United Kingdom - Michaèl Rice - Bigger Than Us

Digital release image

26 - 11 pts (not in semi)
The U.K. selection Eurovision: You Decide was held on February 8. Michaèl Rice won with the song Bigger Than Us written by Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik and Jonas Thander

The song was released as a digital single on March 8, along with a karaoke version

There were 6 artists but only three songs in the U.K. final. The other version of Bigger Than Us was performed by Holly Tandy.
You can listen to the songs here.

The two 7th Heaven mixes have finally been officially released on Eurovision day, May 18.

So far two songs from Eurovision: You Decide got an official digital release:
Sweet lies - Kerrie-Anne
Freaks - Jordan Clarke

Charts
Michaèl didn't make it to the British charts but they liked him in Scotland:
Scottish singles top 100 (OCC): 72, 94, 35, -

Remix DRI

Versions
Bigger Than Us
Bigger Than Us - karaoke
- both digital releases
Bigger Than Us - 7th Heaven club remix (5:50)
Bigger Than Us - 7th Heaven radio edit (3:30)
- digital releases
The 7th Heaven video edit can be found here (video only)

Links and sources
United Kingdom 2018 has the links to all British entries from 2009 to 2018.
BBC Eurovision pages
Michaèl Rice FB
Thanks to Thom.

Malta - Michela Pace - Chameleon

14 - 107 pts / 8 - 157 pts in semi 2

1st Digital release image

Malta has chosen their singer through talent show X-factor. The winner is Michela Pace and her song is Chameleon written by Borislav Milanov, Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, and Johan Alkanas.

Milanov has a few successful Eurovision entries in his portfolio, Check this years Azerbaijani entry for more details.
Persson worked with Milanov on Bulgaria's entries of 2016, 2017 and 2018 and Austria 2018.
He also co-wrote Autumn Leaves for Daniel Kajmakoski in 2015.

The single was released on April 3 (Search your digital stores without the surname Pace)
A promo cds is issued. It's a 1-track in card sleeve.

promo

Watch and listen here

2nd DRI, Now with added shouting!

New Chameleon

I noticed that Chameleon was re-released digitally on May 15, now by Universal rather than the original Spinnup label. I first dismissed as just a re-release but after careful investigation by yours truly I spotted a difference compared to the original released (and 2CD) version.

At 0:59, 1:05, 1:48 and 1:53 there seems to be a bloke shouting who wasn’t available for the original recording. So ladies, gentlemen and anoraks, we have a new version.

Charts
Scottish singles top 100 (OCC): 86, -

Versions
Chameleon - original version (Spinnup label)
- digital release, Tel Aviv 2CD, promo
Chameleon - alternate new version (Universal)
- digital release
Chameleon - karaoke
- official karaoke album (digital)

Pichture from Michela's facebook

Links and sources
Malta 2018 has the links to all Maltese entries from 2009 to 2018.
Michela Pace FB, Instagram
Thanks to Nigel!

Lithuania - Jurijus - Run With The Lions

Digital release image

11 - 93 pts in semi 2
Jurijus Veklenko is the winner of the Eurovizijos Dainų Konkurso Nacionalinė Atranka 2019 en represented Lithuania in Tel Aviv. The song is titled Run With The Lions.
The song is written by Ashley Hicklin, Eric Lumiere and Pele Loriano.
Listen here  to the original version (Jurijus Youtube)
The Eurovision version was released on April 1.

A promo cds is issued. It's a cd-r with the Eurovision version, karaoke version and the remix (see versions)

The remix by Leon Somov was released on May 3.

On the official Tel Aviv 2CD and karaoke album he is listed as Jurij Veklenko.

Album Mano Sapnuose.

Mano Sapnuose
On May 13 Juju's album Mano Sapnuose (In my dreams) was released.
So far I've only seen the digital version. It includes Run With The Lions and the Leon Somov remix.
You'll find the album under the name Jurijus.

