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Eurovision Grand Final
May. 14th, 2016 06:52 pmSo again this has spoilers for those who have not watch the prime time semi's on SBS.
( Spoilers )
( Spoilers )
Eurovision 2016: Sweden
May. 7th, 2016 05:56 pmSweden
Previous Entries: 55
Wins: 6 1974 ABBA – Waterloo
1984 Herreys – Diggi-loo diggi-ley
1991 Carola - Fångad av en stormvind
1999 Charlotte Nilsson – Take Me to Your Heaven
2012 Loreen – Euphoria
2015 Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes
First Entry 1958 Alice Babs - Lilla stjärna
Most recent Entry 2015 Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes
National Anthem Du gamla, Du fria
2016:
Previous Entries: 55
Wins: 6 1974 ABBA – Waterloo
1984 Herreys – Diggi-loo diggi-ley
1991 Carola - Fångad av en stormvind
1999 Charlotte Nilsson – Take Me to Your Heaven
2012 Loreen – Euphoria
2015 Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes
First Entry 1958 Alice Babs - Lilla stjärna
Most recent Entry 2015 Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes
National Anthem Du gamla, Du fria
2016:
Frans - If I Were Sorry
I have double checked and triple checked and this is the last song to go through for Eurovision 2016 (*happy dance*) and if I was writing this a week ago it would have been top 2, but today, after the first rehersal, this is sitting in 5th with the bookmakers. Sweden has been bouncing up and down for since the announcement of this song and it could, unfortunately, still win
I can understand the appeal of this song but everything there is that is likeable about it is also something easy to dislike. As for Frans, he is a young, likeable looking kid who loves soccer and even written songs as a kid about the game. He is in front of a home crowd and I am sure he will love next weekend.
Sweden is mad on Eurovision. There were 12 songs in the national selection and when it came ot the public televote the lowest amount recieved was 739 125. Frans recieved 1 815 697 votes for this performance. The song that came second, which was first with the jury only got 1 150 943 votes. With this amount of votes just for the national selection, I would hate to be on control of any of the Swedish mobile networks next weekend...
Sweden earned the home final with a well staged performance last year. Performance makes the winner as Sweden showed in 1984. it was the performance that won, I am sure, it could not have been the song.
Eurovision 2016: Georgia
May. 5th, 2016 07:25 pmGeorgia
Previous Entries: 9
Wins: 0
First Entry: 2007 Sopho Khalvashi - Visionary Dream
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Nina Sublatti - Warrior
National anthem: თავისუფლება
2016
Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz - Midnight Gold
This is not a Eurovision song. It is very 90’s indie, well an approximation of 90’s indie. The lyrics appear to be written by someone who’s only exposure to indie is Beck and even that exposure is limited. At least this is the most interesting song this year, not a winner but interesting.
I have been trying to find out more about the Young Georgian Lolitaz and google has not been able to give me any more information that I can find in the official releases. They have been around since c2000 and that’s it. I have found a few other songs of theirs and that stuff seems more true to 90’s indie. I am not sure if I want to hear more music by these guys, but I would like a copy of their CD collections. Then bands they are influenced by are all bands that rock.
This is the second song this Eurovision featuring the musical input of Thomas G:Son. Mr G:son also had two songs last year and he is really trying to be the Swedish Ralph Siegel. G:Son and Siegel both have the same amount of Eurovision wins and I think that will still be the case after this Eurovision.
The Bookies don’t think this year’s song will qualify for the final. The Last time Georgia failed to qualify was 2014
Previous Entries: 9
Wins: 0
First Entry: 2007 Sopho Khalvashi - Visionary Dream
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Nina Sublatti - Warrior
National anthem: თავისუფლება
2016
Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz - Midnight Gold
This is not a Eurovision song. It is very 90’s indie, well an approximation of 90’s indie. The lyrics appear to be written by someone who’s only exposure to indie is Beck and even that exposure is limited. At least this is the most interesting song this year, not a winner but interesting.
I have been trying to find out more about the Young Georgian Lolitaz and google has not been able to give me any more information that I can find in the official releases. They have been around since c2000 and that’s it. I have found a few other songs of theirs and that stuff seems more true to 90’s indie. I am not sure if I want to hear more music by these guys, but I would like a copy of their CD collections. Then bands they are influenced by are all bands that rock.
This is the second song this Eurovision featuring the musical input of Thomas G:Son. Mr G:son also had two songs last year and he is really trying to be the Swedish Ralph Siegel. G:Son and Siegel both have the same amount of Eurovision wins and I think that will still be the case after this Eurovision.
The Bookies don’t think this year’s song will qualify for the final. The Last time Georgia failed to qualify was 2014
Eurovision 2016: Malta
May. 4th, 2016 07:59 pmMalta
Previous Entries:28
Wins: 0
First Entry: 1971 Joe Grech - Marija l-Maltija
Most Recent Entry 2015 Amber – Warrior
National Anthem: L-Innu Malti
2016:
Ira Losco - Walk on Water
This song shits me because she sounds like Delta Goodrem and I hate Delta Goodrem. Sounding like Delta is even worse than being a Eurovision repeat offender, which is also is. Despite all this the bookies currently have this song just out of the top 5.
Ira went into the national selections with two songs, “Chameleon” and “That’s why I love you”. She eventually won with Chameleon. Under the rules of the Maltese national selection, the winner can change part or all of the song selected to go to Eurovision with, and that’s what she did. The new song was co-written by a Swedish ‘talent’ show loser who failed to qualify to represent her own country. Co-writer Molly Pettersson Hammar will be seen at Eurovision as Ira Losco’s backing vocalist.
Ira went to Eurovision in 2002 and recorded Malta’s equal best result 2nd. The other artist to finish second, Chiara (2005) returned in 2009 and finished 22nd. I hope this does not do that well. Respect the people and go with what they voted for.
