It’s that time of year again when we ponder and dream about which artists would be fantastic picks for their countries at Eurovision. And while the 2020 off-season is different than all the ones that have come before, we’re still running our annual “Wednesday Wishlist” series.
Of course, many broadcasters have already selected their 2021 representatives, so consider these lists more as a chance to discover new music rather than 2021 hopes — we’re not proposing for any singers to be replaced.
Who knows, perhaps some of the wishlist names will have a free schedule come 2022?
As this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.
To make sure that no one gets left out, we’ll be going through countries in alphabetical order, so this week we’re starting with Albania and working through to Bulgaria.
Eurovision 2021 Wishlist (Part One)
Albania: Butrint Imeri
Jonathan: Albanian/Kosovan singers continue to be at the forefront of the global music industry (see Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Ava Max). There’s no reason Albania can’t be at the forefront of Eurovision as well thanks to the country’s contemporary chart-hitting stars. Butrint Imeri is one such artist. Born in Germany to Kosovan parents, Imeri began his music career in 2015 and quickly became a notable name. One of his earliest hits was “Delicious”, a collaboration with Greek-Albanian singer Eleni Foureira (Cyprus’ Eurovision 2018 runner-up), which reached #5 on Albania’s The Top List chart. Mixing R’n’B and pop into his discography, Imeri has gone on to achieve five number one hits in Albania – the latest being “M’ke rrejt”. Butrint Imeri could help bring a new side of Albania to Eurovision, one that’s more in line with its modern musical output.
Past wishes: Bleona, Bebe Rexha, Era Istrefi, Elvana Gjata, Anxhela Peristeri and Xhensila Myrtezaj
Andorra: Nina
Edd: After a promising campaign to bring the principality back to Eurovision, an Andorran comeback is urgently due. And if they’re wanting to return with a bang, look no further than Céline Montel, better known as Nina. The singer spends her time between Paris, Barcelona and her native Andorra – often singing in a mix of both French and Spanish. Her 2018 début “Je te laisse là” is a slice sassy pop perfection, whilst her newest releases follow a more urban theme. Regardless of genre, however, the chanteuse knows how to sell a song, and is in the perfect position to earn the country its first-ever spot in a Eurovision grand final.
Past wishes: Patxi Leiva, Madretomasa, Nami, Lluís Cartes, Marta Knight and Els Pali
Armenia: Masha Mnjoyan
Antranig: Here’s one with a few existing Eurovision connections. Masha won The Voice of Armenia in 2013 as a teenager and was a backing vocalist at Eurovision 2016 for Iveta Mukuchyan’s “LoveWave“. She is currently competing on the Australian version of The Voice, where the Eurovision connections are aplenty. She auditioned with a Celine Dion song, turning all four chairs, including Australia’s Eurovision 2015 contestant Guy Sebastian. Equinox member Johnny Manuel is also competing on the show. Masha joined Kelly Rowland’s team, before ending up on Boy George’s team. She boasts an incredible voice, nailing every note, and has plenty of live television experience. Her repertoire of original music may not be as broad but there’s no doubt that she has the lungs to wow Europe and Australia.
Past wishes: Iveta Mukuchyan (wish granted), Christine Pepelyan, Lilit Hovhannisyan, Srbuk (wish granted), Iskuhi Hovhannisyan and Sofi Mkheyan
Australia: Ricki-Lee
Antony: This singer needs no introduction to our readers. Ricki-Lee is one of the biggest names within the Australian music scene. Best known for competing in Australian Idol, just like Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy, this singer has released hit after hit. Not only that, but she has also had a go at being part of the girl group — The Young Divas. She’s appeared on TV shows like Dancing With the Stars and The Voice and recently had a hosting gig on Australia’s Got Talent. While she made her mark with pop bangers, Ricki-Lee is a versatile performer. “Not Too Late” shows off a more soulful and gentler side to her. A few years back, she even expressed an interest in taking part in Eurovision during an Instagram live Q&A. Australia, look no further!
