OPINION: Semi Final 2 Qualifiers, Eurovision 2017
Semi Final 2 is shaping up into the real bloodbath this year. Last year I successfully predicted the semi final 2 qualifiers and I don’t know if I’ll be so …
OPINION: Semi Final 1 Qualifiers, Eurovision 2017
It’s finally here. Eurovision 2017 has begun. The 1st rehearsals have started and everyone is abuzz. On May 9th, 2017, the first semi final will happen in Kyiv, Ukraine. Here …
REACTION: Timebelle, Apollo
Switzerland is on to something with Timbelle’s Apollo. Switzerland made the right choice in their final. The mid-tempo power ballad has quality production value and Switzerland is off to a very strong …
REACTION: Norma John, Blackbird
Norma John is the rightful winner of Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Their performance was haunting and tasteful. No matter how sophisticated the song is I fear that this is going …
REACTION: NaviBand, Historyja majho zyccia
Congratulations Belarus! You picked the right entry this year. IVAN’s entry last year wasn’t horrible, but #ugh the staging was silly and the track was whack. “Learn How To Fly,” …
REACTION: Lindita Halimi, BOTË
Lindita, GIRL! You betta just SANG. Lindita Halimi’s BOTË is Albanian GOLD. Look, the song isn’t a dance track. It isn’t in English (yet– Dear Lord let the translation not be TRASH). …
RANKING: My Top 4 Eurovision 2017 (so far)
We only have 4 songs, and the benefit of that is that it makes it that much more easy for me to set up my first ranking of this Eurovision …
REACTION: Lucie Jones, Never Give Up On You
Thanks to Brexit, there is no doubt in my mind that the United Kingdom was going to struggle this year at Eurovision and they didn’t exactly help themselves out with …
REACTION: Tako Gachechiladze, Keep The Faith
Georgia is switching up things from last year. “Keep the Faith,” is a power ballad sung powerfully by Tako (or Tamara). Don’t be distracted, this beauty has pipes to sell …
REVIEW: Switzerland’s Die Entscheidungsshow selections for Eurovision 2017
Die Entscheidungsshow is ready to find it’s Swiss representative for Eurovision 2017. Switzerland has not had it easy at Eurovision these past couple of years, and looking at the lot …
Belarus: Reviewing the 13 national final acts
What a circus the Belarusian national final auditions were! There were clear highlights and very dim low lights. I mean this happened: And this happened: Yes… he is singing about …
The Melodifestivalen 2017 participants BREAKDOWN
I woke up yesterday morning in Washington, D.C. with the most welcome news EVER. By now you know that Loreen is returning. Yes, there are other artists returning to the …
REACTION: Studio versions of UMK Competitors
The Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu competitors have been revealed along with the studio versions of their tracks. Finland is coming into this year’s competition from behind after not qualifying for the final …
We are going to Kyiv for Eurovision 2017: Why this ROCKS!
At long last we finally know where Eurovision 2017 is going to be held! Mt excitement was put on pause due to the long wait and silly bidding process that …
We are going to Kyiv for Eurovision 2017: Why this SUCKS!
