wings Archives - Eurovision Universe

3+2

About Quick Facts MembersYulia ShishkoArtsem MikhalenkoElgiazar FarashanAlena KarpovichNinel Karpovich Active2009 – 2010 Nationality🇧🇾 Belarusian National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongButterflies (feat. Robert Wells, 2010) Biography 3+2 was a pop group from Belarus that participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 held in Oslo, Norway. The creation of the band was spearheaded by the Belarusian TV channel ONT alongside the initiative “New Voices of Belarus” in 2009. The band comprised finalists from this television competition. Securing a spot in the national selection for Eurovision 2010 significantly boosted the group’s popularity. On February 25, 2010, 3+2 was selected through an internal process to fly the Belarusian flag at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. The group received various song submissions from Belarusian and foreign songwriters. After considering numerous proposals for their song, visuals, and stage performance, the group’s management decided to seek insight from the renowned producer and songwriter Max Fadeev. Fadeev delivered a complete package for the group within a week, including the song “Butterflies,” which he co-wrote with Swedish musician Robert Wells and Polish poet Malka Chaplin specifically for 3+2. Initially, the group had selected “Far Away” for their Eurovision entry but switched to “Butterflies” following unfavorable feedback online. In the grand finale, “Butterflies” ended up in 24th place, accumulating a total of 18 points. After the Eurovision Song Contest, the group had not been active together. Entries Butterflies (featuring Robert Wells) Country🇧🇾 Belarus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsMalka Chaplin MusicMaxim Fadeev Backings– Results Semi Points: 59Position: 9Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 18Position: 24Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/MvK2KU2zfzA?si=hkYZ0kobr6MbVQPq

Greta Salóme

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir Born11 November 1986 Nationality🇮🇸 Icelandic National SelectionSöngvakeppnin 2016Söngvakeppnin 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm2012 Baku SongHear Them Calling (2016)Never Forget (with Jónsi, 2012) Biography Greta Salóme (born in 1986, in Mosfellsbær in the west of Iceland) is an Icelandic pop singer, composer, songwriter, and violinist. Currently, she plays the second violin in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavík. Starting at the age of four, Greta began her journey as a violinist and has since performed numerous classical concerts. In 2012 and 2013, Greta achieved success in the Icelandic preselection competition, Söngvakeppnin, for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won alongside singer Jónsi with their duet “Mundu eftir mér,” a song she wrote. Although they reached the final, they secured 20th place. Greta released her debut album, “In the Silence,” in November 2012, featuring ten new tracks. Between 2014 and 2015, Greta worked as a singer on Disney Cruise Line ships. In 2015, she released an Icelandic-language single titled “Í dag.” In 2016, Greta participated in Söngvakeppnin for the second time. She qualified for the final with her song “Raddirnar” and won with the English version, “Hear Them Calling.” She represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm but did not advance to the final, finishing in 14th place during the semifinals. In 2017, Greta announced a joint concert with Alexander Rybak. She also performed at the Icelandic preselection, Söngvakeppnin 2017, for the Eurovision Song Contest, where she introduced a new single called “My Blues.” In 2018, Greta wrote a song titled “Crazy” for the British preselection of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was performed by Raya but not selected to represent the United Kingdom. Additionally, she composed and wrote the title song, “Wildfire,” for the Icelandic animated film Ploey: You Never Fly Alone. Greta is also set to participated in an Icelandic production of The Phantom of the Opera. Greta released her single, “Mess it up,” on February 1, 2019. This was followed by the release of “Án þín,” her rendition of an old song, on June 8, 2020. Another notable release came in July 2021 with the debut of the song “Svartur hrafn.” Entries Hear Them Calling Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonGísli MagnaHafsteinn ÞórólfssonKristján GíslasonLilja Björk Runólfsdóttir Results Semi Points: 51Position: 14Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/6osxLLPLUDk Never forget (with Jónsi) Country🇮🇸 Iceland Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir MusicGreta Salóme Stefánsdóttir BackingsPétur Örn GuðmundssonAlma Rut KristinsdóttirGuðrun Árný KarlsdóttirGísli Magna Results Semi Points: 75Position: 8Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: 46Position: 20Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/zRqmHRbJvTo

