The year 2020 is not yet over, but Belgium’s previously confirmed Eurovision 2021 line-up is set to change ever so slightly. That’s because Hooverphonic have announced that Geike Arnaert will rejoin the band, meaning that Luka Cruysberghs is out.
Broadcaster VRT has already confirmed that Geike will be going to Eurovision along with band founders Alex Callier and Raymond Geerts.
Hooverphonic zal in deze nieuwe samenstelling deelnemen aan het Eurovisiesongfestival in 2021.
We zijn ervan overtuigd dat de band ons land uitstekend zal vertegenwoordigen in Rotterdam, en we wensen Luka succes met haar verdere carrière. https://t.co/xFutrmSjmI— VRT (@VRT) November 9, 2020
Geike Arnaert replaces Luka Cruysberghs in Hooverphonic
The trip-hop dream-pop band broke the “exciting news” on social media.
They elaborated on the changes in the official press release: “We met again. We started chatting. All three of us were eager to work together again, so we felt we had to do this. It is still the core Hooverphonic, which is synonymous with the band for many people. It’s that simple”
This is a case of deja vu, as Geike was the frontwoman of the group for several years during the 1990s and 2000s. On her return, she says it feels like little has changed.
“We wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the record together. Just talking about it brought back many happy memories. It’s a strange sensation. I get back into it with great pleasure. I don’t know how the fans will react. But it really feels good for me. I’m going to put my own story in the songs again.”
The record in question is “Mad About You” — one of Hooverphonic’s biggest hits.
Line-up changes are nothing new for Hooverphonic. First, there was Esther Lybeert, then Liesje Sadonius and then Kyoko Baertson. After them came Geike Arnaert, helping Hooverphonic to hit the charts. She was followed by Noémie Wolfs. Then it was Luka’s turn, who now has to make room for Geike.
What now for Luka Cruysberghs?
The band explains in more detail what the return of Geike means for Luka: “Of course it is a bit bittersweet for Luka. She is an excellent singer, without a doubt. We had three wonderful years with Luka. But our collaboration ends here. We have travelled across Europe and the United States, and we have had many memorable moments together. We continue to support her with all our heart. She will get a solo single from Universal and if Luka wants that, I will, of course, continue to accompany her solo.”
Belgium at Eurovision 2021
Hooverphonic were confirmed as Belgium’s Eurovision 2021 act not long after the 2020 contest was cancelled.
In August, Alex revealed that Hooverphonic made great use of their time during this bizarre summer and that their 2021 song was ready. “I think I already have material for three new albums. We are now selecting: choice stress!’’ Alex revealed that Hooverphonic made great use of their time during this bizarre summer and that their 2021 song was ready.
He went on to explain that Hooverphonic has a wide and diverse repertoire and that their Eurovision 2021 song might be considered a big surprise.
Back in May, the band upset many fans when they opted not to take part in a mass sing-along of “Love Shine A Light” with the other 2020 acts. Callier explained that it didn’t feel 100% right for Hooverphonic to participate, because in his mind the gesture is too simple of an answer to the world’s problems.
What do you think of this news? Let us know in the comment section down below
So what’s the reason Luka left and was replaced by Geike?
good to know i can unfollow the band now i only followed because i liked Luka’s voice
its just to me her voice was better then the other singers
And here I thought it’s only I who followed the band because of Luka and unfollowed them because she left the band.
Lol are you referencing “Alcohol you” in the last line? That’s great!
I think that’s good news: I loved Luka’s voice but to me Geike *is* Hooverphonic. She was the voice of their most iconic hits and I also enjoy her solo songs, especially Rope Dancer. Looking forward to hearing their future songs!
Also huge LOL to the comments here under. That LSAL thing was already a non event back in May, I had completely forgotten about it. Can’t believe some people still talk about that, when there was barely anything to talk about to begin with.
What do you mean? That he was already planning this replacement back then? Hmmm… but on 28 of August they had a concert with Luka, which wasn’t by any means announced as their last one together (but turned out to be so, subsequently). Wouldn’t they normally announced it then had they already knew? So I don’t think they had. This may be one more proof his decision was rather rushed, made likely in September (I struggle to count aproximatively how many time they needed to do that photoshoot after, film that promotional video and record the new version of Mad… Read more »
perhaps luka was sick of their attitude
We’d wish it was this, a story of a strong woman quitting the toxic environment, instead of him getting rid of her despite her infinite devotion and loyalty, but unfortunately it seems to be the latter.
