Groups Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Eurovision Universe

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

Urban Symphony

About Quick Facts MembersSandra NurmsaluMann HelsteinJohanna MängelMari Möldre Active2007 – 2010 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongRändajad (2009) Biography Urban Symphony was an Estonian music group. In autumn 2007, Sandra Nurmsalu participated in the singing talent show 2 takti ette, organized biennially by Eesti Televisioon and broadcast nationwide. During one week of the contest, contestants were tasked with forming their own bands and producing a performance. Nurmsalu, who had studied violin for two years at the Georg Ots Music School and previously arranged Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” for a string ensemble, decided to form a string-based band. She recruited Mann Helstein on viola, Johanna Mängel on cello, a female contrabass player, and a male keyboardist from her former school. The newly formed band re-arranged the song “Hungry” by Kosheen, resulting in a well-received televised and recorded performance. After the talent show ended, Nurmsalu, Helstein, and Mängel decided to continue their collaboration. They brought in new cello player Mari Möldre and began working with music producer Sven Lõhmus. Their first completed track was “Rändajad”, which they entered into Eesti Laul, Estonia’s selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. The song earned them a 6th place finish in the Eurovision final. For this project, Marilin Kongo and Mirjam Mesak joined the group as backing vocalists. They also performed in other songs such as “Päikese poole”, “Skorpion”, and “Crying in the Rain”. In 2010, Urban Symphony announced their disbandment. The decision came as Sandra Nurmsalu wished to prioritize motherhood, while the other members chose to continue their studies and pursue other interests. Sandra Nurmsalu participated in Eesti Laul twice more. In 2014 her song “Kui tuuled pööprduvad” reached a 5th place, while “Soovide puu” was 8th in 2019. Entries Rändajad Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2009 LanguageEstonian LyricsSven Lõhmus MusicSven Lõhmus BackingsMirjam MesakMarilin Kongo Results Semi Points: 115Position: 3Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 129Position: 6Running order: 15 https://youtu.be/gi0FEO2tFFA?si=4PR2hl24THvalkOh

Grupa Regina

About Quick Facts MembersDavor EbnerAleksandar ‘Aco’ ĆovićDenis ČabrićBojan Milićević Active1990-2000, 2006- Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongBistra voda (2009) Biography In 1989, five members—Aleksandar Čović, Bojan Milicevic, Bojan Milijas, Boris Milijas, and Goran Lucic—started an amateur band in Sarajevo, in those days in Yugoslavia. They had a problem because they didn’t have a singer. Soon, they found Davor Ebner, who gave the band the name Regina. That same year, Regina released their first album, called Regina. Aleksandar Čović wrote the lyrics, and he was inspired by the Irish band U2. The first album had hit songs like “Spavaj,” “Ne pitaj me,” and “Kao nekada ona,” and the band quickly became one of the most popular in the former Yugoslavia. In 1992, they released another album called “Ljubav nije za nas,” but the band stopped working because the war started in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though the band stopped performing, Aleksandar Čović continued working in Belgrade between 1992 and 1999, releasing several albums: “Regina,” “Oteto od zaborava,” “Godine lete,” “Ja nisam kao drugi,” “Kad zatvorim oči,” and “Devedesete.” From 2000, the band didn’t work until 2006, when Čović started working again with singer Davor Ebner, and they reformed the band. They soon released another album called “Sve mogu ja.” On January 12, 2009, BHT announced that Regina, with their song “Bistra voda,” would represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. The song was officially presented on March 1, 2009. Theyqualified for the final on May 16, 2009, performing 12th. In the final, they finished in 9th place with 106 points. On June 5, 2009, they released their 10th studio album called “Vrijeme je.” The album included the Eurovision song “Bistra voda,” its English and Russian versions, and 10 new songs. In 2011, the band recorded a duet with Tifa, the former singer of the band Bijelo Dugme, titled “Ptico mala,” which premiered in the summer of 2011, along with a music video. They also announced a new album, “Sarajevo,” with “Ptico mala” as the lead single. Although “Sarajevo” was announced for autumn 2011, the band postponed the album release. In May 2012, it was announced that a new song “Kad poludimo” was recorded. The music video was released on May 8, 2012, and it was announced that the new album would be titled “Kad poludimo,” set to be released by the end of May 2012. On May 18, 2012, Regina announced that the album was on sale. In 2015, Bojan Miličević left the band. On 16 August 2016, the band’s long-time bassist, Denis Čabrić, suddenly died of a heart attack, leaving the band with three members. On Valentine’s Day 2017, Regina, now a trio, released a new studio album called “U srcu,” with the single “Za one stare dane,” the video for which was filmed in Paris. After thirty years of performing and many concerts, Davor Ebner decided to start a new project called “Ebner,” with some well-known Sarajevo musicians. The idea of the project was for Davor Ebner to try a different style of music compared to Regina. With his lead and the new musicians, Regina entered a new phase, aiming to connect the “Ebner” project with the Regina band by trying to produce and perform music closer to new market trends. Regina’s songs are still performed in their original form but with a more modern and better sound to make the differences between genres smaller along with the “Ebner” project songs. In December 2022, Ebner left Regina, leaving the band as a duo. Entries Bistra voda Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2009 LanguageBosnian LyricsAleksandar ‘Ćović MusicAleksandar Ćović BackingsElma SelimovićDanijela Večerinović Results Semi Points: 125Position: 3Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 106Position: 9Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/TcRWjoEkzMk?si=LzeMNMSO6B_60ZKG