Aurela Gaçe

About Quick Facts NameAurela Gaçe Born16 October 1974 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongFeel The Passion (2011) Biography Albanian vocalist Aurela Gaçe, born in the seaside city of Vlorë on October 16, 1974, first showcased her musical talent at the tender age of four and a half. Her debut performance at Vlorë’s Children’s Festival marked the beginning of a journey filled with numerous accolades. While Aurela viewed school primarily as a place for academic learning, her passion for singing often took center stage. Known for her spirited and rebellious demeanor, she was singularly focused on her musical aspirations. By 19, she had already made her mark at the national Radio Television Song Festival in Tirana with her stirring rendition of “Pegaso”, and shortly after, clinched a victory at the Spring Festival in 1994. Her ascent to stardom was catalyzed by her hit “Nata” at the RTSH Festivali i Këngës in 1995. In the ensuing years, Aurela bagged top prizes at the 1999 and 2001 Festivali i Këng:es with “S’jam tribu” and “Jetoj”, respectively. Her performance of “Fati ynë shpresë e marrëzi” also earned her second place in the 1998 festival. Not limited to musical prowess, Aurela’s early foray into acting brought her three special awards for her compelling interpretations of her songs, alongside a special accolade from Top Albania Radio. To further her musical career, she held two solo live concerts at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana in 1998 and 2000. Aurela’s educational journey culminated in 2000 when she graduated from the Academy of Arts in Drama, complementing her artistic portfolio which included two album releases in both 1998 and 2000. Her musical style, a fusion of pop and folk, has been a hallmark of her versatile career. In a bold move in 2002, Aurela relocated to America, seeking new challenges and adventures. Her exceptional vocal talent and electrifying stage presence quickly won her acclaim within the Albanian community in the US, spanning performances from local clubs to major concerts and private events. A highlight of her career was performing both the Albanian and American national anthems at an event attended by President Bill Clinton in 2004. She also starred in a special concert in 2007, organized by the famed photographer Fadil Berisha, paying tribute to legendary Albanian singers Vaçe Zela and Nexhmie Pagarusha. Aurela represented Albania in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with “Feel The Passion” and performed at the Fortuna Düsseldorf Arena in Germany. Marking a triumphant return to music in 2020, her single “Lento” quickly amassed over 1.2 million views on YouTube within a week, signaling a strong resurgence in her musical journey. Entries Feel The Passion Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsSokol Marsi MusicShpëtim Saraçi BackingsBledar SejkoEmiljano DhimoLamont Van HookMonetBeverly Results Semi Points: 47Position: 14Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Mq0H6gY2jq4?si=BrMjGJ7hXUAY5E7r

Mika Newton

About Quick Facts NameOksana Stefanivna Hrytsai Born05 March 1986 Nationality🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionEvrobachennya 2011 – Natsionalyni vidbir In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongAngel (2011) Biography Oksana Stefanivna Hrytsai, better known as Mika Newton, is a Ukrainian singer born on March 5, 1986, in Burshtyn, Ukraine. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Newton has made a name for herself in the music industry. Her stage name, Mika Newton, is inspired by Mick Jagger and symbolizes a “new tone.” From an early age, she developed her singing skills by imitating radio artists and participated in regional voice competitions from the age of nine. At 16, she moved to Kyiv to study at the College of Circus and Variety Arts, focusing on voice, piano, acting, dance, and pantomime. Her talent caught the attention of music professionals, and she soon signed with the Kyiv-based Falyosa Family Factory. Newton represented Ukraine in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany, with the song “Angel,” finishing fourth. Her performance was notably accompanied by sand artist Kseniya Simonova. Before Eurovision, Newton had released two albums and provided theme songs for various Ukrainian and Russian films and TV shows. This success led her to Los Angeles to collaborate with songwriter Walter Afanasieff and perform in front of producer Randy Jackson. Post-Eurovision, Newton signed with JK Music Group and Randy Jackson’s Friendship Collective, moving to Los Angeles to advance her pop-rock career. Her debut U.S. single, “Don’t Dumb Me Down,” was released on February 21, 2012, with a video premiering on MTV’s Buzzworthy. Newton appeared on the Chinese reality show Maoren Queen in 2012 and later released “Come Out and Play,” remixed by Paul Oakenfold. They promoted the remix at the Winter Music Conference in 2012, and Newton continued performing acoustic shows in Los Angeles. She released a single in Ukrainian, “Ne vidpuskai” in February 2013. The music video for “Magnets,” co-written by Newton, premiered on OK! magazine’s USA website in May 2013. Her second U.S. single’s video, “Come Out and Play,” debuted in Las Vegas in August 2013. Newton was featured in Maxim’s October 2013 issue. In December 2018, Newton married talent agent Chris Saavedra in the United States. She performed at the 2022 Grammy Awards with John Legend and fellow Ukrainian artists in a tribute to the lives lost during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. This performance followed a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Her sister, Liliya Hrytsai, has served in the Ukrainian Army during the invasion. Entries Angel Country🇺🇦 Ukraine Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsMaryna Skomorohova MusicRuslan Kvinta Sand ArtistKseniya Simonova Results Semi Points: 81Position: 6Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: 159Position: 4Running order: 23 https://youtu.be/mx1wAj_oVdE?si=sHSxDXML9IGgtnsD

