So, Iceland also chose their song for Eurovision last night, and went for a male/female ballad! It's not awful or anything, but, gird yourself, it's another EUROTRAVESTI, for reasons that I will discuss later!
Before that though, here's the actual song they did choose. The chap's called Jonsi, and went to Eurovision for Iceland before in 2004 with a neck-vein-popping performance, he seems to have calmed down a bit now! As he's so pretty, I haven't paid the female much attention, but she does a bit of violin strumming, which is sooooooo 2009!!! Here it is, anyway:
Loads of fans are praising this to the hilt, and like I say, while it's not bad, there's one or two other songs that should have got the gig for Iceland instead. As in:
This translates as "Never let me go" and is a much nicer, more memorable tune than the winner, and I think it would have done well in Eurovision, still, as I am starting to say a lot lately, we'll never know...!
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Tooji takes trophy in Norway!
Next up is Norway who selected their Eurovision entry last night in an amazing final! Several really good songs competed for the right to sing for Norway at Eurovision in May and the one that emerged triumphant was this:
Now this has really divided the fans - you either seem to hate it ("it's a copy of Eric Saade's song for Sweden last year"/"it's for bed-wetting 10-year olds") or love it ("it's fab and catchy"/"it's a modern pop dance song that could be in the charts"), and I am firmly in the "love" camp!
I think Norway have been very canny here, with a pop song with ethnic tinges, by an Iranian-born singer that will perform in Azerbaijan, Tehran is just next door! I think it's not just the Azeris will love Tooji either...
But saying all that, it still qualifies as a Eurotravesty!!! I do like this song a lot, but it wasn't my favourite by a long chalk!! I *loved* this wee ballad and so did the juries! This was leading the vote after the juries had given their scores, but wasn't popular, it wasn't popular enough with the televotes to win the overall vote. Still I loved it, it's very like it could be off of a musical, or Disney film, but that's no bad thing!:
*Sigh* I really do think this could have won for Norway at Eurovision, but we'll never know! What do you think?
Now this has really divided the fans - you either seem to hate it ("it's a copy of Eric Saade's song for Sweden last year"/"it's for bed-wetting 10-year olds") or love it ("it's fab and catchy"/"it's a modern pop dance song that could be in the charts"), and I am firmly in the "love" camp!
I think Norway have been very canny here, with a pop song with ethnic tinges, by an Iranian-born singer that will perform in Azerbaijan, Tehran is just next door! I think it's not just the Azeris will love Tooji either...
But saying all that, it still qualifies as a Eurotravesty!!! I do like this song a lot, but it wasn't my favourite by a long chalk!! I *loved* this wee ballad and so did the juries! This was leading the vote after the juries had given their scores, but wasn't popular, it wasn't popular enough with the televotes to win the overall vote. Still I loved it, it's very like it could be off of a musical, or Disney film, but that's no bad thing!:
*Sigh* I really do think this could have won for Norway at Eurovision, but we'll never know! What do you think?
You can say it's all the same - HUNGARY DECIDES!
Well, it's been a big old weekend for Eurovision this weekend, with three countries choosing their Eurovision songs for this year.
By either accident or design, I spent last night round my mates Julie and Andrew's gaff just outside Cambridge and we watched Norway and Iceland choose their songs, but the first we are going to look at is Hungary. Most of the songs that Hungary had to choose from were rubbish, so of course the big fear is that there would be a EUROTRAVESTY and they'd choose one of the rubbish ones.
But in a rare feat, Hungary chose the best song, although unfortunately the singer is somewhat "vocally challenged" and I can't quite bring myself to post the live version yet, so here's the studion version accompanied by come charming shots of riot, wars and famines and stuff:
Now, I don't think this is bad at all, a bit Hurts-esque in terms of the music, and if the singer steps up to the plate it could do very well in Baku in May!! Hurray for Hungary, my second favourite entry chosen so far!! :)
By either accident or design, I spent last night round my mates Julie and Andrew's gaff just outside Cambridge and we watched Norway and Iceland choose their songs, but the first we are going to look at is Hungary. Most of the songs that Hungary had to choose from were rubbish, so of course the big fear is that there would be a EUROTRAVESTY and they'd choose one of the rubbish ones.
But in a rare feat, Hungary chose the best song, although unfortunately the singer is somewhat "vocally challenged" and I can't quite bring myself to post the live version yet, so here's the studion version accompanied by come charming shots of riot, wars and famines and stuff:
Now, I don't think this is bad at all, a bit Hurts-esque in terms of the music, and if the singer steps up to the plate it could do very well in Baku in May!! Hurray for Hungary, my second favourite entry chosen so far!! :)
Thursday, 9 February 2012
They'll be there for you, like they've been there before...
