The Eurovision 2023 season is now in full swing and no doubt fans will have the songs from this year’s contest on repeat until we crown a winner in May. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the artists from past contests – they’re still bringing us a lot of new music to enjoy.
Contrary to the commonly perpetuated myth about the song contest killing careers, we’re always thrilled to report that singers associated with Eurovision are thriving.
Here is our latest weekly roundup with a selection of the songs and music videos released recently by Eurovision stars.
New music from Eurovision artists: 2023 | Week 11
Andromache – “Pes Tis”
In the aftermath of a breakup, many people would become envious of the new person who their partner moves on with. But Andromache isn’t the jealous type. Instead, Cyprus’ Eurovision 2022 star is sharing some advice with the woman who her ex has now coupled up with: “Tell her to watch out for you / A tight hug to you / And from your own love / Never run far”. Andromache delivers this message through the mid-tempo pop offering “Pes Tis” (“Tell Her”).
Sakis Rouvas – “Ela Kai Tha Deis”
“Come and you will see all that you left behind / All the things you said you loved”. Two-time Eurovision entrant Sakis Rouvas is lamenting his broken relationship. The Greek star has dropped an emotional ballad for the new single “Ela Kai Tha Deis” (“Come and you will see”). The verses are primarily piano-driven, but the chorus adds in extra string accompaniment to enhance the drama.
ByeAlex és a Slepp & Marics – “Zokni”
Eurovision 2013 alum ByeAlex is tackling the difficult topic of … whether you should keep your “Zokni” (“Socks”) on whilst in bed with your lover. The Hungarian singer and his band discuss the subject with Marics during their punk-pop track. They all seem in favour of keeping your feet covered: “Fake celebrities, in hypocrisy / I am real and good in bed / I like your socks, leave them on / Let’s give in to the noise, give in to the silence”.
We’ll get to see ByeAlex in another music video soon. He’s featuring in the new track by BSW, which gets its premiere on Monday.
Jessica Mauboy – “Right Here Right Now”
During her set at the Sydney World Pride Opening Ceremony, Jessica Mauboy gave the debut performance of her new single “Right Here Right Now”. And now we finally have it on streaming services for all of us to put on loop. Australia’s Eurovision 2018 star serves up a joyful pop number with some nice brass accompaniment at points. Jessica sings about taking control of your life and shaking off any doubt when things take a bad turn: “And if it goes wrong / Then let it go wrong / I don’t need nobody’s blessing / I can do this on my own / I am right here, right now”.
Lior Narkis & Shahar Saul – “כפיים”
Soldi, soldi *clap* *clap*. Lior Narkis isn’t worrying about money at the moment, but he is living for “כפיים” (“Clapping”). Israel’s Eurovision 2003 act has teamed up with Shahar Saul for the new song all about heading to a party and putting your two hands together: “Because tonight no one is going to rest / How I love clapping / Give me them hard”. The pair deliver a danceable R&B-pop track with a fun trumpet line in the post-chorus.
MARO – “há-de sarar”
Up next from MARO’s soon-to-be-completed album is “há-de sarar” (“will heal”). Portugal’s Eurovision 2022 star once again combines her smooth vocals with underlying acoustic guitars. It all flows along beautifully as MARO sings about the hope that her lover won’t leave, even though she believes it is inevitable due to her failures in the relationship: “I know that one day the wound will heal / I know that the farewell, even cold, is to be accepted / It was two steps forward and eight more steps back / I know that those who are silent consent, but my silence asks you to stay”.
Daði Freyr – I’m Making An Album 1/3
The clue is in the title. Daði Freyr is preparing to drop an album later this year. Iceland’s Eurovision 2021 representative is sharing the songs in three instalments, with part one now available. I’m Making An Album 1/3 features previous single “I’m Fine”. The other three brand new tracks keep Daði’s electropop sound but run through at a slightly slower mid-tempo pace.
