Hugo Dejean (stage name Hugo One) is one of the Communications Officers at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance at the University of Luxembourg and an aspiring young artist.
Hugo took a chance and auditioned for the Eurovision 2024 selection for Luxembourg, where he was chosen as one of the top 50 artists. With Luxembourg returning to the contest after 31 years of absence and Tali’s success, finishing 13th out of 25, Hugo is more determined than ever to conquer Eurovision 2025.
He has just released his new song, “Summer Palpitations,” available on all streaming platforms. We talked with Hugo about this song and his plans for the future.
Hugo, you have just released today your new song “Summer Palpitations,” the song you auditioned with. How do you feel about it?
First, I feel ecstatic. Auditioning for Eurovision is not a piece of cake, and I worked very hard on the song and its all-round scenography, so having it out after such hard work, is a relief. And I’d say, second, I feel proud. Proud of how the song turned out, and proud that everyone can enjoy it, as much as I have been enjoying the song for the past 9 months.
It’s a great song. Can you tell me more about its inspiration and message?
Thank you! It’s always nice to get positive feedback on something so personal.
The song was written by Jonas Gladnikoff and Shawn Myers, two songwriters already well-known in the Eurovision world. They contacted me after my audition last summer and sent me ‘Summer Palpitations’. I fell in love with it immediately. I did rework a few of the lyrics to make it a 100% Hugo One song, but all-in-all it was already perfect.
“Summer Palpitations” depicts a love story, that emerges during one summer. It’s all of those feelings you can have, when you suddenly fall for someone, really quickly. You just want to do everything with them and spend all your time with them. I identify with it so much now, because my relationship started during the summer.
Why do you want to participate in the Eurovision?
I have been a fan of Eurovision for so many years. I think it’s a show that depicts music and culture in such a great way. With Luxembourg being back, we can show that even as the small country that we are, we have amazing artists, songwriters and performers. That we can perform, just as well as Sweden or France.
To me, participating in Eurovision would be a dream come true, but also a way to wear my Luxembourgish colours with pride, at a show watched by so many people around the world.
What do you think of this year’s Eurovision contest? Who was your favourite artist, and who would you like to collaborate with?
I would say it’s been eventful, for sure. But I still loved it. Petra Mede is a wonderful host and makes me laugh every year she’s presenting. The staging for some of the performances was brilliant, and that’s what I love about the contest as well. Artists are not afraid to go all out on their performances. My top 5 were Croatia, France, Switzerland, Armenia and Ireland. Slimane did a beautiful job on stage and vocally, so I’d say that he’s someone I’d love to collaborate with. I think our voices would blend well together, wouldn’t you say so? {laughs}
Totally! I loved Slimane. I would love to hear you two together.
And what did you think of Tali’s performance at the contest this year?
I think she did a fantastic job. The song is really catchy. I like the blend of French and English. Not only did she qualify for the final, but she also made it in the first half of the scoreboard, which is brilliant for her and Luxembourg after 31 years of absence at the contest.
I don’t know Tali personally, but I do know some of her dancers, so seeing the entire team on TV made me root for Luxembourg even more.
How are you preparing for Eurovision 2025? Do you have a song in mind already?
I have regular singing classes with my vocal coach Gregory Vajs and dancing lessons with Diogo DS and Julie Lahure, so I’d say that all of this regular training is preparing me for Eurovision 2025, but also any future stages I’ll set my foot onto. But I will definitely create something concrete for next year.
With regards to the song, one of them is ready to be sent. I’m also writing a song with a Swedish songwriter that I am thinking of submitting to the Eurovision Committee. And of course, how could I not write a new song with Jonas and Shawn!
Can’t wait to hear this song. And what are your plans as an artist?
World domination! {laughs}
On a serious note, I want to get myself and my name out there. I think after the work I’ve put into this new song, I’ve seen how much I truly enjoyed the process. I want to write more, release more music, sing on stage and connect with people. I also want to make more connections in the industry to explore more genres and music styles.
Thank you, Hugo. We will be rooting for you next year!