EUROVISION 2008: 1st Russia, 2nd Ukraine, 3rd Greece

After a controversial final vote process (former Soviet Union Countries, Balkan countries and other neighbour countries voted between them), Russia won the Eurovision contest for the first time.

The Eurovision Organisation will have to review the rules so the best song can win without any politic influence. Ukraine and Greece should have won if politics didn't vote. A bit of a shame!

RUSSIA: Winner


UKRAINE: 2nd Position


GREECE: 3rd Position

ALL TIME EUROVISION WINNERS

1956-1979


1980-2007

The 2008 FINAL and the PARTICIPANTS: 24th of May 9:00 PM (CET)

1.- Romania: Vlad Mirita & Nicoleta Matei, 'Pe-o margine de Lume'

2.- U.K. : Andy Abraham, 'Even If'

3.- Albania: Olta Boka, 'Zemrën e lamë peng'

4.- Germany: No Angels, 'Disappear'

5.- Armenia: Sirusho, 'Quele, quele'

6.- Bosnia-Herzegovina: Laka, 'Pokusaj'

7.- Israel: Boaz Mauda, 'The fire in your eyes'

8.- Finland: "Teräsbetoni", 'Missä miehet ratsastaa'

9.- Croatia: Kraljevi ulice & 75 Cents, 'Romanca'

10.- Poland: Isis Gee, 'For life'

11.- Iceland: Euroband, 'This is my life'

12.- Turkey: Mor ve ötesi, 'Deli'

13.- Portugal: Vânia Fernandes, 'Senhora do Mar'

14.- Latvia: Pirates of the Sea, 'Wolves of the sea'

15.- Sweden: Charlotte Perrelli, 'Hero'

16.- Denmark: Simon Mathew, 'All night long'

17.- Georgia: Diana Gurtskaya, 'Peace will come'

18.- Ukraine: Ani Lorak, 'Shady lady'

19.- France: Sébastien Tellier, 'Divine'

20.- Azerbaijan: Elnur & Samir, 'Day after day'

21.- Greece: Kalomira, 'Secret combination'

22.- Spain: Rodolfo Chikilicuatre, 'Baila el chiki chiki'

23.- Serbia: Jelena Tomasevic, 'Oro'

24.- Russia: Dima Bilan, 'Believe'

25.- Norway: Maria Haukass Storeng, 'Hold on be strong'.

Eurovision 2008: Participants before the Semifinals

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the longest running television shows in the world. It was on the 24th of May, 1956, that Europe saw the first ever Eurovision Song Contest. After 52 runnings, the contest is one of the most typical European traditions.

Hungary UK Czech Republic Russia Lithuania Ireland
Montenegro Cyprus Azerbaijan Spain
Andorra Slovenia Greece Serbia Croatia Belgium
Finland Belarus Armenia Latvia Portugal
Switzerland FYR Macedonia Norway Georgia
Ukraine Estonia Albania Germany Bosnia Herzegovina
Poland San Marino Malta Sweden Iceland
Bulgaria Moldova Turkey France Denmark Romania
Israel Eurovision 2008 Netherlands

CURIOSITIES ABOUT EUROVISION:

• German songwriter and composer Ralph Siegel took part 18 times, often together with Bernd Meinunger.
• Only three women conducted the orchestra at the Eurovision Song Contest. Nurit Nirsch conducted the Israeli entries of 1973 and 1978, Monica Dominique conducted the Swedish 1973 entry and Anita KERR appeared in front of the orchestra for Switzerland in 1985.
• Most winning songs were performed in English - songs (mostly) in English won 22 times. French is also popular, with 14 victories. Dutch and Hebrew songs won 3 times each.
• Six different systems were used over the past decades to pick the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.
• ABBA is the most successful Eurovision Song Contest winner. The Swedish pop band won the contest in 1974.
• The most covered Eurovision Song Contest song is Domenico Mudugno's Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu, also known as Volare. The song has been covered by famous stars such as Frank Sinatra, Cliff Richard, David Bowie and many more.
• Morocco took part in the Eurovision Song Contest only once (1980). Unfortunately, their first attempt was not very successful.

Blogs about Eurovision ( II )

• EUROVISION GOSSIP: http://eurovisiongossip.blogspot.com/
• MAKING THE BELGRADE: http://makingthebelgrade.blogspot.com/
• ESC TURKEY: http://escturkey.blogspot.com/
• MORENA-EUROVISION: http://morena-eurovision.blogspot.com/
• BRULE CRAME (French) http://brulecrame.blogspot.com/
• BUSCADORES DE CAMINOS (Spanish): http://buscadoresdecaminos2.blogspot.com/
• NO MEU PEQUENO UNIVERSO (Portuguesse): http://nomeupequenouniverso.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-song-contest-2008.html
• JANELA ESC (Portuguesse): http://janelaesc.blogspot.com/2008/04/opera-rock-em-belgrado-funciona.html
• CREMLY STELLA (French): http://cremlystella.blogspot.com/2008/04/une-dinde-leurovision.html
• EURO FIVE STAR (Swedish): http://eurofivestar.blogspot.com/
• JOSSY-MY HUMBLE OPINION (Swedish) http://jossy-myhumbleopinion.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-och-jag.html
• PATRIK RASMUSSEN (Swedish) http://patrikrasmussen.blogspot.com/2008/04/infr-eurovision.html
• TSA GIRLZ (Greek): http://tsagirlz.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-2008_29.html
• EINARSSON1 (In Icelandic) http://einarsson1.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-lagi-myndbandi.html

Blogs about Eurovision ( I )

• SCHLAGER BLOG: http://schlagerblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-night-douze-points.html
• ACE DISCOVERY: http://acediscovery.blogspot.com/2008/04/london-eurovision-party.html
• DENZO IS DEAD: http://denzoisdead.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovisionis-pants.html
• VONKIS: http://vonkis.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-song-contest-2008-semi-2.html
• ONLY VIP MEDIA: http://onlyvipmedia.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-post-dima-bilan-believe.html
• SCHLAGER PRICK: http://schlagerprick.blogspot.com/2008/04/morning-after.html
• VIDEORECAP: http://videorecap.blogspot.com/2008/04/kalomoira-greek-song-eurovision-2008.html
• EUROVISION EXPRESS: http://eurovisionexpress.blogspot.com/
• WORK YOUR MAGIC: http://workyourmagic.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-party-at-scala-best-bits.html
• WHERE ARE OUR BAGELS: http://whereareourbagels.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-2008-czech-republic.html
• NUL POINTS: http://nulpoints.blogspot.com/2008/04/british-eurofans-score-huge-own-goal.html
• ROGUEZ ENTRADI: http://roguezentradi.blogspot.com/2008/04/review-eurobeat-almost-eurovision.html
• THE SCHLAGER SYSTEMS: http://theschlagersystems.blogspot.com/2008/04/eurovision-preview-miss-tempest-goes-to.html

Spain - España: Rodolfo Chikilicuatre - Chiqui chiqui

Performer: Rodolfo Chikilicuatre
Song title: Baila El Chiki Chiki
Song writer(s): Rodolfo Chikilicuatre and friends
Song composer(s): Rodolfo Chikilicuatre and friends

¡Perrea! ¡Perrea!
¡Perrea! ¡Perrea!

El chikichiki mola mogollón
Lo bailan en la China y tambien en Alcorcón
Dale chikichiki a esa morenita
Que el chikichiki la pone muy tontita

Lo baila Jose Luis, lo baila bien suave
Lo baila Mariano, mi amor ya tu sabes
Lo bailan los brother, lo baila mi hermano
Lo baila mi mulata con las bragas en la mano

¡Perrea! ¡Perrea!

El Chiki Chiki is a Reaggetton
Dance in Argentina, Serbia and Oregón
Give el Chiki-Chiki to that little sister
With el Chiki-Chiki She´s gonna like it mister!

Dance it with Alonso, Dance it with Gasol
Dance it with your brothers, all around the world
Dance it with Bardem Dance it with Banderas
Dance with Almodóvar Dance la Macarena

Y el chiki chiki se baila así

Uno: el brikindans
Dos: el crusaíto
Tres: el maiquelyason
Cuatro: el robocop

Baila el chikichiki baila el chikichiki
Lo bailan los jevis y también los friquis
Lo bailan en la cárcel, lo bailan en la escuela
Lo baila mi madre y también mi abuela

Baila el chikichiki baila el chikichiki
Lo bailan los jevis y también los friquis
Lo bailan en la cárcel, lo bailan en la escuela
Lo baila mi madre y también mi abuela

Lo canta el Tigre Puma con su traje a rayas
Y Juan Carlos le dice ¿por qué no te callas?
En el velatorio del Padre Damián
Pusieron chikichiki y el muerto echó a bailar

¡Bailar, bailar, bailar!

Y el chiki chiki se baila así

Uno: el brikindans
Dos: el crusaíto
Tres: el maiquelyason
Cuatro: el robocop

Perrea Perrea

Lo baila Jose Luis, lo baila bien suave
Lo baila Mariano, mi amor ya tu sabes
Lo bailan los bródel, lo baila mi hermano
Lo baila mi mulata con las bragas en la mano

Y el chiki chiki se baila así

Uno: el brikindans
Dos: el crusaíto
Tres: el maiquelyason
Cuatro: el robocop

Uno: el brikindans
Dos: el crusaíto
Tres: el maiquelyason
Cuatro: el robocop

¡¡¡PERREA PERREA!!!



After a unique national selection process in Spain, where artists submitted their entries primarily through website MySpace, a televised national selection was held where the top songs chosen from MySpace were performed. This was won by Rodolfo Chikilicuatre with his song Baila El Chiki Chiki.
Born in Buenos Aires Argentina in 1972,a young Rodolfo entered the world of music at a very young age. His father, a prestigious stenographer, learned to play the bassoon at the tender age of 37. He transferred his love for music to young Rodolfo. When he was three he played the guitar with great gusto. Shortly after, he dared put some strings on it and that meant the beginning of his love story with music. After playing in the most chic venues in the world, Rodolfo Chikilicuatre eventually got to Spain, the land he had dreamt about so much.

Once a resident in Iberian territory he composed the generational hymn Dance The Chiki Chiki, to be danced with a catchy rhythm. The daring lyrics of the song reflected the social awareness and concerns of the author. Audiences rapidly connected with this reggaeton theme because of the innovative sense of metrics and rhythm.

According to Chikilicuatre himself, to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream come true,or truth becoming a dream.

Reggaeton is a form of urban music which became popular with Latin American youth during the early 90's and spread over the last years to the rest of the World. Originating in Panama, Reggaeton blends Jamaican music influences of reggae and dancehall with those Latinos, such as bomba, plena, merengue and bachata, as well as that of hip-hop and electronica.

Reggaeton's most notably unique feature is a driving drum-machine track which was derived from a popular Jamaican dacehall rhythm. Many of the sounds found in a typical reggaeton beat are electronically synthesized.

Serbia: Jelena Tomašević - Oro

Performer: Jelena Tomašević feat. Bora Dugic
Song title: Oro
Song writer(s): Dejan Ivanović
Song composer(s): Željko Joksimović

Ko li miluje
milo moje
Ko li usne te snene budi
Ne zaboravi ime moje
Kada krene da
da te ljubi

Klasje
moje ne spavaj
Njega ljubi
mene uspavaj

Ne lomi mi led
vodu nema
Ne soli mi ranu
suza nema
Ko li zaigra
oro moje
Neka ne igra za nas dvoje
Klasje, mene uspavaj

Nuna nej, nuna nuna nuna nunu nunu nej
Nuna nej, nuna nuna nuna nunu nunu nej
Na Vidovdan
probudi me
Da ga opet pogledam

Nuna nej, nuna nuna nuna nunu nunu nej
Nuna nej, nuna nuna nuna nunu nunu nej

Na Vidovdan
Probudi me
Da ga opet pogledam

Na Vidovdan
Probudi me
Jos jednom, da ga pogledam


Jelena Tomašević will carry the hopes of the Serbian nation in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade. Jelena has a tough act to follow after Marija Šerifović's victory in Helsinki, but will be hoping she can make it two victories back to back for Serbia with the song Oro.
Jelena Tomasevic was born in Kragujevac on 1 November, 1983. She entered the world of music in a town where she finished Elementary School and Gymnasium. At the age of eight, she won the top award at the Children’s Music Festival Sarenijada, and three years later, she became the winner of the Yugoslav Children’s Festival.
After becoming a member of the Abrasevic Folklore Ensemble, one of the most successful ensembles in Serbia, her music career soared. She achieved tremendous results at the most prestigious festivals.In 2002, Jelena emerged on the Serbian music scene and her career as a pop singer started to take off. She won over the jury in the superfinal of the TV show 3K DUR which was broadcast on RTS Three with the aim of promoting young talented artists. Later that same year, she was second at the Zrenjanin Festival and won the best novice award. She was the Serbian representative at the prestigious music festivals in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Belarus.
After this turning point in Jelena’s career, she made a huge breakthrough. In 2003, she competed for the first time at the Budva Festival and finished second at the prestigious festival Slavjanski bazar in Belarus.In 2004, she participated with great success in the Beovizija Festival. In 2005, she met Zeljko Joksimovic. She became a member of the Minacord Production Company. At the Beovizija 2005, she sang the song Jutro (Morning) composed by Zeljko Joksimovic and written by Aleksandra Milutinovic and won the top award.
Jelena was considered one of the favourites at the Serbian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. She came second in the final. Later that same year, she sang the soundtrack to the film Ivkova slava which was written by Zeljko Joksimovic.The film pulled in a record number of viewers.In December 2007 Jelena Tomasevic entered the Beovizija 2008 Open Competition with the song Oro composed by Zeljko Joksimovic and written by Dejan Ivanovic.On 10 March, 2008, she won the Serbian national selection having received the highest number of points from both the jury and televoters. She was awarded the best interpretation prize by the selection jury.

France: SEBASTIEN TELLIER - DIVINE

Performer: Sébastien Tellier
Song title: Divine
Song writer(s): Sebastien Tellier / Amandine de La Richardière
Song composer(s): Sebastien Tellier

I’m
Looking for a band today
I see the Chivers anyway
Through my eyes

OH oh oh i'm
I’m alone in life to say
I love the Chivers anyway
‘Cause Chivers look divine

Look away
They try to find the Milky Way

They love to drink it everyday

No no no you
You and I, It's like you said
I’m not a Chivers anyway
You look fine

Oh oh oh I
I’m alone in life to say
I love the Chivers anyway
Cause Chivers look divine

Look away
They try to find the Milky Way

I

Toi et moi C'est comme tu sais
Comment mon coeur a succombe

Oh oh oh I'm
Looking for a band today
I see the Chivers anyway
I ‘ll be a Chivers guy some day
In my mind


After weeks of suspense and rumours, France made up its mind for Belgrade Sébastien Tellier will represent the country with a song titled Divine.
Sebastien Tellier is one of these few rare bred artists, combining virtuosity, humour and overall talent reminding us of entertainers à la Robert Wyatt, Syd Barret or Serge Gainsbourg. His live performances are considered as being intense, emotional experiences hypnotising the audience.

In 2001 Sebastien went on his first world tour with his début album L'Incroyable Verité, as the opening group for AIR, playing 80 dates in total and delivering his uncompromising mixture to an international audience for the first time: His track Fantino was instantly used for Sofia Coppola's highly acclaimed film Lost In Translation. I

t is not only his talent and his physical presence on stage, which confer his shows that special touch, but also Sebastian’s choice of collaborating artists.For his second album, Politics, released in 2004, he teamed up with a wide range of artists, including Tony Allen, the inventor of afro-beat and one of the most influential drummers of his time.

Further Sebastien Tellier collaborated with his long term partner, Pamelia Kurstin, maybe the best Theremin player in the world as well as with the always excellent pianist Simon Dalmais. The results from these collaborations can be more than exhibited. The seminal piece La Ritournelle is widely considered to be one of the most moving love songs ever recorded andwas one of the most anticipated releases in the United Kingdom in 2005.

“One day, Sebastien Tellier’s slow-burning club anthem will be huge”

NME, January 2005.

His work finds a lot of appreciation among fellow artists and got him a place on stage as the opening act on Royksopp's European tour, as well as the The Magic Numbers or Moby's tour support in France. Always searching for new styles and opportunities to develop his musical universe Sebastien Tellier also collaborated with the Bulgarian Symphonic Orchestra or the Parisian Boule Noire Orchestra.

2006 saw the release of Sebastien Tellier's Sessions album, consisting of acoustic reinterpretations from his previous Politics album. Besides keeping himself busy with production, remixing other artists and lending his voice to other musicians Sebastien also made a step into the movie world. He played the main role in Quentin Dupieux's film Non Film, a movie of a charismatic and photogenic leader in a world where we can film without a camera, as well as Dupieux's latest film Steak, released in June 2007.

Furthermore he has produced the soundtrack for Narco, a French production starring Benoît Poelvoorde, Guillaume Canet and Zabou Breitman, as well as contributing to Daft Punk's Electroma film with a track called Universe.

Sébastien Tellier is the latest in a long line of eccentric Frenchmen.

Germany - No Angels - Disappear

Performer: No Angels
Song title: Disappear
Song writer(s): Remee, Hanne Sorvaag & Thomas Troelsen
Song composer(s): Remee, Hanne Sorvaag & Thomas Troelsen

On and on I’ve tried to move it along
(It won’t stop)
Tried to find the strength to turn it around
(It won’t stop)
Everything’s been off since you went away
And time just broke the promise to ease the pain

Cause I need you here
And it’s just not fair
That it won’t get better
Why did you disappear
And we got nowhere
But it won’t stop there
Though you’re gone forever
I can’t make you disappear

Crashing,breaking memories in my mind
(It won’t stop)
Never ever close to getting it right
(It won’t stop)
Best time of my life now it’s washed away
Still the stars they know how to spell your name

Cause I need you here
And it’s just not fair
That it won’t get better
Why did you disappear
And we got nowhere
But it won’t stop there
Though you’re gone forever
I can’t make you disappear

Cause you got into my heart of stone
And I can’t get used to being all alone

Cause I need you here
And it’s just not fair
That it won’t get better
Why did you disappear
And we got nowhere
But it won’t stop there
Though you’re gone forever
I can’t make you disappear


Germany will be represented by the group No Angels. "We welcome new challenges time and again - this is what defines us as a band and as girlfriends, we don't just try and do things the easy way, but we set ourselves goals that give us the possibility to develop as women and as artists," the group says.
Their success story to date remains unique in the world of music and impressively illustrates that no one should underestimate girl power... No Angels took off in 2001 when the band won the first Popstars contest. Their debut single Daylight In Your Eyes and their album Elle'ments went straight to #1 of the Media Control Charts - and then they really kicked off with sold-out tours, countless music and media awards (Echo, Bambi) and gold as well as platinum awards. The albums Now... Us and Pure (top position #1) as well as the swing album When The Angels Swing silenced all critics because, by that time, the No Angels had long shaken off with a smile the clichés and prejudices associated with being a manufactured band. These ladies have rocked an entire nation - everyone simply succumbed to their seductive and energized pop sound and catchy tunes... Following a three-year break, No Angels are back with their brand new album Destiny and have conquered the charts and the hearts of fans with their single Goodbye To Yesterday. This caused a perfect sensation: both single and album went straight to number 4 of the charts - a perfect comeback for the ladies! Hit singles such as Maybe and Amaze Me as well as Teardrops brought out the strength and new quality of performance of the No Angels. And the fans are thrilled!

