Melodie Pentru Europa 2018 with Agony, finishing in fifth place.

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

This year Anna Odobescu has won the "O Melodie Pentru Europa" and will represent Moldova at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest with her song "Stay".

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 When you come stand beside me The earth is moving fast Stay... Stay... Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh...

Stay... Stay... Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh...

Stay

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

Anna Odobescu

64 | 65

Photo by Margarita Cernei

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

04 SWITZERLAND Songwriter

Participant

Song

Laurell Barker, Mac Frazer, Luca Hänni, Jon Hällgren, Lukas Hällgren

Luca Hänni

She Got Me

She Got Me I noticed her when she arrived Kind 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' 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' a fire now 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 getting naughty YaDroppin' 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 bros 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‘ Yo 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’

Luca Hänni is a Swiss singer, songwriter, musician and fashion model, who learned to play drums in the kindergarten. At the age of nine, he taught himself playing the guitar and piano. Besides playing this instruments his broad musical talents include singing and composing.

As a winner of the biggest European casting show in 2012 (German Idol / “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”) he is well known all over Europe to a broad public and he still maintains close contact with his numerous fanbase.

Luca Hänni can regularly be seen and heard on stage in duo and trio formations or with his top-class unplugged show. In 2017 Luca Hänni attended the TV show “Dance Dance Dance” and finally won this dance contest.

Dancing is a new passion for Luca Hänni now and he just applied this talent in an impressive way when creating his latest music videos for “Powder” and “Signs”.

Luca Hänni has published four music albums, received gold and platin status for sold music and he won several highly respected music awards.

His fifth music album is expected for spring 2019.

She Got Me

Luca Hänni lucamusic.ch

66 | 67

© Photo: Stoian Stdefan Danut / SRF

Photo by Lukas Maeder / SRF

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

05 LATVIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Sabine Žuga Maris Vasilievsky

Carousel

That Night

That Night

Love, Where are you Love, I need you Love, All night through Where are you my love, Oh

Carousel is a Latvian indie pop band from Riga/Latvia formed in 2015. The band consists of Sabine Zuga (vocals) and guitarist Marcis Vasilevskis (guitar). Carousel's sound has been described as “a combination of rich and tender voice timbre and very fine guitar playing, that takes the listener on a journey full of sweet emotions”.

Performing and being inspired by the music of their favorite authors, the band is now realizing a dream of creating their own original music and working on upcoming album. Musical diversity and the quality of performances has made it possible to perform a lot in Latvia and abroad. The band was introduced to the wider audience at the end of 2018, when Carousel took a part in the concert show “Pasaka ziemā”.

I travelled through the time It felt for me like doing a crime My mind did crazy things Imagination opened their wings

On Saturday the 16th of February Carousel won the Latvian selection show 'Supernova'. Therefore they will represent Latvia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv in May with the debute song from their upcoming album and Sabine's debute in songwriting “That Night”.

It was a lonely night No stars were shining, there was no light One troubled thought broke through And coloured my world so blue

A river dark as coal It took me far away from the shore Please come to me til sunrise And take me back to my paradise Love, Where are you Love, I need you Love, All night through Where are You my Love, Oh Love, Where are you Love, I need you Love, All night through Where are you my love, Oh LOVE LOVE

That Night

Love, Where are you Love, I need you Love, All night through Where are you my love, Oh Love, Where are you Love, I need you Love, All night through Where are you my love?

Where are you?

Carousel

68 | 69

© Photo: Filips Smits

Photo by Aiga Redmane

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

06 ROMANIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Alexandru Serbu Ester Alexandra Cretu Ioana Victoria Badea

Ester Peony

On A Sunday

On A Sunday You left me On a Sunday And I still remember That day in September Yea you left me On a Sunday Made sure there's no way To forget that days ay ey, ey, ey, ey, ey Loving you is a hard price to pay ey, ey, ey, ey, ey Watching the smoke Rise from the ashtray Filling the room with pain It's still in my veins

Ester Peony (real name: Ester Alexandra Crețu) was born in Bucharest, Romania but was raised in Montreal, Quebec in Canada, until returning to Romania to perform music.

