Bulgaria are hoping they have saved the best until last. After finishing in the top five for two years running, they’re out for a win. They’ve put together five singers for the job: Equinox. The band will sing “Bones” at Eurovision 2018.

Equinox is made up of five singers, all from various backgrounds, from both Bulgaria and abroad. They are Zhana Bergendorff, Georgi Simeonov, Johnny Manuel, Trey Campbell and Vlado Mihailov.

Equinox – “Bones”

Building on the group’s name, the lyric video has a celestial quality. The dominant colour is black, but the lyrics appear in a glowing white as images of the individual group members come to the fore.

Among the many striking looks, Zhana wears a bold white wig with severe bangs — she and her fellow singers could easily be mistaken for stars of a superhero movie set in outer space.

“Bones” is composed by Borislav Milanov, Trey Campbell, Joacim Persson and Dag Lundberg. Borislav and Joacim are two of the team behind Bulgaria’s last two entries, so no strangers to Eurovision success.

Borislav himself is already involved with Austria’s Cesar Sampson this year. Will the team finally get their first win with “Bones”?

About Equinox

The members of Equinox are diverse, showing Bulgaria’s reach after their recent success. Zhana Bergendorff is the winner of the 2013 season of Bulgaria’s X Factor. Georgi Simeonov is a seasoned performer who recently appeared on X Factor in RomaniaVlado Mihailov, is a singer and actor and was backing vocalist for Kristin Kostov in Kyiv.

American singer Johnny Manuel wowed the judges on America’s Got Talent last year, earning Seal’s “Golden Buzzer”. He ultimately reached the semi-finals of that contest. Fellow American Trey Campbell is a singer-songwriter, one of the writers behind “Bones” and he helped to pen former wiwivision entry, Florrie’s “Real Love”.

“Bones” lyrics – Equinox

Love is like a blackhole
Everything is dark
You just gotta let go
And feel it, feel it, feel it

We fell off the deep end
Just to get a rush
You know that it’s right when
You feel it, feel it, feel it

What is life if it’s just of the earth, only of the flesh and bones?
Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe and way into unknown

So I love beyond the bones
Goes deep inside your soul
I love beyond the bones
I love beyond the bones
I love beyond the bones

Wanna be the fire
Even if it burns
Offer up my fibres
To feel it, feel it, feel it

What is life if it’s just of the earth, only of the flesh and bones?
Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe and way into unknown

So I love beyond the bones
Goes deep inside your soul
I love beyond the bones
Goes deep inside your soul
I love beyond the bones
I love beyond the bones
I love beyond the bones

Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Where no other love goes
I love…
I love beyond the bones

What do you think of Bulgaria’s Equinox project? Do you think “Bones” can give Bulgaria their first Eurovision victory? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Read more Bulgaria Eurovision news here

378 Comments
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Glendale
Glendale
6 years ago

Can wiwibloggs publish more information on the performers? I read that Zhanna lived in South Korea for several years and there met her husband, who is from Denmark. So her family name is Danish.
Is any if this true?

Largan
Largan
6 years ago
Reply to  Glendale

Yes, that’s true. She start signing when she is 6 and by age of 18 she sings in the national choir of the Bulgarian radio and another choir. Then at 18 she leaves for South Korea for couple of years. She is married for a Danish guy and has a kid.
In the season of X-Factor she won, on the final she got nearly 70% of the vote.

anne
anne
6 years ago

No NO No.. bad song…

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago

Ok I’ve had it on repeat now throughout the day and it’s growing! Weaker entries usually feel old after repeat listenings, but this one doesn’t.

Glendale
Glendale
6 years ago
Reply to  Pasadena

It is very sleek, modern and original entry, which combines folklore elements in a new and subtle way. Compared to this, the old fashioned pop song with folklore elements (a prime example of which is the Moldova entry) sound dated and more like patch work than an integrated piece. I also like that they have American presence this year, which is a nice change from having the country being presented by somebody who was born and grew up in Russia. 2018 could have been the year of Bulgaria. But I have to admit that Israel killed it and will likely… Read more »

David
David
6 years ago
Reply to  Glendale

Israël ??? It might be a song to kill chicken indeed but an absolute joke for Eurovision. Certainly not top 10 and already forgotten by almost anyone …

Lion76
Lion76
6 years ago
Reply to  Glendale

This is really a good song. I think they have chance to win this year . No Israël I really don’t like it ! If Bulgaria won’t win I hope Italy will win !

nin
nin
6 years ago

Again amazing song from Bulgaria. Vocally amazing i can’t wait see them on the stage.This is something new and different that hasn’t been done in Eurovision.They deserve to win.(bow)
And for the haters i will say: Go and listen chicken music from Israel.

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
6 years ago

Yesterday morning I made a mistake by listening to this song through my phone’s speaker and was left unimpressed. Luckily in the evening I was urged to give it another chance by listening to it through my in ear monitors and that completely canged my opinion. This song is so well produced! Some call it over pretentious, but I’m here for that. Enough of joke entries and serving scrambled together national realness.

TDK
TDK
6 years ago

SF1 (my top 10)
1. Bulgaria
2. Greece
3. Switzerland
4. Finland
5. Belarus
6. Belgium
7. Cyprus
8. Estonia
9. Azerbaijan
10. Czech Republic

SF 2 (my top 10)
1. The Netherlands
2. Poland
3. Hungary
4. Denmark
5. Australia
6. San Marino
7. Latvia
8. Slovenia
9. Ukraine
10. Sweden

Miss Uncongeniality
Miss Uncongeniality
6 years ago

Definitely it is a good song… i don’t understand the criticism about it… and the worst of it, is that some critics of this song are amazed by Israel… really? the tacky chicken sound?… i didn’t expect something great from Bulgaria, indeed, i don’t give a damn about Bulgaria as a eurovision country (sorry bulgarian people), i’m more into swedish glitter cliches… but, this is without any doubt the best song of this year… oh, this, and the druged-james bondesque song from Belgium

Dav
Dav
6 years ago

I love good old fashioned Swedish songs as well :). Very disappointed by their song this year; they are getting more more boooring. But this Bulgarian one is quite good. With a great staging will end quite high. Israël is indeed … a joke. Will never end top 5 as some people predict. As for Belgium (my country:)), could go any direction. It’s a good song, but it needs a great live performance and staging not to be blown away by all this extravaganzza.

lilk
lilk
6 years ago

I don’t give damn about Belgium (sorry belgium people)
Very rude Miss Uncongeniality , we have dignity

David
David
6 years ago
Reply to  lilk

LOL

DAISY ROSE
DAISY ROSE
6 years ago

0 points

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

Look how much love they put into the instrumental

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KdOXnfgwRTQ

Matthew
Matthew
6 years ago

Equinox. Sounds like Pentatonix and we all know what that means. It’s a yes from me.

MaryJane
MaryJane
6 years ago

It can be said that Bulgaria really has a thing for love-themed songs at Eurovision 😉
You just gotta admire Bulgaria’s effort to take Eurovision seriously (in the best way) the third year in a row. It brings the ‘well produced song and quality factor’ on the table. A lot has been already said about this song, but it is just great, it oozes good production through all its pores. I really believe many countries should learn from Bulgaria’s lesson learnt practice;)

Z
Z
6 years ago

Without meaningless love, love, peace, peace lyrics, without an “important message”, without a generic melody, without a joke… this is what I needed. The only song this year that goes directly into my playlist. So much in love!

PS. If it was Sweden, y’all would say “OMG clear winner this year”, now that it’s Bulgaria everyone is like “meh top 10 but not a winner”. Well that was the same with Portugal last year and guess what, they have won

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  Z

In my case, Bulgaria was my winner last year so it’s not a country thing. Nothing wrong with being a top ten song either this year as the quality is so much higher. I think that (depending on performance), the top 7-8 songs this year would all have managed to get into the top three last year.

carlos
carlos
6 years ago

this song is nice and all that but what thE hEck?? some members of the ‘band’ are from USA?? Eurovision’s purpose is for each country to send people to represent their country, if everyone sent people from America, how boring would this contest be?? I really am disgusted that Bulgaria had to try this hard to win… why not just use some ethnic vibes? im sure Bulgaria has some great artists, this was very unnecessary, this is gonna be at the end of my top lol

lol
lol
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

San Marin: “Hold my beer”

Miss Uncongeniality
Miss Uncongeniality
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

ok, ffor you, there is a problem to have an american representing bulgaria… but for you is there a problem about Australia taking part? give me a break

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

The UK’s last win was won by an American-fronted band.

lilk
lilk
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

OMG this is is so unique and dark song. I love it.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

San Marino will be represented by a singer and rapper who are Maltese and German respectively (and the jury had the chance to choose a San Marinese act in Irol). Cyprus is being represented by a Greek singer and Belarus chose an Ukrainian singer to represent them as well.

Equinox is 60% Bulgarian, which is more than the aforementioned three acts can say.

