Meet the representative of OGAE DENMARK

NAME	Maria Luisa
FAN CLUB	OGAE  Denmark
SONG	Främling (ESC 1983)
SOCIAL MEDIA

Why did you choose this song, what does it mean to you?

I will be singing ”Främling” in the FANvision contest, because I simply adore Carola Häggkvist. I love that she is SUCH a D I V A, and that her facelifts are as enormous as her wind machines. I love all the songs she has participated with: ”Fängad av en stormvind” from 1991, and ”invincible” from 2006, but ”Främling” from 1983 is just my favourite Eurovision song EVER. Carola is a great singer, and it is kind of nerve wracking singing one of her songs

What did you feel when you were nominated by your Fanclub to represent at FANvision?

When I got the news that I would be representing Denmark, I felt disbelief, and started laughing. I called my ten year old daughter, told her, and she replied:” Not, YOU, Mum?” A bit embarrassed I guess.

Are you excited about coming to Hamburg?

I am SO excited to visit Hamburg again. I have been in Hamburg twice before, and I love the energy of the city. I am very impressed about how dog-friendly the city is. You see dogs in almost every restaurant, which is not common in my country. I am a dog-person, so I just love that about Hamburg.

What are your personal interests?

I am very much into animal rights. I especially love dogs. I have been a volunteer at dog shelters in Greece, and cat shelters in Denmark. My motto is ”Adopt, don’t shop”.

What is your personal connection to the Eurovision Song Contest? Maybe you want to share your first Eurovision memory with us?

From a very early age I watched the Eurovision Song Contest with my mum, and I remember that I always fell asleep before the results. I used to sing all the songs from the Danish contests at the playground, and I remember, that I had a huge crush on Louis from Herreys.

Is FANvision the biggest stage/ audience so far for you, what are your musical experiences, and what are your plans for the future?

When I was younger I used to be in Musicals, and I have also been a member of a girlband.

What do you do apart from being a Eurovision Fan?

My plans for the future involve adopting a stray dog, parenting him and my daughter, spending time with friends and family and working at the office. I don’t have much time for singing, unfortunately, since I am a hard working mum.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song of all time?

My favourite Eurovision song of all time is ”Främling” from 1983, and runner up is ”Diggi-loo diggi-ley” from 1984

Meet the Head of Delegation of Denmark

NAME	Christian Tyskov
CLUB	OGAE  Denmark
FUNCTION IN THE CLUB	Member
SOCIAL MEDIA

How did your club find your representative?

Our OGAE club did choose the winner from acts sent in.

Does your club bring a lot of supporters for your act?

I hope many will exploit the nearby location, just to the south of Denmark to sent support to Maria.

What do you wish for your contestant?

That she will have a good time, she will never forget, and that she again will shine with the song, that I btw. think is one of the best Swedish entries in Eurovision.

Your club is in the race for winning FANvision, what’s outstanding about your club?

We are very social, and are welcomning everybody. That's why we are a mixture of different people, in all ages and preferences, joining the Eurovision / Melodi Grand Grand Prix feeling in club events and of course at the official Grand Prix / Eurovision events - since 1989.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song of all time?

That is always the tricky question. Among the "oldies" I have for many years favoured Poupée de Cire, Poupée de son (1965) and L'amour est bleu (1967). But more recently I also favor the three different songs from Cyprus 2016, Iceland 2019 and France 2024, that all touch me, when I'm listen to them.

What do you appreciate in particular in a performance in FANvision ? What would you want to see on stage and what might convince you to give a high vote?

I want to get emotional touched. I want to see a special performance by a beautiful song. I want to be engaged into the act, and I want to see a participant that show, that the act do mean a lot for the participant.

Meet the representative of OGAE ISRAEL

Meet the Head of Delegation
of OGAE Israel:

NAME	Nir Harel
CLUB	OGAE ISRAEL

How did your club find your representative?
We all know Arel from our Karaoke-parties and from last year's competition. We support him and we trust him.

Does your club bring a lot of supporters for your act?
Unfortunately, I don't think that members will come this year.

What do you wish for your contestant?
We wish him all the best and we are confident that he will slay the stage. 

Your club is in the race for winning FANvision, what’s outstanding about your club?
We are a warm and welcoming club in a warm country. We will all welcome you all and hope for quiet times to come.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song of all time?
Hallelujah

What do you appreciate in particular in a performance in FANvision ? What would you want to see on stage and what might convince you to give a high vote?
An effort to see that people are trying their best. And, well, good vocals.

