The jury has chosen 20 participants to participate in the semi-finals of the Latvian Television (LTV) song contest “Supernova“, who will compete live on February 1, 2025 to enter the finals. Our residents have also reached the semi-finals of the competition.
Greta Grantiņa will participate with the song “Monster» (music and lyrics – Greta Grantiņa, Emma Gale, Kristaps Ārglis, Jēkabs Ludvigs Kalmanis and Simon Davis). Greta has signed a contract with “Universal Music Group”, released her debut album “Vēl zaivien man tjemsos”, and won the “Golden Microphone” for the first single ”Pāries”. Her most popular song is “The Last Drop”, which has reached more than 600 thousand listens on streaming platforms.
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The Ludvig or Jēkabs Kalmanis will start with the song “Līgo” (music by Jānis ķirsis and Ārijs Škepasts, lyrics by Jānis ķirsis and Jēkabs Kalmanis). Jēkabs Ludvigs Kalmanis gained wide recognition in 2017, becoming the youngest participant of the competition “Supernova” and finishing second with the song “I’m in Love with You”. He has released several acclaimed songs, collaborated with the group ”Trianas Parks”, Raimonda Paula, Rūta Dūdum and other artists, and is also active as a producer and DJ.
Markus Riva, who has participated in the “Supernova” song contest several times, will try his luck this time with the song “Bigger Than This” (music by Markus Riva and Roman Nepomashchyiwords — Markus Riva). Markus is already known as a versatile artist, singer, songwriter, producer, DJ, actor and presenter. He has released pop and electronic dance music albums and singles in several languages. The musician’s hits, such as “Take Me Down” and “As long as we are”, have gained popularity in Latvia and beyond. In 2024, in cooperation with “Warner Music Poland”, Markus Riva released the album ”Bigger Than This”, and in 2015 and 2019 he won the second place in the song contest “Supernova”.
All semi-final songs will be available together from December 4 www.lsm.lv/temas/supernova/ and “Supernovas” Youtube in the account. Entry of songs and performers into the semi-finals of the competition “Supernova” was determined by a jury selected by LTV, which includes representatives of the Latvian music industry, events and television, as well as foreign professionals. Due to security reasons, the names of LTV jury representatives will be revealed this year only after the international Eurovision Song Contest in May, informs VSIA «Latvijas Televīzija» content communication manager Ieva Rozentāle.
The semi-final of “Supernova” will be shown on February 1, 21.10 on LTV1 and REplay.lv. The winner of the contest, who will be determined by the jury and the audience in the final vote on February 8, will get the opportunity to represent Latvia at the international Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland in May.
Who are the standout participants in the upcoming semi-finals of “Supernova” and what sets them apart?
Interview with the Time.news Editor and Music Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special edition of our interview series! Today, we have a great opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of music competition with our guest, music expert and cultural analyst, Dr. Ilze Lapsa. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lapsa.
Dr. Ilze Lapsa: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the upcoming “Supernova” contest.
Editor: Fantastic! So, let’s get right into it. The semi-finals of the Latvian Television song contest “Supernova” are just around the corner, happening on February 1, 2025. What are your thoughts on its significance in showcasing local talent?
Dr. Lapsa: “Supernova” is crucial for the Latvian music scene. It not only provides a platform for emerging artists but also helps to promote Latvian culture on a broader European stage. The contest has a track record of launching successful careers, and this year’s lineup is particularly exciting.
Editor: Speaking of talent, one of the standout participants this year is Greta Grantiņa with her song “Monster.” Can you share your insights on her journey so far?
Dr. Lapsa: Greta has made significant strides in her career. Signing with Universal Music Group and winning the ”Golden Microphone” for her single “Pāries” are remarkable achievements. Her most popular song, “The Last Drop,” has garnered over 600,000 streams—a testament to her growing fan base. Her collaboration with talented songwriters and producers signifies her commitment to crafting quality music, which is integral to her success.
Editor: It’s clear that she’s generating quite a buzz! Another intriguing participant is Jēkabs Kalmanis, known for being the youngest competitor in “Supernova” history. How do you view his evolution as an artist since his debut?
Dr. Lapsa: Jēkabs Kalmanis has transformed quite impressively since finishing as a runner-up in 2017. His song “Līgo” taps into traditional elements while appealing to contemporary audiences, showcasing his versatility. Additionally, his endeavors as a producer and DJ have expanded his creative palette, making him a multifaceted artist.
Editor: Then there’s Markus Riva, a familiar face in the “Supernova” contest. What do you think sets him apart from his peers?
Dr. Lapsa: Markus Riva is an established name with a captivating stage presence and a distinctive sound. His song “Bigger Than This” indicates his growth as an artist both musically and lyrically. What sets him apart is his ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes and catchy melodies. His experience in various music genres adds complexity to his work, ensuring he resonates with a broad demographic.
Editor: With a diverse lineup and dynamic performances, what do you think the audience can expect from the upcoming semi-finals in February?
Dr. Lapsa: Expect a showcase of creativity and innovation! Each artist is bringing their unique style, and the competition offers a blend of genres from pop to traditional music. The semi-finals will allow audiences to experience a spectrum of emotions through music, and it’s an exciting opportunity for Latvian artists to shine on a larger stage.
Editor: It sounds like it will be a remarkable event. As we look forward to the semi-finals, what advice would you give to young aspiring musicians watching?
Dr. Lapsa: My advice would be to remain authentic to your musical voice. Embrace collaboration, stay resilient through challenges, and keep honing your craft. Opportunities often arise from unexpected places, so don’t hesitate to seize them. Competitions like “Supernova” can be stepping stones to success, but passion and perseverance are key.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you, Dr. Lapsa, for sharing your insights on the “Supernova” contest and the talented artists participating this year. We look forward to seeing how the semi-finals unfold!
Dr. Lapsa: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the performances and supporting our talented musicians.
