Brussels, 8 november 2022
Flemish broadcaster VRT have finally revealed the “Zalige Zeven” (Delightful Seven) that compete in the upcoming Belgian National Final, Eurosong 2022. (not to be confused with Ireland’s NF, which is also called Eurosong). Earlier we have reported on VRT’s hunger to win Eurovision proper this year. We now know which singers and songwriters Flanders have put their faith in to secure that first victory (Belgium’s only victory came courtesy of RTBF, the broadcaster for the French-speaking region of Wallonia)
As has been rumoured before, the line-up includes The Starlings, a singer-songwriter couple consisting of Tom Eeckhout (aka Tom Dice, 6th place in 2010, the highest scoring Flemish Eurovision act so far) and his wife Kato Callebaut (aka KATO, runner up of Idool 2008, pictured above) and Loredana, the singer of electrodance duo 2Fabiola who had previously taken part in 2014’s disastrous Eurosong with the bouncy party song “She’s after my piano”. Loredana recently re-entered the spotlight after her passage in last year’s Masked Singer BE, securing second place as The Knight.
Completing the Belgian line-up for their reportedly ambitious selection are five lesser known names. gala dragot (all in lowercase, yes), the winner of The Voice KIDS 2020 was another rumoured name now confirmed by VRT. Interestingly, the young musician, whose father Robert Aliaj is an established musician and artist in Albania, has a very prominent follower on Instagram: Pierre Dumoulin, the celebrated composer of “City Lights” (and of “Wake Up” but we don’t talk about that one)
Also taking part are MNM’s Rising Star Chérine, a two time The Voice alumnus (for Belgium and France), Hunter Falls (real name: Tchiah Ommar Abdulrahman) a Kurdish refugee turned Dance sensation, Gustaph (real name: Steph Caers) two-time backing vocalist and professional vocal coach whose solo work features both slower piano ballads AND bouncy dancepop and Ameerah (real name: Astrid Roelants) an artist mostly known for lending her voice to several EDM hits a few years ago. (She previously participated in Eurosong 2004 as “Astrid” with the song “Don’t stop the music”, finishing 7th in the finale).
On paper, a varied blend of music styles and talent. Let us hope the reality lives up to the potential.
Eurosong 2022 will be hosted by the ubiquitous Peter Van de Veire, who will also provide the Flemish commentary in Liverpool. It will take place in Brussels, at the Paleis 12 Arena on Saturday the 14th of January 2023.
Details about the songs have yet to surface. You can expect another report once we have more information. VRT’s release article (in Dutch) can be read here: https://www.vrt.be/nl/over-de-vrt/nieuws/2022/11/07/wie-gaat-voor-belgie-naar-het-eurovisiesongfestival
Do #YOU have an early favourite in Belgium’s selection? Who would #YOU like to see in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments, on social media, on our Discord or on our Forum!
