Filipino-Austrian Vincent Bueno to represent Austria in Eurovision 2021

After getting cancelled last year, the prestigious Eurovision music contest will push through this year in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on May 18 and 20, 2021 and representing Austria will be Vincent Bueno, a Filipino-Austrian singer. 

"I am representing Austria but I am also holding my flag for the Philippines,” Bueno told GMA News Online.

He grew up in Austria but has also worked in the Philippine music industry. With influence in OPM and R&B pop music, Bueno proudly admits that his music style is a combination of both European and Philippine influences.

Working with a team of international talents, Bueno says that understanding the musical scene and the culture of the country you are performing in is important.

“Austria is filled with culture and music, especially classical music. We are a nation where big historical legends come from. [The] pop music scene, though, is a little bit different," he says.

"Comparing it to Philippines, the style is really different. But slowly and surely, Austria is getting more and more open to modern pop music,” Bueno explained.

Bueno will be performing his new single "Amen," a product of collaboration among different international musical talents.

“One of the main messages of the song is to deal with your grief or struggles. It’s the process of letting go and acceptance, and through this, you can actually be filled with hope that things are going to get better,” he said.

To prepare for the upcoming musical competition, Bueno prioritizes both physical and mental health, especially amid the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“It’s difficult to be a musician during the time of pandemic. I am trying to stay fit and I also focus on my mental health. It is important to be mentally prepared especially in a competition,” he explained.

Courtesy of Mek Bueno Photography

#StopAsianHate

Outside the glimmer of stage, Bueno is passionate about raising awareness against racism and discrimination. Being both a Filipino and Austrian musician, Bueno says that he has had his fair share of challenges being Asian.

That is why when the #StopAsianHate was circulated globally after racist attacks against the Asian community abroad, he made sure that his voice was also heard on this issue.

“I was always experiencing passive racism. You are treated okay, but not the way that you actually should be [treated],” he said.

Being a singer has made Bueno aware and conscious about his influence to the public. He wants to be able to use this influence to address racism especially in the music industry, he said.

“The good thing about my job is that I will always have a platform to speak my mind. We have to make a stand. Racism is a sickness that could affect you on a personal level. Get professional help and stand up for yourself. Show them that you are not what they you are,” Bueno says.

Eurovision Song Contest

Eurovision is a song contest organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) covering 39 countries primarily in Europe. It is one of the longest-running international televised music competitions.

The theme for the 65th Eurovision Song Contest will remain the same as in 2020: Open Up. The slogan Open Up was chosen to reflect the “spirit of our times” and “to be able to share different opinions, music and stories.”

Viewers in the countries of the Participating Broadcasters (mostly in Europe) are invited to vote for their favorite songs (without the possibility of voting for the song representing their own country) by televoting. There is also National Jury in each participating country.

Viewers at home and professional juries each determine the outcome of the two Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest. In each Semi-Final, 10 contestants qualify for the Grand Final. Viewers can vote via the official app, telephone and/or SMS.

The Grand Finale will take place on May 22, 2021 in Rotterdam. — LA, GMA News