The Lithuanian preselection had 7 rounds to find a Eurovision entry.

The final was on February 23.

Listen to the songs of the Lithuanian competition here (LRT Youtube playlist, also includes cover performances and some other clips)

Songwriters
Ashley Hicklin is a renowned songwriter who has several National Final songs in his portfolio. He also wrote the lyrics to the 2014 Belgian entry Mother.
He also wrote for Tom Dice, Waylon, Linus Svenning, Elaiza, Mélovin, Mylene Farmer and Tiesto among others.

Remix DRI

Pele Loriano co-wrote the 2010 Swiss entry Il Pleut De l'Or.

Versions
Run With The Lions
- digital release, Tel Aviv 2CD, promo
Run With The Lions - Leon Somov remix
- digital release, promo
Run With The Lions - original version
- at LRT and Jurijus Youtube
Run With The Lions - karaoke
- on the official karaoke album, promo

Pic from Jurijus Facebook

Links and sources

Lithuania 2018 has links to all Lithuanian entries from 2009 on.
LRT Eurovision pages

Jurijus FB

Israel - Kobi Marimi - Home

23 - 35 pts / not in semi 
Tel Avivian Kobi Marimi (קובי מרימי) took the Eurovision stage for the home contest.
The song is titled Home and is written by Ohad Shargai and Inbar Weitzman.

The song was revealed on March 10 (here).
The digital single was released on March 12.
A remix by DJ PM, Tomas Maizner and Tomer G. was released on April 19.
On May 12 a new version was released. It's the Eurovision version a.k.a. Stage version.
(the official 2CD has the original version)

No physical release or promo was issued.

Picture from Kobi Marimi's facebook

Israel selected Kobi Marimi for Tel Aviv through reality show / singing competition HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star, הַכּוֹכָב הַבָּא). A song will be found for the winner of the competition.

Netta gave Israel their fourth victory, 20 years after their last one and 40 years after their first.
Although we have not forgiven the people at Netta's headquarters for not giving us a cdsingle or any physical release, we clucking love Netta.

Remix DRI

Versions
Home - Stage version (Eurovision version)
- digital release
Home - first version
- Tel Aviv 2CD
Home - official remix
Home - karaoke
- digital releases

Links and sources
Israel 2018 has links to all Israeli entries from 2009 on.

The Next Star website (in Hebrew)
Kobi Marimi FB, Insta

Georgia - Oto Nemsadze - Keep On Going (Sul Ts'in Iare)

promo dvd

14 - 62 pts in semi 1
Oto Nemsadze (ოთო ნემსაძე) is the winner of the Georgian selection and he represented Georgia with the song Sul Ts'in Iare (სულ წინ იარე, Go ahead now or Now go on).
The song is written by Roman Giorgadze.
The title for Eurovision is Keep On Going, but it remains in Georgian.
The studio version was released on March 29.

Despite the stunning visuals Europe wasn't having it and Oto stranded in the first semi.

The promo made for Tel Aviv is a DVD with a videoclip (no audio track).
(1 TV GE, no numbers)

Oto tried to get to Eurovision before: In 2017 he jopined the group Limbo and entered the Georgian National Final with Dear God which ended 10th in a field of 25 songs.

The entry for Georgia was selected through the Idols format. Four singers were left in the comptition and each performed a potential Eurovision entry.

Digital release image

Oto won the ticket to Tel Aviv and also the complete Idold competition.

Sul Ts'in Iare was also performed by Giorgi Nakashidze (გიორგი ნაკაშიძე) (You can watch that version here).

You can watch the live performance here at Georgian Idols Youtube.

Versions
Keep On Going (sung in Georgian)
- digital release, Tel Aviv 2CD
Keep On Going - karaoke
- digital on the official karaoke album

Picture from 1TV.ge - Idols

Links and sources
Georgia 2018 has links to all Georgian entries from 2009 on.
1tv.ge Eurovision pages
Oto Nemsadze FB
Special thanks to Frank and to Şenol!