On the topic of the need for respect, check out the leery guy from 1991
Previous Entries:28
Wins: 0
First Entry: 1971 Joe Grech - Marija l-Maltija
Most Recent Entry 2015 Amber – Warrior
National Anthem: L-Innu Malti
2016:
Ira Losco - Walk on Water
This song shits me because she sounds like Delta Goodrem and I hate Delta Goodrem. Sounding like Delta is even worse than being a Eurovision repeat offender, which is also is. Despite all this the bookies currently have this song just out of the top 5.
Ira went into the national selections with two songs, “Chameleon” and “That’s why I love you”. She eventually won with Chameleon. Under the rules of the Maltese national selection, the winner can change part or all of the song selected to go to Eurovision with, and that’s what she did. The new song was co-written by a Swedish ‘talent’ show loser who failed to qualify to represent her own country. Co-writer Molly Pettersson Hammar will be seen at Eurovision as Ira Losco’s backing vocalist.
Ira went to Eurovision in 2002 and recorded Malta’s equal best result 2nd. The other artist to finish second, Chiara (2005) returned in 2009 and finished 22nd. I hope this does not do that well. Respect the people and go with what they voted for.
On the topic of the need for respect, check out the leery guy from 1991
Eurovision 2016: Belgium
May. 1st, 2016 09:42 pmBelgium
Previous Entries - 57
Wins 1 1986 Sandra Kim - J'aime la vie
First Entry: 1956 Fud Leclerc - Messieurs les noyés de la Seine
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside
National Anthem: Brabançonne
2016
Laura Tesoro - What's The Pressure
Michael Jackson called and he would like to stay dead thanks. Obviously Belgium saw the success Guy Sebastian had last year and tried to imitate it. That never works at Eurovision… well not often anyways… Certainly not this year… I hope.
This song is sitting in the group of borderline qualifiers with the bookies and though imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it somehow cheapens Eurovision. Discount store Eurovision… if there is a difference.
In a desperate attempt to give this song credibility the blurb is trying to connect Laura to Depeche Mode. The final version of this song was produced by “Peter Gordeno, who plays keyboards with Depeche Mode”. Peter is a session Muso who has played with various artists and occasionally plays with Depeche Mode on tour. Name dropping will not win you a Eurovision, Belgium.
Now days too may artist (like Laura) graduate from ‘talent’ shows. Why can’t they graduate from previous Eurovisions like in 1962
Previous Entries - 57
Wins 1 1986 Sandra Kim - J'aime la vie
First Entry: 1956 Fud Leclerc - Messieurs les noyés de la Seine
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside
National Anthem: Brabançonne
2016
Laura Tesoro - What's The Pressure
Michael Jackson called and he would like to stay dead thanks. Obviously Belgium saw the success Guy Sebastian had last year and tried to imitate it. That never works at Eurovision… well not often anyways… Certainly not this year… I hope.
This song is sitting in the group of borderline qualifiers with the bookies and though imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it somehow cheapens Eurovision. Discount store Eurovision… if there is a difference.
In a desperate attempt to give this song credibility the blurb is trying to connect Laura to Depeche Mode. The final version of this song was produced by “Peter Gordeno, who plays keyboards with Depeche Mode”. Peter is a session Muso who has played with various artists and occasionally plays with Depeche Mode on tour. Name dropping will not win you a Eurovision, Belgium.
Now days too may artist (like Laura) graduate from ‘talent’ shows. Why can’t they graduate from previous Eurovisions like in 1962
Eurovision 2016: United Kingdom
Apr. 29th, 2016 05:25 pmUnited Kingdom.
Previous Entries: 58
Wins: 5 1967 Sandy Shaw - Puppet on a String
1969 (shared) Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang
1975 Brotherhood of Man - Save Your Kisses for Me
1981 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up
1997 Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light
First Entry: 1957 Patricia Bredin – All
Most recent entry: 2015 Electro Velvet - Still in Love with You
National Anthem: God Save the Queen
2016:
Joe and Jake - You're Not Alone
This is an early naughties pop song, a bit dated for Eurovision 2016. What’s worse is that it is performed by not one but two ‘talent’ show losers. Whatever, this is what the people voted for.
The Mirror called this song middle of the road, but then what would they know, they liked Darline best who were very off key in “You Decide”. If Darline had won it wouldn’t be the first time the UK sent an act that couldn’t sing. Who knows if any of the acts can sing. Maybe Joe and Jake could be another Jemini.
The boys need to learn how to perform and the tall guy (I don’t know if he is Joe or Jake and I don’t really care) better hope his hair grows a bit before Eurovision so he can have a decent hair cut rather than looking like a Special Ed kid. Or maybe they shouldn’t bother, listening to the live version they are definitely not going to win.
The Uk has given the world so much good music over the last 50 or so year. How is it that they never manage to send that to Eurovision. I mean look at 1978
Previous Entries: 58
Wins: 5 1967 Sandy Shaw - Puppet on a String
1969 (shared) Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang
1975 Brotherhood of Man - Save Your Kisses for Me
1981 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up
1997 Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light
First Entry: 1957 Patricia Bredin – All
Most recent entry: 2015 Electro Velvet - Still in Love with You
National Anthem: God Save the Queen
2016:
Joe and Jake - You're Not Alone
This is an early naughties pop song, a bit dated for Eurovision 2016. What’s worse is that it is performed by not one but two ‘talent’ show losers. Whatever, this is what the people voted for.
The Mirror called this song middle of the road, but then what would they know, they liked Darline best who were very off key in “You Decide”. If Darline had won it wouldn’t be the first time the UK sent an act that couldn’t sing. Who knows if any of the acts can sing. Maybe Joe and Jake could be another Jemini.
