X Factor and Idol are two long-running TV talent shows that have been the origin of many Eurovision contestants in recent years, including two winners. This year eight artists have a history on one of those talent shows, including three season winners and a couple of judges. Let’s take a look.

X Factor

Australia – Dami Im

In 2013, Dami Im was the unexpected star of the third series of The X Factor in Australia. She went on to win the series, impressing both the judges and the audience with her powerful vocals. Here is her signature version of Prince’s power ballad “Purple Rain”.

Bulgaria – Poli Genova

After representing Bulgaria at Eurovision in 2011, Poli got a gig as one of the judges on the first series of X Factor in Bulgaria. Here she is returning to the show in 2015 for a duet with current judge Lucy Diakovska.

Italy – Francesca Michielin

In 2011, at the age of 16, Francesca won the fifth series of  the Italian X Factor. On the series, Francesca showed off her love of classic rock, putting modern spins on rock favourites. Here’s her take on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Higher Ground”.

Montenegro: Highway

Highway were one of the two Montengrin acts to make it to the live shows of the Balkan region’s X Factor Adria, where they finished fourth. Then a three-piece group known as Highway Trio, here the band perform the Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know”, accompanied by a dancer whose hairography seems to be the inspiration for their “The Real Thing” video.

https://youtu.be/R5f3n4Ka0Ck

Poland: Michal Szpak

A young Michal Spzak challenged viewers of the first series of the Polish X Factor in 2011 with his bold androgynous look. But it was his powerhouse vocals that won audiences over, taking him to a second place finish. Here’s his X Factor audition, with subtitles.

https://youtu.be/Ua8Bpx8aCm8

Idol / Superstar

Czech Republic Gabriela Guncikova

In 2011, Gabriela was a contestant on Cesko Slovenska SuperStar (Czech-Slovak Idol), where she came second. On the show she established herself as a rock chick, tackling both ballads and more upbeat songs.

Estonia: Jüri Pootsmann

Jüri won the 2015 series of Eesti otsib superstaari (Estonian Idol), with fellow Eesti Laul 2016 contestant Gertu Pabbo coming second. Here’s Jüri performing James Bay’s “Hold Back the River”.

FYR Macedonia – Kaliopi

In 2010, Kaliopi was a judge on the first (and only) series of Macedonian Idol, sharing her many years of showbiz experience with the contestants. Here she is showing the wannabes how it’s done.

We’ve already looked at artists who have appeared on The Voice, and coming up we’ll take a look at Eurovision artists who have come from other talent shows.

READ MORE OF OUR EUROVISION LISTS

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oxyk
oxyk
7 years ago

@Ohi, Poles is not very rude, they just more straightforward and if they find something funny they laugh, but they are also not baby-cries to get demotivated if someone laughs at their face, because it’s their way to handle things. they can be very polite and will address a person with respect, but if someone is getting on their nerves they can address him with very rude but honest words. Its called sincerity I think. have you noticed, how they laughed and in 1 minute they cheered Michal like he’s their star? that subtle thing might escape your attention, but… Read more »

oxyk
oxyk
7 years ago

I thought all of you knew that he’s androgyn, that’s why at the very beginning I’ve told he need to shave his face and restyle his look to be a bomb. but everyone crackled “Margaret is cool, Margaret is cool”. Michal is cool and has great potential. the only drawback is his deeply introvert nature, he’s not very public and it looks like he avoids to speak English, or such interviews is very hard for him to make. I wish someone from wiwi crew can approach him and take interview in Polish, he’s such a lovely boy when speaks his… Read more »

John Egan
John Egan
7 years ago

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Higher Ground”.

Um, you mean Stevie Wonder, right? 🙂

ella
ella
7 years ago

Also, “Purple Rain” sung by Jüri was absolutely amazing.

ella
ella
7 years ago

Would’ve been nice to see the video of Jüri sininging a “Heroes” duet with Gertu Pabbo at the final of Estonian Idol.

K
K
7 years ago

PS. This clip of Jüri is not from the grand final. He did sing “Hold Back The River” in the final again, but this version is from a previous live show, not the final.

Jowita
Jowita
7 years ago

@ Ahi He did not make it in Poland but Europe love Michal!!!

Redfox
Redfox
7 years ago

too bad there is no clip of Jüri singing with Superstaar judge & former 2-times ESC performer Maarja-Liis Ilus. I have desperately tried to find one to listen to it again, but nothing. Must say, his and Gertu Pabbos´ rendition of Heroes is also quite awe-inducing.

Ohi
Ohi
7 years ago

The Polish judges and audience were really horrible to poor Michal. This really doesn’t paint Polish society in a good light.

sg
sg
7 years ago

you better watch this, wow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7LqR4azxI

Andy
Andy
7 years ago

yes tom i saw dami’s interview on the project was so funny is on youtube already to watch, anyway dami is just amazing she won that seasson and was the most successful x factor winner aus of all time even 2016…no one can’t knock her from her #1 Aria single and #1 Aria album at the same time.

Hayley
Hayley
7 years ago

You should have put where Jüri sings “Wave” 😀 😀

David
7 years ago

Iveta also took part In PoP Idol Armenia and came 5th…

trz_maier
trz_maier
7 years ago

Hi guys, Market has gone worldwide with Cool Me Down. Check out your Spotify

Jowita
Jowita
7 years ago

Wow beatifuul XFACTOR Michal!!! Listening to him I had shivers on my back. With such Vokal and with such a scenic image becomes very far. Michael you’re my IDOL!!!

Tom
Tom
7 years ago

@Peter totally, his voice is killer. If he had a song like that in this year it would be one of my faves! Wish he’d lose the stache and go back to the androgynous look too! Thanks for the link 🙂

Peter
Peter
7 years ago

@Ann such a pity. They upload some video with no performance. Actually, there are a lot of videos with Micha? from X Factor.
@Tom here you are. That was first time when i saw him. He has unbelievable voice! That performance always gives me goosebumps!

Where Hovi
Where Hovi
7 years ago

Where is Hovi Star he was on israel idol twice

Tom
Tom
7 years ago

@Peter thanks for posting that video. WOW, I actually want him to qualify. I’ve not been much of a fan of Colour of Your Love but that vid has given me a ton of respect for Michal.

Ann
Ann
7 years ago

Peter
They won’t. They hate him because of Margaret.

Jan
Jan
7 years ago

Hey.. You used wrong video in case of Gabriela.. This is her performance in SuperStar 2013 as a guest where she had to lip-sync.

Use this or other 2011 SuperStar entry..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J5-V1PK_VI

Peter
Peter
7 years ago

Please change the video with Michal, here you have his amazing audition with english subtitles 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua8Bpx8aCm8

David Who
David Who
7 years ago

Why were Michal Szpak’s X Factor-related videos deleted?

Tom
Tom
7 years ago

Did any Aussies here see Dami on The Project last night?

– “Dami are you nervous to be singing in front of an audience of 150 million?”

Dami- “Recently I sang in China in front of an audience of 200 million….”

Burn!!!! Slay Dami

Bianka
Bianka
7 years ago

Michal Szpak’s Poland X Factor audition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua8Bpx8aCm8