It’s been a while since we’ve done a music roundup, and the holiday season seems like a perfect time to get one more in before the new year hits. This year the Eurovision channel uploaded a montage of holiday wishes from past Eurovision artists all across Europe. Many of these artists you will recognize, as 5 2021 artists appear in the video, although according to the EBU Lesley Roy won’t actually be representing Ireland until 20211 (a wonderful typo).
However, we decided this festive video was simply not enough. For this round up we will focus on all of the holiday releases and concerts that have been posted this month so that YOU can celebrate the holidays with your favorite Eurovision artists past and present. Let the festivities begin!
Céline Dion – Switzerland 1988
Although it is not a NEW upload per say, Céline has uploaded her “These are Special Times” album from 1998 in full on YouTube – complete with a yule log loop as a video. This album makes for perfect background music for your Christmas Day festivities, whether you are with family or just by yourself, as nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like Céline Dion and Christmas carols.
Paula Seling – Romania 2010 and 2014
Paula uploaded a 40 minute home concert from her living room right next to the tree where she sings some of her favorite holiday carols. As always, Paula elected to perform each song on her piano, topped with her beautiful and unique Soprano range. While they are not the first songs that come to mind when you think about the holidays, Paula picked out her favorite songs to bring some holiday cheer from her home to yours.
Victoria Georgieva – Bulgaria 2020, 2021
A few days ago, Bulgaria’s up-and-coming artist Victoria uploaded her 38 minutes Christmas concert – from the back of a van. Singing a litany of familiar Christmas songs that many will love, Victoria puts her personal touch on each one with her beautiful voice. The only thing that was missing was a yule log burning in the background!
Stig Rästa – Estonia 2015
A Christmas song completely in Estonian has never sounded so pretty – and now you can enjoy it too! This song – “Christmas with You” was written completely by Stig himself, and is a familiar sound to fans of his work. The music video serves as a lyric visualizer which may help you sing along.
Dami Im – Australia 2016
Sat at her piano, the Eurovision 2016 runner-up offers up a peaceful cover of the classic “The Christmas Song”. Her performance will not only help you feel the holiday joy, but make you feel at home no matter where you are located for the season. Also in true Dami Im fashion, the performance features numerous intricate vocal runs and long notes.
Daði Freyr – Iceland 2020, 2021
Daði has been having a wonderful Quarantine experience writing music and learning how to edit videos, as shown by this Christmas release. Although he doesn’t make any appearances in the video, his lips and eyes are present in every frame – and at times it’s slightly disturbing what he’s put together. Either way it’s a wonderful song with his unique instrumentals sprinkled throughout the track.
Hovig – Cyprus 2017
This year for Christmas, Hovig chose to cover the 1984 Queen classic “Thank God It’s Christmas” in an acoustic setting. In the description of the video Hovig admitted that singing a Freddie Mercury song was not easy – but he certainly did the song justice. He also promises that next year we will get an original Christmas song from him and hopefully more than just that!
Lea Sirk – Slovenia 2018
Lea has treated us to a jazzy cover of one of the most popular Christmas songs, which has been recorded by artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Judy Garland, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, and more. Her performance not only features her vocal control and a smooth piano track, but also features our second yule log in the background!
Ulrikke Brandstorp – Norway 2020
Two nights ago Ulrikke and Ben performed their new song “Spend Christmas with Me” for the very first time live on Norway’s TV2. The song comes off of her Christmas album of the same name which is out right now wherever you purchase music. The song could potentially be a new Christmas hit all across Europe and Australia!
NAVIBAND – Belarus 2017
NAVIBAND remains as one of the most beloved Eurovision couples to this day, and in the last years their music has been nothing short of fantastic. This year due to the pandemic they will be doing an at home Christmas Concert which starts at 7 PM CET on December 25th. In the description of the video you can also send them a small monetary gift of support.
Victor Crone – Estonia 2019
A beautiful new release from Victor Crone came out at the beginning of the month, and the track is one that Eurovision fans will likely enjoy. Not only does it feature a beautiful and visually stunning music video, but the track itself fits in perfectly with other modern Christmas songs. The sleigh bells in the background are also a wonderful touch!
Laura Rizzotto – Latvia 2018
Also covering the classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is Latvian-Brazilian artist and current Grammy voting member Laura Rizzotto. This video serves as her “virtual Christmas Card” this year, and showcases the tender and warming qualities of her voice. The video is also mentioned an upcoming release coming on January 8th so stay tuned Rizzotto fans!
And that’s all the releases we have as of today! We will update the article should anything come out tomorrow.
From all of us here at ESCUnited happy holidays to you and yours, and may you have a wonderful new year!
Merry Christmas from the ESC United team! – escYOUnited
December 25, 2020 at 13:55
[…] While you’re doing what you love and relaxing after a difficult year, why not check out our handy list of Eurovision-related holiday songs HERE? […]