2009 Archives - Eurovision Universe

Arash Labaf

About Quick Facts NameAlex Arash Labaf Born23 April 1977 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAlways (& Aysel) Biography Alex Arash Labaf, born April 23, 1977, in Tehran, is an Iranian-Swedish musician. As an artist, he is known simply as Arash. Arash had his breakthrough in 2004 with the release of his single “Boro Boro”, which topped the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released his self-titled debut album, “Arash”, in 2005, which included other hits such as “Tike Tike Kardi”. His third single, “Temptation” (feat. Rebecca), also became a major hit in Scandinavia, reaching number two on the Swedish charts in 2005. Arash further expanded his influence by recording a Russian version of “Temptation” with the popular Russian group Blestjasjtjie. The song, called “Vostotjnie skazki”, was a significant hit in Russia. In 2006, Arash released “Crossfade (The Remix Album)”, showcasing new renditions of his popular tracks. He continued to build his career with the 2008 album Donya, featuring collaborations with artists like Shaggy on the title track Donya, and Rebecca on Suddenly. The album also included the heartfelt duet “Pure Love” with Helena Paparizou. In 2009, Arash represented Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest with AySel, performing the song Always. They finished in third place with 207 points. The song became a major hit in Sweden, reaching number 3 on the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released “Kandi” (feat. Lumidee) the same year. Arash’s international collaborations continued with the release of “She Makes Me Go” (feat. Sean Paul) in 2013, a track based on “Think about the way” from 1994 by Ice MC. In 2014, he released his album “Superman”, which featured singles like “One Day” (feat. Helena Paparizou), “Doga Doga” (feat. Medina), and “Sex Love Rock N Roll” (feat. T-Pain). In 2016, Arash collaborated with Snoop Dogg on the track “OMG”. The following year, he released “Se Fue” (feat. Mohombi) and “Dooset Daram” (feat. Helena). His musical journey continued with the 2018 hit “Goalie Goalie” (feat. Pitbull, Blanco & Nyusha) and the 2019 single “One Night In Dubai” (feat. Helena). Arash’s more recent works include “Mary Jane” (versus Ilkay Sencan) and “No Maybes” (feat. Ilkay Sencan, Era Istrefi) in 2020. In 2021, he released several singles, including “Lavandia” (with Marshmello), “Angels Lullaby” (feat. Helena), Asemoon, and “Ich bin weg (Boro Boro)” (feat. Samra & Topic42). In 2022, he collaborated with Navid Zardi on “Bombe”, and in 2024, he released Hulu (feat. Sasy). Beyond his music, Arash has also contributed to film soundtracks. He produced music for the 2004 film Bombay Dreams, featuring the track “Bombay Dreams” (feat. Rebecca & Aneela), and for the 2005 film Bluffmaster, which included his song “Boro Boro (Bure Bure)”. Arash’s family resides in Sweden. He has two siblings, Arsalan Labaf, a lawyer, and Ashkan Labaf, a doctor. Malmö is his hometown in Sweden. Entries Always (& AySel) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsArash LabafRobert UhlmannElin WrethovAnderz Wrethov MusicArash LabafRobert UhlmannJohan BejerholmMarcus EnglöfAlex Papaconstantinou Backings? Dancers??? Results Semi Points: 180Position: 2Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 207Position: 3Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/9OEIOS1oUeY?si=XTfvyALTe_5fDfS1