Past wishes: Delta Goodrem, The Veronicas, Tkay Maidza, Anthony Callea and Tones And I
Austria: Mavi Phoenix
Calvin: Austria always has an eye for up and coming acts ready to offer something a little different than what’s usually seen at Eurovision. One of these young artists is Mavi Phoenix. Despite being only 24-years-old, he has archived some impressive things within the Austrian music scene. Several of his songs have hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. He’s also performed as a support act for groups like Milky Chance and Bilderbuch. In 2019, he came out as a trans man and his current album “Boys Toys” focuses on masculinity and identity. His sound could easily go viral on TikTok and his style would benefit from the new backing track rules.
Past wishes: Andreas Gabalier, Hannah, Denise Beiler, Anna F, Poptracker & ArianA and Seiler und Speer
Azerbaijan: Sura İskenderli
Katie: Sura İskenderli is one of the most exciting stars to emerge from Baku in recent years, and hopefully Efendi will inspire her to have Eurovision in her sights. This Azerbaijani-Turkish diva caught Team Wiwi’s eye with her hit single “Bir Daha Yak” back in 2019 — the music video is nothing short of a soap opera y’all! “Bir Daha Yak” has already racked up almost 175 million views on YouTube and was nominated for Song of the Year at the Golden Butterfly Awards, which is a Turkish alternative to the Grammys. Sura has treated us to a number of follow-up singles and has even released new music during lockdown. Here’s hoping Efendi kicks off a renaissance of fierce, female Azerbaijani divas at Eurovision, and Sura İskenderli can be part of the tradition.
Past wishes: Emin, Aygun Kazimova, Latifa Soyuoz, Vugarixx, Manana and Elyar
Belarus: Kristina Bazan
Pablo: Named as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 for spearheading the fashion blog Kayture, this international beauty-turned electropop diva is Belarussian by birth. Without a doubt, she would have what it takes to take her native country to new levels of not just talent, but also glamour. One look at her music videos and fashion would no doubt have you wondering about potential staging, paired with extremely modern production to boot.
Past wishes: Nuteki, Vintage, Shuma, Max Korzh, IOWA and VAL (wish granted)
Belgium: Angèle
Sebastian: Belgium has burrowed itself into a bit of an ambient-jazz sound over the last few years. And while this can sometimes deliver a lacklustre performance (think 2018 and 2020), when done right, it’s unforgettable. Angele combines the delicate sounds of a Madame Monsieur, with a modern, contemporary vocal performance. Despite the delicacy to her voice, she can have some serious fun at the same time with upbeat tracks. She’s a melding of two musical worlds, and we’re here for it.
Past wishes: Stromae, Gabriel Rios, Lost Frequencies, Lea Rue, Emma Bale and Roméo Elvis
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Selimović
Mario: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recent Eurovision attempt resulted in a non-qualification. But the one who can save the country on its (hopefully soon) return is Mirza Selimović. This 30-year-old musician from Srebrenik has won the most famous pan-Balkan singing show Zvezde Granda in 2013. Many collabs, an album and millions of YouTube views soon followed – including a Eurovision attempt in 2014. Some would compare his silky voice and genuine presence to Hari Varesanovic of Hari Mata Hari fame – well, the two voices paired for a special performance of Lejla back in 2014! Mirza’s latest release “Nevjerna” is in B&H’s music charts for a 15th week and has peaked at number two.
Past wishes: Neda Ukraden, Magdalena Bogic, Dubioza Kolektiv, Amel Curcic, Armin Malikić and Rialda
Bulgaria: METALWINGS
Barnabas: METALWINGS is a five-piece band that breaks the pattern of our recent pop and hip hop wishes for Bulgaria. Founded a decade ago by vocalist Stela Atanasova, this symphonic metal band might not be the name the fandom would think of as a Bulgarian representative with a good chance of doing well. But with their out of the box musical and vocal style, these folks could really be another step towards a broader musical diversity in the contest. Furthermore, fans of bands like Epica or Within Temptation would also have something to watch.
