This morning Austrian broadcaster got in bright and early to reveal its act for Eurovision 2018. Cesar Sampson was revealed as Austria’s man for Lisbon on the Ö3-Wecker radio show. And this won’t be the first time at Eurovision for him.

On stage as part of Poli Genova’s posse at Eurovision 2016

Cesar is an experienced performer and producer and has delivered guest vocals for many Austrian artists. But he’s also an experienced backing vocalist on the Eurovision stage.

He’s previously worked on entries for Serbian and Macedonian acts, but in recent years, he’s been part of Team Bulgaria. In 2016, Cesar joined Poli Genova on stage at the end of her feelgood song “If Love Was a Crime”. Earlier this year in Kyiv, he was heard but not seen as part of Kristian Kostov’s offstage backing vocals.

So being involved with a fourth-placed song in 2016, then a second-placed song in 2017, ORF could be looking at Cesar to do one better next year in Lisbon.

The Bulgarian connection continues with the songwriters. The song will be created by Symphonix International — which Cesar is part of — the team that was behind “If Love Was a Crime”, “Beautiful Mess” and Poli Genova’s 2011 entry “Na Inat”.

But Cesar’s song for Eurovision isn’t ready yet. It will be revealed to the public sometime in February. But anyone interested in hearing his vocal talents can get a taste in his radio interview. There he sings a medley of “Rise Like a Phoenix” and “Euphoria”, showing off a rich soulful voice.

And, we notice, he also does a bit of modelling. Check out his portfolio at this Slovakian modelling agency. Eurovision’s Next Top Male Model 2018, anyone?

Cesar won’t be the first Eurovision backing singer to later be selected as a main performer. Iceland’s 2010 representative Hera Björk made her Eurovision debut in 2008 as a backing vocalist for Euroband, and again for Yohanna the following year.

And more recently, Imri Ziv moved from being the backing vocalist for Nadav Guedj in 2015 and Hovi Star in 2016 to singing his own song “I Feel Alive”. Serbia’s 2017 act Tijana Bogicevic made her Eurovision debut in 2011 as the backing vocalist for Nina.

What do you think? Can Cesar deliver the goods for Austria? What sort of song should he sing? Tell us what you think below!

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Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

So, an actual dreamteam may deliver it again. Wondering what he’s gonna sing, I predict something mid-tempo unless it’s a pop-rock.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

It seems promising! I love Bulgaria’s songs. Hope for sth good. Good luck!

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

Cesár confirmed in an interview on ORF a few hours ago his song will be called “Nobody but you”.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I was really underwhelmed when Austria revealed their artist last year but they came up with a much nicer song/performance than I expected. He could do a good job!

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

So, an unknown (harsh, but true) that participated in ESC before in a way, with a superstar (in esc) team…

…interesting. Potential for some good stuff, but most importantly, propelling for some notoriety.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

Wow! Too many Eurovision news today! Like it. Cesár seems good to me. I’m looking forward to hear more of it. A modern style song like the last two Bulgarian entries ccould work for Austria. Also, is Cesar Sampson Austrian/German (doesn’t sound very German tho) or just a random chosen international artist? I would like the artists competing to have a conection with the countries they are representing, either the nationality or the shared culture (German-Austrian, Francophone, Baltic, Balcanic, Nordic,…). PD: While writing this comment I search Cesar Sampson on Google and… yes, he’s Austrian, but I’ll keep my statement… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I’m not sure about him… He feels like he will send something quite mediocre, with mediocre staging and voice. But still lets wait, maybe he will surprise!

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

The songwriters have a great track record though, so I’d keep an eye on Austria.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

But why male models?

Christian
Christian
6 years ago

Is Austria trying to play it safe, when they engaged the same team like for the recent Bulgarian entries?

Hazar
Hazar
6 years ago

Good luck Austria

D
D
6 years ago

Originally I didn’t think I would be impressed but if the song is gonna be in the same modern style that Bulgaria’s songs have been in, then I’m gonna be excited.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Sounds promising. Isn’t he alternative rock singer? if a song in that style get’s chosen it could be interesting. Of course any song with him could be interesting. Unless it’s something mellow. I have high hopes. Austria is definitively in it to win it..

Adam
Adam
6 years ago

Yes! I love his voice and his presence for the past 2 years, especially last year with Kristian. I think he’ll do really well.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

This sounds like a sure qualifier to me. But for God’s sake, give the guy more than a plastic moon.

Nikki
Nikki
6 years ago

From bubbly to hunky. They had a Rex regeneration which went the other way around

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

Looking forward to the song. Good luck to him and Austria. <3

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

I’m kinda bored about this Austria and beard combinations since there is so much more interesting to say about these acts. However I accept this becoming tradition from now on just like Germany sends girls every year since Lena (except for Roman)

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Hmm, his name and looks remind me of some Brazilian soccer player…not sure what to expect…

eberhard
eberhard
6 years ago

believe me … he will deliver

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Well, I guess Lisa Aberer’s more likely for 2019. 🙁

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

Cesar was not only a back up for Poli in 2016, you also can see them both cheering for Jamala after the voting finished giving us a moment like Ruth and Conchita did after the voting in 2014

Guchi
Guchi
6 years ago

This looks very promising! Good luck Austria!

Kamil
Kamil
6 years ago

5th choosen artist and 5th good one. good luck

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Good luck!

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

This looks very promising!
As an austrian I’m really pleased with this choice. I hope his song is great as well.

Also I think he might be our best choice since Conchita.

eberhard
eberhard
6 years ago
Reply to  Nick

don`t worry … the song will deliver

Slay Portugal
Slay Portugal
6 years ago

This guy is talented, but do you thing it has anything to do with politics? Do you see something here? Cesar is not white, and in Austria the elections were won by a controversial guy….

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

Just stop, please.

Slay Portugal
Slay Portugal
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

What have I said that is not true?

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

I don’t think so. He has the qualifications to become a suitable representative for Austria to send to Lisbon based on his past experience with the contest.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

There is always that guy who must turn everything into politics.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

The Bearduminatti are at it again

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

Thank god Zoe shaved.

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

lol cala-te

Slay Portugal
Slay Portugal
6 years ago

If Portugal wants to be different, new, and with respect for art, as they claim after Sobral win, the thing they need to do is to not hide the backing vocals. Give the backing vocals their credit. Show them! Hiding backing vocals is NNNOOOTTT art. Show us the backing vocals Portugal.
I’m saying this because Cesar Sampson was hidden backing vocal for Kristian Kostov.
——–
How many ‘Cesars’ Eurovision has?
It can be an article about the name, like ‘Laura’

Slay Portugal
Slay Portugal
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

It was just suggestion like you always ask, but it seems you don’t really want it.

Christian
Christian
6 years ago
Reply to  Slay Portugal

I don’t like it either, when they hide the backing singers.

TJ
TJ
6 years ago

great! I loved “Na Inat” and “If love was a crime”. This seems to be a very good pick!

Al
Al
6 years ago

no. thanks