Aysel Teymurzadeh

About Quick Facts NameAysel Teymurzadeh Born25 April 1989 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National Selectioninternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAlways (& Arash, 2009) Biography Aysel Teymurzadeh Aysel Teymurzadeh (Azerbaijani: Aysel Məhəmməd qızı Teymurzadə; born April 25, 1989, Baku) is an Azerbaijani pop and R&B singer. Biography Aysel was born in Baku, the youngest of three daughters to a journalist father and a university professor mother. Aysel began singing at the age of four and developed a passion for the piano early on. She graduated from the Intellect Lyceum in Baku and attended Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, during the 2005-2006 academic year. Shortly after arriving in the United States, she joined the local choir and started training for young vocalists’ competitions. While in the U.S., Aysel won three gold medals at contests held at Southern Arkansas University and the University of Texas at Austin. In 2005, she participated in Season 4 of the national song contest Yeni Ulduz (“New Star”). As of January 2009, she was majoring in International Relations at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. Eurovision In January 2009, Aysel was selected internally by İTV to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia, alongside Iranian-Swedish singer Arash with the song “Always.” On May 16, 2009, Aysel and Arash finished third with 207 points. Aysel and Arash won the 4th Annual ESC Radio Awards in the Best Group category. After Eurovision On May 28, 2009, Aysel announced a European tour with Arash, performing in countries such as Sweden, Greece, and Russia. She also starred in a high-profile TV commercial for Danone yogurts, which aired on Azerbaijani and Georgian TV channels. In 2012, Aysel was one of five musicians from Azerbaijan chosen as jurors for the Danish national selection of the 2012 Eurovision contestant. In December 2022, Aysel made a comeback and released a new single: “Yeni il”. In July 2023 a follow up came, in Russian: “Voploshcheniye mechty”. She also served as the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani jury at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, while she was also involved in the national selection as a member of the selection committee. Personal Life In 2012, Aysel married Murad Adigozalov, the 39-year-old director of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society and a divorced father of two children. Following her marriage, Aysel reportedly planned to leave the big stage and only perform at official events. The couple has three children: two sons born in 2012 and 2016, and a daughter born in 2014. Entries Always (& Arash) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsArash LabafRobert UhlmannElin WrethovAnderz Wrethov MusicArash LabafRobert UhlmannJohan BejerholmMarcus EnglöfAlex Papaconstantinou Backings? Dancers??? Results Semi Points: 180Position: 2Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 207Position: 3Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/J0qdRqY_3HM?si=FAod2E8VcBbI7bOU

Andrea Šušnjara

About Quick Facts NameAndrea Šušnjara Born26 February 1987 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionDORA 2009DORA 2004 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLijepa Tena (& Igor Cukrov, 2009) Biography Biography of Andrea Šušnjara Andrea Šušnjara, born on February 26, 1987, in Split, Croatia, is a talented Croatian singer and songwriter known for her captivating voice and dynamic stage presence. Her journey in the music industry began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence as one of Croatia’s most beloved performers. Early Life and Career Beginnings Andrea showed an interest in music from a young age. She participated in various local singing competitions and talent shows, which helped her gain recognition and experience in performing. Her passion for music was evident, and it wasn’t long before she started making a name for herself in the Croatian music scene. Breakthrough and Eurovision Andrea’s major breakthrough came in 2009 when she represented Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Igor Cukrov. They performed the song “Lijepa Tena,” written by Tonči Huljić. The song was selected through Croatia’s national selection, Dora, and went on to compete in the Eurovision final held in Moscow. Although the song finished in 18th place, it was a significant milestone in Andrea’s career, exposing her to a broader European audience. Collaboration with Magazin In 2010, Andrea became the lead singer of the popular Croatian band Magazin, one of the most well-known pop bands in the region. Her collaboration with Magazin marked a new chapter in her career, and she quickly became a fan favorite. With Andrea as the lead vocalist, the band released several hit songs and albums, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the Croatian music industry. Notable Singles and Performances Throughout her career, Andrea has released numerous singles that have topped the charts and resonated with audiences. Some of her notable singles include “Sijaj zvijezdo,” “Bojim se,” and “Kasno je.” Her performances at various music festivals and concerts have garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility and strong stage presence. Entries Lijepa tena (& Igor Cukrov) Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2009 LanguageCroatian LyricsVjekoslava Huljić MusicTonči Huljić BackingsIvana ČabrajaJelena MajićSanja JukićKarmen Matković Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13 (backup jury qualifier)Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 45Position: 18Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/jdLct2IqcLA?si=MPyubULW3Z91NZU7