To all the haters : listen to the new version of MAD ABOUT YOU!!! My God I missed Geike!!! By the way Luka gets a solo single by Universal.
I appreciate how their current aesthetic is always the same solid look of someone who was just asked to submit their tax returns.
I believe there are many ways to read and take these news. Sadly, the unnecessary “Shine a Light” move (if Callier didn’t want to be part of it, Luka could sing by herself and all the drama could be avoided) will make the band’s image worst with part of the fandom. I’m sad for Luka, since I wanted her and all the 2020’s class to perform in Eurovision 2021. On the other hand, I think it makes more sense for her to have her own carreer than forever be seem as the replacement on a veteran band. And assuming they’ll… Read more »
May I thank you for reaction. Finally something that makes sense! Than you!!!
My solution: both Hooverphonic and Luka represent Belgium next year. Alex can write a song for two vocalists, or change one of his existing ones. Hooverphonic & Luka.
That would be a classy move and would also serve as sort of a rite of passage for the band and the vocalists.
I’ve only seen Hooverphonic live twice. Both times were with Geike. I’m thrilled she’s back!
Poor Luka. A lot of people wanted Geike back, but this is not the best way. Alex Callier is not a nice person. And that is not because of the thing he said about Europe Shine A Light, but because of his behavior he has shown time and time again for years.
Who was behind the decision not to take part in Love Shine A Light.
If it’s her, good riddance, if it was one of the others, they really are cold.
Thanks, this Alex guy seems like a nasty piece of work.
He’s outspoken, I give you that! Do I always agree with it? Hell no! But at least he’s nothing faking it, like a lot of artists seems to do. And he’s a man of his word!
I feel very sad for Luka because she’s no longer part of Hooverphonic & wil no longer perform at the Eurovision stage. I think she really wanted to go there, since she applied for Junior Eurovision back in the days as well. At the same time, as someone else said in the comments, Geike is very loved in Belgium. Many Belgians think she’s the true voice of “Hooverphonic”. In that respect, I can understand their decision to reunite as a band. Their reunion can be seen as two exes that get back together. When you’re young, you meet the love… Read more »
Yes for some reason I associate them with exes too, although at the same time find the thought kinda creepy. Maybe because the band was always giving me that vibe of “blurred boundaries within”.
Kind of lost a bit of respect for them after one of the guys comments (forget which guy) during Europe Shine A Light. Unfortunate for everyone else as they seem cool.
I must be missing what was so awful Alex said about Luka. I mean it’s not fair to her that she doesn’t get to go to ESC but who knows maybe we will see her soon on the ESC stage.
We’re still far from May. Callier can change his mind several times till then, who knows, maybe even Sandra Kim will pop up as the new Hooverphonic singer. Anything is possible with this guy.
Maybe even Blanche and Kate ryan
Hooverphonic ft. Serhat
I don’t really get all the hate. I see so many people on each article about hooverphonic being so hateful towards them and especially towards Alex Callier. Thing is a lot of people don’t even know what exactly he said about eurovision. I know because I am from Belgium, I saw the interviews in question and I know the dutch language and I think his comments were put way out of context, especially in the eurovision community. He actually really likes Eurovision. But so many people here form an opinion on him, without having the facts. On the change of… Read more »
You know some eurovision fans are over dramatic.
I remember last year when Elvana didn’t win FiK, they blamed the international jury and literally bullied Christor Bjorkman for not giving her enough scores. But in the end it turned out that it was the regional jury who did the wrong thing.
Wat zei hij dan allemaal precies? En heb je eventueel linkjes per bevestiging?
Hij zou gezegd hebben dat het Songfestival een circus is van slechte muziek, wat hij NOOIT gezegd heeft. Het was de man die het interview afnam die het had gezegd. Verder is er commentaar gekomen omdat Hooverphonic niet wilde deelnemen aan LOVE shine a light. Alex zei dat hij best wilde deelnemen als het zou georganiseerd worden voor een goed doel en aangezien dat niet het geval was, wilde hij de schijn niet ophouden. Bovendien vind hij het liedje niet echt goed. Vandaar al de commotie en al de haat tegenover Hooverphonic!
Release the rest of us as well, please!
By far the most surprising Eurovision 2021 news so far. I’m incredibly surprised to hear that Geike is all of a sudden going to return to Hooverphonic given the fact that she left the band over a decade ago and had started a solo career since then. If Hooverphonic were going to bring back a former singer, I personally would have preferred they brought Noemie Wolfs back instead because my favorite Hooverphonic songs (Anger Never Dies, The Night Before, One Two Three, Amalfi) were all sung by Noemie.
