Eurovision Song Contest 2018

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GERMANY: MICHAEL SCHULTE - You Let Me Walk Alone

Michael Schulte was not alone last night: he convinced both the viewers and the juries as he got the maximum possible votes in the German national selection for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, 'Unser Lied für Lissabon' with his song 'You Let Me Walk Alone', written by Thomas Stengaard, Nisse Ingwersen, Nina Müller and Michael himself, in memory of his deceased father.

Michael Schulte (27) is a German singer and songwriter. He grew up on the German-Danish border in Dollerup and now lives in Buxtehude near Hamburg. He began his singing career in 2008, posting covers on his YouTube channel and later placed third on season one of The Voice of Germany in 2012. He has successfully released seven albums and EPs.

His YouTube channel has had more than 50 million views and has nearly 200,000 subscribers. A large portion of his more than 1.2 Spotify stream-accessings each month comes from Sweden, Norway, England and the USA.

 

[portugal10]

Hope my namesakes put on 3 good shows. Here's hoping '18 is a good one :thumbs up:

 

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LATVIA: Laura Rizzotto - Funny Girl

Laura Rizzotto has won 'Supernova 2018', the Latvian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song 'Funny Girl' and will represent the country in Lisbon in May.

Laura Rizzotto (23), a Latvian-Brazilian singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist. was born in Rio de Janeiro. After high school, she began attending Berklee College of Music in Boston and released her debut studio album Made in Rio in 2011. In 2013, Rizzotto moved to Los Angeles to attend the California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a degree in musical arts.

Latvia first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000 finishing third with its very first entry, My Star performed by Brainstorm. Only two years later the country won the Eurovision Song Contest with Marie N and the song I Wanna.

 

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UKRAINE: Mélovin - Under The Ladder

Kostyantyn Mykolayovych Bocharov (20), better known by his stage name Mélovin, has won the Ukraine national selection 'Vidbir 2018' and will represent the country with the song 'Under The Ladder' at the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. The song is about failures that lead to success.

After Mélovin won the Ukrainian version of X Factor in 2015, he released his debut single "Ne odinokaya". Then he started working on his first album Face To Face, which was released in November 2017.

Ukraine made its debut at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Hasta la Vista performed by Oleksandr Ponomariov, finishing in 14th place. The next year Ruslana with her song Wild Dances took Europe by storm scoring the first victory for Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest.

 

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HUNGARY: AWS - Viszlát nyár

Metal band AWS are the winners of 'A Dal 2018', Hungary's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, and will represent the country in Lisbon with the song 'Viszlát Nyár' (Goodbye, summer).

AWS is a Hungarian metal and post-hardcore band formed in 2006 by Bence Brucker, Dániel Kökényes, Örs Siklósi, and Áron Veress. Their music is characterized by diversity, powerful performances, sudden changes, which utilizes metal, psychedelic rock, alternative and post-rock styles.

Hungary participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 1994, where the country placed fourth with Friderika Bayer's song Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet? ("To whom can I tell my sins?").

 

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MOLDOVA: DoReDos - My Lucky Day

DoReDos has won the Moldovan national selection 'O melodie pentru Europa 2018' and will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest with their song "My Lucky Day". The song is composed by Philipp Kirkorov and John Ballard. Kirkorov is a Russian pop singer from Bulgaria, a five-time winner of the "Best Selling Russian Artist" title at the World Music Awards ceremonies.

DoReDos is a Moldovan trio from Rîbnița. The group consists of Marina Djundiet, Eugeniu Andrianov, and Sergiu Mita. They won New Wave (an international contest for young performers of popular music) 2017 for Moldova.

Moldova made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005. Moldova has appeared in the Grand Final on nine occasions including last year, where SunStroke Project took the country in to the top three for the first time.

 

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SLOVENIA: Lea Sirk - Hvala, ne!

Slovenia's national selection, EMA 2018, has finished! Lea Sirk was declared the winner with 116 points, just ahead of BQL with 106 points. She will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Hvala, ne!" (No, thanks!).

Lea Sirk (28) is a Slovenian singer and songwriter. Her musical journey began when she was five, starting flute lessons. She has received several awards and recognitions at national and international competitions, and since 2007 she has been studying at the Conservatory of Music in Geneva – still flute as her instrument, but with a growing passion and talent for singing.

Slovenia made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993. The country's best placing in the competition was seventh, in 1995 and 2001. Whilst Slovenia has not won the Eurovision Song Contest it did win Eurovision Choir of the Year in 2017.

 

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ROMANIA: The Humans - Goodbye

The Humans have won the Romanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Selecția Națională', and will represent the country in Lisbon with the song 'Goodbye'.