Igor Cukrov

About Quick Facts NameIgor Cukrov Born06 June 1984 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionDORA 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLijepa tena (& Andrea, 2009) Biography Igor Cukrov, born on June 6, 1984, is a Croatian singer-songwriter, musician, and television personality. From an early age, Igor showed a strong interest in music. In 1991, he won first prize in Moj prvi nastup, a competition led by Remi Kazinotti. Two years later, in 1993, he won first prize for the first voice of “Pojišan” school and secured third place among all schools in Split. In 1994, Igor participated in the children’s version of the Split Festival, singing “Mali vrabac.” His talent continued to shine, and in 2003 he won the first prize for the first voice of Šibenik-Knin County. By 2007, he performed at the Split Festival with his single “Duša mi je bili kamen” and earned a prize for the best debutant. He also gained valuable experience as a tenor with the a cappella Cambi singers. Igor gained significant media attention in 2008 when he participated in Operacija trijumf, the Balkan version of Endemol’s talent show Star Academy. The show, which began on September 29, 2008, featured young talents from the former SFR Yugoslavia. Igor impressed audiences with his diverse repertoire, singing opera songs like “Con te partirò” by Andrea Bocelli and rock songs like “Angie” by the Rolling Stones and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. Although he was expelled on the 13th gala event, judge Tonči Huljić later stated that Igor’s expulsion was an injustice. After Operacija trijumf, Igor aimed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. He teamed up with Andrea Šušnjara and performed the song “Lijepa Tena,” written by Tonči Huljić. The song won the Croatian final, Dora, on February 28, 2008, and qualified for the Eurovision final from the second semi-final. The song finished in 18th place. In 2009, Igor released several singles, including “Mjesečar” and “Nebesa” (with Magazin). He continued to perform at various festivals, such as the Pjesma Mediterana in Budva, Montenegro, where he sang “Moja draga” in 2010. That same year, he also released “Prolij vino po meni” at the CMC festival Vodice. In 2011, he released the singles “Caca moj” and “Fali mi” under Hit Records, along with “Haljina na pruge.” In 2012, Igor performed “Dalmaciju minjat se ne može” at the Trogir fest and “Ajdemo jube” at the Splitski festival. He achieved third place at the Ohridski festival in Macedonia with “Korak po korak” in 2013 and released “Slučajno” featuring Ana Duderija-Šucur. In 2015, Igor continued to make waves with “Kraj mene si ti” featuring Bojan Delic at the Festival Suncane Skale in Montenegro. He also won first place at the Trogir festival with “Prida bi se mandolini.” His other notable singles include “Treba li mi netko kao ti” in 2010, “Za one što su kao mi” at the CMC festival Vodice in 2012, “Znaes li” at the Skopje fest in Macedonia in 2013, and “Sanjaj Hrvatska” at the CMC festival Vodice in 2013. Igor released “Jedna duša jedno tilo” in 2014 and “Jedino ti znaš me va dušu” in 2015 at the MiK – Melodije Istre i Kvarnera. In 2015, he also released “Volio sam cure” at the CMC festival Vodice and “E moj admirale” at the Splitski festival. In 2016, he released “Daruj sreću novim ljudima” under Hit Records, followed by “Da te zagrlim” in 2017. His most recent single, “Svoj na svome,” a collaboration with Mile Perkov, was featured at the CMC festival Vodice in 2022. Entries Lijepa Tena (& Andrea) Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2009 LanguageCroatian LyricsVjekoslava Huljić MusicTonči Huljić BackingsIvana ČabrajaJelena MajićSanja JukićKarmen Matković Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13 (backup jury qualifier)Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: 45Position: 18 Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/jdLct2IqcLA?si=64z93hEYKaWmrV8G

