BELGIUM – Hooverphonic replaced Luka Cruysberghs and got back Geike Arnaert. VRT has already confirmed that Geike will be going to Eurovision along with band founders Alex Callier and Raymond Geerts.
Geike says: “We wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the record together. Just talking about it brought back many happy memories. It’s a strange sensation. I get back into it with great pleasure. I don’t know how the fans will react. But it really feels good for me. I’m going to put my own story in the songs again.”
Alex Callier says: “Of course it is a bit bittersweet for Luka. She is an excellent singer, without a doubt. We had three wonderful years with Luka. But our collaboration ends here. We have travelled across Europe and the United States, and we have had many memorable moments together. We continue to support her with all our heart. She will get a solo single from Universal and if Luka wants that, I will, of course, continue to accompany her solo.”
Hooverphonic are a Belgian band that formed in October 1995. Though originally categorized as a trip-hop group, they quickly expanded their sound to the point where they could no longer be described as a lone genre, but rather encompass alternative, electronica, electropop, rock, and a mixture of others.
Since their formation, Hooverphonic’s lineup consisted of bassist Alex Callier, guitarist Raymond Geerts, and various lead singers. Prominent ones included Liesje Sadonius (1996–1997), Geike Arnaert (1997–2008, 2020-present), Noémie Wolfs (2010–2015), and Luka Cruysberghs (2018–2020).
They were supposed to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam with their song “Release Me”. The event was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VRT almost immediately reaffirmed their participation in Eurovision 2021 and the song is yet to be announced.
Hooverphonic was the only Eurovision entrant for 2020 who refused to take part in the “Love Shine a Light” performance, where entrants each contributed sections of the song, although a photograph of Luka Cruysberghs was included with the other participants making a hand heart at the end.