The Humans is a Romanian band from Bucharest, formed in 2017. The group consists of vocalist Cristina Caramarcu, guitarist Alexandru Cismaru, keyboardist Alexandru Matei, bassist Alin Neagoe, and drummer Adi Tetrade. The Humans were celebrating their one-year anniversary the very day they won the ticket to Lisbon.

Romania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 18 times, debuting in the 1994 contest. With a total of six top 10 placements, their best result has been third in 2010 with Paula Seling & Ovi.

 

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ARMENIA: Sevak Khanagyan - Qami

Sevak Khanagyan has won the Armenian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Depi Evratesil' and will represent the country in Lisbon in May with the song 'Qami' which translates as 'Wind'.

Sevak Khanagyan (30), born in Metsavan, is a Russian-Armenian singer and songwriter. he graduated from the Kursk Cultural College and later received a higher education in the Moscow State Classical Academy; during his studies he began to play in different bands. The greatest recognition and love of the audience came when he won the Ukrainian X Factor which he followed with a tour through Russia, Ukraine and Armenia.

Armenia first took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with the song Without Your Love performed by André. Armenia's best results came in 2008 and 2014 when they finished 4th in the Grand Final.

 

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BELGIUM: Sennek - A Matter Of Time

Belgium was the first country to announce its artist for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest back in September. Broadcaster VRT opted for an internal selection for Lisbon and Sennek was the choice. Now the singer has released her entry for Eurovision, 'A Matter Of Time'.

Sennek, the stage name of Laura Groeseneken, was born in 1990 and comes from Leuven. The singer-songwriter has already worked on several high-profile musical projects including the 50th anniversary celebrations of the James Bond franchise, 007 In Concert.

Belgium participated in the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 but has only won once, in 1986 (Sandra Kim - J'aime la vie), and hosted the contest in Brussels the following year.

 

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PORTUGAL: Cláudia Pascoal - O Jardim

Cláudia Pascoal has won the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Festival da Canção' and will represent the country on home ground with the song 'O Jardim' (The Garden).

The song, written by Isaura, recalls the author's grandmother. Isaura accompanies Claudia Pascoal on stage. Isaura made her debut in 2014 with Useless a song that was an absolute hit on YouTube. In 2018, she participated for the first time in Festival da Canção and invited the singer Cláudia Pascoal, a participant in The Voice of Portugal 2017 and singer in the jazz, blues and gypsy band Cláudia Pascoal & M O R H U A.

Portugal joined the Eurovision family in 1964 and held the record for the most appearances in the Eurovision Song Contest without a win until 2017 when Salvador Sobral lifted the trophy in Kyiv.

 

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ICELAND: Ari Ólafsson - Our Choice

Ari Ólafsson has won the Icelandic national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Söngvakeppnin 2018', and will represent the country in Lisbon with the song 'Our Choice'.

Ari Ólafsson is a 19 year old Icelandic singer who grew up in Reykjavík although he lived in Florida USA when he was young. He started singing at a very early age and his angelic voice and stage charm soon landed him the lead role in the musical Oliver! at the national theatre of Iceland. This fall he has been accepted into the Royal Academy of music in London on a full scholarship where he will continue his singing studies.

Iceland made its Eurovision debut in 1986 and is yet to win the contest. In 1999 Selma finished second with her song All Out Of Luck and ten years later 2009, Yohanna equalled this success with her ballad Is It True?

 

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AZERBAIJAN: Aisel - X My Heart

Aisel Mammadova, Azerbaijan's representative at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest has released her entry for Lisbon, 'X My Heart'. Late last year it was announced that the singer had been chosen to represent her country following an internal selection. Aisel was born into a musical family in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1989. The singer studied at a musical secondary school and in 2010 she graduated from Azerbaijan's State Conservatory.

X My Heart has been arranged by Tim Bran, who has also worked with several well-known artists such as: The Verve, London Grammar, Birdy, Halsey, Bloc Party and others. The song has been recorded in London and the mix of the song belongs to Ash Howes, internationally recognised for his work for One Direction, Dido, The Corrs, Ellie Goulding and many others.

Azerbaijan is a relative latecomer to the Eurovision family, having made its debut in 2008. with Day After Day performed by Elnur and Samir. The duo finished eighth and sparked a series of successes for the country which culminated in Ell and Nikki's win in 2011 with Running Scared.

 

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FINLAND: Saara Aalto - Monsters

Saara Aalto was the internal choice to represent Finland in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest but her song for Lisbon was decided using a national selection, 'Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu', or #UMK18. Saara will fly the Finnish flag at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Monsters', after it won both the public and the jury votes.

Saara Sofia Aalto (30) is a Finnish singer, songwriter, and voice actress. She placed second in the first season of The Voice of Finland in 2012. She has dueted with Adam Lambert, and had concerts together with Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras and pianist Robert Wells. She has published 5 albums with her own record label Yume Records.