Meet the representative of OGAE LUXEMBURG

Meet Mara, the representative of OGAE Luxembourg in FANvision 2024.

Mara will be the first participant ever from Luxembourg at FANvision. The talented singer already made it to the Top 50 of Luxembourg's preselection this year and was then selected by OGAE Luxembourg to represent the fan club in Hamburg.

Mara has Bulgarian roots and thus chose a Bulgarian entry for her participation at FANvision: “If Love Was a Crime“ by Poli Genova, a successful 4th place for Bulgaria in 2016.

Why did you choose this song, what does it mean to you?

I chose "If Love Was a Crime" by Poli Genova to represent Luxembourg in the FANvision Song Contest because this song holds a special place in my heart. As someone who is half Bulgarian and half Luxembourger, with my mother being from Bulgaria, I've always had a strong connection to Bulgarian culture and music. Bulgaria's remarkable success in Eurovision, particularly from 2016 to 2021, has been a significant source of pride and inspiration for me.

"If Love Was a Crime" is more than just a song; it embodies the spirit of love and defiance. The lyrics speak about the power of love and how it transcends boundaries and societal norms. Poli Genova's message is clear: love is a universal force that should never be confined or judged. The chorus, "If love was a crime, then we would be criminals," resonates deeply with me, emphasizing that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for.

For me, this song is an anthem of resilience and hope. It reminds me to embrace my true self and stand up for what I believe in, even in the face of adversity. Representing Luxembourg with this song allows me to honour my Bulgarian heritage and share a message of love and unity with a broader audience.

What did you feel when you were nominated by your fan club to represent the club at FANvision?

When I was nominated by my Fanclub to represent Luxembourg at FANvision, I felt an overwhelming sense of honour and excitement. It’s a dream come true, especially knowing that I will be representing Luxembourg alongside TALI, who brought Luxembourg back to the Eurovision stage after 31 years. There truly is no better moment than this! 

Having Mirko as my mentor and friend since 2016 has been incredibly meaningful. Our bond was solidified through our participation in the Eurovision Gala Night 2016 organized by OGAE Luxembourg. That event was foundational in our connection, laying the groundwork for many wonderful experiences in the Eurovision community.

Being chosen for this role is not just an opportunity to showcase a song I deeply love, but also a chance to celebrate my personal journey and connections within the Eurovision family. The support from my Fanclub and the cherished relationships I've built over the years have made this nomination an unforgettable milestone in my Eurovision journey.

Are you excited about coming to Hamburg?  Have you ever been in Hamburg/Germany? What do you wish for your stay in Hamburg?

I am incredibly excited about coming to Hamburg for the FANvision Song Contest! It's a city I've always wanted to visit, and the prospect of finally experiencing its renowned musicals is thrilling. Meeting so many Eurovision fans in one place is another highlight. It's quite challenging to find fellow Eurovision enthusiasts, especially in Luxembourg, given our recent return to the contest.

Hamburg has so much to offer, and I can't wait to explore its vibrant culture and attractions. This trip is not just about the contest; it's also about making meaningful connections with other fans and participants. These connections are invaluable, particularly as I plan to participate again in the Preselection Round for Luxembourg in Eurovision 2025.

Being in Hamburg feels like a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the Eurovision community, share my passion for the contest, and create lasting memories. I'm looking forward to every moment of this experience and the chance to represent Luxembourg on such a significant platform.

What are your personal interests?

My personal interests are quite diverse, and I'm always excited to share and discuss them with others. Naturally, Eurovision is a significant passion of mine, and I love talking about past contests, memorable performances, and future predictions.

I draw a lot of inspiration from Eurovision, not just as a fan but also as a musician. I've been singing since an early age, and this passion has helped me connect with musicians and discover songs from all around Europe. I love composing music and discussing different aspects of music production and songwriting.

In addition to my musical pursuits, I am hardworking and have a master's degree in financial management. I approach my music with the same dedication and discipline that I apply to my professional life. This blend of finance and music gives me a unique perspective on both fields.

Given my plans to participate again in the Preselection Round for Luxembourg in Eurovision 2025, I'm very interested in discussing the creative processes behind staging a performance. From production to songwriting, I'm eager to share insights and learn from others' experiences.

