Finlands entry has grown on me for Eurovision. The presentation is really entertaining. Have to agree with some of the fans that say its reminicient of 'Freestyler', and that was a grower too. So, I'm now thinking -
1. Norway
2. Finland
3. Greece
4. Turkey
5. Iceland
Azerbaijan is still a good chance.
I don't know what Russia is going to present yet, but I imagine it will be good.
Spain is a possibility...
I'd say Ukraine is out based on the finalists they have shown.
I haven't heard anything from Sweden that has impressed me.
Israels 4 possible songs are sweet but not memorable.
Really can't imagine Estonia, Latvia, Portugal or Serbia coming up with anything that make me totally change my mind.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I know how to pick 'em!
Norways Eurovision entry has received more comments than any other entry so far tenfold. Everyone is saying winner already. Alexander Rybak had to release a press statement thanking for everyones praise of 'Fairytale' but reminding us that the decision is still 11 weeks away and a lot can change.
Unless Ukraine or Russia pulls another great entry out of the bag, I think we do have a winner. Judging by the previews online, I don't see Spain or Sweden matching the talent.
Last year EVERYONE knew 6 months before that Russia would win. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. I however picked Ukraine to come close, and they did - they came 2nd when no-one else thought they would. Everyone was tipping Armenia instead.
I'm saying top 10 -
Norway
maybe Ukraine
Azerbaijan
maybe Russia
Turkey
Iceland
Greece
Malta
UK
Finland
Some people are thinking it could be the year of the Scandis - Norway, Iceland, Finland - maybe Sweden depending on what they pick - then Denmark. What a top 5! It what certainly f*ck up all those who think only Eastern Europe can win.
I'm not denying there is a definite bloc voting going on that influences results, but I think its overstated. If you put forward a great song and do a fantastic performance, you'll get votes no matter what country you are.
Norways Eurovision entry has received more comments than any other entry so far tenfold. Everyone is saying winner already. Alexander Rybak had to release a press statement thanking for everyones praise of 'Fairytale' but reminding us that the decision is still 11 weeks away and a lot can change.
Unless Ukraine or Russia pulls another great entry out of the bag, I think we do have a winner. Judging by the previews online, I don't see Spain or Sweden matching the talent.
Last year EVERYONE knew 6 months before that Russia would win. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. I however picked Ukraine to come close, and they did - they came 2nd when no-one else thought they would. Everyone was tipping Armenia instead.
I'm saying top 10 -
Norway
maybe Ukraine
Azerbaijan
maybe Russia
Turkey
Iceland
Greece
Malta
UK
Finland
Some people are thinking it could be the year of the Scandis - Norway, Iceland, Finland - maybe Sweden depending on what they pick - then Denmark. What a top 5! It what certainly f*ck up all those who think only Eastern Europe can win.
I'm not denying there is a definite bloc voting going on that influences results, but I think its overstated. If you put forward a great song and do a fantastic performance, you'll get votes no matter what country you are.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Ohmigod! I love the Norwegian entry for Eurovision this year!
Its called 'Fairytales' by Alexander Rybak. It has a Russian folk-pop feel. It feels like a winner. And I think the performance is rather special already - by the time it gets to Moscow it will be brilliant.
I'm not alone in calling this a possible winner.
wooooo! Very exciting! I've never been to Norway... hmmm... 2010...
And in other (but could be slightly related) news, I'm starting to think about doing a Cultural Studies postgrad. They are offering it at Sydney Uni and it has a lot of subjects on human rights that I'm very keen to do, but also international relations, international crime, film, politics.
Whilst possibly very silly, was thinking about a thesis topic...
The role Eurovision plays in diplomatic relations and politics (and vice versa).
Yes, it does sound silly, but let me explain -
Eurovision was set up in the 50s as a way of building bonds again between countries in Europe following WWII.
Moving forwards 40 years, you have the Iron Curtain falling, and Eastern Europe joins Eurovision. The last 10 years we've seen a shift in voting power towards the East, which has caused tension with the Western European countries because of diaspora voting. Many countries that previously part of the USSR are now voting for Russia ('bloc' voting).
On the flipside, last year Baltic countries called for boycotts of Russia Eurovision based on the recent conflicts in Georgia, the gas dispute with the Ukraine.
