Who is Croatia’s Eurovision Song Contest 2017 entry? Jacques Houdek to perform My Friend in the FINAL
CROATIA has chosen Jacques Houdek to represent them at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
He will compete in the final tonight (May 13) - but what is his background, how was he chosen and what is Jacques singing?
Who is Jacques Houdek?
Jacques was born in the Croatian capital Zagreb and studied music in America as well as in France, Greece and Italy.
The 35-year-old began singing professionally in 2002 and has tried to become Croatia's Eurovision entry several times.
He has released 13 albums in his home country and his biggest hit is Stotinama Godina.
In 2011, he entered the British version of the X Factor and was put through to bootcamp by the then judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa.
But his work permit did not come in time to take part in bootcamp and he had to leave the contest.
On his return to Croatia though, he landed a spot as a coach on the Croatian version of The Voice.
And in his first series on the panel, he mentored his act Nina Kraljić, to victory.
How was Jacques chosen to represent Croatia?
Unlike most countries, Croatia did not hold a public vote to chose their act for Eurovision.
Instead, the decision fell to the country's national broadcaster HRT, who plumped for Jacques, who is also known as Mr Voice.
Immediately after he was picked, Jacques expressed his joy at being chosen to sing for Croatia.
He said: "I am extremely happy and thank Croatian Radio and Television for the trust they have shown.
"Being a representative of Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest is a big honour for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity".
What song is Jacques performing and who wrote it?
During the final of Eurovision, Jacques will be performing the song My Friend.
The song is about togetherness and friendship and is sung in both English and Croatian.
Croatian national broadcaster launched a social media campaign called #beMyfriend to promote the song.
What are the lyrics to My Friend?
“There are only two ways to live your life
One is as though nothing is a miracle
The other is as though everything is a miracle”
There’s a miracle, my friend, and it happens every day
Hold out your hand, don’t let it slip away
Io so che esiste, guarda meglio su
Ritorna ogni giorno promettendo sempre più
After the rain nasce il sole
I pray you’ll see the light and find your way
La forza del destino che è in te
Do your best, take a chance, dare to dream and make it real
Segui la verità, via della libertà
My friend, my friend
Don’t let go, let it flow
Credi nel miracolo
For the miracle that I’m talking of
Is the life that we’re given
La vita vincerà
I pray you’ll see the light and find your way (I pray, I pray)
La forza del destino che è in te
Do your best, take a chance, dare to dream and make it real
Segui la verità, via della libertà
My friend, my friend
My friend, my friend
My friend
What are the odds on Jacques winning?
At the time of writing, SunBets list the odds of Croatia winning at 66/1.
But it's still all to play for.
For the latest odds, check out the .
What are the lyrics to My Friend?
There are only two ways to live your life
One is as though nothing is a miracle
The other is as though everything is a miracle
There’s a miracle, my friend, and it happens every day
Hold out your hand, don’t let it slip away
Io so che esiste, guarda meglio su
Ritorna ogni giorno promettendo sempre più
After the rain nasce il sole
I pray you’ll see the light and find your way
La forza del destino che è in te
Do your best, take a chance, dare to dream and make it real
Segui la verità, via della libertà
My friend, my friend
Don’t let go, let it flow
Credi nel miracolo
For the miracle that I’m talking of
Is the life that we’re given
La vita vincerà
I pray you’ll see the light and find your way (I pray, I pray)
La forza del destino che è in te
Do your best, take a chance, dare to dream and make it real
Segui la verità, via della libertà
My friend, my friend
My friend, my friend
My friend
How many times has Croatia won the Eurovision Song Contest?
Croatia first entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 but has yet to win the singing spectacular.
Their best place finishes were in 1996 and 1999 when they came fourth both times.
Between 2010 and 2013 they failed to qualify for the grand final and did not even enter the competition in 2014 and 2015.
They returned to Eurovision last year with their contestant Nina Kraljić coming 23rd with the song Lighthouse.
When and where is the Eurovision Song Contest 2017?
The final of Eurovision 2017 is taking place tonight (May 13).
It will be shown on BBC One at 8pm, and will be broadcast live from the International Exhibition Centre in Ukraine’s capital Kiev.
The reigning champion Jamala will be in attendance on the night to hand over the honour to this year’s winner performers.
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