2019 Country Profiles

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Eurovision Obsession Presents: ESC 2019 Country Profiles

Malta Competing Broadcaster: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Debut: 1971 Best Finish: 2nd place (2002, 2005) Number of Entries: 30 Worst Finish: Last (1971, 1972, 2006) A Brief History: Despite its tiny size and lack of success, Malta is one of the ESC’s most fervent countries. Additionally, an ESC legend, Chiara, hails from Malta; coming in 3rd in her first attempt, 2nd in her second, and bringing Malta to the Final in 2009 after two missed qualifications. Malta returned to the Top Ten in 2013 with pediatrician Gianluca Bezzina. Song Title: Chameleon Performing Artist: Michaela [Michaela Pace] Composer(s): Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov, Johan Alkenäs Lyricist(s): Joacim Perrson, Paula Winger, Borislav Milanov, Johan Alkenäs About the Performing Artist: Michaela, who was born in Malta, grew up competing in talent shows in Lithuania and attended the Ultimate Artist Development Program in London. Michaela rose to fame by winning X- Factor and, with it, the right to represent Malta at ESC this year. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 11 Grand Final, Song Number 01 Albania Competing Broadcaster: Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSh) Debut: 2004 Best Finish: 4th place (2012) Number of Entries: 16 Worst Finish: 17th place (2008, 2009, 2015) A Brief History: Albania has had moderate success in the Contest, qualifying for the Final more often than not, but ultimately not placing well. Albania achieved its highest ever placing, 4th, in Baku. Song Title: Ktheju Tokës [Return to Your Land] Performing Artist: Jonida Maliqi Composer(s): Eriona Rushiti Lyricist(s): Eriona Rushiti About the Performing Artist: Jonida Maliqi was discovered at the age of five at her music school. She's a singer, musical actress, presentersocial media influencer, television host, and fashion model; well-known throughout Albania. Maliqi is also an advocate for Down syndrome and Semi-Final 2, Song Number 14 Grand Final, Song Number 02

Copyright 2019 Eurovision Obsession Artists' names and information comes from Eurovision.tv *Number of entries includes 2019 **Best and worst finishes only includes Grand Finals Eurovision Obsession Presents: ESC 2019 Country Profiles

Czechia Competing Broadcaster: Česká Televize (ČT) Debut: 2007 Best Finish: 6th Place (2018) Number of Entries: 8 Worst Finish: 25th Place (2016) A Brief History: After several attempts and a short break, Czechia finally qualified for its first Grand Final in 2016 with I Stand . Last year, not only did Czechia get its second qualification, but its first-ever Top Ten finish. Song Title: Friend of a Friend Performing Artist: Lake Malawi [Albert Černý, Jeroným Šubrt, Antonín Hrabal] Composer(s): Jan Steinsdoerfer, Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec, Albert Černý Lyricist(s): Jan Steinsdoerfer, Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec, Albert Černý About the Performing Artist: Founded in 2014 by lead singer Černý, Lake Malawi gets name from a Bon Iver song. Lake Malawi has become well- known for being a primary openning act for major artists who come through Prague. They released their first full album, Surrounded by Light , in 2017. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 06 Grand Final, Song Number 03 Germany Competing Broadcaster: Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) Debut: 1956 Best Finish: 1st place (1982, 2010) Number of Entries: 64 Worst Finish: Last (64, 65, 74, 95, 05, 15, 16) A Brief History: Germany is the only country to take part in every single Contest; however, it has only won twice. Though, it has three second-places, five third-places, and 16 other Top Ten finishes. Germany’s missing of the final in 1996 inspired the adoption of the Big Four (now Big Five) rule giving the countries with five largest tv audiences automatic qualification. Song Title: Sister Performing Artist: S!sters [Carlotta Truman and Laurita Kästel] Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Tom Oehler, Marine Kaltenbacher, Thomas Stengaard Lyricist(s): Laurell Barker, Tom Oehler, Marine Kaltenbacher, Thomas Stengaard About the Performing Artist: S!sters is a duo formed for Eurovision. Truman rose to fame at the age of 9, when she was a finalist on Das Supertalent (2008), then was awarded Rock and Pop Prize for Best Singer in Germany (2011), and then was runner-up on the The Voice Kids in 2014. Kästel won Kiddy Contest at age of 10 (2002) and finished 4th on Star Search . She went on to be a backing singer on The Voice and has begun a songwriting career. Voting in Semi-Final 2 Grand Final, Song Number 04

Russia Competing Broadcaster: Russia-1 Debut: 1994 Best Finish: 1st place (2008) Number of Entries: 23 Worst Finish: 17th place (1995) A Brief History: Russia is one of the most successful countries in the Contest, only failing to qualify twice, 1996 and 2018, and finishing in the Top Ten 12 times, including one win, four 2nd places, and three 3rd places. Song Title: Scream Performing Artist: Sergey Lazarev Composer(s): Philip Kirkorov, Dimitris Kontopoulos Lyricist(s): Sharon Vaughn, Dimitris Kontopoulos About the Performing Artist: After great success in the group Smash!!, Lazarev began his solo career in 2004. He has won various music awards and has many top selling albums - not to mention 3rd place at ESC 2016. He is an accomplished voice actor and owns a small business making pet food. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 13 Grand Final, Song Number 05 Denmark Competing Broadcaster: Dansk Radio (DR) Debut: 1957 Best Finish: 1st place (1963, 2000, 2013) Number of Entries: 48 Worst Finish: Last (2002) A Brief History: The first Danish victory was wrapped in controversy and is the reason why votes are counted prior to their announcement. It's second win was one of the victors with the lowest betting odds. Song Title: Love is Forever Performing Artist: Leonora [Leonora Colmer Jepsen] Composer(s): Lise Cabble, Melanie Wehbe, Emil Lei Lyricist(s): Lise Cabble, Melanie Wehbe, Emil Lei About the Performing Artist: In addition to being a singer and songwriter, Leonora was a national champion junior figure skater. She continues her connection to the ice by training, coaching, and choreographing for many figure skaters. Love is Forever is Leonora's first-ever single. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 07 Grand Final, Song Number 06

San Marino Competing Broadcaster: Radiotelevisione della Repubblica di San Marino (SMRTV) Debut: 2008 Best Finish: 24th place (2014) Number of Entries: 10 Worst Finish: 24th place (2014) A Brief History: San Marino has only qualified for the Final once, on Valentina Monetta's third (consecutive) attempt in 2014 with the song Maybe . This year marks the return of Serhat, the representative from 2016. Song Title: Say Na Na Na Performing Artist: Serhat [Ahmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu] Composer(s): Serhat Lyricist(s): Serhat, Mary Susan Applegate About the Performing Artist: Serhat, this year's oldest lead performer at 54, is a singer, actor, producer, and tv host. He hosted and produced Riziko (Turkish Jeopardy!). He is most known for his high energy songs, including his 2016 entry I Didn't Know , which had remixes that charted in various countries, including the US. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 17 Grand Final, Song Number 07 North Macedonia Competing Broadcaster: Makedonska Radio Televizija (MKRT) Debut: 1998 Best Finish: 12th place (2006) Number of Entries: 18 Worst Finish: 19th place (1998, 2002) A Brief History: North Macedonia has a history of being just short of qualifying for the Final; twice it has fallen one place short. It's biggest successes remain 12th place in 2006 and 13th place in 2012. Song Title: Proud Performing Artist: Tamara Todevska Composer(s): Robert Bilbilov, Lazar Cvetkoski, Darko Dimitrov Lyricist(s): Kosta Petrov, Sanja Popovska About the Performing Artist: The child of a music professor and opera singer, Todevska has been a critical and popular success since releasing her debut album in 2005. She represented NMak at ESC is 2008 and backed-up her older sister in 2014. She returns with a song dedicated to two her kids. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 17 Grand Final, Song Number 08