A childhood dreamNo Angels are back... and ready to write the next chapter of their success story! On 6 March, the No Angels are facing their next challenge and they are full of passion and enthusiasm about it: With their participation in the German preliminary round of the Grand Prix Eurovision Song Contest a childhood dream of the angels has come true. "Millions of people follow this event, every year, so we really enjoy taking part in the preliminary round," Sandy, Nadja, Lucy and Jessica said. The No Angels will present their new song Disappear live and they have a very special reason for choosing the track A Song. According to the band, the sound of A Song "perfectly captures the mood of spring and it's bound to touch a lot of people - not only in Germany." On their fantastic comeback, in 2007, the No Angels comment: "We are proud to be together again. Each one of us is proud of being part of No Angels - this feeling welds us together more than ever before," Lucy describes the band's mood and Nadja adds; "We have always known that we would reunite and make a fresh start as a band. Somehow, it is a new beginning. We have gone through a phase of development during the three-year break, experimenting a lot and we are now returning to the stage with this wealth of knowledge and experience taking the next step together again, as a family."

More easy-goingThe No Angels have worked at a breathtaking speed since their sensational debut and this has shaped the four workaholics and passionate performers and laid the foundation for a new chapter "We have always been prepared to give everything for the band and have set very high personal standards where songs and shows are concerned. Of course, we had our disagreements but they were also important! Each one of us has tried to bring herself and her individual style into the band. Now we have become calmer and more easy-going," Sandy says and Jessica adds; "Each one of us used the opportunity of experimenting with solo projects and petting her own ego. Since we no longer have to prove what we can do as individuals, we can now show what we can do here and now as a group, as the No Angels team."

We are a family!These four ladies know exactly what they want and they say it outright; "The decision to reunite was a very easy one to take. Of course, the No Angels are having a comeback!' But we didn't want to leave anything to chance. We wanted everything to be exactly the way we wanted. We go back such a long time as friends, we know each other inside out and now we can combine the creative, artistic and business sides of our careers in the best possible way," Nadja describes their approach to the No Angels reunion. On their album Destiny, which has been released on 14 March in a Reloaded Deluxe Edition the four women comment; "We have perceived the work for this album in a completely different way. There was a certain feeling of ease in the air, because we have so much fun together. This may sound banal but the most important thing for us is to have fun, to enjoy singing and having fun creating something that no one can take away from us. We are a family!"

UK: Andy Abraham - Even If

Performer: Andy Abraham
Song title: Even If
Song writer(s): Andy Abraham, Andy Watkins & Paul Wilson
Song composer(s): Andy Abraham, Andy Watkins & Paul Wilson

Your keeping me fascinated
No I ain’t running all over town
I feel so intoxicated
I’m struggling to keep
My feet on the ground
I’m not playing girl
This ain’t no game at all
And for the first time
I’m not looking for love
So come here baby
Listen to me
I just want cha
To believe me
Even if the world stops lovin
I could never stop lovin you
Even if the sun stops risin
I still wanna wake up with you
Even if my heart was breakin
I could never break your heart too
Even if all words lost their meaning
You would understand I love you
Your sensuality thrills meIt strips me to my soul
As your reality cures me
Your lovin takes a hold
I’m barely in control
I’m not pretending girl
That ain’t what’s goin on
There’s no room for lies
Ain’t no room at all
So come here baby
Listen to me
I just want cha
To believe me
Even if the world stops lovin
I could never stop lovin you
Even if the sun stops risin
I still wanna wake up with you
Even if my heart was breakin
I could never break your heart too
Even if all words lost their meaning
You would understand I love you
Break it down break it down girl you gotta know
We got to break it down break it down it’s
Time to feel the flow
Break it down break it down girl you gotta know
We got to break it down break it down it’s
Time to feel the flow
Even if the world stops lovin
I could never stop lovin you
Even if the sun stops risin
I still wanna wake up with you
Even if my heart was breakin
I could never break your heart too
Even if all words lost their meaning
You would understand I love you


Six acts participated in the British national final Eurovision - Your Decision, but only one could represent the country in the final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest which will take place in Belgrade on the 24th of May. Five of the contestants had to go home again - but it was Andy Abraham who managed to get the majority of the UK televotes and will be the country's joy in the Beogradska Arena performing Even If.
Andy is a man of mass musical talent, personal integrity... a family man. Andy is a songwriter. A man who has braved and exceeded all expectations and media obstacles over the last four years. Andy is a man who has dealt with the media spotlight with such personality that he has been dubbed the "man and voice of the people" Andy has sold half a million records in less than two years. Andy Abraham is a man of the people. There are no airs and graces. A man who has nurtured his vocal and writing talent for many years and now, on his own terms is set to move on to the world stage. Andy is the UK's chosen representative at the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, Serbia.

Andy co-wrote Even If with his favourite co-writers Andy Watkins and Paul Wilson from Absolute. A team who, like Andy have sold more records than we care to mention. Andy is currently working on his 3rd solo album, also entitled Even If, due for release on 26th May. The single Even If will be physically available on 12th May with digital release two weeks prior.

"I'm freaked out! What can I say - the public and my loyal fans have voted me in and I'm over the moon. They believe like I did that ‘Even If' is a song for the masses. The UK audience have once again been behind me. I'm seriously hoping and I will try my best to make them proud out in Serbia because it is about the song. I really hope people in Europe give the song a chance..." Andy Abraham said, 30 minutes after been chosen by the UK audience.

Andy will be the perfect ambassador for the UK. In a year where his beloved football team (England) have been unable to make the cut for the Euro 2008, Andy sees his performance in Serbia as an opportunity to restore pride to the UK.

From obscurity to chart artist Andy Abraham's meteoric rise to chart star has been what dreams are made of. Andy is exactly as you would expect. He is a father first, the family man who just happens to have the voice to stop you in your tracks.

Andy has sold over half a million albums in less than two years and embarked on a sold out nationwide tour that culminated in a sold out concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London. Andy's hugely loyal fan base will now back him all the way to the Eurovision final in Serbia with the soulful funk and self-penned track Even If. As Andy explains: "It is a soulful love song guaranteed to be appreciated by both British and European music fans alike." Andy is one of the only X Factor contestants that still connect both musically and personally with his mentors on the X Factor Show. Both Sharon Osborne and Simon Cowell, collectively commented that Andy is "the most genuinely nice guy...he looks set to do us all proud in Serbia."

Andy continues to work excitedly on his third album which will comprise original material co-written by Andy and various hugely successful writers & production teams from home and abroad. Andy moves on to the world stage and the next phase of his musical career, where he gets to showcase to the public his own style of music whilst keeping the core of his fans happy. As he says: "I believe it's important to write and be involved in the next stage of my career because I've so much to prove to myself. I take nothing for granted. This is a great journey for me and my family. My family is everything to me. My wife Denise is my manager, and we are embarking on the next stage of my musical journey together." Now is the time for Andy to convey his great vocal ability but also his unique song writing talents. The ride has only just begun....

Andy with a team of trusted and experienced industry executives has put together his own label B-Line Records. The music industry has changed considerably over the last couple of years, with artists taking a greater level of control in their careers. As Andy says: "The opportunities are endless. I have handpicked my own team who share my vision for my career. Whether it is Radiohead, George Michael I am at the coalface of my career."

Portugal: Vânia Fernandes - Senhora do Mar

Performer: Vânia Fernandes
Song title: Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas)
Song writer(s): Carlos Coelho
Song composer(s): Andrej Babić

Senhora do mar
Ante vós, me tendes caída
Quem vem tirar meia da vida e da paz
Desta mesa, desta casa, perdidas?
Amor, qu’é de ti?

Senhora do mar
Ante vós, minha alma está vazia
Quem vem chamar a si o que é meu?
Ó mar alto, traz pr’a mim
Amor meu sem fim!

Ai, negras águas, ondas de mágoas
Gelaram-m’o fogo no olhar
Ele não torna a navegar!
E ninguém vos vê chorar
Senhora do Mar!

Quem vem tirar meia da vida e da paz
Desta mesa, desta casa, perdidas?
Amor, qu’é de ti?

Ai, negras águas, ondas de mágoas,
Gelaram-m’o fogo no olhar.

Feridas em sal, rezas em vão…
Deixai seu coração
Bater junto a mim!

Ai, negras águas, ondas de mágoas
Gelaram-m’o fogo no olhar
Ele não torna a navegar!
E ninguém vos vê chorar
Senhora do Mar!


Vânia Fernandes enjoyed a landslide victory in the Portuguese national selection, and will represent Portugal in the Second Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade with the song Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas)
Vânia was born in Funchal, on the island of Madeira ,and is most popular in Portugal for having won the RTP talent show Operação Triunfo, a Pop Idol kind of programme, in 2008.However, her connection with music dates back to her childhood…

The following are only a few of the main events in which Vânia’s voice stood out, in 2007 she is a final year student of the Instrument – Singing Professional Course, at CEPAM, the Madeira Conservatory, under the guidance of Prof. João Pereira, and a final year student of the Jazz course.

She has several projects in various musical styles, mostly in the field of jazz, among which the project with the Júlio Resende Quartet.In February 2007 she took a training course, as part of the Leonardo da Vinci Project, in the Helsinki Conservatory, representing the Madeira Conservatory.

In October 2006 she participated in Portugal Taste and Madeira Taste in Guernsey and Jersey (USA) respectively, as the representative of the Madeira Regional Government.

In April2006 she won the Reconnaissance Prize at the Jazz Festival, in Lisbon, representing the Madeira Conservatory. In August 2005 she became becomes the Voice Supervisor at the Vozes do Atlântico Festival.

In April 2005 she attended the master class by the baritone Prof. António Salgado, who has a doctorate in Vocal Technique. In August 2004 she participated in the Vozes do Atlântico festival, as chorus supervisor.

In June 2004She was part of the resident band Humberto Fournier Sextet, which opened the Jams at the Irish Pub, during Funchal’s Jazz Festival. In October 2003 she began her piano studies at the Conservatory, with Professor João Luíz.

Also in October2003 – She began, with the band Oficina” her experience as a jazz singer. In November 2002 she began her activity in several musical events, in the field of fado. In October 2001 she began her singing studies at the Conservatory. She also won 1st place at the Vozes da Madeira Festival as well as beginning her professional life as a singer in hotels and bars in the Madeira region, in the field of light/pop/rock music.

In June 2001 she finished her secondary studies and won the contest Talentos à solta, that took place in Calheta. In June 1999 – She won the contest Funchal a Cantar. In June1997 she began her participation in regional shows (such as Madeira em Festa, by João Luís Mendonça), hotels and television shows. In June 1997 She participated, for the first time, in the contest Funchal a Cantar.

F.Y.R. Macedonia: Tamara, Vrcak & Adrian - Let me love you

FYR Macedonia's Business Environment



Performer: Tamara, Vrčak & Adrijan
Song title: Let Me Love You
Song writer(s): Rade Vrchakovski-Vrcak
Song composer(s): Rade Vrchakovski-Vrcak

Let's go, let's go, let's go
What'cha gonna do if I let you know
You're the only one I've been dreaming of
I've never felt love like this before

Let's go, let's go, let's go
Where the moon is full and the lights are low
We can do it so slow, kiss in slow-mo
Until dawn breaks, then I ride out solo

You always knew how to make me cry
I feel so helpless without you
I'm starting to lose my mind
I wanna be with you tonight

The stars above glow like they're making love
I'm running under the moonlight
Alone in this sleepless night
Just to be right by your side

Let me love you
Let me love you
Unfold your angel wings
Fly out from my wildest dreams
Let me love you
Let me love you
Kiss me and let me die
Before you say goodbye

Let's go, let's go, let's go
What'cha gonna do if I let you know
You're the only one I've been dreaming of
I've never felt love like this before
Let's go, let's go, let's go
Where the moon is full and the lights are low
We can do it so slow, kiss in slow-mo
Until dawn breaks, then I ride out solo.

You always knew how to make me cry
Who needs a smile when my tears
Are so full of love inside
And they are stronger than my pride

Let me love you
Let me love you
Unfold your angel wings
Fly out from my wildest dreams
Let me love you
Let me love you
Kiss me and let me die
Before you say goodbye


Tamara, Vrčak & Adrian won the ticket for FYR Macedonia to the Eurovision Song Contest during the 2008 Skopje Festival. They will perform in English in Belgrade with the song Let Me Love You.
Tamara, Vrcak, and Adrijan are young, talented, and very popular performers in Macedonia.

Skopje Music Academy senior student Tamara born in Skopje, 1 June 1985 is definitely one of Macedonia's best female singers. She started her music career in 2001 with a huge hit written by Robert Bilbilov, Dali znam (Do I know?), which she performed at the Suncane Skale Festival in Montenegro the next year. In 2003 she continued to participate in festivals.

The song 1003, performed at the Budva festival in Montenegro, topped the charts. She also performed with her mother Branka, an opera singer, at Ohrid Fest in Macedonia, winning the third prize. Tamara participated three times in Makfest in Stip, Macedonia. In 2004 with Nemirna (Restless), in 2006 Sedmo Nebo (Seventh Heaven) with Vrcak won her the first prize, and in 2007 she had a memorable performance of the ballad Smesno, zar ne? (Funny, isn't it?). The audience in Serbia remembers very well her song Sex with the Belgrade group 187, which was very popular in 2004. The next year, the album Sino (Blue), produced and composed by Aleksandar Masevski, was released, earning an album of the year award.

In 2006, Tamara and Vrcak were a big success with the song Losa devojka(Bad Girl), performed at the Budva Fest.

Tamara has already felt the challenge of the Eurovision Song Contest singing as a backing vocalist for the late Tose Proeski in 2004, and in 2007 she came second at the Macedonian national final.

Rade Vrcakovski-Vrcak was born in Skopje on 17th November 1980. He is a well known composer, songwriter, and performer, whose two albums Kako da pobegnam od se (If I could run away) and Vo tvoeto srce (In your heart), earned him numerous awards for best song, album, songwriter, discovery of the year, most played song.

Although a senior medical student, he has chosen a career in music. Vrcak performed at Makfest three times: in 2001 with Andrijana Janevska he won the second prize, in 2004 with Robert Bilbilov he won the third prize, and finally his duet with Tamara earned him first place.

Vrcak's latest album was released in 2007 and was a huge success, as it was one of the best selling albums in the country. Singles from the album received heavy airplay, as well as making several appearances on MTV Adria. Vrcak was a UNICEF ambassador of goodwill and he was given a Mother Teresa humanitarian award.

Vrcak is also known as the author of the lyrics for the song Ninanajna, which was the Macedonian entry for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. It was actually his idea to write a song for his good friends Tamara and Adrijan and himself! And this is Let Me Love You, the song that won the Skopje Festival 2008, the FYR Macedonian national final!

Tamara, Vrcak, and Adrijan foster different music styles, but the three of them together are a real blast on stage! An outburst of energy, enthusiasm, and great music!

Adrijan was born in Skopje on 13th February 1984. He is a Music High School graduate (viola) currently studying English.

He entered the showbiz world singing at Nota Fest in 2001 and won the first prize, which was the first time for a newcomer to win the majority of votes of the jury and the audience. Adrijan has since become a household name both in FYR Macedonia and Albania, having released four albums, three in Albanian and one in FYR Macedonian.

He is well known for his attractive stage performances thanks to his dancing and choreography skills. Adrijan won the first prize at Videofest, a best male performer award at Topfest, twice won a best video award at the Video Festival in Tirana, best stage performance at Makfest, first prize at Ohrid Fest. In 2006 his duet with the famous Esma Redzepova won the second place at the Macedonian Eurovision Song Contest final. Adrijan is constantly on tour, not only in FYR Macedonia and Albania, but also in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Switzerland

Cyprus - Evdokia Kadi: Femme Fatale

Performer: Evdokia Kadi
Song title: Femme Fatale
Song writer(s): Vangelis Evangelou
Song composer(s): Nicos Evagelou

Γεια σου μάγκα, είμαι’γω γυναίκα και ανήκω σ’ένα φύλο που το λέτε «ασθενές»Ντελικάτη πιο λεπτή κι’αδύναμη από κάθε αρσενικό που τριγυρνά στον καφενέΟ καλός Θεούλης με λυπήθηκεκαι μου’δωσε ένα όπλο που με κάνει δυνατήΜου’πε «Μην φοβάσαι εσύ κορίτσι μου τον άντρα θα τον έχεις πάντα σε .....υποταγή!»Μπαμ και κάτω σ’έριξα στα δύκτια μου και μ’ένα κοίταγμα μου σου θολώνω την ματιάΜπαμ και μέσα στα όνειρα σου τρύπωσα και κούνια που σε κούναγε γιατί είμαι έγω Θεα!

MEN’S CHORUS: Μπαμ και κάτω μ’έριξες στα δύκτια σου και μ’ένα κοίταγμα σου μου θολώνεις την ματιά“Femme Fatale” στα όνειρα μου τρύπωσες και κούνια που με κούναγε γιατί είσαι εσύ Θεα!

EVDOKIA:Κι’όλο εσύ να μου μιλάς γεμάτος πάθος να κοιτάςΣαν γλυκός πιστός φρουρός ξανά μ’ακολουθάς

MEN’S CHORUS: “Femme Fatale” και το μυαλό μου κόλλησε στα μάγια που μου έκανε η δική σου τσαχπινιάΜπαμ και κάτω μ’έριξες κορίτσι μου και τ’ασθενές το φύλο μου σκλαβώνει την καρδιά!

EVDOKIA: Μπαμ και πάλι το μυαλό σου κόλλησε στα μάγια που σου έκανε η δική μου τσαχπινιάΜπαμ και κάτω έπεσες αγόρι μου και τ’ασθενές το φύλο σου σκλαβώνει την καρδιά!

MEN’S CHORUS: Κι’όλο εγώ να σου μιλώ γεμάτος πάθος να κοιτώΣαν γλυκός πιστός φρουρός ξανά σ’ακολουθώ και...

EVDOKIA:Μπαμ και κάτω πέσατε στα δύκτια μου και μ’ένα κούνημα μου σας ταράζω τα νερά“Femme Fatale” στα όνειρα σας τρύπωσα και ζήτω που καήκατε γιατί είμαι έγω Θεα!Μπαμ και πάλι το μυαλό σας κόλλησε στα μάγια που σας έκανε η δική μου τσαχπινιάΜπαμ βρε μάγκες όλοι σας την πάθατε γιατί είμαι εγώ γυναίκα που τους άντρες κυβερνά!

MEN’S CHORUS:“Femme Fatale”, “Femme Fatale”, “Femme Fatale”.


