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Eurovision 20254; Ukraine
Apr. 11th, 2024 07:45 pmThis year due to life I don't have time to do my usual reviews so I am just poaching those done by Voyager
Ukraine History
Eurovision 2024: Malta
Apr. 10th, 2024 07:31 pm
This year due to life I don't have time to do my usual reviews so I am just poaching those done by Voyager
Malta History
Eurovision 2024: Norway
Apr. 9th, 2024 07:14 pmThis year due to life I don't have time to do my usual reviews so I am just poaching those done by Voyager
Norway History
Eurovision 2021: Barbara Dex
May. 31st, 2021 07:38 pmAnd the Barbara Dex Award for worst dressed...
Actually the translation is now most notably or most strikingly dressed, which doesn't convey the horror that this award usually should bring. It possibly also explains why Bulgaria, the most plain dressed, did not rate in the top 5.
Fifth went to Israel, for her big reveal that was big revealing.
Fourth went to United Kingdom, which I thought was a bit cruel. he already got the double doughnut. Stop kicking the man
Third went to Croatia, who were deserving of the win
Second went to Romania, but tbh, her attire was not as bad as her vocals.
and the winner... defies explanation....
Eurovision 2021: Final
May. 22nd, 2021 11:31 amSo now we are at the pointy end of Eurovision. 26 performers left and this is what we know about them so far
Cyprus / Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo (Semi 1 performance) - Strong opening song and a good performance. Will be forgotten in 25 songs time
Albania / Anxhela Peristeri – Karma (Semi 2 performance) - Token ethno-pop, should finish somewhere mid to bottom
Israel / Eden Alene - Set Me Free (Semi 1 performance) - Mariah Carey wannabe, not starting from a good enough spot to win.
Belgium / Hooverphonic - The Wrong Place (Semi 1 performance) - This song is in the wrong place. 4th is apparently the worst place perform for Eurovision
Russia / Manizha - Russian Woman (Semi 1 performance) – performance and vocals were not as good as expected in the semi, but it was from semi one which had technical issues all over the place. Russia has few friends and will get few votes
Malta / Destiny - Je Me Casse (Semi 1 performance) – early favourite. Starting position doesn’t help this song and so it probably won’t win
Portugal / The Black Mamba - Love Is On My Side (Semi 2 performance) – this song is lovely and will pull some votes. I predict top 10
Serbia / Hurricane - Loco Loco (Semi 2 performance) the trashy bitches from the nightclub who spill drinks on people so they can have more space on the dancefloor somehow made it to the final. Their backing vocalists are basically carrying this song, not that it is worth carrying
United Kingdom / James Newman – Embers (preview performance) - The UK is sending what the UK sends and it is rarely any good. This song was more an obligation than a contender.
Greece / Stefania - Last Dance (Semi 2 performance) – catwoman who’s thigh high boots are different to her mid-thigh length catsuit and it really irked me. Still not bad enough to be a Barbra Dex winner (worst dressed). We are starting to get into the more likely winners in the performance order though so in with a chance.
Switzerland / Gjon's Tears - Tout l'Univers (Semi 2 performance) - another song favored early, then people saw how high he wears his pants.
Iceland / Da∂i Freyr og Gagnamagni∂ - 10 Years (Recorded from Second rehearsal) – A real shame that the second rehearsal performance is being used due to corona in the performers. They will probably lose votes for that which would not be fair
Spain / Blas Cantó - Voy A Querdarme (preview performance) – Another obligatory song showing Spain really don’t want the expense of hosting Eurovision
Moldova / Natalia Gordienko – SUGAR (Semi 2 performance) – A song about being over masturbation and wanting to fuck a real person, we have all been there. It is oure, unmitigated trash. It is so beautiful.
Germany / Jendrik - I Don't Feel Hate (preview performance) – Another obligatory song. It is a battle for the bottom with 3 of the big 5 and a battle for the top with the other 2. This song is definitely part of the 3.
Finland / Blind Channel - Dark Side (Semi 2 performance) – this song wont win, but it might hurt Italy by taking some of their votes.
Bulgaria / Victoria - Growing Up is Getting Old (Semi 2 performance) – If anything in the final will win the Barbra Dex for Worst dressed, it will be the pjs and sneakers of Bulgaria. Croatia from Semi 1 basically has the Barbra Dex in the bag, but this song will be up there
.
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Lithuania / The Roop – Discoteque (Semi 1 performance) - another popular song and this has a fun performance. It will be top ten
Ukraine / Go_A – Shum (Semi 1 performance) – fuck this obnoxious noise. Why do the Ukraine do this? This jumped up with the bookmarkers after the first semi and I fear it won that semi so it could be in with a chance. I hope not
France / Barbara Pravi – Voilà (preview performance) – A much more traditional style from France who have not won Eurovision since 1977, so going back to what they do well make sense.
Azerbaijan / Efendi - Mata Hari (Semi 1 performance) – this is really just making up the numbers and trying to steal votes from Serbia. I hope it does.
