cesar sampson austria 2018 nobody but you
Austria, Cesár Sampson, 2

He’s the backing singer behind Bulgaria’s Poli Genova and Kristian Kostov. Now, Austria’s Cesar Sampson is back representing his home country. After being announced way back in December, Cesar’s entry “Nobody But You” has just been released.

The song made its debut on the Ö3-Wecker radio show this morning:

Cesar Sampson – “Nobody But You”

The track has an ’80s power pop flavour with a gospel choir adding richness and depth to the song. The lyrics tell the tale of a man desperate to win back his ex, as he realises in the big loved-up chorus, “Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto”.

The song is written by Borislav Milanov and Sebastian Arman, two members of Symphonix International. They’re the team behind both “If Love Was a Crime” and “Beautiful Mess”, as well as many more. Eurovision pedigree — and success — definitely rolled into one package!

In our recent interview with Cesar, he talks about his experience at Eurovision and one artist in particular who made him want to take centre stage: “We saw Jamala, doing her thing…that was the realisation, that an actual artist — not just a good performer — can do their thing on the Eurovision stage”.

“Nobody But You” lyrics – Cesar Sampson

Lord, I’m gonna get so high tonight
I’m gonna let the floodgates open wide
I’m in open water
It’s what I need
Though I try to get you off my mind

And I get no sleep
I’m in too deep
I can’t let you leave

It wouldn’t be right letting you go running away from love
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto
So am I right giving my all making you stay tonight?
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto

Hey
Lord, I’m gonna bring you back tonight, girl
Oh, you’re running circles round my mind
I think your words have been my bible
How can I search for someone new?
What I really want – you by my side

And I get no sleep
I’m in too deep
To let you leave

It wouldn’t be right letting you go running away from love
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto
So am I right giving my all making you stay tonight?
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto

Don’t make me tear my heart out
I’m shaking till I fall down
Don’t make me tear my heart out

Don’t make me tear my heart out
I’m shaking till I fall down
Don’t make me tear my heart out

It wouldn’t be right letting you go running away
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto
So am I right giving my all making you stay tonight?
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto

It wouldn’t be right letting you go running away from love
Ain’t nobody but you I can hold onto
Ain’t nobody but you

What do you think about “Nobody But You”? Do you think Cesar has a chance of making the final — or could he even give Austria their third win? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Read more Austria Eurovision news here

Photo credit: ORF

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Art
Art
6 years ago

Strong entry!!! Ok He might win! My favorites are 1 ?????????? Austria France Cyprus Armenia Belgium

Art
Art
6 years ago

Strong entry!!! Ok He might win! My favorites are 1 ??????????

Approve
Approve
6 years ago

He is hot!!

Olena
Olena
6 years ago

Such a touching song, such an interesting video and such a pleasant guy with the tender and beautiful voice! One of my new favourites along with Greece, Denmark and Belgium. It’s a pity I won’t be able to vote for it in SF1 (my country is in SF2) but hope it will qualify to the final. Hugs and kisses from Ukraine)

Kamil
Kamil
6 years ago

I love this song. 🙂 My favorite.

Mil
Mil
6 years ago

What can I say? Please Netta & Israel, save this year and give us a winning material!

Canada Calling
Canada Calling
6 years ago

I really like this. The gospel aspect of this is used quite well, and this is one of the few songs this year where the chorus is my favorite part. I’m a bit worried as to how this will sound live, but I really enjoy this for now. As it stands, it’s one of my favorites.

Karl Fradgley
Karl Fradgley
6 years ago

Oh gosh I love this …… !
And it is much better than Don’t Come Easy

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

I´m so thankful that I am European. I would not change that for anything:) Just to change things up a bit in this overall not very nice comment section.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna
Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I can´t stop laughing, I didn´t know that, thanks! 😀 Now everytime I feel bad I´ll watch this 😀

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Happy to help a fellow European. 😉

ken
ken
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Congratulations, you have chosen wisely where to be born!

Sage Anderson
Sage Anderson
6 years ago

I think this will make the final- but in the low teens or the twenties.

Representation matters… (Let me just say that Eurovision is very, VERY white lmao) and that will help him I think.

Also, this song is unique in genre and good in its own right, even though it is not everyone’s cup of tea.

I think judges at least will be into this one.