Mira Awad

About Quick Facts NameMira Anwar Awad Born11 June 1975 Nationality🇮🇱 Israeli National SelectionKdam 2009Kdam 2005 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThere must be another way (& Noa) Biography Mira Anwar Awad is an Arab-Israeli singer, actress, TV host, composer, songwriter, and political activist. BiographyMira Awad was born on June 11, 1975, and grew up in the village of Rama in Israel. Her father, an Arab-Christian, is a family doctor, while her mother, a Bulgarian-Christian, specializes in Slavic languages. They met when her father was studying medicine in Bulgaria. Awad also identifies as Palestinian and is a graduate of the Rimon School of Music. Career Early Music Career At 16, Awad started her music career as the lead singer of the band “Samana,” which sang Western rock in Arabic. During the early 2000s, she hosted Zap L’Rishon on Channel 1 and participated in Festigal in 2002, performing the song “Tze El HaMasa,” which placed sixth. In 2005, she was part of Idan Raichel’s album “Mi’Ma’amakim,” singing the Arabic song “Azini”, which she wrote. That same year, Awad competed in the Kdam Eurovision with the song “Zman,” which came last. Eurovision and Albums 2009 marked a significant year as Awad, alongside Achinoam Nini, was chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. They sang “There Must Be Another Way”, a song about peace and coexistence, finishing in 16th place. Awad was the first Arab to represent Israel in Eurovision. In August of that year, she and Nini received an award from the Mayor of Lourdes in France. June 2009 saw the release of her first album, “Bahlawan”, featuring songs in Arabic and English, produced by guitarist Amos Ever-Hadani. A joint album with Nini, “There Must Be Another Way,” was also released, including Eurovision songs and a cover of the Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out.” Awad was named Arabic Singer of the Year by Kol Yisrael in 2009, with her album winning Album of the Year. She composed music for the Arabic solo performance “Not Noah’s Ark,” directed by actor Norman Issa, and won an award for Best Music at the Masrahid Arabic Solo Performance Festival. A recording contract with Sony followed in 2010, leading to the release of three international albums, starting with the first in 2011. “All My Faces,” her second album, produced by Sony and Carlos Jean, was released in April 2011. That same year, Awad performed at the Medal of Freedom ceremony in Philadelphia, where Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to Tony Blair. She also performed with Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli at Masada. Collaborations and New Projects Awad collaborated once again with Idan Raichel in 2013, singing “Ana Ana Wa’anta Anta,” meaning “I am I and you are you” on his album “Reva L’sheva.” In June of that year, she sang “Through Fire and Water” with the Israeli metal band Orphaned Land on their album “All Is One.” Theater Career After completing her studies at “Rimon,” Awad began acting in theater in 1998. She gained fame in 2002 for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the musical “My Fair Lady” at the Cameri Theater, alongside Oded Kotler as Professor Higgins. Her theatrical career continued with roles in the musical play “Another Place and a Foreign City” in 2006 and “This Great Sea” at the Cameri Theater in 2007. Awad was selected to join the “Excellence in Culture Fund” as a theater actress in 2008. Television and Film Awad’s television career includes hosting the program “Shvil HaSipurim” on Educational Television in 2003. From 2007 to 2013, she acted in the comedy series Arab Labor on Channel 2, playing Amal, a feminist Arab lawyer. She participated in the fifth season of the reality show Dancing with the Stars on Channel 2 in 2010. From 2012 to 2013, Awad co-hosted the TV show Achla Yom on Educational Television with fashion designer Yuval Caspin. She also appeared in the film Farewell Baghdad (directed by Nissim Dayan, based on the book by Eli Amir), released in 2014. In April 2014, Awad took part in the TEDxHIT-Interaction event, discussing walking a fine line between opposites (Acrobat – Bahlawan). Early 2019 saw the broadcast of the TV series “Muna” on Kan 11, created by Awad, for which she won the Shulamit Aloni Award in 2021. Personal Life Awad married Costa Mogilevich, an Israeli of Ukrainian-Jewish descent, in December 2013. The couple currently lives in London. Political Activity Awad ran for the Tel Aviv-Jaffa City Council in the 2008 municipal elections with the City for All party and is part of the Expanded Faction Forum guiding the party’s council members. She supported the Hadash party in the Israeli Knesset elections in 2009 and is a member of the Public Council of the New Israel Fund. Entries There must be another way (& Noa) Country🇮🇱 Israel Year2009 LanguageEnglishHebrewArabic LyricsGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad MusicGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad BackingsGil Dor?? Results Semi Points: 75Position: 7Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 53Position: 16Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/bBTQFOkFZw8?si=ObDFCvUvJBnWcXzh