But then, Georgias first 'forgivness' gesture back to Russia was actually announcing it would participate in Moscow this year. This came after Russia awarded 12 points to Georgia at the Junior Eurovision...
We've also seen the increase of political statements in Eurovision. Ukraine with its Orange Revolution hosted Eurovision. Israeli entries waving the Palestian flag in 2003. Israel now sending a Jew and Arab to sing a duet together. Georgia sending 'We Don't Wanna Put-In', etc.
I think its a facinating topic to explore. An even more relevant one for closer to home when you consider that Asiavision is starting up. Will Australia have a role in this? Is there opportunity to use it as a diplomatic event?
Its called 'Fairytales' by Alexander Rybak. It has a Russian folk-pop feel. It feels like a winner. And I think the performance is rather special already - by the time it gets to Moscow it will be brilliant.
I'm not alone in calling this a possible winner.
wooooo! Very exciting! I've never been to Norway... hmmm... 2010...
And in other (but could be slightly related) news, I'm starting to think about doing a Cultural Studies postgrad. They are offering it at Sydney Uni and it has a lot of subjects on human rights that I'm very keen to do, but also international relations, international crime, film, politics.
Whilst possibly very silly, was thinking about a thesis topic...
The role Eurovision plays in diplomatic relations and politics (and vice versa).
Yes, it does sound silly, but let me explain -
Eurovision was set up in the 50s as a way of building bonds again between countries in Europe following WWII.
Moving forwards 40 years, you have the Iron Curtain falling, and Eastern Europe joins Eurovision. The last 10 years we've seen a shift in voting power towards the East, which has caused tension with the Western European countries because of diaspora voting. Many countries that previously part of the USSR are now voting for Russia ('bloc' voting).
On the flipside, last year Baltic countries called for boycotts of Russia Eurovision based on the recent conflicts in Georgia, the gas dispute with the Ukraine.
But then, Georgias first 'forgivness' gesture back to Russia was actually announcing it would participate in Moscow this year. This came after Russia awarded 12 points to Georgia at the Junior Eurovision...
We've also seen the increase of political statements in Eurovision. Ukraine with its Orange Revolution hosted Eurovision. Israeli entries waving the Palestian flag in 2003. Israel now sending a Jew and Arab to sing a duet together. Georgia sending 'We Don't Wanna Put-In', etc.
I think its a facinating topic to explore. An even more relevant one for closer to home when you consider that Asiavision is starting up. Will Australia have a role in this? Is there opportunity to use it as a diplomatic event?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I've just spent the last 2 hours watching a webcast of the Irish Eurovision finals. Well done Ireland for actually picking the best song on the night! hurrah! They picked 'Et Cetera' which is sung by pop-punk girly band, much in the vein of Avril Lavigne or Pink. Its really very catchy and I think will actually allow Ireland to make it to the finals for the first time in years. Even better is that it was written by two people I'm familiar with in the Eurovision fanworld - Jonas and Christina Schilling who are fan club members in Denmark and Sweden. I read a lot of their blogs last year. So double hurrah to them!
So Eurovision is really heating up and I'm very excited. It's 11 weeks today till I'll be watching the finals in Moscow. arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Yes I have paid for everything now, but I'm rather stressed that my savings account (and hence spending money) say $0. That obviously will change significantly in the next month once I get my bond back, my annual leave payout, my handout money from the govt. $3800 all up just from that alone.
Now, the latest entries to comment on...
Ireland - Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy 'Et Cetera' - catchy pop number in the vein of Avril, Pink and High School Musical. Energetic band, colourful presentation, quite 80s. Will propel Ireland to the finals, but who knows how far it will get them?
Greece - Sakis 'This is our night' - ok, another great dancey catchy song sung by a Ricky Martin wannabe. It stuck in my head most of yesterday which I guess is a good sign. It's not really my thing normally, but I know it will do really well at Eurovision - talking top 5 here. I really wish he'd stop thrusting. I'm thinking Enrique Iglesias.
Georgia - Stephane and 3G 'We don't wanna put in' - Ouch! 70s disco beat and girls with afros. It is catchy but its also controversial. Lyrics about 'shoot him' in the chorus which are thinly veiled comments towards Putin. I expect some booing at Eurovision for this. Yes, its warranted. If they want to make a political statement it was made better last year with the Georgian entry 'Peace will come'.
