Netta (Israel) - HaKol Alai - Richard I

After winning in Lisbon in 2018, Netta Barzilai released a number of singles, mostly in English, such as “Bassa Sababa,” “Nana Banana,” “Ricki Lake,” “I Love My Nails,” and “Cuckoo” (plus “Moustache” with Little Big). Most of her Hebrew songs were in collaborations, e.g., a 1978 remake with Sarit Hadad (ESC 2002), a smash hit with Static & Ben-El Tavori, and a French blend with Stéphane Legar. Now she’s released her first Hebrew album, HaKol Alai. I love the title song’s intoxicating East-West blend (with a bit of hiphop), not to mention a cheeky video that will make you hungry. What a tomato! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBgr_FtXRxQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/07avaGrhcpGlhr47OrYJPj?si=f12333a68a784abc

Nicole (Germany) - Soley Soley Soley - Roy VdM

The one Eurovision artist that totally change my life is NICOLE. In 1981 she recorded her first two singles - FLIEG NICHT5 SO HOCH MEIN KLEINER FREUND and DER ALTE MANN UND DAS MEER. My German penfriend sent them to me saying she knows this is 100% the kind of songs I would love. And yes, she was correct. By Christmas that year she sent me membership of the NICOLE fanclub and I became the first non German speaking member of Nicole's fanclub. Things got even better in 1982 when Ralph Siegel wrote a melody, Bernd Meinunger wrote lyrics and Nicole sang EIN BISSCHEN FRIEDEN at the German Eurovision selection and won. She went on to win the 1982 song contest with this song which she recorded in many languages - German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Spanish and Russian. This is exactly what I love. Things got even better when I got an invite to attend the 1983 Eurovision song contest in Munich. I had to pay my own travel and accommodation but it did not matter. It was my first trip to Europe and of course the start of my Eurovision life and 28 further visits to the host cities. I have over 30 seven singles, 5 CD singles and 30 full CD's of Nicole and 90% of Nicole songs are fantastic. I have picked SOLEY SOLEY SOLEY which is not my most loved song but this song is special as it was written for me. The lyrics start JOHANNESBURG, ALLEIN IN EINEM FREMDEN LAND. Both Nicole and Bernd Meinunger have ties with SOUTH AFRICA in that they both own holiday homes along the Cape Town coast and they have a song publishing company called CAPE TOWN SONGS. I retired from attending Eurovision after the 2019 contest and now I probably never will physically see Nicole, Bernd Meinunger and Ralph Siegel again but I have wonderful memories. 28 Nicole songs have been covered in South Africa by local artists, almost 100 Ralph Siegel songs and around 150 Bernd Meinunger songs.

https://youtu.be/UaR6BkSmbPY?si=hWHtcY8UmVsqZkbD

Jessica Mauboy (Australia) - Higher - John B

Since representing Australia at Eurovision 2018 with her song "We Got Love," Jessica Mauboy has continued to flourish in her music and acting career, starring in “The Secret Daughter.” She released her fourth studio album, “Hilda,” in 2019, which debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. In July 2024, Mauboy released her latest single "Higher," blending pop and R&B with an anthemic vibe that showcases her powerful vocals. The song speaks to personal growth and resilience, reflecting her evolution as an artist. Mauboy remains a prominent figure in Australian pop culture, serving as a coach on The Voice Australia.

https://youtu.be/JaQFFilKUiA?si=Er-cv5QPWAhV314C

Dadi Freyr (Iceland) - I'm Not Bitter - Tony P

Dadi Freyr released his song, ”I'm Not Bitter”, in February 2024. “I’m Not Bitter” is a little more laid back compared to his Eurovision songs, “Think about things’” and “10 reasons”, but it still manages to balance lightheartedness with meaningful introspection. A fun and quirky arrangement that contains a message about overcoming disappointment and maintaining a positive outlook. As with most of Dadi’s stuff, I was hooked from first listen.

