The Eurovision Showcase

Friday 20th November 2020

Today is the day I thought to myself “I badly need to do a website! It’s been over 6 years since I started the Eurovision Showcase. I must create one. But, where do I start?”
I was thinking about this for a few months now, so obviously I would inundated for adds about ‘Squarespace’ and ‘WIX’ because that’s what Facebook does, doesn’t it?

So, I sent a FB message to Kylie Wilson on Wednesday night. Kylie has been a good friend to me in the Eurovision Fan Community since 2014 and listening to her podcast ‘ESC Pulse’ it was a must that I had to listen to her advice. She has built a very popular fan podcast and website, which I have been lucky enough to be a guest host on many occasions. Her advice was invaluable to me as she pointed me to the direction of WordPress.com.

I must admit it’s no frills, no fuss and clear instructions and payment plan was just exactly what I was looking for. Thank you Kylie! x

I think it’s nothing “special” among the greats here on the Internet but, my greatest WWF/WWE professional wrestler Mick Foley said after he won the World Championship “Big Daddio – I DID IT!!!”

Monday 7th December 2020

A few weeks has passed since the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Warsaw and still for the life of me cannot get the French winning song out of my head. Poor Rob has been witnessing me dancing around the house singing “La La La La La La La J’imagine”. Which I can imagine, gives you the absolute creeps. But, Valentina’s win for France this year has given France it’s first ever win at a Eurovision Song Contest since 1977! It’s a darn catchy tune which is the most important part of having a competitive edge at a singing competition. So, congratulations to France and Valentina!

I’ve officially now launched this website now and I am completely overwhelmed with all the kind and sweet words you have been sending my via Twitter & Facebook. It’s very much appreciated from the bottom of my heart. I have put a lot of time into this show since October 2014, and now being able to showcase the very best of the Eurovision Song Contest to you is what makes me so very happy. Each and every week without fail.

Tuesday 16th February 2021

The Eurovision Song Contest season is right into full swing and this is where things really start heating up! It’s “almost” our first big “Super Saturday” with Norway selecting it’s entrant (I’m particularly praying for Raylee to win), we also have the 3rd Semi Final of Sweden’s Melodifestivalen and also we have the 1st Semi Final of Festival da Canção 2021. I absolutely love this time of year. Yes, maybe the weather is awful and it’s raining almost every day but a lovely warm cosy house sitting on the sofa watching television from across Europe. I adore different types of music and especially in different languages. It’s absolutely fascinating! Still no sign of information from the United Kingdom or Irish delegation which is making things a bit nervous. I just hope that both the UK and Ireland send a up-tempo song this year, as Europe WILL be looking for an escape away from all the negative sad news and stories we’ve been hearing for the last 14 months (by May anyway).

Anyhoo – enjoy the season. Let it wash over you! 🙂

Sunday 25th April 2021

We are now less than a month away from the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. It’s been two years in the making, and we are finally about to get a pan – European / Australian music contest in front of a few thousand people. It’s going to be really interesting that we are going to have a Eurovision in an arena again, but without the 15,000 scream Eurovision fans chanting for their entry to win. I cannot wait for the Eurovision theme tune to start on Tuesday 18th May 2021 at 8pm and then we can get to the excitement of the semi finals.

It’s been pretty difficult in the last few weeks as I haven’t been able to host the show fully, due to the fact I’m standing in a local election in my town in Hampshire, UK. I could ‘t be more proud and thankful for my husband Rob who is sitting in for me and presenting the show until I can return on Sunday 9th May. I have also bought some extra exciting software to use in my make-shift studio in a spare bedroom. I’ve bought some new microphones, new headphones and a production console too. It’s cost me a pretty penny, but I have to thank to my loving late-grandad David Tuttiett. He left some money for me and all of my cousins and this is going to be a great investment to my production quality of the show.

The official CD of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest is now and mine came through the letterbox yesterday. I’ve already gone onto my iTunes and uploaded it onto my phone! I know I’m crazy but I couldn’t wait any longer!!!!

Eurovision 2021 isn’t long now. Keep up to date with all the latest news on eurovoix.com 🙂 Stay Safe x

Monday 24th May 2021

Congratulations Italy!!!!!
Italy won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Zitti e buoni (Quiet & Behave)” by the group Måneskin. They won San Remo’s Song Contest back in March, but convincingly won the public televote and came 4th with the juries at this year’s contest in Rotterdam, Netherlands with 524 points. Beating France into 2nd place, Switzerland 3rd, Iceland 4th and Ukraine 5th. There had been a lot of hoo-ha about the lead singer in the green room acting suspiciously, but the EBU released a statement this afternoon with a statement saying the accusations on social media were completely unfounded and it was ‘fake news’. It’s quite scary to think that some internet social media trolls are trying to ruin their win.