Belgium - Patrick Ouchene 'Copycat' - I haven't heard it yet, but its a tribute song to Elvis Presley sung by an Elvis impersonator. Yeah, ummm, say no more. Our first novelty song for Eurovision 2009! Thanks Belgium for not letting the side down - you deliver hilarity year after year.
France - Patricia Kaas 'Et s'il fallait le faire' - Its cabaret at its finest, and the music sounds like a jewellery box. I'm betting it would have won back in the 60s, but I don't know whether it really works now. In fact, its sending me to sleep.
Germany - Alex Swings Oscar Sings 'Miss Kiss Kiss Bang' - what strikes me most is this sounds like Sam Sparrow. It has that swinging dance beat behind it and should be entertaining on the night.
Armenia - Inga and Anush Arshakyan 'Nor par (new dance)' - I don't like this because it changes sounds and tempo 4 times in the space of the first 30 secs. At first it starts like the last years entry Qele, then it sounds turkish, then the dance beat kicks in and disappears just as suddenly and goes r'n'b. And now it sounds like its Indian and rap. Too confusing.
Iceland - Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir 'Is it true' - great song, slightly uptempo ballad, great singer, and I believe its a dark horse in the race. Would go so far to say its this years 'Hold on be strong' (last years entry from Norway that came 5th) that came from nowhere and blew people away.
Malta - Chiara 'What if we' - here's an artist who has been at Eurovision 3 times now, has a following and has been 2nd and 3rd before. But in comparison this song is dull. Its well done but sounds more like it be in a musical on the West End.
Andorra - Susanna Georgi 'La teva decisió (Get a Life)' - its Michelle Branch in the verse with the guitar and then very keyboard ABBA in the chorus. She acts about 18 and looks about 40. Apart from that desperation I think this will rank highly cause its catchy. And its curently ranking as a fave on the fan sites
Azerbaijan - Aysel and Arash 'Always' - its now been announced the country will have a upbeat r'n'b duet between the very cute pop starlet and the author of the song. Only a snippet has been heard online but from that its obviously she can sing and dance and is the full package. I still think Azerbaijan are ones to watch.
Cyprus - Christina Metexa 'Firefly' - she's 16, her brother won the Cypriot Idol 2 years ago. Its an ambitious and sweet ballad written by the brother but done badly. She can't reach the notes and her voice is more a whisper in parts. Would have been better for junior eurovision.
Lithuania - Sasha Son 'Pasiklydes zmogus' - beautiful male pianist delivers a strong ballad. Well delivered and well sung, but can be a bit dull to listen to. Would help if it was in English so I know what the song is about.
Moldova - Nelly Ciobanu 'Hora din Moldova' - this is the most obviously balkan ethnic song I've heard so far in the competition. It sounds like every other ethnic entry given by the likes of Slovenia, FYR Macedonia, etc in the past few years. They usually do well in the semis and flunk out in the finals. Nothing too special.
Netherlands - De Toppers 'Shine' - ohmigod! I'm singing along to this! Its the most cliched Eurovision entry I've heard in years with the 90s beat and the coda... it sounds like 'No Goodbyes' by a Netherlands entry a few years back. Its got me dancing now. So dodgy but it will make people happy.
Poland - Lidia Kopania 'I don't wanna leave' - a typical Polish ballad staple. But when I listen to it I have to admit its the first time I've heard a Eurovision ballad from Central and Eastern Europe where the language is perfect English rather than broken or terribly translated. I could actually imagine this being sung by Delta Goodrem. Really good actually - the kind of stuff that would make it in the top 40 charts too.
Slovenia - Quartissimo 'Love Symphony' - strings accompany rock music, but not much singing happening. The presentation is just wonderful but it is starting to sound like 'Hooked on Classics'...
So with these countries now decided, UK, Montenegro, Denmark, Finland, Romania, Turkey, Belarus and Albania also having decided their songs (as previously commented), and Czech Republic, Israel, Switzerland and Bosnia decided their artists, I'm gonna give some top predictions (so far) -
Azerbaijan
Greece
Turkey
Iceland
And maybe - UK, Ireland, Poland, Malta and Andorra as outsiders in the finals.
I think we need to keep an eye out for Russia, Sweden and Ukraine even though they haven't decided. I see those countries as big chances of winning no matter what.
So Eurovision is really heating up and I'm very excited. It's 11 weeks today till I'll be watching the finals in Moscow. arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Yes I have paid for everything now, but I'm rather stressed that my savings account (and hence spending money) say $0. That obviously will change significantly in the next month once I get my bond back, my annual leave payout, my handout money from the govt. $3800 all up just from that alone.
Now, the latest entries to comment on...
Ireland - Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy 'Et Cetera' - catchy pop number in the vein of Avril, Pink and High School Musical. Energetic band, colourful presentation, quite 80s. Will propel Ireland to the finals, but who knows how far it will get them?
Greece - Sakis 'This is our night' - ok, another great dancey catchy song sung by a Ricky Martin wannabe. It stuck in my head most of yesterday which I guess is a good sign. It's not really my thing normally, but I know it will do really well at Eurovision - talking top 5 here. I really wish he'd stop thrusting. I'm thinking Enrique Iglesias.
Georgia - Stephane and 3G 'We don't wanna put in' - Ouch! 70s disco beat and girls with afros. It is catchy but its also controversial. Lyrics about 'shoot him' in the chorus which are thinly veiled comments towards Putin. I expect some booing at Eurovision for this. Yes, its warranted. If they want to make a political statement it was made better last year with the Georgian entry 'Peace will come'.
Belgium - Patrick Ouchene 'Copycat' - I haven't heard it yet, but its a tribute song to Elvis Presley sung by an Elvis impersonator. Yeah, ummm, say no more. Our first novelty song for Eurovision 2009! Thanks Belgium for not letting the side down - you deliver hilarity year after year.
France - Patricia Kaas 'Et s'il fallait le faire' - Its cabaret at its finest, and the music sounds like a jewellery box. I'm betting it would have won back in the 60s, but I don't know whether it really works now. In fact, its sending me to sleep.
Germany - Alex Swings Oscar Sings 'Miss Kiss Kiss Bang' - what strikes me most is this sounds like Sam Sparrow. It has that swinging dance beat behind it and should be entertaining on the night.
Armenia - Inga and Anush Arshakyan 'Nor par (new dance)' - I don't like this because it changes sounds and tempo 4 times in the space of the first 30 secs. At first it starts like the last years entry Qele, then it sounds turkish, then the dance beat kicks in and disappears just as suddenly and goes r'n'b. And now it sounds like its Indian and rap. Too confusing.
Iceland - Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir 'Is it true' - great song, slightly uptempo ballad, great singer, and I believe its a dark horse in the race. Would go so far to say its this years 'Hold on be strong' (last years entry from Norway that came 5th) that came from nowhere and blew people away.
Malta - Chiara 'What if we' - here's an artist who has been at Eurovision 3 times now, has a following and has been 2nd and 3rd before. But in comparison this song is dull. Its well done but sounds more like it be in a musical on the West End.
Andorra - Susanna Georgi 'La teva decisió (Get a Life)' - its Michelle Branch in the verse with the guitar and then very keyboard ABBA in the chorus. She acts about 18 and looks about 40. Apart from that desperation I think this will rank highly cause its catchy. And its curently ranking as a fave on the fan sites
Azerbaijan - Aysel and Arash 'Always' - its now been announced the country will have a upbeat r'n'b duet between the very cute pop starlet and the author of the song. Only a snippet has been heard online but from that its obviously she can sing and dance and is the full package. I still think Azerbaijan are ones to watch.
Cyprus - Christina Metexa 'Firefly' - she's 16, her brother won the Cypriot Idol 2 years ago. Its an ambitious and sweet ballad written by the brother but done badly. She can't reach the notes and her voice is more a whisper in parts. Would have been better for junior eurovision.
Lithuania - Sasha Son 'Pasiklydes zmogus' - beautiful male pianist delivers a strong ballad. Well delivered and well sung, but can be a bit dull to listen to. Would help if it was in English so I know what the song is about.
Moldova - Nelly Ciobanu 'Hora din Moldova' - this is the most obviously balkan ethnic song I've heard so far in the competition. It sounds like every other ethnic entry given by the likes of Slovenia, FYR Macedonia, etc in the past few years. They usually do well in the semis and flunk out in the finals. Nothing too special.