Finland first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961. The country won in 2006 with Lordi and his metal rock monsters and hosted the competition in Helsinki in 2007. Hard Rock Hallelujah is not just their only winner but the only time ever that Finland finished in the top five!

 

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POLAND: Gromee Feat. Lukas Meijer - Light Me Up

Gromee featuring Lukas Meijer have won the Polish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Krajowe Eliminacje 2018', with the song 'Light Me Up'. The winner was chosen through a combination of both public and jury votes.

Andrzej Gromala (39), better known by his stage name Gromee, is a Polish DJ, record producer, remixer and owner of Kingztown Music. Lukas Meijer is a Swedish rock musician, guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is also a vocalist of No Sleep For Lucy.

Poland first entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, finishing second with Edyta Gorniak's powerful ballad To nie ja! Since then Poland has never made the top five but has qualified for the Grand Final every year since 2014.

 

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ESTONIA: Elina Nechayeva - La Forza

Elina Nechayeva has won the 2018 edition of 'Eesti Laul', the Estonian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest and will perform the song 'La forza' in Lisbon in May.

Elina Nechayeva (26) is an Estonian soprano. In 2016, she graduated from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre with a master's degree in classical singing. Her song for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, La Forza, is a dramatic number which impressed both the international jury and the Estonian public.

Estonia first entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 when the late Silvi Vrait took to the stage in Dublin with Nagu Merelaine. In 2001 Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL, with the song '"Everybody", won the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen. That was the first Eurovision victory by one of the "new" nations – the considerable number of countries which had joined Eurovision post-1992 – and also for Benton becoming the first (and to date only) black performer to win a Eurovision title.

 

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CYPRUS: Eleni Foureira - Fuego

Eleni Foureira has released the official video of her entry for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, 'Feugo'. It was written by Alex Papaconstantinou, also known as Alex P, wrote and produced several Eurovision hits. He has also worked with prominent and best-selling international recording artists such as Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez.

Eleni Foureira (30) is a Greek singer, actress, dancer, and fashion designer. She began her music career in 2007 as a member of the Greek girl group Mystique. She started her solo career in 2010 with the release of her first album. Her song Chica Bomb, a collaboration with Dan Balan, became a summer hit. In 2014 Eleni appeared at the Mad Video Music Awards alongside J Balvin, singer of hit Tranquila, which is about to surpass 100,000,000 views on YouTube.

Cyprus made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. The best placing for the country, fifth, was achieved in 1982, 1997 and 2004.

 

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NETHERLANDS: Waylon - Outlaw in 'Em

In November 2017, the Dutch public broadcaster announced that Waylon would fly to Lisbon next May and will represent The Netherlands at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. Now he finally revealed that he chose the country-style entry called 'Outlaw In 'Em' himself after consultation with his team.

Willem Bijkerk (37), known professionally as Waylon, is a Dutch singer. He represented the Netherlands with Ilse DeLange as The Common Linnets at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, finishing in second place in the final and will return as a solo act to represent the Netherlands again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.

The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Eurovision Song Contest, participating in the very first competition in 1956. The country won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 1957 and has won four times in total.

 

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IRELAND: Ryan O'Shaughnessy - Together

Irish broadcaster RTÉ has announced that Ryan O'Shaughnessy will represent the country at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. Ryan O’Shaughnessy will perform his ballad, 'Together' in the First Semi Final of Eurovision 2018 Tuesday 8th May.

Ryan O'Shaughnessy (25) is an Irish singer-songwriter and former actor from Skerries, Dublin, known for reaching the final of the sixth series of Britain's Got Talent in May 2012, finishing in fifth place, as well as appearing on the first series of The Voice of Ireland.

Ryan said, "As one of three songwriters on Together, I’m delighted it has been chosen to represent Ireland in Eurovision 2018, and on top of that, to be asked to perform for my country is an absolute honour. I plan on doing Ireland proud by bringing a song and performance to Eurovision that we haven’t seen since the days of Rock and Roll Kids. I can’t wait to get onto that stage and perform an honest piece for millions of people."

 

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AUSTRIA: Cesár Sampson - Nobody But You

In December 2017 Austria's broadcaster ORF revealed that Cesár Sampson would represent the country at Eurovision 2018 and yesterday premiered his song 'Nobody But You'.

Cesár Sampson (34) isn't an unknown quantity in the Austrian music scene. At the age of seventeen he started touring the world as the lead singer for some of Austria’s most internationally acclaimed alternative music acts (Kruder & Dorfmeister, Sofa Surfers, Louie Austen).

Austria first appeared in the second edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957 and has taken part 50 times. The country won for the first time in 1966 and more recently in 2014 with the famous bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst.