Dancers Archives - Eurovision Universe

Sarah Bonnici

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameSarah Bonnici Born30 May 1998 Nationality🇲🇹 Maltese National SelectionMalta Eurovision Song Contest 2024Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022X-Factor Malta 2019 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongLoop (2024) Biography Sarah Bonnici is a Maltese singer. She was born on Gozo May 30 1988. She is the daughter of Marcel Bonnici, who holds the positions of CEO at Mercury Towers and Ħamrun Spartans. She boasts a Master’s degree in Accountancy. In the realm of her career, Bonnici received guidance from Miriam Christine from her early days. She made her mark in 2009 by securing the third position at the Malta Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which served as the national qualifier for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest that year. Her prowess continued to shine through in 2010 when she clinched the top spot in her age category at the 4th edition of the L-Għanja Tal-Maltin Song Festival with a Miriam Christine-composed piece, also earning the Best Voice title within the festival. Her participation in the same year’s Malta Junior Eurovision Song Contest with “Kitty Kitty Cat” landed her in 7th place, which paved the way for her to support Malta’s entry, Nicole Azzopardi, as a dancer at the 2010 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. During her teenage years, Bonnici expanded her musical endeavors beyond Malta, engaging in various international song contests such as the Trixie Festival in Bulgaria, the Carpathians Star Festival in Romania, and the Star to Born Festival in Hungary. She achieved first place in her category at the Ti Amo Festival in Romania, where she also bagged the Original Song Category prize with “Vivrà ancora”. Bonnici took part in the X Factor Malta in 2018, showcasing her versatile talent. Her journey continued at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022, where she performed “Heaven” by Aidan and finished 12th in the final. Her musical journey took a promising turn on 18 October 2023, when she was revealed as a contender for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with her song “Loop”, set to perform in the first semi-final show on 27 October. Progressing through the competition, she was announced as a finalist in late November, ultimately winning the jury vote and finishing first overall with 102 points during the final on 3 February 2024. This victory earned her the honor of representing Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Unfortunately, Sarah Bonnici didn’t manage to make it to the final. Entries Loop Country🇲🇹 Malta Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsJoy DebbKevin LeeLeire Gotxi AngelLinnea DebbMichael Joe CiniSarah BonniciSebastian Pritchard-James MusicJohn Emil JohanssonJoy DebbKevin LeeLeire Gotxi AngelLinnea DebbMatthew James BorgMichael Joe CiniSarah BonniciSebastian Pritchard-James BackingsJamie BellMatt JordanVictor AllenWilliam Almeida Results Semi Points: 13Position: 16Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/uG-JHeia13c?si=r95Hxq96VA1XlCPY

Tali

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameTali Golergant Born2000 Nationality Luxembourgish National SelectionLuxembourg Song Contest 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongFighter (2024) Biography Tali Golergant is an Israeli born Luxembourgish singer, songwriter, film actor, and musical theater performer, now making waves in the NYC music and arts scene. Influenced by the likes of Lizzy McAlpine, Sara Bareilles, and Lady Gaga, Tali has crafted a unique blend of pop, indie, and R&B in her music. Her journey in music began impressively; her debut single, written at the age of 16, has already amassed over 70,000 streams on Spotify. In 2021, Tali released her debut EP titled “lose you,” co-written with the artist Francis of Delirium, showcasing her evolving artistry. After the pandemic, Tali began performing live gigs in New York City with her music group, gracing stages at renowned venues such as RockWood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, Arlene’s Grocery, and The Delancey. Her performances have captivated audiences, highlighting her prowess as both a singer and a songwriter. Beyond her burgeoning career in pop music and songwriting, Tali has also made significant strides in the film and theater worlds. She starred in the indie short film “Agua,” which is currently in post-production. Her versatility as a performer is further exemplified in her theatrical roles, where she has portrayed characters like Tzeitel from “Fiddler on the Roof,” Susan Snell in “Carrie,” and Eponine in “Les Miserables.” Tali Golergant’s multifaceted talent continues to shine across different facets of the arts, marking her as a rising star in both the music and acting industries. On 27 January, 2024, Tali was chosen to represent Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Fighter”. Being the first Luxembourgish participant since 1993, she reached the Grand Final and reached a 13th place there. Entries Fighter Country🇱🇺 Luxembourg Year2024 LanguageEnglishFrench LyricsAna ZimmerManon RomitiSilvio Lisbonne MusicAna ZimmerDario FainiManon Romiti DancersLuana ManukaMathilde EggenRandy RochaSalaam ParachSimi Simoes Results Semi Points: 117Position: 5Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 103Position: 13Running order: 4 https://youtu.be/TCWH3Nq5y9A?si=eBOGxo-vlqnY4B1F