In 2014, Ester gained online fame singing covers of famous songs, which led to her signing with a Romanian record label. A year later, Ester debuted on radio and TV with the song Sub aripa ta (feat. Vescan), which was playlisted for weeks on Romanian radio and music TV stations. At the same time, she embarked on both a solo tour and a tour with singers Puya, Vescan, Doddy and Anastasia.

In 2018, Ester released Dig It, her first EP and she co-wrote the tracks. This year Ester is working on her first album that is to be released later this year. Apart from this Ester Peony turned out to be the winner of this year’s ‘Selecţia Naţională’ in an exciting final. Therefore she will represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "On a Sunday“.

Can't feel at home Cuz 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 ey, ey, eeey I will always be waiting for you to come back home to me to me, to me, to me eeeeyey, ey, ey, ey, ey Loving you is a hard price to pay ey, ey, ey, ey, eyey, ey, ey, ey, ey Loving you is a hard price to pay ey, ey, ey, ey, ey

On A Sunday

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,thatI`ll be losing you you know, you know Even if the sun rises and the world moves on everyday ey, ey, eeey I will always be waiting for you to come back home to me to me, to me, to me eeeeyey, ey, ey, ey, ey Loving you is a hard price to payey, ey, ey, ey, ey

70 | 71

Ester Peony

Photo by Cat Music

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

07 DENMARK Songwriter

Participant

Song

Lise Cabble, Emil Lei Melanie Wehbe

Leonora

Love Is Forever

Love Is Forever

Leonora (full name: Leonora Colmor Jepsen) is only 20 years old but has already won a number of awards, not just for her music but her ice skating too. Since she was seven she has been active in ice skating, which has resulted several titles such as Denmark's Junior Champion. She also participated in the Nordic Championships and the World Championships for Juniors.

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 Chorus :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 judgeIt doesn't take too much Only just a miracle

Today, Leonora no longer skates at the elite level, but remains active as ice skater and choreographer. Currently she is fully focussed on her other great passion; music.

For many years, Leonora has wrote her own songs, which she performs at cafés, libraries and at intimate concerts. Currently, she is recording a number of songs with other songwriters which she hopes will end up in an album.

On Februray 23 Leonora won the Danish ticket to Tel Aviv in a spectacular Melodi Grand Prix show and will represent Denmark with the song "Love Is Forever" during the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Chorus : Love is forever ….

Venez decouvrir la vie Ce soir, on va tous partir Le beau temps n'est pas fini Qu'en dîte vous mon ami

Love Is Forever

Hvorfor ska 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

72 | 73

leonorajepsenmusic

Photo by Thomas Cato

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

08 SWEDEN Songwriter

Participant

Song

John Lundvik, Anderz Wrehov, Andreas Stone Johansson

John Lundvik

Too Late For Love

Too Late For Love

John Lundvik is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and former sprinter. He was part of the athletic team for IFK Växjö. He started his musical career in 2010, composing the song "When You Tell the World You're Mine" for the wedding of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, and Daniel Westling. Lundvik went on to compose music for musicians such as Anton Ewald, Isac Elliot, and Sanna Nielsen, in addition to composing music for the film Easy Money. He has also composed music for the TV series "Empire".

Heyhow you’ve been I wonder do you ever think of me Say am I wrong to wonder if it could be you and me Is it too late for love m hm hm Is it too late for loveI wanna know Is it oo late for love I can’t take no more is it I could be the sun that light your darkand 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 light your dark Is it too late for love Is it too late for love Hear meI could make it burn for you and me Days came and went but nothing ever really felt the same Cause you left a space where eveything reminds me of your face Is it too late for love m hm hm Is it too late for loveI wanna know I could be the sun that light your dark and maybe I would lit your world with just one spark I could make it burn for you and meif I could be thereI would be there Hear me I could be the sun that light your dark Is it too late for love Is it it late for love Hear me I could make it burn for you and me Is it too late for love Is it it late for love We could be a storm that rages on and maybe we would own the ocean carry on I could be the sun that light your dark and 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 light your dark Is is too late for love Is is too late for love Is is too late for looooooooooove is it

74 | 75

In 2016, Lundvik took part in "Allsång på Skansen", performing a duet with Lill Lindfors. He took part in Melodifestivalen 2018 with the song "My Turn", in a bid to represent Sweden in Eurovision Song Contest 2018. He qualified from the first semi-final directly to the finals, and finished third overall.

