Belgium is riding on the crest of a Eurovision wave. After years of hit and miss results, the Benelux nation has two consecutive qualifications under its belt, both of which were top ten finishers. So, contrary to what Laura Tesoro sang in Stockholm, the pressure is on for 2017. Flemish broadcaster VRT organised last year’s entry, so as per tradition, it’s now the turn of Wallonia’s RTBF. And according to the Belgian TV magazine Télépro, the broadcaster is about to internally select one of two former The Voice Belgique contestants — either Pierre Lizée or Olivier Kaye.
The magazine explains that unlike 2015, when Loïc Nottet was the only candidate under consideration, RTBF wants to weigh up the up the pros and cons of two very different artists in its effort to achieve Eurovision success.
Of the two, Pierre Lizée is already tipped as favourite. The 20 year old competed on the latest series of The Voice, reaching the semi-final. Throughout the show he impressed judges and audiences alike with his covers of Placebo’s “Too Many Friends”, Coldplay’s “Yellow” and The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”. He’s maintained a relatively high profile since leaving the show in April, and has already released a self-penned single “I’m Just A Ghost”. Like Germany’s Lena and Sweden’s Frans, there’s a noticeable British twang to his vocals.
Olivier Kaye also took part in the 2016 edition of The Voice, making it to the final. Throughout his time on the show he tackled hits by a wide variety of artists including George Michael’s “Faith” and Muse’s “Feeling Good”. At 23, he’s slightly more experienced than Pierre. He even performed with France’s Eurovision 2012 singer Anggun, albeit as part of her backing choir.
https://youtu.be/G_f6U8YKluk
Télépro reports that songs are being written for both men. Apparently, RTBF hopes to make a decision before the end of the year, in order to maximise media coverage. Given that Loïc Nottet achieved great success with the alternative sounding “Rhythm Inside”, the magazine hints that the broadcaster could be more inclined to choose the less conventional Pierre.
If Belgium selects either singer, it will be the fifth year in a row that they will have gone with an act from The Voice franchise. Roberto Bellarosa, Axel Hirsoux and Loïc Nottet all found fame on The Voice Belgique, while Laura Tesoro appeared on The Voice van Vlaanderen.
What do you think of the rumours? Let us know in the comments below.
Olivier Kaye all the way! He has got THE VOICE and he has got a face that many voters out there would vote for. Pierre has a good voice too, but me and my friends find he lacks charisma. There is something that is bothering, not sure exactly what!
As for Belgium and possibly winning soon? Oh I can definitely see it. They have been trying very hard and putting so much effort into their performers staging, and overall production. I think Belgium will do very well…
I feel as though Oliver would be a better choice, mainly because looking at Pierre an listening to his music makes me question if ESC is ready for him. He gives me more of a The White Stripes vibe only it lacks any power in his voice. I mean if both songs are made public then let us hear them. But as of right now, I stand with Oliver because his voice is quite impressive and on his Youtube channel he has made many covers, all of which are pretty fun and good! also..Oliver looks better so thats a plus
it’s a disgrace that they didn’t win in 2015 ( loic or aminata HAD to win ) but since they see that not only the jury but also the public votes for them. It’s clear that they really do put money in this and want to serve high quality songs ( and stagings since 2015 ).
They will win soon, and it may be for the better since Belgium is probably one of the only countries that can afford to actually organize Eurovision.
Belgium is doing very well
Yay for young artists (again).
Yay for “different” music.
Yay Belgium.
Belgium will win soon.They are trying.
Pierre and indie sound could be too good for Esc (Estearn countries and some juries are not going to vote gr that no matter how good it is.. sadly)
BTW saying that Molly or specially Iveta are indie/alternative music is like insulting musics who trully make this genre imo.
Belgium really deserve to win very soon, such a good country 🙂
Belgium is on a uphill and will most likely win within the next few years ???? Olivier Kaye would be a perfect choice!
pierre lizee
wow
his music would be a new genre for the esc
sending him would really improve the contest’s rep
It will be hard for anyone to be as good as Laura.
I would prefer Olivier Kaye over Pierre, but both are amazing vocalists, so with the right song, maybe they could get a good result. I don’t think Belgium deserved to get its top 10 placing this year BUT it is clear that they are making efforts to change their ways, which seem to be paying off. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brussels or Antwerp will host a Eurovision in the near future.
If only Ireland would make such an effort…… 🙁
Lmao @ MrBrightside calling Rhythm Inside and Children of the Universe “indie/alternative” when they’re (quality, but still) pop songs.
Is that Troye Sivan
I am talking about the songs only. The final place depends on so many factors and staging is just one of them. Molly should have done it better in Copenhagen, I agree. She hasn’t but her song is still one of my favourites that year. 😉
@MrBrightSide: Molly Smitten-Downes placed high? 17th is high? 🙂
I liked her song actually, but her performance was sh*t.
They should pick Pierre, definitely! His indie song would be something fresh in the contest. Sometimes indie/alternative artists place pretty high (Anouk, Molly Smitten-Downes, Loic, Iveta Mukuchyan), they usually don’t win but I don’t really care about the winner. I still listen to their songs. Let the national broadcasters to show us all those awesome artists instead of bland, forgettable pop/wannabe funny songs. Peace!
I like them both, so I wouldn’t mind if any of them will represent Belgium in 2017!