Every day between now and the first rehearsals in May, the team from wiwibloggs will be rounding up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2019. We’ve trawled through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. This is the Daily Digest for Tuesday 30 April.
Michael Rice reveals backing singers for Tel Aviv
Michael Rice is flying the flag for the UK with his song “Bigger Than Us” this year. And he’s not gonna do it all alone, as he’ll be joined by five backing vocalists who will be with him on stage — and there are a few familiar faces. Line-up includes are Anna Sahlene (Estonia 2002), Melanie Wehbe (Swedish singer and one of the songwriters of Denmark’s “Love Is Forever”), Linda Pritchard (Melodifestivalen 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011), Desta Zion Wilson (singer and guitarist from Bermuda) and finally singer-songwriter Chin Simon. (Florian)
First day of rehearsals with these amazing backing vocalists for Eurovision!!! They are seriously gonna blow you away?????? @annasahlene @melaniewehbe @pritchardlinda @DestaZion Linda Pritchard & Chin Simon??? pic.twitter.com/nrWHkAsjbr
— Michael Rice (@MichaelRiceOff) April 29, 2019
Carousel promote “That Night” on Latvian television
With only a few more days to go until delegations start heading to Tel Aviv, everyone’s busy wrapping up in their home country. Carousel take every opportunity they can and stopped by for some more promotion on local television. Along with TV appearances, they’ve also visited a couple of radio stations. They’re probably spinning “That Night” quite frequently now! (Florian)
Austria’s PAENDA performs at Dancing Stars 2019
PAENDA performed on the Austrian version of Dancing with the Stars this past weekend. Her entry “Limits” received great acclaim from the judges panel as well as the studio crowd. Another performance that shows that she might be considered as an underdog this year. We’ll see how this plays out in Tel Aviv. (Florian)
You can watch the video of Paenda’s performance here. Unfortunately the video is geoblocked for viewers outside Austria.
Tulia feels the fire of love for real
When the Polish group Tulia sing about the “Fire of Love”, it’s not just for show. Group member — and namesake — Tulia Biczak has recently got engaged! She shared a photo of the engagement ring on instagram, with the diamond ring nestled on a bed of red roses. Gratulacje to Tulia and her fiancé! (Robyn)
Sarah McTernan and Lake Malawi hook up for jam session
Eurovision is all about coming together. Sarah McTernan and Lake Malawi’s Albert Cerny give us the perfect example of what the Eurovision spirit feels like. Their beautiful rendition of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” showcases both their vocal qualities. (Florian)
Mahmood performs new hit “Calipso” live
He’s already the biggest Italian breakout star of the moment. And with his new track titled “Calipso”, Mahmood lands on a collaboration featuring some of the hottest Italian artists right now. “Calipso” might just be the next Italian export to land big on the global charts. Congratulazioni, Mahmood! (Florian)
Bilal Hassani appears on French TV show On n’est pas couché
His new album “Kingdom” just got released on Friday, and on the weekend, France’s Bilal Hassani appeared on the French talkshow On n’est pas couché. He gives some insight into a few tracks of the album, such as “Fais beleck”. The show also takes a deeper look into his YouTube content, including a mashup of French star Aya Nakamura. (Florian)
Lea Sirk is Slovenia’s spokesperson at Eurovision 2019
Her song “Hvala Ne” took many by surprise when it qualified to the grand final in Lisbon back in 2018. And now, Lea Sirk will return to the Eurovision stage as she’ll be announcing the Slovenian jury results during the voting sequence of the grand final on May 18. We’re happy to have you back, Lea! (Florian)
Spain’s Miki to perform at Coca Cola Music Experience in September
“La Venda” is sure to be one of the songs many will be listening to all summer long. And you might be able to see Miki perform it live at the Coca Cola Music Experience in Spain this September! With some months until the Madrid performance, there could also be new music released just in time for his appearance — we just need to wait and see! (Florian)
KEiiNO take a trip to Berlin and visit ESC Radio
Norwegian group KEiiNO are currently on a trip in Berlin, Germany. Not only did they eat some famous German sausage and did some sightseeing, they also visited ESCRADIO for an interview. Speaking of promotion, they know how to do it well! (Florian)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cw0qvLK9DY
As much as I love PAENDA, she needs to CONTROL IT. Some notes are flying everywhere. This might be pre-recorded and her ‘first’ time performing it, on second though.
Mahmood we love you but you have to rest a little bit!
Doing concerts in different cities all around Italy, travelling everyday, writing new songs, recording videos.. .
Mahmood please rest a little bit or you’ ll arrive exhausted in tel aviv !
(sigh….) By reading the headline, I thought for a moment Tulia was covering Beyonce’s “Put a ring on it (Single Ladies)”, :_D
Damn it, ORF 🙁
Took a while but Nevena got her English/orchestral version of “Kruna” out (The Crown – Eternal Light).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY65OV2_lkk
Listen, listen!
Mahmood owns my throat 😛 PIRYDTTTT
Leah Sirk, the unsung hero of Eurovision 2018 <3
Michael Rice being the only British thing in the UK entry is underwhelming. And he didn’t even co-wrote the song…
It seems like I’m waiting for rehearsals to start now……
Yet to see Cyprus , Azerbaijan perform their songs live
Azerbaijan’s live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfbgqX8OCQI
Did Michael Rice have so many backing vocalists when he perfomed on “You Decide”? Maybe they will make the performance a bit more interesting.
How did Michael Rice found those backing singers that are from other countries, and are ESC related? It’s obvious that is a “bigger than us system” that enforces these collaborations.
Tulia’s ring is beautiful and classy.