Image: LTV
After 2022 saw record viewing figures for the contest, Latvia have again gone down the national final route in the search for their next Eurovision song, bringing back the Supernova format for another year. Ahead of this Saturday’s semi-final, we take a look at the acts vying to follow in the footsteps of Citi Zeni to take the Supernova crown and the ticket to Liverpool!
24. Avēnija – ‘You Said’
Starting out in August of 2022, the duo of 24. Avēnija consisting of Kārlis Grīnbergs and Ernests Vīgners make their Supernova debut this year. Described by the duo as a song that reflects the internet era and ease of which misinformation can spread, could the repetitive, catchy nature of ‘You Said’ work in the song’s favour in the competition?
Adriana Miglāne – ‘Like I Wanna’
A runner up in the inaugural season of the Latvian X Factor, and a finalist in the “Voices of Lithuania 2019”, Adriana brings her competitive experience to this year’s Supernova. Describing her song on “Rīta Panorāma” as one written with the aim of inspiring people, could she be the one to take the Supernova crown this year?
Alise Haijima – ‘Tricky’
Another finalist of the first series of the Latvian X Factor and winner of multiple music competitions including “Nida Intercomm 2015” and “Klaipeda 2017”, Alise will take to the Supernova stage on Saturday with the song ‘Tricky‘. With a sound somewhat reminiscent of past Supernova champion Samanta Tina, Alise will be hoping to replicate her previous competitive success on the Supernova stage.
Artūrs Hatti – ‘Love Vibes’
Artūrs Hatti has only been professionally singing for less than three years, despite being musically inclined since childhood. He makes his Supernova debut this year with the song ‘Love Vibes‘, written at the ‘Zvaigznāja’ music camp. Notable stars who have also worked with Zvaigznāja include previous Latvian representatives Triana Park.
Avéi – ‘Let Me Go’
Another past X Factor Latvia contestant, Avéi brings her song ‘Let Me Go‘ to the Supernova stage this Saturday. Described as a song all about internal battles with yourself, she hopes to convey the message that it’s okay to take time for yourself in order to help you grow. Could the powerful message behind her song win over the Latvian public and secure her place at Eurovision?
Inspo – ‘Sway’
Making a return from last year’s competition, Inspo, made up of Nadīna Stirniniece and Aivars Lietaunieks bring the song ‘Sway‘ to Supernova. Over the last year, the duo have released an album, performed at many concerts, and even have collaborated with popular Latvian acts such as “Sub Scriptum” and Undīni Balodi – the cellist of the group “The Sound Poets“. Carrying the message that it’s okay to feel weak and ask for help, Inspo will be hoping that the Latvian public are able to get behind ‘Sway’ and help them take the Supernova trophy this year.
Justs – ‘Stranger’
Justs is no stranger to Supernova or to Eurovision, having won the selection with the song “Heartbeat” back in 2016, and finishing 15th in the grand final of Eurovision. Since then, he’s still been releasing music, and has studied music production at BIMM University in the UK. Returning to Supernova in 2023, could he repeat his winning ways with ‘Stranger’ and take Latvia back to the grand final of Eurovision again?
Katrine Miller – ‘Beaten Down’
A familiar face in Supernova, having competed in 2014, 2018 and 2019, Katrine will be hoping that as of one of only a few ballads in the competition, ‘Beaten Down‘ will stand out among this years songs. Born and raised in Sweden, could this be Katrine’s year to take Supernova glory?
Luīze – ‘You To Hold Me’
A recent graduate of the Ādažu School of Art and Music, Luīze makes her debut at Supernova with her first original song. A Eurovision fan since a young age, could she fulfil her dream and make it to the Eurovision stage with ‘You To Hold Me‘?
Markus Riva – ‘Forever’
Somewhat of a Supernova veteran, Markus Riva is back for another attempt at the coveted chance to represent Latvia at Eurovision. With multiple accolades to his name, the musician, tv presenter, DJ, actor and model will be hoping that this is his year to take the Supernova trophy with his entry ‘Forever‘.
Patrisha – ‘Hush’
No stranger to competition, after having competed in over 60 both within Latvia and abroad, Patrisha will be vying for the chance to claim the Supernova trophy with the song ‘Hush‘. The first Latvian artist to sign a deal with the acclaimed Universal Music Group, could she add the Supernova crown to her list of achievements and represent Latvia at Eurovision this year?
Raum – ‘Fake Love’
Another returnee to the competition, Raum brings the song ‘Fake Love‘ to the Supernova stage this Saturday in the hopes of securing a place in the final and a shot at the Supernova trophy. Not straying from his usual sound for the contest, ‘Fake Love’ is described as a song about toxic relationships and how difficult it can be to get rid of them.
Sudden Lights – ‘Aijā’
Runners up in Supernova 2018, Sudden Lights also return to the competition with the song ‘Aijā’. With lyrics in a mixture of both English and Latvian, ‘Aijā’, described as ‘a lullaby for a crazy world’, reflective of the group’s distinctive music style.
Toms Kalderauskis – ‘When It All Falls’
After competing in the 2017 and 2020 editions of the contest, Toms returns to Supernova with the song ‘When It All Falls‘. With multiple singles and various musical theatre roles under his belt, could his performance experience help him on the Supernova stage this weekend and earn him a place through to the final?
The running order of the semi-final has been confirmed as the following:
Artūrs Hatti
Alise Haijima
Inspo
Toms Kalderauskis
Katrine Miller
Justs
Adriana Miglāne
24. Avēnija
Markus Riva
Avéi
Patrisha
Raum
Luīze
Sudden Lights
The Supernova semi-final takes place this Saturday (4th February), with the grand final falling on the 11th February, both of which will be hosted by Ketija Šēnberga and Lauris Reiniks.
What do you think of this year’s Supernova line up? Are there any songs that you think could clinch the trophy in Liverpool and get Latvia their first win since 2002? Let us know what you think!
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