EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: GRAND FINAL / ISRAEL 2019

The Programme Information on this page is for coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest in Great Britain. 

TX DATE
SATURDAY 18 MAY 2019

TX TIME:
20:00

NETWORK:
BBC One

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EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
devised by
MARCEL BEZENÇON

PRESENTER: Bar RefaelI
PRESENTER: Lucy Ayoub
PRESENTER: Assi Azar
PRESENTER: Erez Tal
NARRATOR (BBC One): Graham Norton
EVENT MANAGER: Tali Eshkoli
DIRECTOR: Stephen Neal
SERIES PRODUCER: Meytal Cohen
​SERIES PRODUCER: Lee Smithurst
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Yuval Cohen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Zivit Davidovitch
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Andrew Cartmell

Bar RefaelI, Lucy Ayoub, Assi Azar and Erez Tal host coverage of the 64th annual Eurovision Song Contest live from Tel Aviv, Israel.

Bar Refaeli:

Bar Refaeli is an international supermodel and is one of the first Israeli models to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.  She has a wealth of experience in presenting and broadcasting, having created her own model casting show Million Dollar Shooting Star in 2012.  Along with a successful modelling career, Bar has also hosted several primetime TV shows, such as the Israeli adaptation of The X Factor in 2013.

​Lucy Ayoub:

​Lucy Ayoub is Israel's most promising new talent, who rose to fame as increasingly influential YouTuber.  She has grown to become a well-known TV host and delivered the results of the Israeli jury at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon.  The Semi-Finals of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 14th and 16th of May, the Grand Final is scheduled for the 18th of May where Lucy will be part of the presenting quartet.

Assi Azar:

Assi is one of Israel's top television hosts and screenwriters, whose credits include hosting Israel's Rising Star, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. 

​OUT Magazine featured Assi in its global 100 Most Influential Gay People listing.

Erez Tal:

Erez has 25 years of broadcasting experience, having developed, produced and hosted a number of primetime hits, including ten seasons of the hit reality show Big Brother.  Erez is also known for creating and hosting TV game-show The Vault, which has sold to 23 territories worldwide, making it the most successful Israeli game show format in the world.  Erez featured as KAN's Eurovision commentator in 2018.

BBC One viewers in Great Britain will have Graham Norton on-hand to provide his unique, and comedic narration of the event.

21-year-old Michael Rice from Hartlepool, County Durham is flying the flag for the United Kingdom.

Michael was selected to represent Britain after winning 'All Together Now' earlier this month.  The young man will proudly perform his anthemic song 'Bigger Than Us' which is written by Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik and Jonas Thander.

This year is Graham Norton’s tenth anniversary as the UK commentator, taking the reins from legendary BBC broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan in 2009, and once again he will bring his distinctive charm to the spectacular event.

The 2019 event’s theme logo, developed by creative agency ST/AF and designer Adam Feinberg, was revealed in mid-January.  The logo is comprised of three triangles which, when united, shine together to create a golden star.  The triangle is one of the world's oldest shapes, is a cornerstone symbol found universally in art, music, cosmology and nature, representing connection and creativity.  As the triangles join and combine, they become a new single entity reflecting the infinite stellar sky, as the stars of the future come together in Tel Aviv for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Eurovision Song Contest's 2019 Grand Final will be held inside Expo Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv, Israel.  

Expo Tel Aviv is the largest and most advanced site in Israel for conventions, exhibitions, fairs, stage performances and events of an international magnitude. The center annually hosts hundreds of events and exhibitions of various types, which draw more than 2.5 million visitors. 

It contains approximately 20,000 metres squared of canopied presentation areas, divided among 8 pavilions and 20 conference halls of variable sizes, and an additional 20,000 metres squared of open presentation spaces, accommodating any type of event.  The beginning of Expo Tel Aviv traces back to the 1920's, even before the founding of the State of Israel. 

The cornerstone ceremony for the permanent structures of Yarid Hamizrach "The Levant Fair"), as it was originally called, took place in 1933.  Following the founding of the State of Israel, the complex changed its name in the 1950's to the "Trade Fairs & Convention Center".  It was recently renamed Expo Tel Aviv, to strengthen its global branding positioning. 

Since Expo Tel Aviv's inauguration, the Flying Camel was its official emblem.  The camel symbolises the slowly-paced levant, while the wings symbolise the burst of innovation, initiative spirit and progress. 

The running order for tonight's event and information: 

01. Malta: Chameleon by Michela Pace

Michela Pace, will sing for Malta at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.  She has only just turned 18 years of age and currently lives on the tiny island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago and known as a hidden gem in the Mediterranean.  Her voice is described by many as memorable and powerful, with a breathtaking breaking point.  She loves a wide range of genres from pop and country to soul.

As a then-unknown talent in Malta, she exploded on to the X-Factor stage, leaving the judges speechless.  Michela Pace won the final as if it was the only thing she was born to do.

Previously, she had won the Music Talent League in Lithuania, was a finalist in the Baltic Voices competition and attended the Ultimate Artist development programme in Hertfordshire London, where she worked with Rihanna's producer.

Michela describes herself as an average teenager. 

She explains:

"... but when I start singing, it’s as if my voice takes over my entire being.  Aretha Franklin once said that you sing soul with your whole body.  I know exactly what she means."

​Michela is currently signed to Sony Music.

Lyrics to Chameleon by Michela Pace:

I'm bluer than the ocean
I'm golden like the rising sun and
I'm red with hot emotion
And when they try to ho oh ld me down
Inside a box i find my way out
I'm keepin' it in motion

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away no no never walk away no no no no
We are technicolour watch us go
And we never walk away no no
Stay with me now

Chame chameleon
Chame chamelon
Chame chameleon
Yalla yalla yalla la la la
Chame chameleon
Chame chamelon
Chame chameleon
Yalla yalla yalla la la la

The grass is always greener
When you love me deeper darlin'
I can be your jungle
So when they try to ho oh ld me down
Inside a box I find my way out
I'm keepin' it emotion

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away no no never walk away no no no no
We are technicolor watch us go
And we never walk away no no
Stay with me now

Chame chameleon chame chameleon
Chame chameleon
Yalla yalla yalla la la la

Give me water I’m a swimmer
Give me fire I’m a fighter
Give me love I’m your lover
Make me cry I'll be a river
Take my heart I'll be a giver
I can change like the weather

When life brings me trouble this I know
I never walk away no no never walk away no no
We are technicolour watch us go
And we never walk away no no
Stay with me now

Give me water I’m a swimmer
Give me fire I’m a fighter
Give me love I’m your lover
When life brings me trouble this I know
I never never walk away never walk away 
Chame chameleon

02. Albania: Ktheju Tokës by Jonida Maliqi

Jonida Maliqi will represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.  She is a graduate of the University Of Arts in Tirana and studied the violin and guitar.  She won many prizes and awards, including the first place in several national children festivals in Albania and Albania's musical event Kënga Magjike.

Jonida Maliqi participated in the televised music competitions Top Fest and Festivali i Këngës in Albania and took part in various international festivals all over Europe.  Jonida not only performs as a solo artist, but has also starred in various musicals in Albania.  Besides being a singer, she is also a presenter, hosting several musical and dancing shows on Albanian television.  With her 435,000 Instagram followers she is a well known influencer and fashion icon in her home country.

Lyrics to Ktheju Tokës by Jonida Maliqi:

Albanian:

Ti këndon edhe qan
Në duar lotët mbledh
I mban

Një ditë jeton
Në tjetrën vdes
Sa mall, pak shpresë
I vetëm, pa identitet

Ktheju tokës tënde
O njeri që zemrën le peng 

Ktheju tokës tënde
Ti e di një zemër të pret

Një ditë jeton
Në tjetrën vdes
Sa mall, pak shpresë 
I vetëm, pa identitet

Ktheju tokës tënde
O njeri që zemrën le peng 

Ktheju tokës tënde
Ti e di një zemër të pret

English:

You sing and cry
In hands, tears are gathered
You hold them

One day you live,
The next you die
So much nostalgia, so little hope
Alone, no identity

Return to your land
Oh man that let the heart hostage
Return to your land
You know there is a heart waiting for you

One day you live
The next you die
So much nostalgia, so little hope
Alone, no identity

Return to your land
Oh man that let the heart hostage
Return to your land
You know there is a heart waiting for you

​03. Czech Republic: Friend Of A Friend by Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi will represent Czech Republic at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.  The indie-pop band was founded by Albert Černý in 2013 and the band's name was inspired by a Bon Iver song.  Since the very beginning, Lake Malawi wanted to make it outside of their home country Czech Republic with all their repertoire sung in English, and they will do just that when they take to the stage in Tel Aviv.

Shortly after the release of their first single Always June on BBC London, Lake Malawi opened for Thirty Seconds to Mars in Prague (2014).  In 2015, the band performed at The Great Escape festival in Brighton and released the EP We Are Making Love Again – the single Chinese Trees won the new music Audition Poll on Amazing Radio.

Lake Malawi later caught the attention of both The Kooks' and Mika's managers, which secured the band a support slot at both acts' Prague arena shows.  After an extensive period of recording, the band released their first full-length debut album Surrounded By Light in 2017.  The critically acclaimed record included the singles Paris and more alternative Prague (In The City).

Lake Malawi have played over 300 gigs in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, ​and the United Kingdom.  Their music appeared in Czech films and was featured in a major rail carrier advertisement.

Currently, the band consists of Albert Černý (lead vocal, guitar), Jeroným Šubrt (bass and keys) and Antonín Hrabal (drums).

Albert Černý was born on 17th of February 1989 in the Czech steel-making town of Třinec on the Slovak / Polish border.  Albert is the author of music and lyrics of Lake Malawi songs (as well as of his previous act Charlie Straight).  He received four Czech Music Academy Awards Anděl, two Slavík awards and an MTV Award for his work.

Lyrics to Friend Of A Friend by Lake Malawi:

Can you hear it?
There’s someone behind the wall making the same sounds 
Can you hear it?
It sounds like you and me when we’re making love
Who is it?
You said you wish they weren’t taking such a long time

She was my neighbour when we were thirteen 
She moved back in...
There’s not much between us now
D’you know what I mean?

She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend 
She’s never home cause she plays in a band
I don’t know if you’d understand
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend
I had a dream that she walked through the door I can’t recall her name anymore
Please believe me I’m your man
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend

Can you feel it?
There’s someone sliding up and down the ceiling 
Breathing, he is synchronising with her beating heart (with her beating heart)

She was my neighbour when we were thirteen
She moved back in...
There’s not much between us now
D’you know what I mean?

She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend
She’s never home cause she plays in a band
I don’t know if you’d understand
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend
I had a dream that she walked through the door I can’t recall her name anymore
Please believe me I’m your man
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend

Ooooh...

She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend
She’s never home cause she plays in a band
I don’t know if you’d understand
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend
I had a dream that she walked through the door I can’t recall her name anymore
Please believe me I’m your man
She’s only a friend of a friend of a friend

04. Germany: Sister by S!sters / Carlotta Truman / Laurita Kästel

​S!sters is a duo that consists of Carlotta Truman (age 19) and Laurita Kästel (age 26).

​Both started singing at an early age and since then they have had numerous appearances as singers both in bands and as solo artists.  Now they will represent Germany at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv after winning 'Unser Lied Für Israel', Germany's national selection show to pick the country's entry for Tel Aviv.

Carlotta Truman was introduced to the public when she was 9 years old.  She was a finalist on the German talent show Das Supertalent, followed by a 3-week live tour through all the major cities in Germany.  Carlotta performed live on national television multiple times as well as being awarded the German Rock and Pop Prize for the Best Singer in Germany at the age of 12.  She finished second in The Voice Kids in 2014 and followed up with a performance at the Papenburg Festival in front of a crowd of 25,000 people.  Carlotta has numerous solo appearances every year, but she also works with renowned bands and orchestras.  In 2017, Alex Christensen invited her to participate in his album project Classical 90's Dance.  At the start of 2018, Carlotta started the year with a live performance on the televised show Willkommen 2018 at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in front of 75.0000 spectators.  In October 2018, Carlotta started a university course on Popular Music at the Pop Institute at the University of Hannover.

Laurita Kästel is from Königsau in the Rhineland-area in Germany and now lives in Wiesbaden.  Her mother, Teresa Kästel, is a Philippine-born singer.  Her father, Christoph Kästel, is a renowned keyboard player.  Being part of a family of musicians, Laurita made her first steps on stage – together with her elder sister Jenniffer – at the age of four. In 2002, at the age of 10-years-old, she won ZDF's Kiddy Contest and finished in fourth place as a contestant on Star Search.  After finishing school, Laurita began to work as a full-time musician and started writing her own songs.  She got her first jobs as a back-up vocalist on tour for The Voice of Germany.  She also worked as a back-up vocalist for artist like Lena, Stefanie Heinzmann and Sarah Connor.  Nowadays she is in the process of composing and producing songs for her first album.

Lyrics to Sister by S!sters: 

I’m tired
Tired of always losing
I tried to stop your fire
Turns out that I couldn’t

I’m tired
Tired of competing
I tried to hold you under
But honey you kept breathing

When you said you wanted the world
I said you couldn’t too
You were walking right beside me
But I left no room for you
Calling you my enemy but my enemy’s right here
It was my mistake to try and break
that power that I feared

I see flames in your eyes
Damn they burn so bright
Oh you gotta know I’m with ya
Now shine like city lights
Torches in the sky
Don’t you try to hide it
SISTER

I’m sorry
Sorry for the drama
I tried to steal your thunder
Turns out I don’t wanna

When you said you wanted the world
I said you couldn’t too
You were walking right beside me
But I left no room for you
Calling you my enemy but my enemy’s right here
It was my mistake to try and break
Your power that I feared

I see flames in your eyes
Damn they burn so bright
Don’t you try to hide it
SISTER SISTER SISTER
Don’t you try to hide it
SISTER SISTER SISTER
Don’t you try to hide it

I see flames in your eyes
Damn they burn so bright

Oh you gotta know I’m with ya
Now shine like city lights
Torches in the sky
Don’t you try to hide it
Don’t you try to hide it
SISTER

​05. Russia: Scream by Sergey Lazarev

Sergey Lazarev returns to the Eurovision Song Contest, for the second time representing Russia.  He is one of the most famous singers, actors, and presenters in Russia and his popularity spreads into many of the former Soviet countries.

Sergey's success as an artist began at a young age and his rise to fame been watched by the whole country.  Sergey was born on Friday 1 April 1983 in Moscow.  At the age of 4, he was already competing in and winning artistic gymnastic competitions.  However, his parents soon noticed that Sergey was more interested in music.  At the age of 8, he began singing in classical choir, and soon thereafter joined the popular children’s singing group ‘Neposody’ (where Yulia and Lena from globally famous (and former Eurovision Song Contest competitors t.A.T.u also began their careers).  Sergey has been participating in and winning various music contests since the age of 12.  These include Italy’s Bravo Bravissimo International Contest and the prestigious Morning Star TV Music Contest. In 2002, he joined forces with fellow ‘Neposody’ singer and friend, Vlad Topalov, and created the hit duo Smash!!

In 2002, Smash!! won the New Wave International Contest of Young Performers in Latvia with Belle, the most famous song from Notre Dame de Paris.  Following this victory, they received a contract with Universal Music Record Company.  Their first album sold over 1 million copies and a large tour across the country followed.  The band’s popularity grew until it disbanded in 2004, after touring Russia, neighbouring countries, and Southeast Asia, winning awards such as Best Band, Best Pop Project and Best Debut.

Parallel to his music career, Sergey began his pursuit of higher education in 1999, when he entered the Faculty of Acting at the prestigious Moscow Art Theater School (MXAT).  In 2002, he played his first role as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the Pushkin Theatre in Moscow.  To date, he has received several theatre awards and played leading roles in leading stage productions at the Pushkin Theatre such as Lend Me A Tenor, The Talents And The Dead, and most recently, the lead role of Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro.

At the end of 2004, at the peak of their success, Smash!! broke up and Sergey went solo.  In December 2005, his first solo album Don't Be Fake was released and was quickly certified gold.  The following year, Sergey won Artist of the Year (MTV Russian Music Awards), Breakthrough of the Year (Muz-TV Awards), and the Golden Gramophone Award. In 2007, his second album TV Show was released, produced again by Brian Rawling from Metrophonic.  He collaborated with more than a dozen composers including Rob Davis, who produced Kylie Minogue's hit Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.

In 2007–2009, more prestigious music awards followed, including Artist Of The Year (MTV RMA); Best Performer Of The Year (Muz-TV Awards), God of Broadcasting, Singer Of The Year and Dance Project (ZD Charts Award of the Moskovskiy Komsomolets newspaper).  The next album, Electric Touch, went gold. It was produced by some top European producers and was recorded in Russia, England, Sweden, and USA.  One of the songs from the album Instantly was included on the soundtrack for the movie The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader In Russia and in the CIS countries.

Sergey has voiced several movie and cartoon characters such as Prince Arthur in the animated film Shrek The Third, the wolf Humphrey in Alpha and Omega, and Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron) in 3 parts of the Disney movie High School Musical.  In addition to his success as a singer and actor.  Sergey Lazarev is also a prize winner for his roles in various TV shows, such as Ice Dance Show (2nd place) and Circus with Stars (first place).  In 2014, Sergey a coach on the fourth season of The Voice Ukraine.

In 2015, Sergey embarked on the Lazarev Program Tour across more than 75 cities and in 2016, the sell-out BEST Tour hit over 100 cities. More awards followed, with 2015 becoming one of the most successful years in Sergey Lazarev's music career; he won multiple prestigious music awards, such as Best Singer (RU.TV Channel Award), MUZ-TV (Best Male Video) and Russian Music Box (Singer Of The Year) as well as Russian National Music Awards (Best Popular Music Performer) (Best Pop Music Singer).  During the ceremony, it was revealed that he would represent Russia at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, where he won the international televote and finished third place.

After Eurovision, Sergey won the MUZ-TV Award as the Best Performer and World Breakthrough Of The Year.  Additionally, Sergey won the International ESC Radio Award for Best Song and Best Male Artist. In November, one week before his 100th concert of The BEST Tour (and the second Moscow concert with this program), Sergey won The Real Music BOX Award — Singer of the Year on the stage of the Crocus City Hall.  A day later, he won The Golden Gramophone Award, and the album The BEST went gold.

More awards followed in 2017, including winning the MUZ-TV Awards Best Song for You Are The Only One, Russian Music Box Channel Awards Video Of The Year for Lucky Stranger, New Radio Award On 15 December 2017, his new album In The Epicentre was released on iTunes and other digital platforms, which became the singer’s first album recorded entirely in Russian.  The release of the new English-language disc The ONE was released on his 35th birthday.  By that time, the single So Beautiful from the album In The Epicentre had already gone platinum in Russia and in the CIS countries.

Away from the spotlight, Sergey adopted his beautiful dog Daisy from an animal shelter in 2012.  Daisy inspired him to create a small business called Poodle-Strudel and since 2015, the company has created healthy treats such as cakes and pastries for cats and dogs.  A new flagship store was opened in Moscow in 2017.

Sergey has also been actively involved in various charity events and welfare projects, cooperating with the Line of Life Foundation helping children with dangerous diseases that require high-tech medical care.  His charity concerts in Moscow have raised money for expensive heart surgeries to be performed on many children.

Lyrics to Scream by Sergey Lazarev:

I can’t stay here longer
You cannot make me cry
So I will leave you to wonder
What will become of our lives

I’ll swallow hard
Fall apart 
Break and bleed but
You won’t see

Tears won’t fall
While pride stands tall
Maybe they can’t be heard or seen
But tears aren’t quiet things
They scream
They scream

Though my throat is on fire
My eyes will be liars
And they’ll try to stay drier
Until you turn away

I’ll swallow hard
Fall apart 
Break and bleed but
You won’t see

Tears won’t fall
While pride stands tall
But tears aren’t quiet things
They burn and scar and sting
They scream
They scream

Scream
They scream

Not so silent and innocent
Acid rain from your finger prints
Echoes, rivers of loneliness
Hitting the walls of my heart

Scream
They scream

​06. Denmark: Love Is Forever by Leonora Colmor Jepsen

Denmark's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest participant is Leonora Colmor Jepsen and she will perform 'Love Is Forever' in Tel Aviv.

​The 20-year-old is a young woman with many talents.  As a figure skater, she has won the Danish Championship 3 times and participated in the Junior World Championship and Nordic Championship in figure skating.

Music has always been a big part of Leonora's life, but at the age of 15 she became more serious about music and started training her voice, playing the guitar and writing songs.

In her song Love Is Forever, with which Leonora won Melodi Grand Prix, the Danish selection for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, she effortlessly sings 4 languages in the 3 minute duration of the song.  The song is mainly in English, but changes in the third verse to French, then has a part in her mother tongue Danish, followed by a line in German, to conclude with the last chorus in French and English.  The use of multiple languages emphasizes the song's message that love is for everyone and forever, no matter where you are born and believe in.

Lyrics to Love Is Forever by Leonora Colmor Jepsen:

Travel the world to see
The ruins of what has been
Learning our history
But still we don't take it in

Why we make it tough
The world has had enough
Don't get too political

And who are we to judge
It doesn't take too much
Only just a miracle

Love is forever
Love is forever and everyone
Love is forever
Love is forever and everyone

Just a taste of love
A taste of what could actually rule both me and you
A taste of love is all we got
So don't you never ever give up love

Come over my long-lost friend
And work on a happy end
Imagine what we could do
After what we've been through

Why we make it tough
The world has had enough
Don't get too political

And who are we to judge
It doesn't take too much
Only just a miracle

Love is forever
Love is forever and everyone
Love is forever
Love is forever and everyone

Just a taste of love
A taste of what could actually rule both me and you
A taste of love is all we got
So don't you never ever give up love

Venez decouvrir la vie 
Ce soir, on va tous partir 
Le beau temps n'est pas fini
Qu'en dîte vous mon ami

Hvorfor ska vi slås
All we need is love
Liebe ist für alle da

Kærlighed er håb
Alle ka forstå
Kærlighed er samme sprog

L'amour est pour toujours
L'amour est pour toujours 
Et pour tout le monde

L'amour est pour toujours
L'amour est pour toujours 
Et pour tout le monde

Just a taste of love
A taste of what could actually rule both me and you
A taste of love is all we got
So don't you never ever give up love​

​07. San Marino: Say Na Na Na by Serhat

Serhat will represent San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time.  He is an experienced singer, songwriter, music producer, and has hosted and produced television shows, and all that after graduating from the University of Istanbul as a qualified dentist.

Serhat's television career began when he hosted Riziko, the Turkish version of hit the American quiz show Jeopardy.  He produced the show himself and won ‘Best Television Presenter' and ‘Best Television Producer' in Turkey two years in a row.

In 1997, Serhat founded the National and International High Schools Music Contest and has since then been guiding and coaching young talented musicians.

Having mastered the art of dentistry and television, Serhat turned his eye to performing music, launching Total Disguise, a duet with French singer Viktor Lazlo, as his first single.  He went on to record three songs with Russian/Georgian star Tamara Gverdtsiteli in both English and Russian and they toured together across Russia, Belarus and Moldova.

Serhat has based his music career in Germany since 2013 and had another international dance hit with Je M’adore which hit the dance charts in several European countries and topped the German DJ and Dance Chart for five weeks.  His awards include the 'Golden Key of the City Alexandria' for his international artistic career and 'Fair Play Grand Prize' awarded by the Turkish National Olympic Committee.

But to Eurovision fans, Serhat is best known for representing the Republic of San Marino at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm with I Didn't Know.  Although Serhat did not make it to the Grand Final, the song reached the 25th position on the Billboard Dance Charts in the United States.  The new recording of I Didn't Know featuring legendary Martha Wash from the United States.  And in 2018, he released a new version of Total Disguise featuring former Eurovision Song Contest winner Helena Paparizou.

Serhat's new album has been produced in Sweden, Germany, Belgium and France will be released in May 2019.

Serhat has been chosen by San Marino RTV to represent the Republic of San Marino for the second time at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.  This time he is not only the artist but the composer and lyricist as well.

Lyrics to Say Na Na Na by Serhat:

You look sad and lonely, is something wrong tonight
Why this rush to run away, things will be all right
Just be strong and look at me, hear me when I say
Who cares that you’re outta love, it happens every day

All your dreams have gone away, no matter what you do
Love all colours of this life and to yourself be true
Don’t forget my number, call me anytime
I will always tell you life is beautiful and fine

Say na na na
On a dark deserted way say na na na
There’s a light for you that waits it’s na na na
Say na na na

Say na na na
You’re not alone so stand up na na na
Be a hero be the rainbow and sing na na na
Say na na na

All your dreams have gone away, no matter what you do
Love all colours of this life and to yourself be true
Don’t forget my number, call me anytime
I will always tell you life is beautiful and fine

If you’re feeling lonely
We can take it slowly
Think I’m going crazy
Yes, I’m going crazy
We can all go crazy
1 2 3

Say na na na
On a dark deserted way say na na na
There’s a light for you that waits it’s na na na
Say na na na

Say na na na
You’re not alone so stand up na na na
Be a hero be the rainbow and sing na na na
Say na na na
Say na na na

​08. North Macedonia: Proud by Tamara Todevska

Tamara Todevska is one of North Macedonia's leading and best-selling female artists.

​Raised in a family of musicians, she first started performing at the young age of 6.  Now she will represent her country at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Tamara's debut album Sino (Blue), with the lead single 1003, was released in 2005 to commercial and critical success throughout the region.  Her second album Eden na Eden (One on One) cemented her position as one of the region's most profound artists and has produced high-charting hits such as Tesko Bez Tebe (It's Hard Without You), Tazna Ljubov, Srekna Pesna (Sad Love, Happy Song) and Brod Sto Tone (Sinking Boat).

Tamara's first solo concert in 2015 in Skopje's VIP Arena Boris Trajkovski is considered a significant breakthrough for her in the country's music scene.  Tamara has won numerous awards for her timeless hits, including Best Performing Artist and Best Song.

The North Macedonian singer will dedicate her entry Proud to her 2 children and everyone fighting for their dreams and believing in their own greatness.

Lyrics to Proud by Tamara Todevska

Girl
They will try to tell you what to do
How to look, smile, act and move
All the rules are made for you to lose
But baby let me tell you something
Girl
For every tear the world makes you cry
Hold on to me, I am always on your side
Don't be afraid to spread your wings and fly

Tell them
Raise your voice and say it loudly
Show them, what it means to stand up proudly
Tell them
This is me and thanks to you I am proud

Girl
They will try to tell you what to do
Have no fear, the power lies in you
Shine your light, go and break the rules

Tell them
Raise your voice and say it loudly
Show them, what it means to stand up proudly
Tell them
This is me and thanks to you I am proud

​​09. Sweden: Too Late For Love by John Lundvik

​Songwriter John Lundvik got his major breakthrough as an artist in 'Melodifestivalen 2018' when his song My Turn was voted directly on to the final.  He became that year's big surprise when he reached a fantastic third place.  In 2019, John managed to top his achievement performing the song 'Too Late For Love' that had enormous success and sent him to the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Too Late For Love received a lot of attention, reached the number 1 position in Sweden's top 50 and is currently one of the most played songs on Swedish radio.  John Lundvik is an incredibly authentic singer who, with intimacy and great musicality, raises the level of the Swedish music scene.

After his breakthrough in 2018, John had an exciting and hectic year during which he received the prestigious assignment to sing at a tribute concert celebrating Sweden's Queen Silvia's 70th birthday.  After that he made TV-appearances at the National Day and Victoriadagen, an annual event celebrating the birthday of Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria.  John performed in the biggest TV shows in Sweden and did various gigs and a successful summer tour.  At the start of 2019, John was already contracted to participate in one of Sweden's largest summer tours and also for an upcoming Christmas tour.

As a songwriter, John got his big breakthrough and recognition in 2010 after writing the Crown Princess Victoria's and Daniel's wedding song When You Tell The World You're Mine performed by Björn Skifs and Agnes. In the 2014 edition of Melodifestivalen, John went directly to the final as the composer of Anton Ewald's entry Natural.  John's track record also includes music for films like Empire and Fast Cash and songs for artists such as Sanna Nielsen and Isac Elliot.

​John has also written the official Swedish Olympic song All About the Games.

In Tel Aviv, John will be representing both Sweden as a singer and songwriter and the United Kingdom as a writer and composer, since he has also worked on Michael Rice's Bigger Than Us.

Lyrics to Too Late For Love by John Lundvik:

Hey, how you been
I wonder do you ever think of me
Say, am I wrong
To wonder if it could be you and me

Is it too late for love
Mhmhm
Is it too late for love
I wanna know
Is it too late for love
I can’t take no more
Is it

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark
I could make it burn for you and me
If I could be there
I would be there
Hear me

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Is it too late for love
Is it too late for love
Hear me
I could make it burn for you and me

Days came and went
But nothing ever really felt the same
You left a space
Where everything reminds me of your face

Is it too late for love
Mhmhm
Is it too late for love
I wanna know

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark

I could make it burn for you and me
If I could be there
I would be there
Hear me

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Is it too late for love
Is it too late for love
Hear me
I could make it burn for you and me
Is it too late for love
Is it too late for love

We could be a storm that rages on
And maybe we would own the ocean carry on

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Maybe I would lit your world with just one spark
I could make it burn for you and me
If I could be there
I would be there
Hear me

I could be the sun that lights your dark
Is it too late for love
Is it too late for love

Is it too late for looooooooooove
Is it

​10. Slovenia: Sebi by Zala Kralj / Gašper Šantl

Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl will represent Slovenia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.  They are a relatively new duo that joined forces in 2017.  Before they met, they were both focused on growing their individual careers in Slovenia’s music scene.

Zala started by playing covers and soon after began writing her own songs based on gentle narration and soft, melodic vocals.  Gašper started playing the guitar at a young age and when he reached his teens, his music led him to Prague, where, under the wing of Faust Records studio, he studied to become an audio producer and a composer.  After 2 years, on a quest for new inspiration, he decided took a cycling trip through Europe where he wrote the chorus for the duo's first single Valovi.

The singers first met on Instagram: when Zala’s videos were shared with Gašper, he knew he had found the right vocalist for his new song.  Valovi was a huge success, taking over radio stations across Slovenia and winning the Slovenian annual music award Zlata piščal for the best song of 2017.  The duo returned in 2018 with 2 new songs, each showcasing Gašper’s gentle electronic pop style and Zala's soft voice.