Noa

About Quick Facts NameAchinoam Nini Born23 June 1969 Nationality🇮🇱 Israeli National SelectionKdam Eurovision 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongThere must be another way (& Mira Awad, 2009) Biography Achinoam Nini (born June 23, 1969), also known as Noa, is an Israeli singer, composer, and left-wing activist. Biography Achinoam Nini was born in Tel Aviv to parents from Bat Yam. Her family moved to New York when she was two years old because her father, a chemical engineer, received a scholarship. She grew up in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, where she attended modern orthodox schools and studied singing and dance. At age 15, she started attending the High School of Performing Arts in New York. She also joined the Riverdale tribe of Tzofim Tzabar Scouts, which strengthened her connection to Hebrew and Israel. During a tour of Israel organized by the Society for the Protection of Nature, she met Asher Barak and fell in love with him. At 17, she returned to Israel alone, intending to stay for about a year. During this time, she studied at the Mae Boyar High School in Jerusalem and lived in a boarding school. She decided to stay in Israel, and after a few years, her parents followed. After completing high school, she served in the IDF’s Northern Command band, where she sang the song “Always 18.” Her early career saw her recording the song “Babel” for the soundtrack of the film “Notre Dame de Paris” by Gerald Pullicino in 1988. The song was in English, French, and Hebrew and became a hit in France in 1989. Achinoam Nini’s acceptance to the Rimon School of Music in 1990 marked a significant turn in her career, where she met guitarist and arranger Gil Dor. They started working together as a musical duo. The duo performed at the international jazz festival in Eilat in 1990. Following this, they released their first album, “Achinoam Nini and Gil Dor Live” in July 1991. Their second album, “Achinoam Nini Gil Dor,” came out in September 1993, featuring songs by Leah Goldberg and Rachel, including the hit “Boi Kala.” Her international career began in 1994 with the album “Noa.” She collaborated with many international artists and performed for Pope John Paul II in 1994 and 2000. Continuing her music journey, she released “Calling” in May 1996, “Achinoam Nini” in April 1997, and “Achinoam Nini and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra” in April 1998. Further albums include “Blue Touches Blue” in March 2000, “Now” in September 2002, and “Noa Live” in October 2005. She explored new sounds with “Napoli-Tel Aviv” in September 2006 and “Genes and Jeans” in March 2008. In 2009, she collaborated with Mira Awad on “There Must Be Another Way.” Chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in January 2009, she performed the song with Mira Awad in Hebrew, English, and Arabic, finishing in 16th place. The creative journey continued with “Noapolis – Noa Sings Napoli” in February 2011, “Eretz, Shir” in April 2011, “Love Medicine” in June 2014, and “Letters to Bach” in 2019. In 2023, she was selected to perform at the championship celebrations of Napoli. Political Positions Achinoam Nini frequently expresses left-wing political views. She participated in a left-wing demonstration in Jerusalem in May 2010, supporting “one capital for two peoples.” Ahead of the UN session in September 2012, where Palestinians declared statehood, she criticized Netanyahu’s government, saying it did not represent her. She performed at an alternative memorial ceremony for Jewish and Palestinian bereaved families and faced boycotts from right-wing groups. In January 2017, she compared US President Donald Trump to Hitler and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vulgar and racist. She actively participated in protests against Benjamin Netanyahu and the thirty-seventh Israeli government, which sometimes led to the cancellation of her performances. Nini serves as a board member of the New Israel Fund. After the surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, she was involved in organizing a letter condemning violence against Israeli civilians and calling for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Personal Life Achinoam Nini is married to pediatrician Asher Barak, and they have three children. She has been a vegetarian since 2011. Her sister, Odia Nini, is also a singer-songwriter. Awards In 2006, she was awarded the title of “Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity” by the President of Italy. In 2019, she received the Shulamit Aloni Lifetime Achievement Award. Entries There must be another way (& Mira Awad) Country🇮🇱 Israel Year2009 LanguageEnglishHebrewArabic LyricsGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad MusicGil DorAchinoam NiniMira Awad BackingsGil Dor?? Results Semi Points: 75Position: 7Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 53Position: 16Running order: 2 https://youtu.be/bBTQFOkFZw8?si=acmzkXO5AkmFsjxr

