Welcome to our series of posts – “The Looker” where we will share our wish list of artists participating in Eurovision.
This is the 3rd year in a row that we are running the project.
But before we start, let us remark that our recommendations will not necessarily come true (as for example some countries select their artists by reality shows)
This is the 10th post in the series and it will concentrate on 4 countries: Albania, Italy, Malta, and San Marino.
You can read the previous chapters here:
- Chapter 1: Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands
- Chapter 2: Cyprus, Greece, Israel
- Chapter 3: Finland, Norway, Sweden
- Chapter 4: Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
- Chapter 5: Austria, Germany, Switzerland
- Chapter 6: France, Portugal, Spain
- Chapter 7: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- Chapter 8: Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom
- Chapter 9: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Previous Wishes: Xhesika Polo, Alban Ramosaj, Besa, Shkodra Elektronike, Marsela Cibukaj
#1. Semi Jaupaj
Semi Jaupaj is a 29 year-old Albanian singer.
She discovered her love of singing from a very young age, participating in children’s music competitions.
In 2010, she participated in the Albanian “Top Fest 7” with the song “Afer Meje“.
The same year, she has also particiapted in “Kënga Magjike“, where she reached the semi-finals.
The same year, she has also participated in “Festivali i Këngës 49″. She collaborated with Albi Xhepa on the song “Dritë”.
In 2011, she was a part of the band Bojken Lako & Breza. They competed in “Festivali i Këngës 50″ with the song “Të zakonshëm” (Ordinary). They ended up 10th in the final.
In 2012, she formed a 5 member band “Grifshat“. They reached the final of “Top Fest 9” with the song “Pafundesi“.
In 2014, Semi Jaupaj was a finalist in “The Voice Of Albania”.
In 2021, she participated in “Kënga Magjike” with the song “Jetike”.
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2021, she released the song “Jetike” (Eng: vital):
In 2022, she released the song “Mos u kthe” (eng: Don’t come back):
In 2023, she released the song “Autostrade” (Eng: Highway):
Semi Jaupaj is one of the most popular singers in Albania.
Her recent songs peaked with a lot of views and streams, ensuring her spot in the local industry.
Maybe now is the time for international recognition?
#2. Xhensila Myrtezaj
Xhensila Myrtezaj is a 30 year-old Albanian singer and entrepreneur.
She became known following her participation at the talent show “Ethet e së premtes mbrëma” at the age of 14.
Between the eas 2009 and 2011, she particiapted in “Top Fest”. In 2011, she was awarded the best pop/RnB song.
In December 2011, she competed in “Festivali i Këngës 50″ with the song “Lulet mbledh për hënën” (Eng: Collect Flowers to The Moon). She ended up 13th in the final.
Since 2016, she released several successful singles, including some collabs.
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2019, she released “Paris“:
In 2022, she collaborated with Kidda on the song “Me Do“
In 2023, she collaborated with Majk on the song “Ti Fala“:
Xhensila Myrtezaj is a talented singer who has made her name with several hits in different genres. I think she might take Albania into an intersting direction in Eurovision.
Previous Wishes: Annalisa, Levante, Matteo Faustini, Gaudiano, Arisa
#1. Angelina Mango
Angelina Mango is a 22 year-old Italian singer-songwriter.
She is the daughter of singers Giuseppe Mango and Laura Valente (former singer of Matia Bazar).
In 2020, she released her debut EP – “Monolocale” (Eng: Studio flat).
In 2021ת she signed her first record deal with Sony Music and started writing and producing new songs together with producer Enrico Bruni.
In 2022, she participated in the “May Day Concert” and the Musica da bere music competition , where she won the Live Award.
In November 2022, she comepeted in the 22nd season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi” where she ended in 2nd place.
In 2023, she released her 2nd EP – “Voglia di vivere” (Eng: Will to Love).
EP charted at number 2nd in the FIMI Album Chart.
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2022, she released the song “Formica” (End: Ant):
In 2023, she releaes the song “Voglia di vivere” (Eng: Will to Live):
In 2023, she released the song “Ci Pensiamo Domani” (Eng: We Will Thing About This Tomorrow) :
Angelina Mango is exactly what Italy needs to send to Eurovision. It has been a long time since Italy sent modern music performed by a young talented female artist.
#2. Silvia Cesana (Sissi)
Sissi (real name: Silvia Cesana) is a 24 year-old Italian singer-songwriter.
She rose to prominence in 2019, when she auditioned for “X Factor Italy“.
She didn’t advance to the live shows, but was spotted by Sugar Label Music.
In 2020, she submitted her candidacy to “Sanremo Giovanni”.
In 2021, she competed in Amici di Maria De Filippi”, where she made it to the finals in 2022 and won the critics’ prize.
In 2022, she released the album “Leggera” (Eng: light). The album peaked at number 1th in the Italian charts.
