All posts by Roy van der Merwe

IT’S FRANCESCA MICHIELIN FOR ITALY

francesca-italy2016
Italy has announced their representative for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. Francesca Michielin was the runner up in the 2016 Sanremo Song Festival with her song Nessun grado di separazione and was announced as the Italian entrant for this year’s Eurovision when the winners of Sanremo 2016, the band Stadio, declined the chance to represent Italy.

Francesca is a 20-year old Italian Singer/songwriter who found fame after winning the Italian X-Factor in 2012. It is not yet been announced whether or not Francesca will entry Eurovision with her Sanremo entry or whether they will choose a new song.

Well done Francesca. See you in Stockholm.

AUSTRIA CHOOSES ZOË

Zoë {copyright: ORF}
Zoë {copyright: ORF}

Tonight (Friday 12th February 2016), the Austrian National Broadcaster, ORF, held their National Final to choose the 2016 Austrian entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Wer singt für Österreich? was hosted by Andi Knoll and Alice Tumler and saw 10 acts compete in the competition. The contest consisted of 2 rounds. In the first, scores from a public vote were combined with those of 3 judges, plus an additional press vote to choose the top 2 acts. These two chosen acts were Zoë, with her song “Loin d’ici”, and Elly V, with her song “I’ll Be Around (Bounce)”

After these two contestants went head to head in a speed vote with the winner chosen by public vote only. Austria decided their winner would be Zoë, a 19-year old singer/songwriter from Vienna. She is no stranger to Eurovision fans, having entered her song “Quel filou” in the Austrian selection for 2015 where she finished third.

Zoë will be hoping her French language entry “Loin d-‘ici” will repeat the success of Austria’s latest winner, Conchita in 2014.

Good Luck in Stockholm Zoë

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PngYUBK9enU

OGAE SWEDEN REPORT ON EURO FAN CAFE PLANS

Hello fellow Eurovision fans – this is Stockholm calling!
We know that you are the ones that make the party. And we want to party with you in Stockholm in May!
In later years it has been customary that the host city hosts the Euroclub for accredited delegations, press and fans while the local OGAE club hosts a Euro Fan Café for non-accredited fans.
This year SVT and the City of Stockholm have changed this! Together with the City of Stockholm, SVT and OGAE International we have worked on a plan to bring all fan-activity under one roof. We are extremely happy about this and believe we couldn’t get a better start in fulfilling this year’s theme ”Come together”.
In 2016 the Euro Fan Café will be a fully integrated part of the Euroclub. There will be fan accreditations especially for OGAE members which will include access to Euroclub and the Euro Fan Café, both located in the two-storey high and 2800 square meters large custom-built venue right in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm – the best location Stockholm can offer!
As soon as the practical solution for applying is ready we will let you know and provide more information.
Planning the schedule has just started but there will be the normal Fan Café activities, the annual OGAE party and so on. This will of course also be made public as we get closer to the contest.
A warm welcome and we will see you in Stockholm in May!
Ida Sandahl
President
Melodifestivalklubben OGAE Sweden
Press release from the City of Stockholm:
http://www.mynewsdesk.com/stockholmvisitorsboard/pressreleases/stockholm-hosts-a-two-week-festival-during-eurovision-song-contest-in-may-1299603