Sadly, in the United Kingdom there is a war of words going on across social media and on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and 5 about what the United Kingdom needs to do next regarding the Eurovision Song Contest. Personally, I went onto BBC Radio Solent on Sunday and Monday morning to quickly defend the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest, and the fact that we should continue participating. Yes, we got ‘nil points’ but we had a song which was not memorable or competitive. No disrespect to James Newman at all, but he was also let down by the creative designer or the performance. The BBC and BMG need to take a look once again at the UK entry, and we need to eventually send a song which stands out in a competitive competition. We can do it, and Europe will respect our efforts once again if we put the effort in. We have kept on sending songs to the contest for which we think Europe likes. Sod that… We need to send songs that people will vote for! They vote for songs and performances which stand out, memorable and have an identity.

I wish James Newman all the very best and I hope the ‘nil points’ doesn’t get him down and that he enjoyed the experience, representing his country which not many singers have the opportunity to do too.

Tuesday 28th December 2021

Apologies for the late posting and late update on the blog. It’s been a very difficult year for me mentally. As some of you know, I’ve been having mental health issues for about 5 years now, and even though I am very lucky to have such love and support from my nearest and dearest, sadly it has been still very difficult to deal with. Eurovision has been my sanctuary and hosting this radio show on a weekly basis has been a real joy and highlight of my week. Thank you for everyone who has got in contact over the past year. Remember to please stay in contact and send your requests in as many times as you like! This is not only my show – it is yours too!

Congratulations to Armenia for winning the 2021 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Qami Qami” by Maléna. One of the most modern sounding Junior Eurovision entries. You can check out the performance here: Click Here

I hope you’ve had a fantastic Christmas and a big Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2022! X

Friday 18th March 2022

As of now, we currently have 38 entries announced for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy. Armenia and Azerbaijan are due to release their song in the next few days. Though, these would already summitted to the European Broadcasting Union and the Eurovision Reference Group, they don’t have to be released to the public right away. In theory, they could wait until the day of their respective semi finals before releasing their songs. Could you imagine? Hahaha!! Though – It would be suicide not to do at least some PR.

There has been a lot of upset within the Eurovision Online Press Websites, Podcasts and Radio Stations not being lucky enough to get Press Accreditation for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. It’s believed that the EBU and RAI Television are being very ‘picky’ with who’s allowed to the press room this year. Though, I could also imagine that after the pandemic and restrictions are being removed. Interesting the contest is probably at a all-time hight. Especially, with Russia and Belarus being excluded from participating and European Unity at the hight of importance, the world’s media would want to be on the ground in Turin.
Sadly, this is at the mercy of many websites that won’t be able to be there in the thick of it. Including, our friends at Eurovoix, Songfestival.be , ESCXtra and ESC Pulse (to name just a few) they have been refused Press Accreditation. Though, I’m sure a collaborated effort by the various websites will insure the best coverage from Europe and the World’s Biggest Singing Competition will be available to us all.
One of the successful media outlets was James & Rob at the EuroTrip Podcast. They have really grown incredibly well in the last few years and we at the Eurovision Showcase wish them all the best in Turin and a big congratulations!

Coverage won’t change here at the Eurovision Showcase. This show is hosted by a fan, from the perspective of the fan and for the fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. So, the music and cheeky chat will be here with you all year round.

On another subject – The American Song Contest starts on the 21st March 2022. Only a few days away on NBC!
Find out more about the show here: https://americansongwriter.com/american-song-contest-judges-acts-rules-watch/?msclkid=fb6632e5a6d211ecba0849d4c3b46ade
Over 50 states and overseas American Territories are eligible to take part, and the show will be hosted by non other than Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson!
The first qualifier round will be held on Monday, March 21.

Tuesday 7th June 2022

Wow – What a time to be a Eurovision Fan in the UK? Sam Ryder is flying high in public opinion and this past Saturday, he performed at the Platinum Jubilee Concert for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd outside of Buckingham Palace. It was quite an incredible performance that I don’t think anyone would forget in a hurry.

Sam Ryder came 2nd at the 66th / 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy and as a country and as proud Eurovision Song Contest fans, it’s an honour and a long time coming for our country to take the contest seriously and make an effort. Finding Sam as the main reason for our success, as we had such an enthusiastic singer who passionately knows the power of the Eurovision Song Contest and understands what it can do for singers careers in the long run. They are now part of history and they will continue to build a legacy within the contest for many years to come.

It’s been 24 years since we were last at the 2nd position and 25 years since Katrina & The Waves won in Dublin with “Love Shine a Light”. On the night of the Grand Final, Rob and I were both still in Iceland on our holiday and we were in Reykjavik with friends of ours for a truly Icelandic Eurovision Party with some yummy nibbles, incredible amount of booze and cuddling the two pet dogs on the sofa. It was a lot of fun, but it was more fun that both the UK and Iceland were in the Grand Final. We were sad about Iceland not receiving a better result, but we knew it was probably going to struggle in the running order to stand out. Fun was had by everyone of us, and when we saw the UK receive 12pts from all those countries in the Jury vote, we all went crazy and couldn’t believe what we were witnessing. So, a very positive experience by us all and it’s going to be very interesting what the BBC decide to do for next year’s contest as it’s still very unclear if or can Ukraine host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. A number of countries have already stated that they could host if required by the EBU or Ukrainian Television (UA:PBC). Those countries are…

• United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• Poland
• Spain
• Sweden
• Italy (Turin)

If I had to pick one of the above I would go with either the United Kingdom or in a joint production with Poland. However, this is a pure guess and is pure speculation.