Sweden Competing Broadcaster: Sveriges Television (STV) 1st place (1974, 1983, 1991, 1999, Debut: 1958 Best Finish: 2012, 2015) Number of Entries: 59 Worst Finish: Last (1963, 1977) A Brief History: Sweden is known for many things, not the least of which being ABBA (1974); Waterloo remains one of the most popular ESC songs ever. Sweden is the only country to win after a tie (1991) and has the highest rated national selection: Melodifestevalen . It has missed only two Finals, 1976 (sat out in fear of winning and having to host) and 2010. Sweden sits second overall with six wins. Song Title: Too Late for Love Performing Artist: John Lundvik Composer(s): John Lundvik, Anderz Wrehov, Andreas Stone Johansson AboutLyricist(s): the Performing Artist:John Lundvik, Lundvikfirst Anderz gained Wrehov, fame Andreasin 2010 when Stone he Johansson wrote the song for the Swedish royal wedding. He's composed songs for tv, sports, and movies, in Europe and the US. He started singing in 2016 when he performed the song for Team Sweden of the Olympics. He also cowrote the song for the UK this year. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 08 Grand Final, Song Number 09 Slovenia Competing Broadcaster: Radiotelevizijia Slovenija (RTV SLO) Debut: 1993 Best Finish: 7th place (1995, 2001) Number of Entries: 25 Worst Finish: 3rd Last (1993, 2003) A Brief History: Slovenia has had few notable entries to the Contest, neither winning nor coming in last in the Final. Slovenia’s most popular entry remains 2001’s Energy . Many heads turned in 2002 when three of Slovenia’s top drag queens performed Samo Ljubezen , becoming the first drag act at the Contest. Song Title: Sebi [Oneself] Performing Artist: Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl Composer(s): Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl Lyricist(s): Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl About the Performing Artist: After working on solo careers, Kralj and Šantl met via Instagram, when a friend showed Kralj's videos to Šantl. The two immediately hit it off and their first single Valovi became a hit and won best new song at the major Slovenian music festival Zlata Piščal in 2017. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 05 Grand Final, Song Number 10

Cyprus Competing Broadcaster: Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Debut: 1981 Best Finish: 2nd (2018) Number of Entries: 36 Worst Finish: Last (1986) A Brief History: Cyprus has had moderate success, finishing in the Top Ten ten times including reaching a new high, second place, last year. Cyprus holds the record for most entries without a victory, hitting 36 this year. Song Title: Replay Performing Artist: Tamta [Tamta Goduadze] Composer(s): Alex Papaconstantinou, Teddy Sky, Viktor Svensson, Albin Nedler, KristofferFogelmark Lyricist(s): Alex Papaconstantinou, Teddy Sky, Viktor Svensson, Albin Nedler, KristofferFogelmark About the Performing Artist: Tamta's career started with being runner-up on Super Idol Greece (2004); since she's released four albums and 26 music videos as well as starred in major theatre productions. In addition to fashion modeling, she has served as a judge on X-Factor in Greece and Georgia. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 01 Grand Final, Song Number 11 The Netherlands Competing Broadcaster: AVROTROS Debut: 1956 Best Finish: 1st place (1957, 1959, 1975) Number of Entries: 59 Worst Finish: Last (1958, 1962, 1963, 1968) A Brief History: The Dutch broke their curse in 2013, qualifying for the Final for the first time since 2004 and finishing in the Top Ten for the first time since 1998 with Anouk's Birds . They followed this with a second place in 2014, their best finish since winning in 1975. Song Title: Arcade Performing Artist: Duncan Laurence [Duncan de Moor] Composer(s): Duncan Laurence, Joel Sjöö, Wouter Hardy Lyricist(s): Duncan Laurence, Joel Sjöö, Wouter Hardy About the Performing Artist: Laurence grew up using music to cope with being bullied and began writing songs as a child. After graduating from the Rock Academy, he went on to be a semi-finalist on The Voice of Holland in 2014. Since, he's been writing music for pop singers. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 16 Grand Final, Song Number 12

