Welcome to our series of posts – “The Looker” where we will share our wish list of artists to participate in Eurovision.
You can easily reach all former posts here
This is the 4th 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 some countries select their artists by reality shows).
The previous chapters for this season can be found here:
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- France, Portugal, Spain
- Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
- Finland, Norway, Sweden
- Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands
- Australia, Ireland, The UK
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
- Cyprus, Greece, Israel
- Moldova, Poland, Ukraine
- Czechia, Denmark, Iceland
The 12th post will focus on 4 countries: Albania, Italy, Malta, San Marino
Previous Wishes: Xhesika Polo, Alban Ramosaj, Besa (wish granted!), Shkodra Elektronike, Marsela Cibukaj, Semi Jaupaj, Xhensila Myrtezaj
#1.Vesa Smolica
Vesa Smolica is a 33 year-old singer-songwriter who was born in Kosovo.
Over the years, she has participated in several music festivals and competitions: “Little Genius” (2006), “Kënët e Sekullit (2007)”, “The Voice Of Albania”.
In addition, she participated in several editions of “Top Fest” and “Kenga Magjike“.
She represented Kosovo and Albania in international contests like:
Winning the “New Music” festival (held in Bulgaria, 2017) and Winning the international prize in “Ohrid Festival” (held in 2022).
Vesa is an experienced performer who makes catchy ethnic pop – a genre that we all want to get from Albania in Eurovision.
In 2022, she released “A po gezohesh” (Eng: Are You Enjoying Yourself?)
In 2024, she releaed “M’ke dashtë” (Eng: You Love Me):
In 2024, she collabraoted with Landi Roko and Ervin Gonxhi on the song “1000 Arsye” (Eng: 1000 Reasons):
#2. Stanaj
Albert Stanaj (better known as Stanaj) is a 30 year-old Albanian-American singer-songwriter.
Over the years, he participated in different festivals in Albania, Europe and America.
At the of 18, he moved to Los Angeles to work on his musical work.
His debut single “Ain’t Love Strange?” peaked at number 2nd in the Albanian charts.
So far, he has released 2 Eps.
Stanaj will bring a fresh young western pop wind to the contest.
If he manages to combine it with some Albanian motives, the final outcome will be something we haven’t received from Albania for a long time.
In 2021, he released the song “Last Girlfriend“:
In 2023, he released “Stranger”:
In 2023, he released “Take You Down”:
Previous Wishes: Annalisa, Levante, Matteo Faustini, Gaudiano, Arisa, Angelina Mango (wish granted!), Silvia Cesana (Sissi)
#1. Anna Pepe
Anna Pepe (or just Anna) is a 21 year-old Italian hip-hop, pop ,trap and rap singer.
She started her way by publishing freestyle rap videos on social media.
In 2020, she signed a contract with Virgin Records.
Her debut single “Bando” reached number 1st in the Italian charts and remained there for 3 weeks.
With this, she became the youngest Italian artist to top the Italian charts.
In 2022, she relased her debut album “Lista 47″.
In 2024, she released her second album “Vera Baddie”.
Anna Pepe brings a sassy new-age of trap-pop combined with rap and hip-hop.
This is a genre that hasn’t been investigated enough at Eurovision, especially not by Italy.
She may take Italy in an unexpected new direction in Eurovision.
In 2022, she released the song “Gasolina“:
In 2024, she collaborated with Lazaa on the song “BBE“:
In 2024, she released “30°C“:
#2. Santi Francesi
Santi Francesi (in Italian: French Saints), also known as The Jabs, is an Italian musical duo consisting of Alessandro De Santis (vocals, guitar, ukelele) and Mario Lorenzo Francese (keyboard, synthesizer, bass guitar).
The duo formed in 2015. They released their debut single in 2016.
In 2017, they particiapted in the 16th season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi”.
In 2019, they released their debut album “Tutti manifesti” (Eng: All the manifests).
In 2021, they won “Fetival Musicultura”.
In 2022, they won the 6th season of “X-Factor Italy”.
Santi Francesi brings high-quality soft indie-pop music, served by the smokey voice of the lead singer. They keep on telling stories with every written word.
If Italy wants to bring a romantic song that will conquer the audience and the jury, Santi Francesi will be there.
In 2024, they took part in “Festival di Sanremo” and ended in 18th place. They performed “l’amore in bocca” (Eng: Love in The Mouth):
In 2023, they released “La Noia” (Eng: The Boredom):
In 2023, they released “occhi tristi” (Eng: Sad Eyes):
In 2024, they released “Tuta Vera” (Eng: All True):
Previous Wishes: Aidan, Maxine Pace, I Am Willow, Oxygyn, The New Victorians, Luke Chappell, Michela Galea
#1. Megan May
Magen started her career in 2020, when she participated in the 3rd season of “X-Factor Malta”, as part of the group FAITH.
In 2022, she went on to push her solo career, and has since released several songs.
She usually suggests soulful music with a heart-warming voice.
I believe she can be a great choice for Eurovision.
In 2021, he released the song “I Feel Free”:
In 2024, she released “Imqar għal-Lejla” (Eng: For The Night):
In 2024, she released “I Confess”:
#2. The Travellers
The Travellers is a Maltese pop band, that was formed in 2013. The band line-up includes:
- Chris Gatt (vocals)
- Andrew Vella (guitar & backing vocals)
- Clayton Bonello (bass guitar)
- Joseph Xerri (trumpet)
- Sylvano Mizzi (saxophone & keyboards)
- Michael Camilleri (drums)
They are all from the island of Gozo.
So far, the band has released 3 studio albums.
They create their music in the native Maltese language, and this is one of the reasons they can take Malta to a new adventure at Eurovision.
In 2023, they releaed the song “Simili” (Eng: Similar):
In 2023, they released the song “Jum Ġdid” (Eng: New Day):
In 2023, they collaborated with former Eurovision participant Ira Losco on the song “L-Imħabba Kelma Kbira Wisq” (Eng: Love is a too big word)
Previous Wishes: Irol, Samuele Bersani, Delayers, Sara Jane Ghiotti, Lo Strego, EEF (Early Ettringite Formation), Deborah Iurato
#1. DƏVA
DƏVA (real name: Claudia Zanecchia) is an Italian singer, songwriter, performer, producer, singing teacher and multi-instrumentalist.
Over the years, she participated in several competitions and festivals.
In 2024, she competed in “Una Voce Per San Marino”, where she reached the second chance round.
In 2024, she released the album “Ero stata” (Eng: I had been).
She takes inspiration from different music genres.
DƏVA is a great vocalist whose music conveys emotions and emphasizes the beauty of the Italian language.
In 2024, she relaesd “Pagine” (Eng: Pages):
In 2024, she released “ONIRONAUTI”:
In 2024, she released “Il mondo a chiave” (Eng: The World Under Key and Lock):
#2. Petit
Petit (real name: Salvatore Moccia) is a 19 year-old Italian-French singer.
He was born to a French mother and a Neapolitan father.
In 2024, he particiapated in the 23rd season of “Amici di Maria De Filippi”“, where he finished in the 3rd place in the final.
In 2024, he released his debut EP “Petit”.
Petit represents the younger generation of hip-hop and rap music.
His attitude helps him to engage the listeners, and by this he might be a very interesting choice for San Marino (or either Italy) for Eurovision.
In 2024, he releaased “GUAGLIÒ” (Eng: Boy):
In 2024, he releaased the song “Tornerai” (Eng: You’ll be Back):
In 2024, he relased the song “MAMMAMÌ”