He participated in Melodifestivalen 2019 with the song "Too Late for Love", where he advanced directly to the final. John Lundvik won and will represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

In addition to this, he composed "Bigger Than Us", the winning song in the UK selection, and the version sung by Michael Rice was selected to represent the United Kingdom in Eurovision 2019.

Too Late For Love

John Lundvik

Photo by Sotarn

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

Songwriter

Participant

Song

PÆNDA

PÆNDA

Limits

Limits

PÆNDA (real name: Gabriela Horn) started singing in a choir in her home town at the age of six. At fourteen, she began songwriting and singing in various pop rock bands. She took guitar and piano lessons and moved to Vienna at age 20 to study pop and jazz music at the Vienna Music Institute, where she graduated with honors in 2013. She currently lives in Vienna, writing, composing and producing her music at her home studio.

Minds got to move but I’m so trapped within me Expanded all my limits too carelessly And I’m counting on the time to get me back in line Cause nothing really makes sense no more I’m set on hold so I needn’t be bold anymore Cause the face in the mirror Just couldn’t look clearer right back through me And how I’d like to say It will get better tomorrow or any day Yeah I’m talking bout you, you You and the luck you try to find You, you You and how hard you try to hide it

Pænda records and writes everything by herself and ha so far released three singles and the album „Evolution I“ in 2018, which ill be followd by the album „Evolution II“ on April26, 2019.

Before that Pænda was chosen by a team of music experts and broadcaster ORF to represent Austria at the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with her song "Limits".

I sense 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 The pressure on my chest becomes almost routine It’s not like I don’t care, but there’s nothing left to bare Yeah I’m talking bout you, you You and the love you try to find You, you You and how hard you try to hide it And I’m letting it all come crushing down Come breaking inIt’s like rain just left back blurred outlines

Limits

PÆNDA Paendaofficial.com

76 | 77

Photo by ORF

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

10 Croatia Songwriter Jacques Houdek Charlie Mason, Andrea Čubrić

Participant

Song

Roko

The Dream

The Dream

Roko (Full name: Roko Blažević) is a Croatian pop singer who won the Serbian reality-show "Pinkove Zvezdice" in 2017. In December 2018, he won the second place in the Croatian reality-show, "Zvijezde".

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 Open your heart And you'll arrive at 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

Mentored by Jacques Houdek – a former Eurovision competitor for Croatia and a coach on the country’s version of The Voice – Roko won Dora 2019, Croatia’s national selection process. He will therefore represent Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, with the song "The Dream".

We have lived the darkest night Waiting for The day Now the time for us is right To arise and say I dream of love You dream of love Angels of God We all dream of love /2X INSTRUMENTAL Svijetu nisi dužan ti Ništa donijeti Jedino si čovjek kad Možeš voljeti Kao heroj Kao heroj I moj i tvoj Ljubav je heroj

The Dream

/2X

Roko Blažević official

78 | 79

Photo by Damian Fiket

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

11 MALTA Songwriter

Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov, Johan Alkanas

Participant

Song

Michela

Chameleon

Chameleon

Michela (full name: Micheal Pace) is a Maltese singer who comes from the island of Gozo.

I’m bluer than the ocean She is a student at Bishops Conservatory Girls School in Victoria and entered the I'm golden like the rising sun and first ever series of X Factor in Malta. She went on to win the show, landing a I'm red with hot emotion recording contract with Sony music Italy and the right to represent Malta at the And when they try to ho o hld me downinside a box i 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. During her time on X Factor Malta, she was find my way outI'm keepin it in motion mentored by Howard Keith Debono.

Chorus: When life brings me trouble this i know I never walk away No No never walk away No No No No We are technicolor watch us go and we never walk away No No stay with me now

Michela will represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Chameleon".