Norway / TIX - Fallen Angel (Semi 1 performance) – there is really not enough in the performance for this to be top ten, but as a song is it better than most in the final
The Netherlands / Jeangu Macrooy - Birth of a New Age (preview performance) – The Lion King will probably steal this song for a updated musical performance. His twin brother as a backing singer/dancer is off putting
Italy / Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni (preview performance) – love, love, love this song. Italy never wins when they absolutely deserve to though. Has climbed with the bookmakers in recent weeks and spent most of Eurovision week at #1 with them. I have hopes for it.
Sweden / Tusse – Voices (Semi 1 performance) – really poo spot, between a song that is a definite top 3 and a song that the EBU is pinning its hopes on to push into the US.
San Marino / Senhit (ft Flo Rida) – Adrenalina (Semi 2 performance) – So who is Flo Rida? Should we care? This will get votes for the star power and will probably encourage more washed-up singers and producers in the US to come to Eurovision.
Current Bookmakers:
5: Ukraine
4: Switzerland
3: Malta
2: France
1: Italy
My winners and near winners
5: Ukraine – I fucking hate this piece of shit. Engima meets 90s trance though will have a market.
4: Malta – good singer and good song, just has lost momentum
3: Iceland – meh, they would not be able to collect the award if they won anyway. Yay Corona... Get well soon guys
2: Italy – Though I want this to win, Finland will steal too many votes
1: France – There is little in the final of a close enough genre to steal votes and I think that will get it over the line
*** This post has spoilers for the Australian Audiences who are not catching Eurovision live and instead are watching the repeats this weekend ***
All 26 performers for the final on Saturday night/Sunday Morning have been decided with San Marino, Greece, Moldova, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, and Switzerland joining Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Uk, Netherlands, Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Malta. This is not about them though, this is about the 7 acts that did not make it through the second semi.
The first take home though is that the technical issues with sound appear to be resolved. That bodes well for the final. There will be changes to the final though with Duncan Laurence, last years winner, contracting Corona. This is on top of the Icelandic act, Da∂i Freyr og Gagnamagni∂ who's second rehearsal recording was used for the second semi after one of their backing dancers was diagnosed with the 'rona. I think all of the Eurovision community wishes them all a speedy recovery.
A second take home is that only 2 of the acts that didn't make the semi went through a public national selection. In the first semi it was only one.4 of the acts from this semi that missed the final were last years entrant with a new song and Poland internally selected a new act. The take home from this is that this is a song contest, not an artist contest. Pick a better song
But those that missed final are:
Estonia
The Lucky One this was not. It was a good vocal, a pretty singer and a standard song. Possibly too standard.
Czech Republic
This probably didn't even deserve to go to Eurovision. It probably made it on the vote of 12 year old boys.
Austria
This semi had a lot of songs that could have gone through, this was one of those. The issue was probably that this performance didn't go anywhere.
Poland
So very 80s and probably a victim of the fact there were two 80s 'inspired' songs in this semi. This one was a more genuine loving homage but it probably finished in the bottom 3 of this semi
Georgia
This song was never going to make the final. it was the least impressive song in the semi and the performance did not help it.
Latvia
This is another song that never looked like it was going to make it, though the Australian commentators, who are idiots, rated it. Big voice shit song.
Denmark
The other 80s 'inspired' song though this was more satirical of the 80s. Also their name Fyr and Flamme appears to be a reference to the Eurovision based Film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
*** This post has spoilers for the Australian Audiences who are not catching Eurovision live and instead are watching the repeats this weekend ***
We now have 16 finalists for Eurovision 2021, The big 5 (Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Uk), last Eurovisions winner (The Netherlands) plus ten from the first semi (Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Malta), but this is not about who is in, but who is out.
So the exiting acts
Slovenia.
Powerful vocal, average song. the echo appeared obvious on TV but not on the clip. No one knew when it had ended but were probably thankful that it had.
Australia
I am ashamed that we sent this to Eurovision. Not shocked it didn't make the final
North Macedonia
I caught Vagisil... Vasil, in a clip for a Eurovision quiz and he came across as a bit of a tragic. He might be a good singer, but this song was wank and almost everyone was glad to see it go
Ireland
This never sounded like it deserved to qualify and for the ears of Europe it is great that it didn't. I am sure they clean up the audio on these clips before putting them on youtube. This sounded worse at 3.30am
Croatia
I think this song failed to qualify for the attire more than the song. 1960s Z grade Sci-Fi film outfits are not for Eurovision.
Romania
Going in this was one of the more interesting songs, though it sounded a little Billie Eilish. The vocals were messy. shame really
Eurovision 2021 Second Semi Preview.
May. 17th, 2021 06:03 pm San Marino – (rehearsal) this one has been steadily drifting out with the bookmakers but it is still a popular song. there appear to be some... interesting choices in the performance, but it should do well
Estonia – (rehearsal) Very pretty man, pretty standard song. After three attempts to get to Eurovision on top of the cancellation last year, lets hope he doesn't waste his chance.
Czech Republic – (rehearsal) *to the tune of the song* Oh my god this is a waste of time, why don't you go home right now man, go home right now...
Greece – (rehearsal) there is a shadow under one of the green screen dancers that makes is look like he dropped a load. I don't get the Catwoman outfit, but the song is ok
Austria – (rehearsal) The bedazzled jacket is distracting, but I am sure this will go down well in the Philippines, for all the good that will do.