Feminnem

About Quick Facts MembersNika Antolos (2010)Ivana Marić (2005)Neda ParmaćPamela Ramljak Active2004-2012, 2022- Nationality🇧🇦 Bosnian (Ivana, Pamela)🇭🇷 Croatian (Nika, Neda) National SelectionDora 2010Dora 2009Dora 2007BH Eurosong 2005 In Eurovision2010 Oslo2005 Kyiv SongLako je sve (2010)Call me (2005) Biography Feminnem is a Croatian female pop-dance group made up of Pamela Ramljak, Neda Parmać, and Nika Antolos. The group is known for writing their own songs and for their urban pop-dance music. Their name was inspired by the American rapper Eminem. Feminnem’s Beginnings In 2004, after participating in the TV show Hrvatski Idol, Pamela, Neda, and Ivana Marić formed Feminnem and released their first hit single, “Volim te, mrzim te.” They quickly became popular and became the leading Croatian girl band after the group Divas broke up. 2004 – 2007: First Eurovision, Feminnem Show, and Ivana Leaves In 2005, they represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Call Me” by Andrej Babić, finishing in 14th place. In December 2005, they released their first album, Feminnem Show, named after their TV show on BHT. In 2006, they performed at HRF with the song “Reci nešto, al’ ne šuti više.” In 2007, they competed in Dora with the song “Navika” and placed 9th. Later that year, Ivana left the group to start a solo career. Neda and Pamela began searching for a new member. 2007 – 2009: Nikol Joins and Leaves, Another Try at Dora Neda and Pamela held auditions and chose Nikol Bulat as the new member. They released the single “Chanel 5” and performed at HRF, winning an award for most online votes. In 2009, they competed in Dora with the song “Poljupci u boji,” placing 3rd. That summer, they performed at HRF with “Oye, Oye, Oye” featuring Spanish singer Alex Mungo. However, Nikol didn’t fit well with the group and left in late summer 2009 after many disagreements. 2009 – 2012: Second Eurovision, Lako je sve, Easy to See, and Breakup Neda and Pamela found a new member, Nika Antolos, who started her career on RTL’s Hrvatska traži zvijezdu. They released the hit single “Sve što ostaje.” In 2010, they competed in Dora with “Lako je sve,” winning the most points from the jury and televoters. They released their second album Lako je sve. In May, they competed in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 and placed 13th in the semifinals. They then released their third album Easy to See, with songs from Lako je sve in English and a Spanish song, “Mil Amantes.” They performed at the Mediterranean Song Festival in Budva and released the single “Baš mi je dobro” for the CMC Festival in Vodice. In April 2011, their new single “Sve što ti nisam znala dati” leaked online. In November 2011, they released “Subota bez tebe” with Antonija Šola and Branimir Mihaljević. In February 2012, they confirmed their breakup on Dalibor Petko’s music show. 2022: Return to Music In May 2022, the group announced on social media that they had reunited. Since December, Pamela and Neda had been thinking about bringing Feminnem back while recording a Christmas song. In March, they contacted Nika, who happily joined. They gave an exclusive interview to Story magazine about their comeback. They use the hashtag #FeminnemDokNePreminem to promote their return on social media. In early May, they released the single “Zajedno,” which they performed at the 14th CMC Festival in Vodice. On June 1, they released the official video for “Zajedno,” which received nearly 100,000 views in a week. 2023: Victory at the 70th Zagreb Festival They won the 70th Zagreb Festival with the song “Trending” in a duet with Alejandro Buendija (Saša Antić from TBF). Entries Lako je sve Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2010 LanguageCroatian LyricsPamela RamljakNeda Parmać MusicBranimir Mihaljević DancersLydia IvekovićIrma Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/JYU37jzeQTo?si=OehMW7HpduBWjFzr Call Me Country🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Year2005 LanguageEnglish LyricsAndrej Babić MusicAndrej Babić BackingsMija Martina?? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 79Position: 14Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/Kqof50gLBIo?si=voGepXnKZ8tXruQH