Jill Johnson feat. David Ritschard
For episode two of the new season of Jills Veranda, Eurovision 1998 star Jill Johnson brought David Ritschard out to Nashville. The pair of Swedish singers delved into country music and recorded two songs. The first was a bilingual cover of Tanya Tucker’s “Jamestown Ferry” and the Swedish version “Hon steg på Finlandsbåten”, first done by Alf Robertson. Their second cover was of “I Threw Away the Rose” by Merle Haggard and The Strangers — for this they were joined by American country star Georgette Jones.
3JS – “Als Je Haar Ziet”
Dutch band 3JS have been playing “Als Je Haar Ziet” (“When you see her”) during their recent theatre tour. But now the song is out in the world for everyone to listen to. A mid-tempo country track, it moves along at a steady pace for its four minutes and 20 seconds. Lyrically, the Eurovision 2011 group sing from the perspective of someone who is still getting over a broken heart: “See my sadness in the mirror / Since the day she left me for good / When you see her / Then don’t say that / Because I wish her luck with her new boyfriend / And I don’t want her to feel sorry for me here”.
Ott Lepland – “Lõpmatuses”
To “Lõpmatuses” (“Infinity”) and beyond! Ott Lepland’s new single is an uplifting pop offering with an anthemic chorus to clap along with. In the lyrics, Estonia’s Eurovision 2012 star sings that, regardless of the circumstances, he’ll always call for those special to him: “That in infinity / I cry out to you on this dark sky road / Here in infinity / I cry out to you even in bright light”. There’s a cameo in the music video from Estonian football player Ragnar Klavan.
SuRie – “When It All Goes Quiet”
SuRie has spent the past few months sharing a number of stripped-back cover songs. But the British singer is now ready to dive back into original new music with her single “When It All Goes Quiet”. It’s still primarily a piano ballad like the previous covers; but, there’s also some additional drum machine beats along the way. SuRie sings about the pitfalls of chasing fame and letting greed run your life: “Don’t head towards the greed / You’ll hurt the ones you love around you chasing that dream / When it’s far too late, you’ll finally see / Then who you gonna be / When it all goes quiet”. This song is the first cut from the Eurovision 2018 star’s upcoming album, set for release in May.
Systur – “Furðuverur”
After debuting their new single at the grand final of Söngvakeppnin 2023, Systur have now officially released “Furðuverur” (“Strange Creatures”) for us to enjoy. It retains the Icelandic trio’s calm country sound that they brought to Eurovision 2022. There’s just enough of a beat for listeners to sway and tap along.
Ann Sophie – “ORCHIDEE”
Ann Sophie is preparing to star as the lead in the new musical Mata Hari — yes, the same exotic dancer who Efendi sung about in 2021. Ahead of the show, production have shared the song “ORCHIDEE” (“Orchid”), which Ann Sophie performs. A steady pop ballad, this marks the Eurovision 2015 alum’s first single in the German language.
Feminnem & Alejuandro Buendija – “Tending”
Feminnem are hoping their new single will start “Trending” on social media sites. The two-time Eurovision participants have collaborated on the track with Croatia’s Alejuandro Buendija, who provides two rap verses during the Balkan pop song.
Iveta Mukuchyan – “Margarit”
“But my world fell apart / I built walls, it fell apart / When you came, and in your hands / I become a pure pearl”. Following a particularly difficult period, Iveta Mukuchyan is now thankful for the presence of a loved one who has crafted her life back together. Armenia’s Eurovision 2016 star slows things down for her latest single “Margarit” — a soft R&B number with jazzy influences. The music video also shows Iveta taking it easy, waking up in an old house located in Gyumri.
Sofi Marinova & Medi – “Stari rani”
Sofi Marinova is dealing with some “Stari rani” (“Old scars”) from her relationship. Bulgaria’s Eurovision 2012 star has teamed up with Medi for the new soft rock track. After finding out about their lovers’ affairs, Sofi and Medi declare they’ve lost all love for this particular person: “I don’t love you now / Go away – don’t blame me / My heart did not understand / Don’t ask me to come back”.
Which of these new songs is your favourite? Have we missed out on any? Do you have any artists you want to shout out to? Let us know in the comments.
SuRie´s song is really cute. Wishing her all the luck for her upcoming projects!