Past wishes: Preslava, Mihaela Fileva, Gery-Nikol, Mihaela Marinova, Nadia and Preyah
What do you think of our choices? Who would you choose? Let us know in the comments.
I don’t get why natalia never made it to the wish list for belgium
Revamped list:
Albania: Flori Mumajesi, Ledri Vula, Capital T, Elvana Gjata, Nora Istrefi, Era Istrefi, Kanita Suma, Ava Max, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Diona Fona, Besa Kokedhima, Ronela Hajati, Rita Ora
Andorra: Nina M, Maria Escarmiento
Armenia: Elizabeth Danielyan, Luara Hayrapetyan, Vladimir Arzumanyan, Nune Yesayan, Maria’s Secret
Australia: Jai Waetford, Jaguar Jonze, Vanessa Amorosi, Marliza Punzalan, Anthony Callea, Tones and I, Altiyan Childs, Casey Donovan, Reece Mastin, Cyrus Villanueva, Taylor Henderson, Samantha Jade
Austria: Mia Nova
Azerbaijan: Emin, Gunay Ibrahimli, Sura Iskenderli
Belarus: Daniel Yastremski, Helena Meraai, KeySI, Angelika Pushkova, Napoli, Chakras
Belgium: Lea Rue
Bulgaria: Dara
Albania: Elvana Gjata
Armenia: Elizabeth Danielyan
Australia: Montaigne
Austria: Vincent Bueno
Azerbaijan: Efendi
Belarus: Helena Meraai
Belgium: Hooverphonic
Bulgaria: Victoria
You just have to put Ouse on your wishlist for Iceland. He has 104k subscribers on YouTube, and is very popular with gamers and streamers on Twitch. Here’s one of his latest songs:
https://youtu.be/2LMrYvYx35I
I’m surprised Andrea Motis was never on the wishlist for Andorra yet! She is amazing!
Angèle is way too popular in France and Belgium, she’d never do it, she is huge.
I would go with Robbers On Parole for Bulgaria
Aargh I can’t tolerate Angèle…
Angèle for Belgium would be amazing!
I think Andorra should borrow an artist from Spain like Lola Indigo, Aitana, Pablo Alboran, Ana Guera, Ana Mena, etc.
If you think any of those artists will ever represent Andorra then you my friend are very deluded.
I’m not deluded. The reason why I want a Spanish artist representing Andorra is because I’ve watched multiple fan contests that includes a Spanish artist representing Andorra. Believe me or not, if Andorra returns to Eurovision, they will most likely to borrow an artist from Spain because of how relatively close Andorra’s culture is from Spain. You can disagree with me if you want to.
Dude, fan contests mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. Of course they’re fun but they’re nothing like actual Eurovision. If Andorra was to just borrow from Spain every single year why didn’t they do that when they were competing from 2004-2009?
I’m sorry but I’d be surprised if any of the artists you mentioned end up ever representing Spain at Eurovision, let alone Andorra.
Andorra did borrow an artist from Spain in 2006 and 2008. Andorra didn’t borrow an artist from Spain in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009 because most of Andorra’s artist were actually BORN IN ANDORRA. Only 2 contestants from Andorra (Jenny and Gisela) were BORN IN SPAIN (particularly Barcelona). So again if Andorra returns back to Eurovision, they will most likely borrow an artist from SPAIN because Andorra is a MICRO-COUNTRY. Let’s be real, Luxembourg and Monaco borrows an artist from FRANCE, San Marino borrows an artist across EUROPE and sometimes ITALY, and Cyprus borrows an artist from GREECE. Andorra will… Read more »
You’re just backing up my point that Andorra 4/6 times have chosen Andorran artists to represent them. Andorra aren’t just gonna return and pick the first hyped up artist eurofans are desperate to see. Yes, Andorra may borrow an artist from Spain, I’d be very interested in Andorra perhaps unearthing an unknown Spanish talent. But they’re not gonna select someone like Aitana or Lola Indigo. I hate to crush your dreams, but it’s just not realistic. Also, there really isn’t any need to be rude and capitalize words acting like I don’t know what I’m talking about when you’re the… Read more »
Okay, I will stop right now. I’m over excited that’s why.
