They’re the Norwegian trio that topped the televote at Eurovision 2019 with their joik-pop banger “Spirit In The Sky”. And now, KEiiNO – that’s Alexandra Rotan, Tom Hugo and Fred Buljo – are spreading the magic of Christmas and supporting The Salvation Army with their new single “Storbyjul” (“Big City Christmas”).
And they’re not the only Eurovision stars getting into the festive spirit. Eleni Foureira, Blas Cantó, Carola and OG3NE have all recently dropped new Christmas songs.
KEiiNO raise money for The Salvation Army with new single “Storbyjul”
“Storbyjul” is a Norwegian-language version of the classic Christmas song “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues. The translation was originally sung by Norwegian singer-songwriter Halvdan Sivertsen. But, as with all of KEiiNO’s work, the group have added in some traditional Sami joiking into the mix.
The version of the song released by KEiiNO is a live recording from their recent appearance on TV show Håp I Ei Gryte. On the show, they performed the song accompanied by a live band.
Kl 20.00 i morgen (18.12) kan du se oss synge Storbyjul, Halvdan Sivertsens oversettelse av juleklassikeren "Fairytale in New York" på TV2. Låta vil også kunne kjøpes på iTunes (og i andre digitale butikker), og alle de flotte folka som har arrangert, spilt, mikset og mastret har jobbet på dugnad slik at vi kan donere ALLE inntektene til Frelsesarmeens arbeid for de som trenger litt ekstra hjelp i jula. Link til låta kommer i morgen, og husk å se på Håp I Ei Gryte kl 20.00!
Posted by Keiino on Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Beforehand, the group announced through Facebook that the song would also get a digital release on all music platforms.
But, since ’tis the season of giving, all the proceeds from the song will be going to The Salvation Army. This money will help support the charitable organisation and the work that they do for those that need a little extra help over the Christmas period.
KEiiNO – “Storbyjul”
“Storbyjul” isn’t the only Christmas song that KEiiNO have lent their voices to this festive season. The trio also gave a rendition of Wham’s “Last Christmas”.
Alexandra, Tom and Fred sang the song from within a TV set trailer. Since they were also accompanied by the Safari choir, the group were packed in as tight as presents in a stocking.
Sesongpremiere – Håp i ei gryte
Klar for julestemning? Bli med Katrine Moholt og Leonard Valestrand Eike når Frelsesarmeen inviterer til konserter! En rekke av landets artister stiller opp for Frelsesarmeens julegryteaksjon, og fremfører våre kjære og kjente julesanger?? «Håp i ei gryte» er tilbake på TV 2 tirsdag 3. desember kl. 20.00!
Posted by TV 2 on Friday, November 29, 2019
More new Christmas songs from Eurovision stars
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the house,
The sound of new festive songs by Eurovision stars could be heard,
By all, including the mouse.
Eleni Foureira – “2020 Σ’ Αγαπώ”
Some people say the build-up to Christmas starts on 1st December. Some, the day after Thanksgiving. And for some, it’s the day that Eleni Foureira releases her annual holiday bop. As with 2017, 2018 and 2019, the “Fuego” hitmaker is looking forward to the New Year with “2020 Σ’ Αγαπώ” (“2020 I Love You”).
Eleni seems to have found a surefire way of releasing a holiday-themed track every year, but without the struggle of constantly writing new songs. As user Gbel3D jokingly comments underneath the lyric video for her 2020 version: “Christmas 2079. Mankind has begun to reside on Mars, flying cars are considered to be the usual thing … and amongst all that comes out the all-new ‘2080 Σ’ Αγαπώ'”. For now though, we’re already looking froward to the 2021 edition!
Blas Cantó and Sofía Ellar – “Humanidad en Paro”
Moving from Eurovision past to Eurovision future, Spain’s representative for 2020, Blas Cantó, has recently teamed up with fellow Spanish singer Sofía Ellar on an acoustic version of “Humanidad en Paro” (“Humanity in Unemployment”). Sofía originally released the song as a solo track in 2017. This new version adds in Blas’ voice as a further layer, creating even more texture and feeling to the song.
Lyrically, the pair sing about those who for Christmas is a difficult period and who need our help: “December leaves without a roof / Ironically, the refugees you see on television / Turn off and wash your hands / They are waiting for you, all already sitting”.
Carola and Mariette – “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
She may have decided against participating at Melodifestivalen 2020 with a religious-themed song, but Eurovision 1991 winner Carola has recently taken the opportunity to release a cover of the Christian hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. For this, the Swedish singer teamed up with three-time (soon to be four-time) Melfest participant Mariette.
It’s a live recording that let’s the vocal talents of both artists shine through. In our interview with her at the Melodifestivalen 2020 artist reveal, Mariette told us that recording this song with Carola, who has been an idol of hers since childhood, was a huge honour.
OG3NE – The Andrew Sisters Christmas medley
For many, Christmas is all about family. And sisters Lisa, Amy and Shelly Vol – otherwise known as OG3NE – continue to show that no one can harmonise as well as family. The Dutch trio recently took part in a Christmas special of the TV show Beste Zangers (Best Singers).
On the show, the Eurovision 2017 contestants sung a medley of Christmas songs originally performed by American close-harmony group The Andrew Sisters. Eurovision 2020 hosts Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley, as well as Dutch Eurovision 2015 act Trijntje Oosterhuis were also a part of the special Christmas-themed show.
If you want even more Christmas magic from OG3NE, the “Lights and Shadows” singers have released the new album A Magical Christmas In Concert.
The LP includes a longer version of The Andrew Sisters Christmas medley, in addition to 21 other live recorded performances.
What do you think of KEiiNO’s new song “Storbyjul”? Are you enjoying any of these other new Christmas songs from Eurovision stars? Let us know in the comments below!
Keino are so heartwarming with everything they do. Real Eurovision spirit.
Quite surprised that Carola and Mariette collaborated. Kudos to Blas (well more to Sofia) for an important message
The OG3NE sisters are really amazing! They know how to sing and bring you in the real Christmas mood!
One of my favourite ESC acts combines with one of my favourite Christmas songs! Merry Christmas KEiiNO! We love you!
The OG3NEs should be queens of the universe by now. They even make Xmas songs sound good. Although I must say that the Estonian smash hit ‘Aisakell’ is still my favorite Xmas song.