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

Svetlana Loboda

About Quick Facts NameSvitlana Serhiivna Loboda Born18 October 1982 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionEvrobachennya 2009 – Natsionalyni vidbir In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongBe My Valentine (Anti-crisis girl) (2009) Biography Early Life and Education Svitlana Serhiivna Loboda, known professionally as Svetlana Loboda or simply LOBODA, was born on October 18, 1982, in Oleksandrivskaya Clinical Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. She spent her early years in Irpin, Kyiv region. Svetlana’s childhood was marked by a strong passion for music. She attended a music school where she excelled in piano, conducting, and academic vocal studies. This early education laid the foundation for her future career in music. After completing her initial musical training, Svetlana continued her education at the Kyiv Variety and Circus Academy, enrolling in the Variety Vocal Department. During her first year, she joined the musical group Cappuccino, which gained a respectable place in the Ukrainian music scene. However, she later left the group, feeling it wasn’t the right fit for her. Early Career and Breakthrough Svetlana’s early career saw her participate in the first Ukrainian musical Equator, directed by Viktor Shulakov. She played one of the main roles, Mirana, which garnered attention and praise. During this period, she released a song and music video titled “Black Angel,” which received wide rotation and further increased her visibility. In December 2003, Svetlana formed her own band, Ketch. By spring 2004, she auditioned and became a soloist for the popular Ukrainian girl group VIA Gra, also known internationally as Nu Virgos. With VIA Gra, she toured Asian cities and starred in the music video for the song “Biologiya.” Despite her success with the group, she left after a short stint and released her debut solo single, “Chyorno-belya zima,” in December 2004. In November 2005, she released her first solo album, “Ty ne zabudesh,” which marked the beginning of her solo career. Her subsequent single “Chyorny Angel” and a trip to Japan led to the recording of the song “Postoy, mushchina!.” She also hosted the show Shoumaniya on Novy Channel and the Miss CIS pageant on TET channel. Additionally, she opened a travel agency, “Happy Vacations,” and released the music video for her song “Schactye” Eurovision and Growing Popularity In 2009, Svetlana Loboda represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl).” Her performance and campaign to raise awareness against domestic violence brought her international recognition. Despite finishing in 12th place, her song and video became very popular, with high view counts on Eurovision’s YouTube channel and significant search interest. Continued Success (2010-2015) Between 2010 and 2015, Svetlana Loboda’s career continued to flourish. She released several hit singles and albums, including the song “Zhit legko,” which humorously depicted her weight gain after Eurovision. She also recorded a duet, “Serdtse byotsya,” with Max Barskikh, and in 2011, she released the single “Na svete” at the Crimea Music Fest. Her 2012 project “Oblaka” included a short film, “Woman-Crime,” filmed in Miami, exploring themes of passion and crime. In April 2012, she launched her show The Beginning, touring Ukraine for nearly a year. Her song “What about U” was included in the official tracklist for the UEFA Euro 2012 championship. She continued to release popular music, including the single “40 gradusov,” and became a coach on the talent show The Voice Kids in 2012. Achievements and Awards Svetlana Loboda has received numerous awards throughout her career. In June 2013, she was honored with the title Honored Artist of Ukraine. She has been recognized at various music award ceremonies, including the YUNA Awards, where she won several categories such as Best Female Performer and Best Song. Her album “H2LO,” released in 2017, achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries. Continued Success (2017-2024) In 2017, Svetlana Loboda released her album “H2LO,” which included hit singles like “K chyortu lyubov” and “Tvoi Glaza.” The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, topping charts in several countries including Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Her song “Tvoi Glaza” held the top position on the iTunes charts in the CIS for five weeks and won the Golden Gramophone award in Moscow. In March 2018, at the Bravo Awards, she received awards for Best Album and Best Singer from Eros Ramazzotti. During this event, she also announced her pregnancy and took a brief hiatus from concert activities. However, two weeks after the birth of her second daughter, she returned to the stage at the Muz-TV Award and received the award for Best Singer. In 2019, Svetlana became a mentor on the show The Voice Kids on Channel One. Although she faced controversy due to the voting results, she continued to release popular music. Her album “Sold Out,” released at the end of 2019, went triple platinum, and she became the best streaming artist on the Sony Music Entertainment Russia label. In 2020, she collaborated with rapper Pharaoh on the track “Boom Boom,” which sparked controversy but quickly gained popularity, receiving platinum status in Russia. She also released the single “Moloko,” which entered the top 40 radio charts in Russia and Ukraine and achieved platinum status. Support for Ukraine and Recent Projects In February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Svetlana Loboda ceased her collaboration with Russia and canceled her scheduled concert tour. She publicly supported Ukraine and shared regular updates about the war’s impact on Ukrainians on her social media platforms. She also transformed her office into a volunteer headquarters to assist Ukrainians in need. On June 3, 2022, Svetlana released “Molytva,” her first song since the start of the war, dedicating it to Ukraine. The music video, filmed in Riga, Latvia, featured 45 musicians from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. In November 2022, she released the Ukrainian-language single “Dva neznaiomtsi,” dedicated to Ukrainians experiencing separation due to the war. In early 2023, she released the song “Po-Ukrainski,” which became the lead single for her new album “Made in U”, which was released in March 2023. In 2024, she released the single