Post : Chame Chameleon Chame Chamelon Chame Chameleo yalla yalla yalla la la la Chame Chameleon Chame Chamelon Chame Chameleon yalla yalla yalla la la la Verse 2: The grass is always greener When you love me deeper darlin I can be your jungle So when they try to ho o hold me down inside a box i find my way out I'm keepin it emotion Chorus : (see above) Post: Chame Chameleon Chame Chamelon Chame Chameleon yalla yalla yalla la la la Mid 8: Give me water i’m a swimmer Give me fire i’m a fighter Give me love i’m your lover Make me cry I'll be a river Take my heart I'll be a giver I can change like the weather

Chameleon

Chorus: (see above) Outro + Chorus: Give me water i’m a swimmer Give me fire i’m a fighter Give me love i’m your lover When life brings me trouble this I knowi never never walk away never walk away Chame chameleon …..

80 | 81

Michela

Photo by Jonathan Brincat

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

12 LITHUANIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Eric Lumiere, Ash Hicklin, Pele Loriano

Jurijus

Run With The Lions

Run With The Lions

Jurijus (full name: Jurijus Veklenko) is a Lithuanian singer previously performed at Eurovision 2015 as one of the backing singers for Monika LinkytÄ— and Vaidas Baumila in their performance of "This Time". Along with the three other backing singers, Jurijus took part in a same-sex kiss as part of the grand final performance.

1. Verse If you want to see just open your eyes If you want to breathe lest go outside in the Open Out on the open There's no need to stay locked up inside This kingdom is your and this kingdom is mine Let me show Just let me show you Bridge UUUU there's no need to be afraid you don't got to hurt away Cuz we got a love that can't be caged we got a love that can't be caged

In 2017, he performed the main vocal for lip sync drag act Lolita Zero, in her Lithuanian national final entry "Get Frighten".

On February 23, Jurijus was crowned as winner of Lithuania’s national selection final and will therefore represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song 'Run With The Lions'.

Refrain Come on come on let your feelings out Come on get your freedom now Run wild and run with the Lions Come on come on let your feelings out Come on get your freedom now Run wild and run with the Lions 2. Verse If you want a voice just open your mouth Don't worry about the words we'll figure it out There's a lot of fear hanging around Time to wake the Beast let the Beast get loud Start a riot Go start a riot Ouuuuuu

Run With The Lions

Bridge UUUU there's no need to be afraid you don't have to hurt away Cuz we got a love that can't be caged Say we got a love that can't be caged Come on come on let your feelings out Come on get your freedom now Run wild and run with the Lions Come on come on let your feelings out Come on get your freedom now Run wild and run with the Lions UUUUU we got a love that can't be caged UUUUU we got a love that can't be caged we got a love that can't be caged

82 | 83

Jurijus Veklenko

Photo by Lukas Gricius

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

13 RUSSIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Sharon Vaughn, Dimitris Kontopoulos Philipp Kirkorov

Sergey Lazarev

Scream

Scream

Sergey Lazarev (full name: Sergey Vyacheslavovich Lazarev) is a very experienced and famous singer, who already represented Russia at the ESC 2016 in Stockholm with the song "You Are The Only One". He has been on stage since he was 8 years old. He started as part of some children’s music bands, then won many singing competitions for children. Sergey got real popularity as a part of a boyband called Smash. In 2002 Smash won a famous contest of young singers, New Wave.

At the same time, Sergey was developing his career in the theatre, and graduated from one of the most prestigious drama schools of Russia. Nowadays he is not only a singer, but also a professional and successful theatre actor.

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 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 Though my throat is on fire My eyes will be liars And they’ll try to stay drier Until you turn away I’ll swallow hard Fall apart Break and bleed but You won’t see Tears won’t fall While pride stands tall But tears aren’t quiet things They burn and scar and sting They scream They scream

In 2004 Sergey left Smash, who were extremely popular at that time in Russia, as he decided to sing solo. In 2005 Sergey issued his first album called Don’t be Fake, produced by Brian Rawling, a Grammy Award-winning British record producer and songwriter.

In 2006 he got the title “The best singer of the year” from MTV Russian Music Awards. Since that time, Sergey has always been working with the best Russian, European and American producers and winning countless titles and awards.

Currently Lazarev released 5 solo albums in total so far. He is also participating in many different TV projects and shows, as well as hosting many of them. He loves comedies, has a good sense of humour and the ability to laugh at himself.

After he had released 5 solo albums during his career 2015 became probably the most important year in terms of his career, as he got 4 awards and was nominated to represent Russia at Eurovision 2016.