The band's fourth single Sebi was presented on Evrovizijska Melodija 2019. Zala and Gašper brought their charm and authenticity to the stage, and they won the ticket to represent Slovenia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.  The duo remains calm and confident as they approach the contest, believing that there is no challenge they could not face together.

In the meantime, the duo has released an EP with their first 4 singles, aptly named Štiri (Four).  When Gašper and Zala are creating new music, they try to be as honest as possible and pass on a meaningful message to their listeners.  With their songs, they hope to find people for whom the music means something.  The most important creative bond is their combined desire to tell stories with their songs and their ability to write and interpret each other’s music.

Lyrics to Sebi by Zala Kralj / Gašper Šantl

​Slovenian:

Ko so tvoje misli polne
lahko poslušaš, kako mi bije srce
Ko težko je tvoje breme
k meni se lahko zatečeš

Vprašaj, kaj me vodi dalje
So dosežki in razdalje
Kot list gre z vetrom in se mu upira
jaz grem s tokom in se mu upiram

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd
sam ostani sebi zvest
Ne govori mi oprosti

Ko solze v tvojih so očeh
pusti jih, da tečejo
Ko najine želje so različne
sprejmeš me in sprejmem te

Poglej me, je nujno, da ima vse pomen
Večnost in ta planet nista prijatelja
in jaz sem kot snežinka, ki čaka na pomlad

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd
sam ostani sebi zvest
Ne govori mi oprosti

Ni ti treba se dokazovat
Vežejo nas iste solze, isti strah

Vedno se ne vidi zvezd
sam ostani sebi zvest
Ne govori mi oprosti

English:

When your mind is full of thoughts
you can listen to my heartbeat
When your burden is heavy
you can come to me

Ask what keeps me going forward
Is it distance and success
Like a leaf blows with the wind and resists it
I go with the flow and resist it

You can't always see the stars
just stay true to who you are
stop apologising to me

When there are tears in your eyes
let them be
When we have different wishes
I accept you and you accept me

Look at me, is it necessary, for everything to have a meaning
Eternity and this planet aren't friends
and I'm like a snowflake, that's waiting for the spring

You can't always see the stars
just stay true to who you are
stop apologising to me

You don't have to prove yourself to anyone
We all share the same fears, the same tears

You can't always see the stars
just stay true to who you are
stop apologising to me

​11. Cyprus: Replay by Tamta 

Tamta will represent Cyprus at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.  She was born and raised in Georgia before moving to Greece at the age of 22.  She took part in the TV show 'Greek Idol', and took second place.  She is currently one of the most successful and influential artists in the Greek pop music industry, and also considered as one of the best vocalists and performers in Greece.

The press usually refers to Tamta as a fashion icon and as a modern Cinderella due to her fashion choices and the extraordinary achievements in her life and career.  Up until press time, she has released 4 studio albums, 12 digital singles and 26 music videos.  Tamta has won a lot of awards and numerous award nominations.  Most of her singles topped in the radio charts throughout the years.

Parallel to her stunning music career she has starred in acclaimed musicals such as Rent (as Mimi) and Cabaret (as Sally Bowls), being chosen for the leading role of the musical and receiving the best reviews from the audience and theater critics.  Between 2014 and 2018 she was one of the judges in the talent show X-Factor both in Georgia and Greece, an experience that accelerated her popularity and fame to high levels in both countries.

Tamta has performed at numerous festivals and in various clubs and music events all around the world, from Georgia to Australia. Additionally, she has cooperated with outstanding artists and producers from all around the world including Alex P, former Eurovision Song Contest winner Helena Paparizou, former Eurovision performers Sakis Rouvas, Mikolas Josef, Mihai Traistariu as well as Yacoub Rami and Gravitonas, all of which have accounted for an increasing number of fans both in Greece and abroad.

She is also an active supporter and ambassador of Breast Cancer prevention and a supporter of Save A Greek Stray.

Lyrics to Replay by Tamta:

You got a problem
2 am I’m in your head
Let’s just be honest, tonight
Only I can solve it
Ya twisting turning in your bed
Them sheets need my body, tonight

That’s when you call me
That’s when you call me
Say u feeling lonely
Early in the morning, early in the morning 
Time is moving slowly
We keep it undercover
I know you miss the taste 
Heart beats like an 808
You need my love on replay 

Replay replay replay yeah
You need my love on replay 
Replay replay replay yeah

You stuck on me darlin’
Like a love song on repeat 
Yeah u got a problem alright 

I know I’m the one to blame 
Because I make you scream my name
Baby I’m all in tonight

That’s when you call me
That’s when you call me
Say u feeling lonely
Early in the morning, early in the morning 
Time is moving slowly
We keep it undercover
I know you miss the taste 
Heart beats like an 808
You need my love on replay

Replay replay replay yeah
You need my love on replay 
Replay replay replay yeah

I know I’m the one to blame 
Because I make you scream my name
Baby I’m all in tonight
That’s when you call me
That’s when you call me

That’s when you call me
That’s when you call me
Say u feeling lonely
Early in the morning, early in the morning 
Time is moving slowly
We keep it undercover
I know you miss the taste 
Heart beats like an 808
You need my love on replay

Replay replay replay yeah
You need my love on replay

​12. Netherlands: Arcade by Duncan Laurence

Duncan Laurence will represent The Netherlands at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Arcade'.

Duncan explains:

"I grew up in a town where music was a stranger.  Music had no part in the regular school system.  But that couldn’t keep me from making music.  Somehow I was drawn to its magical ways to express myself and tell my own story.  We had a small local theatre and an old music school.  I played the piano every single day, wrote my own songs and poems.  I remember that time as if it was yesterday. I was certain: I was going to be a musician."

Duncan adds:

"My youth wasn’t always easy.  I was bullied a lot and couldn’t defend myself.  Music was a safe haven: a place where I was not insecure and where I could let my emotions run free.  When I was sixteen, I won a talent show and got the opportunity to record my first demo.  My passion for music became more serious and I decided to enrol in the Rock Academy.  It allowed me to travel and visit London and Stockholm.  I was deeply impressed by my peers, my age or even younger, who were making music at a very high level.  I learned that you can appeal to a big audience, without losing track of your personal story or your integrity.  I'm always inspired by stories that move me, real personal experiences from my own life or someone else’s.  Arcade was inspired by the story of someone I loved deeply, who died at a young age.  The words, chords and melodies came to me automatically as if they fell from the sky.  When Joel Sjöö and Wouter Hardy helped me finish the song it got a much larger scope.  It changed from a very personal story to a story that everyone can connect to.  Arcade is a song about longing… longing for love… longing for something that seems out of reach.  And it speaks of hope.  Hope, that you will find what you need in life."

Duncan concludes:

"Since Arcade I’ve written many songs, but somehow Arcade feels like the centre of all of them.  It started my journey to wanting to write songs that can really mean something to people.  My career thus far has mainly been behind the scenes writing for other artists and defining my own sound.  It feels good to now step into the light and share my story.  I want to reach out to people with my music, possibly even help them.  Arcade is a word of advice to myself and who knows… Maybe it helps someone, somewhere… I truly hope so."

Lyrics to Arcade by Duncan Laurence:

​A broken heart is all that's left
I'm still fixing all the cracks
Lost a couple of pieces when
I carried it carried it carried it home

I'm afraid of all I am 
My mind feels like a foreign land
Silence ringing inside my head
Please carry me carry me carry me home

I've spent all of the love I saved
We were always a losing game
Small town boy in a big arcade
I got addicted to a losing game

Oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
All I know, all I know
Loving you is a losing game

How many pennies in the slot
Giving us up didn't take a lot
I saw the end 'for it begun
Still I carried I carried, I carry on

Oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
All I know, all I know
Loving you is a losing game

Oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
All I know, all I know
Loving you is a losing game

I don’t need your games, game over
Get me off this rollercoaster 

Oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
All I know, all I know
Loving you is a losing game

Oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
All I know, all I know
Loving you is a losing game

​13. Greece: Better Love by Katerine Duska

Katerine Duska will represent Greece at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with the song 'Better Love'.  Katerine is a Greek-Canadian singer-songwriter currently based in Athens.

​Her acclaimed debut album 'Embodiment' was released in 2016 by Minos EMI/Universal Records and in 2018, her single 'Fire Away' was selected for an official television ad campaign on Canadian Television.

Katerine's musical style channels the dark sonic timbres of Lykke Li and Jessie Ware and her trademark soulful rasp has earned her comparisons to Amy Winehouse.  She rose to indie star status with her hit song One in a Million and her cover of Arctic Monkeys' Do I Wanna Know.

She has since collaborated and shared the stage with artists like LP, Albin Lee Meldau, Tom Baxter, Yasmine Hamdan, Oddisee, Kadebostany and has performed in prestigious venues and festivals across Europe such as The O2 Academy, Rockwave Festival, SNFCC, Megaron Concert Hall and Sofar Sounds/Amnesty International's global festival Give a Home.

Lyrics to Better Love by Katerine Duska:

Live for the mess
Make me feel ageless 
No pain, no gain 
Teach me carelessness 

And I’m about to see all that’s made up
And everything they want from us
No pain, no gain 
Once bitten, make way 

And I can’t hide it
I won’t fight this 
Yearning feeling inside 

Gotta get

Better love, better love 
All that we’re after 
Way to love, who you love 

There’s nothing more to say to back it up when I’m 
unafraid, I‘ve lost enough
Go on, hold on for dear life

‘Cause I can’t hide it 
I won’t fight this 
Burning feeling inside 

Gotta get

Better love, better love 
All that we’re after 
Way to love, who you love 

Won’t you lean on me 
You can lean on me 
Let them look, don’t know, don’t care
Go deep with me 
Go deep with me 
Go deep with me 

Better love, better love 
All that we’re after 
Way to love, who you love 

What you waiting for, what you waiting fo-or, what you waiting for? 
Better love, who you love

​14. Israel: Home by Kobi Marimi

The 27-year-old Kobi Marimi will represent Israel at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Kobi was born in Ramat Gan, Israel and started singing at the age of 13. After graduating from high school, majoring in theatre, he followed his passion for the stage and studied in an acting studio, for 3 years trying to build the confidence he felt he was lacking. He got much more than that; Kobi lost more than 50 kilos, starred in several plays and even won a 'Promise of the Year' award for his achievements.