Gipsy.cz

About Quick Facts MembersRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ BangaVojta LavičkaNoemi FialováTibor ŽidaMatěj ČernýOliver Lipenský Active2004-2013 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionEurosong 2009Eurosong 2008Eurosong 2007 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAven Romale (2009) Biography Gipsy.cz was a Czech Romani hip hop group renowned for their innovative fusion of hip hop and traditional Romani music. The band’s lyrics were primarily sung in the Romani language, with some songs featuring Czech and English. They have made significant strides in the music industry, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Early History and Formation: 2004-2008 In 2004, rapper Radovan “Radek” Banga released his solo album “Ya favourite Cd Rom.” Shortly thereafter, he met violinist Vojta Lavička and brothers Jan (upright bass) and Petr Surmaj (guitar and accordion). Together, they formed Gipsy.cz, blending their diverse musical backgrounds to create a unique sound. The band’s rise to fame began in 2006 with the release of their single “Romano Hip Hop,” from their debut album of the same name. This single reached the MTV World Chart Express and was later certified Gold in the Czech Republic. That same year, Gipsy.cz won the Discovery of the Year award at the Anděl Awards, marking their breakthrough into the mainstream music scene. In 2007, Gipsy.cz participated in the Czech national final for the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Muloland,” finishing in second place. They achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Czech group to perform at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Additionally, their song “Jednou” was included in the “Gypsy Groove” compilation album published by Putumayo in 2007. The following year, at the 2008 Český slavík awards, they won the Rising Star of the Year award. With the song “Benga Beat”, they participated in the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest again. In June 2008, they released their second studio album, “Reprezent,” which reached second place on the World Music Chart in Europe and stayed there for four weeks. The album included the controversial song “A na závěr si s námi dejte trochu té Čunárny,” which mocked politician Jiří Čunek known for his anti-Roma comments. To avoid legal issues, Gipsy.cz released an alternate version of the song without the offending lyrics. Eurovision and Continued Success: 2009-2013 In January 2009, Jan and Petr Surmaj left the band. New members joined, including Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass and Jan Sochor on accordion. This year marked a significant achievement as Gipsy.cz finally succeeded in representing the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with their song “Aven Romale.” Unfortunately, they finished last in the first semi-final without receiving any points. In 2011, Gipsy.cz toured Australia as part of the Karavan Festival and released their third studio album, “Desperado.” This album showcased the band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences while staying true to their Romani roots. Two years later, they issued their fourth record, “Upgrade,” further solidifying their presence in the music industry. That was the last album, released by Gipsy.cz as a group. Throughout their career, Gipsy.cz has received several accolades. They were nominated for the Best Hip Hop Album at the 2005 Anděl Awards. In 2006, they received nominations for Best Album in the World and Best New Artist, winning the latter. Band Members The last lineup of Gipsy.cz included Radoslav Banga aka Gipsy on vocals, Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass, Jan Sochor on accordion, and Viliam Didiáš on violin. Past members who contributed to the band’s success include Vojta Lavička on violin and vocals, Noemi Fialová on violin and vocals, Tibor Žida on guitar and vocals, Matěj Černý on bass, Oliver Lipenský on drums, and the Surmaj brothers, Petr on guitar and accordion and Jan on electric upright bass. With a discography that includes “Romano Hip Hop” (2006), “Reprezent” (2008), “Desperado” (2011), and “Upgrade” (2013), Gipsy.cz continued to inspire and innovate within the music world. After 2013, Radoslav Banga aka as Gipsy continued solo. Entries Aven Romale Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2009 LanguageRomaniEnglish LyricsRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga MusicRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga Backings– Results Semi Points: 0Position: 18Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/F39OvgrEEpg?si=hEv9lZXnTrUNYgTo

Andrea Demirović

About Quick Facts NameAndrea Demirović Born17 May 1985 Nationality🇲🇪 Montenegrin National SelectionMontevizija 2019Internal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongJust Get Out Of My Life (2009) Biography Andrea Demirović, also known simply as Andrea, is a distinguished Montenegrin singer born on June 17, 1985, in Podgorica, Montenegro, which was then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Her musical journey began at a young age, culminating in her enrollment at the Cetinje Music Academy, where she pursued studies in Music Pedagogy. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in music, allowing her to blend technical knowledge with her natural talent. Andrea’s breakthrough in the music scene came in 2002 at the Sunčane Skale festival, a prominent music event in the region. This performance garnered her significant attention and marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Following this initial success, Andrea continued to make waves in regional music festivals, including the Serbo-Montenegrin and Montenegrin national finals for the Eurovision Song Contest. These competitions further established her as a notable artist in the Balkans. In 2006, Andrea released her debut album titled “Andrea” under the City Records label. The success of her debut album paved the way for her subsequent projects. By 2009, she was preparing to release her follow-up album, with the lead single being “The Queen of the Night,” a cover of Mirela’s song from the Misión Eurovisión 2007. Andrea’s career took a significant turn in 2009 when it was announced on January 23 that she would represent Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia. She performed the song “Just Get Out of My Life,” which was the opening song in the first semi-final on May 12. Despite a captivating performance, the song did not advance to the final. However, her participation in Eurovision significantly raised her profile on the international stage. Andrea’s 2012 hit, released in June, was called “Odlazim”. This song and “All the best” were the songs with which she represented Montenegro at the Baltic Song Contest in 2013. In 2015, she had the honor of announcing the Montenegrin votes at the Eurovision Song Contest, further cementing her connection with the event. In 2016, she joined the Congress of OGAE Spain. At the same time, a new single and video were released: “Posveta”. Andrea teamed up with the Rock Band Akademija for performances in April 2017. In June of that year the single “Pamti” came out. In April 2018, Andrea started performing with a new band as Andrea & Bend. It was in 2019 when she took part in Montevizija, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, “Ja sam ti san”, reached a 3rd place in the competition. Andrea teamed up with Bojan Jovović for a duet called “Proljeće” in May 2021. It was released almost at the same moment as her song “Igra”. In 2022, Andrea became a politician, as a candidate councilor for the political party Prava stvar – zajedno bar. However, she kept on making music. “Poquito”, a song she wrote in 2020, was released with video in 2023. Andrea Demirović is also a teacher in music. Entries Just Get Out Of My Life Country🇲🇪 Montenegro Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsJosé Juan Santana RodriguezBernd Meinunger MusicRalph Siegel BackingsPeter BischofAriana RothKatrin Schild von Spannenberg DancersNikola Tomašević Results Semi Points: 44Position: 11Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/UaETVttl1P4?si=SuPO-zb3wWAZxmIg

