We all know that Eurovision is addictive for fans. And apparently it’s the same for some Eurovision artists, as we see familiar faces in the contest almost every year. In 2018 two artists return: Norway’s Alexander Rybak and the Netherlands’ Waylon.
Returning artists have had mixed results at Eurovision, with some performing worse than their first time. Many returning artists — including winner Dana International — have failed to qualify for the final on their second spin at the event.
In contrast, Poli Genova failed to qualify for the final in 2011, but achieved fourth place in 2016 — delivering Bulgaria’s best-ever result at the time. SunStroke Project achieved Moldova’s best-ever result last year, reaching third place. They previously finished 22nd in 2010.
And while Waylon and Alexander Rybak are thought to have a clear path to the final, they each face high expectations. Waylon was runner-up to Conchita Wurst in 2014 as part of the Common Linnets and Alexander famously won the contest in 2009. Repeating these sky-high results is no easy feat. And to do so they’ll have to push past the other.
Norway: Alexander Rybak – “That’s How You Write A Song”
Last time around Alexander served a delightful — if bittersweet — slice of Russo-Norwegian folk. Nine years later he’s oozing happiness and childish charm. He shows us that you’re never too old to believe in your dreams. That message never ages, nor does Alex, who shares his birthday with Eurovision legend Johnny Logan. Could he soon become only the second artist ever to win Eurovision twice?
The Netherlands: Waylon – “Outlaw In Em”
Shortly after the Common Linnets’ success at Eurovision 2014, Waylon went “solo”. In our interview with him at Eurovision in Concert last weekend, he said that he feels more free this time around. Singing on his own means no more disagreements with former duet partner Ilse! Singing the country-rock number “Outlaw In ‘Em”, he’s in a genre all his own at Eurovision. The message of the song — that everyone carries something unique and different — fits well with Waylon, who is known in the Netherlands for blazing his own trail. Will he soon become the first solo male artist to win for the Dutch?
Which returning artist at Eurovision 2018 is your favourite?
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Do you think Alexander Rybak’s good ol’ charm will win the day? Or do you think Waylon will show him who’s boss with his country rock song? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Pictures: NPO Radio 2 and DPA/FA Images
My favourite winner and my fouvrite runner-up… I can’t choose ! I love them ! They are both in my top 3! ? Love from France ?
i’ve never really liked rybak, but both of the songs this year are so bad imo. it’s super hard to decide, but based on previous songs, waylon by light years, but with now, theres not really a difference between the two. on my top, netherlands is higher than norway (36th?? to 42nd) so i guess waylon
in reality, it’s more obvious that rybak will get a higher place, but both of the songs are terrible
Would have to say Rybak. Not a big fan of country music.
Both are aren’t as good as their first songs, but Waylon should win this poll by light years.
Ofc I meant “both songs aren’t as good as the past ones”
Alex of course,I love his entry and I wouldn´t be surprised if he won again ?
Won’t vote in this poll. Literally my two least favorite entries this year xd
Alex, the ESC King, ofc
Netherlands definitely, i also think its very uderrated. It’s a darkhorse and once the rehearsals start, everyone will see it, mark my words 😉
Wow just two returning artists this year. The Netherlands is better.
Liked Rybak last time! He had a good song and the violin tidbit was a nice touch. This time it seems like a desperate attempt to go back to the well with the violin gig except this new song is imminently forgettable (i forget it WHILE it plays!!)
I love them both!
Alexander is my favourite winner since I’ve started watching Eurovision (2003-4). That performance was amazing! On the other hand, I wasn’t really a fan of the Netherlands in 2014, but as soon as they rehearsed for the first time, I fell in love! Such a beautiful song!
I think they have weaker songs than the first time, but I believe they’ll both qualify.
I really liked Rybak’s comeback track. Its more modern, upbeat and showcases his musical evolution. He’s not just a classical-pop singer. A really big shame for him and his management for not putting any effort to promote it through pre-ESC parties. The ESC fanbase is growing and the contest is going global now. Rybak should’ve taken advantage of another wonderful opportunity.
hard to say. I really prefer Waylon’s song and his aura of Mystery, but Alexander Rybak is a package. he has the aura of a champion who puts his title at stake, he is young, smiling, he appropriates the scene … In short he has everything to attract votes with his charm, even if his song isn’t memorable.
That said I’m not really for the return of former winners. unless we make an edition with only former winners. Otherwise it ‘s not fair at the level of notoriety.
Norway’s song is the lamest and most disgusting piece of crap i have ever heard in eurovision ever since i started following the contest in 1947. disgrace. alexander rybak should be ashamed of himself
It would be hard to follow the contest in 1947 because 1st eurovision was in 1956 ???
I’m with you, Nina, you are not alone!
My two crushes of different years <3
Though don't like both songs this year.
Not that tvvat with the violin
Netherlands is my top 5. Great song. High quality.
for me Rybak (with a lovely fun song)
Waylon is a certain qualifier in weak semi 2, everyone loves waylon, everyone loves his country rock song and his way too screechy voice, so i can see Netherlands qualifying with a record breaking points in a semi ever
outlaw in em has nothing on calm after the storm,
also, there’s a 99.9% chance hes not going to break the record for most points in a semi
I expect both of them reaching the final top 10. Experience counts in both staging concept and how to defend a song. Both have 1st and 2nd position references. Know how to succeed.
Next poll: Which song by a Capricorn singer is the best?
My two least favorite songs of the year…
Rybak should have just keept his victory from 2009 and not embarrassed himself with this abysmal piece of work.
All the charisma and talent in the world cannot save that song.
How about do a a poll on which former backing vocalist had the best song this year and have Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria and UK as options?
A much better poll question than this Tbh
Why is Alexander not going to any Pre partys?
He is sick and do is his song
Ok thanks.
Alexander is not sick. He has been busy with other events those dates, like the Norwegian final for Eurovision Young Musicians where he was the guest performer.
That’s what I wondered too. Its like he’s not even trying to reach out to ESC fans. Or maybe he’s freaked out after the negative reception of the song. Really sad that he passed on this oppurtunity. SMH
Give us None option!
Why so much hate against Waylon?
I’m from Finland and I think that he is really good. Fantastic song.He is in my top 5 this year. Norway is also good but not one of my favourites.
Exactly my thought. Am glad his doing his own thing and not trying to fit into the eurovision bubble people can hate on him all they like but they can’t deny the fact that he is a true artist and staying true to himself.he did not write a song to fit into eurovision but rather to stand out.
What are you talking about?
There is more hate on Alexander
I don’t see any hate on Waylon
I need them both… So I guess I’m gonna abstain from voting.
Hey, I didn’t know about that Johnny Logan similarity! 😀
Waylon might lead conservative ESC fan poll.. But in reality most likely Alexander will place higher in ESC.
When will Wiwibloggs update on the OGAE Poll? I know it means nothing, but being a lover of numbers, I really love following these kind of polls.
Spoiler: Israel remains first. *pretends to be shocked*
But France has done better than Israel in the most recent votes
Shhhh!
Can’t wait for the rehearsals to start so we can talk about things that really matter?What’s next who is the best returning backing vocal that’s going solo? Austria or UK?
I will not even vote for the 1st time!
NONE!!!!
I prefer Alex in this case as I simply can’t stand American country rock in Eurovision. >_<
Faith restored in humanity to see that Waylon is so far leading in this poll.
First lough this morning! Thanks!
Definitely Jessica Mauboy from Australia……
She will romp it in….
And the second
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NONE
While I prefer Rybak for career catalog – there’s no denying Waylon has the better ESC 2018 song of the two.