This year marks the first time the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Portugal. Over 40 artists from different European countries will perform their original songs over the duration of three shows at the Altice Arena in Lisbon; but only six artists will perform during the last show—the Grand Final—on May 12th.
Here at the Transatlantic we’ve selected some of our favorite entries to this year’s competition. Share your favorite songs and artists in the comments!
1. Czech Republic: Mikolas Josef with “Lie To Me”
Remember when Jason Derulo sampled the trumpets from Hermetico by Israeli gypsy/electronica band Balkan Beat Box? It may have been one of the sexiest moments in recent pop history. Czech composer and singer Mikolas Josef is trying to recreate a similar vibe in his new song, Lie To Me.
Raised in the cities of Prague and Znojmo, Josef is now 17 years old and lives in Vienna. He’s played guitar since age five and has worked as a fashion model. His Eurovision performance is rumored to be choreography-heavy, as he will perform alongside two dancers, brothers Kristián and Marek Mensa.
- Ukraine: MELOVIN with “Under The Ladder”
After winning the Ukrainian edition of The X Factor in 2015, MELOVIN participated in the national selection for Eurovision twice, taking first place this year. He will represent his home country with a typical Eurovision production—an electropop track, heavy with percussions and background vocals.
The stage name MELOVIN is a combination of “Halloween” and “Alexander McQueen,” the late fashion designer from Britain. Watch his stage set fire at the end of the performance of his song, Under The Ladder.
- Ireland: Ryan O’Shaughnessy with “Together”
The two men dancing the night away in the streets of Dublin’s Temple Bar area in Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s video almost caused Russia to withdraw from the Eurovision. (Or so people thought.)
When fans saw the queer-friendly video of the song, they worried it would violate Russia’s law against “gay propaganda.” All participating countries, however, are required to broadcast the show in its entirety, and Russia did not withdraw from the competition.
Born in 1992, O’Shaughnessy began his acting career when he was eight. He is now a popular singer and songwriter in Ireland and has toured in the United States and Canada. His Eurovision song, Together, is a soft, romantic ballad.
- Estonia: Elina Nechayeva with “La Forza”
It’s been 17 years since Estonia won Eurovision with the song Everybody by Tanel Padar and Dave Benton, and this year many people are betting on Elina Nechayeva to take home the top prize. Nechayeva studied classical singing at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. A fan of Mozart and Tchaikovsky, she is bringing Italian-language opera singing in her uplifting La Forza.
- Israel: Netta Barzilai with “Toy”
Israel may not be a member of the European Union, nor in the European continent, but it’s participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 40 times since its debut in 1973. This is because the Israel Broadcasting Authority, which aired the show until last year, used to be part of the European Broadcasting Union. In May of 2017, the Israel Broadcasting Authority closed down, so in theory Israel would not have the permission to air the competition. Somehow, the country is still in.
(Australia participates in the competition for the same reason.)
This year’s contestant is one of the internet’s favorites this year. Her name is Netta Barzilai, she’s 25 years old, and she won this year’s Rising Star television show in Israel; such victory allows her to represent the country in Lisbon this coming spring. Her song, Toy, fully displays her outstanding personality and willingness to go over the top with a bubbly pop production.
Photo: Elina Nechayeva wins ‘Eesti Laul’ and will represent Estonia in the 2018 Eurovision with the song “La Forza.” Photo by Andres Putting, courtesy of Eurovision Song Contest. The image may have been cropped automatically by our WordPress theme.
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