Evdokia Kadi has been chosen to represent Cyprus at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. Surrounded by dancers, she sang Femme Fatale to victory. Her song was awarded 104 points by a jury and televoters, only 4 points more than runner-up Nikolas Metaxas.
Evdokia Kadi was born in Nicosia in 1981.

She started singing in 2001, in a student café of the University of Cyprus. She took part in different concerts in Cyprus and abroad alongside several Greek and Cypriot singers and performers.

She has been performing as a lead singer at various venues in Cyprus.In 2006 she joined the CyBC Folk Orchestra. She is currently preparing her first solo album.

Evdokia won the Cypriot national selection by a narrow margin, and will take her charismatic performance of Femme Fatale to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Belgrade.

Malta: Morena - Vodka

Performer: Morena
Song title: Vodka
Song writer(s): Gerard James Borg
Song composer(s): Philip Vella

Vodka
Na zdarovye!Na zdarovye!

The hunt is still on
Here in Gorkiy Park
I’m in Danger Zone
Everywhere is pitch dark
I’m running away
To a blanket of snow
“Spy 1 to Spy 4 I’ve deciphered the code”

VODKA that’s the secret word
VODKA and they want it so bad
VODKA I’ve deciphered the code
Got a rush in the head VODKA
A transparent word

Na zdarovye!- -Na zdarovye!

Cold blood drums within
They breathe down my neck
Spy 1 to Spy 4 we just have to connect
Their footsteps are near
Closing in for the kill
My pulse has gone dead
With a heart-racing chill

VODKA that’s the secret word
VODKA and they want it so bad
VODKA I’ve deciphered the code
Got a rush in the head VODKA
A transparent word

Na zdarovye!- -Na zdarovye!


Morena has won the 2008 Malta Song For Europe Festival with the song Vodka, by Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg and thus will represent the island at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade.
She is 23…

She has been described as the Mediterranean Volcano….

She has got one of the most particular voices in Malta, and she sings anything from rock to progressive pop….

“SPY 1 to SPY 4…… I’ve deciphered the code”…. It’s MORENA.

This dynamic singer hails from the island of Gozo, and has swept through the local music scene like a tornado, winning some of the most prestigious festivals, which include Festival Kanzunetta Maltija and being awarded Palma Tad- Deheb (Golden Palm Award) for her achievements.

Relatively new to the music scene, she has always been highly interested in singing ever since she was a little girl and danced in front of the mirror with a broomstick. Coached by her elder sister Georgina, who is a soprano, she slowly but surely began to develop her vocal talent. Once she was 18 she became the lead singer of the band Spectrum, and is still their front liner till this very day.

In 2006, she was offered to sing in a duet with Paul Giordimiana. The song was called Time, and this was Morena’s first taste of the Malta Song for Europe festival. She placed 9th, but soon realised she was not about to give up on winning the golden ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest. Hurricane Morena would be back!

Meanwhile she took part in several TV shows, and continued her collaboration with well known composer/producer Philip Vella, with whom she had worked in the past.

In the last year, she also met Gerard James Borg who immediately was very impressed by Morena, and the successful song-writing duo decided to invest their time and energy in the Mediterranean Volcano.VODKA, was the result of one of their works, and soon enough Morena was recording in the studios.

A few months later she was performing on the Malta Song for Europe podium, belting out the catchy song which she prefers to describe as progressive pop. She won the festival, winning the media’sand people’s hearts on the way, and now she is ready to VODKA her way to the Eurovision Song Contest!“SPY 1 to SPY 4…. You just have to connect”.

Hungary: CSEZY - SZIVVERES (CANDLELIGHT)

Performer: Csézy
Song title: Candlelight
Song writer(s): Imre Mózsik (English) Jánosi (Hungarian)
Song composer(s): Viktor Rakonczai

Weeks go by
Summer scents expire
Autumn leaves, memories
An untold desire

It burns in me
Waiting patiently
Never sleeps or tires
But grows by the hour

Come (and) wake me from this lonely place
All I want is you
If you take me to the stars and back
I will know my dream is true

I will fly tonight
Forever keep you in my heart
Make it feel so right
When you love me by sweet
Candlelight
Hold me ‘till the morning shine
All my fears subside
When I look into your eyes

So step inside
And place your hand into mine
What you are is a blessing to my life
Hát Istenem most légy velem küldd el hozzám őt
Nem számít mennyi még, olyan jó rá várni

I will fly tonight
Forever keep you in my heart
Make it feel so right
When you love me by sweet
Candlelight
Hold me ‘till the morning shine
All my fears subside
When I look into your eyes


Csézy has won Eurovíziós Dalverseny 2008, the Hungarian national selection, with the song Szívverés which has subsequently been translated as Candlelight and will thus represent Hungary in the second Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday, 22nd of May in Belgrade.
Csézy won the Hungarian national selection of the Eurovision Song Contest with the song named Candlelight, and she will participate in the Semi-Final in Belgrade. The local final took place in Budapest, and during the show 15 songs were performed. Among the contestants, not only newcomers, but also highly popular singers and bands tried to achieve the first place. The Hungarian viewers voted for Csézy, the young, beautiful and exquisitely talented singer.

Csézy was born in November, 1979 in a small town far from the capital, called Mezőkövesd.

Her childhood was a little bit different from the one of average children, since Csézy's parents considered it extremely important to provide high-level musical education to their daughter from a very young age. This lead to her comprehensive musical qualification, which covers various fields, she is not only a singer of great talent and much creativity, but also plays on the piano.

Csézy graduated from the Béla Bartók Music Department of the University of Miskolc. Afterfinishing school, she toured with intensity in the company of her former classmates, and they did not have to wait too long for their first success. In Spain, the group won the first prize at an international contest where they were singing local folk and polyphonic songs. If we are talking about folk music, mention must be made that Csézy was born in a family which is proud to preserve Hungarian folk traditions, namely she is the last descendant of the worldwide famous Matyó dynasty.

In 2007, Csézy's childhood dream came true when her debut album hit the shelves of Hungarian music stores. There was no doubt about her classical background, but in order to gain a wider audience, she wanted to show her talent in the field of pop music as well. The first single from the album became a huge success in Hungary, since local radio stations picked up the moving ballad immediately. The spectacular, visually fantastic video prepared for the song also remained in high rotation of Hungarian music TV channels for weeks.

Candlelight,the song that Csézy will perform in English at the Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, is another beautiful, heartbreaking ballad. The composer is Viktor Rakonczai, its lyrics were written by Imre Mozsik. Viktor Rakonczai's name might be familiar to those who have been following the history of Eurovision Song Contest, as he was one of the singers of the boygroup named VIP which, representing Hungary, had attended the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1997. At that time they finished the contest in an outstanding 12th position. Now Viktor is eager to return to stage of Eurovision as a musician, since he will accompany Csézy on the piano at the event.

It is also worth saying a few words about the superb background vocalists. The four guys are members of the a cappella vocal band called Fool Moon. The band was formed in 2001 by five young men, each with a solid background in classical and light music. The group has been invited to take part in numerous a capella events and festivals throughout Austria, Germany and The Netherlands. Fool Moon is also the winner of several international contests of the said music genre: the International Ward Swingle A Capella Contest in Graz in 2005 as well as the Sixth Taiwan A Capella Contest in 2006 just to name a few.

So now, the future for Csézy looks brighter than ever, and she is ready to conquer Europe by singing the fantastic song, Candlelight.

Csézy will represent the Hungarian Television at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade

Georgia: Diana Gurtskaya - Peace will come

Performer: Diana Gurtskaya
Song title: Peace Will Come
Song writer(s): Karen Kavaleryan
Song composer(s): Kim Breitburg

Look the sky is crying cold bitter tears
Weeping for the people lost in fear
While we fight for nothing my eyes run dry
Are you still so blind to ask me why...why

Say it out loud peace will come
Everybody shout peace will come
When you stop and tame your rage
Something's gotta change
Something's gotta change

Say it out loud peace will come
Everybody shout peace will come
Blow the trumpet beat the drum
Peace will come

Sometimes words kill faster than bullets do
And the face of war is never true
Kids with guns are always too young to die
Are you still so deaf to ask me why...why

My land is still crying
Torn in half
My world is slowly dying
My heart is only crying
Peace and love


In what was largely a two horse race in the Georgian national selection, Diana Gurtskaya won with the song Peace Will Come and will be only the second ever representative at the Eurovision Song Contest from Georgia.
Diana Gurtskaya was born on July, 2nd, 1979 in Abkhazia in Georgia. She is blind from birth. During the armed conflict in Abkhazia, her family was forced to remove from their native town and she stayed in a camp for refugees and later moved to Russia.

In 1995 she finished boarding school for blind and visually impaired children in Tbilisi. While studying at a special school she was successfully educated at a musical school in the piano class.

Diana was 10 years old when she first performed on a stage of the Tbilisi Philharmonic Hall. The specific manner of singing of the small girl brought to her unanimous public recognition.

Outstanding vocal talent, ambition and hard work, let Diana become the winner of the international festival of young singers Yalta-Moscow-Transit in 1995 and receive a special prize of the jury.

Her talent and constant desire to improve her skills led Diana to become a brilliant student at GnesinichMusical School in Moscow, Russia, in a class of variety vocal. After her graduation, in 1999 Diana began her independent singing career.

In 1999 Diana became the laureate of the contest Slaviansky Bazar in Vitebsk, Belarus. She repeatedly became the laureate of the trophy Zolotoy Gramafon, festivals, Song of the Year, Ovation and many others.

Diana is honoured with state awards of different countries, including the Honour Award in Georgia, the Honored artist of the Russian Federation and the Award of Saint Barbara in Ukraine amongst others.

Diana Gurtskaya's talent is esteemed not only in Georgia and Russia, but also in many countries of the world. She successfully performed in Madison Square Gardens in New York, also in Canada, Israel and the states of the former USSR. Diana's duets with world celebrities, such as Toto Cutugno, Demis Roussos, Ray Charles and others are very popular.

In 2003 she entered in the Russian Academy of a Theatrical Art where she is still studying.

Besides art and singing, Diana conducts public and charity activities. In 2004her personal initiative was established, Diana Gurtskaya's Charity Fund On call of heart, in order to help blind and visually impaired children. The singer regularly visits orphan's houses and special schools for disabled children.

Recently Diana has released two albums; You are here and You know, Mum, songs from which remain constant hits. The third album is being prepared to be released.

Diana is married to a wellknown Moscow lawyer Peter Kucherenko. In June 2007 their son Konstantin was born.

Denmark - Simon Mathew - All night long

Performer: Simon Mathew
Song title: All Night Long
Song writer(s): Jacob Launbjerg, Svend Gudiksen & Nis Bøgvad
Song composer(s): Jacob Launbjerg, Svend Gudiksen & Nis Bøgvad

The sun is up
I'm feeling great
I'm just enjoying life
Right here in the shade
Lets take a ride, right away
I'll be by your side
So easy, the easy life
Celebrate the good times

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long

Who's to tell
What's to come
All I know is tomorrow
Today will be gone
Get out, out of bed
Put on your blue suede shoes
Get up, up and dance
Celebrate the good times

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long

If your life is like a sad song maybe
You should try and celebrate it, celebrate it

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long

All night long
All night long
Celebrate good times
Come on
All night long



The Danish television viewers decided to send Simon Mathew with All Night Long to the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, Serbia.
Simon Mathew is 24 years old and was born in Grenå, in mid Jutland. At the age of 9, he and his large family moved to the town of Hirtshals in North Jutland where he lived until he moved to Copenhagen four years ago in order to be able to focus more on his music.

Music itself and the performing aspects of it, have always been an important ingredient in the life of the young vicar’s son, who was the singing and performing child in a large group of brothers and sisters, in Simon’s case since he was six years old. First as a member of a gospel choir, later on still more often with his older sisters, primarily Rebekka and Sabina.

Simon Mathew’s favourite genre has always been pop, he has performed with his own or other people’s songs, and at the age of 15, he made an agreement with a publishing firm which was to handle the rights of his songs that were to make out his first album.However, financial cuts and relocations in the record company prevented his album from becoming reality.

This did not discourage Simon Mathew. On the contrary, he continued performing and also recorded a promotion video, and his first successful attempt to win national fame was made in the talent contest Scenen Er Din (the Danish equivalent of the international TV-show Star Search), where he presented When I Get You Alone, and later You're the Voice, before he won the prize with I Don't Wanna Be.

That certainly paved the way for his first album, Simon Mathew, which was released in 2005. Many of the songs turned out to have hit qualities in them, first and foremostDreamer which was a number one on the Propaganda List, but also These Arms, which has not only been played frequently on Danish radio stations but has also become number one on the socalled Tjeklisten.

In addition to his increasing number of concerts in cafés and other smaller musical stages, Simon Mathew has started a lecture tour on youth related issues, problems that are specifically related to institutions where he has given these speeches.

Simon Mathew has also teamed up singers and entertainers who have performed with different shows including lectures, stand-up, song and music typically dealing with issues a little more serious than usual.

The interest in Simon Mathew has certainly not diminished as a result of his performance in the TV show Vild Med Dans (fDanish version of the BBC’s show Strictly Come Dancing), and in between, he has held the odd job in a video store, and he has found the time and energy to record a single called, Never Another You.

After attending school, first in Grenå and later in Hirtshals, Simon Mathew has taken no other formal education. He gave up after a mere three months at the so-called MGK – Musical Base Course - in Ishøj, Copenhagen, because he much preferred the performing life on the stage.

Currently, he is taking an admission course to be admitted into the Danish police force, a job of his choosing, not only because he wishes to work with other people but also because his job as a lecturer on youth issues has given him an acute interest in police work.

Bulgaria: Deep Zone & Balthazar - DJ, Take Me Away

Performer: Deep Zone & Balthazar
Song title: DJ, Take Me Away
Song writer(s): Dian Savov
Song composer(s): Dian Savov

When the night falls down I want you
DJ please take me away

And when the lights go down I need you
DJ please take me away

I’ll take you away

Take me away


The Bulgarian representatives for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest have been selected. It's Deep Zone & Balthazar. Their song DJ, Take Me Away is a contemporary dance track with an energetic stage performance.
Deep Zone Project was formed in 2000 by three musicians, DJ’s and studio engineers, who are recognised in Eastern Europe for their talent for song writing and making club anthems.

After the release of their debut album Ela Izgeiin 2002, DJ Dian, Rossko, Luybomir Savov (Dian’s father) and Joanna aka Deep Zone Project, were nominated in a smashing five categories at the 2002 MM TV Music Awards. The Award Best Song was well deserved as their track Ela Izgrei was massive hit around the Balkans. In the next year 2003 they left the MM TV Awards Ceremony with another award - their track Without Caffeine won the Best Club Track of the Year.

Their massive hit DJ, Take Me Away has reached Number 2 Position at MTV Europe’s World Chart Express, and won the Bulgarian Eurovision 2008 song contest selection process.


The collaboration with DJ Balthazar took the group to another dimension with their massive national club tours Welcome To The Loop and Red Line (20 dates each), which gathered an audience of more than 30000 people.

Joanna Dragneva, aka Joanna, the lead vocal of Deep Zone, was born in Sofia 21 years ago and soon she discovered that she was born for music and television. At age ten, she started studying at the Lyubomir Pipkov Bulgarian National Music School. At the moment, she studies at the Pancho Vladigerov National Music Academy in Sofia, specialising in percussion and pop & jazz singing.

All along, Joanna has been anchor of Bon-Bon TV show at Bulgarian National Television (BNT). Joanna was backing vocal of the Bulgarian pop stars Georgi Hristov, Nely Rangelova, Krum, and others. In 2005, she became anchour of Melo TV Mania show on BNT, and since the next year till now Joanna has been a reporter in Everybody in front of the TV screen show of BNT.

Joanna has played percussions at the Sofia Youth Philharmonic band and at the American symphonic orchestra. Since 2006, Joanna has been vocal and percussion player in Deep Zone & Big Band.

Balthazarstarted DJ'ing in 1998 and now he is known as one of the most respected and popular DJs and producers in Bulgaria.

He has performed at every major club in his country as well as on many big raves and various radio and TV shows. His international gigs have taken him to nearly 20 European countries including England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Malta and Cyprus, to name a few.

Very often he plays at special events alongside well known and respected DJ's or Live acts. Balthazar is also owner of the Renesanz agency, with which he promotes numerous parties and books foreign house and techno DJ's for selected clubs and events. 4 times a year Renesanz organizes big raves for more than 2000 people.

With this Balthazar has become one of the biggest promoters in electronic music in Bulgaria. Since 2003 he has been producing music with his studio partner JackRock and they released so far more than 50 tracks/remixes on different labels. Balthazar's own style varies between groovy/minimal techno and electro/tribal/progressive house, always corresponding with the newest records on the scene. Usually his sets are quite energetic and technically perfect.

Croatia: Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cent - Romanca

Performer: Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cents
Song title: Romanca
Song writer(s): Miran Hadži Veljković
Song composer(s): Miran Hadži Veljković

VIDIŠ PRIJATELJU JA PAMTIM SVE
I MORAM TI REĆ DA IZMEĐU OVE
I MILION DRUGIH PJESAMA
NE POSTOJI RAZLIKA

Jer život taj za nama briše tragove
U dobru noć on pušta čudne vragove
Pa svaki san je hladnim suncem obasjan
A sjećanja su skoro sva ugasnula

Da pitaš me još samo jedno znao bih
Da boje sve tek s ovom rimom postoje
A noć i dan su nekog stiha trag
I nestat će kad naše pjesme izbljede

Zasvirajte noćas tu romansu
Tiho nježno da me razboli
Tugu kad umire slavuj
Kad se duša s tijelom razdvoji

Zasvirajte noćas tu romansu
Al polako da je čuju svi
Neka opet sviraju gitare
Već odavno nisam slušo njih

GOVORE MI DANAS
DA SAM U BANANI
TEHNOLOŠKI OTPAD
KO MAJMUN NA GRANI

A JA SAM BIO PRVI
INTERNET NA SVIJETU
NA BRODOVIMA S GLAZBOM
UMREŽIO PLANETU

Pamtim i sad sve snove svojih pjesama
Sva maštanja i lica što su nestala
Ko sjene su još dio mojih buđenja
Zarobljena u mene davno utkana


After a nervy jury voteand televote in Croatia, Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cents won the national final Dora'08 and will represent the country at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with Romanca.
Kraljevi ulice (Kings of the Street), are a legendary band of street performers whose story begins in 1987.

The members are Miran Hadži Veljković and Zlatko Petrović Pajo. They often perform as a quartet with the help of their friends and great musicians, the irreplaceable Ladislav Demeterffy Laci on the accordion and Zoran Lovrić Zoc. They have won over the hearts of sympathisers of all ages with their performances and charm.

For the last ten years Kraljevi Ulice have successfully organised street festivals and events. They're the authors of the Cest is d' Best' festival, a Martin is in Zagreb event and Summer on Stross. They organise Marks Fair and Promenade Concerts. They are also the initiators of one of the most important city events today, Advent in the Heart of Zagreb.

