They came to global attention as John Lundvik’s backing singers at Eurovision 2019, and now they’re rumoured to be heading to Melodifestivalen in 2020 on their own.
And on Friday The Mamas — that’s Ash Haynes, Loulou Lamotte and Dinah Yonas Manna — released their first single as a group. Their cover of “When You Wish Upon A Star” will be familiar to anyone who has watched Disney’s Pinocchio. But our girls take things to another level, infusing the song with American gospel and soul.
If Pinocchio dared to say he didn’t love this rendition, we bet his nose would grow larger than the Empire State Building.
Speaking to Wiwibloggs, The Mamas’ team promised that we’re in store for plenty of live performances from the trio on some of Sweden’s biggest TV and radio shows this holiday season. We’re ready. Their vocal prowess really comes to the fore with this intimate and soft Christmas number, and it already has us dreaming of laying out cookies for Santa and his reindeer.
The Mamas already have a lot to be proud of. As backing vocalists on “Too Late for Love”, they helped John Lundvik win the televote and top marks from all of the international juries — a first at Melodifestivalen.
The Mamas’ founder — Paris Renita — handpicked the other singers in the group. Despite having never worked together, they managed to find their harmony rather quickly. Paris has since stepped aside because of her busy schedule. But the ladies that remain are ready to do her proud.
Ash Haynes hails from Washington D.C. She’s been singing soul, R&B, gospel and country since she was 8 years old. She’s toured with The Barrett Sisters, The Zack Brown band, Glenn Jones and Tony Terry, among others.
Loulou Lamotte has sung with several of Sweden’s biggest artists and competed in Swedish Idol.
Dinah Yonas Manna has been working as a professional musician for more than two decades. Among her many credits, she’s worked with Swedish and international artists like Katy Perry, Jerry Williams, Blacknuss, Eric Saade, Jocelyn Brown, Timbuktu and Nina Persson from The Cardigans.
Are you living for The Mamas’ take on this Disney classic? And are you hoping the Melfest rumours are true? Let us know in the comments box below!
I adore these ladies! Can’t wait to hear more music from them.
Their vocals are flawless! Looking forward to hopefully seeing them in melfest 2020!:)