All posts by ANDY RICHARDS

Malta’s winner has been ‘served’! Will Miriana Conte’s ‘Kant’ ‘ace’ in Basel?

The winner of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025 (MESC 2025) has just been announced! Miriana Conte will be serving ‘Kant’ at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, taking place later in the year.

Continue reading Malta’s winner has been ‘served’! Will Miriana Conte’s ‘Kant’ ‘ace’ in Basel?

Get to know more about ‘Stay Tuned’ (Netherlands, 2024 Junior Eurovision)

This evening, the Dutch delegation held an online press conference with the four members of their 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest act, Stay Tuned!

ESC Covers attended, and below we bring you a selection of questions from both ourselves and various other media outlets that participated in the video call, plus the answers given by the Dutch representatives themselves; Chiara, Inkar, Niek, and Miucha!

Please be aware that the following transcript has mostly been A.I. generated from the audio recording of the press conference, so  potential minor inaccuracies/misinterpretations may occur.

Eurovoix: What are the main things that help you work together well as a group?

I think we all very busy. Busy and crazy. And crazy on a nice way. And, Yeah. I think we’re good. So we’re good friends. Yeah. We can, like, feel each other’s energy. And if so if someone is something doing what we would like from the other person, we also just say it and then they are okay with it. So that’s really nice.

Radio International: How do you feel representing the Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Contest in Madrid?

It’s a dream coming true. Yeah.  I feel like I don’t feel actually yet. I just I it’s like I’m just dreaming the whole time, and I’m just walking here around and just actually, it’s just I live my life right now, actually. I think I think it’s very cool. I never watched it before. I don’t know it was here, and then I saw it on TV. And then I think, yeah. I can do that. And then we are here. It’s so cool.

ESC Everyday: Who is your biggest supporter?

I think it’s family, but the biggest I think my biggest biggest fan is, the site of my grandpa because they’re, like, the most musician family site. So I think they’re, like, the most important. And that’s very special because they’re from Kazakhstan. Right? Yep. Yeah. And mine is my mom. I think. Yes. My mom. Yeah. My family. Yeah. And my brother. There are gonna be, 80 people for us. They’re they’re gonna fly to Madrid. Like, you feel the support that you’re like, wow. They come for us, Madrid, and that’s like Yes. Yes.

ESCplus: Have you met already the representatives of other countries?

Yes. Yes. We meet Armenia, France. Ukraine, San Marino, Germany, Ireland. Actually, all of them. Yes. And it’s very, nice with them. We are very close. Close with each other. We just talk to them. We are being shy like. I think I think there there are kids from our age. The kids from our age. So yeah. They try to communicate easily. Yeah. It feels like we already know each other for, like, 2 years or so. Yes. And it’s very nice to just stay in the same hotel. Yeah. In the evening or in the in the afternoon, we just can chill with them and then talk about how their life is in their country or in our own country.

ESC Covers: Which of this year’s other contestants would you like to hear perform your song ‘Music’?

Armenia. Yeah. Armenia. Now he’s very funny. Or Ukraine. Or France. Yes. Yes. I think those 3. I think that I don’t want to. Yeah. Yeah. Armenian. Because he’s, like, so small and so cute, but he’s so, like he’s not shy. He’s entertaining. Yes. He can entertain very well. So I would like if he also would perform our song and maybe we maybe we and then, we can switch from song. Yes. Yes.

ESC Plus: Although it’s still a few years ago, would you like to represent the Netherlands for the big Eurovision?

Yes. That is also a big dream. I know, like, I think my biggest dream is, like, to represent the of the Eurovision Song contest. Who’s your favorite artist from the big Eurovision? Do you have one? I think, Stefania. I like Stefania from Greece. I like Joost Klein. Yes. Yes. We love Joost Klein.

ESC Covers: What is the best thing about the Netherlands and being Dutch?