The American Song Contest 2022 took place during April and May and I must admit. I was very disappointed with the standard of music and the lack of live singing. The whole ethos of a Song Contest is that the participants sing live. It’s a competition. Therefore, they need to sing live. I did enjoy the voting, however just having 10 states or territories in the Grand Final was a shame as there wasn’t much drama to be had. Congratulations to Alexa from Oklahoma for winning the first ever contest. You can see her performance “Wonderland” being performed below…

Saturday 28th January 2023

It’s a brand new year and the United Kingdom is hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Due to the unfortunate events taking place in Ukraine, they cannot host this year’s competition. Ukraine won the right to host the 2023 contest after winning in 2022 in Turin, Italy with Kalush Orchestra winning with the song “Stefania”. Sadly, the invasion by Russian forces continues and is close to a whole year anniversary from when the war started. I do hope and pray that this comes to an end real soon. Putin’s popularity in Russia seems to be dropping off a cliff with all sorts of conspiracy theories floating around. However, all that matters is that this war is stopped sooner rather than later.

So, Liverpool won the right to host the contest after the EBU and the BBC came together and had a very interesting and competitive competition between cities that wanted to host the contest. The final two was Liverpool and Glasgow. Liverpool won with Graham Norton announcing the winner on the BBC’s “The One Show”. It was quite a surprise to many as Glasgow seemed like a natural fit to host. The SSE Hydro Arena is a stunning building with a possible large capacity. However, Liverpool’s Arena (Currently called the M&S Bank Arena) would only be able to have a capacity of around 11,000 fans. I personally don’t think that’s enough, and after Sam Ryder’s incredible result and performance last year in Turin, Eurovision has been getting a LOT and I mean A LOT of mainstream press which has been wonderful to see. Especially, how his career has got to new heights. As a passionate Eurovision Song Contest fan, I am so proud of Sam and how his career has just blasted off into the sky like a “Spaceman” now! Haha 😛

As I am writing this, we have only 3 entries for Eurovision confirmed. Ukraine, Albania and Belgium. We will be getting Czech Republic, Ireland, Norway and Spain next week too. The most interesting national final that I am looking forward too is the Irish National Final called “EuroSong 2023”, which will be once again on RTE’s Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy. I must say that RTE seems to have stepped up it’s game from recent years. The quality has grown leaps and bounds. They have also created quite a bit of media frenzy, which I think has been done almost on purpose. The edition of the former Sex Pistol, John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) into the EuroSong event caused quite a ‘stir’ both sides of the Irish Sea. However, the interview that John had with RTE Radio 1 was incredibly disrespectful and quite insulting to every Eurovision Song Contest fan. Take a listen to the interview here on the DriveTime show.

So, I believe John Lydon and RTE had this interview to make a reaction and create publicity of the EuroSong competition. It worked and it got people talking, and clearly it worked for me writing this. I just hope and pray that the Irish public end up voting for the right song. Whatever it may be! All the other entries can be found here…

Thursday 25th May 2023

It’s been just over two weeks since the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest had finished, and Sweden are currently celebrating their 7th win in the world’s biggest singing competition. This is a huge achievement for the Scandinavian country which has the third largest music industry in the world, just behind the United States and the United Kingdom.

Loreen walked away with the title for the second time after winning in 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan with the hit “Euphoria”. “Tattoo” had an incredible performance which was engaging, fascinating and breathtaking. The long finger nails have come back into fashion because of it too! There has been a lot of talk online and social media about a fix or some type of secret deal made between SVT and the EBU, to insure Sweden won on the same year that ABBA will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton. I must strongly add, that these allegations come with no evidence either. On a lighter note, Loreen has found chart success all over Europe including Number 1 status in Austria, Belgium, Greece (where it’s gone GOLD with over a million streams alone), Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Luxembourg, Sweden and Switzerland. Number 2 also in Lithuania, Norway and the United Kingdom. Number 3 in Ireland and Finland.

Finland narrowly missed out by 57 points and ended up being the biggest result for Finland since their last win in 2006 with Lordi, however it was the most successful Finnish language entry ever into the Eurovision Song Contest. So, the lovely Käärijä with his “Cha Cha Cha” can be thrilled with this result and be proud he has many millions of new fans around Europe and the world.

Another disappointing contest for Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Ireland failed to qualify out of the first semi final with Wild Youth’s anthemic “We Are One”. The song was incredibly strong, emotional and bought the audience together. However, the live performance was seen to be messy and awkward. Especially, witnessing the lead singer of Wild Youth Conor O’Donohoe wearing a ‘All-In-One Sparkling Gold Catsuit’ which took many people by surprise. For various reasons…!

The United Kingdom came second last in the Grand Final in 25th place with Mae Muller’s “I Wrote A Song”. It was clear throughout rehearsals and the live performances that Mae was missing a few notes and her stage presence wasn’t quite working for her. Her confidence looked like it took a blow, and may of contributed to her nerves. The song has had an incredible amount of airplay in the UK on various radio stations, including the commercial stations too. That is a huge improvement here in the UK, and it continues still without Radio Presenters mentioning about it’s position at the Eurovision. I would like to thank Mae Muller for making the UK proud and being a real ambassador of modern music for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest.

I do hope that RTÉ change up their methods to select the Irish entrant for the contest, and that the BBC continue their good work with TAP and make sure we have a strong live singer at next year’s contest. Fingers crossed!

Thursday 13th July 2023

It’s been confirmed that the City of Malmö will host the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. The Malmö Arena will once again be the venue of the world’s largest live music event and singing competition in the world. Malmö hosted the 1992 and 2013 Eurovision Song Contest after Carola and Loreen last one respectively.

Fans have been incredibly excited to find out which city will host the next Eurovision Song Contest. Some feel a little let down that it has turned out to be Malmo and not Stockholm or Gothenburg. Gothenburg last hosted the contest back in 1985, however the Scandinavium arena is in serious need of repair. In particular, according to Eurovision 2015 winner Måns Zelmerlöw back in May, the Scandinavium needs a new roof to hold various items for the contest. Without that, it would be incredibly difficult to put on a modern production of the Eurovision Song Contest. Also, it is believed that the Friends Arena for a Eurovision Song Contest would not be a viable option for SVT. Hence why the Stockholm wanted to produce a temporary arena for next year’s contest. After the huge amount of money spent by the Danish Broadcaster ‘DR’ for the 2014 contest at the B&W Hallerne, becoming a temporary arena, SVT do not want to spend vast amount of money like that.

Check out the story via Eurovisionworld.com: https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision_2014_was_second_most_expensive_ever#:~:text=Public%20broadcaster%20DR%20spent%20%E2%82%AC,whopping%20%E2%82%AC13.8%20million%20more.

Congratulations to Malmo! I’m sure it’s going to be an fantastic and spectacular show, and good luck to all the fans for when the tickets come out. Possibly around November time!

Monday 15th January 2024

Rob and I have managed to get tickets for this year’s contest in Malmo!!!!!! We are absolutely over the moon to be lucky enough in the OGAE UK Ballot. It’s a huge organisational effort by Simon Bennett in particular, who I have an incredible amount of respect for. So, Simon – If you are watching this, I want to say a big thank you to you and everyone who runs OGAE UK.

Three songs have been released for the contest this year. France, Czechia / Czech Republic and Albania. It’s looking likely that Albania will revamp their song, however in it’s current form – I LOVE IT. The French song is strong, however the Czech song has swearing in it which will need to be changed for the contest. Remember Robin for Sweden in 2017? Yeah, similar situation has arisen.

If you wish to keep up with all the events going on across the Eurovision world, then head to eurovisionworld.com website!

There is a brilliant calendar for you to keep organised: https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/calendar

The songs for the Irish National Final ‘EuroSong 2024’ on the Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty were released last week on RTE Radio One. They’ve had very mixed reviews across the Eurovision fandom, which is telling that the Irish Broadcaster have not listened to the fans. Our friends at the Éirevision podcast have interviewed all the entrants and the Head of Delegation back in November 2023.

Check out their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Eirevision

Wednesday 24th January 2024

NEWS REPORT VIA EUROVOIX.COM – Iceland: Eurovision 2024 Participation Uncertain

Could Iceland be on the way out of this year’s contest over the Israel / Gaza War?

The Icelandic broadcaster, RÚV, has today announced on its website that the final decision will be taken by the broadcaster in consultation with the winner of Söngvakeppnin 2024.

As a result, RÚV is reporting that “it has been decided to sever the connection between the Song Contest and Iceland’s participation in Eurovision”. This means that, while Söngvakeppnin will take place, it is no longer guaranteed to be Iceland’s selection process for Eurovision.

The reason the broadcaster has given is the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza, and the concerns that people in Iceland have raised with RÚV over Israel’s involvement in the contest.

Stefán Eiríksson, the Director-General of RÚV, confirmed today while appearing on “Síðdegisútvárp” that the broadcaster has conveyed these concerns to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

He says that artists who have applied for Söngvakeppnin are concerned with the situation:

They [the contestants] apply with the goal of becoming Iceland’s contribution to Eurovision. They are concerned about the state of affairs just like we are. This has been our preparation for Eurovision and we have announced that we intend to participate in Eurovision without any changes, but we do not know what the future holds.

Stefán Eiríksson

Because of this, RÚV has taken the decision to make Söngvakeppnin a separate competition from Eurovision, at least for the moment. Once the contest concludes, the broadcaster and the winner, who would have the right to represent Iceland at Eurovision, will decide together whether Iceland will compete at the contest.

For now, though, that means Iceland’s participation in Eurovision 2024 will be uncertain until mid-March.

Iceland’s broadcaster has faced significant pressure to either call for Israel to withdraw from Eurovision 2024, or to boycott it entirely.

The Icelandic Society of Authors and Composers (ISAC) has called on RÚV to boycott Eurovision 2024 unless Israel is disqualified. Meanwhile, a petition calling for Israel’s disqualification was signed by nearly 10,000 Icelanders, which is around 2.5% of the country’s population.

Bragi Valdimar Skúlason, chairman of the Association of Composers and Lyricists, believes that it is a “hugely complex issue”:

One is quite a bit worried about what the pressure will be like and what the situation will be like then. This is a huge decision to make and hopefully RÚV will take good care of the winner, whoever it will be, and support the person in making a decision.

Bragi Valdimar Skúlason

While Iceland’s Eurovision participation is now uncertain, Söngvakeppnin 2024 is set to go ahead as planned. The songs and artists who will perform in the competition are set to be revealed on Saturday 27 January.

WORDS BY – James Stephenson, Writer at Eurovoix

I certainly hope Iceland compete at the contest this year! The Eurovision Song Contest has pretty much a 99% viewership on the night of the contest for the broadcaster RÚV. Every Icelander has an interest in the contest, and they always push themselves on the European Stage.

There is doubt about Norway & Finland withdrawing from the contest also. This is a developing story, so please keep an eye on the Eurovoix website for the latest!

Monday 29th January 2024

Well… What a weekend of Eurovision drama and excitement!

Firstly – Ireland selected the punk rock superstar from Cork, Bambie Thug with the song “Doomsday Blue”. The song is certainly something different that I don’t think anyone was really expecting. Which makes this entry all more intriguing as we head towards Malmo. EuroSong 2024 was great fun to watch, and I thought Patrick Kielty was a fantastic host!

Take a look at the Irish Entry for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest:

This weekend, we had the return of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Song Contest. Their own national final. It was an incredible show which lasted around 2 hours and 50 minutes, with legends returning to the stage including Anne-Marie David (1973), Vicky Leandros (1968 & 1972), Charlotte Perrelli (Sweden 1999 & 2008), Alexander Ryback (Norway 2009 & 2018), Katrina Leskanich (United Kingdom 1997) & Ruslana (Ukraine 2004).

In the end – Tali with “Fighter” won the Luxembourgish National Final over Krick & Joel in a very competitive selection, where every artist excelled themselves on the national stage.

Recap Order	Artist	Song	Jury votes									Televote	Total	Place
			UK	CY	BE	SL	DE	PT	FR	SV	Total
1	Tali	“Fighter“	12	12	12	12	10	12	12	12	94	84	178	1
2	Krick	“Drowning in the Rain”	10	10	8	10	12	10	10	10	80	85	165	2
3	Joel Marques Cunha	“Believer”	8	8	10	8	8	8	8	8	66	70	136	3

This coming week is going to be very FULL ON!

January 2024
30		19:00	Semi-final draw
	Spain	22:50	Benidorm Semi-final 1

February 2024
1	Spain	22:50	Benidorm Semi-final 2
3	Ukraine	17:00	Vidbir 2024 (national selection)
	Norway	19:50	Melodi Grand Prix 2024 (national selection)
	Lithuania	20:00	Eurovizija.LT Heat 4
	Sweden	20:00	Melodifestivalen Heat 1
	Latvia	20:10	Supernova Semi-final
	Malta	21:00	MESC 2024 (national selection)
	Spain	22:00	Benidorm Fest 2024 (national selection)

By Sunday Morning in the UK, we will have 4 more entries for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest from Ukraine, Norway, Malta and Spain! The links to all these shows will be available via our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Have a great week folks! x

Monday 5th February 2024

Norway, Spain, Malta and Ukraine have decided what song they would like to represent them at the 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden and what a diverse group of songs we have!

Norway have gone old school with a clash of modern rock too. This is by the band Gåte with their song Ulveham. It’s one of those songs which demands your attention straight away. If you would like to find out more about the band, then head over to this website.

Now, Spain had another huge national final event taking place in Benidorm called ‘BenidormFest 2024’ to select their entry and let’s say that star power has pushed through to the top of the ladder. Nebulossa with her song “Zorra” won the national final on the night of Saturday 3rd February. She narrowly beat the cute ballad by St. Pedro called “Dos extraños (Cuarteto de cuerda)”. It’s a big dance number with male backing singers in lingerie and thongs, which was a huge hit with the gay male dominated crowd! Though, I’m sure it will be a hit with many viewers across Europe & Australia. The studio version is fantastic, however the live vocals are quite painful in my opinion. I know it not shared by the Eurovision Online Community. Let me know what you think in the contact page.

Malta had it’s national final also on Saturday night. It was quite a low-key affair as it was recorded in the PBS Television Studios, where 12 songs competed against each other to find who would fly the Maltese flag in Malmo. The Gozo-born singer Sarah Bonnici won the ticket to Malmo with her song “Loop”. It’s very “Chanel” like which was obvious while watching this performance, however I feel it’s lacking something. Let me know what you think via our contact page.

Ukraine and Vibdir 2024 concluded on Sunday night due to a technical issue with the voting app they were using on Saturday night. It was a very competitive national final with many fantastic tunes that would proudly represent Ukraine. In the end, it was the Eurovision Internet Fans favourite of Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil with their song “Teresa & Maria” that will be flying the flag in Malmo. It’s again a pop-rap combo meal, which is pleasant but it’s something we have seen from Ukraine before.

Next week, we’ll have another four new Eurovision entries and results from National Finals including Italy, Latvia, Denmark and Finland. Make sure you head over to eurovisionworld.com and their calendar for all their links to watch the shows including the week long San Remo Contest! 

Monday 12th February 2024

So, another weekend of brand new Eurovision entries has been decided for the 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden. We have new entries from Finland, Latvia and Italy!

Firstly, Finland held ‘Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2024’ inside the Nokia Arena in Tampere. Rob and I had the pleasure to visit the city in April 2023. It was quite warm when we visited, however this past weekend Eurovision fans mentioned that it was -23oc !!!!! Freezing….

Inside the arena, the show was absolutely fantastic. So many fantastic tunes and an incredible opening act and interval too. What a treat it was!

Though, Finland had a 25% International Jury and 75% Televote voting system, which ended up with the winner being Windows95 Man with his song “No Limits!”. And, I’m not really a fan. It will qualify out of the semi finals, though I fear Finland will struggle when the juries vote!

Latvia’s ‘Supernova’ Competition concluded on Saturday night also, and they selected DONS with his song “Hollow”. This is one of Latvia’s best in recent years. They were close to qualifying in Liverpool last year, and I think they can with ease this year in Malmo. Fantastic song, competent singer and very slick performance too.

The final of Italy’s San Remo Music Festival took place this past week. I struggle sadly with the long broadcasts, though many of the Eurovision fandom do most of the work for me. I catch up with various clips, articles from Eurovoix, Wiwibloggs and ESC Insight. In the end, Angelina Mango won the prestigious contest with her song “La Noia” which means “Boredom”. She confirmed on Sunday morning that she would represent Italy in Malmo, and it was to the delight of many Eurovision fans. It’s a nice change of pace from Italy!

Germany are next to select their entry on Friday 16th February! Check out the recap of the German National Final (Das deutsche Finale 2024) below…

Stay safe and enjoy the week ahead!

Friday 23rd February 2024

Well, Germany ended up selecting Isaak with the song “Always on the Run”. I don’t find it as a competitive song at all. However, I would be happy to be wrong!

Moldova have selected Natalia Barbu with her song “In The Middle”. She represented her home country at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki and came 10th with her song “Fight”.

This is something completely different. It’s more traditional and modern at the same time. So, I think Moldova are going to qualify, but without Romania about to help them in the Grand Final. We know “pretty much” that Moldova have lost 24 points before it’s even begun. I wish her all the best!

Estonia has officially lost the plot! It might of been something Rob and I did when we visited Tallinn in April 2023. Maybe we had too much enthusiasm 😛 Hahaha! 5Miinust & Puuluup will represent the Baltic nation with the song “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”, which is translated “We don’t (do) know anything about (these) drugs”. The lyrics are bonkers…

We (really) don’t know anything about (these) drugs

We’re no druggos we haven’t done anything
The dresses we wear are from a trash can
“Police Chronicle” and there’s raid in our cottage
The only bag on our table is green Lay’s

We’re no druggos we haven’t done anything
The dresses we wear are from a trash can
“Police Chronicle” and there’s raid in our cottage
Men in uniforms are visiting I’m totally fine

(Uhh yeah)
Listen to that now
We’ll get it going
You’ll hear us tonight
But take that bag away

I don’t know drugs I know soda and cider
I wouldn’t tell the difference between vitamin and speed

Listen to that now
We’ll get it going
You’ll hear us tonight
But take that bag away

Russulas and champignons – where are your filaments
You turn my body on like a kitchen stove

Ducklings are small, but poppies are so tall
We avoid drugs, let’s leave that for the rich
Here early in the morning and crow like roosters
These sad-looking girls took my candies away

We avoid drugs just because we’re not rich
In the backroom of our farm there are only IPAs on the table
Sunglasses to hide the pupils… oh no yeah just for fun
Seeing through everything, those who are in the front row

Shut up and I haven’t done it
Although the dance has been going only around me here yea
Shut up and I haven’t seen anything
Although the dance has been going only around me here yea

Listen to that now
We’ll get it going
You’ll hear us tonight
But take that bag away

I don’t know drugs I know soda and cider
I wouldn’t tell the difference between vitamin and speed

Listen to that now
We’ll get it going
You’ll hear us tonight
But take that bag away

Russulas and champignons – where are your filaments
You turn my body on like а kitchen ѕtove

Need I say anymore? Hahaha!

Denmark has not had a good time in recent years at the contest. The last time they managed to get into the Grand Final was in Tel Aviv in 2019, with the lovely Leonora and “Love is Forever”. So, three years (2021, 2022 and 2023) Denmark have failed to qualify. However, I believe this year it’s going to change their fortunes around. SABA with her song “Sand” has a fantastic performance and vocal and kicked off DMGP last weekend. It’s very impressive! I’m hoping for a Top 10 in the Grand Final. A personal favourite in our household.

Lithuania completed their marathon of Eurovision Semi finals, and hosted their 4hr and 30mins extravaganza called “Eurovizija.LT” Grand Final from the City of Klaipėda. It’s right on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Actually, it looks like a stunning historic city! This is what it mentioned about the city on Google Maps…

“Klaipėda is a port city in Lithuania, where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River. The old town features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings. Theater Square, the city’s main gathering spot, is home to the neoclassical Drama Theater. The square’s 1912 Taravos Anikė sculpture pays tribute to a local poet. The waterside Lithuanian Sea Museum includes dolphin shows and maritime exhibits in a 19th-century fort.”

Anyway, Sebastien Belt with his song “Luktelk / Wait” won the Grand Final and the Super Final to represent Lithuania in Malmo! It’s shot up the betting odds so far, and I believe it has all the potential to give Lithuania it’s BEST results ever at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Poland came along on Monday and released their song in the morning. What a lovely surprise it was to hear LUNA with her song “The Tower”. This is a modern song which has a great build. The music video is contemporary and strong in it’s performance. This has also risen in the betting odds. So, could this get Poland into the Grand Final once again? We’ll have to see in Malmo!

Belgium released their song on Tuesday morning and again shot up to 4th in the Betting Odds with their entry this year. It’s sung by Mustii and the song is called “Before The Party’s Over”. It’s taken the fandom by storm, and it must be encouraging to the Belgian RTBF broadcaster. It starts quite quietly and then builds incredibly strong. Belgium have sadly not been in the Top 5 since 2015, however I believe they can do again this year. Belgium have only won once and are long overdue a win.

This weekend – We have San Marino and Croatia selecting their entries from Una Voce per San Marino and Dora 2024 respectively. Sweden and Iceland will continue their journey and Portugal start their journey too. Take a look at the timeline from Monday onwards… Courtesy of our friends at EurovisionWorld.

27	Serbia	21:00 Pesma za Evroviziju Semi-final 1
29	Netherlands	16:55 Joost’s song “Europapa” released
	Serbia	21:00 Pesma za Evroviziju Semi-final 2
	Cyprus	Silia Kapsis’s song “Liar” released

March 2024
1	Austria	Kaleen’s song “We Will Rave” released
	United Kingdom	23:40 Olly Alexander’s song “Dizzy” released
2	Sweden	20:00 Melodifestivalen Heat 5 + Final qual
	Iceland	20:45 Söngvakeppnin 2024 (national selection)
	Serbia	21:00 Pesma za Evroviziju 24 (national selection)
	Portugal	22:00 Festival da Canção Semi-final 2
6	Australia	Artist announcement
7	Greece	Marina Satti’s song released

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Ciaran. x

Monday 26th February 2024

It’s been quite a weekend for Eurovision fans. San Marino and Croatia have chosen their entries!

Megara have won Una Voce per San Marino 2024 and will represent San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song “11:11”. After five semi-final shows and a second chance show, tonight’s final of Una Voce per San Marino 2024 saw Megara with the song “11:11” win San Marino’s ticket to Malmö. San Marino will perform in the second half of the second semi-final on May 9.

Baby Lasagne completely STORMED the televote during the Croatian National Final “Dora 2024” Grand Final on Sunday evening. Their song is called “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”.

The final of Dora 2024 took place tonight in the HRT Studios in Zagreb. Duško Čurlić, Maja Ciglenečki and Anja Cerar hosted the show. A total of 16 acts competed for the Croatian ticket to Malmö. All of the acts qualified from one of two semi-finals, which were held on February 22 and 23. The results were decided by a combination of four Croatian juries located in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek (25%), four international juries from Germany, Iceland, Italy, and Ukraine (25%) and public voting (50%). I think this could go all the way in Malmo! It certainly has potential. It’s catchy, engaging and they have such a fun performance to go along with it.

Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Towards the end of last week (August 31st), Basel was announced as the host city of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. The city beat Geneva in the last round of the competition to host the world’s biggest city singing competition and musical event. It hasn’t been a huge shock, however more of a light relief. Only because Geneva, is known for being incredibly expensive for any tourists to the Swiss City. However, Eurovision fans do have the opportunity to stay in city of Mulhouse in France or the town of Schopfheim in Germany and commute in. Public transport is incredibly reasonable in all locations, however accommodation prices will be noticeable more reasonable over the border in France and Germany.

Check out the announcement video by the EBU below…

Nemo won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in the southern city of Malmo in Sweden. They won the contest with the song “The Code”. Nemo wanted to inform all his viewers and listeners that whoever they are, whatever they are and where ever they are… They can be who they want to be!

This heart warming meaning to this year’s Swiss entry was a song that was highly appreciated by many members of the LGBTIQ+ community across the world. Certainly, at a time where politicians from across the world have not been as supportive as you would of expected. For example, the rhetoric from the previous Conservative government in the United Kingdom made the environment for many LGBTIQ+ members of the public worried, nervous and scared to be themselves. Nemo shone through the nasty and evil and pushed them away from it all. Thank goodness!

Earlier today, it was confirmed that 17 countries will be participating at the 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid, Spain on Saturday 16th November. The tag line of the contest has been confirmed as “Let’s Bloom!”. It certainly is different…

These are the 17 countries participating at this year’s contest in November…

Cyprus is set to return to the competition for the first time since 2017. It earlier participated in nine editions. Cyprus also hosted the event in 2008.

San Marino will be making its comeback to Junior Eurovision. This follows a nine-year absence. It has competed in three editions so far.

Sadly, the United Kingdom have withdrawn for this edition of the contest, after coming back to the contest in 2022. In 2022, Freya Skye came 5th in Yerevan and Stand Uniqu3 came 4th in Nice in 2023.

With 17 countries participating, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will feature the largest number of competing broadcasters since 2021.

Monday 21st July 2025

It’s been close to a year since I’ve updated my blog. I apologise for not posting since. I can’t believe it has been almost 10 months. Junior Eurovision 2024 has been and gone (Congratulations Georgia!) and Eurovision 2025 has been and gone too (Congratulations Austria!). So, it’s probably a good idea to share my thoughts on the last year.

The Israel debacle seems to be gaining momentum. Countries like Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Slovenia, and The Netherlands are showing their displeasure with the Israeli result. This is about the contest in Basel this year. The European Broadcasting Union has not been very transparent. It has withheld the details of televoting results from countries. We don’t know how they were calculated or from where in the participating countries. So, don’t expect this situation to be fixed anytime soon. I do believe that we will see more withdraws taking place for the 70th Anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. Countries like Slovakia, Monaco and Andorra have already ruled themselves out from competing in Austria next year.

There is no word yet at which city will host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Though, it will either be Vienna or Innsbruck. An announcement is due any day now.

Friday 31st October 2025

Finally – Some good news folks! ROMANIA ARE BACK!

After two years away from the contest, Romania are returning to the Eurovision Song Contest. They were last in the contest in Liverpool in 2023, and sadly receiving their first ever ‘nil points’ with Theodor Andrei’s “D.G.T. (Off and On)”. It was widely reported that Theodor was left out in the cold by the Romanian broadcaster TVR, after they refused to help with funding for his efforts in Liverpool. We hope that this year is a lot better for the Romanian entrant.

We must add that Vienna will be hosting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in the same area that hosted the 2015 contest. The Wiener Stadthalle! It’s the perfect venue to host such a huge contest, with good transport links and restaurants, hotels and cafe’s close by. Plus, we’ve got some new branding for the contest this year too!

The vote to allow Israel to take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been postponed until early December. Much to the disappointment of many in the Eurovision community. As I think I speak for many of us that we just want a resolution. The contest should be about love, respect and music. End off.

Also – BULGARIA IS BACK!

The Eurovision Instagram Account just shared a video of various Bulgarian entries on their InstaStories, and what a lovely surprise too! Bulgaria haven’t been at the Eurovision Song Contest for 3 years. 2022 in Turin. They came 16th out of 17th in the first semi-final. It was Intelligent Music Project with “Intention” – Does anyone remember it? I don’t…. Hahaha. See a recap of their entries here:

Friday 19th December 2025

Five countries have withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest!

Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland.

Iceland’s national broadcaster RUV is the latest to have confirmed it will join the list, with the director-general of broadcasting at RUV stating: “There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now.

“On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is.”

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael received the largest number of votes from the public last May, ultimately finishing as runner-up after the jury votes were taken into account.

After the 2025 competition, Irish broadcaster RTE requested a breakdown in voting numbers from the EBU while Spain’s public broadcaster, Radio Television Espanola (RTVE), called for a “complete review” of the voting system to avoid “external interference”.

Following the summit, the BBC said it supported the “collective decision” in allowing Israel to participate at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest as other countries launched a boycott.

It’s caused a whole lot of anger with Eurovision fans, and it’s clear that the Israeli issue is far from being completed.