The wait is finally over. Scratch THAT! The unnecessary wait is over. For months we ESC fans have been strung along unjustly. Kyiv is the capitol city of Ukraine. Kyiv …
What to expect from semi final 2: Eurovision 2016
Semi Final 1 had so many surprises and I think we are in for a treat with semi final 2. Petra and Måns are singing together. The hosting this year is …
Eurovision 2016: Watch Semi Final 2 with Alesia
We did it during the last semi final for Eurovision and now we will do it again. Tune into the livestream to watch tonight’s semi final with American blogger, Alesia. …
Watch Semi Final 1 with an American (Live Stream)
Hey! It’s Alesia and I’ve been sharing my opinion on this year’s competition. Semi Final 1 is happening tonight, and I want to watch it with you. This is my …
Russia is still holding on to the top spot in semi final 1. After last night’s jury show, the fans in the arena were loving the Russian entry. Whenever Sergey …
Day 5 Rehearsals: Eurovision 2016 (Semi Final 1)
Prepared to be surprised by… Greece: This was not a song I was enthusiastic about before, but the on stage presentation makes me feel much better about the song and …
Eurovision 2016: My impressions from Day 4 Rehearsals (ESC+Plus in Stockholm)
I woke up super early this morning to gear up for Day 4 of rehearsals. I knew I’d need a hearty breakfast because yesterday was jam packed with heavy hitters. …
Rehearsals are well underweight in Stockholm, Sweden and it is making an impact on the betting odds. The top 10 (to win): Russia France Australia Malta Sweden Armenia Ukraine Italy …
Eurovision 2016: My impressions from Day 3 Rehearsals (ESC+Plus in Stockholm)
I arrived to Stockholm on Monday and was unable to catch a glimpse of day 1, but after day 2 I was anxious to witness Day 3. Many favorites are …
Estonia: My impressions from the first dress rehearsal (ESC+Plus in Stockholm)
Estonia are favorites this year, again. The song is co-written by Stig from last year’s entry. The staging is really original on this. The song’s title is “Play” and the …
Cyprus: My impressions from the first rehearsal (ESC+Plus in Stockholm)
It is no mystery the Cyprus is one of my favorites this year, so I’m going to need show producer to quickly get their lives. Minus One is offering a …
Czech Republic: My impressions from the first dress rehearsal (ESC+Plus in Stockholm)
It was the definition of pitch perfect. The staging might be simple but Gabriela Gunčíková uses her powerful vocals to propel this song forward. I knew that vocals would not …
Eurovision 2016: Top 43 Ranking Broken Down
Eurovision is a really competitive year, but I knew the time would come when I’d need to break down my top 43. The idea of choosing my number one favorite …
Semifinal 2: My top five acts (Eurovision 2016)
Once deemed the weaker semi final, semi final 2 turned out too much stronger than anticipated. But I knew I had to figure out my favorites, because we can’t have …
Semifinal 1: My top five acts (Eurovision 2016)
The songs are in and it’s clear that semi final one is going to be tough. Eurovision 2016 has some strong entries and semi final one will send a lot …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Slovenia
I love a country entry at Eurovision. This is being compared to Taylor Swift, but it’s more Faith Hill and that is a good thing. Slovenia made it into the …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Denmark
Denmark’s Eurovision 2016 pre selection crowned Lighthouse X the winner. Anja and Simone fans, it is time to put down the torches and get behind Lighthouse X. This song is …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Czech Republic
Czech Republic has picked a beautiful ballad that is beautifully sung by the talented Gabriela Gunčíková, “I Stand“. Czech Republic, or should I say Czechia, opted to go with and …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Romania
Romania never disappoints me it comes to picking an act to entertain us and wake us up from some boring ballad. This act may not end up in the final, …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Bulgaria
Poli must be in the Eurovision final. “If Love Was A Crime,” may not be bringing lyrical depth (I think the lyrics are fine) but it is serving bi-lingual pop …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Lithuania
Donny Montell’s I‘ve been waiting for this night is an exuberant pop piece that I’ve been trying to figure out if N’Sync released this track…(just kidding) It’s early 2000s sound does …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Azerbaijan
Samra’s Miracle is a modern R&B track that is good. She cites Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Beyoncé as her musical influences and it’s clear in her voice. Miracle is …
Eurovision 2016 Review – United Kigdom
Dare I say this might be in my top ten? Okay It isn’t top ten… I’m still in love with this song though. It sounds a bit like One Direction …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Malta
Malta has never won the Eurovision Song Contest. I’m a big believer in countries that haven’t hosted getting some preference when it comes to voting. I am happy that Malta …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Belgium
