ESSYLA will sing “Dancing on the ice” to represent Belgium at the European Broadcasting Union’s Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place this year in Vienna, Austria. This special edition will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the competition and will also mark the 40th anniversary of Sandra Kim’s victory in 1986 in Bergen, Norway.
Alice was first introduced to the general public during the 9th season of The Voice Belgique. She named herself ESSYLA (Alice spelled backwards) when she released her debut EP I’ll Be Okay at the end of 2023. The five-track project promotes female empowerment and self-esteem.
Further to Essyla’s songwriting and collaborative work, the song DANCING ON THE ICE emerged during a writing camp organised by SABAM (Belgian Society of Authors), bringing together several emerging talents. This bold track perfectly illustrates the sophisticated electro-pop universe in which the singer continues to evolve. Co-written with Benni, a Belgian indie-folk breakthrough artist, the lyrics carry a positive message: “keep dancing no matter what happens”. Dance becomes an act of resilience, even when everything feels unsteady. Hope survives through movement.
Echoing this theme, the music video directed by James Barbosa together with choreographer David Vandenplas, celebrates dance through a sensual and contemporary aesthetic. Enhanced by 10 dancers, the body becomes the language of emotion.
Driven by a modern electro-pop rhythm, DANCING ON THE ICE is the result of Nicolas D’Avell’s meticulous work. Nicolas is both co-composer and artistic producer and delivers a refined production both in its sound design and vocal treatment. Emil Stengele also contributed to the composition of the track.
ESSYLA’s powerful and infinitely versatile voice impresses with its control. She performs her own backing vocals. Her lyrical runs and vocalizations punctuate the song, while a surprising touch of oriental influence adds a unique colour to the track.
Chosen for the originality of her song, her vocal mastery, the ease of her flow, and her natural stage presence, ESSYLA is now ready to embark on the Eurovision adventure — her lifelong dream.
Concerts
May 12: First semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest