The Eurovision 2023 season is now in full swing and no doubt fans will have the songs from this year’s contest on repeat until we crown a winner in May. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the artists from past contests – they’re still bringing us a lot of new music to enjoy.
Contrary to the commonly perpetuated myth about the song contest killing careers, we’re always thrilled to report that singers associated with Eurovision are thriving.
Here is our latest weekly roundup with a selection of the songs and music videos released recently by Eurovision stars.
New music from Eurovision artists: 2023 | Week 17 part 1
With so many new songs this week, we’ve split the roundup into two smaller halves. You can find part 2 here.
Blanca Paloma – “Plumas De Nácar”
Before jetting off to Liverpool to compete at Eurovision 2023, Blanca Paloma has shared a brand new song with us all. “Plumas De Nácar” (“Mother-of-Pearl Feathers”) once again showcases the Spanish star’s rich voice. But rather than flamenco elements, this new ballad instead utilises more digital production. In the lyrics, Blanca sings to a child and tells them to fly: “With mother-of-pearl feathers / Looking at the sky, hail, crazy dove / Take the flight”.
Samira Said – “Zeelna Min Baad”
Samira Said’s latest single is “Zeelna Min Baad” (“We Were Upset With Each Other”). Morocco’s Eurovision 1980 representative (and the country’s only ever entrant) brings us a slice of Arabic pop. Samira sings about a special person who she wishes to be reunited with: “This is something my heart desires most / To be with him / And I miss you, and I will never forget / The goodness of his heart and his fear for me”.
Francesca Michielin & gIANMARIA – “DISCO DANCE”
Eurovision 2016 star Francesca Michielin has teamed up with Sanremo 2023 participant gIANMARIA. The Italian singers get moving with the new single “DISCO DANCE”. Musically, the song definitely has strong beat from the first chorus onwards that listeners can bounce along with (even if it’s not necessarily a disco beat). However, lyrically, Francesca and gIANMARIA sing about a young girl who is doing anything but dancing: “Another Saturday has arrived; while everyone else is dancing / Viola stays in her room / And she keeps looking at the ceiling and thinking that another Saturday has arrived”.
Cornelia Jakobs – “It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane”
Cornelia Jakobs is nominated for a Swedish Grammy Award in the Newcomer of the Year category. Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Eurovision 2022 star has been able to cover one song from an act who was also previously nominated in the same category. She chose “It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane” by The Ark, who also participated at Eurovision in 2007. Cornelia updates the song for her style, with a gradual build all the way up until the final chorus. In a post on Instagram, Cornelia explains what the song means to her:
“For me, it has stood for freedom, pride and wistful euphoria ever since I was a child. So I wanted my version of this song to sound and feel just like that. Like a reflection of 8-year-old Cornelia’s insides when I stood and screamed and sang with tears in my throat, in my cherry pink girl’s room out on Djurö where I grew up. If I manage to inspire someone a fraction as much as Ola Salo inspired me, then I’m satisfied.”
Manizha – “Standing Between Two Walls”
Manizha has opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since the beginning, resulting in hate campaigns towards her from the state. However, there are also those outside of the country who would put all Russians into one group because of the government’s actions, meaning she is also shunned elsewhere. The Eurovision 2021 star therefore feels like she is “Standing Between Two Walls”. Manizha’s new song explores this struggle, but she reaffirms that she will always fight for the right thing: “Even if my government is trying to cancel me / That’s fine / Even if the whole world will cancel me / That’s fine / I will still fight for peace / I will stand for people”
Jala Brat & Buba Corelli – “Da li si me”
Bosnia’s Eurovision 2016 rapper Jala Brat is continuing his series of collaborations with Buba Corelli. This time the pair have released “Da li si me” (“Did you love me”). In the two-minute track, Jala and Buba question how many times their lover lied to them and whether they’re relationship was ever really true: “In photos from our past / You’re smiling in front of me / Old pictures but the same question / Did you love me or not?”.
Gjon’s Tears – The Game
Two years after he stood on the Eurovision stage, Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears has now released his debut studio album. The Game features 13 songs, including Eurovision entry “Tout l’univers”. But there’s a lot more on the album than just French-language ballads (though there are several for fans of such songs). Many of the tracks are in English. Meanwhile, the songs flick between different genres, such as disco and gospel.
Can Bonomo – “Beni Sal”
“People like you can’t be trusted / Find your balance and let me go / Let me relax [..] Even the bird flying in the sky felt sorry for me / I fell down every day, I came hard to my troubles”. Can Bonomo wants to be set free from someone who is repeatedly causing him pain. Turkey’s Eurovision 2012 act gets increasingly aggravated with this other person. This is illustrated musically through the alternative rock song taking on a stronger feel with each chorus as extra guitars are added.
Kaiti Garbi – “Asfalos & Mporo”
Kaiti Garbi has had a revelation. Greece’s Eurovision 1993 representative is no longer going to rely on a past lover who was not right for her. Instead, she’s going to be putting herself first: “Of course I can tear up once in a while / And what I don’t love, tear like paper / One life, one moment to tear it all down / Of course I can start from the beginning”. Kaiti sings this over traditional Greek melodies and is also joined in the chorus of “Asfalos & Mporo” (“Of course I can”) by a male backing singer.
Kobi Marimi & IDF Widows and Orphans – “אבא שלי”
Three months ago, Kobi Marimi released the single “אבא שלי” (“My Father”) about how Israel’s Eurovision 2019 singer knows his father will always be with him throughout his life’s journey. Now the song is taking on new meaning through a new version Kobi has recorded alongside the organisation IDF Widows and Orphans. The company supports bereaved families whose loved ones have died whilst serving in Israel’s army.
Arvingarna – “Hundra dagar”
We’ve been waiting more than “Hundra dagar” (“One hundred days”) for Arvingarna to release their next single. But it’s finally here. Sweden’s Eurovision 1993 group gift us an upbeat and warm track that encapsulates their dansband style. Hopefully we don’t have to wait another “Hundra dagar” for the next single.
O.TORVALD – “Дихай”
O.TORVALD return with the new single “Дихай” (“Breathe”). Ukraine’s Eurovision 2017 band deliver an emotional rock song about anxiety and the feeling that you’re suffocating without being able to move. The music video shows this through the perspective of someone in hospital whose heart stops beating. The set for the video was built completely from scratch in a swimming pool, allowing them to then fill it gradually with water as symbolism.
SENNEK – “Ding A Dong”
SENNEK is turning the clock back to 1975. Belgium’s Eurovision 2018 star has released her latest Eurovision cover, this time taking on “Ding A Dong” by Dutch band Teach-In. SENNEK keeps the bright and happy nature of the song as she sings alongside piano, drums and strings.
Prāta Vētra – Pagalmi
Which of these new songs is your favourite? Have we missed out on any? Do you have any artists you want to shout out to? Let us know in the comments.
Cornelia is amazing. I just love her voice in all her songs.
Beautfiul song from Maninja