The boys need to learn how to perform and the tall guy (I don’t know if he is Joe or Jake and I don’t really care) better hope his hair grows a bit before Eurovision so he can have a decent hair cut rather than looking like a Special Ed kid. Or maybe they shouldn’t bother, listening to the live version they are definitely not going to win.
The Uk has given the world so much good music over the last 50 or so year. How is it that they never manage to send that to Eurovision. I mean look at 1978
Eurovision 2016: Austria
Apr. 28th, 2016 07:21 pmAustria
Previous Entries: 48
Wins: 2 1966 Udo Jürgens - Merci, Chérie
2014 Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix
First Entry: 1957 Bob Martin - Wohin, kleines Pony?
Most recent Entry: 2015 The Makemakes - I Am Yours
National Anthem: Land der Berge, Land am Strome
2016
ZOË - Loin d’ici
German is an awesome language that gave us words like Schadenfreude, Fremdschämen, Backpfeifengesicht and Handschuhschneeballwerfer. Why, when you have all this awesome German to use would you sing in French. I just don’t get it. Why!
Austria had the most interesting national selection. There were ten songs that competed in “Wer singt für Österreich?”, the show to determine who would go to Eurovision. The show had a Jury element and a public televote. This song finished equal 4th with the jury but first with the public. When the totals were put together, ZOË finished equal second with Bella Wagner. For reasons that I do not understand Bella was considered to have come third. The top two songs by ZOË and Elly V (who came first with the jury, second with the public and first overall in the final) went to a super-final play off which ZOË won. I don’t think either of the other performances were better overall, but I don’t agree that the superfinal was the best way to determine the winner in this scenario.
This song is a fair way back with the bookies. Controversy in the national selections often has a slight impact on the final results and so this song really doesn’t hav a chance. Even if it makes the final, it will just be making the numbers.
You know it doesn’t have to be German German. It can be a dialect like Viennese German like in 1971
Previous Entries: 48
Wins: 2 1966 Udo Jürgens - Merci, Chérie
2014 Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix
First Entry: 1957 Bob Martin - Wohin, kleines Pony?
Most recent Entry: 2015 The Makemakes - I Am Yours
National Anthem: Land der Berge, Land am Strome
2016
ZOË - Loin d’ici
German is an awesome language that gave us words like Schadenfreude, Fremdschämen, Backpfeifengesicht and Handschuhschneeballwerfer. Why, when you have all this awesome German to use would you sing in French. I just don’t get it. Why!
Austria had the most interesting national selection. There were ten songs that competed in “Wer singt für Österreich?”, the show to determine who would go to Eurovision. The show had a Jury element and a public televote. This song finished equal 4th with the jury but first with the public. When the totals were put together, ZOË finished equal second with Bella Wagner. For reasons that I do not understand Bella was considered to have come third. The top two songs by ZOË and Elly V (who came first with the jury, second with the public and first overall in the final) went to a super-final play off which ZOË won. I don’t think either of the other performances were better overall, but I don’t agree that the superfinal was the best way to determine the winner in this scenario.
This song is a fair way back with the bookies. Controversy in the national selections often has a slight impact on the final results and so this song really doesn’t hav a chance. Even if it makes the final, it will just be making the numbers.
You know it doesn’t have to be German German. It can be a dialect like Viennese German like in 1971
Eurovision 2016: Ukraine
Apr. 27th, 2016 06:37 pmUkraine
Previous Entries: 12
Wins: 1 2004 Ruslana – Wild Dancers
First Entry 2003 Oleksandr Ponomariov - Hasta la Vista
Most Recent Entry 2014 Mariya Yaremchuk – Tick-Tock
National Anthem: Ще не вмерли України ні слава ні воля
2016:
Jamala – 1944
There is no politics in Eurovision. There is no politics… aw FFS how did this get through. This will be booed at Eurovision for being political but at last it will get 12 points from Georgia.
This song was border-line being banned from Eurovision; however it was deemed not to contain any political statements. In 2005 when Ukraine hosted Eurovision the song had to be amended for being overtly political and in 2007 Verka Serduchka was warned about a line in “Dancing Lasha Tumbai" that sounded suspiciously like "Russia Goodbye" . Yes, Ukraine, we get it, you do not like Russia. Eurovision is not the place to advertise that.
This song is currently top ten with the book makers. Ukraine’s Nemesis is still #1 and if Russia wins like predicted, the Ukraine will have to go into the den of the bear next year… or withdraw
Hasta la vista to the days when less political songs would be sent to Eurovision by the Ukraine. I still remember 2003.
Previous Entries: 12
Wins: 1 2004 Ruslana – Wild Dancers
First Entry 2003 Oleksandr Ponomariov - Hasta la Vista
Most Recent Entry 2014 Mariya Yaremchuk – Tick-Tock
National Anthem: Ще не вмерли України ні слава ні воля
2016:
Jamala – 1944
There is no politics in Eurovision. There is no politics… aw FFS how did this get through. This will be booed at Eurovision for being political but at last it will get 12 points from Georgia.
This song was border-line being banned from Eurovision; however it was deemed not to contain any political statements. In 2005 when Ukraine hosted Eurovision the song had to be amended for being overtly political and in 2007 Verka Serduchka was warned about a line in “Dancing Lasha Tumbai" that sounded suspiciously like "Russia Goodbye" . Yes, Ukraine, we get it, you do not like Russia. Eurovision is not the place to advertise that.
This song is currently top ten with the book makers. Ukraine’s Nemesis is still #1 and if Russia wins like predicted, the Ukraine will have to go into the den of the bear next year… or withdraw
Hasta la vista to the days when less political songs would be sent to Eurovision by the Ukraine. I still remember 2003.