Instead of everyone here being so negative, please try to understand this decision first … You should understand that Geike’s voice is the voice that will always be associated with the iconic Hooverphonic songs such as “Mad About You”, “Sometimes” and “Eden”. When she left Hooverphonic, the band was never entirely the same anymore. Last year, I saw everyone complaining about Luka’s lack of charisma and stage presence. Now we have the opportunity to see a household name in Belgium and The Netherlands, singing on the Eurovision stage (just in 2018 she scored a monster hit in those countries with… Read more »
What is this for kind of a reaction! Bushing Belgium has started people! My God!!! Okay here’s one for you. The Netherlands sending three country pop songs in four years, that doesn’t seems to bother you! And how about Germany! How many years didn’t they send songs made by Ralph Siegel!
Actually you don’t! Have you already said one positive thing about Hooverphonic?
Your reaction is just sad. Do I agree with what Alex Callier did, no I don’t, but what’s done is done, there’s no way back! Let it go!
Grow up will you!
Do you honestly believe that Hooverphonic is the only band who replace members? And besides Alex is known for it, we even make jokes about it here in Belgium. Besides what is your problem with Belgium? Did we ever did something wrong to you?!
She’s back bitches!!! The one and only Geike!!! Eat your heart out to all who hates Hooverphonic!!!
One Word :Shame! Luka was a soul of this band
VRT should deselect Hooverphonic. This is not who was chosen.
Dude, VRT chose Hooverphonic, the band, not necessarily with Luka. It’s their choice, you know.
That’s because Geike means hella lot to most of the old fans of Hooverphonic, many of whom were still considering her “the real voice of the band”, and refused to support their new music. So these news for most of them(us, not sure), were like REALLY mindblowing. Maybe Alex is just trying too hard to please the fans, so when he saw the slightest chance of her to work together again, he immediately rushed to take the decision. Although, to be fair, when she left back in 2008, he was really devastated and even got emotional on stage during their… Read more »
That’s exactly why I mentioned my guess about him trying to please the fans. He probably saw all the negative reviews for “Release Me” and thought they can also have better chances and can create a better staging with Geike in Rotterdam. Like, shoot two hares at once.
Seriously?
First of all I feel so sorry for Luka Cruysbergh, and I really hope that one day we will see her on Eurovision stage. I understand the reasons behind this decision and I cannot say that I disagree, BUT first of all I have to remind this to everyone that forgets it or seems to forget it, EUROVISION IS NOT ABOUT THE NAME. There are lots of examples for that I’m not gonna analyze it right now, but I have to add something even more important, this Alex Callier guy seems like he really hates the Eurovision Song Contest or… Read more »
Although I do agree he really has an arrogant appearance, he really showed in his interview that he is a genuine Eurovision fan! I don’t doubt that. I personally feel like Luka should have been treated in a better way but then again, we don’t know the entire story. Maybe he also felt like she wanted to pursue a solo career. Geike is an amazing singer and she IS the original voice of Hooverphonic. Sadly enough, everything that was youthful about the band now left and I worry they will be seen as has beens. Eurovision tends to be won… Read more »
Dear God, have you even read the article? Otherwise they are tonight guests in Vandaag on Één around 21.30 pm.
I don’t like then much either but we still don’t know if it was her decision or the other two members decision, so its better not to jumo into conclusion so quick
… how rude is that?! This isn’t even about the group for her, what about her dream to go to Eurovision? And they replaced her just like that… hopefully she gets to represent Belgium without that toxicity
You know maybe Luka should be happy with this. I meann they sound quite draining as persons and not easy personalities to be around 24/7. It’s a shitty move to do this right before eurovision though. I love Geike and her voice is phenomenal but Luka deserves to go.
Anyway I hope it feels like a ‘release’ to her and maybe she can represent VTM in 2023 and pull something like a waylon when he went for his solo adventure after the common linnets.
Pulling a Waylon means doing poorly with the televoters. I hope Luka will do better than that, if she decides to participate as a solo artist.
If Geike was part of Hooverphonic during its peak it makes sense in a way to have her back but the optics are admittedly not great.
