At Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam, our reporter Kal managed to talk to Joost Klein. He will represent The Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest. Kal and Joost were talking about Fortnite, a Eurovision simulator and about Joost’s friends. Joost also mentions his favourite part of the song, and they talk about Käärijä. Enjoy the video!
At Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam, our reporter Kal managed to talk to Aiko. She will represent Czechia in the Eurovision Song Contest. The two talked about the revamp of Aiko’s song “Pedestal”, about her album “Fortune’s Child” and the reactions on her song, and about spirituality. Oh and Kal had a good advice for her on her sour throat. So… here’s the interview:Â
Last Saturday, our reporter Kal was able to talk to Marcus and Martinus, the Swedish representatives in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. They talked about Loreen, about the difference between their songs “Air” and “Unforgettable”, the difference between the two of them and so much more. Anxious about the interview? Yes of course you are. So… here it is!
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: The Netherlands. Joost Klein Joost Klein, known simply as Joost, is a versatile Dutch musician, writer, and former YouTuber born on November 10, 1997, in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Growing up in Britsum, he faced early hardships, losing both parents during his school years. Joost first gained attention through his YouTube channel, EenhoornJoost, launched at the age of 10. Joost’s music career accelerated with his single “Bitches,” which quickly amassed a million views. He briefly signed with the label Top Notch, but soon established his own label, releasing his influential album “Albino” in 2019. His mixtape “Scandinavian Boy” and collaborations like “M van Marketing” with Donnie have further cemented his reputation in the music industry. In 2020, he released “Joost Klein 7,” featuring international artists like Canadian rapper bbno$. His album, “Fryslân,” reflects deep personal themes and includes collaborations with diverse artists. Joost continues to make significant strides in music, evidenced by his hit “Friesenjung” in Germany. Joost was chosen to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song “Europapa.” Friesland Joost Klein is from Friesland and is proud to show that; we learned that from a.o. his song “Friesenjung”. Friesland is a special province in the northern part of the Netherlands, known for its unique culture and language. The people there speak Frisian, which is one of the oldest languages in Europe, alongside Dutch. Friesland is famous for its beautiful landscapes, including vast lakes, canals, and green pastures, making it a great place for boating, skating, and cycling. The capital of Friesland is Leeuwarden, a city rich in history with lovely old buildings and canals. Friesland is also known for the Elfstedentocht, a famous long-distance skating event that takes place on the frozen canals connecting eleven historical cities, but only when the ice is thick enough. This province has a strong sense of identity and pride in its heritage, evident in its festivals, traditional sports like Frisian handball, and horse breeding, especially the black Friesian horse, known worldwide for its beauty and grace. The Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest The very first Eurovision song ever, the opening song in the 1956 contest, was a Dutch one: Jetty Paerl‘s “De vogels van Holland”. Only one year later, Corry Brokken took the trophy to the Netherlands with her “Net als toen”. In 1959, it was Teddy Scholten who won the contest with “Een beetje”. Lenny Kuhr was one of the four winners of 1969 with her “Troubadour”, while Teach In won in 1975 with their song “Ding-a-dong”. After this, the Netherlands had to wait for 44 years for a new victory. But it happened in 2019: Duncan Laurence won the contest with his “Arcade”. Other top-3 entries were “I see a star” by Mouth & MacNeal (1974) and “Calm after the storm” by The Common Linnets (2014). Duncan Laurence, EBU/Andres Putting The Bookmakers Currently, Joost’s “Europapa” is no. 5 in the odds to win the Grand Final. However, the bookmakers also expect him to win the 2nd semifinal. If we follow the bookies, we can safely say that The Netherlands will do well in the current contest. The song And this is the song:Â
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Norway. GĂĄte GĂĄte is a celebrated Norwegian folk rock band that began its journey in spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli and Sveinung Sundli performed in Trondheim. This early gig set the stage for their collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, Martin Langlie, and later Gjermund Landrø. They released their first EP shortly after, featuring tracks like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg.” The band enjoyed substantial success from 2002 to 2005, highlighted by their debut album “Jygri,” which sold 40,000 copies and earned them a Spellemann Award as “newcomer of the year.” Their performance at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various award nominations marked their prominence in Norway’s music scene. However, they disbanded in 2005. GĂĄte reunited occasionally from 2005 to 2017, performing live and releasing a live album and DVD. In 2017, they officially reformed, adding new members and collaborating with folk musician Knut Buen, producing new EPs and albums that embraced traditional Norwegian folk music. In 2023, they embarked on their largest tour across Norway and Denmark, and won Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with “Ulveham.” GĂĄte is set to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. Norsk Melodi Grand Prix Already from the first moment on, the Norwegian entry has been chosen through Melodi Grand Prix. Only in 1991 the contest was cancelled and the group Just 4 Fun was chosen to represent the country. This year, 3 semifinals with 6 songs each were held. Half of the songs from each semifinal went to the final. The final contained a total of 9 songs. Familiar names in the field of Eurovision were Margaret Berger, Keiino and Benedicte Adrian (former Dollie Deluxe, now Mistra). While Keiino won the jury vote, GĂĄte was the favourite of the televote and the overall winner. Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest The first time Norway participated in the Eurovision Song Contest was in 1960. It was a long and thorny path (said 1986 host Ă…se Kleveland) to the first victory. It happened in 1985 when Bobbysocks won with “La det swinge”. Ten years later Secret Garden took the trophy home with “Nocturne”. The 3rd victory came in 2009, when Alexander Rybak won with “Fairytale”. But let’s not forget the forementioned Ă…se Kleveland, who was 3rd back in 1966. And what to think about Elisabeth Andreassen, member of Bobbysocks but also 2nd in 1996 as a solosinger? Alexander Rybak, EBU/Thomas Hanses The Bookmakers Currently, Norway is in 6th place in the odds to qualify from the 2nd semifinal. In the odds to win the contest, the country is 15th. So the chances that Norway will make it to the final are high! The song And this is the song:
photo: IPBC/Kaan We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Israel. Eden Golan Eden Golan is an Israeli singer born on October 5, 2003, in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. At the age of five and a half, she moved with her family to Moscow, Russia. This move was challenging as she faced social isolation due to her Israeli identity, with peers often calling her “Natasha” instead of her name. Eden’s musical journey began in earnest in 2015 when she competed in the Russian pre-selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Schastye,” finishing fifth. She further showcased her talent on “The Voice Kids Russia” in 2018, choosing Pelageya as her mentor and impressing with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” although she did not make the top three. Returning to Israel in 2022, Eden collaborated with Lithuanian producer Lucky Luke on the track “Ghost Town,” which garnered around 700,000 Spotify streams. She continued to release music, including the singles “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” with TYMMA, and “Taxi” and “DOPAMINE” in 2023. 2024 was a pivotal year for Eden as she competed in HaKokhav HaBa’s 10th season. Her powerful audition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day scored a perfect 100%, paving her way to victory. Eden is set to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Hurricane,” originally titled “October Rain,” after overcoming lyric controversies. HaKokhav HaBa HaKokhav HaBa (Rising star) is the national selection for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. It is a talent show with audition rounds. Among others former Eurovision participant Shiri Maimon was a member of the jury. In the final, four artists competed against eachother. Eden Golan was the clear winner. The song, “Hurricane”, was written for Eden in a later stage. One of the jury members, Keren Peles, is one of the co-writers of the song. Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest In 1973, Ilanit was the first Israeli representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. Israel was and is able to participate in the contest as the country is a member of the EBU. Not only European countries, but also neighbouring countries are members of the EBU.Israel won the contest four times: in 1978 Izhar Cohen & The Alpha Beta sang “A-ba-ni-bi” to a first place. A year later, Gali Atari & Milk and Honey kept the trophy in Israel with “Hallelujah”. It was Dana International who won the contest with “Diva” in 1998. In recent years, 2018 to be more precise, Netta won the contest with her song “Toy”.Last year, Noa Kirel reached a 3rd place with her song “Unicorn”. Netta, photo: EBU/Andres Putting The Bookmakers Currently, the bookmakers predict a 9th place for Israel in the odds to win the contest. In the odds for the 2nd semifinal, the country is 7th. So it is likely that Israel will make it to the final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The Song And this is the song: Â
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Italy. Angelina Mango Born on April 10, 2001, in Maratea, Italy, Angelina Mango has emerged as a gifted Italian singer-songwriter. Raised in a musically inclined family, her father was the well-known singer Mango, and her mother, Laura Valente, sang for Matia Bazar. Angelina grew up in Lagonegro with her older brother Filippo, absorbing musical influences from the Rolling Stones to Venetian school composers like Giovanni Gabrieli. Angelina’s formal education at a scientific high school was paused due to her father’s sudden death, leading the family to move to Milan in 2016. Here, she continued her studies and explored music alongside her brother. Angelina’s career took a significant turn with the release of her debut single “Va tutto bene” in 2020, soon followed by her first EP “Monolocale.” Her musical journey flourished with performances at Milan Music Week and a collaboration with Sony Music and producer Enrico Brun in 2022. Angelina also made notable appearances on television shows and festivals, excelling in the twenty-second season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi” where she finished second and won in the singing category. Her song “Voglia di vivere” became a summer hit in 2023, reaching triple platinum status. Most recently, Angelina won the 74th Festival Di Sanremo with her performance of “La noia,” continuing her rise as a prominent figure in Italian music. Festival di Sanremo The festival of San Remo (Festival di Sanremo) was first held in 1951. The festival was a blueprint for the Eurovision Song Contest. In all those years, many classics came from the Festival Di Sanremo, as well as many stories. The winner of the festival was, on many occasions, the Italian participant for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, the winner had the first choice to represent Italy. Angelina Mango said yes rightaway. She won the contest out of 30 contenders. Mahmood, Diodato, Il Volo, Ricchi e Poveri and Emma were among them. Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest Italy debuted at the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. It was in 1964 when they had their first victory with Gigliola Cinquetti’s “Non ho l’eta”. It took until 1990 when this happened again with Toto Cutugno and his “Insieme: 1992”. In 2021 MĂĄneskin won with “Zitti e buoni”. However, many Eurovision classics came from Italy. What to think about Domenico Modugno’s “Volare” and “Piove”? Do you remember Alice & Battiato singing “I treni di Tozeur”, or Tozzi & Raff presenting “Gente di mare”. And let’s not forget, in more recent years, Mahmood’s “Soldi”. MĂĄneskin, photo: EBU The Bookmakers Italy is placed directly for the final. In the betting odds to win this final, Italy is currently 3rd. Will Angelina Mango do the job for Italy for a 4th time? Given the betting odds, it’s not impossible… The song And this is the song:
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Estonia. 5miinust 5miinust is a popular hip hop group from Võsu, Estonia, established in 2015. The group initially consisted of Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with Venelane joining later. Venelane left the group in 2023, returning it to its original lineup. They first gained major attention in 2018 after their albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar” became top sellers. Their 2019 collaboration with Nublu, “AluspĂĽkse,” topped the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks. Signed to Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, they’ve produced multiple number-one singles. 5miinust has won several Estonian Music Awards, including Artist of the Year twice. Recently, they won Eesti Laul 2024, earning the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Puuluup Puuluup is an Estonian nu-folk duo formed in 2014 by Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Known for their innovative use of the hiiu kannel (a traditional stringed instrument) and loopers, they create a unique sound. They began their music journey with the release of “SĂĽĂĽta mu lumi” in 2018, followed by “Kasekesed / Kasekäpa” in 2020, and “Viimane suusataja” in 2021. In 2023, Puuluup teamed up with hip hop group 5miinust for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for Eurovision. Their entry won the competition, earning them the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Eesti Laul Eesti Laul, previously named Eurolaul, is the Estonian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 15 songs competed in a semifinal. 5 of them headed to the final, where 5 other songs were added. Former participant Laura Põldvere participated in the semifinal but didn’t make it to the final. Ollie, 5miinust & Puuluup and Nele-Liis Vaiksoo competed in a superfinal, where televoters decided for 5miinust and Puuluup to win with the song “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (kĂĽll) midagi“. Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest The debut of Estonia came in 1993, when Janika Sillamaa participated in the Eastern European preselection Kvalifikacija Za Millstreet. The country failed to qualify, but Estonia had a song in the 1994 contest. So far, Estonia won only one time: in 2001 with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton and their song “Everybody”. The year before, Ines was 4th with “Once in a lifetime”. The year after, Sahlene was 3rd with “Runaway”. Those were the three times that Estonia made it to the top-5. Last year, Alika did well with an 8th place. The Bookmakers Currently, the Estonian song is 21st in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds for the semifinal, Estonia has a 9th place. So at this moment it is likely for Estonia to qualify for the final. The Song And this is the song:
photo: RTBf We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Belgium. Mustii Mustii, also known as Thomas Mustin, is a talented Belgian singer and actor born in Brussels in 1990. He studied theater at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion in Louvain-la-Neuve, finishing his studies in 2012. Mustii quickly made a name for himself in both acting and music. He started his acting career with a role in the French TV series “À tort ou Ă raison” and played Benvolio in a production of “Romeo and Juliet” that opened the new Théâtre de Liège. Mustii directed the play “DĂ©bris” in Brussels and was involved in “L’Auberge du Cheval-Blanc,” showcasing his versatility. He acted alongside famous actors in the movies “Odd Job” and “Les Survivors,” and in the popular TV series “The Break.” In 2014, Mustii’s music career took off when he signed with Black Gizah Records and released his hit single “The Golden Age.” He was recognized as a major new talent, winning Revelation of the Year at the 2016 D6bels Music Awards. In 2019, he won the Magritte Award for Most Promising Actor and continued to impress with his second album “It’s happening now” in 2022, which included the hit “Skyline.” Excitingly, on August 30, 2023, it was announced that Mustii will represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, promising to showcase his exceptional talents on an international stage. Languages in Belgium Belgium is a fascinating country with a rich linguistic landscape. It officially recognizes three languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken by the majority, particularly in the northern region of Flanders, while French is predominant in the southern part of Wallonia. German, though spoken by a smaller percentage, is primarily used in the eastern part of the country, in the region bordering Germany. This multilingual setup reflects Belgium’s complex history and cultural diversity. Each language area has its own distinct identity and cultural practices, contributing to the country’s unique mosaic. The bilingual capital, Brussels, serves as a melting pot where both Dutch and French are widely used, offering a microcosm of the nation’s linguistic diversity. Belgium’s language divide also extends into its political and educational systems, with separate governance for each linguistic community. This coexistence of languages fosters a vibrant cultural scene, but also presents challenges in terms of national unity and administration. Despite these challenges, Belgium’s multilingualism is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and openness to diversity. With Belgium speaking three languages, Mustii will sing in English. Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Belgian participants were Fud Leclerc and Mony Marc in 1956. Leclerc took part 4 times in total. In one year, the Flemish broadcaster provides the entry, the other year the Wallon broadcaster does. Mustii represents Wallon broadcaster RTBf. One time so far, Belgium won: in 1986 Sandra Kim brought the trophy to Belgium with her song “J’aime la vie”. Jean VallĂ©e (L’amour, ça fait chanter la vie in 1978) and Urban Trad (Sanomi in 2003) reached a 2nd place. In recent years LoĂŻc Nottet (2015) and Blanche (2017) reached a 4th place. Last year, Gustaph was also very succesful with a 7th place with his song “Because of you”. The bookmakers Currently, Belgium is in 8th place in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds to reach the final, Mustii has a 4th place. A good score for Belgium is likely. The Song And this is the song:Â
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Georgia. Nutsa Buzaladze Nutsa Buzaladze is a talented singer-songwriter from Georgia, born on January 28, 1997. She started her music journey when she was just 5 years old by joining a children’s group in Tbilisi, her hometown. Nutsa quickly showed her musical skills by playing in a band, singing, playing the guitar, and even learning piano by the time she was 8. Her big break came in 2011 when she competed in Georgia’s Got Talent, setting the stage for her solo career. Nutsa gained international fame in 2014 by winning at the New Wave Music Festival in Latvia, representing Georgia. Throughout her career, Nutsa has been part of various music contests and worked with famous artists like Hadise. In 2017, her song “White Horses Run” almost won Georgia’s choice for Eurovision. She released her first album, “Nutsa22,” in 2019, featuring popular songs in both Georgian and English. Nutsa continued to impress by participating in music shows around the world, including American Idol in 2023. Recently, on January 12, 2024, it was announced that Nutsa will represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden with the song “Firefighter”. The New Wave Music Festival In 2014, Nutsa Buzaladze won the New Wave Music Festival. The New Wave Music Festival in Latvia is a prestigious international contest that showcases the talents of young musicians from around the globe. Held annually in the beautiful city of JĹ«rmala, the festival has become a launching pad for emerging artists since its inception in 2002. Over the course of several days, participants compete by performing a variety of songs, ranging from national hits to international classics, in front of a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. The festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning coastal setting, and the opportunity it provides for young talents to connect with industry professionals. Winners of the New Wave gain significant exposure, opening doors to international careers in music. Besides the competition, the festival features performances by established stars, adding to its allure. Over the years, New Wave has solidified its reputation as a key event in the music calendar, celebrating new talent and the universal language of music. Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest “Firefighter” is the 16th Georgian entry in Eurovision. The country debuted in 2007 with Sopho Galvashi and her “Visionary dream”. The best scoring songs for Georgia were Sofia Nizharadze with “Shine” and Eldrine with “One more day”. Both songs were 9th in the final, Sophia in 2010 and Eldrine in 2011. The last time Georgia reached the final was in 2016 with Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz and their song “Midnight gold”. In 2009 Georgia withdrew: Stephane & 3G won the national selection with the song “We don’t wanna put in”. They had to change the lyrics due to a reference to Vladimir Putin, but they refused to do so. Sophia Nizharadze The Bookmakers Georgia is currently 18th in the odds to win the contest. In the odds to reach the final the country is 10th with 64%, against Denmark with 44% in an 11th place. So if the bookmakers are right, the spell of not reaching the final will be broken. The song And this is the song: Â