I am a big fan of music in general, and I enjoy exploring various genres and discovering new artists. Attending live concerts and musicals is something I relish, and I'm particularly excited about experiencing the musicals in Hamburg. I also have a keen interest in travel and exploring new cultures, which ties in perfectly with my love for Eurovision's international community.

What’s your connection to the Eurovision Song Contest? Maybe you want to share your first Eurovision memory with us?

My connection to Eurovision runs deep, rooted in my love for music and the powerful messages of resilience and talent it showcases. Eurovision has always inspired me with its diverse musical styles and storytelling.

My first Eurovision memory is from 2008 when I watched Russia's captivating performance. Since then, I've eagerly followed the contest each year. My passion grew stronger in 2016 with Bulgaria's remarkable return, deepening my involvement in the Eurovision community.

One of my closest connections to Eurovision was being in the Top 50 for the Preselection of Luxembourg Song Contest 2024. The experience and six months of preparation gave me goosebumps. I will never have Eurovision depression because, for me, after Eurovision is always before Eurovision.

I've always admired Luxembourg's past successes and Sweden's iconic win with ABBA in 1974, highlighting the contest's lasting impact. When Luxembourg announced its return, I was overwhelmed with joy, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Eurovision means more than just a music contest; it symbolizes unity, cultural exchange, and artistic celebration. I am honoured to share my love for Eurovision and my personal journey with fans and participants in Hamburg.

Is FANvision the biggest stage/ audience so far for you, what are your musical experiences, and what are your plans for the future?

FANvision will be my biggest stage if the audience exceeds 900 people, surpassing my performances in school talent shows at Luxembourg public schools and the Conservatory of the City of Luxembourg. My most significant event so far has been the Eurovision Gala Night 2016, which had over 600 participants. Another notable achievement was reaching the Top 50 out of more than 300 contestants in the Preselection Round for Eurovision Luxembourg, where I performed in front of five professional experts from Eurovision, including Cesar Sampson (Austria participant 2018) and Tali Eshkoli (Eurovision Producer 2019 and Miss Universe).

My musical journey includes participation in Voice art and social organization events with various Luxembourgish artists. I've performed at events, Christmas markets, and other public venues, all in an effort to establish myself within the Luxembourg music scene. My goal is to become well-known in Luxembourg and build a solid foundation for my music career.

My future plans include focusing on music and preparing for future participation in Eurovision, while connecting with music experts, composers, and singers. I aim to find a stable job in Finance or Administration that allows me leisure time for my music and to make a positive impact on society. As for the rest, I believe the future will reveal itself in due time.

What do you do in your life apart from being a Eurovision fan?

Apart from being a Eurovision fan, I'm a student at the Luxembourg School of Business, working on my master’s in financial management and finishing my thesis. I'm also juggling an internship in Audit and Procurement in a Big Four Company. With any luck, I'll finish in July and be ready to dive into whatever exciting opportunities Luxembourg has to offer.

When I'm not buried in books or balancing spreadsheets, I love hanging out with friends and family. I'm also passionate about singing and composing my own songs. And, of course, I love taking vacations whenever I can scrape together the time and money—because let's face it, Luxembourg's weather could use a little Eurovision-style makeover.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song of all time?

As a singer, my favourite Eurovision song is "Beautiful Mess" by Kristian Kostov from 2017. Imagine being just 17 and delivering a performance that leaves everyone speechless—Kristian did just that. The song is a beautiful blend of contemporary sounds with a sprinkle of Bulgarian magic, and its lyrics about life’s messy yet beautiful journey really hit home. Plus, he snagged second place, proving he’s got talent in spades.

But let’s not forget "Fighter" by TALI, our very own Luxembourgish entry. Choosing between these two is like choosing between chocolate and more chocolate—both are amazing and oh-so-catchy. "Fighter" is all about determination and strength, which resonates deeply with me. Together, these songs showcase the incredible talent and diversity Eurovision is all about.

Meet the Head of Delegation
of OGAE Luxembourg:

Stephane is not just a close friend to Mara but her biggest mentor and fan, accompanying her to all her performances. This makes him the perfect Head of the Luxembourgish delegation. He is relatively new to the Eurovision scene, but he has been a fan of Mara's singing career for many years. While he wasn't part of the Eurovision Gala Night, he's been watching Eurovision with Mara for a few years now, soaking in all the glitz and glamour. He's thrilled to take on the honour of being Head of Delegation. Think of him as a Eurovision newbie with a VIP pass to the inner circle, ready to bring his enthusiasm and support to the stage!

