Belgian broadcaster of the Walloon-speaking part of the country, RTBF, has announced this morning that singer ESSYLA will represent Belgium at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place this year in Austria. The artist and her entry, “Dancing on the Ice”, were revealed earlier this morning during the radio programme “8-9” on La Une and VivaCité. With this selection, RTBF places its confidence in a new generation of talent and in the powerful messages ESSYLA brings to the stage.
ESSYLA said this morning:
“I can’t wait to leave for Austria. It is approaching faster than I ever imagined. It’s an incredible adventure, a dream I’ve been chasing since childhood. And today, without hesitation, I can say I’ve never been happier.”
Who is ESSYLA?
ESSYLA, which is like “Alice” spelled backwards, hails from Perwez in Walloon Brabant, a province of Belgium. She first captured the attention of the Belgian public during the ninth season of The Voice Belgique in 2020. As part of Typh Barrow’s team, she reached the grand final alongside Jérémie Makiese, who would later go on to represent Belgium at Eurovision in 2022, ending in 19th place (of 25) in the Grand Final.
Following her television breakthrough, ESSYLA performed as a backing vocalist for several artists while simultaneously building her own solo career. She gradually introduced audiences to her distinctive artistic universe: colourful, modern, pop-driven and unmistakably unique. With her eccentric style and creative vision, the singer, songwriter and composer embodies a new wave of pop infused with eclectic funky and groove influences.
“Dancing on the Ice”
Her Eurovision entry, “Dancing on the Ice”, perfectly showcases ESSYLA’s refined electro-pop sound. The track was born during a songwriting camp organised by Sabam, where emerging talents from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation collaborated creatively. The cryptic and fragmented lyrics, co-written by Benni, convey a clear and uplifting message: keep dancing, no matter what.
While dancing is often associated with joy, movement and freedom, the song transforms it into an act of resilience, a way to remain standing even when everything feels unstable. Hope endures through action. Driven by a contemporary electro-pop rhythm, the track is the result of the craftsmanship of co-composer and artistic producer Nicolas D’Avell, with Emil Stengele also contributing to the composition.
ESSYLA’s powerful and endlessly versatile voice takes centre stage throughout the song. She performs her own backing vocals, layering the track with rich harmonies. Her soaring lyrical runs add emotional intensity, while a subtle Arabic-inspired touch introduces an unexpected and distinctive colour to the composition.
Belgium has now set its course for Eurovision 2026, and with ESSYLA’s bold sound and dynamic presence, the country is ready to make its mark in Austria.
Eurovision 2025
In Eurovision 2025 it was the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium that participated. Red Sebastian did not make it to the Grand Final, he came in 14th (of 15) with the song “Strobe Lights”.