Kraljevi Ulice will be joined by 75 Cents on stage for their Eurovision Song Contest entry Romanca.

Latvia: Pirates Of The Sea - Wolves of the Sea

Performer: Pirates Of The Sea
Song title: Wolves Of The Sea
Song writer(s): Jonas Liberg/Johan Sahlen/Claes Andreasson/Torbjorn Wassenius
Song composer(s): Jonas Liberg/Johan Sahlen/Claes Andreasson/Torbjorn Wassenius

With a hii hii hoo and a hii hii hey!
We‘re hoisting the flag to be free
We will steal the show, Jolly Rogers go
We are wolves of the sea

Don’t try to run it’s all set and done
There’s treasure in sight
We are robbing you blind I hope you don’t mind
We are taking it all tonight

Just walk away we'll count it all
Pirates will stand and the loser will fall

With a hii hii hoo and a hii hii hey
We’re bound to be close to the sea
Our captain will stand on the bridge and sing
Pirates are all we can be

With a hii hii hoo and a hii hii hey!
We‘re hoisting the flag to be free
We will steal the show, Jolly Rogers go
We are wolves of the sea

Down to the core we’re coming for more
With a sword close at hand
We are scary and bold chest full of gold
We get sealegs when sighting land

The hook of our captain is looking at you
There’s no Peter Pan so what can you do

With a hii hii hoo and a hii hii hey!
We‘re hoisting the flag to be free
We will steal the show, Jolly Rogers go
We are wolves of the sea


After a series of Semi Finals, and a Grand Final ofEirodziesma 2008 in Latvia, Pirates Of The Sea sailed to a famous victory with the song Wolves Of The Sea and will represent Latvia in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.
The Tremendous Trio are :

Aleksandra Kurusova, a frequent Latvian champion at Sport Dances, student of foreign languages at Latvia University and the winner ofthe Latvian edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

Jānis Vaišļa,an adventurous traveller, TV and radio moderator, producer, cameraman. A real pirate himself, he spent 2 years sailing around the world.

Roberto Meloni, a singer who represented Latvia at the Eurovison Song Contest in 2007 as a member of the group Bonaparti.lv. Roberto is an Italian who since the year 2002 has been living in Latvia. He has participated in such musicals that where staged in Latvia as The Robinsons Treasures, West Side Story and Les Misérables.

With a Swedish song entitled Wolves of the Sea, this almighty team call themselves the Pirates Of The Sea, and will represent Latvia at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, Serbia.

Wolves of the Sea is a story about the historical endeavours of our ancestors, and tells of their backbreaking lives, rebellious spirit, freedom, masculinity and tenderness while showing their patriotism and love for the planet earth, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Belarus: Ruslan Alehno - Hasta la Vista

Performer: Ruslan Alehno
Song title: Hasta La Vista
Song writer(s): Eleonora Melnik
Song composer(s): Taras Demchuk

You shone on me like a blinding star
I’ve just never seen such a light so far
All my days like fairy tales

I begged you to look in my loving eyes
But you were as cold as Arctic ice
And your laugh
Has killed my love

The story is close to the final cut
It won’t be the end but a running start
So don’t be upset please don’t ask me why
I say goodbye

Hasta la vista baby
I'm gonna miss you maybe
You can be really happy
Though it’s not fair
Hasta la vista baby
I'm gonna miss you maybe
Hasta la vista blame me
But I don’t care

No way to repair the broken glass
There’s nothing to share nor to discuss
Now I see
You’re not for me
You’ve cast me away to a desert shore
You’ve shattered my heart now you keep the score
Have a rest
You’ve done your best

The story is close to the final cut
It won’t be the end but a running start
So don’t you pretend you can’t get it why
I say goodbye.

Hasta la vista baby
I'm gonna miss you maybe
You can be really happy
Though it’s not fair
Hasta la vista baby
I'm gonna miss you maybe
Hasta la vista blame me
But I don’t care

Hasta la vista
Hasta la vista


Ruslan Alehno has been chosen to represent Belarus at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. He will sing Hasta La Vista in Belgrade.
Ruslan Alehno was born in 1981 in the Belarussian town of Bobruisk.His musical abilities were revealed in early childhood, when he started to take bayan classes. However it was not enough for the young talent, and on leaving musical school Ruslan could already play the guitar, tube, piano and drums.

When he was 16, Ruslan wrote his first musical composition. The role ofthe only spectator andcritic as well was given to his mother. At that time Ruslan couldn't even imagine that the real life story, which had evoked the content of his first composition, would appear again someday in his future hit Hasta la vista.

In his motherland, Belarus, Ruslan Alehno has already improved his image as successful singer. This was confirmed by the huge number of his victories at different vocal competitions, song contests and festivals. In 2001Ruslan was the winner of Belarussian TV project Hit-Moment , in 2003 he was the winner in Clear Voice nomination Crossroads of Europe festival in Belarus and also laureate of Molodechno-2003 vocal contest in Belarus.

Theinternational festival Malvy 2004 in Poland brought to Ruslan one more new victory.But the most important achievement in the musical career of Ruslan Alehno was his victory in Russian TV-project People's Artist-2 (Russian version of Pop-Idol). It gave him the possibility to access the wide audience of pop music fans, for them to discover a new performer and also a sensual, open-hearted, sincere hero, whose songs and voice had conquered lot's of women hearts.

In 2005, Ruslan released his first album Sooner or Later.In 2008 Ruslan Alehno became the winner of National Television Musical project EuroFest, what gave him the opportunity to represent Republic of Belarus at the most popular and prestigious musical international contest in Europe Eurovision Song Contest 2008. "Take part to win!" said the Head of Eurofest, People's artist of Belarus Aleksandr Tihanovich.

Czech Republic: Tereza Kerndlová - Have some fun

Performer: Tereza Kerndlová
Song title: Have Some Fun
Song writer(s): Gordon Pogoda
Song composer(s): Gordon Pogoda & Stano Simor

Sometimes we open a door to hope
Then baby we’re hopin’ the door won’t close
We look all around our future is standing there
Can’t you see you’re my future?
We really get along
Just like the sun goes with the sunshine
Like a grape goes with a grapevine
But you think In a blink that I’ll be bad to you

If you wanna have some fun, don’t run
Don’t turn away from me when I’m the one
If you wanna know real love and have some fun
Hmm then baby don’t run

I know your history makes you shy
Oh babe it’s no mystery why you fly
I’m not like the girls ... the girls who just come and go
And with me you won’t go solo
We really get along
Just like the stars go with the starshine
Like a ring goes with a bell chime
But you say I won’t stay you think I’ll pull away

If you wanna have some fun, don’t run
Don’t turn away from me when I’m the one
I´m the one who shakes your clouds away
Whenever rainy days make you insane
If you wanna have some fun, don’t run
Don’t walk away when I´m your summer sun
If you wanna know real love and have some fun
Hmm Then baby don’t run

I’ll even walk you to the moon
Walk down the beach all afternoon
I just wanna be your friend for ... fun fun fun

If you wanna have some fun, don’t run
Don’t turn away from me when I’m the one
I´m the one who shakes your clouds away
Whenever rainy days make you insane
If you wanna have some fun, don’t run
Don’t walk away when I´m your summer sun
If you wanna know real love and have some fun
Hmm Then baby don’t run



For the second time, Czech broadcaster CT organised their national final Eurosong, which again was held in Prague. From the ten songs participating, Have Some Fun performed by Tereza Kerndlová was chosen by an SMS vote to represent the Czech Republic at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.
Tereza Kerndlová was born on 6th October 1986 in Brno.

Tereza is the daughter of swing singer Láda Kerndl, and has been sailing around Europe accompanying her musician father on boats since she was two and a half years old.


She was in Iva Bittová’s choir for five years and has been in step dancingcompetitions for five years and is the six-times winner of the Czech title, has won the European Championships and came sixth in the World Championships.

Tereza has been dubbing for six years and has dubbed over 200 serials and films. At the age of eight she began performing with her father and his orchestra, Jazz Friends going on to work with well-known Czech big bands.She sang with her father on eight of his CDs for which they have received several gold and platinum discs.

In 2000 Tereza was approached when the girl band Black Milk was formed. In June 2001 she, Tereza Černochová and Helena Zeťová recorded the CD Modrej Dým (Blue Smoke). In 2002 they won the Český Slavík (Czech Nightingale) award for best new band as well as the Akademie award, the next year they recorded their second CD Sedmkrát (Seven Times). Both CDs went gold and platinum.

In the spring of 2005 Tereza left Black Milk to start her solo album Orchidej (Orchids) .For a year Tereza was the face for the Maybelline New York brand. She also did a photo shoot to make a calendar for the company Balmain, with whom she works.

On the 5th of November 2007, Tereza released her second solo album Have Some Fun. The disc was recorded in Belgium with producer Stan Šimor. A number of well-known musicians contributed to the record, amongst them, Gordon Pogoda who wrote one of the songs for the global hit series Sex and the City. It was with the title track that she won the Czech Republic’s national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.

Switzerland: Paolo Meneguzzi - Era Stupendo

Performer: Paolo Meneguzzi
Song title: Era Stupendo
Song writer(s): Pablo Meneguzzo & Vincenzo Incenzo
Song composer(s): Pablo Meneguzzo

C'è una parte di me
Che tacere non sa quando
Guardo l'odio che c'è
Il dolore la povertà
Mi rivedo bambino io
Che correvo nel blu
Era stupendo

Volare via
Sfidare il vento la fantasia
La tua mano e la mia
Nella stessa poesia
Era stupendo

Ma una notte vedrai
Dal destino uscirò giuro
Se la vita ci aspetterà
Torneremo laggiù
Sarà stupendo

Volare via
Sfidare ancora la fantasia
E poi la tua mano e la mia
Nella stessa poesia
Era stupendo

Era stupendo

Perché non c'è pace finché
Tutti pensano a sé
Era stupendo
Era stupendo


Paolo Meneguzzi will represent Switzerland at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. 31-year old Meneguzzi is particularly known in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and Italy.
Ever since he was a child, Paolo Meneguzzi has had a passion for music, a passion which was also shared by his family: his grandfather, Franco, a multitalented artiste, gave him a guitar when he was young, so young in fact that he could barely hold it. From then on, the path to working as a professional singer has been marked by strong commitment but also by many trials and tribulations especially with his family, given that his father did not look kindly on the fact that Paolo gave up his job in a bank in order to turn his hobby into a risky enterprise. Thanks to his mother’s support, Paolo overcame these difficulties and stubbornly cultivated his passion. He then met his manager, Massimo Scolari, who thanks to the great success achieved in South America, managed to elevate Paolo to the level of those privileged few who are able to make a living from music, thereby allowing Paolo to fulfil his father’s expectations.

1996: He wins the famous Viña del Mar Festival in Chile with his song Arià Ariò.

2001: He took part in the Sanremo Festival in Italy in the "Young Musicians Section", where his Ed Io Non Ci Sto Più came seventh.

2002: His first Italian hit arrived the following year with his single In Nome Dell’Amore recorded at the Olympic studio and Metropolis studio in London. In just a few weeks this track raced up the charts staying at the top of the singles charts for over two months.

2003: His second single VeroFalso was released; it took just three weeks for it to reach the top five in the Music Control charts. In October of the same year his third single Lei è was released. The album of the same name, released in October went double platinum, selling more than 200’000 copies.

2004: He took part in the 54th Sanremo Festival with the song Guardami negli occhi (Prego) which came fourth. The track immediately charted at number one in the Music Control charts.
In June his new single Baciami was released; it was one of the songs with most airplay in Italy.
In autumn Paolo Meneguzzi debuted in France with In Nome Dell’Amore (Au Nom De L’amour), a duet with Ophélie, who won the French edition of Pop Idol. The track broke into the top 10 in France and after not much more than a month had already sold 100’000 copies.

2005: Paolo starred at the 55th Sanremo Festival with his song Non Capiva Che L’amavo, which reached the Italian top 10. His album Favola, released in March then went platinum.

2007: He came sixth in the 57th Sanremo Festival with the song Musica. The single went straight to number one in Italy and stayed there for six weeks.
At the end of November 2007 his live Musica Tour, CD and DVD were released; the show was filmed by TSI - Televisione svizzera. An intense two-hour show containing his many radio hits, juxtaposed with tracks taken from his latest album.

2008: He presented his new single Grande at the 58th Sanremo Festival where he came sixth out of 20 participants. In March his new album Corro Via was relaesed.

Albania: Olta Boka - Zemren e lame peng

Performer: Olta Boka
Song title: Zemrën E Lamë Peng
Song writer(s): Pandi Laço
Song composer(s): Adrian Hila

Ora si zemër troket
Ora e çmendur rend
Akrepa nuk ka
Kohën vodhe ti nga jeta ime

Bora e zërit tënd
Mbi zemrën time ra
Mbuloi,Strehën e fundit, Të dashurisë

Dhe ndalen akrepat atje

Ditë pas dite ne
Rrahje pas rrahje
Më kot kërkuam
Or’ e përkryer, Një zemër jo kurrë s’mund të jetë
Natë pas nate ne
Rrahje pas rrahje
Ne të larguar
Por jo nuk mundëm
Se zemrën të dy e lame peng

Ora si zemër troket
Ora e çmendur rend
Akrepa nuk ka
Kohën vodhe ti nga jeta ime

Bora e zërit tënd
Mbi zemrën time ra
Mbuloi,Strehën e fundit, Të dashurisë

Dhe ndalen akrepat atje

Ditë pas dite ne
Rrahje pas rrahje
Më kot kërkuam
Or’ e përkryer, Një zemër jo kurrë s’mund të jetë
Natë pas nate ne
Rrahje pas rrahje
Ne të larguar
Por jo nuk mundëm
Se zemrën të dy e lame peng


Olta Boka is the winner of this year's Festivali i Këngës and thus the artist representing Albania in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. She won the first prize with her song Zemrën E Lamë Peng,
Olta Boka, at only 16 years of age,is the youngest Albanian singer to ever make it to the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Olta began her singing career at the tender age of nine, with the formation of Choir of Angels led by National Opera Music Master Suzana Turku.

In the period between 2002 and 2005 Olta took part and received many prizes in a number of children's festivals, organized in Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Kosovo.

Olta's career made a huge leap forward following her participation at the Albanian Radio TelevisionSong Festival 2007, where she captured the spotlight by winning the first prize and securing her participation at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Zemrën E Lamë Peng which translates in to English as Hearts Trapped In Time.

Lithuania: JERONIMAS MILIUS - Nomads In The Night

Performer: Jeronimas Milius
Song title: Nomads In The Night
Song writer(s): Jeronimas Milius
Song composer(s): Vytautas Diškevičius

Through passing days, I close my eyes and feel silk burning me
Your skin, those gorgeous lips I’ve kissed so long ago…
Tonight I’ll try to rip out this aching heart, it’s filled with you
It’s filled with lonely pain! Obey!

Oh moon, I follow you in darkness
It seems we’re nomads in the night
Your cold turns me into the heartless
Until the sunrise burning light
brings down her sky blue shining eyes

This hollow day, like day before I walk through thousand smiles
And try to find the look that heals all wounds inside
But still I’m here at the worlds’ edge falling like a stone to you
Shining so high, alone! Like me!

Oh moon, I follow you in darkness
It seems we’re nomads in the night
Your cold turns me into the heartless
Until the sunrise burning light...

Oh moon, I follow you in darkness
It seems we’re nomads in the night
Your cold turns me into the heartless
Until the sunrise burning light brings down her sky blue shining eyes…


After three Semi-Finals and an overall Final selection in Lithuania, Jeronimas Milius has been chosen to be the Lithuanian represntative at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Nomads Of The Night.
Jeronimas Milius is a young artist from Lithuania born on 11th October 1984.
From early childhood before going to sleep,he was listening to blues and singing in the pupils choir of Vilnius, Gabija Gymnasium. From 2003 to date Jeronimas sings ina heavypower metal bandcalled Soul Stealer. During his student years in the Vilnius College of Higher Education Jeronimas with his band successfully participated in festivals called Fresh Blood, Doors, Rock Nights (2005 and 2006), Brodway Star (Award for Best Vocal), Eurorock and alternative music awards A.LT 2006.

During the last four years Jeronimas has worked at a telecommunications company, and has strongly learned vocal techniques, his vocal teachers are well-known Lithuanian singers Ceslovas Gabalis and Povilas Meskela.

A few years ago, for the first time Jeronimas tested the National Selection’s stage as a backing vocalist. In 2007 he was discovered by music producers and was invited to perform the role of Clopen in the staging of Notre Dame De Paris.

Currently Jeronimas with his teachers performs in the project Three Peppers. In April 2008 the first album ofSoul Stealer is planned for release. With this band, Jeronimas plans his future as an artist. Jeronimas states that his dream is “To become a famous metal music artist all over the world ,and to get touring with my band until complete extinction”!.

Ukraine: Ani Lorak - Shady Lady

Performer: Ani Lorak
Song title: Shady Lady
Song writer(s): Karen Kavaleryan
Song composer(s): Philip Kirkorov

You’ve been my superstar
But it’s not what you are
You’ve been my superhero
Since I’ve lived in your shade
Every step that I made
Brought me nothing but zero

But I’m stayin’ alive
Now I’m changin’ my life
With a burning desire
No one knows who I am
But I don’t give a damn
Gonna set you on fire

Shady Lady I’m gonna strike like thunder
Are you ready I wanna make you wonder
Rollin’ steady I’m gonna make you shiver
My heart is burning now

Just take a look at me
Deep inside and you’ll see
All I kept under cover
There is one thing I bet
You’re about to regret
I’m no longer your lover

I’ve just turned one more page
I belong to the stage
Baby, don’t call me baby

Shady Lady I’m gonna strike like thunder
Are you ready I wanna make you wonder
Rollin’ steady I’m gonna make you shiver
My heart is burning now

I wanna light you up and leave you alone
I am a brand new star that you’ve never known
Shady Lady
Are you ready

Shady Lady I’m gonna strike like thunder
Are you ready I wanna make you wonder
Rollin’ steady I’m gonna make you shiver
My heart is burning now


Ani Lorak was chosen by Ukrainian broadcaster NTU to represent the country at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. In February, a five song national selection was held where the Philip Kirkorov/Karen Kavaleryan song Shady Lady emerged victorious.
Each of her songs is a 100% hit!
Her albums are bestsellers in Ukraine!
Her photos decorate the covers of the country’s most popular publications!
She is one of the Ukraine’s most actively touring singers!
She is Ani Lorak!

Ani Lorak developed the desire to become a singer as early as at the age of four. At that time, she had already decided what she wanted to achieve in life. Ani Lorak often performed at various school vocal competitions.

In 1992, she took part in the popular contest Pervotsvit [Cowslip] and became the winner. As a result, at the age of 14 she signed her first professional contract.

Ani Lorak became known as Ani Lorak in March 1995. She had to invent her stage name when she was participating in the contest of the Morning Star television program in Moscow. There was another Russian singer with the name Karolina, which is Ani Lorak’s real name, already enrolled in the competition, so our Karolina saved the situation having read her name backwards. That's how her present stage name Ani Lorak has come into existence.