STOCKHOLM EVENTS

STOCKHOLM EVENTS

Some members have suggested that we try and put all events in STOCKHOLM in one place so those going to Eurovision can see it instantly and plan their days in Stockholm according to that.
EUROCLUB
There will be events on a daily basis but as it will probably be just for people with accreditation, and won’t be available to the general members. So far there is also no details of any events although we can presume the after parties (after each semi final and final) will take place there. Although, if any country will have a party, it may happen in Euroclub.
EURO FAN CAFE
Once again there will be daily events and the OGAE party will probably be on the Wednesday evening (between the two semi finals) although no final details are available. There is also no news as yet of any other events in the cafe and what the cost will be to members. The moment details become available, we will share it with our members.
EURO VILLAGE
This is free to all in Stockholm, be it OGAE members or general public and there will be things happening – I think both Copenhagen and Vienna had a fairly big variety with some artists giving performances. Again no details are available.
SPECIFIC R O W EVENTS
OGAE R O W will have events aimed to show the variety of activities our members are involved in and we would like as many members will attend if their schedules permit. As these evants are organised by the club, we will give the details as soon as an event is finalized. But we can summarize some of the things we are planning
01 – OGAE R O W LUNCH
We have a team planning this and it looks at this stage to be on the Tuesday of semi final 1 and probably at HARD ROCK CAFE but it could change.
02 – HARD ROCK CAFE VISIT
If the lunch won’t take place at the Hard rock cafe, there will be an event arranged there to meet Richard Herrey as it is 95% sure we will cover Diggi loo before Stockholm and hand him a copy of it.
03 – OGAE R O W AWARD – SPECIAL MEMBER
The handing of the award to the 2015 special R O W member IAN FOWELL will be handed over in Stockholm. It can be done in private as Ian will probably working with me in the press center but I think this should be open to other R O W members because we will also announce that the award will continue for 2016.
04 – OGAE R O W AWARD – SWEDISH COMPOSER
This award was won by Thomas Gson and again, I can hand it to him anywhere but it seems they want to make it special with Swedish journalists present and also a radio journalist for a short interview. As Thomas will be there as the composer of the 2016 entry for Cyprus, the idea is that MINUS ONE should also attend so your members can meet them more personally.
05 – OGAE R O W TOP SONG FOR 2016
Of course we have no idea as yet which song R O W members will vote as their top song but we will award a medal to the artist and composer – again this can be done in the press center but we would like it to be accessible to our members and so we want to organize a special 10 minute event somewhere be it Euro fan cafe or wherever.
06 – HANDING OF COVER SONGS TO VARIOUS ARTISTS
A big part of the SA members activities are covering euro songs and melodifestival songs and we will negotiate with several artists to meet with them to hand them the covers. The whole idea is that these artists will be there for photo’s to be taken, autographs to be signed and also if the artists have CD’s to promote it and sell it to our members. Possible Swedish artists we hope to have are Jan Johansen. Mans Zelmerlow, Magnus Carlson, Carola, Charlotte etc.
07 – EUROVISION GROUP FROM A FEW YEARS AGO

Andy is busy organising with a Eurovision group of the recent past who will be in Stockholm and will perform our our members (if euro fan cafe will give them a spot)

08 – ABBA MUSEUM VISIT

I will visit the museum to hand them some unique items from South Africa. Now it probably will take plave during the morning of the Wednesday between the two semi finals. Now I am in contact with the museum and it seems possible that I can bring with me R O W members who also want to visit the museum and they will have something special for us. Now we will need how many people would like to attend and then the museum management and me will discuss possible things. If nobody wants to go, then I will go anyway.
09 – VISIT TO THE MAMMA MIA GREEK RESTAURANT OF BJORN
We could also look at taking a group of members to this event although I personally will not attend as I am not into Greek food but Andy is a big fan of MAMMA MIA show and he is quite eager to go.
Of course members can individually go to any event, it is always nice if we can do things as a group and if anybody has any suggestions of events we could also have, please contact us.

EUROVISION – YOU DECIDE SHOW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Former Winners Take to the Stage for Eurovision: You Decide as Tickets go on General Sale

Eurovision Song Contest royalty will be taking to the stage at the United Kingdom national selection show Eurovision: You Decide.The two show stopping former winners will perform live in a bid to inspire the six competing acts who will battle for the honour of representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

The BBC today confirms that current Eurovision champion and Eurovision 2016 co-host Måns Zelmerlöw will appear, to sing his winning song from last year’s contest “Heroes” plus former United Kingdom Eurovision Song Contest entry Katrina will also perform with the winning song from the 1997 competition “Love Shine a Light”

Katrina says: “I can’t believe it has been nearly 20 years since we won the contest back in 1997, it’s definitely time for another UK win in the competition! Eurovision is a very special event and is something that stays with you forever – it’s always an honour to perform to such passionate crowds and it is a thrill to be doing it again at the UK National Final.”

Hosted live from The O2 Forum Kentish Town by Mel Giedroyc, the 90 minute UK Eurovision extravaganza will be broadcast live on Friday 26th February on BBC Four featuring performances by six competing acts before the voting lines open and the public are invited to choose the song and act that will represent the United Kingdom at this year’s contest in Sweden.

The six competing acts will be revealed on Monday 22 February on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2.

Tickets to attend Eurovision: You Decide will go on sale onFriday 22 January at 10 am via bbc.co.uk/eurovision

Notes to Editors

Eurovision: You Decide will be broadcast live on BBC Four on Friday 26 February at 7.30pm.
The show will also be available to watch via eurovision.tv

Måns Zelmerlöw and Katrina were announced as special guest acts on Friday 22 January on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2.

Tickets to attend the event will cost £35 and are available via bbc.co.uk/eurovision

Eurovision: You Decide will be Exec Produced by Guy Freeman and Produced by Helen Riddell.

BBC Music comprises of new partnerships and ground-breaking music initiatives led by Director Bob Shennan. Since launching with the stunning recreation of God Only Knows in Autumn 2014, commissions have included the BBC Music Awards on BBC One, the classical music initiative for schools ‘Ten Pieces’ and BBC Music Day, bringing communities across the UK together through music. Other highlights have included Adele at the BBC for BBC One, The Mercury Prize for BBC Four and 6 Music and a raft of exciting commissions exclusively for BBC iPlayer including Amy Winehouse in her Own Words, Elton Live at Eden, Festival Pass with Rudimental and Duran Duran and Music Box with Guy Garvey. Festivals come alive on our digital platforms, with world leading coverage of Glastonbury, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and a whole host of unique events. BBC Four is the home of music programming with 2016 highlights including with People’s History of Pop, Part-Time Band, The Most Dangerous Band in the World: The Story of Guns N’ Roses and Daft Punk Unchained.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/eurovision-you-decide

STAND UP IN NORWEGIAN SELECTION

 

                                                                  PRESS RELEASE

                 Thörnholm/Clauss/Attlerud compete in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2016

                                 

                                                        MAKEDA performing STAND UP

The well-known Swedish composers Thomas Thörnholm, Michael Clauss and Danne Attlerud will compete in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix on February 27th with the entry STAND UP, performed by MAKEDA, known from The Voice and Körslaget in Norway. The composers say:-” Makeda truly is the absolutely right person and voice for Stand Up! We know that NRK looked quite some time to find the best performer for the song and they really made it! We are extremely happy!” The recording of the lead song really went smoothly in Boomfactory Studio in Irsta, Västerås, Sweden, with backing vocals by Makeda and Kenya, Makeda’s backingvocals partner from numbers of recordings and live performances in Norway,

Stand Up is a modern pop song with roots in the history of soul, which Makeda, Thomas, Michael och Danne really hope will appeal to the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix audience.

This is the 5th time the Swedish composers compete in Melodi Grand Prix, where the top score, so far, was reached 2004 when KNUT ANDERS SÖRUM won Melodi Grand Prix with the song HIGH composed by Thomas Thörnholm, Lasse Andersson and Danne Attlerud.

a-norway

UK NATIONAL FINAL ON FEB 26TH

IMG_2675
The BBC has announced that they will be holding a National Final on the 26th February 2016. Eurovision: You Decide, will be the first National Final show that the BBC have had in 6 years. The show will be hosted by television personality Mel Giedroyc, who Eurovision fans will remember as one of the British commentators from last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

Eurovision: You Decide will feature 6 contestants vying to represent the UK at Eurovision. These 6 acts were chosen through 3 different methods. Firstly, the OGAE UK fan club shortlisted entries submitted from the public to the BBC. Secondly, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) ran a song-writing competition amongst its members. Finally former MD of record company RCA and founder of Innocent Records, Hugh Goldsmith acted as Music Consultant to the BBC overseeing communication with established record labels, publishers, managers, writers and producers encouraging high-level music industry involvement.

Eurovision: You Decide will be broadcast live on Friday the 26th February on BBC Four. Good luck UK!

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs