Category Archives: 2015 Eurovision Song Contest

2015 Eurovision Song Contest, Austria 2015 Selection, News, Sascha Reviews Vienna, Vienna 2015

SASCHA REVIEWS VIENNA…SEMI 1.2

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The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is just over 1 month away away and this year’s Eurovision artists are hard at work promoting their entries. You’ll have seen the videos or heard the songs (you can find them all here) and I am sure you all have your own personal favourites.

I’m am taking a look at all the songs in this years contest and providing some brief thoughts. If you agree or disagree, why not add your comments at the bottom of the page.

In order to avoid personal bias, I’ve decided to review the songs based on their semi-final. So in part 2, we’re looking at the second half of Semi-Final 1 (plus 2 of the songs already qualified for the Grand Final).

Serbia Serbia Beauty never lies – Bojana Stamenov Score
This is a strong entry by Serbia this year. It is also the first time ever that they are performing the song in English. Bojana has very strong vocals, but the song is VERY big and I hope she can pull it off on stage every night. I think this should easily qualify for the finals. It probably won’t win the contest altogether, but should become a classic at Eurovision parties for years to come. 13

Hungary Hungary Wars for Nothing – Boggie Score
This is the kind of song that tends to do relatively well at Eurovision. The simple and pleasant voice with backing guitar singing about making the world a better place. Unfortunately I feel we’ve had this type of entry a few times too many now. It is placed between 2 songs in the semi-final with much more of a stage presence, so they will need something to make the viewers take note of Boggie if they hope to make it to the final. 7

Belarus Belarus Time – Uzari & Maimuna Score
For me, this is a great Eurovision song. Something you can sing along too, and also has potential for great staging with the violinist in the hour glass. The vocals are quite strong although a little more attention could be taken on the diction of the words. I would love to see this song qualify for the finals, and with a professional staging, I think Belarus should be able to make it to the Saturday night. 14

Russia Russia A Million Voices – Polina Gagarina Score
I absolutely love this song. It is everything I want from a Eurovision ballad – the slow buildup, the strong vocals, a good message (even if it does come from Russia), the big notes….this is certainly one of my favourites. It will easily qualify for the Final (although this will probably be met with the usual boos from the audience). 19

Denmark Denmark The Way You Are – Anti Social Media Score
This is unmistakenly Danish. Slightly retro, but yet slightly modern. A good little vote earner from many of the countries around Europe, it is sure to make it to the final. I don’t think it is strong enough to win, but it is a pleasant song that you can tap your foot to. 12

Albania Albania I’m Alive – Elhaida Dani Score
In a year with a number of “Angst-Ballads”, I think this is probably one of the strongest. Elhaida has a fantastic voice and this song is a very strong entry from Albania. It is one of the few songs that I end up singing to myself after I hear it which should hopefully help Albania in the results. I’m Alive, is certainly a better entry than the one Albania had originally selected, and hopefully changing the song will end up working out in Albania’s favour. 17

Romania Romania De la capât (All over again) – Voltaj Score
Romania is very often one of my favourite entries, although this song is a far departure from their usual high energy songs. It is a very high-quality soft-rock song and should be performed brilliantly on the night, given the quality of the artists. It’s not the type of song that usually sets the scoreboards on fire, but I do enjoy it, and it will be included in my Eurovision playlists from now on. Hopefully Romania will be rewarded on the night for entering this very high quality song. 15

Georgia Georgia Warrior – Nina Sublatti Score
I love Nina’s voice, and at first the song sounds like it had great potential, but unfortunately I am not sure if the song quite does it for me. It is slightly too repetitive and I find myself not really paying attention by the end of the song. Hopefully Georgia will be able to keep our focus through the staging but for me, I think this song is in danger of not qualifying. 9

Austria Austria I am Yours – The Makemakes Score
I think this is a very confident entry for a hosting nation. Something that won’t win, but is good enough to make them proud. It is obviously inspired by the great bands of years gone by, but yet still feels current, meaning it should appeal to both the younger and older generations. The Makemakes have a good stage presence and perform with confidence which should see Austria quite high on the scoreboard. 14

