Xandee

Xandee is a Belgian pop singer who became famous in the early 2000s. Her real name is Sandy Boets. She was born on December 18, 1978, in Tienen, Belgium. Xandee is best known for representing Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. However, her career began long before that. Over the years, she worked as a solo artist and also as part of a music duo.

Early Music Career

Sandy Boets started singing at a young age. In 1991, she joined the group Touch of Joy, together with Serge Quisquater. Serge was already an experienced artist and producer. Together, they created a mix of pop and dance music. Touch of Joy quickly gained popularity in Belgium and other European countries.

During the 1990s, the duo released several singles and albums. Songs like Enjoy and Keep On Moving became club hits. Their music often played on Belgian radio stations and in clubs. The act had a cheerful and upbeat style. Xandee’s powerful voice became the group’s trademark.

Touch of Joy stayed active for about a decade. The duo released multiple albums, including Joy and Tears in 1998. That album showed a more emotional side of their music. Although the group never reached number one on the charts, they built a loyal fanbase.

Going Solo

In the early 2000s, Sandy decided to go solo. She took on the stage name Xandee, which sounded modern and international. Her new sound was still dance-pop, but with more personal lyrics and stronger beats.

Xandee’s solo career got a huge boost in 2004 when she was chosen to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest. She won Eurosong 2004, the Belgian national selection, with the song 1 life. It was an energetic dance track with a positive message. The song was written by Marc Paelinck and Dirk Paelinck, who had experience with Eurovision.

Eurovision Song Contest 2004

The Eurovision Song Contest 2004 took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Before the contest, 1 Life was seen as a potential winner. Bookmakers gave Xandee high odds. Belgian fans had high hopes after Urban Trad’s second place in 2003. However, the result was a disappointment. Xandee finished 22nd out of 24 entries, with only 7 points. Critics said that the running order and strong competition may have worked against her.

Despite the low result, the song was a hit in Belgium. It reached the top of the Belgian charts and stayed popular for months.

After Eurovision

After Eurovision, Xandee continued to release music. In 2004, she brought out her debut solo album, also titled 1 Life. The album contained upbeat songs and ballads. She also released a follow-up single, Ay Que Calor, which had Latin influences. It got radio airplay but didn’t reach the same success as 1 Life.

In the years that followed, Xandee remained active in the Belgian music scene. She performed at events and concerts across the country. However, she also took more time for her private life. As a result, she was less present in the media compared to the early 2000s.

In interviews, she later revealed that the pressure after Eurovision had been heavy. The negative reactions to her result had affected her. Still, she remained proud of her Eurovision experience.

Personal Life and Recent Years

Xandee prefers to keep her personal life private. However, it is known that she has continued to live in Belgium. She has focused more on local performances and personal happiness than on big career moves.

In 2021, Xandee returned briefly to the spotlight. She appeared in a Belgian TV documentary about Eurovision. There, she spoke honestly about her Eurovision experience and how it changed her life. Fans appreciated her openness and her strong spirit.

Although she no longer releases music regularly, she is still active as a performer. She sometimes joins nostalgic shows that focus on 1990s and 2000s music. Xandee is remembered as one of the voices that shaped Belgium’s dance-pop scene.