Ireland have released the six songs that will compete for the right to represent the Emerald Isle in Baku, and well, let's just say that some of them (tedious Celtic Ballad, cheesy male/female duo, male solo soft rock) are there to make up the numbers... As soon as Jedward confirmed that they were going to try out for Ireland again, many thought that it was a foregone conclusion.
And it's a got tune!! I know that they'll be totally carried by their backing singers, but it's another catchy tune, but in a different way to their song from last year, have a listen!! :
Not bad eh? Very US-sounding, like an updated version of "I'll be there for you" and as has been mentioned by fandom, very "High School Musical" too! Could do very good business for Ireland, this!
The other song of note is Donna McCaul, who entered for Ireland in 2005, with her wee brother Joe, who's on her own know, and clearly channelling Lady Gaga:
Reckon it will be between these two when Ireland choose their song, although it's difficult to see any other outcome than Jedward Jed-winning! :))) What do *you* think?
And it's a got tune!! I know that they'll be totally carried by their backing singers, but it's another catchy tune, but in a different way to their song from last year, have a listen!! :
Not bad eh? Very US-sounding, like an updated version of "I'll be there for you" and as has been mentioned by fandom, very "High School Musical" too! Could do very good business for Ireland, this!
The other song of note is Donna McCaul, who entered for Ireland in 2005, with her wee brother Joe, who's on her own know, and clearly channelling Lady Gaga:
Reckon it will be between these two when Ireland choose their song, although it's difficult to see any other outcome than Jedward Jed-winning! :))) What do *you* think?
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Cyprus - La La La Love It! :)))
The last catch up with all the Eurovision entries that have already been chosen comes from Cyprus. Cyprus more often than not choose *very* ethnic, "typically Cypriot" entries, which either don't qualify for the final or get overshadowed by the Greek entry. However this year they've gone for something a bit different:
To me it has elements of Rihanna-lite, a bit Gaga, a bit Katy Perry, and I la la love it!! Well done to Cyprus for entering something credible and that sounds like it could be in the charts right now!
We've not yet heard her sing this live yet though, which is mildly concerning at the moment, but as long as she carries it off live, I think this is sailing into the final!
Hoorah for Cyprus, would love to go to Eurovision in Limassol next year! :))))
To me it has elements of Rihanna-lite, a bit Gaga, a bit Katy Perry, and I la la love it!! Well done to Cyprus for entering something credible and that sounds like it could be in the charts right now!
We've not yet heard her sing this live yet though, which is mildly concerning at the moment, but as long as she carries it off live, I think this is sailing into the final!
Hoorah for Cyprus, would love to go to Eurovision in Limassol next year! :))))
France in "sends a splendid song to Eurovision-shocker!!"
Blimey!! It's almost as if France *want* to win!! France TV have internally selected the singer and song this year, like the BBC did with Blue last year, the difference being that the singer they have chosen has had two number ones in France last year, so is a very successful contemporary artist!
And the song is a belter! Stick with it, the intro lulls you into thinking that it will be something *completely* different:
Anggun is orginally from Indonesia, and came to France to find international stardom, having done very well in her homeland...
Absolutely love this, it's catchy, modern and just a little bit bonkers! And could be performed very well on the Eurovision stage!
Bonne chance, Anggun, Bonne chance la France!!
And the song is a belter! Stick with it, the intro lulls you into thinking that it will be something *completely* different:
Anggun is orginally from Indonesia, and came to France to find international stardom, having done very well in her homeland...
Absolutely love this, it's catchy, modern and just a little bit bonkers! And could be performed very well on the Eurovision stage!
Bonne chance, Anggun, Bonne chance la France!!
Third time lucky - This was Kurt's night in Malta...
So plucky wee Malta chose their song for Eurovision last night, and as Terry Wogan would say, the vote went down to the wire!
The Maltese National final always seems to take about five hours, and it was very nearly a very awful and boring ballad that got the ticket to Baku, however the best song among a mediocre bunch won in the end, and so we'll be seeing Kurt Calleja at Eurovision this year with "This is the Night". I can't help thinking that the introduction to the song promises more than it delivers....:
You can't knock a tryer though, and this is Kurt's third attempt to represent Malta at the Eurovision, and the Maltese public always seem to reward those who if at first they don't succeed, try, try, and try again!
Actually the more I listen to it, the more I like it, the English lyric is a bit simple and twee "Hey, look at me and you'll see that I'm into you" doesn't fit well with me, but I like the vibe! And it sure is better than their song last year! And I like his look :P What do you think?
The Maltese National final always seems to take about five hours, and it was very nearly a very awful and boring ballad that got the ticket to Baku, however the best song among a mediocre bunch won in the end, and so we'll be seeing Kurt Calleja at Eurovision this year with "This is the Night". I can't help thinking that the introduction to the song promises more than it delivers....:
You can't knock a tryer though, and this is Kurt's third attempt to represent Malta at the Eurovision, and the Maltese public always seem to reward those who if at first they don't succeed, try, try, and try again!