Michael von der Heide

About Quick Facts NameMichael von der Heide Born16 October 1971 Nationality🇨🇭 Swiss National SelectionInternal selection 2010Countdown Grand Prix 1999 (🇩🇪) In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongIl pleut de l’or (2010) Biography Michael Von der Heide, a Swiss singer with a German father and Swiss mother, embarked on his musical journey at 16, taking vocal lessons from opera singer Ginette Girardier. He soon found his passion for chansons. In 1990, he entered the Showszene Schweiz competition, showcasing young talents, and by 1995, he clinched the Swiss KleinKunstPreis. His acting debut came in 1996 with the play “Lina Böglis Reise”. That same year, he released his debut album, which bore his own name and sold over 15,000 copies. His musical career further blossomed with the release of his second album “30° -” in 1998, featuring the hit single “Jeudi amour” which garnered the Silver Hare award. The album was critically acclaimed and sold over 24,000 copies. In 1999, Von der Heide participated in the German selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Bye Bye Bar,” written by Micha Lewinsky and composed by Thomas Fessler. He also started “Divamix,” a live project with Maja Brunner and Christina Jaccard. The following year, he was honored with the German cabaret prize, released his third album “Tourist,” and began a collaboration with Annette Humpe. The album included a Swiss German cover of “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” performed as a duet with Züri West’s Kuno Lauener and was a chart success. In 2001, he moved to Paris to work with artists like Doriand and Olivier Libaux, and recorded the album “L’heröine au bain” featuring a duet with Helena Noguerra. He toured with the live project “Hildegard – songs von und für Hildegard Knef” and released the album “Fresh” in 2002, which included duets with Nina Hagen and 2raumwohnung. His subsequent albums, including “Helvetia” and “2pièces,” continued to showcase his versatility and creativity in music. Von der Heide ventured into lyrics with the 2007 song “Bleib doch, bis es schneit” for 2raumwohnung, and in 2008, he released “Freiesicht” in Germany, a collaboration with producers from Ich + Ich and featuring Annette Humpe. In 2010, he represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest with “Il pleut de l’or,” though he did not advance to the finals. Post-Eurovision, his career continued to flourish with performances alongside the Zurich Symphony Orchestra and roles in significant musical productions like Christoph Marthaler’s “Meine faire Dame.” His subsequent album “Lido” was released in 2011 and he remained active in the music scene with tours and performances across Europe. Michael Von der Heide continued to make significant strides in his music and theatrical career from 2012 onward. In 2012, he took on a role in “The Black Rider,” a production by Tom Waits and Robert Wilson, where he played Stelzfuss at the Theater Basel under the direction of Corina von Rad. In 2013, he was part of the premiere of “Letzte Tage. Ein Vorabend,” directed by Christoph Marthaler, which debuted in Vienna and Paris. The same