Nina Sublatti

About Quick Facts NameNino Sulaberidze Born31 January 1995 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionErovnuli Shesarchevi konkursi 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongWarrior (2015) Biography Nin0 Sulaberidze, better known by her stage name Nina Sublatti, is a Georgian singer, songwriter and model. She was born in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 1995, to Georgian parents. Shortly after her birth, her family returned to Georgia, but she also spent some time living in Riga, Latvia during her childhood. At a young age, in 2008, Sublatti received a modeling contract and started her career in the modeling industry. Her talent caught the attention of fashion scouts and she began modeling for top magazines in early 2009. While pursuing her modeling career, Sublatti also performed across Georgia and collaborated with bands like The Mins. In 2011, Sublatti joined the Georgian Dream Studio, a renowned music house, where she worked with singer Bera Ivanishvili. Her breakthrough came in 2013 when she won the Georgian version of the singing competition Pop Idol, called Georgian Idol. The following year, she released her debut album titled Dare to Be Nina Sublatti, which became the highest-selling album in Georgia’s history. The album included covers of popular songs, including Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” and Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited,” both of which Sublatti had performed on Sakartvelos Varskvlavi. In December 2014, after the success of her debut album, Sublatti was chosen as one of the five contestants in the national final to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with her song “Warrior.” She competed in the national final in January 2015 and emerged as the winner, earning the highest televote score and jury score. She performed “Warrior” in the semi-finals and advanced to the grand final, where she placed 11th. The song gained popularity across Europe, charting in several countries such as Ireland, Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. In 2016, Sublatti joined the judging panel of the Georgian version of The X Factor. In October 2017, she also became a judge on Georgian Idol. In 2018 she performed in a charity concert in Poland. A year later she performed with the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra. Nina Sublatti kept on publishing new music on SoundCloud and Spotify. Entries Warrior Country🇬🇪 Georgian Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsNina Sublatti MusicNina SublattiThomas G:son BackingsVeronika HammerRebecca Kollau-Freidinger Results Semi Points: 98Position: 4Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 51Position: 11Running order: 23 https://youtu.be/ddC8lviTERI

Roko Blažević

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameRoko Blažević Born10 March 2000 Nationality???????? Croatian National SelectionDora 2019 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv SongThe Dream (2019) Biography Roko Blažević is a Croatian singer, born in Split. He showed his singing talent as an 11-year-old in the 2011 Supertalent competition, where he impressed the audience by singing and playing the piano. In July 2017, Blažević won the Serbian reality show Pinkove Zvezdice, One year later he took part in Pinkove Zvezdice again, but now he took the second place. In 2019 he won Dora, the Croatian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Therefore, he represented Croatia in the 2019 contest with his song “The dream”. The song was written by Blažević’s mentor Jacques Houdek, who also once represented Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest. With this song, Roko reached the first place in the Croatian charts. The follow up for his Eurovision song was the song “Krila”. In 2020, the song “Božić nam dolazi” became a hit for Roko. Entries The Dream Country???????? Croatia Year2019 LanguageEnglishCroatian LyricsJacques HoudekAndrea ČubrićCharlie Mason MusicJacques Houdek BackingsJacques HoudekEndi SchrötterDiego Siqueira Results Semi Points: 64Position: 14Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/gXT5E8kUgfs