The artist who will signify Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna has been revealed: Essyla has been internally chosen by Belgian broadcaster RTBF (Radio-télévision belge de la Communauté française).
Essyla’s music has additionally been launched: “Dancing on the Ice.”
“Dancing on the Ice” was co-written by Essyla with Nicolas d’Avell, Emil Stengele, and Barbara Petitjean.
Essyla and her music have been internally chosen by RTBF. The broadcaster opted for an inside choice course of somewhat than a televised nationwide last. Belgium alternates participation between its two public broadcasters. In 2026 it was RTBF’s flip to choose the entry.
Reacting to her choice as Belgium’s Eurovision 2026 consultant, Essyla shares her first ideas:
– I do not totally notice. Part of me remains to be elsewhere, as if I have been hiding the undeniable fact that I’m the one who represents Belgium.
– Of course, there may be stress: I need to give every little thing in order that my nation is proud and above all not to disappoint it. I can not wait to go to Austria… It’s quick approaching!
– It’s a totally loopy journey, a dream that I’ve been chasing since I used to be little. And at present, I can say it with out hesitation: I’ve by no means been so glad.
Essyla
Essyla was born Alice Van Eesbeeck and hails from Perwez in Walloon Brabant. She first got here to public consideration in Belgium when she reached the Final of the ninth season of The Voice Belgique in 2021, the place she showcased her vocal expertise and creative id. From a younger age she fashioned her first band and continued to develop her method at the music college IMEP in Namur, refining her sound and magnificence.
Essyla grew up listening to French chansons. Over time, she additionally grew to become impressed by jazz, people, rock, and funk, particularly basic American singers and sounds. These influences form her personal music, which mixes pop with soulful and emotional parts. In her songs she typically focuses on themes like empowerment and the experiences of younger ladies at present, making her music each private and relatable.
Essyla has launched a collection of solo works together with the singles Let You Go and Not My Kind of Dude, each of which have been embraced by radio audiences, adopted by her debut EP I’ll Be Okay.
Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest
Belgium has participated 66 instances in Eurovision since the starting in 1956.
They gained the contest in 1986 (Sandra Kim – J’aime La Vie), however have completed in final place eight instances (two of them with nul factors).
Since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004, Belgium has certified for the Grand Final 9 out of 21 instances (in 2010 they even got here in first in Semi-final 1).