Flor-de-lis

About Quick Facts MembersPedro MarquesAna Sofia CampeãJorge MarquesJosé CamachoPaulo PereiraDaniela VarelaRolando Amaral (not on stage) Founded2008 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival RTP da Canção 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongTodas as Ruas do Amor Biography Flor de Lis is a Portuguese musical group that won the Festival RTP da Canção in 2009. História (History) Flor de Lis started in 2008. Their music is based on Portuguese popular and folk music, with influences from around the world, especially Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2009, they joined the Festival RTP da Canção and won with the song “Todas as Ruas do Amor.” This meant they represented Portugal in Moscow at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. They performed in the first semifinal on May 12 and made it to the final on May 16. In the Eurovision final, they finished in 15th place with 57 points. Their album “Signo Solar” came out in April 2010. The main influence was Portuguese popular music and folklore. In the next year, they released a limited edition with extra tracks. Flor de Lis released the single “Cinema Paraíso” in 2013 and the single “Dona Rosa” in 2014. After that, they took a break from making new songs and focused on live performances. In 2020, they came back with a new look and sound. The main band members were still Daniela Varela (vocals), José Camacho (guitars), Vasco Corisco (bass), and Pedro Marques (percussion and drums). They also had guest musicians like Inês Vaz (accordion) and Bruno Vicente (guitars). The band continues to play live concerts and create music regularly. Entries Todas as Ruas do Amor Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2009 LanguagePortuguese LyricsPedro Marques MusicPaulo PereiraPedro Marques Backings– Results Semi Points: 70Position: 8Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 57Position: 15Running order: 6 https://youtu.be/ryE2npWRICk?si=tYPlbdAtL2Rmt7_6

InCulto

© Ane Charlotte Spilde, Wikimedia Commons About Quick Facts MembersJurgis DidžiulisAurelijus MorlencasLaurynas LapėJonas NarbutasJievaras JasinskisŠarūnas Kirdeikis Active2003-2011 Nationality🇱🇹 Lithuanian National Selection“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2010“Eurovizijos” dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka 2006 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongEastern European Funk (2010) Biography Formed in 2003, InCulto was a Lithuanian band known for blending unconventional electronic music with diverse musical influences, striving to merge organic and synthetic sounds and juxtaposing aggression with serenity. Their musical journey began ambitiously with the release of “PostSovPop” in 2004, marking their initial steps into the music industry with a mix of electronic and lively beats. That same year, the radio single “Jei labai nori” was released in collaboration with Linas Karalius, followed by the playful track “Suk, suk ratelį.” Their creative momentum continued into 2005 with the energetic “Boogaloo.” In 2006, InCulto made their first attempt to enter the Eurovision Song Contest with “Welcome to Lithuania,” securing a commendable second place in the national selection. The band’s experimentation and collaborative spirit were further showcased in 2007 with the release of “Marijos Žemės Superhitai” and two notable singles, “Reikia bandyt” featuring Erica Jennings and “Pasiilgau namų” alongside Andrius Rimiškis. In 2010, a pivotal year, they launched the “Eastern European Funk EP” and the album “Closer Than You Think”, capturing attention both locally and internationally. Their song “Eastern European Funk” won unanimous support during the national selection, earning them the honor to represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. Although they did not progress to the Grand Final, this experience was a significant highlight of their career. That year, the band also released “Keep on Dancing,” “Close to Midnight,” and “If Not Me,”. However, despite their success, InCulto announced in early 2011 that they would discontinue their activities. Entries Eastern European Funk Country🇱🇹 Lithuania Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsJurgis DidžiulisAurelijus MorlencasLaurynas LapėJonas NarbutasJievaras JasinskisŠarūnas Kirdeikis MusicJurgis DidžiulisAurelijus MorlencasLaurynas LapėJonas NarbutasJievaras JasinskisŠarūnas Kirdeikis Backings– Results Semi Points: 44Position: 12Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/XeOn-GG_eHo?si=Z5noEZ8X2UgeD_HX