On February 7, Sergey Lazarev announced that he will represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He will perform the song “Scream”.

Scream

Scream They scream Not so silent and innocent Acid rain from your finger prints Echoes, rivers of loneliness Hitting the walls of my heart Scream They scream

Sergey Lazarev sergeylazarev.ru

84 | 85

Photo by Daniil Velichko

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

14 ALBANIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Eriona Rushiti

Jonida Maliqi

Ktheju tokës

Ktheju tokës

Jonida Maliqi, Albanian singer and television host, began her singing career at Festivali i Këngës when she was 13 years old with the song "Planeti i fëmijëve", in a duet with Aleksandër Rrapi. In 1997 she returned to the Festivali with another duet, this time with Kastriot Tusha, a song dedicated to Mother Teresa. Her solo career began in 1999, with her song "Do jetoj pa ty" winning the second place in the festival.

Ti këndon edhe qan Në duar lotët mbledh I mban.

Një ditë jeton Në tjetrën vdes Sa mall, pak shpresë I vetëm, pa identitet Ktheju tokës tënde O njeri që zemrën le peng Ktheju tokës tënde Ti e di një zemër të pret

Maliqi is also known for portraying Juliet in the Albanian musical version of Romeo and Juliet, alongside Alban Skënderaj. She hosted the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars Albania, and she also served as a judge on the fifth season of The Voice of Albania in 2016.

This year she will represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Ktheju tokës".

Një ditë jeton Në tjetrën vdes Sa mall, pak shpresë I vetëm, pa identitet Ktheju tokës tënde O njeri që zemrën le peng Ktheju tokës tënde Ti e di një zemër të pret

Ktheju tokës

Jonida Maliqi

86 | 87

Photo: Edvina Meta

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

15 NORWAY Songwriter Tom Hugo, Fred Buljo, Alexandra Rotan, Henrik Tala, Alex Olsson, Rûdiger Schramm

Participant

Spirit In The Sky

KEiiNO is a Norwegian-Sámi collaboration between the artists Fred Bujlo, Alexandra Rotan, and Tom Hugo. Together with his husband Alex Olsson, the latter began writing on a song Inspired by historical struggles to be accepted for who you are regardless of ethnicity, gender and orientation.

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 nightshade They took away my light They 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-lo e loi-laI hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He-lo e loi-laI can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He-lo 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 lightwaves will break away the night I call it freedom our name is freedom Come find me please find me Cause I am dancing with the fairies now hey all sing our name I got my light here Shining here I hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He-lo e loi-la I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He-lo e loi-la Čajet dan čuovgga I hear you calling me at night Whenever wind is blowing He-lo e loi-la I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He-lo e loi-la Čajet dan čuovgga I can see your spirit in the sky When northern lights are dancing He-lo e loi-laČajet dan čuovgga

KEiiNO

Song

Spirit In The Sky

The Sami population had to fight for acceptance of their culture in Norway for a long time, and the theme made it natural to involve a Sami songwriter in the project. Fred Buljo, known from the rap duo Duolva Duottar, embraced the idea and "Spirit in the Sky"came to life.

They wanted a strong woman in the band, and Alexandra Rotan, known for fans of both MGP and Alan Walker, was happy to join.

In the 57th edition of the Norwegian national selection, Melodi Grand Prix, on March 2, KEiiNO was crowned this year's winner and Norway's representative for Tel Aviv with their song "Spirit In The Sky".

Spirit In The Sky

KEiiNO keiino.com

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Photo by Julia Marie Naglestad

Photo by Martin Phillip Fjellanger

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

16 THE NETHERLANDS Songwriter

Participant

Song

Duncan Laurence, Joel Sjöö, Wouter Hardy

Duncan Laurence

Arcade

Arcade

Duncan Laurence (real name: Duncan de Moor) started his musical career at the Rock Academy in Tilburg, playing in a number of school bands. He graduated from the school in 2017.

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

He participated in the fifth season of "The Voice of Holland", under the coaching of Ilse DeLange. He, with Jihad Rahmouni, wrote the song "Closer" on K-pop duo TVXQ's 2018 album New Chapter #1: "The Chance of Love".