Nadiya
Nadiya
6 years ago
Reply to  carlos

OMG! are you kidding me? Read some facts before talking… during these years many countries had people representing them who were not native. And you are disgusted that Bulgaria trying that hard to win by sending Americans? As far as I know Americans are not very loved in Europe … so how come? It is more likely to collect negative votes instead. (or in this case to loose a potential votes). Your nonsense just show me that you are a hater. 😉

Viktor Krum
Viktor Krum
6 years ago

It is interesting fact in Bulgaria that our two previous entries (Poli and Kristian) received a lot of hate inside the country, not because the songs were bad, but mostly because of the internal selection process, not singing in bulgarian, staging and other stuff….but they received a lot of support from other countries.

This year it is exactly the opposite… I am amazed how well accepeted is this song in Bulgaria, almost without any hate :O Unfortunately judjung by the comments I read it seems that the song is not well accepted outside and people from other countries hate it.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Viktor Krum

I like it. It’s very nice and atmospheric.
Plus, nice username!

Viktor Krum
Viktor Krum
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thank you ! ^^

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Viktor Krum

Haha, hello fellow Potterheads 🙂 <3

NiKiTiS
NiKiTiS
6 years ago

Pentatonix, Sia, Rag’n’Bone Man plus The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. Basically amazing!

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

You can hate the song all you want , but people allready make covers for it

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GyY0vljP2nI

Gogo Equinox! Win it for us!

Kol
Kol
6 years ago

Bulgarian fans are gonna be one of the most annoying fans in Eurovision for me. I hope you can get cockier as much as you can be. This song is not that good!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

That’s it people, competition completely open. I thinki it’s even more than in 2011.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Messy.

Eva M.
Eva M.
6 years ago

I have been planning to stay away from commenting this year, but…. this is amazing. regardless of whether Bulgaria wins this is making history. I can see why there are so many unhappy fans of other entries clamoring here how bad this is… This is called wishful thinking, and I feel for you:-)

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

It seems the comment I wrote this morning didn’t send correctly. But all I said in it has been said now, so I will sum it up. The song itself sounds cool and modern, but I find it too pretentious. They have been hyping all of us with a comeback, I read somewhere that Bulgaria was risking a lot with this choice and all of that has turned up to be false. “Bones” tries to be something else, but it’s just another Sia-esque song. Even the girl wears a wig very similar to Sia’s one! Also, the lyrics are awkward.… Read more »

Bastian
Bastian
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

this!!

Kol
Kol
6 years ago

The problem is I can’t remember the chorus after listening to this so for more than 5 times. Good Luck…

Endorsement
Endorsement
6 years ago

I love it. Perfect!

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

Say whatever you want but for me this is the-best entry that my country ever produced , i wasshoked when Poli got 4th place , it was really bad song for me , Kristian beautiful mess was good but nothing special , his live performance made the difference , but this? This song , bones i just cant stop listen to it , and i can only imagine how better it will sound live when you remove those generated sounds. This song is amazing , im really proud with my country. Goo beyond the BONESssss!!!! Its just stuck in my… Read more »

gili
gili
6 years ago

It’s not a bad song but it can not compete with the queen from Israel,
TOY must win!!!

bung
bung
6 years ago
Reply to  gili

lol ew

lilk
lilk
6 years ago
Reply to  gili

really, this chicken song

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago

I had high expectations and Im disappointed. I find it just okish. Easy lyrics, in English, not very creative… Anyway, good luck!

Lawrence Gibb
6 years ago

A plea to whoever moderates this blog. Can you put a stop to the borderline racist comments being posted here please? Unless you do, it won’t be long before someone posts an overtly racist comment. I’m aware that many of you are not first language users of English and some of the posts have come directly through translation websites. As a language teacher I fully appreciate the cultural differences in language which can lead to a phrase, indifferent in one language having a negative slant in another. However, while exercising your right to express your opinion, you do not have… Read more »

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago
Reply to  Lawrence Gibb

Amin to that sister. My english is not good enough to thank you so i will do it in bulgarian : ????? ?????? ?? ??????????!

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

O they actually censure cyrillic ….

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

Just throwing this out there, as I was singing along to “Lost And Found” on my way home: Macedonia HAS GOT to do better than that crap. Vote for Macedonia, guys! It’s so uplifting and it does not pretend to be anything it isn’t, unlike this pseudo-meaningful pile of black nothingness. I hope I will be pleasantly surprised and not go “Of couuuurse!” when Bulgaria qualifies and Macedonia doesn’t. It’s just not right. (In my opinion, of course. 😛 But also, like, in reality. lol)

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

You’re supporting Macedonia, oh, please, spare me…Btw, is that suddenly a crime that somebody wish to win, others don’t want?

