7 Eurovision contestants who were previously on TV talent shows
This year's Eurovision hopefuls are all previous X Factor contestants!
Now all we need is a good song...
Our minds have been blown by the news that all six of this year’s UK hopefuls are former X Factor stars. What are the chances?
However, it's really not unusual for TV talent show stars to go on to Eurovision fame - just take a look at these guys...
Joe and Jake
Joe & Jake (United Kingdom) - You're Not Alone
Written by: Schwartz, Justin J. Benson, S. Kanes
Before they won 62 points for the UK at Eurovision 2016, both competed individually on , with Jake making it to the Knockout round and Joe going all the way to live shows. Then they teamed up for Eurovision and the rest is history.
Electro Velvet
Electro Velvet - Still In Love With You (UK Eurovision entry 2015)
Live performance from Vienna in the Eurovision song contest 2015 grand final.
The UK’s 2015 Eurovision entry was duo , consisting of Alex Larke and Bianca Nicholas. But wait, doesn’t Bianca look familiar?
Bianca Nicholas' Blind Audition
Bianca Nicholas singing 鈥極ne鈥� by Mary J Blige in her Blind Audition.
She sure does, as she also auditioned for The Voice in 2014 – but got no turns. Sigh.
Andy Abraham
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He represented the UK at Eurovision in 2008, but many of you will also know as X Factor 2005’s runner-up, who lost out to .
Javine Hylton
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had some stiff competition – in the shape of one Katie Price – to represent the UK at Eurovision 2005, but she made it, with the ever-catchy Touch My Fire. Of course, Javine started her career on Popstars: The Rivals, but didn’t make it into the final line-up.
M氓ns Zelmerl枚w
Sweden: M氓ns Zelmerl枚w 'Heroes' - Winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2015
Live performance from Vienna in the Eurovision song contest 2015 grand final.
He won Eurovision for Sweden in 2015, but back in 2005 he appeared on the second season of Idol in his home country, placing fifth. Måns also won the first series of Let’s Dance, the Swedish version of , in 2006. He’s clearly a multi-talented guy.
Loreen
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Another former Idol Sweden contestant, competed in 2004, placing fourth. She then went on to win Eurovision 2012 for Sweden with her song Euphoria.
Ruth Lorenzo
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appeared on X Factor 2008 and placed fifth, before going on to represent her home country, Spain, at Eurovision 2014. Ruth came 10th with the song Dancing In The Rain, earning Spain a respectable 74 points.
Now let’s check out this year’s UK Eurovision hopefuls…
Nate Simpson
Nate Simpson - What Are We Made Of
Nate Simpson's Eurovision: You Decide Song
Nate was the most recent of the Eurovision hopefuls to appear on X Factor, making it to the Judges’ Houses stage of the show, before decided not to take him to the live finals. Bet Scherzy’s kicking herself now - though one of her boys did still win the show, so it’s not all bad news.
WATCH: Nate Simpson Q&A Video
Nate Simpson gives us the low-down on his musical influences
But, before Nate appeared on X Factor, Nate was part of and performed for us at Cheltenham Festival. His debut single, Steady, also gained airplay on the show.
Olivia Garcia
Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts
Olivia Garcia's Eurovision: You Decide Song
Olivia Garcia might not have made it to X Factor’s live finals in 2016, but she did get to go to Simon Cowell’s swanky Malibu pad and sing in front of two .
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Since the show, Olivia’s been in the studio working on new music and even released last year’s Great Ormond Street Chirstmas charity single, This Is My Wish.
Holly Brewer
Holly Brewer - I Wish I Loved You More
Holly Brewer's Eurovision: You Decide song
Stretch your mind back to 2015 and you might remember Holly Brewer, who was unfortunately cut before Bootcamp. She also sang at Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright’s wedding, if that rings any bells?
After the show, Holly went on to play Princess Jasmine in panto, and has supported and .
Danyl Johnson
Danyl Johnson - Light Up The World
Danyl Johnson's Eurovision: You Decide song
We mostly remember his amazing rendition of ’s Man In The Mirror (which you can watch below), before Danyl finished fourth in 2009’s X Factor, just behind , and .
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Speaking to OK! in 2016, former primary school teacher Danyl revealed he’s now a People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, saying, "Pretty much I give people money for a living - so it's not bad really.”
Salena Mastroianni
Salena Mastroianni - I Don't Wanna Fight
Salena Mastroianni's Eurovision: You Decide song
Salena auditioned for X Factor 2012, but didn’t make it past the initial rounds, despite a great performance of Lady Marmalade.
Since the show, she’s been in demand as a backing singer for the likes of , and .
Lucie Jones
Lucie Jones - Never Give Up On You
Lucie Jones's Eurovision: You Decide Song
Remember Lucie? She got knocked out by on the live shows back in 2009? Well, the Welsh wonder has gone on to a super successful musical theatre career.
Lucie is currently starring in Rent, but has also appeared in Ghost and played Elle Woods in Curve Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde.
