After the Croatian broadcaster 'HRT' announced the selection of Jacques Houdek to represent Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, his new song - and that country's entry - 'My Friend' was released to a world audience.
Jacques will perform 'My Friend' in English and Italian combining voices, shifting from tenor to baritone, from pop style to opera, showcasing his wide range vocal abilities.
"'My friend' is a song that reminds us to respect each other and our differences," says Jacques.
"It's 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.
Alongside Jacques Houdek, 'My Friend' was written by Tony Malm and Siniša Reljić.
"My friend is an anthem 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."
#beMyFriend
Jacques and his team have launched a digital campaign under the hashtag #beMyFriend, with the aim to promote the Croatian entry at this year’s Eurovision, as well as the importance of friendship.
'The Eurovision Song Contest has been my life-long dream'
Thirty-six-year-old Jacques Houdek has several times tried to be the Croatian representative at Eurovision.
In 2015 he mentored Nina Kraljić in the reality show, 'The Voice of Croatia'.
Nina represented Croatia in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song 'Lighthouse.'
Jacques has been in the music industry for about 16 years, his rich discography boasts 13 albums which have been certified silver, gold, platinum and diamond.
After many collaborations with HRT, he finally received a call offering him the once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to represent his country, which he gladly and happily accepted.
'Australia has a good chance to position itself among the top 5 again'
Jacques said he is very happy Australia got a chance to participate at Eurovision.
"I loved Dami Im and Guy Sebastian. Every year Australia participates with absolutely great songs. With Isaiah Firebrace I’m sure that Australia will get some serious votes from Croatia," said Jacques.
LISTEN: Jacques Houdek’s full interview (in Croatian) for SBS Croatian.
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