7th Heaven remixes get their own page

7th Heaven are Jon Dixon & Andy Wetson. They started out as a DJ/Remix/Producer team in 2006. The list of stars they mixed is endless, so I’ll name just a few of my faves: Agnetha Fältskog, David Bowie, The Ting Tings, Frankmusik, Scissor Sisters, Kelis, Cher, Sugababes, Cascada, Lady Gaga, Emeli Sandé and on and on…

And then they have mixed a load of our favorite Eurovision tunes, some are unreleased (Why?) but can sometimes be spotted on the net.

Here's a list of them with links to their "Collection" pages.
Below that is a Spotify playlist of the ones available there (one mix listed per entry though)

They have remixed the following Eurovision entries 
2022 U.K. - SPACE MAN - Sam Ryder

2019 Sweden - Too late for love - John Lundvik

2019 U.K. - Bigger than us - Michaèl Rice
2019 Australia - Zero gravity - Kate Miller-Heidke
2018 U.K. - Storm - SuRie
2018 Australia - #We got love - Jessica Mauboy
2017 U.K. - Never give up on you - Lucie Jones

2017 Australia - Don't come easy - Isaiah
2017 France - Requiem - Alma
2017 Switzerland - Apollo - Timebelle
2017 Denmark - Where I am - Anja Nissen
2017 Cyprus - Gravity - Hovig
2016 Australia - Sound of silence - Dami Im

2016 Latvia - Heartbeat - Justs Sirmais

2016 Ireland - Sunlight - Nicky Byrne

2015 Sweden - Heroes - Måns Zelmerlöw

2012 Sweden - Euphoria - Loreen

2012 Switzerland - Unbreakable - Sinplus

2010 Iceland - Je ne sais quoi - Hera Björk

2010 Norway - My heart is yours - Didrik Solli-Tangen (7H)

2009 Georgia - We don't wanna put in - Stephane & 3G (Withdrawn entry)


7th Heaven remix and production Website and Facebook
Thanks to Rick!

Austria - Pænda - Limits

17 - 21 pts in semi 2
ORF announced Pænda (Gabriela Horn) as the singer for Austria in Tel Aviv.
The song, Limits, is included on Pænda's new album Evolution II. Out on April 26 on CD and digital.

first Digital release image

Before you check out Evolution II I recommend you also give the excellent Evolution I a listen.
It's available through all your streamers and digital stores. Also on CD.

Remix DRI

The video was revealed on March 8, it's here.
The single version is out now (since March 8).
The Eurovision edit was released on April 12.
A remix was released on April 19.
Finland's 2019 entrant Darude also remixed Limits, listen at Darude's Youtube. This was released on May 24 through your usual digital sources.

A promo kit with cdsingle is issued.
The cds has the original single/album version.
The cds comes in a slimline case with an outside sleeve. Also has a booklet with info a some stickers.
(Wohnzimmer records WOHN 085)

Pærude or Darenda, the remix

Versions
Limits - Eurovision edit
- on the official Tel Aviv album (CD/digital)
Limits - single/album version
- digital release, CD Evolution II, promo
Limits - Remix
- digital release
Limits - Darude remix
- video, digital release
Limits - Eurovision karaoke
- on the official karaoke album (digital)

Paenda's promo Tel Aviv (Pic from ORF)

Evolution II, out on April 26

Links and sources
Austria 2018 has links to all Austrian entries from 2009 on.
Pænda Website, FB, Insta 

Dare To Dream: The Tel Aviv Handbook is here...

The Handbook For Tel Aviv

It’s here, OGAE have published the 2019 ESCzine, the must have companion to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The 168 page book comes is a nice glossy cover and is generously illustrated with pictures of the artists and other lovely snapshots.

You'll find backgrounds on all the artists and their songs and in a new approach there is a lot of trivia and interesting point-related statistics in each country’s section.

This book will last way beyond this year’s Eurovision High Season and I heartily recommend it to all you Tel Aviv Collection readers out there (and anyone else).

If you want to find out about all the artists of the Tel Aviv contest, this is only book you need.

And it looks lovely on your coffee table or office desk.

The foreword is by Jon Ola Sand.

Special thanks to Ivor Lyttle.

Eurovision World Facebook

Contact your local OGAE club: List of OGAE National Fan Clubs.
Now available at BeaRecords

1956-2018 - The Eurovision Collectors Guide

The Tel Aviv Collection is in full swing, but maybe you want to find out about the other 63 contests first.
Check out our facebook for more details on the 10th* edition of the Eurovision Collectors Guide.
If you like what you see, you can download the whole thing (Updated!) as a PDF file here at ESC History
And give us a Like if you have one to spare....

Sample page

* Actually the new one is #11, but I don't count the #0 edition that only had 10 copies made.

The first 9 Eurovision Collectors Guides

Belgium - Eliot Vassamillet - Wake Up

Digital release image

13 - 70 pts in semi 1
Belgium was represented in Tel Aviv by Eliot Vassamillet, chosen by the Wallonian broadcaster RTBF.
He's a discovery from The Voice Belgique and his song is written by Pierre Dumoulin.

Sadly Eliot didn't wake Europe up and he got stuck in the first semi.

The song is titled Wake Up and was leaked and released on Spotify ahead of the official reveal.
Dumoulin also gave us City Lights by Blanche which ended 4th in Kyiv in 2017. City Lights was probably the biggest Eurovision hit of the year.

An acoustic version was released on May 3.

A promo cds includes the Eurovision and acoustic versions. (Sony)

promo

Versions
Wake Up
- Tel Aviv 2CD, promo
Wake Up - acoustic
- digital release, promo
Wake Up - karaoke
- digital releases, karaoke on the official karaoke album

Charts
Belgian top 50 Flanders: 40, -, re-entry in ESC week: 37, 35, -
Belgian top 50 Wallonia: 44, 42, 42, 37, 36, 34, 35, 37, 27, 41, -
Wake Up entered the Wallonian charts two weeks later than the Flemish charts

Picture from Eurovision.tv

Links and sources
Belgium 2018 has the links to all Belgian entries from 2009 to 2018.
Eliot Vassamillet FB Insta

Portugal - Conan Osíris - Telemóveis

15 - 51 pts in semi 1
Conan Osíris is the winner of the 2019 Festival da Canção with the self penned song/musical piece Telemóveis (Mobile phones).
Sadly Conan and his ballerino João Reis Moreira didn't manage to convince Europe to steer away from their Telemóveises and they stranded in semi 1.

promo

Telemóveis is available on the 2019 Festival da Canção CD and also released as a digital single.
A promo for Tel Aviv is made (see comments). It includes the Eurovision and instrumental (karaoke) versions)

2nd DRI

Last years hosts selected their entry through the 53rd Festival da Canção. Semi finals were held on February 16 and 23. The final was on March 2.
You can listen to the 16 competing songs through FdC's Youtube.

A CD release of the 2019 Festival da Canção is out since Februari 25 but the album was released through digital sources earlier.
It features all songs from the competition.




Conan Osíris
Our Conan (born Tiago Miranda) has been at it for a while. He has released two EP's and two albums (all digital only).
You can listen to all at his Soundcloud and you will be surprised.

Single DRI

His most recent album is Adoro Bolos from 2017.

Versions
Telemóveis
- CD Festival da Canção 2019, Tel Aviv 2CD, promo
Telemóveis - karaoke
- digital on the official karaoke album, promo

Charts
Portugal top 100: 56, 49, 10, 14, 29, 55, 90, -

Links and sources
Portugal 2018 has the links to all Portuguese entries from 2009 to 2018.

RTP's FdC pages
Conan Osíris Soundcloud has some more of his work, Insta
Special thanks to RTP.