Netherlands - De Toppers 'Shine' - ohmigod! I'm singing along to this! Its the most cliched Eurovision entry I've heard in years with the 90s beat and the coda... it sounds like 'No Goodbyes' by a Netherlands entry a few years back. Its got me dancing now. So dodgy but it will make people happy.
Poland - Lidia Kopania 'I don't wanna leave' - a typical Polish ballad staple. But when I listen to it I have to admit its the first time I've heard a Eurovision ballad from Central and Eastern Europe where the language is perfect English rather than broken or terribly translated. I could actually imagine this being sung by Delta Goodrem. Really good actually - the kind of stuff that would make it in the top 40 charts too.
Slovenia - Quartissimo 'Love Symphony' - strings accompany rock music, but not much singing happening. The presentation is just wonderful but it is starting to sound like 'Hooked on Classics'...
So with these countries now decided, UK, Montenegro, Denmark, Finland, Romania, Turkey, Belarus and Albania also having decided their songs (as previously commented), and Czech Republic, Israel, Switzerland and Bosnia decided their artists, I'm gonna give some top predictions (so far) -
Azerbaijan
Greece
Turkey
Iceland
And maybe - UK, Ireland, Poland, Malta and Andorra as outsiders in the finals.
I think we need to keep an eye out for Russia, Sweden and Ukraine even though they haven't decided. I see those countries as big chances of winning no matter what.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
OK, now I'm getting excited about Eurovision.
Most people still dont have accommodation for Moscow, and thats really f*cked up. Fortunately its all sorted for me and I'm so happy I booked and paid when I did last August/September.
LESSON ONE TO POTENTIAL EUROVISION GO-ERS : BOOK ACCOMMODATION AS SOON AS THE HOSTING CITY IS CONFIRMED!
The entries are starting to be finalised...
- UK has Jade (kind of a Beyonce for the UK) singing a powerballad by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren called "Its my time". Its actually very good, quite moving and she's a great performer. I think it could be the year that the UK could return to the top 10 (but not win it). I'm not usually a fan of the powerballad, but theres always a couple that feature in the top 10.
- France has Patricia Kaas. No song announced yet, but from what I can understand of her career, she's very well known for doing great jazz material
- Israel once again has a controversial entry - Noa and Mira Awad, a Muslim and Jew doing a duet. Yeah... I'm waiting for the boos and cheers... no matter what the song is. But I think its poignant considering the events of the last few months.
- Andorra is sending Andrea Demirovic with "Just Get Out of my life". To me it sounds like a tune by ABBA, and I have a feeling may have nicked lyrics from "Outta My Head" by that Ashlee Simpson. Doesn't bode well and sit well with me.
- Denmark just announced Neils Brinck with "Believe Again" written by Ronan Keating. He sounds like Ronan Keating. But the song is a nice, leisurely, singalong, bopalong sort of tune. Not a winner (I think), but one that will stick in peoples heads.
- Finland has Waldos People singing "Lose Control". Its a dance/techno tune with a female singer and male rapper. The performance could make or break it, but it doesnt do much for me listening to it now.
- Romania has Elena Gheorghe with "Balkan Girls". Its more of the latest Eurovision-typical-entry, a dance tune with Eastern beats sung by a beautiful girl and performed with 4 scantily clad backup dancers
- Turkey has Hadise with "Dum Tek Tek". Like Romania, its a dance tune with Eastern influence (we can blame 2003 winner Sertab Erner from Turkey for this wave of such entries). She's a good performer though, great singer, great dancer... could be one to watch and a certain finalist.
- Czech Republic has Gipsy.cz (no song announced yet) who are a Romani rap/folk/dance group. After listening to their stuff, it borders on sounding the Cat Empire. I like them actually, but it really depends on the song and the performance, and I don't know if Europe and Eurovision really goes for bands.
- Switzerland are sending a rock/pop band called Lovebugs. Again, there's no song announced, but after checking their stuff of the net, I like them. They might look like Matchbox 20 (well, better looking), but they sound a bit like old-time stuff from The Verve. I don't think they are winners for Eurovision, but they will be winners in terms of the exposure they quite obviously want from Eurovision.
- Belarus has Peter Elfminov with "Eyes that never lie". He looks like a Nordic 70s rockstar complete with white bodysuit. The song is an appauling 80s stylee rock tune (with falsetto!), but will grab a lot of votes because he seems a massive self-promoter and quite a performer. God help us.
- Azerbaijan have Aysel who is promising an upbeat r'n'b dance tune (ala "Qele. Qele" by Sirusho last year) even though the song hasnt been chosen yet. I'm thinking something like the Greek entry last year which came out of nowhere and claimed 3rd place - a mindless but catchy pop ditty complete with dance routine. I'll go out on a limb and say she's top 5 already. She's cute, I haven't even heard her sing (she could be dreadful), but she looks like she's stepped straight out of Idol. She'll be up there in the votes based on her energy and youth. As long as she doesnt do any of that 'lung' gurgling that the Azerbeijani entry did last year.
- Greece is sending Sakis again - he's the Greek Ricky Martin. I imagine he'll do much the same as his last Eurovision entry in 2006 - a pop tune and lots of pelvic thrusting, possibly with his shirt off. hmmmm.
- Netherlands are sending De Toppers - an aging male trio who do covers mainly. I have no idea what they'll sing, but I think you can be assured that this will be one of the non-intentional joke entries of this years Eurovision. Their song is being announced tomorrow.
- Albania has Kejsi Tola singing "Me merr ne enderr". Its the first confirmed song not in English at this years Eurovision. Its a dance tune, performed by a female that seems to have no rhythm, and no personality. She can certainly sing but her performance skills need a LOT of work. It was like watching a girl on her hens night doing kareoke after a few too many wines. She couldnt stand still, and couldnt even move in time with the music.
Thats all so far thats announced artist/song wise. Long winded I know. I'm using it as my own reference.
I say keep an eye out for Azerbaijan in the finals (possible winner? who knows), and Greece, Turkey and the UK for top 10 in the final.
The entry I'm really holding out for is the Ukraine. They've been 2nd for the last 2 years. They won in 2004. And featured in the finals every other time. They have the knack of picking great songs and artists. Verka (2007 entry who came 2nd - performing a wonderful show of utter campness) is producing one of the finalists for their own national selection - a duo called NikitA who appear to be leather bodysuit-clad lesbians, blonde and very sexy. They do r'n'b dance style songs with raunchy lyrics. And unlike Tatu, they can sing.
And Russia shouldn't be discounted either. I know they want to be the new Ireland and win lots of back to back Eurovisions now. They will put up a great act and put a lot of effort into the promotion and performance, just like they did with Dima last year. It certainly wasnt the greatest song and didnt deserve to win, but they acted like they had it in the bag months before Eurovision. The over-confidence won because every other act went in thinking Russia had won (and even Terry Wogan said it). It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Something the UK really needs to learn if they ever want to win again.
Most people still dont have accommodation for Moscow, and thats really f*cked up. Fortunately its all sorted for me and I'm so happy I booked and paid when I did last August/September.
LESSON ONE TO POTENTIAL EUROVISION GO-ERS : BOOK ACCOMMODATION AS SOON AS THE HOSTING CITY IS CONFIRMED!
The entries are starting to be finalised...
- UK has Jade (kind of a Beyonce for the UK) singing a powerballad by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren called "Its my time". Its actually very good, quite moving and she's a great performer. I think it could be the year that the UK could return to the top 10 (but not win it). I'm not usually a fan of the powerballad, but theres always a couple that feature in the top 10.
- France has Patricia Kaas. No song announced yet, but from what I can understand of her career, she's very well known for doing great jazz material
- Israel once again has a controversial entry - Noa and Mira Awad, a Muslim and Jew doing a duet. Yeah... I'm waiting for the boos and cheers... no matter what the song is. But I think its poignant considering the events of the last few months.
- Andorra is sending Andrea Demirovic with "Just Get Out of my life". To me it sounds like a tune by ABBA, and I have a feeling may have nicked lyrics from "Outta My Head" by that Ashlee Simpson. Doesn't bode well and sit well with me.
- Denmark just announced Neils Brinck with "Believe Again" written by Ronan Keating. He sounds like Ronan Keating. But the song is a nice, leisurely, singalong, bopalong sort of tune. Not a winner (I think), but one that will stick in peoples heads.
- Finland has Waldos People singing "Lose Control". Its a dance/techno tune with a female singer and male rapper. The performance could make or break it, but it doesnt do much for me listening to it now.
- Romania has Elena Gheorghe with "Balkan Girls". Its more of the latest Eurovision-typical-entry, a dance tune with Eastern beats sung by a beautiful girl and performed with 4 scantily clad backup dancers
- Turkey has Hadise with "Dum Tek Tek". Like Romania, its a dance tune with Eastern influence (we can blame 2003 winner Sertab Erner from Turkey for this wave of such entries). She's a good performer though, great singer, great dancer... could be one to watch and a certain finalist.
- Czech Republic has Gipsy.cz (no song announced yet) who are a Romani rap/folk/dance group. After listening to their stuff, it borders on sounding the Cat Empire. I like them actually, but it really depends on the song and the performance, and I don't know if Europe and Eurovision really goes for bands.
- Switzerland are sending a rock/pop band called Lovebugs. Again, there's no song announced, but after checking their stuff of the net, I like them. They might look like Matchbox 20 (well, better looking), but they sound a bit like old-time stuff from The Verve. I don't think they are winners for Eurovision, but they will be winners in terms of the exposure they quite obviously want from Eurovision.
- Belarus has Peter Elfminov with "Eyes that never lie". He looks like a Nordic 70s rockstar complete with white bodysuit. The song is an appauling 80s stylee rock tune (with falsetto!), but will grab a lot of votes because he seems a massive self-promoter and quite a performer. God help us.
- Azerbaijan have Aysel who is promising an upbeat r'n'b dance tune (ala "Qele. Qele" by Sirusho last year) even though the song hasnt been chosen yet. I'm thinking something like the Greek entry last year which came out of nowhere and claimed 3rd place - a mindless but catchy pop ditty complete with dance routine. I'll go out on a limb and say she's top 5 already. She's cute, I haven't even heard her sing (she could be dreadful), but she looks like she's stepped straight out of Idol. She'll be up there in the votes based on her energy and youth. As long as she doesnt do any of that 'lung' gurgling that the Azerbeijani entry did last year.
- Greece is sending Sakis again - he's the Greek Ricky Martin. I imagine he'll do much the same as his last Eurovision entry in 2006 - a pop tune and lots of pelvic thrusting, possibly with his shirt off. hmmmm.
- Netherlands are sending De Toppers - an aging male trio who do covers mainly. I have no idea what they'll sing, but I think you can be assured that this will be one of the non-intentional joke entries of this years Eurovision. Their song is being announced tomorrow.
- Albania has Kejsi Tola singing "Me merr ne enderr". Its the first confirmed song not in English at this years Eurovision. Its a dance tune, performed by a female that seems to have no rhythm, and no personality. She can certainly sing but her performance skills need a LOT of work. It was like watching a girl on her hens night doing kareoke after a few too many wines. She couldnt stand still, and couldnt even move in time with the music.
Thats all so far thats announced artist/song wise. Long winded I know. I'm using it as my own reference.
I say keep an eye out for Azerbaijan in the finals (possible winner? who knows), and Greece, Turkey and the UK for top 10 in the final.
The entry I'm really holding out for is the Ukraine. They've been 2nd for the last 2 years. They won in 2004. And featured in the finals every other time. They have the knack of picking great songs and artists. Verka (2007 entry who came 2nd - performing a wonderful show of utter campness) is producing one of the finalists for their own national selection - a duo called NikitA who appear to be leather bodysuit-clad lesbians, blonde and very sexy. They do r'n'b dance style songs with raunchy lyrics. And unlike Tatu, they can sing.
And Russia shouldn't be discounted either. I know they want to be the new Ireland and win lots of back to back Eurovisions now. They will put up a great act and put a lot of effort into the promotion and performance, just like they did with Dima last year. It certainly wasnt the greatest song and didnt deserve to win, but they acted like they had it in the bag months before Eurovision. The over-confidence won because every other act went in thinking Russia had won (and even Terry Wogan said it). It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Something the UK really needs to learn if they ever want to win again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