year, he also performed a duet “Chumm lee wärs doch la sii” with Sina. Furthermore, Von der Heide starred in “King Size,” a Liederabend featuring performances across several cities including Basel, Avignon, Paris, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Moscow, and Hamburg, with Tora Augestad. The following year, in 2014, he starred in “Wanderful,” a musical revue with Sandra Studer and Gardi Hutter, which had its premiere at Zurich’s Theater am Hechtplatz. The show was a success, selling out for six weeks and was directed by Dominik Flaschka. He also participated in “Letzte Tage. Ein Vorabend” at the Staatsoper Berlin, another production directed by Christoph Marthaler. In 2015, Von der Heide released a new album titled “Bellevue” and a single “Pas vu le temps passer.” He embarked on a European tour called “Kingsize,” which included performances at prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House in London. Additionally, he conducted a Swiss tour titled “Wanderful.” Building upon Michael Von der Heide’s extensive career, his creative output continued to flourish with new albums in the subsequent years. In 2016, he released an album titled “Paola,” adding to his discography. This was followed by another album in 2019 called “Rio Amden Amsterdam,” showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical influences and geographical inspirations into his work. In 2021, Von der Heide released the album “Echo,” which further demonstrated his musical versatility and depth as an artist. Continuing his prolific career into 2023, he introduced “Nocturne,” an album that perhaps adds a reflective, possibly evening-themed aesthetic to his repertoire. Entries Il pleut de l’or Country🇨🇭 Switzerland Year2010 LanguageFrench LyricsMichael von der HeideHeike KospachAndré Grüter MusicMichael von der HeidePele Loriano BackingsPeter LerchAmanda NikolićFreda GoodlettSibylle Fässler Results Semi Points: 2Position: 17Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/qW2UPf1_Lcg?si=FE0QjbzQXwmG3_YA © Vincent Hasselgård, Wikimedia Commons Name : Michael von der Heide Born : 16-10-1971 Nationality : Swiss National Finals : – ESC Entries : Il pleut de l’or (2010) Website : http://www.michaelvonderheide.ch/ Biography Michael Von der Heide is a Swiss singer. He was born to a German father and a Swiss mother. At the age of 16 he took singing lessons with the opera singer Ginette Girardier and discovered his talent for chansons. In 1990 he took part in the Showszene Schweiz competition for young talents. Five years later he won the Swiss KleinKunstPreis and in 1996 he acted in the play Lina Böglis Reise. In the same year he released his first album entitled “Michael von der Heide”, which sold over 15,000 copies. In 1998 he released his second album, “30° -” The first single, “Jeudi amour”, became a big hit and received the Silver Hare award. The album received critical acclaim and sold over 24,000 copies. In 1999 he took part in the German national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Bye Bye Bar”. The song was written by Swiss film director Micha Lewinsky and composed by Thomas Fessler. Von der Heide initiated the live project