UnitedKingdom United Kingdom Still in Love with you – Electro Velvet Score
Easily one of the most controversial entries this year. After some promising hints from the BBC, fans were expecting something very modern, only to be surprised by a Charleston. I personally really love this song for Eurovision. Having seen Electro Velvet perform the song live, they certainly have the vocal ability to provide a great performance on the night. And the song is so different from any other this year, that is should stand out. Hopefully the BBC will be able to come up with some really innovative staging, was the song really does need more than just 6 people of stage and some flashing lights. I doubt that it could win, but I suspect that it will fare much better than the UK’s songs the past few years. 17
2015 Eurovision Song Contest, Austria 2015 Selection, News, Sascha Reviews Vienna, Vienna 2015

SASCHA REVIEWS VIENNA…SEMI 1.1

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The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is less than 2 months away and all the songs for this year’s contest are now know. You’ll have seen the videos as they were released (you can find them all here) and I am sure you all have your own personal favourites.

Over the next few weeks, I will give you my review of this year’s entries. The views are entirely of my own personal opinion and I encourage you to share your views in the comments section. Please do try to keep your comments constructive though, rather than simply declaring your hatred for the entry.

In order to avoid personal bias, I’ve decided to review the songs based on their semi-final. So in part 1, we’re looking at the first half of Semi-Final 1 (plus 2 of the songs already qualified for the Grand Final).

Moldova Moldova I Want Your Love – Eduard Romanyuta Score
Initially this song feels familiar. It has a catchy beat and tune, but you feel like you’ve heard it before. In my opinion, it does feel slightly dated for the modern audience – although a good little pop song, a bit unremarkable. Had it been entered a few years ago, I think it would have had a broader appeal. It should however still find some fans around Europe. 7

Armenia Armenia Face the Shadow – Genealogy Score
This is a very mature song. Well produced and performed and with a lot of potential. The idea behind the band is great and the performers each very good. However I feel there may be some work to go on this song. The singers sound great individually and in harmony, but when moving from one singer to the next, their different singing voices seem to compete with one another rather than blend together. If they can better match the solo parts so that the voices have more cohesion, then this could do very well. 13

Belgium Belgium Rhythym Inside – Loïc Nottet Score
This is one of those songs that you either love or you hate. It is a style of music I quite like from time to time, but unfortunately the first time I heard it I was left underwhelmed. It has grown on me to some extent however. It is an incredibly modern and professional song and very brave of Belgium to select an entry like this. It will all depend on the staging for them in my opinion. 14

Netherlands Netherlands Walk Along – Trijntje Oosterhuis Score
I can’t help but like this song. It is very well performed and has a feel good factor that makes you happy listening to it. It is missing the wow factor though. The song is quite repetative, so you expect it to build up to something special (maybe a spectacular key change or a change in tempo) but it doesn’t quite happen. It’s likeable and should get votes, but is it enough? 15

Finland Finland Aina mun pitää – Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät Score
This is a very difficult song to review. It is in a very specific genre and if you don’t like that style of music, you’re never going to like this song. It’s going to stand out, it’s going to cause discussions, and it probably will get votes. 4

Greece Greece One Last Breath – Maria Elena Kyriakou Score
A beautiful ballad and very “Eurovision”. Greece continues to enter good quality entries. In a year with a lot of ballads, this one should stand out a bit as it really is meant for a big stage. It ticks a lot of boxes, and assuming a good staging and performance, should to very well indeed 16

Estonia Estonia Goodbye to Yesterday – Elina Born & Stig Rästa Score
A very contemporary entry (with a retro feel) very reminicent of The Common Linnets last year. The artists have great voices and the simple staging in the national final should work well to gian votes from both the Jury and the Public. Although not one of my personal favourites, I think it will score well 15

FYR Macedonia FYR Macedonia Autumn Leaves – Daniel Kajmakoski Score
FYR Macedonia is usually one of my favourite entries every year, however I really wish they hadn’t decided to enter the song in English. The original was one of my favourites of the year. In English, I feel it gets a little lost among the other entries. It’s very pleasant to listen to, and is still a good song, but will it get the votes? 11

Australia Australia Tonight Again – Guy Sebastian Score
A very good quality song from a great singer. It’s very contemporary and something you are likely to sing along to on the radio. In my opinion, this R&B style song could be difficult to stage though. A great song also needs a great performance to get the votes. Will Australia be able to pull off a great stage performance with this entry though? I think it is likely to do better with the Juries than the televoters, but given this wildcard entry is a first, who knows what will happen? 16