Belgium is really trying to make this song “happen“. The production of “What’s the Pressure” is quality and the music video to accompany the entry is well made. Laura Tesoro is …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Armenia
They tell me she isn’t related to the Kardashians, but I need to see the DNA test (just kidding). Confession: it took me 4 times to get into this. Now …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Ireland
I’m really looking forward to seeing Ireland in the finals. I really like, “Sunlight,” and believe that Nicky will deliver a strong performance on the Eurovision stage. Ireland is the most …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Croatia
Calm Down Croatia Fans! It isn’t May and we are not on the Eurovision stage in Stockholm, Sweden. The minute Croatia released “Lighthouse” from Nina Kraljić, the internet was ablaze. Fans …
A Review: Georgia Eurovision 2016
Either you get it or you don’t. I happen to get it and although this may not get enough buy-in from semi final voters this is a great piece of …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Greece
What is something that should never happen on the Eurovision stage? Rap. Argo’s Utopian Land is one of the weakest songs this year. It’s a song like this that gives …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Spain
Yay! Barei is going to start the party in the Globe and I can’t wait to dance along. Spain is going to be doing a lot of right at the 2016 …
Eurovision 2016 Review – FYR Macedonia
Firstly, thank you F.Y.R. Macedonia for singing something in your native language. Secondly, thank you for bringing Kaliopi back. I don’t know if this will go on to the final, but …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Sweden
This is a tricky entry. Frans won comfortably thanks to the televotes from Swedes. His stripped down live performance did not include dancers or fancy LED projections. The teen sat down …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Cyprus
We might be looking at a Eurovision 2016 victory from Cyprus. I am in love with this entry. The music video is well produced and the lead singer’s vocals are …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Finland
Sandhja is giving us soulful pop goodness with “Sing it Away“. This song has a fun dance quality reminiscent of Belgium’s “What’s the Pressure” which it no doubt will be …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Latvia
Latvia is continuing to ride the wave of quality. Heartbeat is a compassionate plea sung by Justs. Penned by last year’s Latvian Eurovision representative Aminata. Justs is giving us “shrieking …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Israel
This is how you do a revamp. Hovi Star has me thinking about a Tel Aviv Eurovision 2017. Made of Stars is an anthemic message song with life. A contrast to …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Albania
This is a lesson in how not to do a revamp. If you watch my video blogs on Eurovision, it’s no mystery that I really liked Albania’s entry. Eneda’s vocals …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Ukraine
Firstly, this song is an enthralling anthem for the oppressed. Secondly, this performance is Eurovision 2016 READY. Thirdly, if this doesn’t finish in the top 5 my hope in humanity …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Austria
ZOË confidently sells, “Loin d’ici,” but I admit I’m not buying it. The song is perfectly sweet, catchy, and infectious but I simply can’t get past the bubblegum explosion and …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Switzerland
Can Canadian Rykka get Switzerland out of the semis… I kinda hope so. This was the first entry from this year’s competition I really liked. The pop ballad gives me …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Belarus
It is not THAT bad… Okay, there’s been a lot of talk about this track. IVAN will represent Belarus with “Help You Fly” a rock entry. The visuals in the performance …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Serbia
Calling the best stylist in Stockholm! I have a new client for you and her name is Sanja Vučić ZAA. Sanja might need a new stylist but she does not need …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Norway
Agnete, is polarizing the Eurovision community with a key change meets a bridge in the wrong place chorus. Here is the truth: either you love it or you hate it. …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Montenegro
If this is, “The Real Thing” Montenegro needs to go to the store and return it promptly, because they’ve been had. I was a fan of Montenegro’s entry last year …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Estonia
This song has a retro energy that is catchy without being annoying. Jüri Pootsmann, has a mature male energy that’ll fit right in on the Eurovision 2016 stage. I don’t know …
Odds Check: Eurovision 2016
Russia in the lead and Sweden in second place has been the norm for the past couple of months. Finally we have a shakeup and I’m pleased to announce that …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Germany
I was so ready to write this song off and I’m glad I didn’t. Although, I don’t see Germany in the top 10 that has nothing to do with the …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Moldova
Have we heard this before? Yes. Is the song bad? No. Will we see Lidia Isac in the final? Probably not. Lidia and the song won O Melodie Pentru Europa and although …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Hungary
Freddie is not letting his pretty face (and body) go to waste. With powerful vocals and a strong live performance to solidify its strength Hungry is on a path to …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Poland
Is this better than last year’s entry? Yes. Should this be in the finals? No. Michal Szpak has a great voice. His vocals are strong and confident. He sells, “Color …
Eurovision 2016 Review – The Netherlands
I had high standards for The Netherlands. I was not disappointed. Douwe Bob will represent The Netherlands at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm with the song “Slow Down”. The …
Eurovision 2016 Review – San Marino
The fans have spoken and Serhat will be performing the disco version of “I Didn’t Know” in Stockholm this May. Last year, San Marino did not make to the finals …
Eurovision 2016 Review – France
Full Disclosure: This music video brought tears to my eyes. The song pulls you in and has a consuming effect. The message of the song is great but it really …
A Review: Eurovision 2016 Italy
After topping the bookies and fan favorite lists last year, Italy takes a slight turn this year with Francesca Michielin, “No Degree of Separation.” The song is a serious piece of …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Bosnia & Herzegovina
When I heard the Deen of “In the Disco” fame was coming back to Eurovision, I was both scared and excited. The entry, “Ljubav Je” from Bosnia & Herzegovina is …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Australia
Australia has delivered again. The “Sound of Silence” is reminiscent of Sia without sounding derivative and shines with powerful vocals and sincerity. It’s no mystery that I was a fan of “Tonight …
Eurovision 2016 Review – Russia
So y’all are just going to let Russia up and win this? This entry has top 3 written all over it and it is well deserved. The song isn’t terribly …
At 26 years of age Avicii has decided to tour no longer. “I will however never let go of music – I will continue to speak to my fans through …
UK: Eurovision Who Decided?
On February 22nd, the BBC revealed the six songs that will go head to head in the UK selection show Eurovision: You Decide! You can watch the show here, February 26, …
Who is going to represent Norway? A look at the 10 contestants
It is a strong bunch with the exception of one weak entry. Much like Denmark, the live performances will make or break these acts. Although Norway has been doing well …
After 30 seconds of Molly Sanden’s “YOUniverse” were released, SVT has decided to release previews of all the other 4th round competitors. The contributions will be available today for 24 …
Edyta Górniak will be competing to represent Poland this May in Stockholm, Sweden with a song called Grateful. The song is a ballad and Górniak revealed that she realizes what pressure …
Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2016 – Who’ll represent Denmark?
It’s really strong this year. Denmark is really pulling out the stops and it seems like they want to win AGAIN! There are some really strong contenders and I’m nervous. …
SVT has officially disqualified Melodifestivalen first heat participant Anna Book. Rehearsals have just begun and after a quick clip of Book’s performance was released it was quickly linked to Felicia …
SVT has announced that they will not be using the anti-booing technology. Last year, Polina Gagarina was allegedly booed several times throughout the competition. The Tolmachevy sisters were also given …
After reports surfaced that Freddy Kalas’ song “Happy Rush” was to similar to a 2011 song “Cannabus” The MGP team had an emergency meeting to discuss what to do. Kalas is …
Have you purchased your semi-final tickets yet? You may want to soon because on Monday we will find out when your favorite country is performing. At 11:15 am (CET) the …
It’s only been 2 days since Norway announced their 10 songs competing in the Eurovision preliminary, Melodi Grand Prix. Freddy Kalas’ song “Happy Rush” has been disqualified. The song was …
Belgium: Eurosong 2016 – Who Will Win?
I am really curious to see what Belgium brings this year to Eurovision 2016. I loved Loic’s performance and was pulling for Belgium last year. I even suggested in my …
Sweden: Who is really going to win Melodifestivalen 2016?
2016 is almost here and that means that it’s finally acceptable for me to be excited about Melodifestivalen 2016 (and ultimately Eurovision 2016). So now that the Melfest candidates it’s …
When polling a group of Eurovision fans, many will point to Swedish singer Loreen as a favorite. After winning in 2012, her debut album Heal was released and was certified …
Sweden: Talking to Mariette, a Melodifestivalen 2015 favourite! (Exclusive video interview)
When thinking about who should represent Sweden at Eurovision 2016, her name is always mentioned. Mariette Hansson of Swedish Idol fame, reemerged in last years Melfest with Don’t Stop Believing. …
Sweden: ESC+Plus talks to Ace Wilder… Will she do Melodifestivalen this year? (Exclusive Video Interview – Melodifestivalen 2014)
I got to spend some time in Sweden this past August. I knew I had to catch up with one of my favorite Melfest girls, Ace Wilder. I’ve been addicted …