Gjoko Taneski

About Quick Facts NameGjoko Taneski Born02 March 1977 Nationality🇲🇰 Macedonian National SelectionSkopje Fest 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongJas ja imam silata (2010) Biography Gjoko Taneski is a North Macedonian singer. He was born in Ohrid, SR Macedonia, SFR Yugoslavia. Gjoko Taneski began his musical journey in Kavadarci, where he formed his first band during his high school days, performing on the local scene. Gjoko Taneski made his debut on the music scene in 1996 at one of the biggest and most popular festivals in North Macedonia, Makfest, where he performed the song “Odi Ne Go Mami Srceto”. Following his initial public appearance at Makfest ’96, Taneski’s talent was widely recognized, leading to several collaborations with composers and songwriters that helped launch his career. Gjoko released his first album “Zbogum Najmila” in 2007. A second album, „Nikogaš dosta“, was released in 2009. A year later, Gjoko represented North Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Jas ja imama silata”. Unfortunately, he didn’t reach the final. Two new songs came out in 2015: “Ako ljubov e….” and “Krajot e samo zbor”. The song and video of “Kako negas” were released in 2016. Ohrid was the place were he performed on a weekly basis in 2016 and 2017. Gjoko scored a hit with “Nemam nitu son” in 2018. He also performed with the Bitolskiot Kamen Orkestar. In 2019 he released a new single and video: “Toj što vo srce te nosi” (2019), followed by “Edna ljubov imam”. In the same year, he took part in a Numb Pink Floyd tribute. In 2020 he released “Den po den”. In 2021, just like in 1996, Gjoko took part in Makfest. This time with the song “Ti”. 20 July 2024 he gives a huge concert for his 30 years carreer. Entries Jas Ja Imam Silata Country🇲🇰 North Macedonia Year2010 LanguageMacedonian LyricsKristijan Gabroski MusicKristijan Gabroski BackingsBilly ZverDamjan ‘Pejcin’ Pejcinoski DancersBilly ZverDamjan ‘Pejcin’ Pejcinoski Results Semi Points: 37Position: 15Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3sYNmPkivyU?si=nzGNs8-UJX4aMqd2

Jessy Matador

About Quick Facts NameJessy Kimbangi Born27 October 1982 Nationality🇫🇷 French National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongAllez ola olé Biography Jessy Kimbangi, known by his stage name Jessy Matador, is a celebrated French coupé-décalé singer and dancer of Congolese origin, born on October 27, 1983, in Paris. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Jessy Matador grew up in various neighborhoods, including Épinay-sur-Seine, Vanves, the Luth area in Gennevilliers, and eventually settled in Saint-Denis. His journey into the entertainment industry began in 2001 when he embarked on a career as a dancer. Jessy later joined the group Les Cœurs Brisés under Dany Engobo’s direction, which took him on tours across the United States, Congo, Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Formation of La Selesao In 2005, Jessy Matador formed his own group, La Selesao, with members Dr. Love & Linho (known as Les Jumo) and Benkoff. The group gained popularity, opening for acts like Magic System. They signed with Oyas Records in late 2007 and Wagram Records in spring 2008. Breakthrough and Eurovision Jessy Matador’s breakthrough came in June 2008 with the release of his debut single “Décalé Gwada”, which became a summer hit, peaking at 14th on the French charts. This success was followed by the release of his album “Afrikan New Style” in November 2008, showcasing a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and urban musical influences. In February 2010, Jessy Matador was selected to represent France at the 55th Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. He performed the song “Allez ola olé”, finishing 12th out of 25 participants. This track, featured on his second album “Electro Soukouss” released in June 2010, achieved gold status with over 220,000 singles sold. It also served as a promotional anthem for France Télévisions and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Later Career and Ventures Jessy continued to diversify his career. He was a judge on the talent show Dance Street in 2010 and formed the all-female dance group Mata Girlz in 2011. He represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the African Night at Stade de France the same year. In 2013, he contributed to the compilation album “Tropical Family” and released his third album “Authentik”. His single “Zumba He Zumba Ha (Remix 2012)”, a collaboration with DJ Mam’s, was featured in the film “Qu’est-ce qu’on a fait au bon Dieu?” in 2014. Jessy also ventured into theater, debuting in La Fuite by Driss Homet in 2016. He appeared in the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga in 2020 and was featured in a 2021 episode of the dating show Et si on se rencontrait? on M6. In February 2021 he released a new single, “DBNG”, reaching the #1 spot in the I-Tunes list. The video was released in June of the same year. In July 2023, he managed to have 2 tracks in the club 40 charts: “Bilam bam”, featuring in a track of Clara and “Mini kawoule (Remix 2023)”, featuring Makassy. Entries Allez Ola Olé Country🇫🇷 France Year2010 LanguageFrench LyricsHugues DucaminJacques Ballue MusicHugues DucaminJacques Ballue BackingsEmilie CapelNedjim MahtallaJessie FasanoMistos CapitanoGeneral Benkhoff Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 82Position: 12Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/-NlvQ6Ln9fc?si=-tAfNRzZjHhm7YYW

Sofia Nizharadze

About Quick Facts NameSopho Nizharadze Born06 February 1985 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionGeorgian national final 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongShine (2010) Biography Sopho “Sofia” Nizharadze, a Georgian singer, actress, and songwriter of notable descent, embarked on her musical journey at a tender age. Her great-grandmother, Dürye, of Turkish origin, migrated to Tsarist Russia during the Ottoman Empire and later settled in Georgia after marrying a Georgian professor’s son. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Nizharadze was nurtured into the arts early by her mother and exhibited prodigious talent from the start. At three years old, Nizharadze began performing professionally, captivating audiences with her talent. By seven, she joined a children’s music studio at the invitation of Jansug Kakhidze, a celebrated Georgian conductor, taking a leading vocal role in various shows and TV projects. Her performance of “Sous le ciel de Paris” at the French Embassy at eleven caught the attention of journalist Bernard Pivot, who invited her to appear on his TV5 program. Throughout her adolescence, Nizharadze amassed accolades in international young singer contests, such as “Bravo, Bravissimo!” in Mini La Scala, Italy, “Crystal Note” in Moscow, Russia, and “Crystal Fur-tree” in Borjomi, Georgia. She further honed her craft by participating in festivals across Russia, Turkey, Italy, Latvia, and Georgia, ultimately winning several contests by the age of 17. Her academic achievements paralleled her musical ascension. Nizharadze graduated with honors from the Musical Academy under the Tbilisi State Conservatory, where she studied piano and vocals, before continuing her education at the Academy of Theatre and Arts in Russia (GITIS) and earning honors from the Gnessin State Musical College in Moscow. Transitioning to more mature roles, Nizharadze took leading parts in musicals and, by 2004, landed a main role in Gerard Presgurvic’s musical in Moscow. Her performance prowess led her to the finals of the New Wave Festival in Jūrmala, Latvia, in 2005. However, the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia prompted her return to Georgia, where she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Vice President Joe Biden’s visit. Nizharadze’s international profile soared in 2010 when she represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Shine,” having been selected through a national final where her song was chosen from over 100 entries. This period of her life not only heightened her international appeal but also led to a suggestion by President Mikheil Saakashvili for her consideration as Georgia’s Minister of Culture. In the years following Eurovision, Nizharadze’s career flourished. She performed across Europe and Asia, collaborating with artists like José Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Chris de Burgh, and Julio Iglesias. In 2013, she released a single “When We Danced,” followed by an album in March 2014 that included “Shine.” Her talents and insights as a seasoned artist were further recognized in 2016 and 2017, when she served as a judge on the Georgian format of X Factor. In July 2016, she released the song “Mapatie”. In 2017, she was a judge at Georgia’s got Talent. In January 2017 she teamed up with Ursa to record an old Georgian folk song, “Svanuri”, and release a video of it. At the Golden Wave music awards she was voted Best Female Artist. At the BAMA Music Awards she was voted best Georgian Act. In 2018 she was also one of the judges of Mkholod Kartuli (Georgian Idol). Again she won the prize for best female artist at the Golden Wave music awards in 2018, something she also did in 2019 and 2020. In May of that year she teamed up with Giorgi Kelaptrishvili for a duet: “Dzveli hangi”. The song reached over a million views on YouTube. She also won a Wave music Award again, now for Best Remake. In 2023, Sofia had a role in the musical “Zekrat”, playing in Batumi, Georgia in july. Entries Shine Country🇬🇪 Georgia Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsHanne SørvaagHarry SommerdahlChristian Leuzzi MusicHanne SørvaagHarry SommerdahlChristian Leuzzi BackingsHelen KalandadzeSopho Toroshelidze DancersFrancesca LavecchiaFrançois DoppiaJérôme Piel Results Semi Points: 106Position: 3Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 136Position: 9Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/y5yTMGxFiPw?si=iG48eCX1G3SPT45Z