Preview YouTube video Daði Freyr - I'm Not Bitter (Official Video)

Daði Freyr - I'm Not Bitter (Official Video)

Vesna Pisarovic (Croatia) - Da Sutra Umrem - Kyle W

I first heard “Da Sutra Umrem” in August 2001 while walking through a public open market in Karlovac, Croatia.  I had moved to the country only a few months previously and I was still trying my best to learn the language.  As I walked through the market, this song was playing on a cassette tape on a boombox.  I was captivated by the song, especially by the way Vesna clearly sung each word and that I somehow was able to understand much of what was being sung.  I knew nothing about the singer or the song - all I knew is that I was hooked and wanted to hear more from that singer.  I bought the cassette on the spot and was amazed to find other amazing entries from classics of Croatian music, but Vesna was the siren who had the magic for me.  I later sought out her other albums and I still credit her with helping me learn Croatian  

Da sutra umrem was Vesna’s entry for the festival “Melodija Hrvatskog Jadrana” (Melodies of the Croatian Adriatic) in 2001 and has proved to be an enduring classic for her.  However, for me the reason I love it is that it takes me back to a pre-9/11 world when I discovered the joy of learning language through music.   Also, about 6 months later, Vesna would eventually be selected to represent Croatia at Eurovision 2002 in Tallinn, which was the hook that reeled me into lifetime Eurovision fandom.  However, even setting that aside, the song holds up as an excellent example of Vesna’s early work and a shining example of Croatian pop music from that period.

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Preview YouTube video Vesna Pisarovic - Da sutra umrem (Official Video)

Vesna Pisarovic - Da sutra umrem (Official Video)

Pastora Soler (Spain) - 30 Veces - A.J. L

Pastora Soler was already a well-established singer in Spain when she represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. Her impressive 10th place finish marked one of Spain’s best results in years, solidifying her status as a national treasure.

Following her Eurovision adventure, Soler continued to captivate audiences with her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances. In 2013, she released the album Conóceme, produced by the same team behind her Eurovision entry. The lead single, "Te despertaré," was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, serving as a testament to her enduring popularity. That same year also marked the 20th anniversary of her illustrious career.
After a well-deserved break from the spotlight in late 2014, Pastora returned to the music scene in 2017 with renewed vigor. Balancing motherhood with her passion for music, she released the album La Calma. Its lead single, "La tormenta," propelled her back into the charts, achieving her first number-one album in Spain.
Soler's creative journey continued with the release of Sentir in 2019. The album showcased her songwriting talents with the lead single, "Aunque me cueste la vida," composed by herself. Collaborations with Conchita and her Quédate Conmigo team further enriched the album's sonic landscape.
In 2022, Pastora unveiled her latest album, Libra. Produced by her trusted Eurovision collaborators Erik Bernholm, Thomas G:son, and Tony Sánchez Olhsson, the album’s lead single, "Que hablen de mí," became another chart-topper.
As she prepares to celebrate 30 years in the music industry, Soler is set to release a new single titled "30 Veces." This milestone marks an extraordinary career filled with achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Sam Ryder (United Kingdom) - More - Mike W

Already a bit of a YouTube sensation, Sam capitalised on his Silver Medal at Eurovision with an album of the same name (almost) - ‘There’s Nothing But Space, Man’ - which debuted at #1 in the UK album chart on its release in December 2022. It was the first debut album by a British male solo artist in over three years to debut at number one, and has been certified SILVER
In 2023, he became the first ever Eurovision act to e nominated for Best New Artist at the Brit Awards.

Taken from that album, ‘More’

Sam Ryder - More (Official Video)

youtube.com

Joy Fleming (Germany) - Ich Sing fur's Finanzamt - Michelle S

Joy Fleming (Erna Straube) represented Germany at Eurovision 1975 and although she finished 17th from 19 entrants, she won legions of fans for her energetic, soulful and unique performance in that year. She also tried unsuccessfully to be selected again for Eurovision up until 2004.  How sad, we never got to see Joy perform on the Eurovision stage again.

She continued a stellar career for over 50 years as a celebrated and accomplished singer of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Pop, and Disco. She was the lead singer of 4 bands, released 25 albums, 46 singles and EP’s, and 9 Compilations and was a celebrated German actor.

Sadly, she died in 2017 and was mourned deeply by her fans.

The fact that Erna chose “Joy” as her stage name tells us everything about what she stood for and what she hoped her music would convey. The ease of her singing and the joy she expresses is a sight to behold. Vale Joy.

https://youtu.be/bH6wVkF4OKE?si=-49fHP0oeIhw9mRv

https://youtu.be/B6BlhvsB39A?si=e7a20p6GsymFYfwR&t=9

Atika Partum (Moldova) - Atikapartum - David R

You might haven’t heard this artist’s name. ATIKA PATUM is the alter ego of Arsenium, Moldova’s representative at Eurovision in 2006 with the song “Loca” along with Natalia Gordienko. He used to be a member of the boy band O-Zone that has a huge hit "Dragostea Din Tei". He’s making EDM songs recently. This self-titled debut single under his new stage name bangs. I love the energetic beats, and I thoroughly enjoyed the music video with the breakdancing animals too. It’s very delicious electro house goodness which will surely make the dancefloor bouncing. Certified banger!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY3Op_NNodA

Yohanna (Iceland) - I Miss You - Niall D

Yohanna represented Iceland at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest and came second with Is it True?, Iceland's highest place in the contest to date.

After Eurovision, she was signed to Warner Music and released an album Butterflies and Elvis that included the song I Miss You, which became a top twenty hit in Iceland. 

I Miss You is another powerful ballad, similar to Is it True? that showcases Yohanna's amazing voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcibCdLzbY0

Monica Zetterlund (Sweden) - Monicas vals - Kevin F

If you only know Monica Zetterlund from a Eurovision perspective, you might recall that her

song, En Gång i Stockholm, received null points in 1963; however, it lived on to become a Jazz

standard in her native country.

Monica Z famously insisted that jazz in Sweden should and could be written by Swedes. Before

her, Swedish singers only sang works by American composers. To prove her point, she

collaborated with the likes of Bill Evans, Louis Armstrong, and Stan Getz for instrumental

legitimacy, but the words and compositions were distinctly Swedish in character.

Her breakout hit, post Eurovision, was titled “Waltz for Debby” in Engilsh and “Monicas wals” in

Swedish. Here, you can watch Bill Evans and Monica Z work on the song together:

https://youtu.be/BTWALZesqUo?si=3p-Q_eFU-mUGVKlc

Subwoolfer (Norway) - Dragma - Angel A

Subwoolfer! the biggest band in the galaxy! Yes, totally loved them, they were my favorite when I went for the first time to a Eurovision show, they had all the magic, gossip, mystery, great beats and hilarious lyrics. After Turin they released a few songs, but Dragma was my favorite and the music video is hilarious.

This Norwegian  Electro-Pop band rising. Formed from anonymous members, the members are known by their fictional names “Keith”, “Jim” and “DJ ASTRONAUT” brought the party to the live show in Italy and beyond the unknown galaxy!

Enjoy the video:

https://youtu.be/iXu0FtvtoL4

Mahmood (Italy) - Tutti Contro Tutti - Wayne R

I know Mahmood's distinctive voice is not for everyone but his latest album Nei letti degli altri is full of compelling tracks that are definitely worth a listen, or better still, a watch ;)

Tutti Contro Tuttiis a track about conflict and personal struggle with very introspective lyrics. There’s some emotion to this one. I really appreciate Mahmood's unique style, he’s able to blend contemporary pop with some poignant storytelling. I think if you look back at Solidi from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest to this 2024 album it shows some real innovation and growth by Mahmood.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ja9mXAJXP8

KEiiNO (Norway) - Unbreakable - Doug B

KEiiNO represented Norway at Eurovision in 2019 with their song “Spirit in the Sky” winning the televote but finished in 6th place. Soon after Eurovision the band released several singles. KEiiNO submitted to represent Norway at Eurovision again in 2021 and 2024, placing 2nd in the Melodi Grand Prix both years with their songs “Monument” and “Damdiggida” respectively. In 2022 they released an expanded album “OKTA guokte” that contained 19 songs. Among those was “Unbreakable” a great example that includes the Sami cultural roots of band member Fred Buljo; indigenous peoples of northern Norway/Sweden/Finland with joik, a traditional form of song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQAYVaT5zZE

Franco Battiato (Italy) - Voglio Vederti Danzare - Enrique D

Franco Battiato had a solid background before his participation in Eurovision in 1984 with Alice. 