Even though Kobi pursued acting growing up, Kobi had no real professional music experience until he decided to participate and compete in the hit reality show Rising Star. Throughout the show, Kobi gained more and more public attention for his unique style and vocal capabilities, which ended with him reaching the finals, winning this year's competition and along with it, the chance to represent Israel at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Since he became the Israeli representative, Kobi has become the nation's sweetheart. His soulful singing has brought him 'home', which is the title of his participating song. The song was written especially for him, bringing his personal story and struggles to the stage.

Lyrics to ​Home by Kobi Marimi:

Caught up in this moment
'til my heartbeat stops
I've been running barefoot to the mountain tops
Nothing comes as easy as it goes
I can hug the water when it snows

I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in
It made me someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming home

I used to listen to the way they talk
Counting down the minutes from the ticking clock

I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in
It made me someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming… 

Home was so far,
Collecting scars, I refuse
Another touch won't be another bruise

I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in
It made me someone, I am someone
I'm standing tall not giving in
Cause I am someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming home

​15. Norway: Spirit In The Sky by KEiiNO

​KEiiNO are Norway's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest entry.  The band mixes electronic pop with Nordic folk melodies and joik, the traditional form of song of the Sami people.  The trio was formed in 2018 by award-winning platinum singer and songwriter Tom Hugo, Sami rapper/joiker Fred Buljo and singer Alexandra Rotan. They will perform 'Spirit In The Sky' in Tel Aviv.

Spirit in the Sky is inspired by the Sami belief that nature gives you strength in times of trouble.  It is composed and written by the band in collaboration with Finnish hit-producer Henrik Tala, German producer R. Schramm and lyricist Alexander Olsson.  KEiiNO won Melodi Grand Prix (MGP), Norway's televised pre-selection for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, by a landslide.  Their song has already skyrocketed to the top of the Norwegian charts.

Alexandra Rotan finished third in last year’s MGP in a duet with former Eurovision representative Stella Mwangi.  The 22-year-old made it onto Norwegian music fans' radars with her success in MGP Junior and Norwegian Idol.  She has since toured extensively as a supporting vocalist for Alan Walker.

Fred Buljo is a 30-year-old native of the northern Norwegian town of Kautokeino.  He burst on to the Norwegian scene in 2008 when he competed in Norway’s Got Talent with the Sami rap group Dulova Duottar. He has since played numerous live shows all over Scandinavia and Russia, and is widely considered one of the Sami music scene’s most talented performers.

Tom Hugo Hermansen is a seasoned songwriter whose CV includes hit pop songs performed by groups across Asia.  The 39-year-old has had radio hits in Norway and Germany as a solo artist, and MGP fans will remember his previous appearances in 2013 and 2018.  Hermansen has written top hits for K-pop supergroups EXO, SHiNee and TVXQ, as well as German Echo-nominee Y’akoto.

Lyrics to Spirit In The Sky by KEiiNO:

Can't you stay
Stay with me into the night
Stay, I need you close
You can go back when the sun rise again
Just stay tonight, just stay

Have you seen my spirit
Lost in the night
The violent nightshade
They took away my light
They call us nothing
My name is nothing
Come see me
Please see me
Cause I've been running with the demons now
They all see my fear
They say there's nothing
Nothing here

I see your spirit in the sky
When northern lights are dancing
He-lo e loi-la
I hear you calling me at night
Whenever wind is blowing
He-lo e loi-la
I can see your spirit in the sky
When northern lights are dancing
He-lo e loi-la
Čajet dan čuovgga

I'll follow you until the daylight
Shy us away
I need a hero
I need my light
Her shining lightwaves
Will break away the night
I call it freedom
Our name is freedom
Come find me
Please find me
Cause I am dancing with the fairies now
They all sing our name
I got my light here
Shining here

I hear you calling me at night
Whenever wind is blowing
He-lo e loi-la
I can see your spirit in the sky
When northern lights are dancing
He-lo e loi-la
Čajet dan čuovgga
I hear you calling me at night
Whenever wind is blowing
He-lo e loi-la
I can see your spirit in the sky
When northern lights are dancing
He-lo e loi-la
Čajet dan čuovgga
I can see your spirit in the sky
When northern lights are dancing
He-lo e loi-la
Čajet dan čuovgga

​16. United Kingdom: Bigger Than Us by Michael Rice

The United Kingdom made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957.

To date the UK has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times.  The United Kingdom has also finished second a record 15 times and also has the record for the longest running string of Top 5 placings.  The United Kingdom holds the record for the longest run of consecutive appearances in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, 59 times in a row.  The record would have gone to Germany had the country not been relegated in a pre-selection round in 1996.  

The United Kingdom holds another record, which is regarded as one of the biggest achievements in the history of the contest, as they came second in the final ranking 15 times.  The United Kingdom also holds the record for most Top 10 (41) and Top 5 placings (29) over the years and won the Eurovision Song Contest on five occasions.

Michael Rice will represent the United Kingdom at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest after winning 'Eurovision: You Decide', the nation's national final.  He lives in Hartlepool in the North East of England with his mum, stepdad, sister and brother.  Growing up he worked at McDonalds, but always dreamt of being a singer.

Michael started performing at a young age when his grandma would take him busking.  His career started when a video of him singing a Years & Years song went viral.

Michael is well known to the UK public as the winner of the first series of the BBC Entertainment show All Together Now which he won in 2018.  During the series, he got all 100 judges – including Spice Girl Geri Halliwell - up on their feet.  Michael put most of his £50,000 prize towards his mum's The Waffle and Crepe Shack in Hartlepool.

Michael is currently working on his debut EP with producers Pete Boxsta Martin and Dantae Johnson who have written and produced tracks for Jessie J, Missy Elliott and James Arthur.

Lyrics to Bigger Than Us by Michael Rice:

Hear these words 
That I sing to you 
I will make it clear 
It’s me, and you 
We can have this love 
That we never lose 
It’s bigger than us 
Take my hand 
and I’ll lead you home 
Can you understand 
You will never be alone

It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than everything we see 
Cause I can feel the universe 
When I’m feeling you breathe 
It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger 

I won’t give up 
And I won’t let go 
Cause this kind of love 
Is gonna be our only hope 

It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than everything we see 
Cause I can feel the universe 
When I’m feeling you breathe 
It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger 

Bigger, bigger 
Oh, it’s bigger
Bigger, bigger 

It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
This kind of love 
It’s bigger than everything we see 

Oh, so much bigger
Bigger than us

It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger than us 
I can feel it
It’s bigger than everything we see 
Cause I can feel the universe 
When I’m feeling you breathe 
It’s bigger than us 
It’s bigger than you and me 
It’s bigger 

Bigger, bigger 
It’s bigger than
It’s bigger than
Oh, bigger, bigger
Oh, it’s bigger

​17. Iceland: Hatrið Mun Sigra by Hatari 

Award-winning, anti-capitalist, BDSM, techno-dystopian, performance art collective Hatari are proud to represent Iceland at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, brought to you almost exclusively by premier, top quality, Icelandic effervescent soft drink manufacturer SodaDream.

Hatari is a political, multimedia project that aims to take the lid off the relentless, unfolding scam that is everyday life. 

They explain:

​"We cannot change things, but we can unveil the anomie of neoliberal society, the pointlessness of every minute spent in the futile race, and the low price for which man now sells himself ever more blatantly.  We can scream at our own impotence, scream at our collective sleepwalk through routine, and implore our audience to unite, shoulder to shoulder, and dance.  Dance, basically, or die. Hatari represent a considered reflection on hope and hopelessness, power and repression, of image, individualism, despotism, exposing the contradictions that arise when everyone is embedded within the same system and struggling to fight against it.  We are Hatari. We are all Hatari."

Hatari was founded in Reykjavík, Iceland in 2015 by Klemens Hannigan and Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson with masked drummer Einar Hrafn Stefánsson joining shortly after.  Joining them on the Eurovision Song Contest stage to dismantle capitalism are dancers/choreographers Sólbjört Sigurðardóttir, Andrean Sigurgeirsson, and Ástrós Guðjónsdóttir.

Also on their way to Tel Aviv are graphic designer Ingi Kristján Sigurmarsson, video artist Baldvin Vernharðsson and costume designer duo Karen Briem and Andri Hrafn Unnarsson, all of whom have already established themselves as an integral part of Hatari's multimedia performances.  Hatari's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is the group's first bold step in their global plan to orchestrate the inevitable downfall of capitalism.

The Hatari team brings together diverse corners of Iceland’s musical and artistic world.  Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson is a journalist and writer. He graduated from the Iceland Academy of the Arts as a theatre and performance artist, and has been highly commended as a playwright.  Klemens Hannigan is a musician, cabinetmaker, and designer, currently studying fine arts at the Icelandic Academy Of Arts.  Einar Hrafn Stefánsson is a musician, producer, and sound engineer who has played with a variety of Icelandic bands in the past.  Sólbjört, Andrean, and Ástrós have all studied contemporary dance at the Icelandic Academy of Arts and have been very successful on the Icelandic dance scene.  Hatari invite you all to join them on their nihilistic journey to the centre of the earth.

Lyrics to Hatrið Mun Sigra by Hatari:

Icelandic: 

Svallið var hömlulaust
Þynnkan er endalaus
Lífið er tilgangslaust
Tómið heimtir alla

Hatrið mun sigra
Gleðin tekur enda
Enda er hún blekking
Svikul tálsýn

Allt sem ég sá
Runnu niður tár
Allt sem ég gaf
Eitt sinn gaf
Ég gaf þér allt

Alhliða blekkingar
Einhliða refsingar
Auðtrúa aumingjar
Flóttinn tekur enda
Tómið heimtir alla

Hatrið mun sigra
Evrópa hrynja
Vefur lyga
Rísið úr öskunni
Sameinuð sem eitt

Allt sem ég sá
Runnu niður tár
Allt sem ég gaf
Eitt sinn gaf
Ég gaf þér allt

Allt sem ég sá
Runnu niður tár
Allt sem ég gaf
Eitt sinn gaf
Ég gaf þér allt

Hatrið mun sigra
Ástin deyja
Hatrið mun sigra
Gleðin tekur enda
Enda er hún blekking
Svikul tálsýn

Hatrið mun sigra

English: 

Debauchery unconstrained
Hangover uncontained
Life’s purposeless confusion
The void will swallow all

Hate will prevail
Every joy derail
Just treacherous illusion
Fraud, futility

All that I saw
Tears ran raw
All that I gave
That I once gave
I gave you all

Universal obfuscation
Unilateral execration
From gullible delusion
Escape will be curtailed
The void will swallow all

Hate will prevail
And Europe’s heart impale
Burn off its web of lies
Now from the conflagration
Rise in unity

All that I saw
Tears ran raw
All that I gave
That I once gave
I gave you all

I gave you all
Hate will prevail
Love to no avail
I gave you all
Hate will prevail
Every joy derail
I gave you all
Just treacherous illusion
Fraud, futility
Hate will prevail

18. Estonia: Storm by Victor Crone

Victor Crone will represent Estonia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.  He was born in 1992 in Österåker, Sweden and grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother being a singer and his grandfather being a violinist.  But it was not until his parents bought him his first guitar at the age of 12 that he began to embrace his musicality.  At age 14 he began to sing and write his own songs, and at 18, he got the incredible opportunity to travel to the United States to write music in Tennessee, New York and at the iconic Capitol Records in Los Angeles.