Berndhardooo
Berndhardooo
6 years ago

Hey guys..please stop bullying around .it is a peaceful competition..and btw..i think he did a good job which brings him a place in the final i hope..if u want to find negative things, there is always a way for every song..i believe that the best song will win without political reasons..that is eurovision about, no

and u guys from wiwi..i love u..most deban and wiliam..u rock

12 points to austria from Berlin ..
10 points cyprus
8 points ukraine

kisses

William Lee Adams
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  Berndhardooo

We love you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

PP
PP
6 years ago

I think Austria in final , only thanks to juries points, like last year.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

In what’s looking like a very competitive semi one, this song may be a borderline qualifier, despite it’s comparative uniqueness…the staging will have to be great, though, otherwise it will be overwhelmed with more powerful singers and songs, of which we have many. 6.9/10.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Rag’n’Bone Man.
He will do very well, but I had enough of these rip-offs.

Marcelo
6 years ago

Many people here comparing this song to Don’t Come Easy. OK. To me, it rather starts like Take me to Church (Hozier), though it stays only at that, for it lacks the… everything Hozier’s every second conveys. I personally find the gospel-like moments are well put into the song. Measured, careful. Overall, it does sound like Don’t Come Easy, only this feels more alive. I also hope the performer will deliver, for the Aussie boy was deadman walking in circles, if you ask me. Yes, is may come off as a little flat/repetitive, dunno. Many songs are, aren’t them pop… Read more »

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

A little repetitive at the end but defimetly one of the better entries this year. I can even put it in 1 section with Belgium , and for me Belgium is top 5 ..,.even top 3 is realistic for that fantastic song.

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

I’m not sure about this one. I think that the melody is interesting but I don’t like his voice actually. Strange music video too lol.

Aaron
Aaron
6 years ago

When he begins he sounds a bit flat, even though this is the studio. It climbs really well and then goes no where and begins to sound dated. I do like it though, may be my 15th. Sounds like a really good version of Human, I like this a lot. It will need staging and more dynamic vocals to bring it to life. I mean, for such a long time of working together and to sound so generic I am a bit disappointed. I liked the end vocals (well towards the end). It’s not winner material but is a qualifier… Read more »

Ian
Ian
6 years ago

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I immidiately thought of the singer/producer Jon Bellion when hearing this.

Jake
Jake
6 years ago

I think the juries might go for this but gospel-influenced songs have never done well at Eurovision. It’s not something that Europeans (especially Eastern-Europeans) really gravitate towards. It would need to have some epic staging. It’s a nice song but missing a stronger hook. I understand why most people are lukewarm on this year’s contest. It’s not the Salvador-affect (I actually don’t see many Salvador-inspired songs), it’s that so many songs have weak hooks. It’s actually a strong year for music diversity — ethnopop, opera, gospel, country, Latin, Bond-theme, peace athem, club banger, metal rock, Viking chant, Baltic ballad, edm,… Read more »

Anita
Anita
6 years ago

There is no negativity over this. If somone thinks it is a boring ordinary radio song – this is your personal taste and not anywhere near negativity.

GEF
GEF
6 years ago

The best song so far. Wow, what a great combination of soul, gospel and modern sounds.

If they don’t mess it up on stage this will end up high.

miramax09
miramax09
6 years ago
Reply to  GEF

GEF <3

William Lee Adams
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  GEF

Strong entry. There is artistry in the song and the video.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

Nice addition to this year’s line up. Even if it has 80’s vibes, it is still very current and something that could hit the UK charts. His voice is very beautiful and deep, it reminds me of John Legend. The song itself sounds like something Rag ‘n’ Bone Man would sing. So Austria has some good references here. I would like the chorus to be stronger, though. From the John Legend-esque singer and the Rag ‘n’ Bone Man’s music style song to the music video, Austria is serving quality. If the staging does it too, Austria is a clear contender… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Also, If it were for some of you, we wouldn’t have enough countries for the Grand Final. I recognize that for me it isn’t the best year, but there’s too much negativity here.

Anita
Anita
6 years ago

I think if the upcoming song from Israel is full of energy and just real good fun it has very good chances to win, because a lot of people are in a decision dilemma this year. And if you are stuck in a dilemma you choose by default the next song that makes your body move… 😀

vangelis vt
vangelis vt
6 years ago

Loved it at first listen. Go go Austria!

Anita
Anita
6 years ago

Eurovion, Lord, PLEASE don’t bring this back tonight (at the 12th of May). I am already bored after listening twice.

Mei
Mei
6 years ago

The chorus sounds like a song I heard before

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

It’s a decent radio song and a nice addition to the line-up. I like the hints of gospel though I was expecting for a bigger explosion in the end. Cesar’s voice is very good. The problem is that I don’t see it as a song that many people will be moved enough to vote for. Having in mind that this will be packed between other 18 acts I believe this would be a borderline qualifier at best. Let’s see if he can give a great vocal performance to convince the juries and show charisma to seduce the audience.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Oh, and I blame you guys that mentioned it because I’ll never listen to the opening line again without hearing “I’m gonna get some hot tuna”!

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Well thanks for ruining that for me!! 😀

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Hahaha All aboard!

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
6 years ago

Worse than Azerbaijan. That says it all. Heck, worse than Belarus!

Jai
Jai
6 years ago
Reply to  Krys Ka

Oh come on, at least he can actually sing, which is more than can be said about Alekseev!

brennan
brennan
6 years ago

maybe I am overlooking a lot because of the expen$ive music video but I, like a few others here, think this is a surefire qualifier If Staged Properly

all it took for austria to qualify last year was to send an apparently attractive man with a music video of him running around a mountain for three minutes… like is this not the same deal? just because the contest moves to the atlantic coast doesn’t mean y’all have to be as salty as the lisbon ocean breezes, there is so much negativity on this site recently

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  brennan

I was stunned when my country qualified last year. It was a jury save.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

I find it ironic that the best song (and their only song I like) this songwriting team wrote for Eurovision (“Dance Alone”) was the one that was given to an unskillful performer and got slaughtered on stage. That one actually had potential, unlike “Nobody but you”.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

The problem was that both Jana and the backing vocalists sounded fine in isolation but didn’t harmonise and sounded off key in relation to another. I found Serbia and Israel in the same semi final to be far worse performances.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
6 years ago

I think this song is a border line qualifier…
I’d be surprised to see it in the final…
He is a good singer who got a pretty boring and decent song, a well known thing in the Eurovision Song Contest
I assume it’s faith is pretty much ending low on the scoreboard

esc20
esc20
6 years ago

Wrong lyrics! He sings Bible not problem

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Top 3. Love it !

rd
rd
6 years ago

Lord I’m gonna get some hot tuna?

That’s the best opening line of a Eurovision song ever.

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago
Reply to  rd

Lol. This will go directly into this year’s misheard lyrics video.

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago

The song doesnt make sense but I guess it still beats Estonia and Finland..

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago

lMaooo since when is australia part of europe????

Zoe
Zoe
6 years ago
Reply to  ninasublatti

Austria, not Australia

(though Australia is also part of Eurovision)

marcus (Day One)
marcus (Day One)
6 years ago

It sounds just like Don’t come easy but a cheaper version mixed with What I did for love by Emile sande.

KOSMOPOLJ
KOSMOPOLJ
6 years ago

potential winner !!!

KOSMOPOLJ
KOSMOPOLJ
6 years ago

I very rarely give 12 points
even less I like English-language songs from most countries…

but this is perfectly .. marvelous
his vocal is magical
a very good melody, a good song

from me 12 p

top 5 – top 10 material

It’s now in my top 5 !

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

First of all: his voice is amazing! The song starts well, the chorus was a little underwhelming. Love the gospel atmosphere. It elevates the song. I think the live performance will make it better or worse. The studio version isn’t impressive but I have faith.

LEO ESC AUT
LEO ESC AUT
6 years ago

*A short personal report from yesterday’s ORF press conference from Vienna.* Austria’s song contest song “Nobody but You” by Cesár Sampson is a subconscious flat music composition with some gospel insets, but without any courage to an innovative musical risk for this year 2018. Above all, I have no idea how this song in Lisbon is to survive the big competition in the 1st Semifinal. Austrians Cesár Sampson is intelligent and well-read, yes he is male and acts rather as an athlete BUT he is not a pop star, he is missing any charisma at all. The song “Nobody But… Read more »

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  LEO ESC AUT

Knowing how ORF operates, it must have been something like this: Ah, this songwriting team wrote a lot of entries lately for a different countries. Ah, the dude who sang backing vocals for Bulgaria is Austrian. Bulgaria was 4th and 2nd. Let’s just send him. ORF obviously does not care about having an exceptional song, never has. To be fair though, he was selected very early and had the opportunity to come up with something exceptional. Obviously, he wasn’t able to.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I definitely see it able to make the final, though.