Stephane Mota Fernandes

NAME	Stephane Mota Fernandes
CLUB	OGAE  Luxembourg
FUNCTION IN THE CLUB	Head of Delegation
SOCIAL MEDIA	#ogaeluxembourg

How did your club find your representative?

Our representative, Mara, has been involved in the Eurovision community for years. She participated in the Eurovision Gala Night in 2016 and has always been a dedicated member of OGAE Luxembourg as a singer. Her interest in Eurovision increased after she participated in the preselection round for Luxembourg's Eurovision Song Contest entry. With Luxembourg's recent return to the contest, our interest and excitement grew as well. Through a referral, we decided she was the perfect choice. Having known Mara for many years, I can confidently say she is passionate about her music, incredibly talented, and deserving of this opportunity.

Does your club bring a lot of supporters for your act?

This is our first time participating in FANvision, so we are thrilled to gain as much visibility as possible. We have a small but enthusiastic community of Eurovision fans in Luxembourg, and our friends are excited to support Mara.

What do you wish for your contestant?

We wish Mara the best of luck and a successful performance. Her hard work and dedication should be rewarded, and we hope this experience opens up great opportunities for her, especially in her future Eurovision applications.

Your club is in the race for winning FANvision, what’s outstanding about your club?

Luxembourg may be a small country, but we've had a significant impact with five Eurovision wins. Our return to the contest after three decades shows that we were always here, ready to rock the stage. Luxembourg is a fantastic place to visit, having hosted Eurovision four times. It's a multicultural and multilingual country, and although the weather isn't always great, we offer free public transport! If we win and host the next FANvision Song Contest, we will provide an unforgettable Eurovision Weekend for international fans. Luxembourg's visibility in the media will ensure that our efforts go beyond borders. We've hosted events like the Eurovision Gala Night and the Luxembourg Song Contest, inviting amazing artists such as Vicky Leandros, Loreen, Alexander Rybak, Dana International, and Conchita Wurst. Our network with Eurovision legends is extensive, and we are deeply invested in this project.

What's your favorite Eurovision song of all time?

My favourite Eurovision song of all time is "Mon amour" by Slimane. It has a lot of feeling, is incredibly original, and Slimane is a very talented singer.

What do you appreciate in particular in a performance in FANvision? What would you want to see on stage and what might convince you to give a high vote?

In FANvision performances, I appreciate great choreography and strong dancers. I look for the WOW effect—something unforgettable. A strong voice and a singer who performs as if it's their last and only moment on stage really stand out to me.

Meet the representatives of OGAE SWITZERLAND

Meet The Suganas, the representatives of OGAE Switzerland in FANvision 2024.

The Suganas are our next act for FANvision and they will bring girl power to Hamburg. The three members of the group are Nicole, Nina and Stéphie, an energetic trio.

OGAE Switzerland has again made an open call to their members to represent their club in Hamburg, received numerous suggestions – and chose “The Suganas” as their hopefuls for making it a Double for Switzerland this year.

They will sing “Hey Mamma“ by Sunstroke Project (Moldova 2017).

Why did you choose this song, what does it mean to you?

Each of us chose some songs separately, and "Hey Mamma" was on all three lists. Hey Mamma is just a happy song and it's pure joy to sing it. Every Eurovision fan knows it and no one is able to keep their feet clam when this song is playing. And TBA All three of us are hoping for a win of Moldova  at Eurovision soon... we need a reason to visit Moldova

What did you feel when you were nominated by your fan club to represent the club at FANvision?

I think all of us felt so honored when we get the nomination because for us as huge Eurovison fans it's something special to be a part of this event as well.

Are you excited about coming to Hamburg?  Have you ever been in Hamburg/Germany? What do you wish for your stay in Hamburg?

We can't wait to visit Hamburg. It's such a beautiful city and of course we're looking forward to meet all the other contestants from all over europe.

What are your personal interests?

Nina: - Theatre and Acting - Foodie

Stéphie: - Travelling and explore new cultures and meet new people - music in general - doesn't matter if it's Eurovision or concerts in my hometown - Singing, dancing and living in these moments

Nicole: - Concerts and events as long everyone has a good time - Trash-TV and good food to relax - Skiing / Swimming

What’s your connection to the Eurovision Song Contest? Maybe you want to share your first Eurovision memory with us?

Nina: As I was born in former Yugoslavia and my first memories of Eurovision were shortly after the war, it was always beautiful to watch war-torn countries come together through music. One of the first songs I remember was Diva by Dana international and Maria Magdalena by Doris (Croatia 1999)

Stéphie: My first Eurovision was the one in Athen 2006 when Lordi won the trophy. I'll never forget how my sister and I sat in front of the TV with our dad and we couldn't believe what we saw. From that moment I was fascinated by the variety of music and the happiness of all these people who were coming together for one reason.

Nicole: Guildo hat euch lieb is the first song I remember (1998) but since 2003 I never missed Eurovision (at least in front of the television) since Turin i've been live on site and to witness Nemo's win live next to the stage with so many Swiss/Nemo fans was the most beautiful moment off my life so far.

Is FANvision the biggest stage/ audience so far for you, what are your musical experiences, and what are your plans for the future?

Nina: I have studied acting and also performed in theaters. However, musically it will be my biggest audience in Hamburg as I have never sung in front of a big audience.

Stéphie: Fanvision will be my first experience on a stage. So everything will be new and a big adventure.

Nicole: 0 experience, so yes, it will be the biggest stage and audience, and it probably will be a once in a lifetime moment.

What do you do in your life apart from being a Eurovision fan?

Nina: Auditioning for film projects whilst working in banking.

Stéphie:I love cooking and baking. I'm interested in every sort of animals so it's also a part of my job. During hockey season i'm a huge supporter of a national league team called SC Rapperswil-Jona.

Nicole: I work for a car company, love ice- hockey (SCRJ) and carneval and enjoying to spent time with friends

Meet the Swiss
Head of Delegation:

Meet Bastien, Head of Delegation of OGAE Switzerland:

Bastien is a member of the Eurovision Weekend crowd since his first appearance as Jury-Spokesperson for his home fan club OGAE France in Stuttgart in 2021.

He was so enthusiastic, that he became part of the international team and being Zurich-based, was nominated as HoD by OGAE Switzerland in their annual club meeting in October 2022.

For 2023 he organised a very remarkable preselection with applications from all over Europe and beyond, this year again OGAE Switzerland made a call to its members and out of numerous applications, the club chose their representatives.

OGAE Switzerland is also the only club, who already has announced the preselection for FANvision 2025…so will they host it in their own country, with Eurovision being the “general rehearsal” for hosting the Eurovision Weekend as well next year?

NAME	Bastien Venturi
CLUB	OGAE  Switzerland
FUNCTION IN THE CLUB	Head of Delegation since 2023 for OGAE Switzerland (while 2021 HoD for OGAE France)
SOCIAL MEDIA

How did your club find your representative?

This year we wanted to select our candidate internally, unlike last year when we asked our members to vote. We received applications from several countries, as well as internal ones for the very 1st time. We would like to thank all those who showed interest.

Does your club bring a lot of supporters for your act?

We have of course been advertising the event through our internal channels, and hope that many of our members will travel to Hamburg despite the summer vacations. What's more, the fact that 3 of our members will be representing our club in Germany is definitely an added incentive.

What do you wish for your contestant?

I wish them above all a lot of fun at the event and with the other candidates. To simply enjoy themselves and do it for the fun of it.

Your club is in the race for winning FANvision, what’s outstanding about your club?

I wouldn't presume to say that our club stands out from the rest. We go there mainly to have fun, with 3 very cool and friendly girls who go there to enjoy the event

What's your favorite Eurovision song of all time?

I have a few favs like Spain 2012, Moldova 2021, Israel 2023, etc. but my ultimate favorite ESC song of all remains Cyprus 2012 (La la love).

What do you appreciate in particular in a performance in FANvision? What would you want to see on stage and what might convince you to give a high vote?

As with Eurovision, it's all about the whole package. The song presented will give a few points, especially if it's obviously a song I like. The difficulty of the song chosen will also make me want to give points to the candidate concerned. The candidate's connection with the audience and his/her or their likeability and the originality of the performance will also be important factors for me. Finally, the quality and power of the voice will naturally earn the candidate a significant number of points as it is after all a song contest. May the best win!