Nina Badrić

About Quick Facts NameNina Badrić Born04 July 1972 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatia National SelectionInternal selection 2012Dora 2003Dora 1995Dora 1994Dora 1993 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongNebo (2012) Biography Nina Badrić is a Croatian singer and songwriter. She was born on July 4, 1972, in Zagreb, Croatia, In the 1990s, Nina first gained recognition as a member of the group Boa, but it was her solo career that truly spotlighted her talents. In three consecutive years, 1993 (“Ostavijam te”, 7th), 1994 (“Godine nestvarne”, 10th) and 1995 (“Odlažis zauvijek”, 17th) she took part in Dora, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She released her debut album “Godine nestvarne” in 1995, which set her apart in the Croatian music industry with its unique blend of pop and soulful elements. Following albums such as “Personality” (1997) and “Nina” (2000) cemented her status as a leading artist in Croatia, showcasing her ability to deliver both energetic tracks and heartfelt ballads. Her song “Da se opet tebi vratim” became emblematic of her emotional depth and vocal range. Nina’s influence extended beyond Croatia, earning her a significant following throughout the Balkans. Her 2003 album “Ljubav” featured hits like “Čarobno jutro” and “Takvi kao ti,” which resonated widely across the region. “Čarobno jutro” was also the runner up in Dora 2003. Her music’s emotional depth struck a chord with a diverse audience, further solidifying her reputation. Nina represented Croatia in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Nebo,” which showcased her on an international stage. Unfortunately, Nina did not manage to reach the final. Following her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, Nina Badrić went on a regional arena tour. In 2013, she collaborated with Bosnian singer Mirza Šoljanin to record the duet “Duše su se srele.” Then, in January 2015, Badrić teamed up with Serbian singer Željko Vasić to release another duet titled “Lozinka za raj.” In 2016, Badrić joined forces with various artists, including Shorty, Ivana Husar, Marija Husar, the Palić Sisters, Alan Hržica, and the band Emanuel, to record the song “Želim živjeti.” This collaboration was part of a campaign against abortion. Additionally, in July 2016, Badrić performed her song “Dani i godine” at the wedding ceremony of Ana Ivanovic and Bastian Schweinsteiger. In 2021, Nina released a new live album called “Arena Zagreb”, a full concert she gave in the year before in Zagreb. A year later, a new studio album came out: “Peristil sentimenti”. Entries Nebo Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2021 LanguageCroatian LyricsNina Badrić MusicNina Badrić BackingsJelena MajićIvana ČabrajaDanijela Večerinović DancersIgor BarberićDinko Zec Results Semi Points: 42Position: 12Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QzdI4yuqwzY?si=4-w6IxYSxsr1M5vr