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Eve

Is it a crime to support Macedonia?

BG
BG
5 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Where is Macedonia , oh wait do you speak for that City of Bulgaria that’s Named Macedonia ???Because Macedonia don’t have own history and the only reason to be still on map is Bulgaria so be little bit carefull of your commends !!!

Navi
Navi
6 years ago

What the hell is wrong with you eurovision fans!??!? This morning everyone hated this song and now everyone are commenting how powerfull and amazing it is??? Are you delusional?!? Dont you see how desperate are these stupid Bulgars to win?

Israel is on the top of the charts now and this is floping dooown

Bulgar
Bulgar
6 years ago
Reply to  Navi

Who are you to tell me that i am stupid, you are rasist. Come here in Bulgaria and say this, you will die instantly

Realest
Realest
6 years ago
Reply to  Navi

Israel can’t deliever this song live, you will see. It will be mess and flop with the juries.

Navi
Navi
6 years ago
Reply to  Realest

Israel is going to break down the stage, not because of her weight, but because of her powerful and meaningful song!!!
Bulgars will probably not qualify and thats what they deserve for sending such sh*t

Realest
Realest
6 years ago
Reply to  Navi

We will see. all my friends like Bulgaria, actually they think Israel is crap 🙂

Mitko
Mitko
6 years ago
Reply to  Navi

“meaningful song”?! LOL I like it too but lets not go overboard.
Talk about being delusional…

Camille
Camille
6 years ago
Reply to  Navi

So what if they are desperate to win, doesn’t everybody want to win? That’s why it’s a contest. Besides Bulgaria usually sends good songs, I like this one (and since I haven’t heard it until a few minutes ago, I haven’t commented on it before).

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

My top with Bulgaria: https://youtu.be/8f4-QnRHYxQ 🙂

Marios
Marios
6 years ago

The more I listen to it, the more I’m convinced it’s going to win in May.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

This is quite good, there is undeniably some effort behind it. It still has to grow on me a bit but I really like it. The title confuses me a little, I think it should rather be “Beyond the Bones” (then again, I had the same issue with “Skeletons” – partial metaphors don’t seem to work for me) and the second half of the song could be a little more exciting, but overall it’s a very good entry. I wonder if they’ll be able to give the song the same sound in the live version as it’s got in the… Read more »

Anita
Anita
6 years ago

I like this – the rhythm, the ethno touch, the ethereal female chorus, some rock elements besides the pop. But it’s highly repetetive towards the end, too much oooooohhhhhhoooooohhhhhoooooohhhhhh I must add “Beautiful Mess” was not really my cup of tea – I appreciated his performance ability and his voice not the song/music. Can anyone please explain to me why this one should be better than Mall from Albania – maybe the perfect production is the advantage – but isn’t a genuine artist who wrote his song and transports the feelings with his grand voice not the real advantage? If… Read more »

M_K
M_K
6 years ago
Reply to  Anita

I love the Albanian entry. It’s actually my No. 2 behind France.

Kitty’s
Kitty’s
6 years ago
Reply to  Anita

Simply because “Mall” is from Albania?.
Or from the Albanian gypsies as everyone says.

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago
Reply to  Kitty’s

Albanian gypsies? You should be ashamed of yourself!

karijanss
karijanss
6 years ago

That’s amazing! Now I can say that it’s the best song I heard on Eurovision ever. I hope live preformance will be fantastic too. I was so sure that Waylon will be my favorite this year but Bulgaria did this and I’m obsessed.

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago

I like it :3 I had low expectations and was plesantly surprised.
If the staging does not flop it is top 10 finish.

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
6 years ago

I like Johnny Manuel. He’s an extremely talented young man. I root for him. The song itself has a magic to it but I’m not sure it lives up to the hype. Top 10 for sure with flawless live vocals and good staging.

ShunketsuXZ
ShunketsuXZ
6 years ago

This song is “Wow, just wow.” A masterpiece. Why it’s not getting the best reaction is because it pushes the boundaries and comfort zones of the typical Eurovision fans. The song is really pushing it and trying to be different and out there. I mean, songs like “Monsters” and “Fuego” and “Dance You Off” are all fun and nice, but there is something special about it. The lyrics are not nonsense, either, they are spiritual. I think it will do much better in the juries and casual viewer vote. All 5 singers are well-experienced at live performances. Johnny Manuel has… Read more »

Singhallelujah
Singhallelujah
6 years ago
Reply to  ShunketsuXZ

What comfort zone, this is just another radio friendly song, like many others, black outfits and pretentious attitude can’t hide it.

Henry
Henry
6 years ago
Reply to  Singhallelujah

So true! Very overhyped song, don’t like it at all.

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago
Reply to  ShunketsuXZ

What boundaries? There’s nothing special about this song. It’s just pretending to be special. Very disappointed!

Jairo
Jairo
6 years ago

Here my top 19 of the first semifinal and my qualifiers!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2ln59NycoE&feature=youtu.be

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

This is an interesting one. My first reaction is positive, but then again I didn’t like Poli nor Kristian, so I may be in the minority. I have a problem with the lyrics: either I don’t get the main metaphor or it’s just plain nonsense, I’m leaning towards the latter. The whole thing feels a little overcrowded, not on Geneology levels like some people are saying, but I think a 3 person group or a male-female duet could have pulled it off more efficiently. It’s a valiant effort, it won’t win but I can see a top 10 result.

Jake
Jake
6 years ago

Lots of one-word titles this year:
Bones
Stones
Together
Forever
Taboo
Toy
Storm
Mercy
Inje
Monsters
Fuego
Crazy
Mall

This is the most diverse year in Eurovision ever. Can’t remember the last time there was this many genres represented. All Aboard indeed.

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Haha.. good catch. You can add Qami. It definitely looks like a very strong year.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago

This song is like a strong red wine – it takes time to open up and develop. It takes definitely more than one listen to appreciate all the layers. I’m still undecided on where to place it, but it is not a bad entry at all. We’ll have to see it live – Zhana can definitely sing live so…

ArmRus
ArmRus
6 years ago

Amazing Bulgariaa, straight to my top 3

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

I think this song would have worked better as a duet or solo singer, I can’t even tell that there are 5 people here. Very interesting song but I’m not sure on how it will perform I guess I need to see it live.

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

I didn’t like Jamala’s song – and she won… I had mixed feelings about Salavador’s song – and he won… I have mixed feelings about this Bulgarian entry…but at least I have some feelings about it. It makes me feel strange. Some of the others song I don’t even remember if I don’t listen to them repeatedly. I don’t know…it has good stage potential and Bulgarians are good with staging, so it may surprise us. *The Israel chicken girl will flop as every other circus act from past years, so I don’t understand the hype around it. But it can… Read more »

sorry
sorry
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

”Bulgarians are good with staging”

All contrary, Bulgaria is so bad with staging. Last year was just Kristian’s charisma, Sasha did nothing spectacular. In 2016 Poli was awful, that outfit…, just watch it again if you don’t remember how bad Poli’s staging was.

TheGirl
TheGirl
6 years ago
Reply to  sorry

Poli’s staging was amazing.
So much hate here, you are sick!

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  TheGirl

The staging was good, the costume not so much.

AurelianTamisan
AurelianTamisan
6 years ago

At a first audition, I consider it lacking something. I’ve enjoyed it, it is their entry that I like the most from the past 3 years, but I doubt that it would ever make me vote for it if I’d have to choose. But I expect to grow on me with more listens. As the potential in the contest, probably it has small chances to repeat Bulgaria’s results in the last 2 years, but it could still get a decent place if the staging will be done on a good manner.

Vogzal Odessa
Vogzal Odessa
6 years ago

One of the rare songs I immediately wanted to hear more than once in a row. There is something pretty powerful in the chorus, and the great thing about it is thet the emphasis is put on ‘o’ in ‘bones’ whiwh will be a great sing-along moment for the public in Arena I suppose. But, these are only my impressions based on the studio version, and ESC is ALL about the immediate live reaction where most of the public hears and seees a song for the very first time and reacts according their instant feelings. SO, if the Bulgarians are… Read more »

anne
anne
6 years ago

Nor even go to the final…

Do you wanna bet??

What a bad and boring song…

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago
Reply to  anne

I agree, the other songs must have been really awful if this won..

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

…eh? It’s ok. Staging will matter a lot here. It doesn’t have the strong hook or vocals of their last two entries. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Bulgaria isn’t a safe bet, no matter how well their last two entries did,

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago

Off subject: In the betting odds of Semi 1, Albania is 1st now! Is the song out yet?

Poster.
Poster.
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

The semi odds are quite irrelevant at this moment lol.

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

I know, but the revamped version and video is not out yet.

GEORGIA WAKE UP
GEORGIA WAKE UP
6 years ago

Out of the topic but where is Georgia ?

GEORGIA WAKE UP 2
GEORGIA WAKE UP 2
6 years ago

Yes?? Where the hell is there song omg..

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago

All the hype and mystery for this? I’m not feeling this. Beautiful Mess was way better!