We have the fifth confirmed act for Eurovision 2020, as Austria has announced Vincent Bueno as their representative. They also revealed the title of the song, which will be called “Alive” – this is the first song title that has been announced for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest; although the track itself hasn’t been revealed, we have had hints in the form of hashtags.
Speaking about being announced as the Austrian act, Vincent Bueno said: “Wow, even thinking about the fact that I am going to participate in the song contest gives me goosebumps. The Eurovision Song Contest is like the Eurocup for musicians and singers. The huge stage, all those artists doing their absolute best, all the songwriters and producers of Europe gathering in one place to celebrate their work while at the same time stepping into the ring – it is breathtaking and formidable. Let’s go, Austria!”
He’s not new to competitions having launched in the Austrian music scene by competing in the Austrian talent show Musical! Die Show in 2008, where he went on to win. The following year, he competed in the fifth season of Dancing Stars (the Austrian version of Dancing With The Stars / Strictly Come Dancing) where he placed seventh. He also performed on the Philippine television show ASAP XV for several weeks and managed to get signed by well-known Philippine record label Star Music.
Music-wise, he has released three studio albums, titled Step by Step, Wieder Leben, and Invincible, as well as a bunch of singles. His most-streamed track on Spotify is “Bida Best Sa Tag-Araw” in collaboration with Angeline Quinto.
Vincent Bueno is not new to the Eurovision world, he previously attempted to represent Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, where he competed in the last Austrian national selection show, with the song “All We Need Is That Love”; he scored a mid-range amount of points from the jury and didn’t advance to the second round of the final. He is also not a stranger to the Eurovision stage, having supported Nathan Trent as a backing vocalist on the song “Running On Air” and he also produced the Spanish-remix of the said song, titled “Aire”.
What We Know About Vincent Bueno’s “Alive”
As previously mentioned, information about his Eurovision song has been released through a series of hashtags. We expect the song will be released in the next couple of months. Accompanying the hashtags are short explanations in promotion of the track.
#vincentbueno
“I love to laugh. I’m a motivated guy. ‘Troubleshooting’ is my personal motto! I love my family above all, have a deep faith and both give me strength in my life. I love music, I love people. I’m very sensitive, which can sometimes be a disadvantage – ‘open-hearted’.”
#alive
“From the moment I let go of the fast-paced confirmation of social media and its pressures to be something specific, I reconnected with my identity. That makes me feel alive.”
#fireshots
“My happiness comes from deep within. It is something that no fame or money in this world could ever give me. I would like to use this energy purposefully.”
#behindthewall
“All of us fight our own egos. An ego is like a high wall. If you break it down you realize how much easier and freer life can be.”
#hiddenheroes
“Each and every one of us has the DNA of a hero or a heroine.”
Austria has done moderately well over the past few years, gaining their second win in 2014 with Conchita Wurst who sang “Rise Like A Phoenix”. Last year, they failed to qualify for the Grand Final where PÆNDA represented the country with the song “Limits” placing 17th in her respective Semi-Final. This year, Austria is hoping to do a lot better with Vincent Bueno and his song “Alive”. He could even go on to win the show and gain Austria their third win.
To do so, he’ll have to beat the other 40 acts that are competing. Announced so far are Blas Cantó for Spain, Hooverphonic for Belgium, VICTORIA for Bulgaria, and Sandro for Cyprus. The remaining countries are expected to reveal their acts in the coming months.
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted at the Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands after Duncan Laurence won the 2019 contest with the song “Arcade”. The two Semi-Finals will take place on 12 May 2020 and 14 May 2020, with the Grand Final taking place on 16 May 2020. A total of 41 countries will compete in the contest.