I can answer that? I can answer. So, the Dutch people are so if something is free, we take it. Yeah. So, it’s a charm. It’s a rehearsal day, and we free food? Free food? It’s free food. Yeah. It’s, like, it’s free. But not only food. It’s just if if something is free, we take it. Yes. The food is very nice in the Netherlands. Food is delicious. Cheese. Cheese and strobe apples. That’s like a sweet waffle with the caramel with caramel. And our orange sweaters. Yes. The the orange color, it’s just like so bright, and then you can, like, know, everyone knows now in the hotel that we are the Netherlands because we have sweaters.

Radio International: What actually is your ritual when you go on stage? What do you do together as a group?

Dance. And then we squeeze each other.

Eurovoix: I feel like a lot of people must have been asking you over the past week, what’s your favorite thing about Madrid and Junior Eurovision? But what are you guys’ favorite things about each other?

Oh, Niek is a really relaxed guy. Actually, he’s very calm and just and we are sometimes very be like, being crazy, and he’s just trying to relax. And and then it’s very nice to have been in group. Yeah. I think I think Chiara is is a leader. Yeah. So if there is some they don’t make any leader leader that she, like, rules everyone like that. Yeah. Yeah. She can really solve the problems for the and and make them feel like a group. I just want everything to be kind of answered for us. Yeah. I think, Inker, busy or? Busy. Busy. Busy. Oh, it’s busy. Yeah? Yeah. From Miucha, I think Miucha just goes with the flow. She’s just everything of it’s combined. She’s, like, combined with all of us 3. Yeah. It’s just a mix. It’s really nice.

ESC Covers: Did the host of Junior Songfestival, Stefania [2021, Greece ESC and 2016, Netherlands JESC – as a member of ‘Kisses’] give you any tips at all as to what to expect in the whole run up to the competition?

She was the the host host of the national final in the Netherlands, and that was very nice. And when we won, she was just saying, and, it’s a very nice trip, and then you just have to enjoy it and, because it goes so fast. Yeah. If you do time, just, if you blink with your with your, with your eyes, then it’s already done. Yeah. It feels now, like, 2 days, but, actually, we’re already on day 4. Yes. So it goes, like, really fast. Yes. And she’s just telling us to enjoy.

[Inaudible]: I’d like to ask you, if you can choose a 5th member for Stay Tuned among the Eurovision song contest artist, who do you you pick?

But I think nobody but if we needed to choose, then our dance coach, Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Our dance coach. But, actually, it’s going out with each other, which is the 4 of us. And I think, we all need just the 4. We’re already And I’d like Perfect. Yes. Perfect.

We’d like to thank the Dutch delegation for taking time to arrange this evening’s online press conference, and wish both them and Stay Tuned the best of luck in Saturday evening’s live show in Madrid!

If you’ve not already watched the fantastic music video for ‘Music’, check it out below!

Image: Corinne Cumming / EBU

Interview with Bjarne (Germany, 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest)

On Saturday, 16th November, the 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Madrid, Spain at the Caja Mágica. 17 countries are due to take part, and today we bring you an interview with Germany’s representative, Bjarne!

Bjarne is 11-years old and comes from the Lower Saxony area of Germany, and lives with his mum Nadine, dad Björn, brother Jannes, and grandma Carola. His song, Save The Best For Us, will be 11th in the show’s running order. You can watch his official music video and check out an interview with him below!

What inspired you to take part in the Junior ESC?
I watch the ESC quite often and I think it’s just super cool that almost every country in Europe gets together and sings to inspire the audience with other languages.

How did you find out that you had been selected for the Junior ESC?
I was on holiday playing padel tennis. I saw my dad on the phone all the time and recognised the grin on his face. He didn’t stop talking on the phone and when I looked at him, he said to me, ‘Yes, concentrate on the game. When I finished, I went outside and then the news came. Everyone was looking at us because we were celebrating so much and they probably only spoke Spanish. It was just really cool.

Why do you want to take part in the Junior ESC and what are you most looking
forward to?
Because I think it’s cool to get to know talents from other countries and to represent Germany on TV and in front of the jury. I’m also looking forward to meeting the other children. I think it’s super cool to speak only in English with them.

