8 more Eurovision 2015 stars who found fame on TV talent shows

While Eurovision is the biggest television singing competition of them all, the TV talent shows of Europe have proved a good starting place for many stars who will soon represent their country in Vienna this year. We’ve already covered a lot of them here and here. But let’s continue with eight more stars with TV talent show backgrounds.

Macedonia – Daniel Kajmakoski

Daniel Kajmakoski won the first series of X Factor Adria in 2013, the best of the very strong Over-27s category. Here is his scorching hot performance of “Sex on Fire” at the super final.

https://youtu.be/xPiOl_92YTU

Poland – Monika Kuszynska

In 2012, while reinventing herself after her accident, Monika Kuszynska was a celebrity coach on Bitwa na glosy (Clash of the choirs), with her choir coming fifth. She also premiered her comeback single “Ocaleni” (Survivors) on the show. Here she joins her choir to rock out on their performance of Toto’s “Hold the Line”.

Romania – Calin Goia (Voltaj)

In 1995, a teenage Calin Goia participated in the Romanian youth series Scoala vedetelor (Star School). His stint on the show led to him joining Voltaj as their new lead singer in 1998, and the band consequently enjoyed unprecedented success. Here’s a much hairier Calin spreading some love around (from 1:27).

Russia – Polina Gagarina

In 2003, 17-year-old Polina Gagarina won the second series of Russian talent show Fabrika zvyozd (Star Factory). Here she performs “My Heart Will Go On” by former Eurovision winner Celine Dion.

San Marino – Michele Perniola

Both Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini were stars of Junior Eurovision, but Michele started with the Italian youth singing show Ti lascio una canzone (Leaving you a song), which he won in 2012. Here he shows off both his vocal and dance skills with a Michael Jackson medley.

Serbia – Bojana Stamenov

Bojana Stamenov was a contestant on the Serbian show Ja imam talenat! (I’ve got talent!) in 2012, where she placed fourth. Here Bojana brings her trademark sass to a cover of Chaka Khan’s soul-funk classic “I Feel For You”.

Spain – Edurne

In 2005, Edurne made it to the final of Spanish singing/reality show Operación Triunfo (Operation triumph), where she placed sixth. Here Edurne struts her way through “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'”.

Sweden – Måns Zelmerlöw

Måns Zelmerlöw got his start aged 19 on the second series of Sweden’s Idol in 2005, after auditioning with Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero”. He eventually came fifth in the competition, but cheekily returned two years later disguised as gothic metalhead “Martin Nilsson” and punked the judges by auditioning with his Melodifestivalen song “Cara Mia”. Here’s Måns performing Roxette’s “The Look” from ’80s week.

And here’s Måns and fellow Idol contestant and Melfest star Danny Saucedo opening the 2011 Idol final with “Yeah 3x”.