Peter Nalitch & Friends

About Quick Facts NamePeter Andreyevich Nalitch Born30 April 1981 Nationality🇷🇺 Russian National SelectionEvrovidenie 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLost And Forgotten (2010) Biography Youth and education Peter Nalitch, born on April 30, 1981, is a Russian musician and composer. Peter graduated from the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) in 2003, showcasing his aptitude in both technical and creative fields. However, music was an ever-present force in Peter’s life. His paternal grandfather, Zahid Omerovich Nalitch, was a renowned lyric tenor and broadcaster for the Yugoslav section of Moscow Radio, instilling in Peter an early appreciation for music. Zahid’s life story, marked by war and resilience, deeply influenced Peter. His grandfather, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, faced severe hardships during World War II, including the loss of his singing ability due to a tragic injury. This legacy of perseverance and passion for music became a cornerstone of Peter’s identity. Peter’s formal music education began at the Myaskovsky Children’s Music School, followed by studies at the Music College of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Orpheus studio under Irina Mukhina. In 2010, he further honed his skills by entering the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, specializing in Academic Singing. Early career Nalitch’s music career took a significant leap in 2007 when he uploaded a self-made music video for his song “Guitar” on YouTube. The video quickly went viral, amassing 70,000 views in a month. This unexpected success led to his first public concert on November 9, 2007, at the Apshu club in Moscow. Following this, Peter formed the “Musical Collective of Peter Nalitch” (MKPN), which quickly gained popularity with successful concerts and a growing fan base. Between 2007 and 2010, MKPN toured extensively across Russia, supporting national sports teams at major events like the European Football Championship and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Their first album, “Joy of Simple Melodies,” was released in 2008, followed by a concert film and maxi-single “Sea.” Eurovision In 2010, Peter Nalitch and his band represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with the song “Lost and Forgotten.” Their heartfelt performance earned them 11th place, cementing Peter’s reputation on the international stage. Eurovision was a pivotal moment in Peter’s career, exposing him to a wider audience and solidifying his status as a versatile artist. 2010 – 2018 Following Eurovision, Peter continued to diversify his musical repertoire. He ventured into classical opera, performing roles such as Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” He also released several more albums, including “Merry Baboons” (2010) and “Goldfish” (2012), showcasing his evolving musical style. Peter’s innovative spirit led to the creation of albums like “Kitchen” (2013), featuring songs in the fictional Babur language, and “Reflections in Puddles” (2018), funded through crowdfunding. His involvement in multimedia projects, such as composing for the RT channel’s “Romanovs100” project, further highlights his versatility. From 2018 onwards, Peter’s career continued to flourish. On November 9, 2018, he released his eighth album “Reflections in Puddles,” which featured complex arrangements performed by a chamber orchestra. The album was funded by a successful crowdfunding campaign on Planeta.ru. 2019 – 2024 In 2019, Peter’s work on the RT multimedia project “Romanovs100” received significant recognition, earning a shortlist position for Clio Music in the “Best Use of Original Music” category and winning the Original Music award at the 2019 New York Festival TV & Film Awards. Additionally, he composed the soundtrack for the film “Call Me Drozd,” which premiered in December 2020 and received accolades at several film festivals. The same year, Nalitch participated in the All-Russian competition for young composers “The Score of the Future,” where he was awarded the first prize in the “Composition for Voice and Piano” category. In December 2019, he also performed at the opening of the independent opera house — the Moscow Opera House (MOD), taking on the role of Vaudémont in Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta.” 2020 saw the release of Peter’s ninth album “Morra” on October 23. Initially announced as a maxi-single, it expanded into a full-length album with 14 tracks, all funded through a crowdfunding campaign. The album’s presentation took place on December 19 at the Gorbunov Palace of Culture. In 2021, Peter released his first vinyl record, which included 11 tracks from his “Morra” album. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the film “Call Me Drozd,” which faced delays due to the pandemic but was well-received upon its eventual release. In May 2021, the film was presented at the V International Film Festival named after Vyacheslav Tikhonov in Pavlovsky Posad. Peter’s tenth album, “Pirates’ Songs,” was released on November 25, 2021, funded by his supporters on Planeta.ru. This album continued his tradition of blending various musical styles and exploring new creative territories. In 2022, Peter released his eleventh album “VIVAMUS” on February 4, again funded by a crowdfunding campaign. He was also recognized as the laureate of the first prize at the First All-Russian Competition for Composition and Instrumentation for the Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments. In 2023, Peter appeared on the TV show “My Hero” with Tatyana Ustinova, and in May, he defended his diploma at the Gnessin Academy by performing the suite “Oblomov’s Marshes” for symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists. His compositions continued to captivate audiences, with premieres of new works like “Diary of an Old Master” and his participation in significant cultural events. In 2024, Peter released his twelfth album “Vanya, the Bird, and the Striped Shirt” on April 12, featuring 55 tracks and created in collaboration with Herman Mogilevsky. The album’s concert version premiered on April 26 and 27 at the Central House of Architects in Moscow. Entries Lost And Forgotten Country🇷🇺 Russia Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsPeter Nalitch MusicPeter Nalitch FriendsYuri KostenkoSergey SokolovKostya ShvetsovDima SimonovDenis Marinkin Results Semi Points: 74Position: 7Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 90Position: 11Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/nFEwKjpDD2c?si=GKPf1NNZsCOLA5Ca

