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Jacques Houdek

Dubbed Mr Voice, Jacques Houdek is one of the biggest pop stars in Croatia and a multi-award winning artist. His song for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest is My Friend. 

Jacques Houdek was born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1981. He is the leading singer of the younger generation of Croatian vocalists and began his career in 2000. For the last 16 years, his original performances of different musical genres have been captivating audiences of all ages. His hits include songs such as Stotinama Godina, Zauvijek Tvoj and Srećom Imam Tebe.

Jacques' rich discography boasts 13 albums which have been certified silver (5 times), gold, platinum and diamond. He is also a mentor on The Voice of Croatia and has performed thousands of concerts over the years. 

His flawless singing, bold performances and originality have separated Jacques from the usual pop stereotypes and raised the bar for other performers. He's especially loved for his humanitarian work by persons with disabilities and children.

Things you should know about Jacques

What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?

My friend is an anthem, a hymn that celebrates life as a miracle, a song that encourages us to live every day to the fullest and be who we need to be in life. It is a song that reminds us to respect each other and our differences. Let's just be friends - regardless of our race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, social status or background. My Friend is a pop-operatic crossover duet sung by one vocalist, two songs in one. Two voices, two languages, two characters - two completely different personalities in one person co-existing and collaborating, creating beautiful music and celebrating their diversity.

What are the three most impressive facts about you?

I am completely devoted to music. For me there is no life without it. I am true to music always, for better and worse!

My dream is to heal people with my voice. I believe it's my God given gift & I hope to touch as many souls when I'm singing. I am a very big guy, but I really believe my heart is even bigger! I'm honest, real & I always try to be the best I can be!

Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?

Before I take the stage, I warm up my voice, try not to speak too much, I have a sip of still water and I say a little prayer! Boring, but very true!

Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?

The Eurovision Song Contest has been my life long dream, and everyone in Croatia knows this! I have been a fan ever since I was a kid and I'm so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity, finally! I am so happy!

About the song writers & composers

Alongside Jacques, My Friend was written by Tony Malm and Siniša Reljić. Tony Malm is from Sweden and is a member of a new production-team with a large number of international hits based in Emi/Abbey Road Stockholm. Cuts include artists such as Jon Henrik, Martin Kesici and legendary MOR-artist Thomas Anders from Modern Talking, as well as the Swedish superstar Eric Saade.

Siniša Reljić was born in Croatia and is a composer and music producer based in Zagreb ,working on various projects in Croatia and Sweden. Siniša's main direction, and for what he is most passionate about, is mainstream songwriting and pop production.

Music video

Lyrics of My Friend

There's a miracle my friend
And it happens every day.
Hold out your hand,
Don't let it slip away!

Io so che esiste,
Guarda meglio su,
Ritorna ogni giorno,
Promettendo sempre più.

After the rain,
Nasce il sole!

I pray you'll see the light and find your way.
La forza del destino che è in te.

Do your best, take a chance!
Dare to dream and make it real!
Segui la verità
Via della libertà!

My friend,
My friend.

Don't let go,
Let it flow!
Credi nel miracolo!

For the miracle
That I'm talking of
Is the life that we're given.

La vita vincerà!