The singer moved to Kyiv in 1995. By that time, the name of Ani Lorak became widely known in the Ukrainian show business. At the age of 19 she was awarded with title of the Honoured Artist of Ukraine, having become the youngest singer ever to get this rank. She is the winner of a great number of various prizes, has four Gold Discs according to the results of sales of the albums, winner of prestigious international and Ukrainian festivals and ratings, including the Morning Star television contest (Moscow, 1996), and the Grand Prix winner of the Big Apple Music 96, global competition of young singers in New York.

Ani Lorak has been repeatedly recognised as the Singer of the Year in Ukraine. Her credits include two solo shows on the country’s central stage, ten albums, one single, biographical film, and 23 videos. She is the most beautiful and sexy woman of Ukraine according to the results of polls by popular magazines.

Her artistic self-realization goes far beyond singing. Ani Lorak is a brilliant actress. She played Fanchette in the musical film Crazy Day or the Marriage of Figaro, dubbed the Baby in the Norwegian animated film Karlson on the Roof (2006), and later, two characters at once, those of the Kitty and the Little Bee of the Estonian cartoon Lotte from Gadgetville (2007).

Ani Lorak provided support in publishing three books for children, they are How to Become a Star, How to Become a Princess,and How to Become a Culinary Star in 7 Days. The singer is also the producer of her own brand. She owns the Angel-Lounge restaurant in the centre of Kyiv.

Ani is a brilliant poet and composer. She spends a lot of time on charitable activities. In 2004 Ani Lorak has been a UN Goodwill Ambassador on HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. UNICEF and UN in Ukraine have awarded a commendation to Ani Lorak, for assistance and help to HIV positive citizens of Ukraine. In 2005, Ani Lorak was also conferred with the St. Stanislav Order of the 4th degree and the Officer’s Cross "for strengthening the international authority of Ukraine, for the high professionalism, great creative achievements, charity and adherence to the ideals of chivalry".

Ani Lorak worthily represents Ukraine on the global music market. She has given performances on the stages of England, the USA, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Turkey. And, she is not going to stop at this. Her immediate plans are to enthrall the European and global audience! And with the musical material making up her repertoire this won’t be so difficult to achieve: the high-quality and stylish sound, melodies performed in the best traditions of soul, funk, and pop-rock, as well as the wonderful lyrics. And, at the same time, there is the strong and tender, enchanting and unique voice of Ani Lorak.

Turkey: Mor ve Ötesi - Deli

Performer: Mor ve Ötesi
Song title: Deli
Song writer(s): Mor ve Ötesi
Song composer(s): Mor ve Ötesi

Aranıyor sahibi ruhumun
Tam yerine mi düştüm
Direniyor faili tutkunun
Kızmış ve küçülmüş
Aranıyor sahibi ruhumun
Tam yerine mi düştüm
Direniyor
Direniyor
Direniyor..

Beni büyütün
Ağlatmayın
Sevginiz nerde
Övündüğünüz
Beni büyütün
Ağlatmayın
Sahte düşlerle
Oyalamayın

Bir yarım akıllı bir yarım deli
Dört yanım akıllı bir yanım deli
Herkes akıllı bir ben deli
Bir ben deli..

Beni büyütün
Ağlatmayın
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The group Mor ve Ötesi were internally chosen by Turkish broadcaster TRT, and will represent Turkey at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Deli.
Mor Ve Ötesi was established in January of 1995 by Kerem Kabadayı (drums), Harun Tekin (vocals/guitar), Derin Esmer (vocals/guitar) and Alper Tekin (bass), four close high school friends in Istanbul, Turkey.

In 1997, the first line-up change took place with Burak Güven replacing Alper Tekin on bass. In 1998, Derin Esmer left the band and was replaced by Kerem Özyeğen on guitar.

Mor Ve Ötesi have recorded five albums during the period 1996-2006, all of which have enjoyed much success and various awards.On the stage, the groupcontinued to headline major festivals and shows in Turkey. To name one, it opened up the international Radarlive 2007 festival which was host to29 foreign acts and headlined by Marilyn Manson, James and Groove Armada. Mor Ve Ötesi also did a special acoustic performance for MTV Turkey at the niche Istanbul club Ghetto, which was aired as a special broadcast by the network. Four songs from this concertwere released alongside other Rakun recording artists on a special label promo CD which was includedin the february issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

On the international arena, the band had played15 sell out shows in Germany between 2004 and 2007 in citiessuch asBerlin, Bochum, Köln, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and one in the Netherlands.

The end of 2007 came with the band’s nomination on two major issues, first as Best Band of the Year award by Powerturk, the country’s foremost music television network.Secondly as Turkey’s candidates for the Eurovision Song Contest that will take place in Belgrade, an event highly regarded and deemed very important amongst the Turkish population.

The bandrecorded some new songs earlyin the new year, which will be released later in the year. One of these songs, the energy-laden Deli,became theEurovision Song Contestsong and waslaunched topopular public praise. The bandworked on the video clipof the song with the acclaimed director EzelAkay. Band photos weretaken by Okan Bayülgen, Ümit Ünaldesigned the costumes, and Beyhan Murphy took care of general choreography, an all-star cast lending their talent on the band's Eurovision Song Contestjourney.

Mor Ve Ötesi sees 2008 as a year of action and opportunities, to take their already brilliant career further to reach new territories and wider audiences.

Sweden: Charlotte Perrelli - Hero

Performer: Charlotte Perrelli
Song title: Hero
Song writer(s): Fredrik Kempe
Song composer(s): Fredrik Kempe & Bobby Ljunggren

Everything has a beginning
Everything comes to an end
Take it or leave it you'd better believe it
Be my love or be my friend

Try to deny what you're feeling
And you´ll know that your heart will say no
Love will last longer
Only stronger and stronger
If you stay and don´t let go

Oo Out of the light like a star, like a hero
Love will survive
Oo Taking the fight is the life of a hero
Staying alive
This is a story, of love and compassion
Only heroes can tell
Out of the light, like a star like a hero
Love will survive

Heaven and earth keep colliding
But with love on a world of it´s own
Oo there you can´t fake it
Just make it or break it
But only you can find the one

Oo Out of the light like a star, like a hero
Love will survive
Oo Taking the fightis the life of a hero
Staying alive
This is a story, of love and compassion
Only heroes can tell
Oo Out of the light, like a star like a hero
Love, will survive

Will survive
Oo survive
Will survive

Heroes can live on their own
But heroes never die alone

Out of the light like a star, like a hero
Love will survive
Oo Taking the fightis the life of a hero
Staying alive
This is a story, of love and compassion
Only heroes can tell
Oo Out of the light, like a star like a hero
Love will survive


Nine years after winning the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Take Me To Your Heaven, Charlotte Perrelli (nee Nilsson) returns in 2008 having recently won the Swedish Melodifestival with the song Hero.
When Charlotte first heard Hero she immediately said yes to participate in the Swedish Melodifestival again. She had turned down many offers over the nine years previously, but now the song and timing was right in Charlotte's mind.

Charlotte was born on October 7th 1974.At the age of 13 she started singing, and a few years later she enrolled at Scenskolan (Stage school) in Växjö. After her school years in southern Sweden, she moved to Stockholm where she started studying jazz and pop. In the next few years Charlotte performed as the lead singer in different bands.

Charlotte also won a Grammis (Swedish Grammy), and was awarded Gold and Platinum disks for her work.In 1999 Charlotte entered the Swedish Melodifestivalas a solo singer, and won with Take me to you heaven. In Jerusalem at the Eurovision Song Contest of that year, Charlotte quickly became a media darling, and the audience´s favourite and went on to win the competition with that song.

In the following years Charlotte toured, not only in Sweden, but Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. She launched her own line of beauty products ,and in 2003 Charlotte had the leading role in Jesus Christ Superstar with West End Emsemble.In 2004, Charlotte and her husband Nicola changed their last names to Perrelli, and later that year she hosted the national selection, Melodifestival for the Eurovision Song Contest with great success with a total viewing audience of more than 15 million people.

Two years later she was nominated for Guldmasken for her role as Bell in the Disney musical Beauty And The Beast. Later that year she, finally, hasdthe opportunity to pay tribute to her idol, the jazz icon Monica Zetterlund, by releasing an album with songs of Monica.But in 2008 it is time for the humble diva to return!

Iceland - Euroband - This is my life

Performer: Euroband
Song title: This Is My Life
Song writer(s): Paul Oscar & Peter Fenner
Song composer(s): Örlygur Smári

This Is My Life

I spent my days in vain just waiting
For happiness to come my way
I took for granted all they gave me
I opened my eyes
Finally I realised

This is my life
I don’t wanna change a thing
This is my life
All the pain, all the joy it brings

All through the years
Of blood sweat and tears
Hopes and my fears
All that was meant to be
This is my life
What will be, will be

There’s no denying all the heartaches
Were just a blessing in disguise
If I never made a single mistake
I wouldn’t be here
Part of the plan I believe

This is my life
I don’t wanna change a thing
This is my life
All the pain, all the joy it brings
All through the years
Of blood sweat and tears
Hopes and my fears
All that was meant to be
This is my life
What will be, will be

I've found the key
To set myself free
You'll be amazed
Cos I have the power
To change my ways

This is my life
I don’t wanna change a thing
This is my life
All the pain, all the joy it brings
All through the years
Of blood sweat and tears
Hopes and my fears
All that was meant to be
This is my life
What will be

This is my life

After an exciting selecting process in Iceland dating back to September 2007, Iceland finally decided their participant for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins was won by Euroband.
The Euroband was established in March 2006 by Friðrik Ómar and Regína Ósk who had both participated in the Icelandic National Song Contest earlier that year. Regína Ósk was the second runner-up in the finals with Þér við hlið and Friðrik Ómar ended up in third place with að sem verður. Friðrik Ómar also just missed out on winning the national finals in 2007 when the song Eldur came in second place.
The other members of the Euroband are bass player Róbert Þórhallsson, guitarist Kristján Grétarsson, drummer Benedikt Brynleifsson and keyboard player Grétar Örvarsson, who sang Eitt lag enn along with Sigga Beinteins in Eurovision Song Contest in 1990, and also co-wrote the Icelandic 1992 entry Nei eða já.
Friðrik Ómar was born in Akureyri on October 4th 1981. He started playing the drums at only five years old when his older brother gave him a drum kit. His mother says he started singing before he could even talk and he first performed in public at a school gathering at eight. He began playing guitar and piano early on and wrote his first song when he was only ten. By the age of 18 Friðrik had already released two solo albums and performed at a special concert for the President of Iceland. After winning a number of song competitions he moved to Reykjavík where he successfully auditioned for a part in a musical.

He has participated in five popular music shows, worked with some of Iceland’s best known singers and fronted several bands. Friðrik has recorded two successful albums that reached gold status and one that was a certified platinum album. Last year he collaborated with the Lithuanian group Land and singer Lim from Malaysia. He has performed in War of the Worlds with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and has been nominated for the Icelandic Music Prize.

Regína Ósk was born in Reykjavík on December 21st 1977 and, like Friðrik, more or less started singing before she could talk. Regina won two song competitions in her early teens, sang solo with her school choir, and studied classical singing for a period in the Reykjavík Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts, before taking some lessons in jazz vocals.

Her first band was the girl group Söngsystur, which later evolved into an octet 8-villt, but more recently has been performing with the band Nova. In 1999 Regína Ósk sang in the musical Little Shop of Horrors where she met and went on to work with Selma Björnsdottir, who represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1999 and 2005.

Regina has some Eurovision Song Contest background having sang backing vocals in in 2001, 2003 and 2005, and has done a lot of studio session work. She recorded an eponymous solo album in 2005, a second album Í djúpum dal was released in 2006 and her third album Ef væri ég appeared in 2007.

Greece: Kalomira - Secret Combination

Performer: Kalomira
Song title: Secret Combination
Song writer(s): Poseidon Yannopoulos
Song composer(s): Konstantinos Pantzis

Can you see it?
Can you see it?
You have to discover me
What goes wrong when I am crying
Or what I want when I’m smiling

Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
That I’m not a little girl
You’re misunderstanding my way
And all the roles that I like to play

My secret combination
It’s a mystery for you
Use your imagination
I’m not easy but I’m true
My secret combination
Boy you have to try it hard
To win a destination in the centre of my heart!

An open book,
An open book
Well, I’m sorry, I am not
Sometimes I’m acting like a lady
Sometimes woman, sometimes baby



With Secret Combination, Kalomira will represent Greece at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest after winning the Greek national final in February.
Kalomira was born in New York on the 31st of January,1985 by Greek parents. Since early childhood, Kalomira’s dream was to become a pop star! Kalomira participated in all extracurricular activities at school (such as drama productions, musicals, recreational events), which showcased her dancing skills as well as her passion for singing. She studied viola - her favorite musical instrument – for nine years, and was a member of the school orchestra. She won the second place at a music contest organized by WBLI Radio and participated as supporting actress in different live shows of famous American artists, such as Jessica Simpson, Ll Cool J and Jennifer Love Hewitt. At the age of 19 Kalomira left America and came to Greece to pursue her dream. She participated in the Greek TV talent show Fame Story 2. She instantly charmed the Greek audience with her innocence, sincerity and polite manners. Winning first place did not come as a surprise! Her first album, titled Kalomira, which included songs with both Greek and English lyrics, went gold and Kalomira was named 'New face of 2004'. Her popularity surpassed Greek borders, and during the Athens Olympic Games, she was interviewed for various TV-shows in NBC, as one out of ten most popular artists in Greece. In her second solo album Paizeis? Kalomira debuted as a song writer, composing the music and writing the lyrics for Just Want You To Want Me. On her third album, Kalomira Paei Cinema, Kalomira sang popular Greek cinema classics in a modern version.Kalomira has worked next to well-known Greek artists, like Despoina Vandi, whom she accompanied on a tour around Greece and Cyprus, Stamatis Gonidis and Elli Kokkinou. The duet she sang with Dionysis Savopoulos, at the Herodium Ancient Theatre is one of the highlights of her career.

Kalomira has also been successful as a TV presenter in morning and prime-time shows, as well as an actress in TV series. Onthe 27th of February, 2008 over 60% of the Greek audience voted Kalomira to represent Greece at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.

Russia - Dima Bilan - Believing

Performer: Dima Bilan
Song title: Believe
Song writer(s): Dima Bilan & Jim Beanz
Song composer(s): Dima Bilan & Jim Beanz

Even when the thunder and storm begins
I’ll be standing strong like a tree in the wind
Nothing's gonna move this mountain
Or change my direction
I’m falling off that sky and I’m all alone
The courage that’s inside gonna break my fall
Nothing’s gonna deem my light within

But if I keep going on
It will never impossible, not today

Cause I’ve got something to believe in
As long as I’m breathing
There is not a limit to what I can dream
Cause I’ve got something to believe in
Mission to keep climbing
Nothing else can stop me if just believe
And I believe in me

Even when the world tries to pull me down
Tell me that I can, try to turn me around
I wont let them put my fire out, without no!

But if I keep going on
It will never impossible, not today

Cause I’ve got something to believe in
As long as I’m breathing
There is not a limit to what I can dream
Cause I’ve got something to believe in
Mission to keep climbing
Nothing else can stop me if just believe

And I believe:
I can do it all
Open every door
Turn unthinkable to reality
You’ll see - I can do it all and more

Believing
As long as I’m breathing
There is not a limit to what I can dream
Cause I’ve got something to believe in
Believing
Mission to keep climbing
Nothing else can stop me if just believe
And I believe me



With his unique talent and exceptional abilities, vocal sensation Dima Bilan attracted the world’s attention in May 2006 when he represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens.
Dima was the hunk who took the honorable second place, conceding only to Finland, with a remarkable stage performance of his songNever Let You Go. After that, the Forbes magazine couldn’t but settle Bilan on the top of the rating of most popular Russian celebrities. Since launching his first single in Russia in 2003. Dima Bilan emerged in less than three years to one of the most popular and widely acclaimed talents from Russia, being recognized with the most prestigious accolades in the industry.

Dima Bilan got classical scholarship at the famous Gnesin Academy of Music. Being a student, he got acquainted with top Russian manager in show-business, the late Yuriy Aizenshpis, who became Dima’s manager and added a lot to Dima’s successful career in Russia. In 2003 Dima graduated from Gnesin Academy and received his diploma from the hands of the highly respected Russian artist losif Kobzon, and having decided to obtain even more vocal skills, Dima became the student of GITIS (The State Institute of Theatrical Art).

One of the first steps in Bilan's career was his participation in the Jurmala contest, the most important music contest in Eastern Europe. Dima came in at number 4 in this contest and the whole country loved his performances there! Dima Bilan released three platinum albums: Ia Nochnoy Hooligan (The Night Hooligan, 2003), Na Beregu Neba (Between the Sky and Heaven, 2004), on which Dima collaborated with world-famous songwriter Diane Warren, who penned Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go Оn, Tony Braxton's Unbreak My Heart and Aerosmith’s I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, and Vremya-Reka (Time Is a River, 2006), which sold over 2,000,000 copies in Russia and in the CIS countries. Dima's Eurovision Song Contest hit single Never Let You Go catapulted Dima to superstar status and placed him on top or all Russian radio and TV-charts in May 2006.

In September 2005 Dima received two big awards at MTV Russia Music Awards for 'Best Performer' and 'Artist Оf Тhe Year'. The same year Bilan went to Lisbon to represent Russia at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In July 2006 Dima Bilan was one of the four artists who took part in the biggest musical event in Russia of 2006 - The Red Summer - on the Red Square in Moscow, where he performed on stage with Shakira, The Black Eyed Peas and t.A.T.u. In September 2006, for the second year in a row, Dima Bilan won the 'Artist of the Year' and 'Song of the Year' trophies at the MTV Russia Music Awards.

In February-March 2007 Dima Bilan recorded his first international album in English in Los Angeles and in Philadelphia in collaboration with producer Timbaland and his production team: Danjahandz, Jim Beanz and Ryan Tedder. One of the new tracks will be a duet with one of Timbaland's most successful artists: Nelly Furtado! The new album is due to be released in 2008, and the first single from it was the Jim Beanz-penned song Number 1 Fan, with a video which was shot in London by famous British director Trudy Bellinger (who made videos for e.g. Girls Aloud, Sugababes and Sophie Ellis Bextor). According to Russian and Eastern Europe radio airplay chart TopHit.ru, Number 1 Fan topped the charts for 8 weeks. On October 4th, 2007 Dima Bilan premiered his second single from the upcoming album, Amnesia, at the MTV Russia Music Awards 2007. During this show, Dima won three most prestigious awards for 'Best Performer', 'Best Song' and – for the third time in three years - 'Best Artist'.Dima’s first international album in English will be released in the United States later this year, and its Spanish version will be released in Latin America in 2008 as well. Currently, Dima Bilan is recording it with top Latin music market producer and songwriter Rudy Perez, world-famous for his work with Julio Iglesias, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce.

Romania: Nico & Vlad: Pe O Margine De Lume

Performer: Nico & Vlad
Song title: Pe-o Margine De Lume
Song writer(s): Andreea Andrei & Adina Şuteu
Song composer(s): Andrei Tudor

Vino
Pe-o margine de lume
Ca pe o banca goala
Sa stam
Cerul
Sub talpi ni s-ar intinde
Si nici nu vom sti daca
Visam

Astazi,
Mai mult ca niciodata
Gandul meu te cheama
Vino

O noapte intreaga si-o zi
Cu tine alaturi de-as fi
As crede ca lumea-i a mea
Si numai tie lumea ti-o voi da

Vieni
E stringimi la mano
Io vengo da lontano
Per te
Guarda
Il mondo che ho sognato
Presente e passato
Con te

Astazi
Mai mult ca niciodata
Gandul meu te cheama
Vino

O noapte intreaga si-o zi
Ti offro il mio cuore e lo sai
Cu tine alaturi de-as fi
Sono innamorata piu che mai
As crede ca lumea-i a mea
Ti voglio tanto bene
Si numai tie lumea ti-o voi da

La vita intera con te
Il sogno piu bello che c'e
Il nostro camino vedra
La luce di un amore senza eta
La luce di un amore senza eta

Sa-mi spui ca vei ramane doar
A mea


Nico & Vlad managed to win the Romanian final earlier in February and are now happy to present their native country!
NICO

First Name: Nicoleta

Last Name: Matei

Genre(s): Pop, Soul, R&B

Nationality: Romanian

Date of Birth: 01.02.1970

Official web site: www.nicomusic.ro


INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

2005 :

The Special Prize of the Jury’s President at “ASTANA” Song Festival

Astana, Kazakhstan

The Greatest Prize;

The Voice of Asia Trophy at “Voice Of Asia” Festival

Alma-ata, Kazakhstan


2004:

The Trophy and 4 other prizes at “The Discovery Fest” Festival

Varna, Bulgaria


2003:

The Second Prize at the “GOLDEN STAG” International Pop Music Festival

Brasov, Romania


MAJOR NATIONAL AWARDS

2004:

The Second Prize” at “MAMAIA” National Pop Music Festival (Composing Section – Composer: Andrei Tudor);

Constanta, Romania

2001:

The Second Prize” at “MAMAIA” National Pop Music Festival (Composing Section – Composer: Viorel Gavrila);

Constanta, Romania

1998:

The Prize for The Best Female Voice awarded on “Ion Vasilescu” Festival.

1996, 1997,1998, 1999:

The Prize for The Best Female Voice awarded on National Festival of Variety Shows Theatres from Constantza.


DISCOGRAPHY

2007: Cast Away – 3rd studio album

2005: Asa Cum Vrei (As You Want) – 2nd studio album

2003: Gand Pentru Ei (Thoughts For Them) – 1st studio album


ON ROMANIAN NATIONAL SELECTION FOR THE EUROVISION

2007

Pe O Margine De Lume – featuring Vlad Mirita (winner)

Composer: Andrei Tudor

2006

Dulce Amaruie (5th place)

Composer: Costi Ionita

2005

Jokero – featuring Akcent (2nd place)

Composer: Akcent

2004

All The Time – featuring Mihai Traistariu (3rd place)

Composer: Andrei Tudor

2003

Feeling Snow White

Composer: Laurentiu Matei

2002

The Only One

Composer: Laurentiu Matei


VLAD

First name: Mirita
Last name: Vlad - Constantin
Voice:Tenor
Date and place of birth: 02.08.1981 - Targoviste

Studies and Experience:
2007 – Master Class with Leontina Vaduva;
2007 – Master Class with Ionel Pantea;
Since 2006, soloist of The National Opera House Bucharest.
Since 2004 – privat preparation with Alexandru Petrovici.
Since 2001 - privat preparation with Maestro Corneliu Fanateanu.
In 2000graduates the singing classes of the Arts School in Targoviste.

Prizes:
2007 - CEE Musiktheater Scholarship winner ;
2006 - “International tenor voices festival TRAIAN GROZAVESCU” in Lugoj - 1st prize and also he was awarded with the Musiktheater Wien prize accorded by Ioan Holender;
2006 – International pop contest George Grigoriu – 1st prize;
2005 - International Festival SONGS OF THE WORLD in Moldova - the 2ndplace;
2004 - International Pop Festival SLAVIANSKY BAZAAR VITEBSK (Belarus) where he was awarded by Mr. Mario Moreno - FIDOF vicepresident, with the FIDOF AWARD;
2002 – Mamaia pop festival - 1st Prize performing a modern song played in a classical way (he became the first romanian classical-crossover singer).

Projects & Concerts:
Proms of Delight Concert – G. Enescu Festival – September 2007;
The Tragedy of Carmen – G. Enescu Festival- September 2007;
- Proms of Delight – “Fête de la Musique”Easter Edition 2006;
- Proms of Delight - Christmas Edition 2006;

- New Year’s Eve Concert under Romanian Government patronage with the occasion of Romanian European Integration;
- Proms of Delight Easter Edition 2007;
- Venetia Salutes Bucharest – 16 May 2007;
- July-August 2007 - Don Jose in a Special production of “The tragedy of Carmen”, a remake of Peter Brook and Marius Constant after Carmen by Bizet, directed by Ion Caramitru, the Director Of Bucharest National Theatre. This project will took place in Sibiu the European Capital of Culture
- The Bucarest National Opera House usually performances.
In preparation:
November 2007 – A new Classical crossover album.
December 2007 – Proms of Delight “Christmas Edition”

Roles:

Comprimary roles in “Aida” and “Il trovatore” by G. Vedri and also in Romanian productions;
Edmondo - Manon Lescaut by G. Puccini;
Ismael - Nabucco by G. Verdi;
Arturo - Lucia di Lammermoor by G. Donizetti;
Don Jose – The tragedy of Carmen by M. Constant & P. Brook (G. Bizet)
Don Jose – Carmen (G. Bizet)

Roles in preparation:
Alfredo Germont from La Traviata by G. Verdi;
Pinkerton from Madama Butterfly by G. Puccini;
Mario Cavaradossi from Tosca by G. Puccini;

Concert repertoire:
Opera arias
G. Verdi – La Traviata.
G. Puccini - Tosca, La fanciulla del West, Manon Lescaut, Madama Butterfly, Turandot
G. Bizet – Carmen
-Zarzuela
P. Sorozabal - La tabernera del puerto
- Italian popular songs
-Classical crossover songs

Finland: Teräsbetoni - Missä miehet ratsastaa

Performer: Teräsbetoni
Song title: Missä Miehet Ratsastaa
Song writer(s): J. Ahola
Song composer(s): J. Ahola

Olkoon myrsky sekä viima
ja tuvassa lämmin kamiina
On kunnia ja miehuullisuus
suorittaa velvollisuus

Maailma on kylmä vaikka
on ehkä lämmölläkin paikka
Kentät kutsuu sankareita
eikä suinkaan pelkureita

Missä miehet ratsastaa
Siellä lampaat ei voi laiduntaa
Missä miehet ratsastaa
Siellä kuulee susien ulvontaa
Missä miehet, missä miehet ratsastaa
Missä miehet, missä miehet ratsastaa

Olkoon edessä tuhoa
ja takana lemmen lumoa
On miehellä velvollisuus
muistaa urhoollisuus

Ei kukaan voi välttää kipua
ja vain elämän virrassa lipua
Kentät kutsuu sankareita
eikä suinkaan pelkureita


After a string of Semi-Finals, Finnish tv viewers were asked to choose their performers and song for the upcoming 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.After winning with Lordi in 2006, Finland showed once again that it's a country that loves unusual and innovative music: the highest amount of votes went to the rockers of Teräsbetoni (photo: Jere Hietala) who will perform Missä Miehet Ratsastaa in the first Semi-Final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.
Finland's representative at Eurovision Song Contest 2008 is a heavy-rocking four-piece, who call themselves Teräsbetoni (Concrete Steel). The band has been named as the word-bringers of Finnish metal - and these fighters truly are prepared to fight for their cause until the last strike of the sword. The song they compete in Belgrade, Serbia with is called Missä Miehet Ratsastaa and it is written by the vocalist J. Ahola. It was on the internet where Teräsbetoni first drew people's attention around the year 2003. Their songs started spreading all over the web and pretty soon the band ended up signing a recording deal with Warner Music Finland. The debut albumMetallitotuus was released in 2005, being supported by a streak of over 200 live shows - or battles as the band themselves like to call their live appearances. The album achieved platinum status in Finland and has sold over 50,000 copies since the release. Metallitotuus was also awarded as the Metal Album of the Year in the annual Emma Awards (Finnish equivalent to Grammys). The sophomore album Vaadimme Metallia was released in the summer of 2006. It was produced by the renowned producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, who had previously been working with bands such as HIM, Lordi and Apocalyptica. The album achieved gold status in Finland and it was well received by the audience and the media.

Now the story continues with new quests to overcome. The band has been chosen as the Finnish representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 and their third album Myrskyntuoja is to be released in Finland on March 19. The fresh-sounding new record has also been produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa, whose vision with the new songs was to bring back the originality and roughness as well as add new elements to Teräsbetoni's sound. A warrior’s mind is unbreakable!

Netherlands - Hind -Your Heart belongs to me

Performer: Hind
Song title: Your Heart Belongs To Me
Song writer(s): Hind Laroussi Tahiri & Tjeerd van Zanen
Song composer(s): Hind Laroussi Tahiri, Tjeerd van Zanen & Bas van den Heuvel

There was a time when I was in love with a fool
He stepped on my heart, bruised me, and broke the golden rule
There was a time I couldn’t tell weak from strong
A voice in my head kept saying this can’t go on
even though I longed, something’s wrong

You know your heart belongs to me
You made it clear to see
That we were never meant to be
Only a memory remains

Oh yes your heart belongs to me
But I’ve got to set you free
Cause we were never meant to be together

I’ve learned my lesson, now I know where I stand
Time heals all wounds and broken hearts will mend
I’ve read all the signs and now I’ve moved along
This carousel keeps turning on and on, and on and on
Life goes on

You know your heart belongs to me
You made it clear to see
That we were never meant to be
Only a memory remains

Oh yes your heart belongs to me
But I’ve got to set you free
Cause we were never meant to be together

I wish I was the wind, the sun the rain
And I could hold time in my hands
In my dreams I’ll fly high so I can reach the stars
I sit on top of a mountain and scream
When nobody hears me
Nobody sees me

You know your heart belongs to me
You made it clear to see
That we were never meant to be
Only a memory remains
Oh yes your heart belongs to me
But I’ve got to set you free
Cause we were never meant to be together
You know your heart belongs to me.


22-year old singer Hind Laroussi (photo: Wim Kluvers) has been chosen by NOS to represent the Netherlands in the first of the two Semi-Finals of the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. "We haven't qualified for the Final for three consecutive years, so that is my first goal," the young singer said.
Hind - born in Gouda in 1984 - needs no introduction in her own country. The Netherlands has come to know her as a young woman with a special, warm charisma and a voice with which she can easily represent pop music, Fado or Arabian classics. Versatility is not only the word best suited to her singing qualities. As an artist Hind is versatile as well. The row of performances during recent years is long, whether it involves solo performances or shows in which she performed with her own band, in a theatre, during a television show or a major gala such as the Dutch Musical Awards. A Hind show is always special. On liberation day she had a glorious performance with the Metropolitan Orchestra in the famous theatre Carré in Amsterdam, a performance where the Dutch Queen Beatrix was a guest.

The singing career of Hind rocketed since her participating in the Dutch version of the television programme Idol in 2003. Her debut single Summer All Over Again (2003) instantly became a big hit, resulting in Hind being frequently on television and in shows throughout the country.In 2004 Hind was awarded an Edison Music Award for 'Best New National Artist' and she received a golden record for her debut album Around The World. Currently, over 40.000 albums have been sold. While with the debut album Hind presented herself to the public, she further established her name in the world of music with her second album Halfway Home (2005).

On stage as well as off stage, Hind leaves no doubt that she is a winner. Notwithstanding her busy schedule she is very much involved with the world, and acts upon this. As such she uses her fame for the relief organisation Dutch Council for Refugees. Now Hind has another important year ahead of her, the year 2008. She is not only preparing for her contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest, in March she also started her second theatre tour. Next she is quite busy with preparations for a third album which will be introduced in the summer of 2008.

The participation in the Song Contest 2008 is a new highlight in the life of the singer. "This was my dream when I was a young girl," she explains. "I always watched the Song Contest in admiration and was mostly impressed by the countries that came with their own song. I even noted down the scores personally." The timing for the participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is ideal since Hind in her search for songs for her new album, suddenly found the song, with which she shall represent the Netherlands in Belgrade. The pop song Your Heart Belongs To Me was jointly written by Hind, Tjeerd van Zanen (lyrics, music) and Bas van den Heuvel (music). The participation in the Eurovision Song Contest with a song which was written and composed personally is perceived by Hind as a tremendous honour and challenge. Several millions of people throughout Europe will see me perform and listen to the song and Hind says: "I hope to be able to 'touch' many with my voice."

Armenia: Sirusho - Qele Qele

Performer: Sirusho
Song title: Qele, Qele
Song writer(s): Sirusho
Song composer(s): H.A. Der-Hovagimian

Yes im hay hoghits eka berem
Hove sareri, luyse arevi

You wanna be with me,
You think and dream of me
Come qele, move qele.
Instead of watching me
You should be reaching me,
Come qele, move qele.

Qe-qe-qe-qe-le!

Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qe-le
Time is here tonight,
You should make it right,
To end our fight just hold me tight!
Hold me tight!
Hold me tight! Qele!

You wanna be with me,
You thinking dream of me
Come qele, move qele.
Instead of watching me
You should be reaching me,
Come qele, move qele.

Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qe-le
Time is here tonight,
You should make it right,
To end our fight just hold me tight!


Sirusho was born in 1987 in Yerevan, Armenia. She was raised in a family comprised of a father who is an accomplished actor and director, and her mother a well-known and respected singer. She has been singing all of her life and first performed on stage at the age of seven. Since then she blossomed into being one of the most popular and loved singers in Armenia.
Sirusho has toured in many countries and has spread the Armenian pop and folk music in, Canada, USA, Syria, Iran, France, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Jordan, Egypt, etc. For the past four years, she has consecutively been awarded as 'Best female Artist' in Armenia (2005), 'Best female artist' in Russia (2006) (among the Armenian population) and' Best female Artist' in USA (2007) (among the Armenian population) and in the Armenian Golden Star Awards she received the award of best female artist in 2007. Her Sheram album has been recognized as the 'Best album of the year' in Armenia (2005).

In addition, she has also been awarded for her videos. Her songs have always been on top of the charts. She has released three albums throughout her career (Sirusho in 2000, Sheram in 2005 and Hima in 2007). She recorded her first pop album when she was thirteen. Her second album comprised Armenian folk songs, which was recognized as the 'Best album of the Year' in 2007. Her third album conveyed her own music and lyrics in Armenian and English. She also has been known to write songs for many other Armenian artists. She will be the first female and the third participant to ever represent Armenia in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Elvir Lakovic Laka - Pokusaj

Performer: Laka
Song title: Pokušaj
Song writer(s): Elvir Lakovic Laka
Song composer(s): Elvir Lakovic Laka

Ne silazi sa čardaka rek'o mi je pjevač Laka
Ne klepeći nanulama nemoj da se praviš dama
Ne silazi sa čardaka rek'o mi je lično Laka
Ne silazi sa čardaka dok ti ljubav nije jaka

Na moju omiljenu foru
Prevarim faunu i floru
Da život nije postao u moru
Nego od ljubavi

Kolike protraćismo dane
Ležeći jedući banane
Pa spadosmo na niske grane
Bez ljubavi

Pokušaću da te poljubim a ti se pravi luda
Pokušaću da te poljubim a ti se pravi luda
Pokušaću da te probudim a ti se pravi budna

Ne silazi sa čardaka rek'o mi je pjevač Laka
Ne klepeći nanulama nemoj da se praviš dama
Ne silazi sa čardaka rek'o mi je lično Laka
Ne silazi sa čardaka dok ti ljubav nije jaka

Pokušaću da te poljubim a ti se pravi luda
Pokušaću da te poljubim a ti se pravi luda
Pokušaću da te probudim a ti se pravi budna


Elvir Lakovic Laka will represent Bosnia & Herzegovina at the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. Out of 31 shortlisted songs, a commission selected Laka and his song with Pokušaj. The singer is famous in the Balkans and one of the most popular artists in his home country. He will perform the song together with Mirela.
LAKA

On that chilly morning when our dear friend Laka was born in Gorazde no one could imagine he would become a popular singer some day. But when they brought him into the room with all the other babies, all the newborns shouted out at the same time...“Hey, there's Laka!“, and there already was a sign that he was going to become someone, easily recognised by something quite specific. He attended the junior school of music in Gorazde playing the guitar, but he avoided solfegio and never followed the curricula as he only liked playing the songs he really liked. He used to play folk music all over Gorazde's coffee places for money, and do rock'n'roll gigs. Laka's first song, Malo Sam Se Razočar'o (Got Disappointed a Bit) recorded in 1998, reached the media in B&H and launched our Laka into the star-lit sky. This was followed by a new song every year.

In 2004, our Laka leaves for New York in pursuit of happiness. After 2,5 years he comes back quite disappointed and has his first album released, entitled ZEC (R.A.B.B.I.T.), explaining '"his is where the rabbit hides". He now lives and does not work in Sarajevo, comforting himself that better days are coming…Elvir Laković Laka had the critics and the general public at his original approach and non-pretentiousness. We are talking about a musician that possesses a powerful feeling for the new and different whose time is, beyond any doubt, coming!He came to this world in Gorazde, and now lives in Sarajevo. He says he started singing quite early – at 5 a.m. As he says, he's full of understanding and eczema. The latter, of course, is so not true, but such a manner of personal expression of his is just a reflection of his media style – one for he is often misunderstood. He likes typing, his mother and his songs. With his music, he moved the boundaries of the music production in B&H heavily. The beginning of Laka's music career is linked to the guitar his dad bought him when he just started attending the primary school of music. He first started by copying rock and pop songs, and when he was in high school he founded a band with his friends, called Deformacija poreza (Tax Deformity). Together with his band he played at various local festivals, and won a second place in 1999 with his song Razocaro (Got Disappointed a Bit) thus receiving an offer from TVBiH to shoot a video for the song, resulting in huge success. As early as next year he records a new single entitled Vještica (The Witch) earning him even more popularity. In 2003, he wins the annual B&H Music Award "Davorin" for the best rock song with his song Moro (Had to), and in 2004 he leaves for New York and forms a band that fails to survive...Upon return to Sarajevo, his first CD was released, entitled ZEC, which has just received the album of the year award. The album Zec was released in Croatia, too, under Menart lable.

MIRELA

When Mirela first opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a nose. Little Laka liked the scent of baby creams, so his nose often hanged above his sister's baby clothes. The next thing Mirela remembers is a small room in a small flat, her big brother and a plain guitar. Laka wants to teach her sing a children's song and tape it. So they sang and taped it, and nothing. He then went somewhere, and Mirela still wanted to sing some more. She started playing the piano and singing in a choir. In the meantime, she went to school, fell in love, loved extravagance, and wanted to become an actress. Knowing there's no other way out, off she went to the big city to the big school of literature. “This is better“, she thought, “I can do my acting anyway…”. So she sings a little, reads and writes a little and loves extravagance. All of a sudden, through no fault of hers, she found herself in the world of business, promotion and advertisement, quick decisions, lots of joy, fears and silliness. The next thing she remembers is a nice room in their flat in the attic, a good friend and roommate – her brother, and a rather decent guitar. Laka wants to teach her his new song, and have all 12 recorded on one cd. So they sang and recorded it, and off they went to Eurovision Song Contest.

Andorra: Gisela - Casanova

Performer: Gisela
Song title: Casanova
Song writer(s): Jordi Cubino
Song composer(s): Jordi Cubino

A thousand stars were shining their light in the night skies
You and me, a magical moment in your eyes (Casanova)
Lost in love, I'd waited a lifetime to find you
The stars above, were burning so bright to remind you (Casanova)

Boom, boom, boom my heart still goes crazy
When I think of you…

Oh Casanova
I thought love would last forever
That we'd always stay together
Can't you feel it in your heart?

Oh Casanova
In a fairytale I found you
I'm alive when I'm around you
I can't live if we're apart

A simple song, can bring back the past to remind me
now you're gone and all the good times behind me (Casanova)

Boom, boom, boom my heart still goes crazy
When I think of you…

Oh Casanova
I thought love would last forever
That we'd always stay together
Can't you feel it in your heart?

Oh Casanova
In a fairytale I found you
I'm alive when I'm around you
I can't live if we're apart

Vull escoltar que tú m´estimes (Wo –o-o-o-o)
I want to dream this dream with you

Oh Casanova
I thought love would last forever
That we'd always stay together
Can't you feel it in your heart?

Oh Casanova
In a fairytale I found you
I'm alive when I'm around you
I can't live if we're apart


Spanish-born Gisela (1979) will represent Andorra at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. With Casanova she hopes to bring Andorra the Eurovision Song Contest success it has been waiting for since 2004.
Gisela was born in Barcelona under the sign of Capricorn on the 1st of January. Ever since she was a child she was mad about music and was determined to one day become a famous singer. When she grew up she started to sing in a group and considered the possibility of becoming a professional singer, but she was aware of how difficult it was to succeed in the music world and so decided to enrol at the Universidad Autonómica de Barcelona to study journalism.She left her studies during her second year when she was chosen to participate in Operación Triunfo, the Spanish version Fame Academy.

In 2001 she tried out for Operación Triunfo and after passing many castings was chosen to enter the academy. She was also chosen by Disney to sing the sound track of Peter Pan: Return to Never Land. This fact led her companions at Operación Triufo to affectionately call her 'Tinker Bell'.
In 2002, she launched her first album Parte De Mí, winning a triple platinum record. Gisela had the opportunity to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest with Rosa and four other members of the Academy. Although they did not win, they achieved a commendable seventh position.
After the success of the soundtrack of Peter Pan, Disney offered her the possibility to collaborate on a new version of the main theme of the film The Beauty and the Beast, a film which sold more than a million DVDs. She was cast to play Wendy in the extremely successful Peter Pan musical which was staged in both Madrid and Barcelona. Famous Spanish musical stars took part in this project and with Gisela playing the main role, the musical broke box office records.

Gisela was chosen to represent Spain in the Viña del Mar Song Contest in 2003, with the song Este Amor Es Tuyo composed by Chema Purón. At this contest, Gisela was awarded with two silver seagulls for the best singer and the best song. Gisela went down in the history of the contest to be the first singer to win both awards.After her great success in Chile, her first album Parte De Mí was re-released in order to include the winning song from the contest. This helped her to launch her career in Chile where she achieved another double platinum record. During the summer of 2003, she went on a tour with her companions from Operación Triunfo 1 and 2, what was known as the OT Generation Tour. In 2003 her second album, Mas allá, was released. This album was recorded in Stockholm, Milan and Madrid and meant her debut as a lyrics writer. She achieved another huge success with another double platinum record.Gisela took part in her second musical in 2004 with the renowned producer Jose Luis Moreno. This musical was one of the most seen during the two years that it was on stage. In 2004 Gisela also took part in the dubbing and the soundtrack of the film Barbie; Universal Pictures sold more than half a million copies.

Furthermore, Gisela also sings the main theme of the Brazilian soap opera Kubanacan, a version of the bolero No Me Plactiques Más. She has also sung a version of Football Club Barcelona’s anthem which was chosen as the best of the 2003-2004 season by the public. She has also done the Fantasia concerts, where she sings Disney songs accompanied by an orchestra of more than 30 musicians. In 2006, she launched her album Ni Te lo Imaginas, produced by Jordi Cubino, winning a gold record. In Christmas of 2007, Disney offered her the possibility to participate in the dubbing and the soundtrack of the film Enchanted. Gisela returned to the world of theatre thanks to the production company DagollDagon, who put her back onto the stage to play the main role in the spectacular play Into The Woods, written by Stephen Sondheim. This play is currently being performed in Barcelona.

More than five tours and 300 concerts over the last few years guarantee that Gisela will continue on a career path marked with magic, hard work, discipline and perseverance.

Ireland: Dustin The Turkey - Irelande Douze Pointe

Performer: Dustin the Turkey
Song title: Irelande Douze Pointe
Song writer(s): Darren Smith, Simon Fine & Dustin The Turkey
Song composer(s): Darren Smith, Simon Fine & Dustin The Turkey

Oh I come from a nation what knows how to write a song
Oh Europe where oh where did it all go wrong
C’mon, Irelande douze pointe

Drag acts and bad acts and Terry Wogan’s wig
Mad acts and sad acts, it was Johnny Logan’s gig

Shake your feathers and bop your beak
Shake ‘em to the west and to the east
Wave Euro hands and Euro feet
Wave ‘em in the air to the turkey beat
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
Irelande douze pointe! To the funky beat

G-o-b gobble b-l-e yeah
Hello Abba, hello Bono, hello Helsinki,
Hola Prague, hello sailor, c’est la vie,
Auf wiedersehen, mamma mia and God save the Queen
G’day Austria, bonjour Serbia, you know what I mean

Shake your feathers and bop your beak
Shake ‘em to the west and to the east
Wave Euro hands and Euro feet
Wave ‘em in the air to the funky beat
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
To the funky beat

Give us another chance, we’re sorry for Riverdance
Sure Flatley he’s a Yank and the Danube flows through France
Block votes! Shock votes! Give us your 12 today
You’re all invited to Dublin, Ireland
And we’ll party the shamrock way

Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe! I
relande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!
Irelande douze pointe! Do the funky beat c’mon
Irelande douze pointe! Irelande douze pointe!

Eastern Europe we love you do you like Irish stew?
Or goulash as it is to you, Irelande douze pointe
Yes it’s Bulgaria we love you Belarus, Georgia,
Montenegro, Moldova, Albania, Croatia, Poland,
Russia, Ukraine, Macedonia, don’t forget Turkey,
Hungary, Estonia, Slovakia, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina
and don’t forget the Swiss….. Cheese


Pre-contest hot favourite Dustin the Turkey won the Irish final with the song Irelande Douze Pointe. The popular puppet will now go on to represent Ireland in the first Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade on Tuesday 20th of May.
Dustin the Turkey is a top class popstar, builder, politician and Irish TV personality.He has been a star since the 1990’s when he joined RTÉ’s children’s television programme The Den with fellow furry friends Zig and Zag. He currently presents The Once A Week Show with Sinéad Ní Churnáin on Saturday mornings on RTÉ Two television.

A multi-talented Turkey, Dustin has enjoyed considerable chart success in Ireland and has released six albums and twelve singles. He’s had numerous number ones and has sung with Bob Geldof, Chris De Burgh, Boyzone and Irish Showband legend Joe Dolan to name but a few and has had Irish sales in excess of 25 times platinum.

Not one to rest on his feathers, Dustin has also dabbled in the political arena and has run mock campaigns for a number of Irish presidential elections as a representative of ‘Fianna Fowl’ and also of the 'Poultry Party'. Although he has never been an official candidate, in the 1997 Irish presidential election hundreds of voters spoiled their votes by writing Dustin's name on their ballot papers. Dustin is now keen to expand his political activities throughout Europe and says he is currently engaged in talks with many major European political parties in relation to launching a bid for the presidency of the EU. Commenting on these ambitions Dustin said: "As my good friend Dana has already been an MEP, there’s now a tradition of Irish birds from Eurovision ending up in Brussels – so yes I can declare that a vote for Ireland in this year’s Eurovision is in fact a vote for a greater Europe as it will without question catapult me to my rightful place as President Of Europe."

Dustin believes there is a direct link between the recent downturn in Ireland’s economy and Ireland’s poor showing in the Eurovision Song Contest over the last number of years.He returned to the recording studio in an effort to restore his nation’s position as the High Kings of the Eurovision Song Contest. He says it’s a selfless act based on his desire to help his country; "The truth is that over the last decade Ireland has had another famine, only this time it’s not the potatoes that died but our rich and glorious tradition of Eurovision Song Contest hits. So, as ever, the onus of restoring our nation to greatness has fallen on my wings."Dustin hopes the people of Europe will unite to the turkey beat of Irelande Douze Pointe.

Dustin will be joined by Kathleen Burke and Anne Harrington to perform Irelande Douze Pointe.

Poland: Isis Gee - For Life

Performer: Isis Gee
Song title: For Life
Song writer(s): Isis Gee
Song composer(s): Isis Gee

I had no choice
Perfectly clear from the start
I heard your voice
And I was falling
Into a space
Where daylight kisses moonlit skies

It was the place
as written in your eyes
And oh, we made it
We finally found our way
And celebrating
Just where we...We stand today

I'll let my heart show the way
Oceans and mountians between us
Because your love Is why
You made the wrong right
I will give my all
will heed your call
For Life

I had no choice
Perfectly clear from the start
I will rejoice
Embrace your calling
And into a space
Where daylight kisses moonlit skies

I heard your voice
And I knew it was for life

I'll let my heart show the way
Oceans and mountians between us
Because your love Is why
ou made the wrong right
I will give my all
Will heed your call
For Life
For Life


It's the 13th time that Poland participates in the Eurovision Song Contest and also this year, Polish TV organised an entertaining national final with lots of different musical styles. With no clear favourite beforehand, it was Isis Gee singing For Life that managed to get the highest votes from the combined mix of televoting and jury voting.
Performer, composer and lyricist Isis started singing and performing at the age of five. She began taking private voice lessons and performing classical, pop, R&B, jazz, broadway and country music as a young girl. This led to her being featured singing with various bands, choirs and singing groups with which she traveled and performed extensively. Live Theatre was also a huge passion for Isis, and she spent her childhood years participating in various live musicals.By the time she was 12 years old, she was earning money as a professional singer. Later in her adolescence, Isis won numerous singing competitions including winning an international talent competition in Los Angeles, California when she was 17 years old. The same year, she won a beauty and scholarship pageant (preliminary to the Miss America pageant).

Isis was no stranger to the stage and throughout the years was also singing in various large arenas for crowds of 65,000 people. At the age of 19, she was featured on two jazz albums, was opening for legendary Toni Bennett, began touring throughout Asia as the featured vocalist with a jazz trio, as well as finding herself performing with McCoy Tyner (John Coltrane, Stanley Clarke, Bill Evans). After moving to Los Angeles, Isis worked with famous song writers such as Steve Dorff who has written, arranged and produced hit songs for artists like Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and countless others. In 2004 Isis moved from the United States to live in Poland with her husband.

Isis was always intrigued with Poland, as she grew up knowing that her father's mother was Polish and that she had Polish roots. Isis feels incredibly grateful to represent the beautiful country and she says: "This truly changed her life on every level." In 2007, she recorded her debut album entitled Hidden Treasure. The music industry was quickly captivated by her abilities both creatively and technically. She is said to be one of the very first women in the business to fully compose, arrange, program, engineer and produce all music herself.

In the past year, Isis has worked extensively with some of the worlds key players in the music business; KK (Sting, Bjork, Dido, Britney Spears, etc.), Simon Gogerly who is the 2006 Grammy Award winning mixer and who worked with e.g. U2, Elton John, Tina Turner and Gwen Stefani and finally Tim Young from the Metropolis Studios (Madonna, David Bowie Massive Attack, Cold Play). Isis Gee's musical style is classified as Elegant Pop. The music industry top representatives often describe Isis as a mix of Celine Dion and Lara Fabian, meeting with an edgy Sade. She aspires to touch people's hearts and minds through her music, and to truly make a positive difference in our world and communities. In 2007 Isis was invited to work with the famous German DJ Schiller (Christopher von Deylen) who has sold over a million albums. Schiller and Isis co-wrote the song Fate that Isis sings on Schiller’s new album.

Norway: Maria Haukaas Storeng - Hold On Be Strong

Performer: Maria
Song title: Hold On Be Strong
Song writer(s): Mira Craig
Song composer(s): Mira Craig

Love can be hard sometimes
Yes it can catch you off guard like bad crimes
Yes it can make you depressed and angry
Make you say why me why won't anybody try me

You might be saying ooh, I don't wanna be lonely
Ooh, I don't wanna be by myself
Ooh, don't wanna be lonely
Why ain't anybody lovin´me

But there's always someone out there who'll be there for you
there is always someone out there who'll care for you
there's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true
hold on, hold on, be strong

Love can go away forever if you push it
And you have to remember don't rush it
If it ain't right it is wrong
And you'll be crying why me, why won' anybody try me

You might be saying ooh, I don't wanna be lonely
Ooh, I don't wanna be by myself
Ooh, don't wanna be lonely -no, no
Why ain't anybody lovin' me

But there's always someone out there who'll be there for you
There is always someone out there who'll care for you
There's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true
Hold on, hold on, be strong

Yes, there's aways someone out there who'll be there for you,
There is always someone out there who'll care for you
There's always someone out there who'll be true, true, true,
Hold on, hold on, be strong,
Hold on, hold on, be strong
My child hold on, hold on be strong


After three semi-finals, a second-chance heat and a big final in Oslo, the participant to represent Norway was selected by Norwegian televoters and local juries: Maria (photo: NRK/Arff) will perform Hold On Be Strong.
Maria was born in the north of Norway on the 3rd of August in 1978. She started singing very early, she was only 5 years old the first time she took part in a concert in her hometown. At the age of 11 she played the part as orphan Annie in the major production of the musical hit show Annie. Some years later she played Dorothy in the classic musical The Wizard Of Oz at Det Norske Teatret. Maria has participated in a number oftheatre- and musical productions, such as Fame, Hamlet and Peer Gynt.

Maria released her first studio album in 2005 which was called Breathing. She is currently backin the studio recording her new album, which off course will include theEurovision Song Contest entry Hold On Be Strong. Maria became a household name after participating in the TV-show Pop Idol in Norway in 2004. She came sixth, and is remembered for her big voice and strong personality. Maria is thankful for the support from the Norwegian audience after winning the national pre-selection, and she is really looking forward to the festival in Belgrade in May.

Slovenia: Rebeka Dremelj - Vrag naj vzame

Performer: Rebeka Dremelj
Song title: Vrag Naj Vzame
Song writer(s): Amon
Song composer(s): Josip Miani-Pipi

Sama na tleh, zadnja solza zate v očeh,
brišem sledi ki jih pustil je poraz,
ti brez besed, v trenutku si zrušil moj svet,
zdaj zbiram vse sence ljubezni da vržem ti jih v obraz.

Vrag naj vzame vse kar je med nama
tvoje slike mečem zdaj na tla
vrag naj vzame zdaj naprej grem sama
trgam vse spomine da se čimprej konča.

Ne dovolim da še kdaj me pogledaš v oči
zdaj več v meni ničesar zate ni
tujec si mi, ki na ulici ga ne spoznam
ko vidim te grem mimo tebe, glavo obrnem v drugo stran.

Vrag naj vzame vse kar je med nama
tvoje slike mečem zdaj na tla,
vrag naj vzame zdaj naprej grem sama,
trgam vse spomine da se čimprej konča.

Vrag naj vzame vse kar je med nama,
zate solze vem da so zaman,
zdaj med nama je samo še drama,
ki ne bo vrnila ukradenih mi sanj.

Zlomil si me priznam,
a grem naprej,
sama v vsak nov dan,
močnejša sem kot prej!


The Slovene colours in Belgrade will be represented by Rebeka Dremelj (photo: Barbara Zajc), who will perform Vrag Naj Vzame in the first Semi-Final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest on 20th May. Rebeka got the ticket to represent her native country after winning the Slovene national final EMA 2008.

Rebeka Dremelj, a singer and Miss Slovenia 2001, is a true Slovene phenomenon. She is the only person who will have been representing Slovenia in two different fields. It was on the Miss World Talent Show in 2001 where she landed the outstanding second place and thus signed a contract with Sony Records London. The second time, she will be representing Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. She had over 150 performances in the last year and is used performing; the Slovene public is therefore not in doubt about her charisma on the biggest European stage. She is considered a dynamic and energetic singer, who owns her own underwear label called Rebeka's Dream.

Azerbaijan - Elnur - Day After Day

Performer: Elnur & Samir
Song title: Day After Day
Song writer(s): Zahra Badalbeyli
Song composer(s): Govher Hasanzadeh

For peace we pray
Save us from all fears
Oh Lord! Save us!

You can feel me in your mind
With every breath you take
Burn the earth by flame of sins
I`ll make you feel dismay

Our feelings play with us
But you must keep yourself under control
If you`re searching for resolves
Be ready for the tolls

Show us the right way
Day after day
All fears we must forget
Then better world we`ll get

If you have the greatest aim
Keep it in your soul
I`ll be always by your side
Always in your heart

Our dreams can play with us
Even if we think that we keep control
From all horrors in the world
Salvation is love!

The earth in flame
And you must share the blame

Look inside yourself
We both are there
Day after day....

Elnur Huseynov & Samir Javadzade won Land Of Fire 2008 and will thus be the first ever Azerbaijani Eurovision Song Contest entrants. A spectacular live show, broadcast in several countries and worldwide over the internet through Eurovision.tv's esctv, marked the kick-off of Azerbaijan's new challenge; to conquer Europe's hearts through the Eurovision Song Contest!
Elnur Huseynov was born on the 3rd of March, 1987 in Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan, into a family of career serviceman. His mother is a musician theorist. In 1992 he entered a conservatory and got piano lessons. In 1999 his family moved to Baku, Azerbaijan, and in 2000, Elnur started an education in a medical college. In 2001, he entered the Music School named after Asaf Zeynali, while at the same time taking lessons from his teachers Sevda Mamedova and Fidan Kasimova. Nowadays, his teacher is Rashad Gashimov. He also worked in the State Opera and Ballet Theatre of Azerbaijan and in the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic. In 2003 he was awarded the grand prize in the TV project Sing Your Song. After leaving the music school in 2004 he began an education for stylist and hairdresser. His dream is to create a mini zoo at home, because he likes animals very much. At the moment, he has a white rat, a python and he is planning to get a cat.

Samir Javadzade was born on 16th of April in 1980 in Baku. He finished school #233 in the Kradakh district. In 1997, he entered the University of Business, department of International Economic Releations. In 1998 he started studying at the music school #9 named after Jabbar Ghar-Yagdyoglu. During those three years he was a front man of Sharon, a popular band, and proceeded with a solo career afterwards. As a real Azerbaijani, he likes national cuisine. He likes to experiment with his clothes and his favorite performers are Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson

Belgium: Ishtar - O julisi na jalini

Performer: Ishtar
Song title: O Julissi
Song writer(s): Michel Vangheluwe
Song composer(s): Michel Vangheluwe

O julissi na jalyni,
O julissi na dytini
O bulo diti non slukati
Sestrone dina katsu.

O julissi na ti buku
O julissi na katinu
Dvoranu mojani bidna
Marusi naja otcha tu

Pokoli sestro moja kona
Pokoli meni dita boja
Jalina pitsu marusinja
Kolosali krokodili

O julissi na jalyni,
O julissi na dytini
O bulo diti non slukati
Sestrone dina katsu.

O julissi na ti buku
O julissi na katinu
Dvoranu mojani bidna
Marusi naja otcha tu

(solo)

Pokoli sestro moja kona
Pokoli meni dita boja
Jalina pitsu marusinja
Kolosali krokodili

O julissi na jalyni,
O julissi na dytini
O bulo diti non slukati
Sestrone dina katsu.

O julissi na slukati
O julissi na kotchali
Od nu je dvorian ne si bili
Precko sti budo najali

O julissi na ja

O julissi na jalyni,
O julissi na dytini
O bulo diti non slukati
Sestrone dina katsu.

O julissi na jalyni,
O julissi na dytini
O bulo diti non slukati
Sestrone dina katsu.

Belgium’s participants in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest are a group called Ishtar (photo: Bart Musschoot), named after the Babylonian goddess of love. It is an ensemble of ten, but only six members will be on stage during the performance of their Eurovision Song Contest entry: lead singer and mezzo-soprano Soetkin Baptist, composer and guitar player Michel Vangheluwe and the siblings Ann, Marleen, Els and Hans Vandaele.
Ishtar exists since 2003 and released a first CD, called Troubamour, in 2005. The album contains adaptations of medieval European love songs in several European languages, amongst them Icelandic, Dutch, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Estonian and Serbian. All vocal and musical arrangements are based on authentic medieval music sheets dating from as early as the 11th century. A second album will be released later this year.


Next to European love songs, they write and perform songs in non-existent languages. One of these songs brought victory to Ishtar, when they won the Belgian national final on 9th March in Brussels. The televoting audience immediately fell in love with O Julissi. Singing in an imaginary language seems to be a successful formula for Belgium: folk group Urban Trad earned second place with Sanomi in the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest.


Even though the words and lyrics of Belgium’s song don’t have a clear meaning, they tell a story. Composer Michel Vangheluwe describes O Julissi as a piece of music about a child enjoying a walk through a fairytale forest, meeting and greeting the beautiful things of life, but also a few evil ones. With this song, Ishtar is aiming for Europe to be filled with joy, optimism and a warm feeling of happiness for at least three minutes. Eurovision Song Contest viewers, be prepared!

San Marino: Miodio - Complice

Performer: Miodio
Song title: Complice
Song writer(s): Nicola Della Valle
Song composer(s): Francesco Sancisi

Mai avrei pensato a te
come mia complice
capace di capire ogni mia gioia o pianto
la pace di un momento
è tutto ciò che siamo
è tutto ciò che sento…

E vedo te
come l’immenso
come una lacrima
su un foglio bianco
tra sesso e musica
ho immaginato te
che sei molto di più
qualcosa che non c’è…

E sentirti parte di me
è come avere un angelo qui
a sostenere ogni mio passo incerto
e piove come sempre
quando ci ritroviamo
sospesi nel silenzio…(di un bacio)

E vedo te
come l’immenso
come una lacrima
su un foglio bianco
tra sesso e musica
ho immaginato te
che sei molto di più
qualcosa che non c’è…

…come l’immenso
come una lacrima
su un foglio bianco
tra sesso e musica
ho immaginato te
che sei molto di più
qualcosa che non c’è…

e vedo te
come l’immenso
come una lacrima
su un foglio bianco
tra sesso e musica
ho immaginato te
che sei molto di più
qualcosa che non c’è…

The band Miodio formed in the winter of 2002 and consists of five members: Nicola Della Valle (lead vocals) Paolo Macina (Guitars) Andrea Marco Pollice "Polly" (Bass and Programming) Francesco Sancisi (Keyboards and Programming) and Alessandro Gobbi (Drums).
In 2006 their first EP was released containing five tracks. It was produced by the label “Acanto” owned by the producer and composer Andrea Felli. In 2007 they entered into an exclusive contract with Opera Prima, a record label established by Andrea Felli, Massimo Nardi e Roberto Fiacchini,releasing there first single It's Ok, which is still played by more than a hundred national radio stations. The song has been also included in the soundtrack of the movie Il Soffio dell’Anima coming soon to theatres nationwide and is listed in the catalogue of the prestigious and renowned iTunes Store.

The name of the band is provocative and impressive but hides a deep reflection: "You must learn to see how much you hate yourself until you look at yourself in the mirror and see the reflection of your thoughts, you will use every person you meet as a mirror reflecting what you think of yourself…"

"Carefully selected sounds together with dynamic and stirring lyrics" are the main features of an already multi-awarded project. Miodio’s music is a fusion of state-of-the-art instruments, cutting-edge technology, pushy but always refined electronic sounds and a breathtaking stage act delivering a strong emotional impact. Miodio can list numerous live participations: participation in the MpZero Tour 2007 as supporters in the Olympic Stadium, Rome; San Siro Stadium, Milan; Euganeo Stadium, Padua; Franchi Stadium, Florence; Victory Stadium, Bari; Velodrome, Palermo. Another highlight was the participation in the famous TV program Matinée, on the channel RAI 2. Miodio are also the winners of the 17th edition of San Marino Festival as well as the winners of the prize 'Viva Music' and 'Best Original Song' at the 2006 Arts Festival in Bologna. They also represented San Marino at the 12th Biennial of Young Artists of Europe held in Naples, where the band presented a 30-minute filmshot, edited and produced by themselves and praised by an international jury.

At the moment, the band is recording their album containing eleven tracks, which will be released in the summer of 2008.

Moldova - Geta Burlacu - A Century Of Love

Performer: Geta Burlacu
Song title: A Century Of Love
Song writer(s): Viorica Demici
Song composer(s): Oleg Baraliuc

The rain has touched my steps
The rain touched my smile
I’m going to its depth
It takes me to the sky

All the stars are falling down and now
I can reach the rainbow
Hold my hand and come with me
To my other way of being

This is all I need:
Be my “everything”!
And remember
Our dreams together…

This is all I mean:
Be my “everything”!
And live forever
Ever, ever!

All I need
Is to find a little place to live
In your heart
That’s what I want
And to find the words to say
To find the words I've never said
The words I need to touch your world
And your life
To breathe your soul

A century is now
Not enough
For my love!


Geta Burlacu has won the Moldovan national selection with the song A Century Of Love and will participate in the first Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade on Tuesday, 20th of May.
EDUCATION

2006 – holder of Soros Foundation scholarship, „Muzica” Department
2005 – 2006, Master Degree, Department of jazz and variety, Chisinau Conservatoire
2000, mai - participant at the “Jazz Duo” master-class with Anca Pargel, Belgium
1993-1997 – Music Academy “G. Muzicescu”, Canto profile, qualification: Jazz and variety music interpreter
1989-1993 - Music and Pedagogical College, Department of Cord Instruments, violin class, Bălţi

DISCS

2005 – release of the ethno-soft-jazz album «Ce n-as da... »(“What I wouldn’t give”) in Chisinau

PERSONAL AND ARTISTIC ACTIVITY

2008 – up to date - TV presenter of the “Karaoke-show “The voice of people””, NIT TV
2006-up to date - independent vocalist in collaborations with different bands
2005-2007 - lector of Canto at the Jazz and variety department, Chisinau Conservatoire
2003 – 2007 - Union Fenosa chorus singer
1999-2001 – Jazz quartet soloist
1998 – up to date – Alto voice, solist, UniVox Jazz Vocal Band
1997 – 1998 - lector of Canto at the Pedagogical State University “Alecu Russo”, Bălţi
1994 - 1998 – TV presenter of the show “Clipa Siderală”, TVM
1993 - 1995 – TV presenter of the show “TV Jazz-club”, TVM

COMPETITIONS, AWARDS, IMPORTANT PERFORMANCES

2007-13-09 – International Ethno Jazz Festival “Trigon”, Chisinau
2007-2-07 – “Faces of friends” International Festival, Moldova
2007-30-04 – Opening BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, National Theatre, Bucharest, Romania
2007-27-04 – Opening BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, Opera, Cluj, Romania
2004 – Prize-winner of the III Prize, international Jazz DODJ Festival-competition
2001 Special prize at the National Festival of Folk Music “Tamara Ceban”, Moldova
2001 Participant at the International Festival of Universal Music (FIMU), Belfort, France
2001 Participant at the International Music Festival “New ImproMusicFest”, Moldova
2001 Soloist of Folk Music Band, Week of Romanian Folk Music, Germany
2000 Participant at the International Festival of Universal Music (FIMU), Belfort, France
2000 Participant at the International Art Festival, “INTACT”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2000 Participant at the International Festival “Jazz-Weekend”, Moldova
2000 Participant at the National Music Festival “Mărţişor”, Moldova
1999 Participant at the International Festival “Jazz-Weekend”, Moldova
1997 Diploma of the International Competition “Şlagărul de Aur”, Belarus
1997 Grand Prix at the Republican Competition “Tânăra Stea”, Moldova
1993 First Place at the Competition of Young Interpreters of light music “Steaua de Dimineaţă”, Bălţi

Estonia - Kreisiraadio - Leto Svet

Performer: Kreisiraadio
Song title: Leto Svet
Song writer(s): Priit Pajusaar, Glen Pilvre, Peeter Oja, Hannes Võrno & Tarmo Leinatamm
Song composer(s): Priit Pajusaar, Glen Pilvre, Peeter Oja, Hannes Võrno & Tarmo Leinatamm

Ko ja sam?
Racun molim
Nestalo
mi je plina
mi je plina

Dva dupla
dobosh torta.
Mahuna
to jedosta
to jedosta

Leto svet,
eto leto svet.
Leto svet,
eto leto svet

Leto svet,
eto leto svet.
Leto svet,
eto leto svet

Krompira,
krashka, luka
jastoga -
to jedosta.

Sommer Licht
Das ist Sommer Licht
Sommer Licht
Das ist Sommer Licht

Sommer Licht
Das ist Sommer Licht
Sommer Licht
Das ist Sommer Licht

Krompira
kraska, luka,
jastoga -
to jedosta.
Sardela to jedosta.

Mitäs nyt?
Kesävalot nyt.
Mitäs nyt?
Kesävalot nyt.

Mitäs nyt
Kesävalot nyt.
Mitäs nyt?
Kesävalot nyt.

Leto svet
eto leto svet.
Leto svet,
eto leto svet

Leto svet
eto leto svet.
Leto svet,
eto leto svet

Leto svet
eto leto svet

Comedy act Kreisiraadio have won Eurolaul 2008 and will represent Estonia in the first Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, on Tuesday May 20th in Belgrade with the song Leto Svet.
This will be the first occasion when an Estonian Eurovision Song Contest entry hasn't been performed either in the Estonian or English language. Leto Svet is performed maily in the Serbo-Croatian language with parts of the song in the German and Finnish languages.

Kreisiraadio (Crazy Radio) is an ultra-popular three-man team, who first met up in the city of Tartu. Having recognised each other’s hidden desires they immediately decided to crack some jokes. This is what they are still doing today! In April 1993, the trio started on the radio, continued on Estonian national television, and in many other places where people have tolerated them. They do not set limits in their activities and could care less about established practices. And this is why they have no competitors in Estonia, or if they do, these must be invisible competitors!

Kreisiraadio has tried their hand at everything during their lifetime. They have performed in opera, conducted a symphonic orchestra and acted in films, not to even mention their countless TV and radio performances. All three men have cool children and beautiful homes in different areas of Tallinn. Look at the map! Kreisiraadio has a sub-fund named after it under the Estonian National Culture Fund. Kreisiraadio will soon publish a book and open a pub called Kreisiraadio.

All three men are highly educated specialists. Hannes Võrno has a higher education in fashion design and is most widely known as a TV show host. For years, Hannes has been voted one of the best compères around. He is the host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He has been a member of parliament and was recently awarded the rank of junior lieutenant by the President of the Republic of Estonia. Hannes is a reserve officer.

Peeter Oja is a highly educated actor, who stopped working as an on-the-staff actor in the mid-80s and has enjoyed the joys and sorrows of a freelancer now for a couple of decades. Peeter is one of the hosts of the most viewed socially critical ridicule show on an Estonian commercial TV channel and the recognised author of widely commented newspaper articles.

Tarmo Leinatamm is a highly educated conductor, whom the viewers of the 1996 and 1997 Eurovision Song Contest have seen conducting the orchestra. Tarmo also finds time to host TV shows – and already for about ten years. Tarmo has also been a member of parliament. All counted, he has nine professions.

Kreisiraadio has been on the air for 15 years and no end is in sight. The men gather for action only when they can no longer help it and the longing for each other becomes unbearable. Thus they unsuspectingly ended up at the Eurovision Song Contest, or as people say in Estonia – Leto Svet! We wish the same to you, dear reader!

Israel : Boaz Mauda - Ke'ilo kan

Performer: Boaz
Song title: The Fire In Your Eyes
Song writer(s): Dana International & Shai Kerem
Song composer(s): Dana International

החם

זה קשה, זה קשה כש
געגוע מול ירח, כאן לרגע ובורח
אחריו, רודף הבכי.

זה קשה, זה קשה כש
געגוע מול ירח, כאן לרגע ובורח
אחריו, רודף הבכי.

לפעמים מביא הרוח ריח טוב, מוכר
מלטף עכשיו שומע
אותך שר

פזמון:
לא אור כוכב
אתה עכשיו
איתי, איתי, כאילו אמיתי
כמו אז מזמ
ן
Come along, come along see
the fire in your eyes and you come
with me with me

לפעמים מביא הרוח ריח טוב, מוכר
מלטף עכשיו שומע
אותך שר

פזמון:
לא אור כוכב...

Out of 450 entries, Israeli broadcasters IBA and Channel 2 hand-picked five songs for Boaz, who will represent the country at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. In a televised show, the public chose The Fire In Your Eyes as Boaz' song for Belgrade.
Boaz, 20, is a young and passionate singer. With his clear golden voice, and genuine soul, he already won the hearts of the Israeli public, winning the first prize in the Israeli version of "Pop Idol – A Star is Born". From zero to hero, the new idol is the epitome of the new Israeli man, the rising star which shines in Israel, is soon to shine over Europe.

Boaz sings since the early age of five. Going to the synagogue accompanied by his father, the young boy amazed the family when he sang the Jewish prayers. Since then, Boaz's goal was to become a professional singer - and moreover, his secret fantasy was to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, and to sing for all of Europe. When he performed in the TV talent show "A Star is Born", Boaz amazed the judges with his wide vocal range. Soon after, the whole country fell in love with the voice of the Yemenite nightingale, often refered to as the 'Israeli Joselito', and Boaz became a leading nominee and a favorite for the crowd at home. During the show, Boaz performed with worldwide famous Israeli singer and guitar player David Broza, giving a private interpretation to the hit song Seniorita. His solo performance at the show's finale received more than 50% of the votes of the audience at home. Boaz was then chosen as the Israeli Idol and became the leading role model for Israeli youth and adults. Boaz has touched and moved the hearts of thousands when he dedicated the winning song to his mother. Handicapped since she gave birth to Boaz, she chose his life over hers in a total act of heroism.

Boaz's mother is the young singer’s private symbol of persistance and willpower and his family will accompany him to Belgrade, as a fountain of strength and inspiration. A family guy, Boaz lives with his parents and two siblings in an agriculture cooperative in the middle of Israel. Choosing the song for the Eurovision Song Contest wasn’t easy. Hundreds of Israel’s top songwriters and composers sent their best submissions to the national song contest which was broadcasted on prime time television on Israeli Channel 2. Five songs were preformed by Boaz and the viewers chose The Fire In Your Eyes, which was written by the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana International together with Shai Kerem.

Montenegro: Stefan Filipović - Zauvijek volim te

Performer: Stefan Filipović
Song title: Zauvijek Volim Te
Song writer(s): Ognen Nedelkovski
Song composer(s): Grigor Koprov

Ponoć nad gradom kuca
Ja ne znam gdje si ti
Srce od ljubavi puca
U praznoj postelji!

Tuga mi pjesme piše
Dok suze padaju
Jastuk na tebe miriše
A dugo, dugo nisi tu!

Ne daj mi da poludim
Tako je tužno sve
Ponovo moja budi
Zauvjek volim te!

Ne daj mi da poludim
Ne mogu više sam
Praštaju Bog i ljudi
Tebi ja pripadam!

Ponoć nad gradom kuca
Ja ne znam gdje si ti
Stojiš na ivici srca
A tako, tako trebaš mi!

Opet bi da te ljubim
Da korak pratim tvoj
Vrijeme ja uzalud gubim
Jer ti si život moj!

Ne daj mi da poludim
Tako je tužno sve
Ponovo moja budi
Zauvjek volim te!

Ne daj mi da poludim
Ne mogu više sam
Praštaju Bog i ljudi
Tebi ja pripadam!

Ne daj mu da poludi
Tako je tužno sve
Ponovo njegova budi
Zauvjek volim te!

Stefan Filipović was born in Podgorica, on 18th January 1987. He is a student of the Music Academy in Cetinje, but he is into music industry since the age of seven. He participated in many musical contests as a child, in Montenegro and abroad, and he even won many of these contests and festivals, as the songs he was presenting became instant hits.
Then, after a longer break from these kind of musical contests, he participated in the important Mediterranean festival Music Festival Budva in 2006, finished 4th with the song Ja Mogao Bih Sve and won the award for 'best new artist'. The same year he took part in the Zrenjaninski Festival (Serbia), with the song Ne Umijem Ζivjeti and won the third prize, including the award for the 'new face of the festival'.

In 2007 he competed in the Montenegrin national selection MontenegroSong for the Eurovision Song Contest, where he finished second. In the 14th Budva Music Festival in the same year, he won the Grand Prix with the song Nebo I More. Finally, this year he won the Montenegrin national final, and will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade.

He will perform the song Zauvijek Volim Te (Never Forget I Love You).