In the 60’s he released singles but in the 70’s he began his prolific career. In 1981 he published

his 14th album ‘L'arca di Noè’ where was songs like 'Voglio vederti danzare' ('I want to see you dance'),

among others. With this album, Battiato won fame of being one of the most versatile and intelligent

musicians in Italy. Many of his songs from this album have parts in English and Arabic (a language

that Battiato began to study in one of his trips to Turkey). Some Battiato's albums were also published

entirely in Spanish and in English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nxXrHZ2HL4

Kristian Kostov (Bulgaria) - Mine - TJ T

Who’s ready for Bulgaria’s big comeback!? As one of the youngest participants to date in the ESC, Bulgaria’s 2017 entry, Kristian Kostov, could be an excellent contender to grace Bulgaria’s return. Since competing in 2017 at only 17, garnering Bulgaria’s best result of 2nd place, he’s been turning out some amazing music including collaborations with many of Europe’s well-known artists, most recently: ALMA. Since the contest, he’s participated in the long-running Chinese singing competition, Singer, as their youngest contestant ever, increasing his exposure in the Asian market. A recent bop he released was 2023’s Mine (one of my favourites). 

https://youtu.be/eHdkAOhLdec?si=XP34lgt_FkvhIPvf

Remo (Switzerland) - Full 180 - Danie T

Remo Forrer, who first rose to fame in his home country after winning the 2020 edition of The Voice, was internally selected to represented Switzerland at Eurovision 2023.

After Watergun came in 20th in the grand final in Liverpool, Remo headed back into the studio to work on his EP Favourite Kind of Lonely. The EP, released in May of this year, contains Watergun as well as 5 other songs including Full 180.

I stumbled across the song thanks to ESC Radio and recognised Remo’s voice instantly. Full 180, like his Eurovision entry, is a strong emotional ballad. This one comes with a message about overcoming mental health obstacles and being there for others. I’m definitely cutting onions each time I hear it.

https://youtu.be/3_P39h_dsng?si=XSbiiSqsjkvRISfD

Trijntje Oosterhuis (Netherlands) - Vlieg met me mee - Sascha S

Trijntje Oosterhuis represented The Netherlands in 2015 with “Walk Along”.  I however, discovered Trijntje prior to that contest, after hearing her song “Vlieg Met Me Mee (het avontuur)” released in 1998 as part of the soundtrack to the Dutch movie “Abeltje”.  I was trying to improve my Dutch and this song had the perfect tempo, with very clear lyrics making it easy for me to listen and sing along.  It is an uplifting song with soothing melodies, rich vocals and an emotional delivery.

“Vlieg Me Me Mee (het avontuur)” had modest success in the Dutch charts, peaking at 18th position in the Top 40.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=XJUfDwG5VcU

Bucks Fizz (United Kingdom) - New Beginning ( Mamba Seyra) - Edward T

Still celebrated in the UK for winning 1981 Eurovision, Bucks Fizz achieved a string of hits before running out of steam around 1984.  This song marked their big comeback, and in my opinion is the band’s finest and most underrated offering.  It is a summer dance anthem and so much more.  It features a driving drum pulse, innovative and exciting lyrical techniques and a singalong chorus.  The feel is internationalist, optimistic and energetic and has a vibe that still sounds cool and contemporary.  Surviving performances showcase the band’s versatility and showmanship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI3KoQj8jDk

Sirusho (Armenia) - PreGomesh - Evan S

“PreGomesh” is easily the best song about herding water buffalo that you’ll ever hear. Sung by Sirusho, who finished fourth at Eurovision 2008, it was released in December 2012. It is inspired by a folk song preserved by the Armenian priest-turned-ethnomusicologist Komitas (1869-1935) and fuses folk traditions with modern pop sensibilities. “PreGomesh” starts with the herders’ calls before transitioning into a drum-accented club banger. It would go on to win Best Performance at the 2013 Armenian Music Awards and earn nominations for Best Song and Best Music Video at the 2014 World Music Awards.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxxnY-QTUGU