In 2015 Victor competed in Melodifestivalen, the Swedish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, alongside Swedish-Iranian rapper Behrang Miri with the song Det rår vi inte för, making it to the second chance round. In 2017 he had a big hit alongside Swedish-Norwegian duo Tungevaag & Raaban with the song Coming Up, which has been streamed over 18 million times on Spotify.

In 2016 Victor met Estonian Stig Rästa during a songwriting trip to Stockholm, where they instantly connected.  Shortly afterwards, Stig invited Victor to Estonia and they have been working together ever since – meaning many, many trips to Estonia for Victor.

Storm was created during one of Victor's visits to Estonia.  The verses came first, but it was many months before the right chorus was crafted for the song.  The song was completed just as Eesti Laul, the submission for Estonia's Eurovision Selection, opened, and it was at Stig and the rest of the songwriting team's suggestion that the song was entered into the competition.

Victor feels his song Storm should be open to the interpretation of the listener, but describes it as a song about: "weathering hard times – and knowing that they will eventually come to an end."

Representing Estonia is a huge honour for Victor, which he does not take lightly.  He is currently based in Estonia and is challenging himself to learn one new Estonian word every day.  He was pleasantly surprised and humbled by the amount of love he has received from the Estonian public and is hoping to make proud the country that has welcomed him so warmly.

When he is not performing, Victor likes to play tennis and ice hockey and has recently been able to practice with current and former members of the Estonian National Ice Hockey team.  He also loves to sail around the Stockholm archipelago in his motorboat, playing the classic game Counter-Strike and always makes sure to find the time to meditate twice a day.

Lyrics to Storm by Victor Crone:

All my life I've wondered why
I keep fighting all the tides
For a million reasons that I find
But I might, I might be all wrong

I've hit highs and I've hit lows
But somewhere down the winding road
It felt like I could lose it all
But I might, I might have been wrong

A storm like this
Can break a man like this
But when it all calms down
We're still safe and sound

All my life I've tried to find
The meaning of what's left behind
They say it's life itself but I
Feel it might, it might be all wrong

A storm like this
Can break a man like this
But when it all calms down
We're still safe and sound

Even if the sky falls down
We can turn it all around
We'll escape the darkest clouds
And we'll be safe and sound

Wherever we may go
Whatever happens down the road
However far from home
I know we won't let go

In no time the storm will end
And it’ll be alright again
The battle scars won't matter then
But I might, I might be all wrong

19. Belarus: Like It by Zena

ZENA is this year's Eurovision Song Contest representative for Belarus.

​Born Zina Kupriyanovich on Tuesday 17 September 2002 in Minsk, she began performing as a young child and already has several awards to her name.  Those include coming first at Slavianski Bazaar, a kids contest in Vitebsk in 2014 and she won a fellowship for the Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus which supports talented young people.  In 2016, ZENA became the voice of Moana, the lead female character in the Russian version of the Disney movie by the same name.

As she grew as an artist, ZENA developed a strong musical repertoire and has released more than 20 songs and 10 music videos.  No stranger to the Eurovision stage, ZENA was a finalist at the 2015 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk and came in third place in 2016.  Last year, she was asked to co-host the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest which was held in Minsk once again.

ZENA is a social media star in her own right, with more than 93,000 subscribers on Instagram and 48,000 subscribers and more than 15 million views on YouTube. In her personal time, ZENA enjoys dancing and drawing.

Lyrics to Like It by Zena:

I guess I forgotten to turn my phone
Off I'm outside my comfort zone
I'm tired of being lonely
Tam-tara-ram
Nobody gonna like this, no
Ok, I don’t like these empty words
I'll go even if it really hurts
It's making me stronger
Tam-tara-ram
I know it's gonna be...

Uuuuuh what should I do
It's up to you, karma
Uuuuuh I wish I knew
Give me a sign, karma
Just to remind you
I don't give up
I won't give up no
I'll always try!

Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let me in your heart
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let's break the rules
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
I'll share what I've got
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Baby repeat my moves

It feels crazy and a little wild
I know what is wrong and what is right
It's making me wiser
Tam-tara-ram
The universe is ours now
Ok, put your favourite sneakers on 
And show your emotions on the floor
Add hashtag to find ya
Tam-tara-ram
I know it's gonna be...

Uuuuuh what should I do
It's up to you, karma
Uuuuuh I wish I knew
Give me a sign, karma
Just to remind you
I don't give up
I won't give up no
I'll always try!

Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let me in your heart
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let's break the rules
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
I'll share what I've got
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Baby repeat my moves

I feel the flow of energy
I should let go mistakes of me
I feel the flow of energy…
And you go with me, baby

​20. Azerbaijan: Truth by Chingiz

Chingiz will represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.  He was born in Moscow and moved to Qazax in Azerbaijan, a city of just 20,000 people, when he was 6 years old.  He learned to play the guitar and started composing his own songs while still a young boy.

At the age of 13, Chingiz moved with his mother and his brother to Baku, where eventually he was invited to audition for the Azerbaijani version of Pop Idol.  Chingiz won the competition thanks to tremendous support from the jury and viewers of the show.  His victory turned him into a rising star in the Azerbaijani music industry and by 2013, he was already representing the country internationally at the New Wave festival in Jūrmala, Latvia.  Three years later, he took part in The Voice Ukraine.

Chingiz loves the company of his dog, kung fu and yoga.  He always enjoys getting a breath of fresh air while backpacking or doing outdoor meditation.

Lyrics to Truth by Chingiz:

I'm in the mirror
So freaking bitter
But I've gotta get through
I'm gonna get through

Keep it together
Be cool under pressure
Cause she wants to break you
She wants to break you

Drink till I forget
She's on to the next
And when the ghost starts screaming
Right when they resonate
Hear my heart confess

It's been so hard to bear
So shut up about it
shut up about it
It's just to hard to hear
So shut up about it
shut up about it

Oooooo

So shut up 
shut up about it

Out of the mirror
It's getting clearer
Then out of the blue
She crashes the room

Gotta remember
She is a killer
With that freaking perfume 
Girl, it's too soon

It's been so hard to bear
So shut up about it
shut up about it
It's just to hard to hear
So shut up about it
shut up about it

Oooooo

So shut up 
shut up about it

Oooooo

So shut up 
shut up about it

I don’t need I don’t need the truth
I don’t need I don’t need the truth

It's been so hard to bear
So shut up about it
shut up about it
It's just to hard to hear
So shut up about it
shut up about it

Oooooo

So shut up 
shut up about it

Oooooo

So shut up 
shut up about it

21. France: Roi by Bilal Hassani

​Bilal Hassani is a singer, songwriter and social media star. The talented 19-year-old phenomenon won 'Destination Eurovision' in Paris with 35% of the public vote capturing the chance to represent his country at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. Bilal will represent France with the song 'Roi', a message of self-acceptance and hope. The song was written with Madame Monsieur, who represented France last year in Lisbon. The emotional lyric video accompanying the song has already been viewed by millions of users.

Bilal is more than just a regular artist: he hosts a YouTube channel with funny, memorable videos that get viewed by more than 2 million people, especially in French-speaking countries. He opens every video with “Bonsoir Paris!”, and colourfully chronicles his daily life in them. His covers of Djadja by Aya Nakumura and Made for Now by Janet Jackson have attracted the attention of their respective performers and received strong endorsements from the two women.

Bilal's childhood story started in France in 1999. He was raised to the sound of Freddie Mercury, David Bowie and Michael Jackson. His influences also include 90s divas such as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Besides that, Bilal has been nurturing a passion for the Eurovision Song Contest since he watched Loreen perform Euphoria on stage in 2012. In 2015, he demonstrated his charisma on 'The Voice Kids' with a cover of Conchita Wurst’s Rise Like a Phoenix.

Bilal is the symbol of those millions of young people all over the world that want to be free and unashamed to be outside the box. Roi contains a vibrant message about self-acceptance where urban pop meets the great tradition of the French chanson.

Lyrics to Roi by Bilal Hassani:

English/French: 

I am me
And I know I will always be
Je suis free oui j’invente ma vie
Ne me demandez pas qui je suis

Moi je suis
Le même depuis tout petit
Et malgré les regards, les avis
Moi pleure, je sors, je ris

You put me in a box, want me to be like you
J’suis pas dans les codes ça dérange beaucoup
At the end of the day you cannot change me boo
Alors, laisse-moi m’envoler

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
Quand je rêve je suis un roi
Quand je rêve je suis un roi

I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
Quand je rêve je suis un roi

And I know oh oh oh
Even though oh oh oh
You try to take me down
You can not break me na na

Toutes ces voix «fait comme ci, fait comme ça» 
Moi je ne cala pas 
You will never remove my crown

Who are we
When we hurt, when we fight for free
Only God can judge you and me
Ce qu’on est on ne l’a pas choisi

On choisit 
Son travail, sa coiffure, ses amis
Sa routine, parfois l’amour aussi
Et ça passe ou ça casse mais ça
Regarde qui?

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
Quand je rêve je suis un roi
Quand je rêve je suis un roi

I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
Quand je rêve je suis un roi

And I know oh oh oh 
Even though oh oh 
You try to take me down 
You can not break me na na

Toutes ces voix, «fait comme ci, fait comme ça» 
Moi je ne cala pas 
You can never remove my crown

Je suis un roi
Quand je rêve je suis un roi

English:

​I am me
And I know I will always be
I am free I create who I am
You don’t have to ask so I am

I am me
The same one since I was tiny
Even though I got stared at I got judged
I cry, I got out, and I smile

You put me in a box, want me to be like you
I’m not in society’s codes I can bother a few
At the end of the day you cannot change me boo
So, let me fly away

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
When I dream I am a king
When I dream I am a king

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
When I dream I am a king

And I know oh oh oh
Even though oh oh oh
You try to take me down
You can not break me na na

All of the voices «be like this, be like that» 
Me I don’t even care 
You will never remove my crown

Who are we
When we hurt, when we fight for free
Only God can judge you and me
Who we are, we never chose to be

What we chose
Is our job, our haircuts and our friends
Our routine, maybe even our love
And it’s great and it’s terrible
It’s none of anyone’s business

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
When I dream I am a king
When I dream I am a king

I, I’m not rich but I’m shining bright
I can see my kingdom now
When I dream I am a king

And I know oh oh oh
Even though oh oh oh
You try to take me down
You can not break me na na

All of the voices «be like this, be like that» 
Me I don’t even care 
You will never remove my crown

I am a king
When I dream I am a king

​22. Italy: Soldi by Mahmood

​Italy's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest representative is Alessandro Mahmoud, professionally known as Mahmood, he will sing 'Soldi'.  Mahmood was born in Milano in 1992 to an Italian mother and Egyptian father. In 2016 he took part in Sanremo Giovani with the song 'Dimentica' and in 2017 he collaborated with superstars Fabri Fibra and Michele Bravi.  A year later, he worked with Dardust on the hit single 'Nero Bali' by Elodie and Michele Bravi (Platinum), he co-wrote his new album 'Atlantico' with Marco Mengoni which includes radio candy 'Hola' featuring Tom Walker, and released 'Doppio Whisky' with rap star Guè Pequeno.

In 2018 Mahmood released his first EP Gioventù Bruciata with Island Records, produced by Ceri, MUUT and Katoo, which includes the duet Anni ‘90, another collaboration with Fabri Fibra.

Title track Gioventù Bruciata won Sanremo Giovani 2018 and as a result Mahmood got to take part in the Sanremo Festival along with the other established contestants.

In February 2019 Mahmood managed to win the Sanremo Festival with the song Soldi, written and produced with Dardust and Charlie Charles.  The track immediately became a megahit in Italy, resulting in a certified platinum status and reaching the number 1 position in all the Italian charts including airplay, the official singles chart, iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and even charting in the Spotify Global Top 50.

In March, Mahmood released his full Gioventù Bruciata album, which debuted at number 1 in the FIMI/GFK Albums Chart.

Lyrics to Soldi by Mahmood:

Italian / Arabic:

In periferia fa molto caldo
Mamma stai tranquilla sto arrivando
Te la prenderai per un bugiardo
Ti sembrava amore ma era altro
Beve champagne sotto Ramadan
Alla TV danno Jackie Chan
Fuma narghilè mi chiede come va

Mi chiede come va, come va, come va
Sai già come va, come va, come va

Penso più veloce per capire se domani tu mi fregherai
Non ho tempo per chiarire perché solo ora so cosa sei
È difficile stare al mondo quando perdi l’orgoglio 
Lasci casa in un giorno
Tu dimmi se

Pensavi solo ai soldi, soldi
Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi
Dimmi se ti manco o te ne fotti, fotti

Mi chiedevi come va, come va, come va 
Adesso come va, come va, come va

Ciò che devi dire non l’hai detto
Tradire è una pallottola nel petto
Prendi tutta la tua carità 
Menti a casa ma lo sai che lo sa
Su una sedia lei mi chiederà

Mi chiede come va, come va, come va
Sai già come va, come va, come va

Penso più veloce per capire se domani tu mi fregherai
Non ho tempo per chiarire perché solo ora so cosa sei
È difficile stare al mondo 
Quando perdi l’orgoglio
Ho capito in un secondo che tu da me 

Volevi solo soldi
Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi 
Prima mi parlavi fino a tardi, tardi

Mi chiedevi come va, come va, come va
Adesso come va, come va, come va

Waladi waladi habibi ta3ala hina
Mi dicevi giocando giocando con aria fiera 
Waladi waladi habibi sembrava vera 
La voglia, la voglia di tornare come prima

Io da te non ho voluto soldi
È difficile stare al mondo 
Quando perdi l’orgoglio
Lasci casa in un giorno
Tu dimmi se

Volevi solo soldi, soldi
Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi 
Lasci la città ma nessuno lo sa 
Ieri eri qua ora dove sei, papà

Mi chiedi come va, come va, come va 
Sai già come va, come va, come va

English:

It’s quite hot in the suburbs
Mum, don’t worry, I’m on my way home
You will be disappointed by a liar
It looked like love to you but it was something else
He drinks champagne during Ramadan
On the telly they are airing Jackie Chan
He smokes shisha. He asks me how I’m doing

He asks me «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?»
You already know how things are going, how things are going, how things are going.

I think faster trying to figure out
whether tomorrow you will fool me 
I got no time to clear things up
Because only now I found out what you are
Being alive it’s not easy

When you lose your pride
You leave home out of the blue
You, tell me whether
You only thought about money, money
As if I have had any money, money
Tell me whether you miss me or you don’t give a damn

You used to ask me «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?»
Now how things are going, how things are going, how things are going?

You haven’t told yet what you had to tell
Betrayal is a bullet in the chest
Keep all your mercy to yourself
You keep lying at home but you know that she knows
(Sittin’) on a chair she’ll be asking me

You ask me «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?»
You already know how things are going, how things are going, how things are going.

I I think faster trying to figure out
whether tomorrow you will fool me 
I got no time to clear things up
Because only now I found out what you are
Being alive it’s not easy
When you lose your pride
I figured it out in one second
That you, from me
You only wanted money, money
As if I have had any money, money
Before, you used to talk to me till late

You used to ask me «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?»
Now how things are going, how things are going, how things are going?

«My son, my son, darling, come over here»
You used to tell me while playing, looking proud
«My son, my son, darling», it looked real
your wish, your wish to bring things back to what they were

I – from you – didn’t want any money…
Being alive it’s not easy
When you lose your pride
You leave home out of the blue
You, tell me if

You only wanted money, money
As if I had any money, money
You leave the city without anybody knowing
Yesterday you were here, where are you now, dad?

You ask me «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?» «How are you doing?»
You already know how things are going, how things are going, how things are going.

23. Serbia: Kruna (Круна) by Nevena Božović

Nevena Božović will represent Serbia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest after winning Beovizija 2019, the country’s national selection competition.  It is not her first Eurovision experience, Nevena took third place at the 2007 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and was part of Moje 3, the band that represented Serbia at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.

Nevena was born in Kosovska Mitrovica on Wednesday 15 June 1994.  She completed elementary and high music school specialising in piano (Instrumental Music Department - piano) and gymnasium (socio-lingual sciences), and then she enrolled at the Music Academy at the age of 16.

This year Nevena specialized in solfeggio at the Faculty of Music of the University of Belgrade.  She has performed at many music festivals and competitions since her first Eurovision adventure at the age of 13.  She finished in third place at the 2007 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with Write to Me.  In 2008 she was awarded a silver medal by the President of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, for the best voice in the Festival in Battipaglia, Italy and in 2009 she won the ‘Sunčane Skale’ Festival in Herceg Novi.

In 2010, she won the award for best debut in the Festival in Vrnjačka Banja and made it to the finals of the first series of the first season of The Voice of Serbia. Nevena made her first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 as one of the band members of Moje 3, finishing 11th in the first Semi-Final with Ljubav Je Svuda.

Nevena Božović was a jury member in the Serbian national finals to choose the country’s 2015 Eurovision Song Contest entry and represented Serbia in 2007 at ‘Slavianski Bazaar’ in Belarus where she finished in third.

Lyrics to Kruna (Круна) by Nevena Božović:

Serbian: 

Pogled mili
Jedini dušu smiri
O volim te

Noć je duga
Bez tebe tuga
Ruku mi daj
Nikad ne puštaj

Everything for you
I give myself to you...

Neka me svet čuje sad
Životom branim te ja
Neka nas svi vide sad
Svako nek zna, da zauvek
Tvoja sam ja

Kruna je tvoja
LJubavi moja
Želim da znaš
Da tebi pripada

Everything for you
I give myself to you...

Neka me svet čuje sad
Životom branim te ja
Neka nas svi vide sad
Svako nek zna, da zauvek
Volim te ja

English:

The look creeps
The only thing my soul appeases
Oh, I love you

The night is long
Without you, I feel sad
Give me your hand
Never let it go

Everything for you
I give myself to you…

Let the world hear me now
I defend you with my life
Let everyone know, that forever
I am yours

The crown is yours
My love
I want you to know
I belong to you

Everything for you
I give myself to you…

Let the world hear me now
I defend you with my life
Let everyone see us now
Let everyone know, that forever
I will love you

24. Switzerland: She Got Me by Luca Hänni

Luca Hänni is Switzerland's 2019 Eurovision Song Contest entrant.  His musical career started with a bang in 2012: then just 17 years old, when the Swiss teenager won 'Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar', Germany’s version of Pop Idol.  He was the first non-German to win the show and also the youngest ever winner.

Luca, who is now 24 years old, grew up in a musical family.  He started learning the drums when he was five, followed by piano, guitar and singing lessons.  After finishing school, he began training as a bricklayer, and he still loves practical work today – he likes getting stuck in with both hands.

His first single hit number one in the charts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and was followed by sold-out concert tours, festivals and TV shows.  He has also won several top music prizes, such as the Swiss Music Award and the Kids’ Choice Award in LA – which he won twice.

Luca Hänni is an approachable star and lets his fans share in his life, whether through social media, answering fan mail, or meet and greets at his concerts. 

"My fans are fantastic – they are the beating heart of my career.  Without them, I would never have got to where I am today.  They are a vital part of my work, and I’m looking forward to continuing my music career together with them," says Luca enthusiastically.

In addition to his music career, Luca creates clothes for his own model label and his merchandising shop, stars as a model himself in front of the camera, and publishes his own magazine, Stories.  He is also deeply committed to his role as an ambassador for children suffering from epidermolysis bullosa.

In 2017, Luca discovered his love of dancing, and won the German dance show Dance Dance Dance the same year.  At Christmas 2018, he featured on entertainment star Helene Fischer’s show, where they performed a sensual contemporary dance together to his song Bei mir. 

Luca says:

"Dancing is a central part of my life. I t lets me convey my passion and the stories behind my songs even more strongly."

Despite his life in show business, Luca remains down to earth. Spending time with family and friends means a great deal to him, and he loves nature, particularly when walking his dog Nala, a chihuahua.  Luca is also very athletic and is happy to take on challenges such as the various Ninja Warrior shows.

In fact, challenges are what keep him going: including now, the Eurovision Song Contest.  He previously acted as the Swiss spokesperson in Kyiv, and this year he wants to take his country into the Grand Final.  Luca enjoys everything he does: "Getting the chance to perform on such a huge stage in front of an audience of enthusiastic fans in the venue and millions of people at home is definitely one of the high points of my life."  ‘Dare To Dream’, this year's motto, could not be more appropriate.

Lyrics to She Got Me by Luca Hänni:

I noticed her when she arrived
Kind of lady that mama like
But mama she ain’t here tonight
Gettin' rowdy rowdy
When she poured out a little spice
Got the whole place on a vibe
Monday night into Friday night
Gettin' rowdy rowdy

She let her body
Talk
She make the party
Stop
She gettin' naughty
Ya
Droppin' droppin' it down

When she go low
When she go low
She go so low
She go so low
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know
She got me 
Dirty dancin' 
When she go low 
When she go low 
She go so low 
She go so low 
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know
She got me 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin' 

Oh she lightin' a fire now 
Goin' wild like an animal 
All in gonna sweat it out 
Gettin' rowdy rowdy 
Turnin' heads and turnin' up 
Breakin' necks she breakin' cups 
Look at her can’t get enough 
Gettin' rowdy rowdy 

She let her body 
Talk 
She make the party 
Stop 
She getting naughty 
Ya 
Droppin' droppin' it down 

When she go low 
When she go low 
She go so low 
She go so low 
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know
She got me 
Dirty dancin' 
When she go low 
When she go low 
She go so low 
She go so low 
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know
She got me 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin’ 

All the bros go 
Yo yo yo 
All the girls go 
Yo yo yo 
Everyone go 
Yo yo yo 
She got us dirty dancin'

When she go low 
When she go low 
She go so low 
She go so low 
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know
She got me 
Dirty dancin’ 
Hey hey 
Hey
She got me 
Dirty dancin’ 
Dirty dancin' 
Oh she got me
Dirty dancin' 
Yo
She got me got me got me
Dirty dancin' 
When she go low 
When she go low 
She go so low 
She go so low 
Oh she know - oh 
Oh she know 
She got me 
Dirty dancin’
Dirty dancin’

​25. Australia: Zero Gravity by Kate Miller-Heidke

Kate Miller-Heidke is an award-winning singer-songwriter who traverses the worlds of contemporary pop, folk and opera.  She has released four studio albums in Australia, achieving multi-platinum status and appearing in the top 10 album and singles charts numerous times.

Kate's most recent album 'O Vertigo!' debuted at number four on the Australian album charts, broke Australian CrowdFunding records and was nominated for an ARIA Award.

Kate's previous albums include Nightflight, which reached number two on the Australian chart, and Curiouser, which reached double platinum sales in Australia and spawned the multi-platinum hits The Last Day On Earth and Caught In The Crowd.  In 2009 she won the Grand Prize in the International Songwriting Competition for Caught in the Crowd, becoming the first Australian to do so.

Trained as a classical singer at the Queensland Conservatorium, Kate has performed several roles for the English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and appeared in Jerry Springer:  The Opera at the Sydney Opera House.  Her debut opera as a composer, The Rabbits, was commissioned by Opera Australia and premiered at the Perth Festival in 2015, followed by sold out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It won 4 Helpmann Awards including Best Score and Best New Australian Work.

In 2015 Kate broke into national television, starring in The Divorce, a four-part ABC musical mini-series.  In 2016 Kate released the first retrospective of her work, The Best Of Kate Miller-Heidke: Act One, a two-disc set which, alongside tracks from early EP's, all four studio albums and various other singles, featured a new song written for International Women’s Day, You’ve Underestimated Me, Dude.

In 2016, Kate performed a suite of her songs with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Mona Foma in Hobart, with visuals created by artist Amy Gerhardt.  The show won the Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert for 2016, and has since been performed in cities around Australia.  Her three concerts with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra were recorded and the resulting album, Live at the Sydney Opera House, was released in 2017 and nominated for several ARIAs including Best Classical Album.  With her collaborator Keir Nuttall, she has written the music and lyrics to Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical, which premiered at the Sydney Theatre Company in November 2017, and will play a return season in Sydney and Melbourne throughout 2019.  It won five 2018 Helpmann Awards, including Best Original Score.

At Australia’s first ever national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision - Australia Decides, on the Gold Coast in February 2019, Kate won both the jury and public votes to become Australia’s representative at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, where she will perform her latest single Zero Gravity, written by herself and collaborator Keir Nuttall.  Kate is currently working on material for her fifth studio album.

Lyrics to Zero Gravity by Kate Miller-Heidke:

Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you)
It’s me again
Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you)
Stone in my shoe

I’ve been aching
Feeling low
You’re so heavy
I have got to let you go

I’m going where there’s zero gravity
Zero gravity
Zero gravity
I’m free, ah...

Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you)
Lock with no key
Hey you (hey you, hey you, hey you)
Earth with no sea

I’ve been freezing
On the ground
You’re so heavy
I can’t let you keep me down anymore

Oh zero gravity
Zero gravity

(and it feels like)
Ah
(and it feels like)
Ah
(and it feels like)
Ah
(and it feels like)
Ah

Nothing holding me down
Nothing holding me down
Nothing holding me down now
Nothing holding me down

Nothing holding me down
Nothing holding me down
Nothing holding me down now
Nothing holding me down 
(repeating in background)

Zero gravity 
Zero gravity
Zero gravity
Zero

​26. Spain: La Venda by Miki

​Miki was selected by both audience and jury as the Spain's representative at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.  He will perform the song 'La Venda' (The Blindfold), an infectious and festive number that stands out for its hybrid musical character.

Born in 1996 in Terrassa, Spain, Miki Núñez has learned a lot through practice, although he does not think of himself as a self-taught musician.  Miki started studying music as a child because of his parents' dedication to providing him with instruments, even though his home was not particularly musical.

The musical training he had under his belt by the time he was in college helped him gain experience on various talent shows.  With those skills, Miki carries an uplifting song like La Venda, with a critical and yet integrating twist, as a proposal for self-knowledge to value one's own gifts.  After years of practice, the ardent and versatile performer can deliver an impressively wide musical range.

A musical landscape where Catalan rumba and Latin percussion flow together with warm horn arrangements is not foreign to Miki, given his time as frontman of the cover band Dalton Bang.  The 6-piece band, formed of his high school best friends, was profoundly influenced by the booming mestizo Catalan scene, but also took inspiration from soul, ska, reggae and Latin Pop.  The band spent almost a decade on the roach delivering high energy performances that made the audience feel like they were attending a fiesta.  When it was time to join Operación Triunfo, Miki proved he had what it takes!

Lyrics to La Venda by Miki:

Spanish:

​Te compran porque te vendes
Te vendes porque te sobras
Te pierdes porque hay camino
Te digo: hay otras cosas
Te sales porque te quieres
Te quieres, tu mente en forma
Te eliges porque hay camino
Te digo: hay otras cosas

La venda ya cayó y solo quedó la alegría
La venda ya cayó y empezaran nuevos días
La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías
La venda ya cayó y serás como querías

Te rezas porque confías
Te sientes que ya tenías
Te vives, alto voltaje
Te traje buenas noticias
Te vales y ya no fuerzas
Te vives y te interesas
Te saltas, no quedan normas
Ahora, la vida loca

La venda ya cayó y solo quedó la alegría
La venda ya cayó y empezarán nuevos días
La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías
La venda ya cayó y serás como querías

Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e
Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e
Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e
Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e
Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e
Lo que ere, lo que ere, ere, ere, e

La venda ya cayó y solo quedó la alegría
La venda ya cayó y empezaran nuevos días
La venda ya cayó avivando fantasías
La venda ya cayó y serás como querías

English:

They buy you because you are for sale
You are for sale because you are smug
You get lost because there are roads
I tell you: there is something else

You rock because you love yourself
You love yourself, your mind is in shape
You choose yourself because there are roads
I tell you: there is something else

The blindfold fell already and only joy remained
The blindfold fell already and new days will start 
The blindfold fell already, stirring up fantasies
The blindfold fell already and you'll become what you wished

You pray to yourself because you trust in you
You feel like you already got it
You live yourself, high voltage
I brought you the good news

You rock but you ain't shoving
You live yourself and you got self-care 
You skip yourself, no rules left
And now, la vida loca

The blindfold fell already and only joy remained
The blindfold fell already and new days will start 
The blindfold fell already, stirring up fantasies
The blindfold fell already and you'll become what you wished

What you are, what you are, are, r
What you are, what you are, are, r
What you are, what you are, are, r
What you are, what you are, are, r
What you are, what you are, are, r
What you are, what you are, are, r

​After all twenty-six participants have performed, Bar RefaelI, Lucy Ayoub, Assi Azar and Erez Tal will signify the voting to be open where Graham Norton, on BBC One, and Ken Bruce, on BBC Radio 2, will provide the relevant details to vote for your favourite song - not neighbouring country.  United Kingdom cannot vote for themselves. ​​

Once all the Jury's Votes have been tabulated, Rylan Clark-Neal - who hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 Semi-Finals with Scott Mills - will be back in a television studio in London, Great Britain to provide the all-important information. 

The artists, who did not make it to the Grand Final, are as follows:

Ester Peony / Conan Osiris / Srbuk / PAENDA / Eliot Vassamillet / Darude & Sebastian Rejman / Oto Nemsadze / Joci Pápai / Sarah McTernan / Carousel / Jurij Veklenko / Anna Odobescu / D Mol / Tulia.

It will be up to Europe and Australia to decide if United Kingdom will host the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest.