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LETTER TO PORTUGAL – JULIA FOSKEY (Australia)

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To The Head Of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal,

I am writing to you today to try and convince you that Portugal should reconsider their decision not to enter Eurovision in 2016.

I understand your withdrawal came after a long and intensive evaluation of Portugal’s participation in the competition, and that you have chosen not to include the Eurovision Song Contest in your programming grid. I also know that you intend to return in 2017. But I believe that skipping 2016 is a mistake.

For me, Portugal is one of the most important countries  contributing to the wonderful blend of cultures and music that defines Eurovision. Each year the entry from Portugal exposes Europe and the world to the beautiful Portuguese language and culture. It was seeing the lovely Portuguese entries year after year that inspired me to visit Portugal in 2008, and I’m so glad I did.

Portugal consistently sends uplifting and unique entries year after year. The rhythms, language and culture of Portuguese music is something that no other country can offer, and something many Eurovision fans look forward to. While it is unfortunate that this enthusiasm has not always been reflected in the voting outcome, I can assure you that the Portuguese entry is an absolutely essential piece of the Eurovision puzzle, much like Portugal’s active role in the European community.

Portugal is a Eurovision heritage country with so many years of entries. Entering Eurovision 48 times is something to be proud of, and songs like Ha um mar que nos separa and Quero ser tua have added to the wonderful catalogue of entries from over the years.

Please reconsider your decision, because a Eurovision Song Contest without Portugal is a very sad thing to see. Perhaps a 2016 entry could even lead to the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest being held in Lisbon?

Sincerely,

An Australian fan

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LETTER TO TURKEY – EMILY SMITH (Australia)

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An open letter to TRT

 

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you about Turkey’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, imploring you to reconsider your decision to not attend in 2016.

As a great fan of Eurovision, and of Turkish entries in particular, it deeply saddens me that you have withdrawn from the contest indefinitely. It is particularly disappointing that you have cited moral objections, as Eurovision is inherently about inclusion and diversity. The contest is a celebration of differences, with no one being unwelcome: even Australia attended this year! What makes Eurovision so great is the manifestation of diverse cultures, attitudes and beliefs all coming together in one event. While your government may have objections to certain events that have occurred within the contest, it is a great shame for you to remove yourself entirely.

The theme of inclusivity is extremely relevant now, with Turkey playing such a pivotal role in the current Syrian refugee crisis. Participating in Eurovision again would be a wonderful gesture of Turkey’s willingness to be a part of the European community, with a view to improving diplomatic relations with the rest of Europe. The political implications of Eurovision participation cannot be lost on you, with you yourselves initially withdrawing for political reasons. While the contest was initially established as a tool to unify Europe after World War II, it continues to foster harmony amongst European nations. In the face of a global humanitarian crisis, continental unity is critical and Eurovision holds the key.

Politics aside, it is worth noting that Turkey has had great Eurovision success in recent years. Reaching the top ten seven times in ten years is a remarkable feat, and one of which you must be proud. Your bold stage presentations and Mediterranean/oriental flavoured pop music products are a winning combination; the voting population cannot get enough. And just think, Eurovision 2017 held in Istanbul could even further strengthen Turkey’s relationship with the rest of Europe. This could be a key opportunity for you to use the recent popularity of Turkish music and culture to your advantage.

Looking closer to home, Eurovision is very popular within Turkey itself. This year, hotel searches for Vienna increased by 91% in Turkey, higher than in any other country in the world. Clearly there is still huge support for Eurovision within Turkey. It is a great shame that Turkish fans can no longer enjoy the broadcast from within their own country, in addition to not being represented on the stage.

Let’s not forget that there are approximately 150,000 Turkish people living in Sweden. They must also be very disappointed that a representative from their homeland will not be joining them in Stockholm. There are millions of Turkish people living across Europe who are actively involved with Eurovision, as displayed in Eurovision voting. Turkey has historically received the most points from Germany, which has the largest Turkish population in the world outside of Turkey, estimated at four million people. The second and third most points received have come from France and the Netherlands, who have the second and third largest Turkish populations in Europe. Vast numbers of Turkish people at home and abroad support Eurovision and they are being let down by your non-participation.

There are a multitude of reasons why Turkey should reconsider their position, but in the end it boils down to this: a Eurovision without Turkey does not feel complete. Something is missing. Your absence is felt deeply by all the fans, Turkish and otherwise, and we urge you to rejoin us.

Kind regards,

Huge Eurovision fan

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LETTER TO LUXEMBOURG – STEVE HUMPFREYES (Australia)

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Dear RTL TV Luxembourg,

We would like to see you return to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in 2016.

After Italy’s successful return to the Eurovision stage in 2010, and in a short period of time Italy have produced two almost winners in the ESC competition in recent years. Now is the perfect time to bring back another classic country and blast from the past.
Luxembourg. Who in the past have been able to bring some amazing talent to the show from all over Europe. As one of the main french speaking countries when Eurovision was born way back in 1956.
Its clear to us many eurovision fans remember and adore Luxembourg’s entries from the past. So they want to see Luxembourg RTL back again.

Most certainly small countries have shown evidence of struggling to keep going in the Eurovision today. Mainly due to the low budgets and then there is always that big staging that seems to be more essential to success in ESC today.

We have good news for Luxembourg, and what EBU can do to help Luxembourg and other countries wanting to come back in Stockholm 2016.
We have the perfect solution, as its no secret EBU are keen to help out and include the mini state countries like Monaco San Marino. They are looking at making an exception for small countries with below a certain population they will now be able to have a joint Eurovision entry.
Doing this will advantage Luxembourg in the following ways:

(a) This will make those high costs half for a small country like Luxembourg.
(b) Euro-club parties can be shared as well by this duel entry policy.
(c) If Luxembourg and their partner country win ESC then they will have bids from both small countries to decide the following years host town or city.
(d) The small duel countries will have separated voting and do not have to share countries scoreboard votes at all.

Luxembourg is one of the historical Eurovision classics with a past 5 Eurovision winners as well as a back to back wins that is rare in today’s Eurovision back in 1972 and 1973.
Since 1956 through until 1993 -Luxembourg rarely missed ESC. In fact before Ireland’s Avalanche of winners in and during the 90s Luvembourg & France were the most successful competitor at Eurovision. So I think it’s important that they more than anyone else continue this tradition. Also we need a ole country to give the swedes a run for their money. (as the saying goes)

We hope this proposal will help bring Luxembourg and another small country back to Eurovision in 2016.

Summary Luxembourg 5 Winners 1961- 1983:

Jean-Claude Pascal – “Nous les amoureux”
France Gall – “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”
Vicky Leandros – “Après toi”
Anne-Marie David – “Tu te reconnaîtras”
Corinne Hermès – “Si la vie est cadeau”

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EUROVISION RUSSIA: BEHIND THE SCENES….

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Eurovision: behind the scenes and life after the spotlight
Written By Alexey Zavalov and Vladimir Aptovtsev

Russia began participating in Eurovision since 1994. The pioneer in this was the singer named Maria Katz, having taken the pseudonym Youddiph. She was very memorable to all due to her original costume and beautiful live performance. However, she has been rated only 9th, which is still good enough when you try first time. Many may wonder how Masha’s career is going after taking part in such a prestigious contest. Pretty good, in fact: she was awarded at home many times (“Lady Blues”, “The Voice of Russia”). She was working as back-vocalist of famous artists, currently participates in “The Voice” project and even opened a recording studio. Maria is also often heard in dubbing of children’s cartoons.
Unfortunately, the 90s were not particularly successful for Russia as a participant of Eurovision. It was simply a series of failures: Philipp Kirkorov, which was sent there having no preparations; Andrey Kosinski, whose talented song has not passed through the additional selection; Alla Pugachiova, whose performance had been considered too pathetic. Then Russia has been deprived the rights of participation for two years.

New round

Considering all the mistakes of the past and the successful experience of the foreign performers, Russia in 2000 takes an approach to be more responsible to the preparation of its contestant for Eurovision. Alsou was chosen, and experienced designers were used in the organization of her stage show, as well as arrangers and authors. Much attention was also paid to the dance and back vocal. The result was a 2nd place, which has become a real breakthrough for Russia at this contest.
After reaching such a high result at Eurovision, singer managed to release the album «Alsou» in English. A CD with it was released in more than 7 countries. Career of Alsou went up rapidly and she has released several more solo albums. Three times she has won “Golden Gramophone” prize. Even acted in some movies. Today she is broadly known singer and happy mother of 2 cute daughters.
Quite popular artists were sent to the Eurovision in subsequent years: “Mummy Troll”, “Prime Minister”, “t.A.T.u. “, Yulia Savicheva, and Natalia Podolskaya. However, their shows did not make the desired effect at European audience.
True success has been brought to Russia at Eurovision by Dima Bilan. He went there twice, in 2006 & 2 years later, bringing the country long-awaited victory. His career evolved quite rapidly before that, and received a new round after participation – he was invited to various international projects and gave prestigious awards (e.g., MTV Europe Music Awards). Between performances of Bilan, in 2007 Russia was represented by the project of MaximFadeev named “Serebro”, which took 3rd place and had good commercial success both in domestic show business and also abroad. Their song “Mama Luba” did not descend from the top of charts of the largest European countries long after. The girls were on promo tours in Italy, Spain, France. They have been on TV and radio. Their English album became platinum in Italy at the number of sales. Members of the group performed a duo with popular Dutch band Yellow Claw, been in Mexico and Japan with tours.

Participants of recent years: life after Eurovision

After Russia’s victory in the contest, it had entered performers, whose fame not yet had time to grow. Past years shown sending of the “big stars” is rather dubious decision. The best way is to give a road to new voices. And some of these contestants actually achieved considerable success. Nice try to win the European audience was the performance of Petr Nalitch, whose video for the song named “Guitar” gained much fame in RU.net as of 2007. However, at the Eurovision he was ranked only 11th. But Peter did not fall into despair. He released 4 more albums after the contest. Began to try himself as an actor of Studio Theatre of Gnesins. Alexey Vorobyov had conquered the Eurovision after Nalitch, but his performance has ranked Russia even further below – to the 16th place.
Buranovskie babushki have been remembered around the world, who struck all with their Udmurt’ colouring. This brought them on the second place. And in the semifinals they had full chances of winning. What is the life of grannies after the contest? Back home, in Udmurt Republic, they immediately possessed the People’s Artists pedestal. In 2012, when they carried most fame, the band was actively participating in commercials. They also had projects with well-known performers. However, in 2014, “Buranovskie babushki” went through changes. Producers haven’t renewed the expired contracts and all members were fired. New members were hired to replace the previous line-up and now that name belongs to the very different performers. The old line-up is still doing occasional local performances under name “Babushki iz Buranovo”.
After grannies, Russia was represented at the Eurovision with Dina Garipova, who managed to win the 5th place. Immediately after participating in ESC, she has released the debut record and went to tour on Russian cities.Dina married in 2015. Today she is an actor of Musical Theatre of Gradsky.
In 2014, the European audience was pleased by spectacular twins, Tolmachevy sisters. However, not everyone knows that this is not their first appearance at the famous contest. The girls had previously participated in a children’s version of Eurovision and even won it. Sisters were seriously prepared for an adult competition. They had to make their English better, hard to study singing, carefully keep nice fit. As a result, Masha and Nastya gained seventh place, although initially they were intended for a much better result. Despite this, the public accepted the twins warm enough. Their song «Shine» was memorable to listeners, as the bright images of girls.
However, after some time after the competition it was almost nothing heard of girls. The first time they made several tours in Russia. But today’s interest to girls fell. Someone name them as one-hit wonders, someone predicts the superfast rise of careers and they are simply gaining strength for that. Sisters repeatedly informed us about plans to storm the Eurovision again to win. Life will show.
Polina Gagarina took all the attention at the competition in 2015. She managed to gain the second place. After Eurovision Polina stopped the contract with her manager Konstantin Meladze. She shifted herself to the project called “The Voice”, where she took the role of a mentor. It was another pleasant surprise in Sept. of same year, GQ magazine named her Woman of the Year.

Bright foreign Eurovision contestants

From the artists represented here over the past 10 years, it is impossible to forget about Alexander Rybak. Norwegian of Belorussian origin won the audience with virtuoso violin playing and rhythmic song. He participated in the “Slavic Bazaar” festival after Eurovision, performed on Concert for Nobel Prize in Oslo, acted as honorable guest at many events and has published 4 albums. He acted in some motion pictures and videos.
Many wonder whether there is life after Eurovision for young and not so famous artists. Or they are gradually forgotten after a year or whatever? The answer is different. Circumstances vary. In any case, this competition allow viewers discovering new bright names and sonorous voices!
russiahistory3

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member letter

LETTER TO PORTUGAL – NATHAN MOUNTFORD (Australia)

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To the Head Of TV Entertainment RTP,

Why?

48 times and counting. What’s another year?

People of the world are sick of visiting cold countries! 2017 is the year for sunshine and sardines!

I love the idea of a refresh – RESET, REFRESH and surprise us, NOW. Like a Portuguese tart! It has a lot of history but is always fresh, so eat it while it’s hot.

Listen to your people – a Crowdfunding campaign? Who does that – people who love their country, their music and their Eurovision.

I visited Lisbon in 2015 and I want more. I make a pledge to visit Portugal every year that I attend Eurovision. Eurovision has broadened my geographic knowledge and made me want to visit different places including Portugal. Which BTW reminded me of Australia (and I love my country).

Katia Averia has put her hand up. Say YES. Ask her brother to chip in some money! If not, go to any Fado bar. Pick one of your many fantastic singers (so many to choose from, maybe your the lucky country).

Get Nando’s (famous in various countries for Peri Peri sauce and Portuguese Chicken) to sponsor the entrant. I’m sure they’ll have some great ideas to create a fantastic social, advertising and media campaign (look them up on Wikipedia).

Use the world’s biggest free resource, the internet. Get some tips from Switzerland and find an International star to sing for you. Hint: Australia is desperate to go again (perhaps under the title of Portugal)!

Quero Ser Tua ‘went off’ at the Euro Fan Café’ in Vienna. People are listening. Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh. Remember when Russia won in 2008? All I heard was “it’s Russia’s time to win”. Well, last year in Vienna I heard a lot of “it’s Portugal’s time to win”! I can’t say you will win but I predict if a country in your region does, tourists will be lining up at your door.

To be serious though…

…This is a great opportunity that not every country in the world has. I’m from Australia. We have been lucky enough to participate once (most likely). One time. And so many others will never have the chance. But Portugal does. I would love to showcase our talent every year. And it’s not just about the talent; it’s about so many things:

Tradition. Pride. Competition. Showcasing. Celebrating. Peace.
But most importantly, although we have our differences, we can come together as a united people and enjoy a moment together – a moment that can change your life forever.

Think of all the people with sad faces right now. Then think of all the people with smiles on their faces when you agree to reinstate your participation. Even people from Australia!

Don’t give up.

Member blog

(EURO)VISION OF THE FUTURE

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by Richard Isaac (Seattle)

Normally a glimpse of the aging members of Lordi in full costume roaming the dusty desert streets in their wheelchairs would be the most memorable moment of the 99th Eurovision Global Song Contest.

But the backstage romance between the Israeli and Palestinian members of their joint delegation has captured most of the headlines in advance of the finals taking place this weekend, May 29–30, 2054. The press broke the story of Shimon and Suleiman just before last weekend’s semifinals, when they were caught at a candlelight dinner on the outskirts of host city Bamako, the other band members nowhere in sight.

Still, since the Treaty of Amsterdam of 2022 put an end to the century-long Middle East conflict, the only scandal the tabloids have been able to find is that their mothers are complaining that the young men hadn’t yet told them.

Mali, named a UNESCO World Music heritage site in 2027, is in full regalia to welcome the 59 delegations, after having finally won with Ali Selif “Elvis” Touré’s rousing “Bembera” last year. Being the first African nation on top in ten years, the country and its capital are putting on a colorful show for the world.

The four quarterfinals — instituted soon after the contest went global in 2033 — went smoothly last month, featuring 111 entries in all: 25 from each zone (12 of which advance), plus the Big Ten and Mali.

In the Americas competition, Cuba and Haiti easily took the top points, and Big Ten members USA and Brazil automatically advanced along with the other top-scoring nations. Canada’s Justin Bieber III did not qualify, however.

In the Asia/Oceania quarterfinal, the Sri Lankan fusion trio Sri Blind Mice squeaked out first place over Papua New Guinea and the other 10 qualifiers, who joined Big Ten members India, Australia, and Korea (which alternates with Japan and China for the East Asia Big Ten spot).

The Africa/Middle East contest, West African nations dominated the top spots, with host Mali also automatically advancing with Big Ten member South Africa and this year’s pan-Arab Big Ten representative, Iraq. The joint Israel-Palestine delegation (the fifth such in 32 years) made a splash with an up-tempo dance number, “Wholly Land.”

Malta continued its lucky streak in the European quarterfinal, joining other “smallies” Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, and San Marino among the top finishers. UK, Germany, and Russia (which alternate with France, Spain, and Sweden for the European Big Ten spots) rounded out the 15 total advancing from the contest’s home ground, including strong contenders Czechia and Vatican City.

Italy (having dropped out in 2041 after four consecutive wins) had been rumored to be returning—again—but in the end decided not to. It was Turkey’s year to compete in the European quarterfinal, but maybe it will have better luck in next year’s Asia quarterfinal.

The 59 semifinalists were, as usual, randomly shuffled without regard to geography into last weekend’s two semifinals, and the top 20 from each (plus host Mali) are being sent along to this weekend’s split finals on Friday and Saturday nights, Greenwich time. (Since 2044, the Big Ten have not had a right to automatically pass through to the finals, allowing for more diversity in the final 41, but five of them made it through this year.)

Of course, since the shows are broadcast globally at different times of day, the vote results will be withheld until the two-hour special on Sunday afternoon, so everyone can see both shows and not lose too much sleep.

There are some surprises among the finalists, including two entries in Esperanto. Since the language restriction was reintroduced in 2021 (allowing songs only in official languages), several nations adopted English as an official language, but EGSC organizers saw through the ruse and limited English songs to the British Isles, Malta, Gibraltar, and other longstanding English-speaking lands, such as Singapore and Liberia. In protest, Esperanto has been revived as a way to reach broader audiences.

Some things remain as they always have: the songs are no longer than three minutes, only six people are allowed on stage, and fireworks and wind machines are encouraged. The hosts’ banter is still generally silly, as are some of the costumes.

Who will win this weekend is anyone’s guess, though. The betting sites favor the strong entries from Malta, Cuba, and the host’s neighbor Burkina Faso. Will Sweden take home its 12th prize? Will dark-horse Laos come from behind? Or will onetime-powerhouse Ireland break its 58-year losing streak? That would sure please the veteran BBC host, 91-year-old Graham Norton!

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LETTER TO PORTUGAL – STEPHEN STIGWOOD (Australia)

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Head of TV Entertainment Portugal – broadcaster RTP

I am disappointed and surprised that Portugal has decided not to join in the competition for Eurovision 2016 – Stockholm.

Having visited Portugal in 2009 I found the country to be steeped in music and the traditional music, Fado, was very moving and unique. It is a lament to all that has been lost…in love and in war. This wonderful music was performed from so many different musicians from humble men in their local cafe or bar to professional Fado artists who had perfected their craft and sound.  I felt that Portugal had a strong musical spirit and this is supported by the fact that Portugal has been an entrant is 48 Eurovision competitions and this is the most of any country! A remarkable feat of persistence! This fact shows that the country loves music and always enjoys a chance to perform. What a wonderful way to showcase Portugal to the rest of Europe and the world. Keep entertaining us Portugal. We need to hear more of your special music.

Please reconsider…It is only a matter of time until Portugal wins but of course if Portugal does not enter,  then their time for winning will never come!

Regards,

A heartbroken fan

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LETTER TO LUXEMBOURG – DARREN TOMPSETT – UNITED KINGDOM

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Kent
DA1 5QU
Royaume – Uni

20th October 2015
45 bd Pierre Frieden,
1543 Luxembourg

Dear RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg,

Hello my name is David Theron, OGAE UK & Rest of World Member, and I am writing to you from Royaume Uni (United Kingdom) to express my desire for Luxembourg to rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest.
I have been a fan for nearly twenty years and over this time I have enjoyed many songs from different countries. I love the fact that some entries are sung in their own language; this is what Eurovision is all about celebrating different styles of music around Europe.
I feel that Luxembourg is one of these countries that always presents a song that really shows off their country and gives us the viewers a little taster of their nationality.

As you are aware Luxembourg has participated 37 times and won the contest five times:

1961 Jean Claude Pascal “Nous les amoureux” 31 points
1965 France Gall “Poupée de cire, poupée de seń” 31 points
1972 Vicky Leandros “Aprés tol” 128 points
1973 Anne Marie David “Tu te reconnaîtres” 129 points
1983 Corinne Hermes “Si la vie est cadeau” 142 points

All amazing victories and I know that Luxembourg could win again if they had the right help and guidance. Having finished in the top ten twenty-two times is a big achievement not duplicated by many other countries.
For Luxembourg to move forward I think that creating a new television show to find the artist/song to represent them would be successful and of course the public will be heavily involved. This has worked in many countries and in some cases; the chosen song has gone on to win the contest. I know that funding can be an issue but I’m sure that sponsors, like local radio stations, music companies, the tourist board would all benefit from a win. You just need a great artist and song to convince these sponsors and show them that it would be very rewarding for both parties.

Fans of Eurovision from all over Europe have lots of ideas and I am one of those people that could help out other countries on how to make a comeback to the contest. Social Media is a key part of marketing these days that really wasn’t around during Luxembourg’s successful Eurovision run. International street teams can promote your song and artist in their local country which would cost you little to nothing for free publicity.

I would love Luxembourg to come back with a winning song that is current, fresh but still has traditional values by being in your native tongue.
Last year’s motto was building bridges and I feel that Luxembourg should build towards connecting with other countries that can bring them back in the contest. For instance, if Luxembourg won maybe a shared contest between the Benelux countries would not only split the costs but also celebrate the true meaning of the contest, One Vision – A Euro Vision.

Eurovision is big celebration that is adored all over Europe, being the oldest and most watched non-sporting television programme in the world; Luxembourg deserves to be a part of that. So come join us.

So let’s help find you some funding and select a well written song and get the prestigious title of “Six-Time Winner!” It would seem a shame that such a successful country in the contest isn’t represented now with the contest entering its sixty-first year. With many countries returning to the contest like Italy it would be great to have Luxembourg back as well.

If you need to contact me, please feel free I am happy to help such a worthy country get back into the Eurovision Song Contest.
Yours sincerely,

David Theron (name changed)

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Diana Gromova appears in Icon contest…and the winner will sing in Belarus national final

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Diana Gromova {copyright: Diana Gromova/VK; Icon competition}
Diana Gromova {copyright: Diana Gromova/VK; Icon competition}

Diana Gromova is a highly talented young singer from Belarus. In the past she appeared in several Junior Eurovision national selections in her homeland but narrowly missed out on representing her country. She has also submitted songs to the Belarus national selection in recent years.

Now Diana is competing in the Icon competition in Belarus (the Icon of the scene). Over the weeks the acts have had to sing an original song, russian hit, world hit and a Eurovision song. Diana performed her version of Warrior (2015 ESC Georgia) by Nina Sublatti.

The creator of the Icon project is Belarusian music producer Maksim Aleynikov. The final will be on 29 October, where 12 acts will compete. The prize is not only for money but the winner will also have a song for the Belarus Eurovision national selection.

You can see Diana in a compilation video below where you can see her perform Warrior also.

Source: www.esccovers.com

 

 

Emma Hamza

Emma Hamza: A star with a bright future

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Emma Hamza {copyright: Paradiz Production Company}
Emma Hamza {copyright: Paradiz Production Center}

Emma Hamza is a young and talented star from Ukraine that we can expect to see involved in Junior Eurovision and Eurovision contests in the near future. She has already appeared at several important festivals including the  2015 New Wave Junior festival, where she was watched by Philipp Kirkorov (1995 ESC Russia).

Emma has a gentle and crystal clear voice. She has recorded the classic song Can’t Help Falling In Love (performed by many acts including Elvis Presley). She also recorded the anthemic Moya zvezda (My star).

You can hear Moya zvesda below and also see her perform at the New Wave contest.

Source: www.esccovers.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMTup2o65oA

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs