Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest
Belgium has competed in over 60 Eurovision Song Contest's since their debut at the inaugural edition in 1956. They won Eurovision back in 1986 with Sandra Kim's fun pop number 'J'aime la vie'. Belgium have qualified for the last two Eurovision Grand Finals. 'Miss You' by Jérémie Makiese finished in 19th place.
2023 Entry: Gustaph - 'Because Of You'
Gustaph will compete in the first half of semi-final 2
My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 9th out of 15 entries so far
Odds to win ranking: 35th
(Rankings as of 17 February 2023)
About the artist
Gustaph was born in the Flemish part of Belgium in Leuven on 5 July 1980. He has been obsessed with Eurovision from when he was a child.
Gustaph first began making music at the age of 13, and went on to signed his first record contract at 17 years old. The young talent studied at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, where he completed both bachelor and masters degrees.
The Belgian artist first released music under the name Steffen with his debut single 'Gonna Lose You' released in 2000.
This wont be Gustaph's first rodeo at Eurovision, he has been a backing vocalist at the Contest for Belgium in 2018 and in 2021.
About the song
'Because Of You' is written by Gustaph together with theatre producer and musician Jaouad Alloul. The song itself is overwhelmingly a love song but not directed to a single person. Gustaph has explained that the song is "an unabashed love letter to freedom". He describes it as an ode to the queer community, Gustaph's "chosen family" who has strengthened and supported him throughout his life.
The song is reminiscent of house music from the early 90s with use of synthesisers.
How Gustaph was selected for Eurovision
Gustaph won Belgium's Eurovision national final show 'Eurosong 2023', at the Palais 12 in Brussels, to earn his spot in Liverpool. He came third in the the jury vote and second in the televote to take out the competition.
Gustaph beat one of the favourites, The Starlings by a single point.
Belgium will compete in semi-final 2 on May 11 (European time) in Liverpool.
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