France France N’oubliez pas – Lisa Angell Score
Everything you expect from a French power ballad. A very sophisticated song and performance with the potential for fantastic staging. With the right position in the final, it could do very well – particularly with the Juries 16
2015 Eurovision Song Contest

Running Order for Semi-finals of 2015 Eurovision Song Song Contest

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Eurovision_Song_Contest_2015_logo.svg_

The running order for the two semi-finals of the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest was made today. The producers of the show decided the order of the songs –

SEMI-FINAL 1 – 19 May 2015

  1. Moldova
  2. Armenia
  3. Belgium
  4. The Netherlands
  5. Finland
  6. Greece
  7. Estonia
  8. FYR Macedonia
  9. Serbia
  10. Hungary
  11. Belarus
  12. Russia
  13. Denmark
  14. Albania
  15. Romania
  16. Georgia

SEMI-FINAL 2 – 21 May 2015

  1. Lithuania
  2. Ireland
  3. San Marino
  4. Montenegro
  5. Malta
  6. Norway
  7. Portugal
  8. Czech Republic
  9. Israel
  10. Latvia
  11. Azerbaijan
  12. Iceland
  13. Sweden
  14. Switzerland
  15. Cyprus
  16. Slovenia
  17. Poland

In semi-final 1 – Spain, France, Austria and Australia can vote. In semi-final 2 – United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Australia can vote.

Source: www.eurovision.tv

2015 Eurovision Song Contest

RESULTS FROM SWEDEN

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1. Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes (288p)
2. Jon Henrik Fjällgren – Jag är fri (Manne leam frijje) (139p)
3. Mariette – Don’t Stop Believing (102p)
4. Hasse Andersson – Guld och gröna skogar (78p)
5. Eric Saade – Sting (77p)
6. Linus Svenning – Forever Starts Today (59p)
7. Isa – Don’t Stop (56p)
8. Samir & Viktor – Groupie (49p)
9. Magnus Carlsson – Möt mig i Gamla stan (28p)
10. JTR – Building It Up (25p)
11. Jessica Andersson – Can’t Hurt Me Now (23p)
12. Dinah Nah – Make Me (La La La) (22p)

from SVT.se

2015 Eurovision Song Contest, Austria 2015 Selection, Mørland & Debrah Scarlett, News, Norway at Eurovision, Vienna 2015

A MONSTER LIKE NORWAY

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The Norwegian national final, Melodi Grand Prix, was held by the national broadcaster NRK this evening to select the Norwegian representative in Austria come May.

The winner, performing for Norway in Vienna, was Mørland & Debrah Scarlett with their entry, A Monster Like Me.

Do you like the Norwegian entry this year? Will Norway add a 4th victory to their Eurovision history in May?

2015 Eurovision Song Contest

Melodifestivalen Final 2015 – Sweden Decides Tonight

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In Stockholm tonight at the Friends Arena the Swedish public and international juries will choose this year’s Swedish entry for the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.  With a special performance by last year’s winner, Conchita Wurst.

FArena

Twelve songs will be competing for the title this year as four, instead of two, songs proceeded to the final from last week’s Andra Chansen (Second Chance) round.  The standard of songs this year and the lack of a clear front runner are making the prediction element a difficult one but I’ll give it a go.

Watch it live at SVT Play at 20:00 CET Click Here!

Who will win?

1) Samir & Viktor “Groupie” – Predict 10th place

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This song joined the final by winning its duel against Behrang Miri in the Second Chance.  This song is still a novelty one and they have added a falling into bed scene at the end but that doesn’t change the song.  The public do like this song especially the teens and will do well in the televoting but most of the juries will shun this song.

2) JTR “Building it Up” – Predict 12th Place

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This boyband won their place by directly qualifying from the fourth semi-final and are popular with the masses of children screaming for them but the song and performance are still a bit luke warm. Without that showstopper edge and a bad draw in the running order this song will fail to finish well.  The juries will have too many songs to choose from which will make some of the entries unmemorable. I believe this will be one of them.

3) Dinah Nah “Make Me (La La La)” – Predict 9th Place

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Dinah Nah won her place by beating Dolly Style in her Andra Chansen duel. This typical Europop club hit is popular across many of the international fans of the contest but unfortunately they can’t vote.  The voting public won’t back this song as much as some of the others as Loreen has still cast a shadow on all subsequent dance hits from Sweden.  It will take awhile for this to pass and believe it is still too early for the Swedish public buy in.  The juries will like it but like isn’t good enough to place well.

4) Jon Henrik Fjällgren “Jag är Fri (Manne Leam Frijje)” I am Free – Predict 2nd Place

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Jon Henrik won his place in the third semi-final and has been one of the hot favourites.  The song hasn’t changed apart Jon Henrik’s wardrobe but it doesn’t matter the atmospheric song will do extremely well with the Swedish public having recently won Sweden’s Got Talent.  The main area of contention is the international juries, will they or won’t they go for it?  I believe it will do very well and if the juries get behind it will win.  I believe it is a two horse race at this point between John Henrik and Måns Zelmerlöw.

5) Jessica Andersson “Can’t Hurt Me Now” – Predict 8th Place

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Jessica won her place in the very first semi-final and has been forgotten mostly since then.  The song and performance haven’t changed but it is still missing that dramatic build or climatic edge.  It is a shame as the song and performance are beautiful but simply forgettable.  Ballads always do well but this year with so many songs competing for points it will leave many in the dust and unfortunately this song will fall in that category.

6) Måns Zelmerlöw “Heroes” – Predict Winner

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Måns qualified directly to the final from the fourth semi-final and is the odds on favourite to win.  The innovative performance and sheer popularity of the song will make the public pick up their phones to vote.  The juries will fall for this as well as the feast for the eyes is also met with its Guetta-like styling which stands against club based hits like “Europhia” as something entirely different. It is a refreshing performance that you won’t forget and believe he can only be beaten if the juries fall for Jon Henrik.

7) Linus Svenning “Forever Starts Today” – Predict 7th Place

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Linus beat Andreas Weise in the second chance to win his place in the final.  His performance and song are solid and a change of direction in styling to last year’s “Bröder”.  His main issue again are that there are too many songs competing for those all-important points.  The ethnic feel to the song will get the juries backing it and his sincere performance will get the public voting.

8) ISA “Don’t Stop” – Predict 5th Place

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ISA won her place in the third semi-final and gained many children followers.  Her song is mainstream pop and is very well written.  I believe she will pick up votes from the juries and she will certainly have the backing of most children out there.  The only issue she will face is that there is crossover appeal from Eric Saade’s entry which means they both could lose out on points to each other.  ISA is definitely one to watch and if she participates again she could take the crown.

9) Magnus Carlsson “Möt Mig I Gamla Stan” – Predict 11th Place

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Magnus achieved his place in the final directly from the second semi-final and his absolute Schlager hit is extremely popular with the gay audience.  This is the type of song that could of won ten years ago but time has moved on since then.  The song has lots of appeal but the juries and public will opt for his more contemporary counterparts.  This is the sort of song I love and so glad that this style is represented in the final as it means that Schlager isn’t dead just not as mainstream as it once was.

10) Eric Saade “Sting” – Predict 4th Place

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Eric qualified for his place way back in the first semi-final and showed that his “Popular” fan base hasn’t diminished.  Honestly Saade could enter and do well with almost any type of song due to his popularity.  The song is a grower and I have grown to like but for the majority of viewers and juries this will be the first time listening to it which lies part of the problem.  The stylised performance with dancing shadows, rising platforms, pyrotechnics and glitter will be hard to forget but will the voters like it enough to pick up the phone to vote, I don’t think so.  The majority of his points will come from his dedicated fan base.

11) Mariette “Don’t Stop Believing” – Predict 3rd Place

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Mariette won her place in the second semi-final with her atmospheric and mesmerising performance.  Nothing has changed here but it also didn’t need to as promotes its dark side feeling very well.  The international juries will love the song and performance.  The Swedish public who don’t care for the mainstream pop style of Måns, Eric and ISA will go for this and in a big way.  With her debut performance in Melodifestivalen, I believe Marietta will be pleased with her placing and in a less competitive year this could win.

12) Hasse Andersson “Guld och Gröna Skogar” Gold and Green Forests – Predict 6th Place

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Hasse beat Kristin Amparo in the Second Chance to win his place in the final.  His sheer likability of a happy song in the sight of Spring approaching just makes people smile.  It is very Swedish and the public love this and will go for it in a big way.  The juries will overlook this as filler because it isn’t a style of music that many countries listen to as mainstream.  All his points will come from the televote but just how many will decide on his overall placing.

Do you agree?