Eurovision 2016: Czech Republic
Apr. 26th, 2016 06:20 pmCzech Republic (Czechia)
Previous Entries 4
Wins: 0
First Entry: 2007 Kabát - Malá dáma
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Marta Jandová & Václav Noid Bárta - Hope Never Dies
National Anthem: Kde domov můj
2016:
Gabriela Gunčíková - I Stand
This is dependence as a pop song. We have a generation that demands to be treated like individuals but they don’t see themselves as a person until they are no longer an individual. The Oxymoron of millennials.
Gabriela is another ‘talent’ show loser but at least she appears to be able to sing. What surprises me about this very middle of the road song is that it is in the top 15 with the bookmakers. Is it really that good or is it that this year that bad?
This video clip could be a shampoo commercial or a try hard Gotye clip. I don’t get the dark haired girl at the start and end of the clip and I don’t really care. I don’t care for the clip or the song. Bye bye Czechia.
The Czech Republic has never made it to the grand final. Maybe with a name change to Czechia and a more commercial song they can do better than 2009
Previous Entries 4
Wins: 0
First Entry: 2007 Kabát - Malá dáma
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Marta Jandová & Václav Noid Bárta - Hope Never Dies
National Anthem: Kde domov můj
2016:
Gabriela Gunčíková - I Stand
This is dependence as a pop song. We have a generation that demands to be treated like individuals but they don’t see themselves as a person until they are no longer an individual. The Oxymoron of millennials.
Gabriela is another ‘talent’ show loser but at least she appears to be able to sing. What surprises me about this very middle of the road song is that it is in the top 15 with the bookmakers. Is it really that good or is it that this year that bad?
This video clip could be a shampoo commercial or a try hard Gotye clip. I don’t get the dark haired girl at the start and end of the clip and I don’t really care. I don’t care for the clip or the song. Bye bye Czechia.
The Czech Republic has never made it to the grand final. Maybe with a name change to Czechia and a more commercial song they can do better than 2009
Eurovision 2016: Serbia
Apr. 25th, 2016 02:15 pmSerbia
Previous Entries: 8* (as an independent country)
Wins: 1 2007 Marija Šerifović - Molitva (Молитва)
First Entry 2007 Marija Šerifović - Molitva (Молитва)
Most recent entry 2015 Bojana Stamenov - Beauty Never Lies
National Anthem: Боже правде
2016
ZAA Sanja Vučić - Goodbye (Shelter)
This clip this this is disturbing because it seems Sanja sung a slower version in the clip and then it was sped up to match the tempo of the song in its current form. The performance looks disjointed but despite this poor presentation, the song is top ten with the bookies.
Sanja Vučić (not to be confused with Aleksandar Vučić) studies linguistics and can speak a heap of languages; I would like to see your average American pop starlet that does that. The only thing Sanja has in common with those those starlets is that she is performing a standard pop ballad. Ok, it has a bit of ethnopop in it and I think it will show up well when performed live. This could come up and take the crown though I am not sure she has the voice to carry it off. Bad vocals never prevented anyone from winning though…
I don’t think this song is special but then I rarely like the winners. My favourite Serbian song in Eurovision was Čaroban and this year’s song is not nearly as fun as that was. This year will be a ballad year though, I am sure of it…. But then I have been wrong about Eurovision before… almost every year.
After winning with a song sung in Serbian, Serbia continued with their language until 2013. I am not sure why they stopped. It was the song that was terrible in 2013…
Previous Entries: 8* (as an independent country)
Wins: 1 2007 Marija Šerifović - Molitva (Молитва)
First Entry 2007 Marija Šerifović - Molitva (Молитва)
Most recent entry 2015 Bojana Stamenov - Beauty Never Lies
National Anthem: Боже правде
2016
ZAA Sanja Vučić - Goodbye (Shelter)
This clip this this is disturbing because it seems Sanja sung a slower version in the clip and then it was sped up to match the tempo of the song in its current form. The performance looks disjointed but despite this poor presentation, the song is top ten with the bookies.
Sanja Vučić (not to be confused with Aleksandar Vučić) studies linguistics and can speak a heap of languages; I would like to see your average American pop starlet that does that. The only thing Sanja has in common with those those starlets is that she is performing a standard pop ballad. Ok, it has a bit of ethnopop in it and I think it will show up well when performed live. This could come up and take the crown though I am not sure she has the voice to carry it off. Bad vocals never prevented anyone from winning though…
I don’t think this song is special but then I rarely like the winners. My favourite Serbian song in Eurovision was Čaroban and this year’s song is not nearly as fun as that was. This year will be a ballad year though, I am sure of it…. But then I have been wrong about Eurovision before… almost every year.
After winning with a song sung in Serbian, Serbia continued with their language until 2013. I am not sure why they stopped. It was the song that was terrible in 2013…
Eurovision 2016: Lithuania
Apr. 23rd, 2016 03:51 pmLithuania
Previous Entries: 16
Wins 0
First Entry: 1994 Ovidijus Vyšniauskas - Lopšinė mylimai
Most Recent entry: 2015 Monika Linkytė & Vaidas Baumila – This Time
National Anthem: Tautiška giesmė
2016
Donny Montell - I've Been Waiting For This Night
It is a nice little pop song about a guy getting his cherry popped that is sung by a 28 year old. At first I thought the girl I the clip was a hooker. She probably is and the club scene is there to hide the fact that he had to pay. At least she would have taught him well.
What I am looking forward to with this song is the dance moves Donny gave us in 2012. More dodgy dance and more one hand cartwheels. You cannot get enough of that in Eurovision. Talent and originality would be nice, but circus tricks will do at a pinch.
This song is in the bottom half with the bookmakers, but Donny also started in the bottom 15 in 2015 and still got to the final and finished 18th, and considering this song is a lot better than that was, I think this will get through, just…
The only thing Donny has is he is a pretty young boy. Much prettier than Lithuania’s first entry in 1994
Previous Entries: 16
Wins 0
First Entry: 1994 Ovidijus Vyšniauskas - Lopšinė mylimai
Most Recent entry: 2015 Monika Linkytė & Vaidas Baumila – This Time
National Anthem: Tautiška giesmė
2016
Donny Montell - I've Been Waiting For This Night
It is a nice little pop song about a guy getting his cherry popped that is sung by a 28 year old. At first I thought the girl I the clip was a hooker. She probably is and the club scene is there to hide the fact that he had to pay. At least she would have taught him well.
What I am looking forward to with this song is the dance moves Donny gave us in 2012. More dodgy dance and more one hand cartwheels. You cannot get enough of that in Eurovision. Talent and originality would be nice, but circus tricks will do at a pinch.
This song is in the bottom half with the bookmakers, but Donny also started in the bottom 15 in 2015 and still got to the final and finished 18th, and considering this song is a lot better than that was, I think this will get through, just…
The only thing Donny has is he is a pretty young boy. Much prettier than Lithuania’s first entry in 1994
Eurovision 2016: Spain
Apr. 22nd, 2016 07:10 pmSpain
Previous Entries:
Wins: 2 1968 Masiel - La, la, la
1969 (shared) Salomé - Vivo Cantando
First Entry: 1961 Conchita Bautista - Estando Contigo
Most Recent Entry: Edurne – Amanecer
National Anthem: Marcha Real
2016:
Barei - Say Yay!
This song is hovering around the fringes of the top ten, which is understandable because it is one of those summer party anthems that Eurovision likes to give the world. My only issue is that the main dance move in this clip is giving me NKOTB Flashbacks, and that is not a good thing.
This is apparently the first Spanish entry with no Spanish lyrics. I also don’t know if the line “lalalala” is in homage to the first Spanish winner of Eurovision from all the way back in 1968. I doubt it was intentional, but it is a sweet link. Too many La’s anyway…
All the lines are sung with such confidence despite the fact that they are largely nonsensical. “I know by heart my shades; I got the light between my breaks” what is that even meant to mean? I would comment about Kids these days, but she is 34. Engrish hasn’t stopped anyone from winning though.
This year’s song may eventually be a commercial for active-ware or energy drink. Spain likes songs that sound like advertising jingles… like in 1979
Previous Entries:
Wins: 2 1968 Masiel - La, la, la
1969 (shared) Salomé - Vivo Cantando
First Entry: 1961 Conchita Bautista - Estando Contigo
Most Recent Entry: Edurne – Amanecer
National Anthem: Marcha Real
2016:
Barei - Say Yay!
This song is hovering around the fringes of the top ten, which is understandable because it is one of those summer party anthems that Eurovision likes to give the world. My only issue is that the main dance move in this clip is giving me NKOTB Flashbacks, and that is not a good thing.
This is apparently the first Spanish entry with no Spanish lyrics. I also don’t know if the line “lalalala” is in homage to the first Spanish winner of Eurovision from all the way back in 1968. I doubt it was intentional, but it is a sweet link. Too many La’s anyway…
All the lines are sung with such confidence despite the fact that they are largely nonsensical. “I know by heart my shades; I got the light between my breaks” what is that even meant to mean? I would comment about Kids these days, but she is 34. Engrish hasn’t stopped anyone from winning though.
This year’s song may eventually be a commercial for active-ware or energy drink. Spain likes songs that sound like advertising jingles… like in 1979
Eurovision 2016: Hungary
Apr. 20th, 2016 07:40 pmHungary
Previous entries: 13
Wins: 0
First Entry: Friderika Bayer - Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet?
Most Recent Entry: Boggie – Wars for Nothing
National Anthem: Himnusz
2016:
Freddie – Pioneer
Another ‘talent’ show loser hitting the Eurovision stage. Like a typical Factor/Idol/voice winner he has no substance. There is not even anything interesting in his biog. At least he is pretty, but unfortunately that is about it.
Watching the song I realise why I could never be a backing singer. Besides my lack of singing ability I am held back by my lack of coordination. The backing vocalist have perfectly synchronise their right foot rock with each other. They even clap with sticks. I would be a mess. These guys have talent.
This year’s theme appears to be ‘being accepted for being different’. There have been a number of sings with that kind of theme and none of them are highly accepted by the bookies. Freddie isn’t different though. He is cut from the same cloth as every other wannabe star. The bookies rate that just in the top 20
There is always a song that is worse. There were apparently two songs worse than Hungary in 1998:
Previous entries: 13
Wins: 0
First Entry: Friderika Bayer - Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet?
Most Recent Entry: Boggie – Wars for Nothing
National Anthem: Himnusz
2016:
Freddie – Pioneer
Another ‘talent’ show loser hitting the Eurovision stage. Like a typical Factor/Idol/voice winner he has no substance. There is not even anything interesting in his biog. At least he is pretty, but unfortunately that is about it.
Watching the song I realise why I could never be a backing singer. Besides my lack of singing ability I am held back by my lack of coordination. The backing vocalist have perfectly synchronise their right foot rock with each other. They even clap with sticks. I would be a mess. These guys have talent.
This year’s theme appears to be ‘being accepted for being different’. There have been a number of sings with that kind of theme and none of them are highly accepted by the bookies. Freddie isn’t different though. He is cut from the same cloth as every other wannabe star. The bookies rate that just in the top 20
There is always a song that is worse. There were apparently two songs worse than Hungary in 1998:
Eurovision 2016: Latvia
Apr. 19th, 2016 07:21 pmLatvia
Previous Entries: 16
Wins: 1 2001 Marie N - I Wanna https://youtu.be/_B68kYxcea8
First entry: 2000 Brainstorm - My Star https://youtu.be/N1y9xhmMSDk
Most recent entry: 2015 Aminata - Love Injected https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-usdXbeGHi8&nohtml5=False
National anthem: Dievs, svētī Latviju https://youtu.be/SCfX2gGohjU
2016
Justs – Heartbeat
There is something familiar about this ambient pop song. It sounds too much like last year’s entry. That is probably because it is written by last year’s entrant. Actually last year’s song was better, even if the singer was dressed like a giant red butt-plug.
This song is in the top ten with the bookies and I don’t quite understand why. Yes last year Latvia finished 6th and this song is similar, but last year the sound was new. Now it is so last year and I think the Eurovision audience will respond to that negatively. They will be positive about Justs and his designer stubble (is it still called that?) but negative about the song.
The national final makes one ponder what could have been. Justs came second in the televoting but won the internet votes. The song that won the televotes and finished second over-all is not as much of a Eurovision song, but it is a better song.
Doing something different only works if you do it once, so this year is not really different. Singing in Latvian is different and was only done in 2004
Previous Entries: 16
Wins: 1 2001 Marie N - I Wanna https://youtu.be/_B68kYxcea8
First entry: 2000 Brainstorm - My Star https://youtu.be/N1y9xhmMSDk
Most recent entry: 2015 Aminata - Love Injected https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-usdXbeGHi8&nohtml5=False
National anthem: Dievs, svētī Latviju https://youtu.be/SCfX2gGohjU
2016
Justs – Heartbeat
There is something familiar about this ambient pop song. It sounds too much like last year’s entry. That is probably because it is written by last year’s entrant. Actually last year’s song was better, even if the singer was dressed like a giant red butt-plug.
This song is in the top ten with the bookies and I don’t quite understand why. Yes last year Latvia finished 6th and this song is similar, but last year the sound was new. Now it is so last year and I think the Eurovision audience will respond to that negatively. They will be positive about Justs and his designer stubble (is it still called that?) but negative about the song.
The national final makes one ponder what could have been. Justs came second in the televoting but won the internet votes. The song that won the televotes and finished second over-all is not as much of a Eurovision song, but it is a better song.
Doing something different only works if you do it once, so this year is not really different. Singing in Latvian is different and was only done in 2004
Eurovision 2016: Netherlands
Apr. 18th, 2016 07:43 pmThe Netherlands
Previous Entries: 57
Wins: 4 1957 Corry Brokken - Net als toen
1959 Teddy Scholten - n Beetje
1969 (shared) Lenny Kuhr - De troubadour
1975 Teach-in - Ding-a-Dong
First Entry: 1956 Jetty Paerl - De vogels van Holland
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Trijntje Oosterhuis – Walk Along
National Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
2016:
Douwe Bob – Slow Down
Every time I see his name I think off Australian Comedian Bob Downe, but he looks and sounds nothing like Aussie Bob. Bob Downe is Cabaret, Douwe Bob is country, So country it hurts.
Douwe Bob is another reality show graduate, but the show he won was De beste singer-songwriter van Nederland. I like the idea of a singer-songwriter competition. It is much better in theory than X-factor, Idol and The Voice. In practice we have someone who is popular in his own country and is giving Eurovision a song that sounds like a 70’s TV show theme. It could be worse. Should be better, but could be worse.
The most successful Eurovision song for the Netherlands in the last 40 years was a country song and that finished second two years ago. It has been 41 years since the last win for The Netherlands and this song is probably too weak in good competition to end the drought.
Forty years ago The Netherlands hosted Eurovision and this is what they gave us in 1976
Previous Entries: 57
Wins: 4 1957 Corry Brokken - Net als toen
1959 Teddy Scholten - n Beetje
1969 (shared) Lenny Kuhr - De troubadour
1975 Teach-in - Ding-a-Dong
First Entry: 1956 Jetty Paerl - De vogels van Holland
Most Recent Entry: 2015 Trijntje Oosterhuis – Walk Along
National Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
2016:
Douwe Bob – Slow Down
Every time I see his name I think off Australian Comedian Bob Downe, but he looks and sounds nothing like Aussie Bob. Bob Downe is Cabaret, Douwe Bob is country, So country it hurts.
Douwe Bob is another reality show graduate, but the show he won was De beste singer-songwriter van Nederland. I like the idea of a singer-songwriter competition. It is much better in theory than X-factor, Idol and The Voice. In practice we have someone who is popular in his own country and is giving Eurovision a song that sounds like a 70’s TV show theme. It could be worse. Should be better, but could be worse.
The most successful Eurovision song for the Netherlands in the last 40 years was a country song and that finished second two years ago. It has been 41 years since the last win for The Netherlands and this song is probably too weak in good competition to end the drought.
Forty years ago The Netherlands hosted Eurovision and this is what they gave us in 1976
Eurovision 2016: Germany
Apr. 14th, 2016 07:00 pmGermany
Previous Entries: 59
Wins: 2 1982 Nicole - Ein bißchen Frieden
2010 Lena – Satellite
First Entry: 1956 Walter Andreas Schwarz - Im Wartesaal zum großen Glück
Most recent Entry: 2015 Ann Sophie – Black Smoke
National anthem: Deutschlandlied
2016:
Jamie-Lee – Ghost
Germany is sending a K and J Pop loving vegan to warble though a song that wouldn’t be that bad if it could be clearly sung. Yes the song is a little Rhianna in sound but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery or something…
The bookmakers have this on the edge of the top 20, and seeing this is song is already in the final it means that the bookies think this is just going to be making the numbers. Making the numbers is what Germany usually does best but I think this song might do a little better than the bottom of the rankings. Sentimentality for Germany’s 60th Eurovision will possibly get a few votes.
I am looking forward to seeing this performed only for the outfit. Many performers look at great designers for an outfit, but Jamie-lee will be looking at Korea, a country she is obsessed with. She is going to love the Australian entrant Dami Im.
This year’s entry may win the Barbara Dex but most German outfits are more subdued like in 1957
Previous Entries: 59
Wins: 2 1982 Nicole - Ein bißchen Frieden
2010 Lena – Satellite
First Entry: 1956 Walter Andreas Schwarz - Im Wartesaal zum großen Glück
Most recent Entry: 2015 Ann Sophie – Black Smoke
National anthem: Deutschlandlied
2016:
Jamie-Lee – Ghost
Germany is sending a K and J Pop loving vegan to warble though a song that wouldn’t be that bad if it could be clearly sung. Yes the song is a little Rhianna in sound but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery or something…
The bookmakers have this on the edge of the top 20, and seeing this is song is already in the final it means that the bookies think this is just going to be making the numbers. Making the numbers is what Germany usually does best but I think this song might do a little better than the bottom of the rankings. Sentimentality for Germany’s 60th Eurovision will possibly get a few votes.
I am looking forward to seeing this performed only for the outfit. Many performers look at great designers for an outfit, but Jamie-lee will be looking at Korea, a country she is obsessed with. She is going to love the Australian entrant Dami Im.
This year’s entry may win the Barbara Dex but most German outfits are more subdued like in 1957
Eurovision 2016: Bulgaria
Apr. 12th, 2016 05:26 pmBulgaria
Previous Entries: 9
Wins: Nil
First Entry: 2005 Kaffe – Lorraine
Most recent Entry: 2013 Elitsa & Stoyan - Samo shampioni (Само шампиони)
National Anthem: Мила Родино
2016:
Poli Genova - If Love Was A Crime
This song appears fairly popular with Eurovision fans, which is a little political really. Considering that in some Eurovision countries love is a crime for many fans, many fans seem to relate to this song. There is no politics in Eurovision though…
This is actually a well-constructed pop song. Even the Bulgarian passage in the chorus (which translates to Oh, give me love) is perfectly placed. This is so well-constructed that I don’t know why it is just out of the top ten with the bookies. I cannot find a live version of the song to find out if she can carry the song, but by going by Poli’s previous attempt at Eurovision in 2011, she wasn’t awful. She could be a dark horse.
Bulgaria usually sends something interesting to Eurovision, not good, just… interesting. This is good for Eurovision. This will easily make the Eurovision final which will be only the second time Bulgaria has done that.
Poli is repeat offender in Eurovision and the last act Bulgaria sent to Eurovision (in 2013) was also a repeat offender. At least when Elitsa & Stoyan wen to Eurovision the first time they qualified for the final. It was a different time in 2007
Previous Entries: 9
Wins: Nil
First Entry: 2005 Kaffe – Lorraine
Most recent Entry: 2013 Elitsa & Stoyan - Samo shampioni (Само шампиони)
National Anthem: Мила Родино
2016:
Poli Genova - If Love Was A Crime
This song appears fairly popular with Eurovision fans, which is a little political really. Considering that in some Eurovision countries love is a crime for many fans, many fans seem to relate to this song. There is no politics in Eurovision though…
This is actually a well-constructed pop song. Even the Bulgarian passage in the chorus (which translates to Oh, give me love) is perfectly placed. This is so well-constructed that I don’t know why it is just out of the top ten with the bookies. I cannot find a live version of the song to find out if she can carry the song, but by going by Poli’s previous attempt at Eurovision in 2011, she wasn’t awful. She could be a dark horse.
Bulgaria usually sends something interesting to Eurovision, not good, just… interesting. This is good for Eurovision. This will easily make the Eurovision final which will be only the second time Bulgaria has done that.
Poli is repeat offender in Eurovision and the last act Bulgaria sent to Eurovision (in 2013) was also a repeat offender. At least when Elitsa & Stoyan wen to Eurovision the first time they qualified for the final. It was a different time in 2007
Eurovision 2016: Croatia
Apr. 11th, 2016 05:53 pmCroatia
Previous entries: 21* (as an independent country)
Wins: Nil* (Riva, a band from Zagreb, won for Yugoslavia with Rock Me)
First Entry: 1993 Put - Don't Ever Cry
Most recent entry: 2013 Klapa s Mora – Mižerja
National Anthem: Lijepa naša domovino
2016:
Nina Kraljić – Lighthouse (new official clip)
It is not a promo clip. This clip is actually formed from images from a short film called "Hvar - Into the Storm". I have however found a clip of the song performed live on Serbian TV, how live the vocals were we will not know but it didn’t sound too bad. At least Nina is on the screen in the Serbian TV footage.
This song is currently just the top 10 after being in the top 5 a week or so ago. The cause of the drop appears to be accusations of plagiarism which, though siad to be unfounded have this had an impact. Though I think this could be a ballad year, this song is slowly droppiong out of contention. Even though Eurovision loves the celtic flavour this song possesses, it doesn't appear this song has a chance now.
Nina took two attempts to win a talent show. She came 10th in 2009 in The Croatian version of ‘Got Talent (Supertalent) when she was about 17. Last year Nina won The Voice in Croatia. First she dominates Croatia, then the world. Well, maybe…
Could thids song beat Croatia’s best result of 4th? The first time they reached that height it was a scream in 1996
Previous entries: 21* (as an independent country)
Wins: Nil* (Riva, a band from Zagreb, won for Yugoslavia with Rock Me)
First Entry: 1993 Put - Don't Ever Cry
Most recent entry: 2013 Klapa s Mora – Mižerja
National Anthem: Lijepa naša domovino
2016:
Nina Kraljić – Lighthouse (new official clip)
It is not a promo clip. This clip is actually formed from images from a short film called "Hvar - Into the Storm". I have however found a clip of the song performed live on Serbian TV, how live the vocals were we will not know but it didn’t sound too bad. At least Nina is on the screen in the Serbian TV footage.
This song is currently just the top 10 after being in the top 5 a week or so ago. The cause of the drop appears to be accusations of plagiarism which, though siad to be unfounded have this had an impact. Though I think this could be a ballad year, this song is slowly droppiong out of contention. Even though Eurovision loves the celtic flavour this song possesses, it doesn't appear this song has a chance now.
Nina took two attempts to win a talent show. She came 10th in 2009 in The Croatian version of ‘Got Talent (Supertalent) when she was about 17. Last year Nina won The Voice in Croatia. First she dominates Croatia, then the world. Well, maybe…
Could thids song beat Croatia’s best result of 4th? The first time they reached that height it was a scream in 1996
Eurovision 2016: Azerbaijan
Apr. 9th, 2016 03:42 pmAzerbaijan
Entries: 8
Wins: 1 2011 Ell & Nikki - Running Scared
First entry:2008 Elnur & Samir - Day After Day
Most recent entry: 2015 Elnur Hüseynov - Hour of the Wolf
national Anthem: Azərbaycan Marşı
2016:
Samra – Miracle
This song is like the 80’s crashed into Rhianna and resulted in terrible lyrics. This song is really terrible. The only outstanding thing about this is Samra’s hair. That is outstanding hair. I am jealous. Everything else is bad but the hair is amazing.
The promo clip for this song is certainly worth watching for the most over exaggerated lip-syncing you will ever see. This is almost the worst song Azerbaijan has ever sent to Eurovision, but unbelievably the bookmakers have this in the top 20. That’s politics for you.
Samra tried to get to Eurovision in 2012 when she was 16, but only managed 3rd in her heat, the first of 8. After listening to less than 1 minute of the song I am surprised she made third out of the 10 people in the heat. She then went on to do well on the Azerbaijan version of The Voice. I am really very surprised.
This year will crash and burn, I am sorry Azerbaijan. You should have sent Sabina Babayeva instead like you did in 2012
Entries: 8
Wins: 1 2011 Ell & Nikki - Running Scared
First entry:2008 Elnur & Samir - Day After Day
Most recent entry: 2015 Elnur Hüseynov - Hour of the Wolf
national Anthem: Azərbaycan Marşı
2016:
Samra – Miracle
This song is like the 80’s crashed into Rhianna and resulted in terrible lyrics. This song is really terrible. The only outstanding thing about this is Samra’s hair. That is outstanding hair. I am jealous. Everything else is bad but the hair is amazing.
The promo clip for this song is certainly worth watching for the most over exaggerated lip-syncing you will ever see. This is almost the worst song Azerbaijan has ever sent to Eurovision, but unbelievably the bookmakers have this in the top 20. That’s politics for you.
Samra tried to get to Eurovision in 2012 when she was 16, but only managed 3rd in her heat, the first of 8. After listening to less than 1 minute of the song I am surprised she made third out of the 10 people in the heat. She then went on to do well on the Azerbaijan version of The Voice. I am really very surprised.
This year will crash and burn, I am sorry Azerbaijan. You should have sent Sabina Babayeva instead like you did in 2012
Eurovision 2016: France
Apr. 7th, 2016 05:42 pmFrance
Previous entries:
Wins: 5 1958 André Claveau - Dors, mon amour
1960 Jacqueline Boyer - Tom Pillibi
1962 Isabelle Aubret - Un premier amour
1969 (shared) Frida Boccara - Un jour, un enfant
1977 Marie Myriam - L'oiseau et l'enfant
First Entry: 1956 Mathé Altéry - Le temps perdu
Most recent entry: 2015: Lisa Angell - N'oubliez pas
National Anthem: La Marseillaise
2016:
Amir - J'ai cherché
A ‘talent’ show contestant who has failed in two countries, Israel in 2006 and France in 2014, Amir has come to Eurovision to fail again. This song is top ten with the bookmakers, but will fall away when the final is decided.
I cannot get over that Amir is only 31, he looks older than me and I am older than 31. The question for Eurovision is can he sing? Who cares? The song is just a standard pop with a country influence. France will be making the numbers in the final again.
What is it about the French language that makes it sound at random intervals that the speaker is trying to hock a loogie? Beautiful language and then the speaker just spits out a giant phlegm ball. I am just glad the chorus of this song is in English otherwise the front row would be covered in green.
The Phlegm balls sounded nicer in 1975
Previous entries:
Wins: 5 1958 André Claveau - Dors, mon amour
1960 Jacqueline Boyer - Tom Pillibi
1962 Isabelle Aubret - Un premier amour
1969 (shared) Frida Boccara - Un jour, un enfant
1977 Marie Myriam - L'oiseau et l'enfant
First Entry: 1956 Mathé Altéry - Le temps perdu
Most recent entry: 2015: Lisa Angell - N'oubliez pas
National Anthem: La Marseillaise
2016:
Amir - J'ai cherché
A ‘talent’ show contestant who has failed in two countries, Israel in 2006 and France in 2014, Amir has come to Eurovision to fail again. This song is top ten with the bookmakers, but will fall away when the final is decided.
I cannot get over that Amir is only 31, he looks older than me and I am older than 31. The question for Eurovision is can he sing? Who cares? The song is just a standard pop with a country influence. France will be making the numbers in the final again.
What is it about the French language that makes it sound at random intervals that the speaker is trying to hock a loogie? Beautiful language and then the speaker just spits out a giant phlegm ball. I am just glad the chorus of this song is in English otherwise the front row would be covered in green.
The Phlegm balls sounded nicer in 1975
