Michał Szpak
Michał Szpak is Poland’s choice for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. In this year’s national final in Warsaw, the young singer defeated one of the hot favourites, Edyta Górniak, the former Polish representative in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. On stage in Stockholm Michał will perform Color Of Your Life.Michał Szpak was born on 26th November, 1990 in Jasło, into a artistic family. Aged 9 he performed on stage and won his first award in the Young Talents Competition.
In 2011 he reached the X-factor talent show finale. He came second singing with the British edition’s winner Alexandra Burke, who was impressed by his vibrant image and charisma. A few weeks later, he gave a concert at the Orange Warsaw Festival, before Skunk Anansie and Moby He saing three songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N' Roses and Lenny Kravitz. In December 2011 Michał released his first recordings; an EP with 5 songs.
In 2013 Michał won the main prize, the Golden Samovar, at the Russian Song Festival in Zielona Góra, with the song “Dark Eyes” (Очи чёрные).
In November 2015 he released an album Byle Być Sobą (Just Be Yourself), which included 12 songs with different musical styles reflecting the artist’s fascination with music from the 1980s, 1990s as well as symphonic music. He performed his first single, Real Hero at the 52nd National Festival of Polish Songs in Opole. He won the main prize in the SuperPremieres 2015 competition by a large margin of votes.
In March 2016 Michał Szpak won the Polish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with his song Color of Your Life. He defeated Edyta Górniak, the first Polish Eurovision Song Contest entrant, who achieved second place in 1994, the best result Poland has achieved in the contest to date.
Things you should know about Michał Szpak
What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
One important thing is that I will have the opportunity to perform on an international stage. It’s a stepping stone to achieving my dream. Also the fact that I can show people true emotions and present my motto "Be yourself, whatever it takes" that I’ve been living by ever since I can remember.
What are the three most impressive facts about you?
I can be consistent in achieving my goals, I never give up and I can turn failure into success.
Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
I focus on myself and try to shut myself away from my surroundings only to "explode" with energy on stage.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
I have the honour of representing Poland at the largest Song Contest in the world. I’d like to win the audience’s hearts and I’d love the next 2017 Eurovision Song Contest to take place in Warsaw.