I am struggling not to be influenced by the band’s attitude when assessing their music for Eurovision. The arrogance they have shown in May is indicative of them thinking they are above the contest. Their 2020 song is nice and all, but partially because it’s too repetitive and partially because of their attitude, it declined on my list by several spots. If their 2021 song is indeed exquisite, I’ll acknowledge that, but at this point, I don’t think I’ll be voting for Belgium. I don’t know how the singer change will impact that, but I hope their attitude changes for… Read more »
Oh believe me, they don’t think they’re above Eurovision! Alex Carlier really just didn’t like the song Love Shine a Light. That is still a stupid reason not to participate in the sing along but it’s a new season. I feel like they (read: Alex) will have learned from this. And they have already said their next song is going to be more upbeat, so that’s already a good sign for me!
I’m honestly kinda happy for her. Now, she can start her own carrier, make songs that she wants and a massive bonus, not having to deal with Alex’s attitude and ego! You go girl! Hoping you will be much bigger then Alex could only dream of being! ??
When I just saw the photo of Luka together with Hooverphonic, my first thought was “this girl doesn’t seem to fit into the band”. She seemed too young and too modern compared to their retro style and vibe, both visual and musical. So I could totally see this moment coming sooner or later. However, within time I really got used and even strangely attached to her image inside the band. So, I hoped this won’t happen THAT soon. At the same time, the return of Geike of course couldn’t leave me more excited and curious of how their performance on… Read more »
Pretty dissapointing if so. I honestly was expecting some scandalous quit, Luka to get tired suffocating of overworking and of Alex’s psychological abuse, to understand better her own needs, and herself to want to “be released”, just like it happened with Noemie (that’s why I didn’t expect this to happen so early, cause with the pandemic restrictions regarding gigs she couldn’t really overwork). But apparently it seems like she was actually completely ok with everything happening in and around the band, and was ready to carry the weight of that status of Hooverphonic frontwoman and everything that comes with it,… Read more »
I think Eurovision could use more artists who are +30 years old. It adds more diversity and often artists who are a bit more established have a lot to offer and are musically more interesting. The case of Hooverphonic, however, is messy through and through.
They’ve done Luka so dirty. It’s the second time Eurovision is being taken away from her. I wasn’t excited for Hooverphonic competing in Eurovision in the first place even though I’m a fan of them, cause it just doesn’t seem like their thing, but Luka brought the youth, the looks, the magic and she was their best asset in the contest. With Geike, even though she’s a fantastic singer, I’m not sure if they’ll fit in the show and unless they pull something of like the Common Linnets in 2014, which I’m confident they won’t, then I don’t see them… Read more »
Even though I think the band could do better with Geike, it isn’t fair what they did to Luka.
Well as a group she kinda was the the odd one out
Since when did Eurovision become a popularity contest? Everybody calm down please…Geike happens te be one of the nicest artists around…
I’m sure Luka will stand on esc stage some day. but please don’t attack nor Luka nor the band. we don’t know what lead to this decision + Geike is such a great singer, I’m sure they’ll be in the final.
Dirty move. Luka put her time and effort in “Release Me”, didn’t have the chance to show her talent in “Love Shine a Light” and now won’t get the exposure on the big stage next May.
Her career won’t benefit from this.
I’m so angry.
Luka for 2022 maybe?
The french-speaking part of Belgium brings the artist in 2022. I’m hoping for a comeback of Loic Nottet.
2023.. best choice, but hopefully not with a Callier song
I stopped listening to Hooverphonic after The President of the LSD Golf Club. It just wasn’t the same without Geike, no matter the voice. It’s like the soul was missing. When I read the news today I almost cied with joy. Geike IS Hooverphonic
The latest album was a disaster! Sorry!
Poor Luka she doesn’t deserve this she should come back to Eurovision someday alone
Luka was the only part of Hooverphonic I didn’t dislike. Why do they have to represent my country? I’m really sad
Oh. My. God. What just happened!? First the news with Israel and now this? Not Luka… She was the fresh breeze in Hooverphonic and the only one who actually made the band interesting for me 🙁 . Hooverphonic is losing my respect with every news they release. First the sing-along and now the removal of Luka. It just doesn’t feel right. She was supposed to go to Eurovision and in the end she got changed last minute because of some “strange sensation”. Ahh…. Belgium what have you done?!
Justice for Luca
I guess you can say… they released her.
I don’t even know what’s going on with Hooverphonic lately. Their recent music has been really subpar, and Alex’s attitude is just horrendous. I sorta feel happy for Luka in being able to make her own career because Alex seems so horribly stuck-up to work with. Anyway on a more positive note, Geike is giving me scandi-noir Gillian Anderson and I kinda love it