Greece Competing Broadcaster: Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) Debut: 1974 Best Finish: 1st place (2005) Number of Entries: 39 Worst Finish: 3rd Last (1985, 1990) A Brief History: Until coming 17th in 2012, Greece was the only country to reach the Top Ten every year in the Semi-Final Era (since 2004). Greece has since had difficulty, reaching the Top Ten only once since last doing so in 2011. Song Title: Better Love Performing Artist: Katerine Duska Composer(s): Katerine Duska, Leon of Athens, David Sneddon, Phil Cook Lyricist(s): Katerine Duska, David Sneddon About the Performing Artist: Born in Canada, Duska eventually moved to Greece and started her music career. Her debut album, Embodiment , was released in 2016 to great acclaim. Her single Fire Away has been featured on Canadian television. Duska has performed in top venues around the world. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 16 Grand Final, Song Number 13 Israel Competing Broadcaster: KAN: Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Debut: 1973 Best Finish: 1st place (1978, 1979, 1998, 2018) Number of Entries: 43 Worst Finish: 2nd Last (1986, 1993, 2006) A Brief History: Israel has competed every year since joining the ESC, except once. In 1980, Israel became the first (and only) winner not to defend its title; the country withdrew after the EBU set the date for the 1980 Contest to fall on the Israeli Day of Remembrance. Israel was also the first country to win with televoting in 1998. Song Title: Home Performing Artist: Kobi Marimi Composer(s): Inbar Wizman, Ohad Shragai Lyricist(s): Inbar Wizman, Ohad Shragai About the Performing Artist: Marimi studied theatrical acting in high school and at a well-known acting studio working towards a career on the stage. During his three years at the studio, Marimi lost 110 lbs (50kg) and became an acclaimed stage actor, winning a "Promise of the Year" award. Voting in Semi-Final 1 Grand Final, Song Number 14

Norway Competing Broadcaster: Norsk Rikskringkasting (NRK) Debut: 1960 Best Finish: 1st place (1985, 1995, 2009) Last (63, 69, 74, 76, 78, 81, 90, Number of Entries: 56 Worst Finish: 97, 01, 04, 12) A Brief History: While Norway has three of the Contest’s most popular winners and holds the record for the highest point total, it also holds the records for most last place finishes (11) as well as for most “null points.” Song Title: Spirit in the Sky Performing Artist: KEiiNO [Fred Buljo, Alexandra Rotan, Tom Hugo] Composer(s): Tom Hugo, Henrik Tala, Fred Buljo, Rüdiger Schramm Lyricist(s): Alexander Olsson, Tom Hugo, Fred Buljo, Alexandra Rotan About the Performing Artist: KEiiNO is a supergroup formed specially for Eurovision this year. Buljo rose to prominence as one-half of the rap group Dulova Duottar on Noway's Got Talent and is one of the mainstays of the Sami music scene. Rotan was a semi-finalist on Norwegian Idol and has since toured as a backing singer for Alan Walker. Hugo is primarily a songwriter, having written hits for quite a few Kpop bands. The group is excited to bring forward a song that highlights Sami spiritual traditions. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 15 Grand Final, Song Number 15 United Kingdom Competing Broadcaster: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Debut: 1957 Best Finish: 1st place (67, 69, 78, 82, 98) Number of Entries: 62 Worst Finish: Last (2003, 2008, 2010) A Brief History: The UK, while tied for third in the wins column, stands above the rest when it comes to total success: five wins, 14 second-places, three third-places, and 14 other Top Ten finishes. Song Title: Bigger than Us Performing Artist: Michael Rice Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik, Jonas Thander Lyricist(s): Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik, Jonas Thander About the Performing Artist: Rice, who is only 21, still lives at home with his family. Growing up, he worked at the local McDonalds. When he was seven, he made it to the boot camp round on X-Factor . Last year, he stormed to victory on the new show All Together Now . Voting in Semi-Final 2 Grand Final, Song Number 16

Iceland Competing Broadcaster: Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) Debut: 1986 Best Finish: 2nd place (1999, 2009) Number of Entries: 32 Worst Finish: Last (1989, 2001) A Brief History: Of the five Nordic countries, Iceland has the fewest participations and is the only one that has yet to win. Iceland’s 2009 second place finish garnered the most points of any Icelandic entry. Song Title: Hatrið mun Sigra [Hatred with Prevail] Performing Artist: Hatari [Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan, Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, Einar Hrafn Stefánsson] Composer(s): Hatari Lyricist(s): Hatari About the Performing Artist: Founded in 2015, Hatari is a self-proclaimed anti-capitalist, BDSM, techno-dystopian, performance collective. The group aims to raise nihilistic awareness through ironic and direct means in the hopes of toppling capitalism. Nikulásson Hannigan and Haraldsson are Semi-Final 1, Song Number 13 Grand Final, Song Number 17 Estonia Competing Broadcaster: Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) Debut: 1994 Best Finish: 1st place (2001) Number of Entries: 24 Worst Finish: 2nd last (1994, 2011) A Brief History: Estonia is notorious for having, what many deem to be, the worst winning song in ESC history (a title they compete with Latvia for). Other than 2001, Estonia has five other Top Ten finishes. Song Title: Storm Performing Artist: Victor Crone [Victor Fritz-Crone] Composer(s): Stig Rästa, Vallo Kikas, Victor Crone, Sebastian Lestapier Lyricist(s): Stig Rästa, Victor Crone, Fred Krieger About the Performing Artist: Crone credits his grandparents, who were musicians, with inspiring his love of music. By 14, he was writing his own songs and at 18, he moved to the US to work with major songwriters in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 14 Grand Final, Song Number 18

Belarus Competing Broadcaster: National State Television & Radio Company (BTRC) Debut: 2004 Best Finish: 6th place (2007) Number of Entries: 14 Worst Finish: 2nd last (2010) A Brief History: Belarus has had limited success, qualifying for the Final four times, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2014. This marks the first year that the country will send an entry in its national language. Song Title: Like it Performing Artist: ZENA [Zinaida Alexandrovna Kupriyanovich] Composer(s): Yuliya Kireyeva Lyricist(s): Yuliya Kireyeva, Victor Drobysh About the Performing Artist: At 16, ZENA is this year's youngest artist. But she is one of the most accomplished, having won various music festivals and voicing the Russian-language version of Moana . She co-hosted Junior Eurovision 2018 and boasts tens of thousands of social media followers. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 08 Grand Final, Song Number 19 Azerbaijan Competing Broadcaster: İctimai Televiziya (ITV) Debut: 2008 Best Finish: 1st place (2011) Number of Entries: 12 Worst Finish: 17th place (2014, 2016) A Brief History: Azerbaijan took home the victory in 2011 and has six Top Ten finishes; however, the "Land of Fire" has failed to reached the Top Ten since being the runner-up in 2013. Song Title: Truth Performing Artist: Chingiz [Chingiz Mustafayev] Composer(s): Borislav Milanov, Trey Campbell, Bo J, Pablo Dinero, Hostess, Chingiz Lyricist(s): Borislav Milanov, Trey Campbell, Bo J, Hostess About the Performing Artist: Chingiz spent his childhood in a small town in Azerbaijan, where he learned guitar and began writing his own songs. As a teen, his family moved to Baku where he won Pop Idol and began his rise to fame. He spends his time meditating, hiking, and with his dog. Semi-Final 2, Song Number 18 Grand Final, Song Number 20

France Competing Broadcaster: France 3 Debut: 1956 Best Finish: 1st place (58, 60, 62, 69, 77) Number of Entries: 60 Worst Finish: Last (2014) A Brief History: France has only missed two Contests to date. France is at the center of both ties that have occurred in ESC, both of which would have resulted in a lone French victory under current rules (1969 was a four-way tie; in 1991 Sweden was awarded the win under the old tie-break rules). Despite its long history, it has finished last only once. Song Title: Le Roi [The King] Performing Artist: Bilal Hassani Composer(s): Emilie Satt, Jean-Karl Lucas Lyricist(s): Emilie Satt, Jean-Karl Lucas About the Performing Artist: A social media influencer and vlogger, Hassani was recently named one of the most influential LGBT+ folks in France by Tetu magazine. In 2015, he made it to the battle rounds on The Voice Kids and graduated from high school in 2017 with a focus on Voting in Semi-Final 1 Grand Final, Song Number 21 Italy Competing Broadcaster: Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) Debut: 1956 Best Finish: 1st place (1964, 1990) Number of Entries: 45 Worst Finish: Last (1966) A Brief History: After a 13 year gap, Italy returned to the Contest in 2011 and brought home second place. Despite its absence, Italy remains one of the most successful ESC countries, with 28 Top Ten finishes. Song Title: Soldi [Money] Performing Artist: Mahmood [Alessandro Mahmoud] Composer(s): Dardust, Mahmood, Charlie Charles Lyricist(s): Dardust, Mahmood About the Performing Artist: Mahmood graduated from university with a music degree after an unsuccessful attempt at success on X-Factor . He went on to write songs with various Italian artists. In 2018, he released his first EP and went on to earn a spot at the famed San Remo Festival, which he Voting in Semi-Final 2 Grand Final, Song Number 22

Serbia Competing Broadcaster: Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) Debut: 2007 Best Finish: 1st place (2007) Number of Entries: 12 Worst Finish: 18th place (2016) A Brief History: Serbia won the Contest with its debut as an independent nation in 2007 with the song Molitva . Since then, Serbia has three Top Ten finishes and has qualified seven out of ten times. Song Title: Kruna [Crown] Performing Artist: Nevena Božović Composer(s): Nevena Božović, Darko Dimitrov Lyricist(s): Nevena Božović About the Performing Artist: Božović has devoted her life to music, studying piano, attending a Music Academy for high school, and started university this year in vocal performance. Božović has competed and placed in various music festivals, including Junior ESC in 2007 and at ESC in 2013. Semi-Final 1, Song Number 09 Grand Final, Song Number 23 Switzerland Competing Broadcaster: The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SSR SRG) Debut: 1956 Best Finish: 1st place (1956, 1987) Number of Entries: 58 Worst Finish: Last (1964, 1967, 1974, 1998, 2011) A Brief History: The Swiss started off with a bang, winning the first Contest, held on home soil in Lugano. They returned to the winner’s circle in 1987 on the back of a rising star from Canada: Céline Dion. Since 2004, CH has only been in four Finals. Song Title: She Got Me Performing Artist: Luca Hänni Composer(s): Laurell Barker, Mac Frazer, Luca Hänni, Jon Hällgren, Lukas Hällgren Lyricist(s): Laurell Barker, Mac Frazer, Luca Hänni, Jon Hällgren, Lukas Hällgren About the Performing Artist: In 2012 at age 17, Hänni was the youngest and first non-German to win German Idol . He has great success thus far, and is also a model, fashion designer, magazine publisher, and trained bricklayer. In 2017, he started dancing - winning the German Dance Dance Dance and hopes to go on Ninja Warrior . Semi-Final 2, Song Number 04 Grand Final, Song Number 24

Australia Competing Broadcaster: Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Debut: 2015 Best Finish: 2nd place (2016) Number of Entries: 5 Worst Finish: 20th place (2018) A Brief History: Australia made its debut in 2015 as a special guest marking the Contest's 60th Anniversary and over 30 years of SBS broadcasting ESC. It has since been one of the most successful countries, qualifying each year and earning 3 Top Ten finishes. Song Title: Zero Gravity Performing Artist: Kate Miller-Heidke Composer(s): Kate Miller-Heidke, Keir Nuttall, Julian Hamilton Lyricist(s): Kate Miller-Heidke, Keir Nuttall About the Performing Artist: Multi-platinum, award-winning artist, songwriter, composer Miller-Heidke holds a masters in vocal performance and has performed on stages around the world. She composed her first opera in 2015, an adpatation of the children's book The Rabbits . Semi-Final 1, Song Number 12 Grand Final, Song Number 25 Spain Competing Broadcaster: Televisión Española (TVE) Debut: 1961 Best Finish: 1st place (1968, 1969) Number of Entries: 59 Worst Finish: Last (1962, 1965, 1983, 1999) A Brief History: Spain debuted while Franco still ruled the country and was trying to gain acceptance in of Europe. It wasn’t until the contentious victory of 1968 that it came into its own, scoring 22 Top Ten finishes (incl. a second victory) since. Song Title: La Venda [The Blindfold] Performing Artist: Miki [Miguel Núñez Pozo] Composer(s): Adrià Salas Lyricist(s): Adrià Salas About the Performing Artist: Growing up in Catalonia, Miki cites the array of cultural influences present as impacting his musical development. Miki left his university program in elementary education to pursue singing. Last year, he placed sixth on Operación Trifuno from which he launched his career. Voting in Semi-Final 1 Grand Final, Song Number 26