Ishtar is a vibrant music group that represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 held in Belgrade with their captivating song, "O Julissi." Their performance showcased their unique blend of lively melodies and cultural influences, captivating audiences and judges alike. The song encapsulates a joyous celebration of love and heritage, reflecting the spirit of Eurovision.
"O Julissi" was not just a performance; it was an experience that resonated with fans, ultimately securing a memorable place in Eurovision history. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus made it a standout track of the competition.
With their dynamic presence, Ishtar continues to appeal to fans both old and new, inviting them to join in the celebration of unity through music.
Song Details:
- Release Date: 2008
- Eurovision Performance: First Semi-Final
- Chart Position: Performed well within the Eurovision framework, earning recognition among international audiences.
Follow Ishtar’s journey and the spirit of Eurovision as they aim for new heights!
Watch the video by Eurovision Song Contest
Video “Ishtar – O Julissi (LIVE) | Belgium 🇧🇪 | First Semi-Final | Eurovision 2008” was uploaded on 07/25/2025 to Youtube Channel Eurovision Song Contest

































I really liked this entry of my own country 😊
I get that they tried to cash in on Sanomi on being the song in an imaginary language, it just didn't quite work the same way.
❤👍
❤👍
This song is based off of the Ukrainian folk song "Oj, u lisi na jalyni" (English: "Oh, in a forest on a spruce), the song is about a poor girl Marusyna who asks her sister to help her lull her babies, the sister refuses saying that she should have listened to their mother and father who warned them about the noble guy that makes girls fall for him and leaves them with misbehaved children.
And yes, it is one of only three Eurovision Song Contest entries to be performed in a constructive language, alongside "Sanomi" and "Amambanda". Think of "O julissi" as a fairytale-ish version of "Now we are free" from the movie Gladiator.
I mean it's not on a "Sanomi" level but still a good and catchy song. Belgium is definitely not afraid to send unique songs even if the results are not doing them any favours. Belgium really needs to take a risk because their last two songs are one of the weakest song they've ever sent!
her clothes has the pattern of an old Japanese flag
If you forget the lyrics of this song you can improvise and no one will notice the difference.
Belgium should mix the languages they used in Eurovision 2003 and 2008 and create a new "national Belgian language". That would eliminate all the disputes and problems between Flanders and Wallonia…
and to think this song somehow won a national final
Ishtar's website claimed that the song was in an imaginary language. There was, however, a certain similarity to Ukrainian; in particular, the first line is fully understandable (Ukrainian "Ой у лісі на ялині", meaning "Oh, in the forest on a spruce").
The Belgian performance featured the members of Ishtar performing on stage with lead singer Soetkin Baptist in a red and white dress and walking intermittently between the other members throughout the song. Due to the band originally consisting of ten members, four of them were not featured during the performance.
This performance was choreographed by the rapper Ricardo Overman, member of the Dutch hip hop duo R'n'G', founded in 1996.
I'm tired of listening to this song on a non-stop hi😔
Perhaps a lesson that a trick won’t work twice on viewers. Belgium very nearly won with a song in an imaginary language in 2003, so it tried one again in 2008, and no one was keen.
This song feels like a fairytale.
LOL
The vocalist look so much another girl, but I don't know whom.
this is what not having a unified national identity does to you
I really liked this song. This was peak ESC for me. Weird, unique, camp, charming. They really don't make songs like this today
I don't care what people say, this is a gem. It's catchy, it's funny, the people in the arena clearly loved it; what's not to love?
I've always thought this feels like a tribute to Alice in Wonderland
I love Soetkin's tribute to the Strawberry Cornetto.
God bless 😊amazing
One of my favourites even today ♥
Nəhayət ki, ən sevdiyim çıxışlardan birini yüksək keyfiyyətdə izləyə biləcəm. Alternativ janr, mövcud olmayan xəyali dil, qeyri-adi musiqi alqoritmi. "Sanomi" və "O Julissi": Belçika bu işi bacarır!