Soraya

About Quick Facts NameSoraya Arnelas Rubiales Born13 September 1982 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionEurovisión 2009: El retorno In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLa noche es para mí (2009) Biography Early Life and Career Beginnings Soraya Arnelas Rubiales was born on September 13, 1982, in Valencia de Alcántara, Cáceres, Spain. From a young age, she had a passion for performing arts and moved to Madrid at 11 to pursue her dreams. Although she initially aimed to study drama, Soraya worked as an airline stewardess for Iberworld, traveling worldwide. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, which helped her connect with a diverse audience. Rise to Fame: Operación Triunfo and Debut Album Soraya’s big break came in 2005 when she participated in the fourth season of the Spanish TV show “Operación Triunfo.” She impressed the audience and judges with her vocal talent, finishing as the runner-up. This exposure led to the release of her debut album, “Corazón De Fuego,” on December 5, 2005. The album, produced by Kike Santander, reached number 13 on the Spanish charts and earned Platinum status, marking a successful start to her career. Continued Success: Ochenta’s and Dolce Vita In 2006, Soraya released her second album, “Ochenta’s,” on November 21. This album featured English-language covers of 1980s hits, including RAF’s “Self Control,” which achieved Gold status in Spain. “Ochenta’s” peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and also earned Platinum certification. Following this success, Soraya released “Dolce Vita” on September 11, 2007. The album included more 1980s covers, such as “La Dolce Vita,” Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky,” and Eurythmics’s “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” It also peaked at number 5 on the Spanish charts and received Gold certification. Exploring New Sounds: Sin Miedo In 2008, Soraya released her fourth album, “Sin Miedo,” which marked a departure from her previous 1980s cover albums. This album featured 12 original tracks, including a duet with Kate Ryan called “Caminaré.” Despite debuting at number 21 on the Spanish Albums Chart, the album’s new edition helped it re-enter the Top 40 at number 32. Eurovision and Beyond: Dreamer and Universe In Me In 2009, Soraya represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “La noche es para mí,” finishing in 23rd place. Despite the result, this experience boosted her international profile. In 2010, she released “Dreamer,” an electronic-dance-pop album produced by Antoine Clamaran. The album peaked at number 8 on the Spanish Albums Chart and included the hit single “Live Your Dreams,” which charted in several European countries. Soraya continued her musical journey with the release of “Universe In Me” on November 11, 2013. This album reached number 31 on the Spanish charts and showcased her growth as an artist. Live Performances and Recent Work In 2016, Soraya released a live album, “Akustika,” which included both CD and DVD formats and peaked at number 97 on the Spanish Albums Chart. She continued to release singles, such as “Con Fuego” in 2013, “Plastic” in 2013, and “Neon Lovers” in 2014, maintaining her presence in the music industry. Soraya released several singles becoming hits in Spain. In 2015, she reached the charts with the song “You Didn’t Do It”, a year later “Long Time” was a success. She teamed up with Mister Mimon, who featured in her 2017 hit “El Pretendiente”. A year later, “Qué bonito” was a hit. In 2023, Soraya released a brand new single, “La Botella”. Television Appearances and Acting Soraya’s television career is extensive. She first appeared on “Operación Triunfo” in 2005 and then on “Mira quién baila” in 2006. Between 2006 and 2007, she was a contestant on “El Club de Flo.” In 2009, she led a choir in “La Batalla de los Coros” and represented Spain in the “Eurovision Song Contest 2009.” She also appeared on “Canta si puedes” during New Year’s Eve in 2009 and 2010, and served as a judge on “Generación de estrellas” in 2010. Soraya made guest appearances on shows like “Adivina quién viene a cenar esta noche” in 2010, “Juntos” in 2011, “Tu cara me suena” from 2011 to 2018, and “Atrapa un millón” in 2011. She co-hosted “Cabaret Olé” from 2011 to 2013 and appeared in special episodes of “Pasapalabra” in 2012 and 2013. She was also a contestant on “¡A bailar!” in 2014 and a judge on “¡Vaya fauna!” in 2014. More recently, she served as a judge on “Tú sí que sí” in 2017, appeared on “Trabajo Temporal” in 2018, and was a contestant on “Celebrity Bake Off” in 2021 and “Sálvame Mediafest” in 2022. In 2023, she was a guest judge on “Drag Race España.” Personal Life Since 2012, Soraya has been in a relationship with male model Miguel Ángel Herrera. The couple welcomed their first child, Manuela Grace, on February 24, 2017. Soraya Arnelas Rubiales continues to be a prominent figure in the Spanish music scene, known for her versatility and enduring appeal. From her early days on “Operación Triunfo” to her international ventures and personal milestones, she remains a beloved artist with a rich and diverse career. Entries La noche es para mí Country🇪🇸 Spain Year2009 LanguageSpanish LyricsFelipe Pedroso MusicDimitri StassosIrini MichasJason Gill BackingsAlexey PostoloskyDima OleschenkoNoemí GallegoNora JiménezVerónica Ferreiro Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 24Position: 23Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/zw8uKCrDt7U?si=61YjGfBK1gkn9mcn

