In the Spotlight: Joost Klein (dream big)

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 2001, when Arnis Mednis represented Latvia with the song “Too Much”. Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest Latvia debuted in 2000 and immediately impressed: Brainstorm‘s “My Star” finished third. Two years later, Marie N gave the country its only victory with “I Wanna”, which led to Riga hosting in 2003. Other standout results include Walters and Kazha‘s fifth place in 2005 and Aminata‘s “Love Injected”, sixth in 2015. Eurovision.tv After a difficult run of non‑qualifications, Latvia’s fortunes have improved recently. In 2024, Dons carried “Hollow” back to the Grand Final for the first time since 2016, placing 16th with 64 points after qualifying seventh in the semi‑final. In 2025, folk‑pop group Tautumeitas qualified second in their semi and finished 13th with 158 points, Latvia’s best result since 2015. The year before, Sudden Lights narrowly missed the final, ending 11th in their semi with “Aijā”. Together, these results suggest Latvia is building momentum and pairing distinctive entries and staging with stronger jury support and fan buzz. Marie N Eirodziesma 2001 In past years, the Latvian national final was called Eirodziesma. In 2001 it was held on 24 February in the LTV Studios in Riga. Ten songs competed: Linda Leen and Lauris Reiniks sang “I Wish I Knew“, 40 pts, 2nd Tumsa sang “It’s Not the End“, 36 pts, 4th Madara Celma and Kristaps Krievkalns sang “Staying Alive“, 10 pts, 9th Yana Kay sang “Falling Into You“, 25 pts, 7th Labvēlīgais tips sang “Koka klucis Konstantīns“, 33 pts, 6th Marija Naumova sang “Hey Boy, Follow Me“, 38 pts, 3rd Credo sang “Cita tautasdziesma“, 10 pts, 9th Gunārs Kalniņš sang “Diamonds and Pearls“, 20 pts, 8th Shake and Bake sang, “Spirit of Love“, 36 pts, 4th Arnis Mednis sang “Too Much“, 42 pts, 1st Marija Naumova is also known as Marie N. She won Eurovision in 2002. Lauris Reiniks participated in 2003 with the group F.L.Y. Arnis Mednis Arnis Mednis (born 18 October 1961, Riga) is a Latvian singer, pianist, composer and producer best known for representing Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 with his self‑penned “Too Much,” finishing 18th with 16 points. He trained at the Emīls Dārziņš Music School and the Latvian State Conservatory, foundations for a career that blends pop, jazz and funk. In the late 1980s Mednis co‑founded and fronted the jazz‑funk group Odis, among the first in Latvia to bring soul and funk to mainstream stages. With Odis he won the Liepājas Dzintars festival in 1990 and earned further honors at the Jūrmala and Sopot contests in 1993. Mednis first tried Eurovision via Eirodziesma 2000 (“Everyday in Circle,” 5th), then won Eirodziesma 2001 to reach Copenhagen. Alongside stage work he built a discography that includes Cooler (1999), Spaceman (2001), Pepija – Dziesmas teātra izrādei (2002) and Mana tautasdziesma (2019). He also helped Riga’s live scene by opening the City Jazz Club in the city center. A severe stroke in 2011 shifted his focus toward studio work and composition. In March 2024, Mednis rejoined Odis on keyboards during the Zelta Mikrofons awards; warmly received, he appeared onstage though he no longer sings. Today, Mednis remains a respected figure in Latvian pop and jazz, with a career spanning band leadership, solo releases and Eurovision. Too Much “Too Much” is an up‑tempo pop‑jazz entry with an upbeat stage presentation. Built on a jaunty groove with accordion and guitar accents, it pairs a swing‑tinged melody with playful lyrics about excess and regret. Mednis composed the music, while the lyrics were written by Gustavs Terzens and Arnis Mednis. On the night, Latvia placed 18th and earned 16 points. Though not a podium finish, the song is remembered for its brassy, cabaret‑flavoured staging and crisp live band feel, showcasing Latvia’s early‑2000s blend of pop and jazz.