This year he represents the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv with the song “Arcade”.

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

Arcade

Oh, oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh oh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game I don’t need your games, game over Get me off this rollercoaster Oh, oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh oh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game Oh, oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh oh All I know, all I know Loving you is a losing game

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Duncan Laurence

Photo by Paul Bellaart

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

17 NORTH MACEDONIA Songwriter

Participant

Song

Kosta Petrov, Sanja Popovska, Darko Dimitrov, Lazar Cvetkoski, Robert Bilbilov

Tamara Todevska

Proud

Proud

Tamara Todevska released her first official song as a duet with her sister Tijana called "Igra luda" (Crazy game), in 1997. Her music career broke through in 2003 when she sang "1003" at the Montenegrin festival Suncane Skale, where she placed 2nd. In 2005, her first album was realized under the title ”Sino” (= "Blue"). The music producer and composer of this album is Aleksandar Masevski with whom she had cooperated since 2004. The album won Album of the year (2005).

Girl, They will try to tell you what to do How to look, smile, act and move All the rules are 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 am 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

In 2007 Tamara was successful during the Macedonian Eurovision selection. She gained 105 points, placing second with the song "Kazi Koj Si Ti" ("Tell Me Who You Are“). In February 2008, Tamara won the Skopje Fest 2008 with the composition "Vo ime na ljubovta" featuring Rade Vrchakovski and Adrian Gaxha.The song was a hit in the Balkans, and was predicted to do well in the ESC 2008. The song was sung in six languages (Macedonian, English, Serbian, Turkish, Russian and Albanian) and the quality video was made by Dejan Milicevic. In the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 she placed on 18 in the second semifinal. Tamara sang the English version of "Vo ime na ljubovta" called "Let me love you" and reached 10th place in the semifinal. With the decision of the jury she failed to qualify.

This year Tamara Todevska will represent The Republic of North Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv with the song “Proud”.

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 am proud

Proud

Tamara Todevska

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Photo by Cedomir Popovski

SEMI FINAL 2

May 16, 2019

18 AZERBAIJAN Songwriter

Participant

Song

Borislav Milanov Chingiz

Chingiz

Truth

Truth I'm in the mirror So freaking bitter But I've gotta get through I'm gonna 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 its_shut up about it Oooooo So shut up_shut up about it

Chingiz (full name: Chingiz Mustafayev) was born in Moscow and moved to Qazax, Azerbaijan when he was six years old. He learned to play the guitar and started composing his own songs while still a young boy.

At age 13, he moved with his mother and his brother to Baku where he was eventually invited to audition for the Azerbaijani version of "Pop Idol" in 2007.

Chingiz won the competition, and soon became a rising star in the Azerbaijani music industry. In 2013, he represented Azerbaijan internationally in the prestigious New Wave competition in Jūrmala, Latvia. He placed 11th overall and sang along with Polina Gagarina. Three years later, Chinguz returned to the world of television talent shows in 2016 when he auditioned for "The Voice of Ukraine".

However, he was eliminated in the subsequent Battle Round. Since then, Chingiz has performed with his group Palmas. They meld traditional azerbaijani and turkish folk sounds with flamenco guitar, rock, and pop twists. Most recently, Chingiz has focused on his solo pop career and released the song "Tenha gezen".

On 8 March 2019, it was confirmed that Chingiz will represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Truth". .

Out of the mirror It's getting clearer Then out of the blue She crashes the room Gotta remember She is a killer With that freaking perfume Girl, it's too soon It's been so hard to bear

Truth

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 Oooooo so shut up_shut up about it Oooooo so shut up_shut up about it I don’t need I don’t need the truth I don’t need I don’t need the truth It's been so hard to bear So shut up about it_shut up about itI t's just to hard to hear So shut up about it_shut up about it Oooooo So shut upshut up about it Oooooo So shut upshut up about it

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Chingiz

Photo by Alexandr Porubaymykh

F FRANCE Songwriter

Participant

Song

Emilie Satt Jean-Karl Lucas

Bilal Hassani

Roi

Roi

Bilal Hassani started singing at the age of 5 in front of his family, then began singing lessons. In 2015, encouraged by his friend Nemo Schiffman, a finalist of the first season, he participated in the second season of The Voice Kids and introduced himself in the blind auditions by singing a cover of "Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst, a singer who he admires. He joined the team of judge Patrick Fiori and was eliminated during the battle rounds by Lenni-Kim. The LGBT magazine Têtu, in 2018, designated Hassani as part of the "30 LGBT+ [people] who move France". The magazine described him as "an icon for French LGBT+ youth“.