What’s the message behind your song ‘Save The Best For Us’?
Well, I used to be a bit of a ‘better turn the lights off now, better do this and that’ kind of person. And then I got to choose what my song was going to be about. I chose conservation and I thought that was really cool. That’s how it became my song. My song is for the older people out there, but also for the younger people, because I know that if we don’t do something now, we might not be able to live on this planet much longer. We have to make a change now because we are polluting the earth mor and more and I don’t think that’s good at all. As you can see, the forests are burning, the glaciers are melting. When I sing my song, pay attention to the lyrics rather than how I sing it.

What are your expectations?
I have no expectations, except that I want to have a lot of fun. I want to talk to all the other kids and do something cool with them.

Which song from the other countries do you particularly like?
I actually think France is very cool because it’s an emotional song, but also a bit of a happy song. And I think that’s just mega cool. And I think I really like the personality of the person.

How does it feel to be allowed to take part in the Junior ESC?
It’s an indescribable feeling. You really can’t put it into words. I’m just really looking forward to it. And everything that’s going to happen to me is just going to be great.

How did your passion for music come about?
I started singing very early. I think when I was three or four, or maybe even earlier. And then I realised: Aha, I really enjoy this. And in the years that followed I realised that I like singing because you can put the emotions that you can’t really put into words into a song. And that always helps me to express my feelings properly. I also play a bit of guitar and I’ve been taking singing lessons for three years now.

Where do you sing?
For myself, at singing lessons and with my grandma Carola.

Do you have a musical role model and who are your favourite artists?
My role model is Adele. Because she has such an incredible range and a great voice. Recently I’ve also become a big fan of Nina Chuba, because she has such great songs that you can always vibrate to. I always listen to her in the car with my mum.

What other hobbies do you have apart from singing?
Trampolining, dancing, cooking and baking. I like watching my idols on TikTok, imitating dances or freestyling. I’m also interested in music legends and deceased artists, geography and history.

And what’s your favourite food?
Strawberry cake, cheesecake and spaghetti carbonara.

We wish BJARNE and his delegation the best of luck in the Contest on Saturday!

Image: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Interview provided by the Kinderkanal from ARD and ZDF

Chanel Dilecta wants you to ‘Call Her Moon’ in new release

The 2022 Junior Eurovision Song Contest representative for Italy, Chanel Dilecta is back with another great new tune!

The BLA BLA BLA singer who finished in a very respectable 11th place at the contest in Yerevan, has released a number of records since then, and is back with yet another. The song has been produced and co-written by Maria Eriksson.

The offical lyric video premiered on YouTube a couple of days ago, and if you’ve not yet had chance to check it out, it’s available to watch on Chanel’s channel, or below.

You can find out more about Chanel Dilecta by checking out her following social media channels.

YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok

 

 

Winning Eurovision acts at the 2024 MTV EMAs in Manchester

Earlier this evening, the annual MTV Europe Music Awards took place, live from the newly opened Co-Op  Live arena in Manchester, UK. As usual, there were a number of Eurovision acts that were nominated for a regional award.

MTV EMAs Manchester 2024

Italian Eurovision favourites Angelina Mango and Mahmood unfortunately lost out to Annalisa for the Best Italian Act award.

Once again, Noa Kirel (2023 Eurovision Song Contest) was crowned Best Israeli Act. She’s previously won a number of EMAs in earlier years too.

Slimane (2024 Eurovision Song Contest) missed out on the award for Best French Act. The French public voted Pierre Garnier as their favourite instead.

The Best Swiss Act went to Nemo. Only months after winning the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, they are also now the proud owner of an MTV EMA!

Another Eurovision artist from this year, Olly Alexander – also made an appearance during the live show. He announced the winner of Best Song, which went to Sabrina Carpenter for her summer hit, Espresso.

Finally, we’d like to congratulate Tyla for winning the Best African Act, Best Afrobeats and Best R&B. She’s a South African singer, born and raised in Johannesburg. I’m sure Roy from the ESC Covers team will be delighted to see South African music getting  a global outing!

If you missed the 2024 MTV EMAs tonight, a number of international channels will be repeating the show across the coming days, plus streaming television Pluto TV, have created a channel to watch this years event, plus many other clips of past EMAs, which is available to watch for free on their website. 

Image:  Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for Viacom International

North Macedonia’s Martija is ‘Phenomenal’ in latest video

Martija Stanojkovic, who now professionally goes by the name, MARTIJA, released a brand new song yesterday.

Fenomen, translating as Phenomenon, is an energetic pop tune with elements of hip hop and urban. The music video features Marija endlessly running and gradually losing items of clothing, and is quite exhausting to watch!

Martija famously represented North Macedonia in the 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song Love Will Lead Our Way (Ljubovta ne vodi) where she finished in 12th position.

Martija was born in April 7, 2004 in the country’s capital, Skopje, and has released numerous songs since then. Her latest song, Fenomen, is available to watch on her official music video.

Find out more about Martija and her music on the following social media channels.

Instagram
Facebook
X / Twitter

Image: MARTIJA (YouTube)

Inis Neziri asks ‘How Many Nights’ with her latest release

Albanian singer and songwriter, Inis Neziri is back with another single!

Inis has competed in a number of music competitions over the years, including Albania’s very own Festivali i Këngës, and has even won editions of Russia’s New Wave festival and also Romania’s Golden Stag contest.

Her latest song, Sa Netë, which translates as How Many Nights in English, is a slick and soulful pop-ballad, and a great listen. Check out the official music video below!

Find out more information about Inis and her music by following her on Spotify, TikTok and Facebook.

Source: Monkey Music (YouTube), Wikipedia
Image: Still from official music video

 

Halloween – EerieVision: Day 7

Due to thieves that stole copper cables, we had no electricity yesterday for 19 hours and so we could not do day 6. We incorporated the song for day six into the post for day 7.

Happy Halloween from all at ESC Covers! The big day is finally here, and today with have a bumper edition of Eurovision-related bone-chilling tunes for you.

So, if you’re holding a party tonight, or just want to get into the spirit before watching a marathon of horror movies, the following classics are ghoulishly good!

We start off with Germany’s Lord of the Lost with Blood & Glitter, back from the 2023 contest.

Now, lets take a delve into another National Final performance from Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix. It’s EMMY with Witch Woods!

Do angry, shouty men, dressed in PVC scare you? You’re in luck. Back from the 2019 contest, Iceland’s Hatari with Hatrið mun sigra are next in our spooky selection.

Slowing the pace down quite a bit, we now have a haunting ballad from Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – Norway’s entry in the 2015. Here they are with A Monster Like Me.

And finally, how could we bring you a selection of creepy Eurovision tunes without including the masters of rock?! You’d better start praying or they’ll eat you (or something). All hail Lordi with Hard Rock Hallelujah!

Let us know in the comments which your favourite of these songs is!

 

EerieVision: Day 5

We’re very nearly at Halloween, and that means we have another creepy Eurovision classic for you.

Today, we’re not off to Transylvania, but instead, Switzerland – the host country of the upcoming 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

But who is our chosen act of the day?

Clue 1: They were born on 5th January 1968.

Clue 2: Their real name is Peter René Baumann.

Clue 3: They’ve had 27 chart hits in Germany and Switzerland.

. . .

. .

.

If you’re a fan of Dracula, Nosferatu, Edward Cullen, or or even Count von Count from Sesame Street, this one’s for you. Buffy would not approve, though. Grab yourself a nice steak to eat – it’s DJ BoBo with Vampires are Alive from the 2007 Contest!

Join us again tomorrow for the penultimate day of EevieVision Spook Contest!

Source: Wikipedia

EerieVision: Day 4

Good evening guys and ghouls! We continue our collection of creepy Eurovision-related music with Day 4 of the EerieVision Spook Contest.

This next song may have passed you by if you don’t watch the National Final selection shows. Many countries each year let their public decide which song will be chosen to represent them at Eurovision, and sadly this means that some great songs don’t make their way onto the global Eurovision stage. Here is one of those acts.

Gothminister are a Norwegian gothic metal band that formed way back in 1999. The following song ‘We Come Alive’ appeared in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix this year. Gåte were the eventual winner, but we would have loved to have seen this appear on stage in Malmö!

You can find out more about the band on their social media channels, plus check out the offical music video of the song below!

Facebook
YouTube
Instagram

Sources: Wikipedia / Gothminster.com