This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Contest last been held in Israel. In 1999, the Contest was held in Jerusalem and twenty three participants took part. Over a series of five articles, we are going to look at where those twenty three participants are now.

The Netherlands: Marlayne

Marlayne represented her nation in 1999 placing in 8th place, with a total of 71 points.

Marlayne released her only album back in 2001. In 2003, Marlayne moved professions and is now a host of news, current affairs and entertainment programmes on the SBS6 network.

Poland: Mietek Szcześniak

Mietek Szcześniak represented his nation in 1999, finishing near the bottom in 18th place, with 17 points.

Little is known about Mietek Szcześniak since his appearance at the 1999 Contest.

Iceland: Selma

Selma represented her nation in 1999 and brought Iceland the first of their second placings, this time with 146 points.

Selma returned to the Contest for Iceland in 2005. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it past the semi final stage and took an early flight home.

Cyprus: Marlain

Marlain represented her nation in 1999, finishing in 22nd and penultimate place, with 2 points.

The Greek version of Popstars beckoned for Marlain, who found herself a place in the winning group Hi-5. After a split in 2005, Marlain continued in music with various bands, as well as starring in the greek version of Saturday Night Fever.

Sweden: Charlotte Nilsson

Charlotte Nilsson won the Contest for Sweden in 1999. She took victory with 163 points – 17 ahead of Iceland.

Charlotte Perrelli has participated in and host Melodifestivalen a number of times since 1999. She went on to represent the country again in 2008, in Belgrade.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovision Ireland