Let’s listen to 3 of his songs:
In 2020, she released the song “Per farti paura” (Eng: To Scare You):
In 2022, she released the song “Sottovoce (Eng: Whisper)”:
In 2022, she released the song “Stupido” (Eng: Stupid):
Sissi’s music showcases the beauty of the Italian language.
She suggests a heart warming softness with a stable voice.
I believe Sissi would be the perfect choice for Eurovision
Previous Wishes: Aidan, Maxine Pace, I Am Willow, Oxygyn, The New Victorians
#1. Luke Chappell
Luke Chappell is a 20 year-old Maltese singer. He auditioned for Season 1 of “X Factor Malta” and made it all the way to the semi final as part of the Boys category mentored by Ira Losco.
In 2019, he released his debut album – “Cosmic Heaven”.
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2022, he released “a House is not a Home”:
In 2022, he released “Wate My Time”:
In 2022, he release the song “Don’t Forget Me“:
Luke Chappell is a new generation Malteese music representative.
Selecting him for Eurovision can be a refreshing change.
#2. Michela Galea
Michela Galea is a Malteese singer, dancer and actress.
Michela‘s passion for the performing arts began at a young age. She attended several classes, specializing in the three disciplines of this art: singing, acting, and dance.
Michela is a familiar face on television. She currently has roles in two television series, ‘Luna’ and ‘Jackpot 4’ but in the past she also took part in ‘D.R.E.A.M.S’, ‘Friends and Enemies’, and ‘The Bride’ among others. From television, she also moved to the cinema screen with a main role in the film ‘Hàbbilni Ħa Nirbaħ’ and even to the theater with involvement in productions such as: ‘Il-Kbir Għadu Cjej’, ‘Rajtha Facebook’ and ‘ Flagship’, among others.
In 2017, she won “Miss World Malta“.
In 2018, she won “The People’s Song” with “Mhux Kulma Jleqq Deheb” (Eng: Not Everything Shines Gold).
In 2021 and 2023, she competed in the national festival muzikamuzika:
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2018, she released “Mhux Kulma Jleqq Deheb” (Eng: Not Everything Shines Gold):
In 2021, she released the song “Tbissimli” (Eng: Smile at Me):
In 2023, she releaesd the song “ĠAWHRA” (Eng: a jewel):
Michela Galea can take Malta in a more traditional cultural direction, and we might be surprised in a good way.
Previous Wishes: Irol, Samuele Bersani, Delayers, Sara Jane Ghiotti, Lo Strego
#1.EEF (Early Ettringite Formation)
EEF (Early Ettringite Formation) is a project that was born from the mind of leaders Mattia Leoni (drums) and Umberto Ferretti (guitar).
The italian band was formed in 2018.
The sound is a mix of Jazz Funk Latin and Fusion influences with a very rock impact. they take part in the international contest “Tour Music Fest” arriving at the final in Rome and they are placed 3rd in Italy.
Also they participate at the “Forlì Jazz Live Forum” with Dave Weckl and Mike Stern. Recently they have just completed the recording of their first debut album “Horror Vacui“.
“Early Ettringite Formation” is the definition given to the formation of this mineral (the Ettringite) during the phase of cement’s setting. The project was born from a simple scientific explanation, taking inspiration from its more philosophical meaning: “EEF” is the union between 6 different elements coming from different backgrounds which mixed together to give origin to a “highly positive process” as strong as concrete.
Let’s listen to 3 of their songs:
In 2021, they released the song “Downtown”:
In 2021, they relesed the song “What I Should Say“:
In 2023, they comepted in “Una Voce Per San Marino 2023” with the song “Something For You“. They ended-up 9th in the final:
EEF suggests an interesting line of jazz and rock with Latin elements and fusion influence.
With the right song, they can proudly represent San Marino.
#2. Deborah Iurato
Deborah Iurato is a 31 year-old Italian singer-songwriter.
She is well known for winning the 13th season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi” in 2014.
The same year, she released her first EP – “Deborah Iurato“, which peaked at number 2nd in the Italian charts.
At the end on 2014, she released her debut album “Libere” (Eng: Free), which peaked at number 11th in the Italian charts.
In February 2016, she coolaborated with Giovanni Caccamo on the song “Via da qui” (Eng: Get Out of Here)
In 2016, she released her 2nd album – “Sono ancora io” (Eng: It is still me).
Thereafter, she took a break from music for 3 years.
Ever since then, she has released several singles.
Let’s listen to 3 of her songs:
In 2015, she released “Libere” (Eng: Free):
In 2020, she released the song “Voglia di gridare” (Eng: Want to Shout):
In 2023, she competed in “Una Voce Per San Marino 2023“, where she reached the final:
Deborah has disappeared in recent years.
Now it feels like she is ready for a wishful comeback, and maybe to a worldlike recognition.
What do you think about the recommendations we gave?
Who would you like to see representing Albania, Italy, Malta, and San Marino in the future?
Get back to us next time, where we will discuss additional countries.