Ricki Lee hasn´t been even the slightest relevant since the 2000s can we please stop encouraging SBS to bring back has been artists who have nothing to do with the modern australian music industry. Last years NF was absolutely insufferable for that exact reason
I’m glad that you’ll keep doing the wishlist posts even if we’re on an exceptional year where almost half of the countries already defined their representatives (and did the right thing by sticking to their artists, in my opinion). It’s great to find new artists to check. I’ll definitely try to listen more from Mavi Phoenix and Angèle.
for bulgaria i would choose “Hayes&Y”
What about Dara? Her songs are like K’vo Ne Chu, Ella Ella, etc.
Albania: Dua Lipa
Former JESC contestants:
Armenia: Betty Danielyan
Belarus: Helena Meraai
For Cyprus, it’s either Sophia Pathsalides, Elena Tsagkrinou, Josephine Wendel, Vangelis Kakouriotis, Christina Loizu, Ian Stratis, Marios Tofi, and possibly Athena Manoukian and Stefania Liberakakis for Cyprus even though Cyprus is not on this wednesday wishlist.
Stefania is already confirmed for Greece and I doubt that Athena would represent Cyprus. Otherwise not bad choices.
So does that mean that Athena might not represent Armenia instead she will represent Cyprus next year? If yes, then Depi Evratesil might return next year for another season if Athena will not be chosen internally by Armenia and she could be the new representative for Cyprus. Also, I know Stefania is representing Greece next year, but if she’s interested on returning to Eurovision, she could represent Cyprus.
By what I heard athena is most likely to represent armenia again next year
So this means, Athena will still represent Armenia next year, no Depi Evratesil next year, and Vangelis or Josephine representing Cyprus next year.
It’s clear to see that if Wiwibloggs were in charge of Eurovison it wouldn’t be very diverse at all…
Vangelis Kakouritis is ONCE AGAIN rumoured to sing for Cyprus in 2021. I don’t know if it’s article-worthy, but as we know past rumours (Athena Manoukian & Stefania Liberakakis) came through, so who knows?
I guess Vangelis is not losing hope to represent Cyprus at Eurovision cause I’ve listened to some of his songs. We could also expect Josephine Wendel to represent Cyprus next year and if not Cyprus next year, then maybe Greece for Eurovision 2022.
That Wendel one is the one who sings Ti?
thanks for the answer in advance 😀
Yes that’s her
Are you going to do a wishlist for each and every country or only those who haven’t announced their 2021 representation yet?
Austria, Bulgaria and Belgium (maybe someone else I forgot from this article) already confirmed that they are keeping their 2020 artist, so it should have all the countries included.
Omg, if Sura Iskenderli went there, there could even be the possibility that Turkey might return. Or even if they wouldn’t return, she would grab a lot of attention from the Turkish audience, since she is quite well known in Turkey. Her song “Bir daha yak” has been played almost everywhere in Turkey.
Besides that, she has a beautiful voice and the most important, she only sings in Turkish & Azerbaijani, so in total, she would be a great choice.
Yep. I miss Turkic languages in the contest. Even if m?n don’t understand much Azerbaijan language compared to Turkish it would still be really nice.
Could you picture Angele Playing France Gall in a motion picture about the 1965 winner? If one is going into production and she gets the role, I’d want to be at the RAI theater in Naples for the reenactment of the contest.
Angèle for Belgium ? Really? We have much better artists than her!!!
It’s so wrong that Andorra and BiH, two of my favorite countries, are no longer in the game. My wishlist is those two coming back.
My wishlist from Albania to Bulgaria
Albania: Diona Fona
Andorra: Fred De Palma ft. Ana Mena
Armenia: Maria’s Secret
Australia: Vanessa Amorosi
Austria: Mia Nova
Azerbaijan: Emin
Belarus: Vladislav Kurasov
Belgium: Stromae
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Ilma Karahmet
Bulgaria: Dara