Poland – (rehearsal) in 2003 Rufus represented Estonia with a song called "80's are coming back". Like dodgy seafood the 80s keep coming back. maybe they never left Poland... Fun song even thought eh bookies do not rate it at all
Moldova – (rehearsal) this song is pure, unmitigated trash. It is almost my favourite song of this semi. It is brilliant. The bookies think it is mid range, but what would they know.
Iceland – (rehearsal) Daði og Gagnamagnið have been earing the favour of the bookmakers slowly. it was always top ten but since the rehearsals it has gone top 5, #4 even. Could be the winner....
Serbia – (rehearsal) From the rehearsal it appears that most of the actual singing is being done by the backing vocalists and not by Hurricane. Thats Loco Loco. Even the bookmakers think that is pretty average.
Georgia – (rehearsal) this starts off sounding like an audio test for your speakers and then turns into a life insurance advert. The bookmakers have this dead last and they might be right.
Albania – (rehearsal) the book makers put this song in a pack at the back with Czech republic, Poland, Estonia, and Georgia. That is not fair. Poland is so much better than this.
Portugal – (rehearsal) this is a quality song from Portugal. Despite improving with the bookmakers, it is still around the middle of the pack. deserves better.
Bulgaria – (rehearsal) the bookmakers love this but the song is a snore and the outfit is... questionable.
Finland – (rehearsal) this song is slowly falling away with the bookmakers. Blind Channel look like they are having fun though
Latvia – (rehearsal) if the Barbara Dex award for worst dressed extended to the backing singers, this would win. As a song, though, it is not a winner, no matter how passionately Samanta Tīna sings
Switzerland – (rehearsal) Harry High-Pants has been dropping since the rehearsal. I hope they frame this well before the performance. looks like a snore.
Denmark – (rehearsal) the bad seafood has returned. strangely the bookmakers like this more than Poland. Not much more, just more.
Bookmakers Qualifiers: San Marino, Greece, Moldova, Iceland, Serbia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark
Bookmakers Qualifiers: San Marino, Greece, Moldova, Iceland, Serbia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark
My predicted qualifiers: San Marino, Greece, Austria, Poland, Moldova, Iceland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Switzerland
I am not confident about Greece, Bulgaria or Poland. Estonia and Czech Republic could come up over any of them
Eurovision 2021 First Semi Preview.
May. 16th, 2021 03:32 pm Lithuania – (rehearsal) The Roop had a bit of a following for the 2020 song, but has been falling away over the last few months. It is a cute routine
Slovenia – (rehearsal) Has really never looked like a chance. Though the odd have improved since the release of the version with Perpetuum Jazzile, it has never looked like making the final
Russia – (rehearsal) odds are that this should make the final, Russia does usually do that. It will be a fun performance.
Sweden – (rehearsal) This has been slipping back with the book-makers and it is definitely not the best song Sweden has sent to Eurovision
Australia (Live on Tape) – (rehearsal) The Jury will usually give us points but the live on tape will probably mean less votes.
North Macedonia – (rehearsal) Yeah Vasil can sing, but the song is wank. Every time I hear his name I think it should be a brand of vaginal cream
Ireland – (rehearsal) the performance has some interesting and affordable aspects. Ireland will not host Eurovision in the foreseeable future
Cyprus - (rehearsal) this has come up better in rehearsal than expected and the bookmakers have responded.
Norway – (rehearsal) This has fallen away since rehearsal, possibly because the performance is not too different to the performance in Melodi Grand Prix 2021. shame
Croatia – (rehearsal) this has had a good following throughout and has picked up with the bookmakers despite that outfit. It is seriously WTF
Belgium – (rehearsal) has fallen away since rehearsals probably because the performance reinforces that this song is just background music.
Israel – (rehearsal) this little Mariah Carey has been fairly stable with the bookmakers the last month. The only thing that could hurt this song is politics
Romania – (rehearsal) this has been falling away a bit since rehearsals and costume is a bit poo. Still one of the better songs this semi
Azerbaijan – (rehearsal) Effendi will possibly qualify though this is not a great song.
Ukraine – (rehearsal) Go_A hurt my ears but I can see the appeal. Kateryna was too sick to perform the second rehearsal but it has not hurt the odds
Malta – (rehearsal) Falling since rehearsals. There was a lot of criticism about the outfit in the first rehearsal which was changed in the second and this song has gone from first to third with the bookmakers
Bookmakers Qualifiers: Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Romania, Ukraine, Malta
My predicted qualifiers: Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Romania, Ukraine, Malta
Yes I agree with the bookmakers, though with Cyprus’ improvement, and Croatia’s shit costume, there is a lot of potential for Croatia to lose votes and perhaps Belgium will replace them.
Slovenia – (rehearsal) Has really never looked like a chance. Though the odd have improved since the release of the version with Perpetuum Jazzile, it has never looked like making the final
Russia – (rehearsal) odds are that this should make the final, Russia does usually do that. It will be a fun performance.
Sweden – (rehearsal) This has been slipping back with the book-makers and it is definitely not the best song Sweden has sent to Eurovision
Australia (Live on Tape) – (rehearsal) The Jury will usually give us points but the live on tape will probably mean less votes.
North Macedonia – (rehearsal) Yeah Vasil can sing, but the song is wank. Every time I hear his name I think it should be a brand of vaginal cream
Ireland – (rehearsal) the performance has some interesting and affordable aspects. Ireland will not host Eurovision in the foreseeable future
Cyprus - (rehearsal) this has come up better in rehearsal than expected and the bookmakers have responded.
Norway – (rehearsal) This has fallen away since rehearsal, possibly because the performance is not too different to the performance in Melodi Grand Prix 2021. shame
Croatia – (rehearsal) this has had a good following throughout and has picked up with the bookmakers despite that outfit. It is seriously WTF
Belgium – (rehearsal) has fallen away since rehearsals probably because the performance reinforces that this song is just background music.
Israel – (rehearsal) this little Mariah Carey has been fairly stable with the bookmakers the last month. The only thing that could hurt this song is politics
Romania – (rehearsal) this has been falling away a bit since rehearsals and costume is a bit poo. Still one of the better songs this semi
Azerbaijan – (rehearsal) Effendi will possibly qualify though this is not a great song.
Ukraine – (rehearsal) Go_A hurt my ears but I can see the appeal. Kateryna was too sick to perform the second rehearsal but it has not hurt the odds
Malta – (rehearsal) Falling since rehearsals. There was a lot of criticism about the outfit in the first rehearsal which was changed in the second and this song has gone from first to third with the bookmakers
Bookmakers Qualifiers: Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Romania, Ukraine, Malta
My predicted qualifiers: Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Romania, Ukraine, Malta
Yes I agree with the bookmakers, though with Cyprus’ improvement, and Croatia’s shit costume, there is a lot of potential for Croatia to lose votes and perhaps Belgium will replace them.
Eurovision 2021: Estonia
May. 15th, 2021 07:45 pmSelection: Eesti Laul 2021
Wins: 1 (2001)
2020: Uku Suviste - What Love Is
2021: Uku Suviste - The Lucky One
Current bookmakers: 24th
Uku Suviste was a bit of a child prodigy who attended a specialised music school from the age of 6, and after his military service performed as part of various groups and also as a solo artist. He pursued success at Eesti Laul in 2017 and failed to make the final, he then went to Russia to star in The Voice and made the Semi final. He Came back to Eesti Laul in 2019 and finished second before finally winning in 2020 and 2021. Persistence pays off.
Both the 2020 and 2021 songs are produced by Eurovision powerhouse Dimitris Kontopoulos, who has never won a Eurovision, but as come second a few times. The Lucky One sounds like it could have come out of Sweden and is the better pop song, but What Love is from 2020 is technically a better song. It is probably a good think that 2020 was cancelled because What Love Is could have tripped him up. The Lucky One is a simpler song to sing
With that this is the last song to go through for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. After a break in 2020 it is Amazing to be back.
Wins: 1 (2001)
2020: Uku Suviste - What Love Is
2021: Uku Suviste - The Lucky One
Current bookmakers: 24th
Uku Suviste was a bit of a child prodigy who attended a specialised music school from the age of 6, and after his military service performed as part of various groups and also as a solo artist. He pursued success at Eesti Laul in 2017 and failed to make the final, he then went to Russia to star in The Voice and made the Semi final. He Came back to Eesti Laul in 2019 and finished second before finally winning in 2020 and 2021. Persistence pays off.
Both the 2020 and 2021 songs are produced by Eurovision powerhouse Dimitris Kontopoulos, who has never won a Eurovision, but as come second a few times. The Lucky One sounds like it could have come out of Sweden and is the better pop song, but What Love is from 2020 is technically a better song. It is probably a good think that 2020 was cancelled because What Love Is could have tripped him up. The Lucky One is a simpler song to sing
With that this is the last song to go through for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. After a break in 2020 it is Amazing to be back.
Eurovision 2021: Belgium
May. 14th, 2021 09:20 pmSelection: Internal Selection
Wins: 1 (1986)
2020: Hooverphonic – Release Me
2021: Hooverphonic – The Wrong Place
Current bookmakers
Hooverphonic have been around for over 20 years with various lead singers, but for Eurovision 2021 we see the return of their longest serving lead-singer Geike Arnaert. If you have watched the TV shows Mile High, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, La Femme Nikita, or The Last Summer Films, you may have heard Hooverphonic and never noticed. They are very much background sounds
The lyrics in both songs have a continuity, a flow that adds to the rhythm of the song. Both songs belong as background songs as you approach the cliff hanger in an episode of a TV show, not surprising as that where a lot of their songs end up, but neither Release me nor The Wong place is better than the other, if you like one you will like both. They are listenable but very much background music and both are probably too wordy for the feel of the songs. More instrumental. Actually an instrumental of either would be worth a listen.
Theis years song is the regret over a moment of passion. In 1984 Belgium went in with a lot of passion. Passion and gusto. The song was a snore, but it was sung with gusto.
Wins: 1 (1986)
2020: Hooverphonic – Release Me
2021: Hooverphonic – The Wrong Place
Current bookmakers
Hooverphonic have been around for over 20 years with various lead singers, but for Eurovision 2021 we see the return of their longest serving lead-singer Geike Arnaert. If you have watched the TV shows Mile High, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, La Femme Nikita, or The Last Summer Films, you may have heard Hooverphonic and never noticed. They are very much background sounds
The lyrics in both songs have a continuity, a flow that adds to the rhythm of the song. Both songs belong as background songs as you approach the cliff hanger in an episode of a TV show, not surprising as that where a lot of their songs end up, but neither Release me nor The Wong place is better than the other, if you like one you will like both. They are listenable but very much background music and both are probably too wordy for the feel of the songs. More instrumental. Actually an instrumental of either would be worth a listen.
Theis years song is the regret over a moment of passion. In 1984 Belgium went in with a lot of passion. Passion and gusto. The song was a snore, but it was sung with gusto.
Eurovision 2021: Iceland
May. 13th, 2021 05:49 pmSelection: Internal Selection
Wins: 0
2020: Daði og Gagnamagnið – Think About Things
2021: Daði og Gagnamagnið – 10 years
Current bookmakers: 5th
Daði og Gagnamagnið is the brainchild of Daði Freyr Pétursson. The band Gagnamagnið (The Data) includes his wife, his sister and a three of his friends. They first went to Söngvakeppnin to be Iceland's Eurovision representative in 2017 and came second to Svala, who finished 15/18 in the Semi
Last year Daði og Gagnamagnið were the darlings of Eurovision and despite the event being cancelled, Think About Things has success in a number of countries in Europe. Daði og Gagnamagnið have gone from being tine 2020 favourites to being just one of the acts in 2021. There is nothing hugely different to 2020, it is probably just that some of the charm has worn off. Also the question is how they will perform the choral section from near the end within the rules of Eurovision.
Iceland used Söngvakeppnin to choose their performers for the first years they were competed in Eurovision and then after a break from 1995 to 1999, recommenced using Söngvakeppnin. From 1995 to 1999 (with the exception of 1998 when they were relegated), Iceland used internal selections which were not popular. Despite finishing 11th in 1996, a lot of Iceland was not interested in Anna Mjöll, other than the fact that she was well dressed compared with other singers in the contest
Wins: 0
2020: Daði og Gagnamagnið – Think About Things
2021: Daði og Gagnamagnið – 10 years
Current bookmakers: 5th
Daði og Gagnamagnið is the brainchild of Daði Freyr Pétursson. The band Gagnamagnið (The Data) includes his wife, his sister and a three of his friends. They first went to Söngvakeppnin to be Iceland's Eurovision representative in 2017 and came second to Svala, who finished 15/18 in the Semi
Last year Daði og Gagnamagnið were the darlings of Eurovision and despite the event being cancelled, Think About Things has success in a number of countries in Europe. Daði og Gagnamagnið have gone from being tine 2020 favourites to being just one of the acts in 2021. There is nothing hugely different to 2020, it is probably just that some of the charm has worn off. Also the question is how they will perform the choral section from near the end within the rules of Eurovision.
Iceland used Söngvakeppnin to choose their performers for the first years they were competed in Eurovision and then after a break from 1995 to 1999, recommenced using Söngvakeppnin. From 1995 to 1999 (with the exception of 1998 when they were relegated), Iceland used internal selections which were not popular. Despite finishing 11th in 1996, a lot of Iceland was not interested in Anna Mjöll, other than the fact that she was well dressed compared with other singers in the contest
Eurovision 2021: Russia
May. 12th, 2021 08:22 pmSelection: Evrovidenie 2021 – National'nyy Otbo
Wins: 1 (2009)
2020: Little Big – Uno
2021: Manizha – Russian Woman Русская женщина
Current bookmakers: 14th
Manizha was born in Tajikistan and her father discouraged her from pursuing music because he didn’t believe it was a suitable choice for a muslim woman. She also is involved with Domestic violence campaigns and supports the LGBT community, even though this support cost her about 10000 subscribers on her Instagram channel.
Little Big would have been one of the craziest fun acts to go to Eurovision. It is a shame they didn’t get to perform Uno. Though a song by a satirical group would have been good, Russian Woman has its own power and has stirred up its own controversy with one Orthordox Women’s group in Russia saying the lyrics incite “hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family”. Maybe this is contrived controversy to get more votes and some consider this song a dark horse to win. Is it better than The Little Big? Maybe. Both are good Eurovision contenders though.
Russia started going to Eurovision in 1994 and beside the second in 2000, it really took until 2003 for Russia to understand what was needed to be successful at Eurovision. In 2002 they sent a ‘boy bad’ that sounded like they were from Eurovision satire Eurobeat.
Wins: 1 (2009)
2020: Little Big – Uno
2021: Manizha – Russian Woman Русская женщина
Current bookmakers: 14th
Manizha was born in Tajikistan and her father discouraged her from pursuing music because he didn’t believe it was a suitable choice for a muslim woman. She also is involved with Domestic violence campaigns and supports the LGBT community, even though this support cost her about 10000 subscribers on her Instagram channel.
Little Big would have been one of the craziest fun acts to go to Eurovision. It is a shame they didn’t get to perform Uno. Though a song by a satirical group would have been good, Russian Woman has its own power and has stirred up its own controversy with one Orthordox Women’s group in Russia saying the lyrics incite “hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family”. Maybe this is contrived controversy to get more votes and some consider this song a dark horse to win. Is it better than The Little Big? Maybe. Both are good Eurovision contenders though.
Russia started going to Eurovision in 1994 and beside the second in 2000, it really took until 2003 for Russia to understand what was needed to be successful at Eurovision. In 2002 they sent a ‘boy bad’ that sounded like they were from Eurovision satire Eurobeat.
Eurovision 2021: Germany
May. 11th, 2021 07:46 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: 2 (1982, 2010)
2020: Ben Dolic -Violent Thing
2021: Jendrik - I Don't Feel Hate
Current bookmakers:27th
Jendrik has a youtube channel with 3 songs and two of them are this years Eurovision song. The third song was uploaded 4 years ago. Other than studying Ukulele and staring in productions of a few musicals, his bio is a bit thin but the lack of youtube is more telling.
Ben Dolic in 2020 had a dance number for Eurovision. To be completely different Jendrik has something completely annoying and that sounds like it should be in a kids show. The video is worse than the song by itself. Germany can do annoying well, and Texas Lightning are a great example. This year is not. They should have stuck with Dolic.
Germany does not have a history of doing well at Eurovision, and often it is just the wrong song. In 1965 it appears the range went too low for Ulla Wiesner to sing comfortably live. The recordings she was fine, but live it was weak. Even still it should have got some points, but it didn’t.
Wins: 2 (1982, 2010)
2020: Ben Dolic -Violent Thing
2021: Jendrik - I Don't Feel Hate
Current bookmakers:27th
Jendrik has a youtube channel with 3 songs and two of them are this years Eurovision song. The third song was uploaded 4 years ago. Other than studying Ukulele and staring in productions of a few musicals, his bio is a bit thin but the lack of youtube is more telling.
Ben Dolic in 2020 had a dance number for Eurovision. To be completely different Jendrik has something completely annoying and that sounds like it should be in a kids show. The video is worse than the song by itself. Germany can do annoying well, and Texas Lightning are a great example. This year is not. They should have stuck with Dolic.
Germany does not have a history of doing well at Eurovision, and often it is just the wrong song. In 1965 it appears the range went too low for Ulla Wiesner to sing comfortably live. The recordings she was fine, but live it was weak. Even still it should have got some points, but it didn’t.
Eurovision 2021: Azerbaijan
May. 10th, 2021 07:22 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: 1 (2011)
2020: Efendi – Cleopatra
2021: Efendi – Mata Hari
Current bookmakers: 19th (down since first rehearsal)
Efendi was a bit of a child prodigy a soloist with the Children’s Philharmonic from a very young age. In adulthood she has tried to find success through various competitions and has never won. According to her Eurovision bio, it took 5 attempts before Efendi won the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan, however seeing Azerbaijan often uses internal selections, only her attempts in 2014, 2020, and this year were public.
It makes sense sending Mata Hari to the Netherlands seeing that was where she was from. Both songs are comparisons to women known for their sensuality and both mention Cleopatra. Cleopatra starts off as possibly the better song but goes a but stupid. Mata Hari is probably the better song overall but neither is a winning song.
Even though this year’s song is not a winner, it should qualify for the final. Azerbaijan always makes the final except in 2018 when it just missed the cut off and finished 11th. Surprising seeing worse songs make it to the final.
Wins: 1 (2011)
2020: Efendi – Cleopatra
2021: Efendi – Mata Hari
Current bookmakers: 19th (down since first rehearsal)
Efendi was a bit of a child prodigy a soloist with the Children’s Philharmonic from a very young age. In adulthood she has tried to find success through various competitions and has never won. According to her Eurovision bio, it took 5 attempts before Efendi won the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan, however seeing Azerbaijan often uses internal selections, only her attempts in 2014, 2020, and this year were public.
It makes sense sending Mata Hari to the Netherlands seeing that was where she was from. Both songs are comparisons to women known for their sensuality and both mention Cleopatra. Cleopatra starts off as possibly the better song but goes a but stupid. Mata Hari is probably the better song overall but neither is a winning song.
Even though this year’s song is not a winner, it should qualify for the final. Azerbaijan always makes the final except in 2018 when it just missed the cut off and finished 11th. Surprising seeing worse songs make it to the final.
Eurovision 2021: Switzerland
May. 9th, 2021 06:06 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: 2 (1956, 1988)
2020: Gjon's Tears - Répondez-moi
2021: Gjon's Tears - Tout l'Univers
Current bookmakers: 3rd
Gjon's Tears has a career tormented by the number 3. He finished 3rd in Ti Vlen (Albanians Got Talent), he missed the top ten in Die grössten Schweizer Talente being knocked out in the third semi final and in The Voice : la plus belle voix he got through the battle rounds only be knocked out in the Semi final again, which was the third week of eliminations. Currently many bookmakers have him sitting with the third highest odds to win Eurovision. It is a curse.
The 2021 song sounds a little the wanky part Radiohead, actually they both have a bit of Radiohead in them but 2021 moreso. Both are atmospheric songs which would display well on stage. Tout l'Univers is probably the better of the two songs. Will it win Eurovision though? No, it will come third.
Switzerland has come third in Eurovision 3 times officially. These were in 1961, 1993 and in 1982. This year will be their 4th third if it happens.
Wins: 2 (1956, 1988)
2020: Gjon's Tears - Répondez-moi
2021: Gjon's Tears - Tout l'Univers
Current bookmakers: 3rd
Gjon's Tears has a career tormented by the number 3. He finished 3rd in Ti Vlen (Albanians Got Talent), he missed the top ten in Die grössten Schweizer Talente being knocked out in the third semi final and in The Voice : la plus belle voix he got through the battle rounds only be knocked out in the Semi final again, which was the third week of eliminations. Currently many bookmakers have him sitting with the third highest odds to win Eurovision. It is a curse.
The 2021 song sounds a little the wanky part Radiohead, actually they both have a bit of Radiohead in them but 2021 moreso. Both are atmospheric songs which would display well on stage. Tout l'Univers is probably the better of the two songs. Will it win Eurovision though? No, it will come third.
Switzerland has come third in Eurovision 3 times officially. These were in 1961, 1993 and in 1982. This year will be their 4th third if it happens.
Eurovision 2021: Ireland
May. 8th, 2021 06:35 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: Enough (1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)
2020: Lesley Roy – Story of my life
2021: Lesley Roy - Maps
Current bookmakers: 23
Lesley Roy is a singer/songwriter who’s biography says she is prolific. In 13 years she has released 1 album and 6 further singles, and been a contributing writer in 10 other songs of note. She must have a hidden body of work somewhere but it cannot be found on her official Eurovision bio or her Wikipedia page. Maybe someone should update that for her.
Maps sounds very Sheppard. Parts of it are almost directly lifted from “Coming home”. Both Lesley’s 2020 and 2021 grate in their lyrics. The words don’t fit into the bars of the song. This is common in pop songs. Both are middle of the range Eurovision songs and the only thing to look forward to are the dance moves lifted directly from Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett.
Having terrible moves won’t stop other countries voting for a song in Eurovision. It was probably a different time but 1979 but that’s not a side strut, that is a dad-dance.
Wins: Enough (1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)
2020: Lesley Roy – Story of my life
2021: Lesley Roy - Maps
Current bookmakers: 23
Lesley Roy is a singer/songwriter who’s biography says she is prolific. In 13 years she has released 1 album and 6 further singles, and been a contributing writer in 10 other songs of note. She must have a hidden body of work somewhere but it cannot be found on her official Eurovision bio or her Wikipedia page. Maybe someone should update that for her.
Maps sounds very Sheppard. Parts of it are almost directly lifted from “Coming home”. Both Lesley’s 2020 and 2021 grate in their lyrics. The words don’t fit into the bars of the song. This is common in pop songs. Both are middle of the range Eurovision songs and the only thing to look forward to are the dance moves lifted directly from Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett.
Having terrible moves won’t stop other countries voting for a song in Eurovision. It was probably a different time but 1979 but that’s not a side strut, that is a dad-dance.
Eurovision 2021: Poland
May. 7th, 2021 07:44 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: 0
2020: Alicja – Empires
2021: Rafał – The Ride
Current bookmakers: 34th
Rafał has been in a number of bands in Poland before going on The Voice Poland in 2011 and though he didn’t win, it lead him to a career in both music and as a TV host. He also graduated as a Physical education teacher. He has done a little bit of a lot of things and new he is going to Eurovision.
The Ride is completely different to the song that Poland intended to send in 2020. The Ride is everything excessive about the 1980s. Empires, is a epic Eurovision ballad with a drop of James bond that really wants to be Rise Like the Phoenix, but is nowhere near. It is weird to think the excessively 80s song is the better of the two, but Empires probably would have drowned in similar and better songs, whereas The Ride just has to be better than Denmark’s similar 80s song, which is in the same semi as Poland.
This could be Poland’s first real 80s entry seeing they didn’t enter Eurovision until 1994. Their early songs were ballads but they discovered a different tempo in 1997
Wins: 0
2020: Alicja – Empires
2021: Rafał – The Ride
Current bookmakers: 34th
Rafał has been in a number of bands in Poland before going on The Voice Poland in 2011 and though he didn’t win, it lead him to a career in both music and as a TV host. He also graduated as a Physical education teacher. He has done a little bit of a lot of things and new he is going to Eurovision.
The Ride is completely different to the song that Poland intended to send in 2020. The Ride is everything excessive about the 1980s. Empires, is a epic Eurovision ballad with a drop of James bond that really wants to be Rise Like the Phoenix, but is nowhere near. It is weird to think the excessively 80s song is the better of the two, but Empires probably would have drowned in similar and better songs, whereas The Ride just has to be better than Denmark’s similar 80s song, which is in the same semi as Poland.
This could be Poland’s first real 80s entry seeing they didn’t enter Eurovision until 1994. Their early songs were ballads but they discovered a different tempo in 1997
Eurovision 2021: Netherlands
May. 6th, 2021 06:15 pmSelection: Internal
Wins: 5 (1957, 1959, 1969, 1975, 2019)
2020: Jeangu Macrooy – Grow
2021: Jeangu Macrooy – The Birth of a New Age
Current Bookmakers: 30th
Jeangu Macrooy is a Surinamese singer who moved to the Netherlands about 7 years ago to pursue musical success. It was a good move for his career because it has got him to Eurovision, but he has not had a hugely charting single or album. He goes on TV a bit though and that makes him famous.
The song selected for 2020 was a song that hits everyone. It would have been amazing to see Grow on the Eurovision stage. My only criticism of that song is that it just ends, I want more of it. Grow is different to Birth of a New Age which is a song ruined by the existence of The Lion King. Comparing them is chalk and cheese, but Grow deserved Eurovision and would probably have done better.
The Netherlands were very successful in the early days of Eurovision with 4 wins in the first 20 years, but when they won in 2019 that was the first win for the Eurovision in over 40 years. Though they didn’t win in 1961, it was a good song and it shows the beauty of the Dutch language.
Wins: 5 (1957, 1959, 1969, 1975, 2019)
2020: Jeangu Macrooy – Grow
2021: Jeangu Macrooy – The Birth of a New Age
Current Bookmakers: 30th
Jeangu Macrooy is a Surinamese singer who moved to the Netherlands about 7 years ago to pursue musical success. It was a good move for his career because it has got him to Eurovision, but he has not had a hugely charting single or album. He goes on TV a bit though and that makes him famous.
The song selected for 2020 was a song that hits everyone. It would have been amazing to see Grow on the Eurovision stage. My only criticism of that song is that it just ends, I want more of it. Grow is different to Birth of a New Age which is a song ruined by the existence of The Lion King. Comparing them is chalk and cheese, but Grow deserved Eurovision and would probably have done better.
The Netherlands were very successful in the early days of Eurovision with 4 wins in the first 20 years, but when they won in 2019 that was the first win for the Eurovision in over 40 years. Though they didn’t win in 1961, it was a good song and it shows the beauty of the Dutch language.
Eurovision 2021: Withdrawn
May. 5th, 2021 07:59 pmAmenia
Selection: None
Wins: 0
2020: Athena Manoukian - Chains On You
2021: Not selected
Current bookmakers: 0
It is a shame 2020 was cancelled because Chains on You could have been the best result for Armenia (previous best was 4th in 2008 and 2014). Unfortunately due to the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the political aftermath, Armenia were not able to organise an entry for 2021
Armenia predominately sends upbeat numbers sung by a solo artist, except when we got a Duo in 2009’s Jan Jan
Belarus
Selection: Internal
Wins: 0
2020: VАL - Da vidna (Да відна)
2021: Galasy ZMesta - Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You) Я научу тебя
2021: Galasy ZMesta - Pesnya pro zaytsev (Song about hares) Песня про зайцев
Current bookmakers:0
Galasy ZMesta look like a Christian band instead, they are a propaganda band, which is not really different to church. They formed in 2020, and are known for satirical songs about Belarus’ opposition leaders and their support of the apparent dictator Alexander Lukashenko and what much of the west sees as questionable elections in Belarus. It does not come as a shock that their selection to represent Belarus was internally determined and not put to the people. They just can’t get it right afterall.
The first song due to go to Eurovision, I'll Teach You (above) was determined by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) to be overtly political and breached the rules of Eurovision. Belarus was invited to present a replacement song, but that song “A song about Hares” (which there is no formal video for but Youtube has a clip of the track), was also determined to be too political and also banned. Neither of these songs were anywhere near as good as the song that would have gone to Eurovision in 2020. And despite having the opportunity to send VAL again to Eurovision, Belarus’ national broadcaster said no.
The National Broadcaster of Belarus, BTRC has a history of not trusting the people. In 2017 PROvokatsiya with "#mylove" won the televote in the national final, but got doughnuts from the Jury. Instead the song that the people voted 5th went to Eurovision after getting top votes from the Jury. So what if no one liked it.
Selection: None
Wins: 0
2020: Athena Manoukian - Chains On You
2021: Not selected
Current bookmakers: 0
It is a shame 2020 was cancelled because Chains on You could have been the best result for Armenia (previous best was 4th in 2008 and 2014). Unfortunately due to the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the political aftermath, Armenia were not able to organise an entry for 2021
Armenia predominately sends upbeat numbers sung by a solo artist, except when we got a Duo in 2009’s Jan Jan
Belarus
Selection: Internal
Wins: 0
2020: VАL - Da vidna (Да відна)
2021: Galasy ZMesta - Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You) Я научу тебя
2021: Galasy ZMesta - Pesnya pro zaytsev (Song about hares) Песня про зайцев
Current bookmakers:0
Galasy ZMesta look like a Christian band instead, they are a propaganda band, which is not really different to church. They formed in 2020, and are known for satirical songs about Belarus’ opposition leaders and their support of the apparent dictator Alexander Lukashenko and what much of the west sees as questionable elections in Belarus. It does not come as a shock that their selection to represent Belarus was internally determined and not put to the people. They just can’t get it right afterall.
The first song due to go to Eurovision, I'll Teach You (above) was determined by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) to be overtly political and breached the rules of Eurovision. Belarus was invited to present a replacement song, but that song “A song about Hares” (which there is no formal video for but Youtube has a clip of the track), was also determined to be too political and also banned. Neither of these songs were anywhere near as good as the song that would have gone to Eurovision in 2020. And despite having the opportunity to send VAL again to Eurovision, Belarus’ national broadcaster said no.
The National Broadcaster of Belarus, BTRC has a history of not trusting the people. In 2017 PROvokatsiya with "#mylove" won the televote in the national final, but got doughnuts from the Jury. Instead the song that the people voted 5th went to Eurovision after getting top votes from the Jury. So what if no one liked it.