Actually the more I listen to it, the more I like it, the English lyric is a bit simple and twee "Hey, look at me and you'll see that I'm into you" doesn't fit well with me, but I like the vibe! And it sure is better than their song last year! And I like his look :P What do you think?
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Oh Denmark, you should've known better!!
So another country that have chosen their entry for Eurovision is Denmark, and this year's first real EUROTRAVESTY!! Oh yes dear reader, you may have to get used to there being an occasional EUROTRAVESTY, for I rarely agree with the choices of song that countries send to Eurovision!
Don't get me wrong, I kinda like their entry, it's a safe, MOR number sung by a cute girl with a quirky taste in fashion, and here it is:
It's ok innit? Nothing special that grabs you by the wotsits, and I'm not certain it will get Denmark out of the semi-finals. NOT LIKE THIS WOULD HAVE DONE!!!:
Oh my, but this is wonderful! "Overflow" by Ditte Marie didn't even come close to winning the Danish national final, and I love it!! I can just see Dame Kylie singing it, *sigh*... If only the BBC could be reading this - it would be the perfect entry for the UK!! Never mind, it's still fab! :))) Whaddya think?
Don't get me wrong, I kinda like their entry, it's a safe, MOR number sung by a cute girl with a quirky taste in fashion, and here it is:
It's ok innit? Nothing special that grabs you by the wotsits, and I'm not certain it will get Denmark out of the semi-finals. NOT LIKE THIS WOULD HAVE DONE!!!:
Oh my, but this is wonderful! "Overflow" by Ditte Marie didn't even come close to winning the Danish national final, and I love it!! I can just see Dame Kylie singing it, *sigh*... If only the BBC could be reading this - it would be the perfect entry for the UK!! Never mind, it's still fab! :))) Whaddya think?
Sweden's songs for tonight! :)
How exciting!!
Sweden's selection process for selecting a song for Eurovision is always one of the most-awaited by Eurofans such as I! There are four heats with eight songs in each, the top two of which go straight to the final, or direkt til Globen as it is officially known. The third and fourth most popular songs from each heat all compete in a "Second Chance" round, the top two of which also join the other eight finalists. Are you still with me?
Well, heat number one is held in Vaxjo tonight, and you can hear all the songs here:
http://svt.se/melodifestivalen/20120204135219/lyssna_pa_alla_kvallens_latar
Am loving Afro-dite (who performed at Eurovison for Sweden in 2002) and Loreen, fingers crossed girls! :)))
Sweden's selection process for selecting a song for Eurovision is always one of the most-awaited by Eurofans such as I! There are four heats with eight songs in each, the top two of which go straight to the final, or direkt til Globen as it is officially known. The third and fourth most popular songs from each heat all compete in a "Second Chance" round, the top two of which also join the other eight finalists. Are you still with me?
Well, heat number one is held in Vaxjo tonight, and you can hear all the songs here:
http://svt.se/melodifestivalen/20120204135219/lyssna_pa_alla_kvallens_latar
Am loving Afro-dite (who performed at Eurovison for Sweden in 2002) and Loreen, fingers crossed girls! :)))
Feel like taking a trip outside your head? It's Switzerland!!
Switzerland are another country that this year underwent a mahoosive selection process to find their song for Eurovision this year. Before we look at their song for Eurovision, just wanted to discuss two real gems that *could* have (should have?) got the ticket to Baku:
In the first stage of their selection, Switzerland posted hundreds of songs on the interweb for people to select their faves and it threw up a few names that raised my eyebrow at least... Including this one, it's only mildly-disturbing X-Factor sibling-combo Same Difference!!! Wanting to sing for Switzerland with this if you please!:
Love it!!! Catchy chorus a-go-go, a dance routine just waiting to be created, and that "ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee" bit that screams "choose me!!" to me! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Su Pollard and Biggins if we're not careful!!!
Another Swiss Reject is this, remember Ultra Nate off of the 90s? You know, "You're Freeeeeeeeeee, to do what you want to dooooooo!!!" Well they only wanted to sing for Switzerland too, with this:
Oh come on Switzerland!! What more do you want?? A catchy dance beat, bells, an "oh-oh-oh-oh" section, this one's got it all!! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Same Difference if you're not careful!
Having said all that, the Swiss entry is rather good!:
They're called Sinplus and are brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggoni, and not entirely unpleasing on the eye! ;-))))
It's very reminiscent of the Killers' "sound", although I think it might be more of a grower and not instant enough to grab the televoters of Europe. If the juries that vote like a bit of poprock with their sherry though, it could, just *could* make the Saturday final in May! What do you think?
In the first stage of their selection, Switzerland posted hundreds of songs on the interweb for people to select their faves and it threw up a few names that raised my eyebrow at least... Including this one, it's only mildly-disturbing X-Factor sibling-combo Same Difference!!! Wanting to sing for Switzerland with this if you please!:
Love it!!! Catchy chorus a-go-go, a dance routine just waiting to be created, and that "ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee" bit that screams "choose me!!" to me! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Su Pollard and Biggins if we're not careful!!!
Another Swiss Reject is this, remember Ultra Nate off of the 90s? You know, "You're Freeeeeeeeeee, to do what you want to dooooooo!!!" Well they only wanted to sing for Switzerland too, with this:
Oh come on Switzerland!! What more do you want?? A catchy dance beat, bells, an "oh-oh-oh-oh" section, this one's got it all!! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Same Difference if you're not careful!
Having said all that, the Swiss entry is rather good!:
They're called Sinplus and are brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggoni, and not entirely unpleasing on the eye! ;-))))
It's very reminiscent of the Killers' "sound", although I think it might be more of a grower and not instant enough to grab the televoters of Europe. If the juries that vote like a bit of poprock with their sherry though, it could, just *could* make the Saturday final in May! What do you think?
Bodyformed for yooooooooooooou....
So, I make it 5 countries that have already selected their entry for Eurovision this year, and Albania are always among the first to chose their entry. Can't help but think that I have heard it before though... Is it:
Well, I had to wonder... Mercy me, Albania, what have you done??? Albania have this massive selection process to choose their Eurovision entry which lasts, like, an entire weekend and usually has about 50 songs being performed. Of which, *this* was judged to be the best, oh boy...
Now it will be a bit different by the time it is performed in Baku, it's too long (some would say by about 4 minutes!), and the Albanian entries always seem to undergo some transformation before they get to Eurovision, but blimey, the NOISE!!! Anyone can drag themselves backwards through a hedge and get up on a stage and scream, and indeed I'm sure some of us have!
Where's the facepainted dwarves spinning on their heads, the flame-headed beauties surrounded by flames and the di-di-da choruses of yesteryear that the Albanians have sent to the contest...? I'm not a fan of this, as you might have guessed, although I have seen Eurofans loving it on the interweb - what do you reckon, leave a comment on FB or on the blog, I'd love to know what you think of it!
Well, I had to wonder... Mercy me, Albania, what have you done??? Albania have this massive selection process to choose their Eurovision entry which lasts, like, an entire weekend and usually has about 50 songs being performed. Of which, *this* was judged to be the best, oh boy...
Now it will be a bit different by the time it is performed in Baku, it's too long (some would say by about 4 minutes!), and the Albanian entries always seem to undergo some transformation before they get to Eurovision, but blimey, the NOISE!!! Anyone can drag themselves backwards through a hedge and get up on a stage and scream, and indeed I'm sure some of us have!
Where's the facepainted dwarves spinning on their heads, the flame-headed beauties surrounded by flames and the di-di-da choruses of yesteryear that the Albanians have sent to the contest...? I'm not a fan of this, as you might have guessed, although I have seen Eurofans loving it on the interweb - what do you reckon, leave a comment on FB or on the blog, I'd love to know what you think of it!
Ok, ok, so I let it slide... I was kind of busy....
Ta-dah!!! Yes, back with a big glitter explosion is my Eurovision Blog!!
You may have noticed, although I'm guessing not (!), that my blog kinda just stopped last year... In the words of Baccara: "Where did you go, what did you do, who did you meet - tell me all about eet??" - well I went and got married, that's what, Baccara, and the planning for that took me away from my Euro-duties!!
But I have returned, and before I start to look at the tunes selected for this year's contest so far (and what a bunch they are!!), here's the reason why we're off to a contest that is being held the furthest East it has ever been this year... The Eurovision this year is being held in Baku, because of the not-entirely-unexpected victory for Azerbaijan last year!! The Azeris have been threatening to win the contest ever since they debuted in 2008, their winning song came top on the preview party I held and it was staged *very* well. It didn't exactly set the music charts alight across Europe after it won, but here it is nonetheless, enjoy this final look back at last year!:
You may have noticed, although I'm guessing not (!), that my blog kinda just stopped last year... In the words of Baccara: "Where did you go, what did you do, who did you meet - tell me all about eet??" - well I went and got married, that's what, Baccara, and the planning for that took me away from my Euro-duties!!
But I have returned, and before I start to look at the tunes selected for this year's contest so far (and what a bunch they are!!), here's the reason why we're off to a contest that is being held the furthest East it has ever been this year... The Eurovision this year is being held in Baku, because of the not-entirely-unexpected victory for Azerbaijan last year!! The Azeris have been threatening to win the contest ever since they debuted in 2008, their winning song came top on the preview party I held and it was staged *very* well. It didn't exactly set the music charts alight across Europe after it won, but here it is nonetheless, enjoy this final look back at last year!:
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