LEO ESC AUT
LEO ESC AUT
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Exactly, …
that’s the reason – why.
Cesár Sampson is a very good back vocalist – but that’s it.

miramax09
miramax09
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Sorry but i don’t agree with your opinion. ORF is not a copycat. Conchita, Song in french, ORF has balls with their entries, don’t you think? Only back in 2015 with the makemakes, they where not very originally in my opinion.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  miramax09

They are this year, though. But if you like the entry, good for you. I have not liked a single song my country has sent and this one is no exception. I have however been loving the Netherlands since 2013. I am happy with any country that gives me a song like and glad I don’t have to rely on my broadcaster to provide that because that would be a lost cause. 😛

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

* a song I like

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Not even Conchita? Your big winner?

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I was rooting for The Common Linnets. 😉

Ola
Ola
6 years ago

Quality song from Austria!! With a good performance easily Top 10 in the final!

Shapes up to be a good year!!

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago

The video is amazing but the song is repetitive repetitive repetitive…

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

So, for now we know 34 songs, plus three NF winners this weekend (expected to be Benjamin, Rebecca and Ieva, but you never know). That means only 6 songs are a complete mystery – Russia, Macedonia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Ireland and Israel. What do you expect – late favorites, late addition of really bad songs or just random middle ground entries? Russia – I expect a big ballad, but I have high hopes for it being something touching in Russian language (or that Samoylova took English lessons). Israel and Georgia both have genre-specific artists. I can see them being amazing or… Read more »

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Agree with Russia. In russian she sounds amazing. Also would be a change with Russia´s past.
As for Bulgaria, I kind of doubt they will be as good as these last two years or better.
Also I have a strong feeling Felix is gonna make it in Sweden.
Hopefully Ireland does somthing gret this year:)

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

You think Felix is gonna make it? Yay, I’m rooting for him, let’s hope so!
Russia- probably strong ballad, will do well.
Israel- I’m excited for this one, Israel is one of my favourite esc countries, singer is good, hope she will have good song.
Ireland- it will be another ballad?
Macedonia, Bulgaria, Georgia- no idea!

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Eve

Yes, I hope so, because I think “every single day” I think has the best chances at Eurovision this year. Not to win, but to be in top 5 definitely:) Also the song is in like 5 countries in the spotify viral charts (including Australia last time I checked), which is a good sign.
I´m also a big fan of the israeli entries these last few years, so I´m very much looking forward to that:) Overall I feel like Belgium is gonna win:)

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

I like Belgium too, she’s great!

JEFFERSON LAMAS
JEFFERSON LAMAS
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

with the title song Toy, I believe that Israel will send something similar to ISRAEL 2000.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I just went to listen to that song and ouch! I mean, it potentially could end-up like this, but do you really expect that Netta will be so much worse than anyone else in 2018? She actually sounds promising as an artist.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I have a feeling that the winner is already out there. About Bulgaria: The Austrian release has just proven again that the work of that as of late much sought-after songwriting team is mostly average pop, I don’t see what the fuss is all about.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Macedonia is sending a rock act, so something along the lines of Cyprus 2016 would seem right.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well, Ireland is out! That’s five more – Russia, Israel, Georgia, Macedonia and Bulgaria. I really hope they bring something new to the contest, whether they are the best, the worst or just different.

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Russia – I’m expecting a power ballad too and I’m not excited about it. Let’s hope it will be in Russian. We don’t hear Russian often in the contest. Israel – I was rooting for Netta ever since I watched her first performance on the tv show. My expectations are high with her. Georgia – Apparently it is “ethno-jazz”. I don’t know what to think, I hope it’s good. Bulgaria – Probably a well-polished pop song. I have a feeling that it won’t be a very uptempo one. Macedonia – I think it will be pop-rock. I’m not very hopeful… Read more »

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I have loved Austria the last few years, but I am not a fan of this entry. He’s got an unusual voice but the song feels like you listen to it once and a few minutes later you will have forgotten about it. It’s not bad but it just doesn’t excite me. It is a tough semi so staging and live vocals are going to make or break a lot of songs in this semi.

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

I love it. Out of all the songs with love as a topic, this is my fave by far.

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

With the backing vocals I get kind of gospel vibes

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

It’s a good song for the radio, I don’t know how it’ll translate on stage. It might be another In Too Deep case.

miramax09
miramax09
6 years ago

I like it… but I am austrian, so I am not very objective about it 🙂 Still I have to say, that Sara De Blue’s Out Of The Twilight was the better song and voice from Austria this year 🙂

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  miramax09

I like it too but I´m german so yeah, don´t know whether that´s objective. Don´t like Switzerland´s song though so maybe:) At least I won´t be disappointed or something like that if Austria gets our 12 Points, I think you deserve to do well with this song:)

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

With a good performance this could be a candidate for the win. It is a super song! Austria sure is here to stay!