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 Moi pleure, je sors, je ris You put me in a box, want me to be like you J’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 oh even though oh oh oh You try to take me down you can not break me na na Toutes ces voix «fait comme ci, fait comme ça» Moi je ne cala pas You will 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 Et ça passe ou ça casse mais ça Regarde qui?

On 6 December 2018, Hassani was announced to be among the 18 candidates participating in Destination Eurovision, the French national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest.

On 20 December 2018, an excerpt from his song for the competition was released, the song titled "Roi" and written with the duo and 2018 winner of Destination Eurovision Madame Monsieur. The song was described to be about self-acceptance. On 4 January 2019, "Roi" was made available on all music platforms, and by 14 January, it had exceeded 3 million views. The newspaper Le Monde wrote that Hassani "leaves no one indifferent".

On 12 January 2019, he won his semi-final by winning 58 out of 60 points awarded by the international jury, and winning 57 points (the highest score) from the French public. He totaled 115 points and qualified for the final, which he won on 26 January 2019, with a total of 200 points including 150 of the French public while he was ranked fifth with the international jury vote with 50 points. This made him the representative of France at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, where he will perform the song “Roi".

Roi

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 oh even though oh oh You try to take me down You can not break me na na Toutes ces voix, «fait comme ci, fait comme ça» Moi je ne cala pas You can never remove my crown Je suis un roi quand je rêve je suis un roi

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Bilal Hassani

Photo by DorothĂŠe Murail

F GERMANY Songwriter Laurell Barker, Tom Oehler, Marine Kaltenbacher, Thomas Stengaard

Participant

Song

S!sters

Sister

Sister

The duo S!sters consists of Carlotta Truman and Laurita Spinelli. Carlotta Truman is from Hanover and became a finalist at the age of nine in the show "Das Supertalent". At the age of eleven, she appeared live in the ARD tv show "Our Show for Germany" during the ESC as a double of her idol Lena-Meyer-Landrut. At the age of twelve, she won the German Rock & Pop Award for Best Soloist. In 2014, Carlotta Truman was a candidate on the Sat.1 show "The Voice Kids". She made it to the final and won the second place.

[Carlotta] I’m tired … Tired of always losing I tried to stop your fire Turns out that I couldn’t [Laurita] I’m tired Tired of competing I tried to hold you under But honey you kept breathing [Carlotta] 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 [Laurita] I see flames in your eyes Damn they burn so bright Oh you gotta [Both] I know I’m with ya Now shine like city lights Torches in the sky Don’t you try to hide it SISTER I’m sorry… Sorry for the drama I tried to steal your thunder Turns out I don’t wanna 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 Your 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 [Carlotta] I see flames in your eyes [Larita] Damn they burn so bright [Both] 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

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Laurita Spinelli (real name: Laura Kästel) won the "Kiddy Contest" as a ten-year-old.

In 2004 she participated in the second season of the casting show "Star Search". At that time she reached the semi-finals. In the last years she appears as background singer of Lena Meyer-Landrut. She is currently composing and producing songs for her first album, according to broadcaster ARD. An international songwriting team had written the song "Sister", and after that the two singers were selected to sing that song as a duo.

After winning the German national final "Unser Lied für Israel" S!sters will will represent Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv with their song “Sister” .

Sister

Sisters Eurovision

Photo by Hendrik Lüders / NDR

Songwriter

Participant

Song

Inbar Wizman Ohad Shragai

Kobi Marimi

Home

Home

Kobi Marimi was born and raised in Ramat Gan, Israel. He began singing at the early age of 13 and finished acting studies last year at the Nissan Nativ acting Studio in Tel Aviv. He appeared in a few plays.

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 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…

For his role in ‘Messiah Now’ he won the ‘Promising Actor’ Award at the 2017 Musical Celebrations. Kobi He started his journey on ‘Rising Star’, Israel’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, without professional music experience as a lead vocalist and gained public attention thanks to his unique style and voice.

In the final of Israel's 'Rising Star for Eurovision', Kobi Marimi was selected to represent the host country during this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, where he will perfor the song “Home“.

Home was so far, Collecting scars, I refuse Another touch won't be another bruise 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 home

Home

Kobi Marimi

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Photo by Ronen Akerman

F ITALY Songwriter

Participant

Song

Dardust, Mahmood, Charlie Charles

Mahmood

Soldi

Soldi 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 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 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 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 ta3ala hina Mi dicevi giocando giocando con aria fiera Waladi waladi habibi sembrava vera La voglia, la voglia di tornare come prima Io da te non ho voluto soldi È difficile stare al mondo Quando perdi l’orgoglioLasci casa in un giorno Tu dimmi se Volevi solo soldi, soldi Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi Lasci la città ma nessuno lo saIeri eri qua ora dove sei, papà Mi chiedi come va, come va, come va Sai già come va, come va, come va

Mahmood (real name: Alessandro Mahmoud ), is an Italian singer of EgyptianSardinian descent. He had earned a spot at the Sanremo Music Festival by winning the second night of the standalone Sanremo Giovani 2018 competition on 21 December 2018 with the song "Gioventù bruciata”. He previously competed on the sixth series of the Italian reality television singing competition X Factor.

He won the 2019 Sanremo Music Festival on 9 February 2019 with the song "Soldi", and will thus represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Soldi

Mahmood

mahmood.it

102 | 103

Photo by Attilio Cusani

F SPAIN Songwriter

Participant

Song

Adriá Salas

Miki

La Venda

La Venda 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 solo quedó la alegría La venda ya cayó y empezaran nuevos días La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías La venda ya cayó y serás como querías

Miki (real name: Miguel Núñez Pozo) studied guitar and piano, as well as a degree in Administration and Management. He also was a vocalist in cover band Dalton Bang, with whom he toured Catalonia performing. In 2018, Miki auditioned for the tenth series of "Operación Triunfo", being one of the 18 contestants selected for the opening gala, and making it to the semi-finals en route to finishing in sixth place.

Miki was then one of the 13 Operación Triunfo contestants allocated songs for the show's side competition to choose Spain's entrant in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. He was given a total of three songs: "Nadie se salva", a duet with Natalia Lacunza, and solo songs "El equilibrio" and "La venda". While "El equilibrio" failed to make the first cut, "Nadie se salva" and "La venda" advanced to the Eurovision Gala, making him and Lacunza the only contestants with more than one song to perform in the national final. On 20 January 2019, Miki was selected by audience vote to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with "La venda".

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 solo 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

La Venda

Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e

No Facebook account & no official webpage available

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Photo by José Irún

F UNITED KINGDOM Songwriter Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik, Jonas Thander

Participant

Song

Michael Rice

Bigger Than Us

Bigger Than Us

Michael Rice was getting attention of the public for the first time after a YouTube video of him singing amassed over a quarter of a million views.

In 2014, Rice entered season 11 of "The X Factor" in the United Kingdom. He auditioned for the show with "I Look to You" by Whitney Houston. He was eliminated following the Bootcamp stage.

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 never lose It’s bigger than us Take my handand 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 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 It’s bigger than 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 It’s bigger than you and me It’s bigger Bigger, bigger Oh, it’s bigger Bigger, bigger

In 2018, he entered the first series of BBC One's singing competition "All Together Now", he went on to win the competition. He gave his mum the majority of the £50,000 prize fund to invest in her waffle and crepe business.

In January 2019, Michael Rice was confirmed as one of six artists competing in Eurovision: "You Decide", the British national selection show for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. On 8 February 2019, he won the show with the song "Bigger than Us" and will represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision final in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Bigger Than Us

It’s bigger than us It’s bigger than you and me This kind of love It’s bigger than everything we see Oh, so much bigger 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 Cause I can feel the universe When I’m feeling you breathe It’s bigger than us It’s bigger than you and me It’s bigger Bigger, bigger It’s bigger than It’s bigger than Oh, bigger, biggerOh, it’s bigger

No Facebook account & no official webpage available

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Photo by Joe Giacomet

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