Waldo’s People

About Quick Facts MembersWaldoKaroliina KallioCapri VirkkunenPäivi SeloSami Lehto (not on stage)Karl Sinkkonen (not on stage)Kimmo Nissinen (not on stage) Founded1998 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionEuroviisut 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongLose Control (2009) Biography Waldo’s People is a Finnish electronic dance music group that became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group is led by a talented musician known as Waldo, whose real name is Marko Reijonen. Waldo’s People created energetic and catchy dance music that captured the hearts of many fans in Finland and beyond. The band’s journey began in the late 1990s when electronic dance music was becoming very popular. Waldo’s People quickly made a name for themselves with their unique sound. They released their first album, “Waldo’s People,” in 1998. This album featured the hit single “U Drive Me Crazy,” which became a big success, reaching number 3 on the Finnish charts and even charting in Sweden. The album itself also did well, reaching number 6 on the Finnish charts. The success of this album was a significant achievement and helped the band gain even more popularity. Following their successful debut, Waldo’s People continued to produce great music. They released their second album, “No Man’s Land,” in 2000. This album included popular tracks like “I Dream,” “Let’s Get Busy,” and “1000 Ways,” the latter reaching number 4 on the Finnish charts. The album itself again reached number 6 in Finland. Their music is known for its upbeat and danceable tunes. In the early 2000s, Waldo’s People continued to influence the Finnish electronic dance music scene. In 2001, they released singles like “Remedy” and “Disconnected,” keeping their presence in the music scene alive. However, after a few years of success, the band took a break and was not as active. In 2008, Waldo’s People made a big comeback. They released a new single called “Back Again” on May 19, 2008, which reached number 1 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was followed by a compilation album, “Back Again: The Greatest Hits,” which included many of their popular songs and reached number 27 on the Finnish charts. This comeback was exciting for their fans, who had missed their energetic music. The following year, in 2009, Waldo’s People achieved another milestone. They released their third album, “Paranoid,” which reached number 13 in Finland. They were also selected to represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. They performed the song “Lose Control” in the semifinals on May 12, 2009, in Moscow. Band members Sami Lehto, Karl Sinkkonen and Kimmo Nissinen were not on stage at the event. The performance was a success, and the band made it to the finals with the help of the jury votes. In the finals, they performed second to last. Although they finished in last place with 22 points, it was one of the highest point totals ever for a song that placed last in the Eurovision finals. This was still a proud moment for the band and their fans. In 2010, they continued to release new music, with singles like “I Wanna Be a Rockstar,” which reached number 15 in Finland, and “Jackpot,” which reached number 19. They followed up with more singles such as “Echo” in 2011 and “You” in 2014, maintaining their presence in the music industry. In 2019 Waldo’s People teamed up with Movetron for the song “Nousee”, Oku Luukkainen featuring in the song. Entries Lose Control Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAri LehtonenKarimaWaldoAnnie Kratz-Gutå MusicAri LehtonenKarima DancersNiko VirtanenAnton Kasmir Jolma Results Semi Points: 42Position: 12 (saved by the jury)Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 22Position: 25Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/D-Wr0z1_quw?si=sMCMIV8c4Qpc65K9