maNga

About Quick Facts MembersCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül Founded2001 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkey National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongWe Could Be The Same (2010) Biography maNga, an Ankara-based Turkish rock band, delves into Alternative Rock, Nu-Metal, and Rapcore, boasting six studio albums to date. Their story unfolds from late 2001, beginning with Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (Guitar) merging rock with electronics, alongside Orçun Şekerusta (Bass Guitar), Özgür Can Öney (Drums), Efe Yılmaz (Turntable), and Ferman Akgül (Vocals), embracing Nu-Metal and Hardcore. This blend was spurred by Yamyam’s expulsion from a bar band and fueled by a desire to innovate within rock’s realms. Their ambition took them to the “Sing Your Song” contest in September 2001, marking the start of their album journey, which was further shaped by Orçun’s departure and Cem Bahtiyar’s entry. This pivotal moment led to the birth of maNga, inspired by Japanese comics, uniting diverse musical tastes and narratives. Their initial success was clinched with a second-place win at the “Sing Your Song” contest with “Kal Yanımda,” propelling them to produce hits like “Bitti Rüya,” “Libido,” and “Yalan.” Their endeavors were amplified by Haluk Kurosman’s support, driving them to share their music across Turkey. December 5, 2004, marked their debut album’s release, “maNga,” featuring collaborations with notable artists and achieving over 180,000 sales, earning a Gold Disc. The album’s tracks, including “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin,” found a place in EA Sports’ FIFA 2006 soundtrack, showcasing their growing influence. In June 2006, “maNga” was re-released as “maNga+” with new tracks and a DVD, reflecting the band’s evolving identity post-tours. This was followed by “Şehr-i Hüzün” in 2009, a testament to their refined sound and broader musical scope, resonating with fans and critics alike. A significant highlight was their Eurovision 2010 representation for Turkey with “We Could Be The Same,” achieving second place and marking a historic moment in their career. 2012 saw “E-akustik,” blending electric and acoustic sounds, featuring duets that underscored maNga’s versatility. This album underscored their adaptability and innovative spirit. In 2013, amidst their evolving journey, maNga announced the departure of DJ Efe Yılmaz, continuing as a quartet with unwavering commitment to their music and performances. Transitioning into a Rock-Nu Metal style, “Işıkları Söndürseler Bile” was unveiled in 2014, continuing their tradition of thematic and musical evolution. This period also saw their contribution to the soundtrack of “Hadi İnşallah,” reinterpreting Nilüfer’s “Yeniden Sev.” Post-2014, maNga embarked on cover projects and announced their studio return in 2018 under Demir Demirkan’s production, releasing “maNga X.” This era included summer tours, a 2019 maxi-single “Süper Güçlerimiz Var,” and teased an upcoming German single amidst plans for a new album in 2020, leading to the single “Zor” during COVID-19 quarantine days. The band’s shift towards progressive metal materialized with “Antroposen 001” in 2021, followed by “Antroposen 002” in 2023, marking their first entirely metal and experimental album. Entries We Could Be The Same Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsEvren ÖzdemirCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur SarıgülFiona Movery Akıncı MusicCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül BackingsNathalie Marrable Results Semi Points: 118Position: 1Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 170Position: 2Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/HB_GnnhNz-8?si=KmDEflRzgEj_K1Nr

Giorgos Alkaios

About Quick Facts NameGiorgos Alkaios Born24 December 1971 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEllinikós Telikós 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongOPA! (2010) Biography George Alkaios, born George Vasileiou in Athens on December 24, 1971, embarked on his musical journey after showing an early interest in both music and athletics. After a brief stint in Boston, Massachusetts, due to his family’s relocation, Alkaios returned to Greece where his career in entertainment began to take shape. His initial exposure to the broader public came through his participation in a Greek reality show in 1989, which paved the way for his entry into the music and theater scenes. Alkaios’s career in music officially kicked off in the early ’90s, with his debut album “Me Ligo… Trak” released in 1992. This album marked the beginning of a prolific period for Alkaios, as he consistently released new music, capturing the attention of the Greek audience with his unique blend of pop infused with traditional Greek and Eastern elements. Following his debut, Alkaios released a series of albums annually, with “Ach.. Koita Me” in 1993, “Den Peirazei” in 1994, and “Entos Eautou” in 1995, each building on the momentum of his career and establishing him as a significant figure in the Greek music industry. His musical output continued unabated with the release of “Aneu Logou” in 1996, followed by “En Psichro” in 1997, demonstrating his versatility and depth as an artist. In 1998, he released “Ichoi Siopis”, and in 1999, “Syrmatoplegma” came out, further cementing his status in the music scene. The turn of the millennium saw Alkaios exploring new musical directions with the release of “Pro Ton Pylon” in 2000 and “Oxygono in 2001. In 2002, he took a slightly different approach by releasing an EP titled “” Karma”, showcasing his ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving music landscape. In 2003, Alkaios released “Kommatia Psychis”, followed by “Aithousa Anamonis” in 2004. These albums were succeeded by Alkaios Live Tour in 2005, offering fans a taste of his dynamic live performances. His subsequent albums, “Nyhtes Apo Fos” in 2006, “Eleftheros” in 2007, and “To Diko Mas Paramythi” in 2008, showcased his continued evolution as an artist. The year 2010 was particularly notable for Alkaios, as he represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “OPA!”. He reached the final and even an 8th place there, in addition to releasing the album “Dos Mou Ligo Fos”. He continued to release new music with “Deja Vu” in 2011 and then took a brief hiatus before returning with “Marionetes” in 2015. In 2021, Alkaios made a significant comeback with three albums: “Mosaic”, “My Utopia”, and “Zero Room71”, demonstrating his unwavering passion for music and his ability to remain relevant in the industry. Throughout the years, Alkaios also released several singles and EPs, including “Pnevmata” and “Ta Magika Sou Chilia” in 2016, followed by “Mia Psychi” and “Ligo Fos” in 2017. Entries OPA! Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2010 LanguageGreek LyricsGiannis AntoniouGiorgos AlkaiosDionysis SchinasKassiani KaragiouleDimitris HortariasStavros ApostolouTolis SchinasManos Hortarias MusicGiorgos Alkaios BackingsFriends:Lazos IoannidisIakovos GoguaJenia Evgenios BuliPetros ZlatkosAnastasios Kanaridis Results Semi Points: 133Position: 2Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 140Position: 8Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/wfqOrMlwOjs?si=nJ0AYz6k7bLau7Sg

The Common Linnets

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersIlse DelangeWaylon Active2013-2017 Nationality Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongCalm After The Storm (2014) Biography The Common Linnets, a band hailing from the Netherlands, was established in 2013, initially featuring Ilse DeLange and Waylon. DeLange elucidated that the group was formed as a dynamic platform for Dutch musicians to experiment and create country, Americana, and bluegrass music. The band saw a change in lineup when Waylon departed in May 2014 and was replaced by American country artist Jake Etheridge. Their debut album, featuring the song “Calm After the Storm”, secured them a second-place finish in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 – the best performance by the Netherlands since their victory in 1975. The band’s name draws inspiration from the regional nickname ‘heikneuters,’ attributed to individuals from the eastern part of the Netherlands, DeLange and Waylon’s birthplace. This term refers to the songbird ‘kneu’ or common linnet. Credit for this innovative name goes to Dutch designer Rens Dekker, who also designed their album and single artworks. The initial band members were individual country artists, Ilse DeLange and Waylon, with DeLange acknowledged as the founder and leading member. DeLange envisaged the band as a project to facilitate Dutch artists in their musical explorations. Since 2014, the band has been composed of Ilse DeLange, JB Meijers, Jake Etheridge, and Matthew Crosby, who along with Rob Crosby, penned the hit “Calm After The Storm”. Born on May 13, 1977, in Almelo, Netherlands, Ilse DeLange’s musical journey started at the tender age of 8. Her talents were showcased in regional and national talent shows in Hilversum, followed by a musical partnership with guitarist Joop Liefland. Waylon, born on April 20, 1980, in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, adopted his stage name in honor of his idol, Waylon Jennings. After their Eurovision success, the band embarked on a promotional tour. The noticeable absence of Waylon sparked speculations of him leaving the band. On his official Facebook page, Waylon revealed that the unexpected success of the band led him to focus on his album releasing in September 2014. JB Meijers, born on June 10, 1972, in Delft, Netherlands, joined the band after his stint with Dutch indie bands Charmin’ Children, Shine, and Supersub. Besides playing with De Dijk, Eboman, and Acda & De Munnik, he also worked as a producer. Jake Etheridge, born on April 25, 1988, in Columbia, South Carolina, joined the band post-Waylon’s departure. Before joining, he had gained recognition for his online song uploads. Matthew Crosby, born on May 21, 1981, in Columbia, South Carolina, was an accomplished actor in New York City and had previously performed with the band “The Easy Tells”. The band represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen, with the song “Calm After the Storm”. The Common Linnets won the 2014 Buma Cultuur Pop Award and the 2015 Echo Awards for Best International Newcomer Act. Their second studio album ‘II’ was released in 2015. The album became a Gold disc. In november 2015, the band toured throughout Germany and Austria. They received an award for best an award at Radio 538 for best live performance. In 2016 the band played at Eurosonic Noorderslag. They went to Sweden to perform in Douwe Bob‘s pub in Stockholm, during the Eurovision week. In June, they did a UK tour, in November they went back to Germany. Also in 2017, the band kept on performing. After that, Ilse Delange, JB Meijers and Matthew Crosby had solo projects. In 2019, Ilse Delange was a coach at the Eurovision Song Contest for Duncan Laurence, who won the contest. Entries Calm After The Storm Country🇳🇱 The Netherlands Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsIlse DelangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge MusicIlse DelangeJB MeijersRob CrosbyMatthew CrosbyJake Etheridge BackingsBart VergoossenJB MeijersMartijn Van Agt Results Semi Points: 150Position: 1Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 238Position: 2Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA