EUROVISION 2015 FINAL TONIGHT!

Andres Putting (EBU)

It's tonight! It's that time of year we've all been waiting for. The grand final of Eurovision 2015 will take place tonight live from Vienna, Austria. 27 participants are in the running to take the trophy. It's going to be a marathon of a show. 3 hours 45 minutes apparently although we're promised an epic show as it's the 60th contest.. The bookies are backing Sweden and Russia the most. I would rather see a Russian win but Sweden winning tonight wouldn't disappoint me. I hope Spain and Albania, my two favourties, manage to achieve top ten. The draw can be found below:

1. SLOVENIA

2. FRANCE

3. ISRAEL

4. ESTONIA

5. UNITED KINGDOM

6. ARMENIA

7. LITHUANIA

8. SERBIA

9. NORWAY

10. SWEDEN

11. CYPRUS

12.AUSTRALIA

13. BELGIUM

14. AUSTRIA

15. GREECE 

16. MONTENEGRO

17. GERMANY

18. POLAND

19. LATVIA

20. ROMANIA

21. SPAIN

22. HUNGARY

23. GEORGIA

24. AZERBAIJAN

25. RUSSIA

26. ALBANIA

27. ITALY

France's Lisa Angell has the dreaded #2 slot. Paris 2016 was never likely but now it's almost impossible. Will she be overlooked? Slovenia opening the show will be great. The UK performs 5th. Sigh. Electro Velvet apparently gave a very impressive performance last night during the jury final though so let's hope we won't be last. ESDM performed 5th in 2013 for Spain and look what happened... Even a result like 20th would be great. Is this really the best us Brits can hope for? I think Estonia's chances of winning are gone. They're performing 4th but let's hope they'll make the top five. I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong though.. Australia, who may or may not be back next year, perform 12th and in between Cyprus and Belgium. This should help Guy. Maybe. Although Belgium is now seen a dark horse.. However Georgia is my dark horse . Nina has an fantastic draw, an amazing stage presence, a great song.. and the president of Georgia has said the country are ready to host Eurovision! Tbilisi 2016? She's already won the battle of the Warriors. ;-)

Germany, UK and Poland are the favourties to come last. Or at least that's what I'm hearing. It's 2008 all over again! I personally think it'll be Poland who come last.. I already feel sorry for whoever ends up in 27th place. Other predictions are saying Hungary will be last although I think that's unlikely. Edurne performs 21st.. this is a brilliant draw! I'm really hyped to see her performance. The bookies and polls are saying Spain are unlikely to reach top ten. Wouldn't it be lovely to prove them all wrong? Azerbaijan and Russia, both big favourites, perform next to each towards the end of the show. I think we're going to Sochi or St Petersberg next year. Albania performs rather late too inbetween two major favourites.. is Elhaida going to flop? Jeez, I hope not! She's getting my vote for sure anyway. Italy's Il Volo will close. Would I be shocked to see them win from this position? Not really but I don't think they'll win. I think top five is very possible though. Actually, I do think they could win. I don't know. Here's my predictions and wishlist for tonight...

PREDICTED TOP FIVE

1st - Russia

2nd - Italy

3rd - Sweden 

4th - Australia 

5th - Azerbaijan 

MY TOP FIVE

1st - Albania 

2nd - Spain 

3rd - Estonia

4th - Russia

5th - Australia 

Valentina Monetta will read out San Marino's votes. Will the queen of San Marino return to the contest next year? Elsewhere we have Suzy for Portugal, Basim for Denmark, Tanja for Estonia, Krista for Finland, Tinkara for Slovenia, Andrea for Montenegro, Cleo for Poland, Teo for Belarus.. Many familiar faces indeed. And of course the UK has the lovely Nigella!! Enjoy the show tonight my friends and I'd just like to say - thank you for following this little blog throughout the year. :-)

Good luck to everyone!!!!

San Marino: Valentina Monetta to announce votes!

It's official. Valentina Monetta will reveal the San Marinese votes during the final of Eurovision 2015. Yihuu. Valentina managed to bring San Marino it's first ever qualification last year with Maybe.

EUROVISION'S GREATEST HITS: MY THOUGHTS...

(WARNING: IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS - STOP READING!!!!!)

The Hammersmith Apollo played host to Eurovision's Greatest Hits last night and like many hardcore Eurovision fans, I was there!! It was defiantly a night to remember - I had the opportunity to met so many amazing friends and also saw Valentina Monetta. I was standing in the centre of the arena (near the autocue), and fortunately I didn't have anyone too tall in front of me so I had a great view. Yihuu!

The show itself started with Guy Freeman thanking everyone for attending the show - and then he announced Electro Velvet would perform! They won't appear on the live broadcast though unfortunately however it'll be shown on the Red Button or iPlayer or something... Even though I'm not a lover of their song, they did perform it very well indeed. I was impressed - and Bianca especially sounded great live. They could surprise and even Graham Norton said in a year of ballads, there's a good chance the UK will do well. Graham Norton and Petra Mede were both fantastic hosts. One of the many highlights was Petra saying 'I can't wait to see JOHNNY FUCKING LOGAN!'.

Photographs and videos were prohibited during the performances, however I noticed some people failed to abide to these rules. The photos I took was before the show and during the interval. Emmelie de Forest officially opened the show. I've been a massive fan of Emmelie since she won DMGP 2013, so I was super excited to finally see her live - her stage set included smoke, four dancers and several percussionist. She didn't disappoint. Ann Marie David and The Herreys were both next to perform. They were outstanding, especially Ann Marie! Israel's Dana International was 4th to perform. The party really started then! Her vocals were off key at times but who cares? You don't need to sing in tune when your name is Dana International!! The Olsen Brothers's performance was actually one of my favourites. Everyone around me was singing along, dancing, swaying.. magic! I still can't believe that I have finally experience a live Eurovision event. :-)

Brotherhood of Man were incredible. Save All Your Kisses For Me is such an well known and iconic song. I know I keep repeating myself but last night was so fantastic! I'm still buzzing. Rosa from sunny Spain performed her Eurovision entry and a few Spanish classics too. The crowed loved her. Everyone loves her! Riverdance performed before the interval. I'm sorry but their performance did nothing for me.. It was nice to see though. If I had to pick just one performance as my #1 favourite it would be Lordi's! THEY WERE INSANE! Eurovision 2006 was actually the first contest I watched so it brought back so many fond memories. Natasha St Pier looked beautiful in her dark purple dress and gave a wonderful rendition of her song. The backdrop was also gorgeous!

I understand why people hate Russia at the moment. Their anti-gay laws, the invasion of Ukraine, possible invasions elsewhere etc. but that isn't Dima Bilan's fault people!!! The moment Russia was mentioned, the majority of the audience started booing. I didn't boo. Graham Norton said this is not a competition for politics but a celebration of all things Eurovision.. or something along those lines. Some people still booed although then the vast majority cheered. It's going to happen in Vienna too, I just know it will. Poor Polina. Anyway, Dima did perform his songs very well indeed although he was clearly affected by the jeers. Who wouldn't be? It will be interesting to see how the BBC edit the booing. I just think it's sad that he was booed.. I don't wish to go into politics but I do feel Dima was unfairly treated. He shouldn't get booed just because of his country. I just felt sorry for Dima.

Bobbysocks from Norway and Nicole from Germany were truly enjoyable too. Loreen was incredible! Her performance was pretty weird actually but in a good way. The audience went insane. I am really looking forward to seeing the live performances on Friday. Lys Assia made a special appearance where Graham carried out a small interview with her. This blogger still wonders if Lys return to Eurovision on day.. Johnny Fucking Logan (Petra's words, not mine!) was the penultimate act to perform singing various Irish classics. I heard someone near me say "omg doesn't he look old now!" LOL! And then the official queen of Eurovision closed the show... CONCHITA! The crowd continued clapping and clapping for about five minutes non stop.. in the end, a stage manager had to get her off her podium as Conchy was lapping up every moment and rightly so. Love her. I did feel a tad emotional after watching her perform. It was very special. The show closed with all the acts, apart from Loreen, singing Hallelujah and Waterloo.. It was the best night of my life! Watching so many great performances, the atmosphere, exploring London, meeting new and old friends however the highlight without a doubt was meeting Valentina Monetta... :-)

San Marino: Valentina Monetta WON'T return!

The beautiful Valentina Monetta recently announced on her personal Facebook account she won't represent San Marino for the fourth year in a row.

Soooo...San Marino asked me if i wanted to participate again but i said NO already from mey... the lates news about me is not truth,i'd like to write a song for next year but no one asked me..actually this is the real truth...

Anyway, who will get the honour of representing San Marino next year? Maybeeee Michele Perniola?

Copenhagen 2014: Grand final tonight!

The grand final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be held tonight! 26 acts are all in the running to be crowned the winner, and it's going to be a spectacular show. The running order was decided yesterday by DR and the EBU. Ukraine will open the show, and the United Kingdom will close it! Does this mean Molly can win? I really hope so! Azerbaijan will perform #03 in the finale - maybe this be the first year they don't make the top ten? And who will be last? I have a horrible feeling it could be Germany.. I hope I'm wrong. There are so many unanswered questions - and that's why this is the strongest and most exciting final in years! Remember, we see Montenegro and San Marino in the final for the first time ever! I predict the winner will be between Sweden, Hungary, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, Greece and maybe Austria? It's so hard to call. These are tonight's participants:

1. Ukraine
2. Belarus
3. Azerbaijan
4. Iceland
5. Norway
6. Romania
7. Armenia
8. Montenegro
9. Poland
10. Greece
11. Austria
12. Germany
13. Sweden
14. France
15. Russia
16. Italy
17. Slovenia
18. Finland
19. Spain
20. Switzerland
21. Hungary
22. Malta
23. Denmark
24. The Netherlands
25. San Marino
26. United Kingdom

Good luck to everyone! Especially Ruth Lorenzo, Emma, Molly and Valentina Monetta! <3

Copenhagen 2014: Semi final ONE review!

The first semi final was held last night and it was truly amazing. The stage looked great on TV and all the performances were very strong. I also loved the hosts! Ten countries qualified from last night's semi and I was mostly pleased with the results. Montenegro and San Marino made the grand final for the first time ever... YAY! I'm delighted for Valentina! She has finally achieved her dream! It's marvellous - maybe this will entice other microstates to come back? It's also great to see Montenegro in the final. The Netherlands were amazing - and they are now among the favourites to win on Saturday! Amsterdam 2015? Sweden seems to be the front runner now though.. Armenia was good but not good enough to win me thinks. The Russian twins were booed when it was announced they had made the final - it was always going to happen I guess... Ukraine looked great on TV and I think a top five position is very likely for them.

Here are the lucky qualifiers:

• Armenia
• Sweden
• Iceland
• Russia
• Azerbaijan
• Ukraine
• San Marino
• The Netherlands
• Montenegro
• Hungary

Latvia, Albania, Estonia, Portugal, Belgium and Moldova were eliminated. I thought that Portugal and Moldova would have made the final easily... Portugal really was amazing! Why didn't the lovely Suzy make it? Gutted - I would have loved her in the final. Latvia's song is sweet although the performance wasn't up to much. Axel's performance was very disappointing and Estonia underwhelmed me too, I'm afraid... It was a great show and I cannot wait for tomorrow now! 

Copenhagen 2014: Semi-final ONE tonight!

The first semi-final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest takes place tonight! 16 acts are battling for those 10 important spaces in the grand final... The show will kick off at 21:00 CET and will last two hours. Three big favourites are competing tonight - Armenia, Sweden and Hungary.

These are tonight's participants:

1. Armenia - Aram MP3 with Not Alone
2. Latvia - Aarzemniekl with Cake to Bake
3. Estonia - Tanja with Amazing
4. Sweden - Sanna Nielsen with Undo
5. Iceland - Pollapönk with No Prejudice
6. Albania - Hersi with One Night's Anger
7. Russia - Tolmachevy Sisters with Shine
8. Azerbaijan - Dilara Kazimova with Start a Fire
9. Ukraine - Mariya Yaremchuk with Tik-Tock
10. Belgium - Axel Hirsoux with Mother
11. Moldova - Cristina Scarlat with Wild Soul
12. San Marino - Valentina Monetta with Maybe (Forse)
13. Portugal - Suzy with Quero Ser Tua
14. The Netherlands - The Common Linnets with Calm After the Storm
15. Montenegro - Sergej Cetkovic with Moj Svijet
16. Hungary - András Kállay-Saunders with Running

Who do I *think* will qualify? Armenia, Sweden, Russia, Hungary, Moldova, The Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Estonia and Azerbaijan.

Who do I *want* to see qualify? Latvia, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Hungary, San Marino, The Netherlands, Armenia, Sweden, Moldova and Portugal!

San Marino: Valentina Monetta for 2015?

There are strong rumours that Valentina Monetta will represent San Marino for the forth year in a row. These rumours are heard in the press center, in Copenhagen. Someone asked the question and she said "maybe...". Of-course nothing is confirmed - but wouldn't it be awesome if Valentina did it again? Hopefully she will make the final tomorrow night. Here is my interview with the lovely Valentina!

Introducing 2014: San Marino!

In 2012, Valentina Monetta flew the Sammarinese flag with The Social Network Song although failed to qualify. Then she decided to give it another go with Crisalide (Vola) - and she didn't make it, although she was close. Therefore, Valentina decided to give it another shot this year! She'll perform Maybe in Copenhagen. The song is actually my favourite entry from Valentina - and I really would love to see San Marino in the grand final. Maybe that would encourage other microstates (like Monaco, Luxembourg and Andorra) to return in the near future. She's recently released a new album, entitled Sensibilità.

The Sammarinese was composed by Ralph Siegel with lyrics by Mauro Balestri. Valentina will sing the English version in Copenhagen - although she has recorded an Italian version. Normally I support songs in the native language, but I feel Valentina and her team made the right choice when deciding to sing in English. There have been little details revealed about Valentina's performance in Copenhagen. I would be thrilled to see San Marino make the final.. You can read my exclusive interview with Valentina here! Buona fortuna, Vale! <3

San Marino: Valentina Monetta interview!

Valentina Monetta has already represented San Marino in 2012 and 2013, now she's back again - and her mission is to make the grand final! I was lucky enough to speak to her.

Jack: In June 2013, it was confirmed that you would represent San Marino for the third year in a row. Why did you want to participate in Eurovision again.

Valentina: Why not? It would have been a shame to interrupt such an adventure.

Jack: It must have been a hard choice when choosing your entry for Copenhagen - so why did you pick "Maybe (Forse)"?

Valentina: True, it hasn't been easy. I have decided with my production team. As last year our song was well liked , we believed it's good to go on with the same path. Maybe is an evlotuion of Crisalide.

Jack: Regarding Copenhagen, can you reveal any details about your performance?

Valentina: I can only say you will see me smiling a lot!

Jack: Have you had chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision entries this year? If so, do you have any favourites?

Valentina: Germany and Hungary.

Jack: Who would you consider as your biggest rival in Copenhagen?

Valentina: Hard to tell, at this moment.....

Jack: San Marino have unfortunately never qualified to the final, why do you think this is?

Valentina: Maybe because we are a small country and to reach the final, maybe more than just talent is needed??? I don't know....

Jack: What are you plans after Eurovision?

Valentina: To promote my new album Sensibilità and do many, many concerts.

Jack: Who would you like to see represent San Marino in 2015?

Valentina: There are many collegues of mine getting ready for that. Well, we'll see.

Jack: Here are a couple of questions to get to know you a little bit more... Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Valentina: I have fallen in love with a place in south-west of Sardinia. A laguna where I can relax while working, practising kite surf!

Jack: Do you have any hidden talents?

Valentina: I'm a creative person, I paint, create, plan, dance... many the things I would have wanted to done if I wasn't singing.

Jack: What has been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Valentina: Ha ha ha, I can tell a funny event. When I was just starting with kite surf and not very good with my kite yet.. I took a flight for several meters on water and was ripped off my swimsuit.... giving a good view to several persons nearby, oops!

Jack: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Valentina! I wish you the best of luck in Copenhagen and fingers crossed you will qualify!

Valentina: Thank you, Jack! Enjoy your life!

San Marino: Valentina Monetta releases her third Eurovision entry!

San Marino's entry has been revealed and I'm really impressed. Valentina is representing the landlocked country for the third year in a row, after failing to qualify in Baku and Malmo. I really hope her luck will change this year. The song was officially presented moments ago during a special TV program and you can listen to it here!

Valentina Monetta was announced as the Sammarinese representative back in June 2013 and expectations have been high. The song was composed by Ralph Siegel and it was penned by Mauro Balestri. After writing several songs for the contest, it was decided "Maybe (Forse)" would go to Eurovision because it plays on Valentina’s jazz strengths. It appears the English version will be used in Copenhagen. "Maybe (Forse)" will naturally feature on Valentina's next album. The reception from ESC fans has been mixed. Some folk are saying it's dated but I think it's really lovely. A stunning video-clip, too. Good luck Valentina! This song is defiantly one of the best entries this year. Will it be third time lucky for Valentina and San Marino?! Maybe...

Copenhagen 2014: Three songs to be presented tomorrow!

San Marino: Valentina Monetta shoots video-clip!

Valentina Monetta is in the production of shooting the music video for her 2014 Eurovision entry. The song itself is going to be revealed on 14th March through a special TV show, similar to last year with the usual guests. Take a look here to see the production of her music video.

Could this be third time lucky for Valentina? Hopefully! I'd love to see her in the final.

San Marino: Release date postponed...

Eurofestival News has reported that the Sammarinese entry for Copenhagen will be released in late February or maybe even in March. The song was initially going to be released on 14th February however this has changed...

Valentina is still recording songs for this album in Monaco and Bavaria - there are a few songs that Valentina and her team are considering sending to Copenhagen. I just hope we get to hear some jazzy from Valentina this year!

NuVidz: Harel Skaat, Natalia Barbu, Sam Bailey, Valentina Monetta & Joshua de Cadenéx!

Israel's 2010 representative, Haral Skaat, has released a new song entitled Now. It's pretty decent. Natalia Barbu has released a "homemade" video of Confession - the song she tried to represent Romania with. Natalia is fully naked in a bath and on a balcony... It was actually uploaded on Christmas Eve. I guess that was Natalia's present to us fans ;) Sam Bailey won The X Factor and was Christmas number one here in the UK with Skyscraper. It's a fantastic version! Hopefully we'll see an original album from her soon. Finally, Valentina's Christmas gift was a sweet duet with Joshua de Cadenéx. A Kiss is a great song - showcasing both Valentina's and Joshua's fantastic vocal talent. It was recorded and produced in London, San Marino and Rimini. It will feature on her new album - which will be released next month.

San Marino: Valentina Monetta to reveal a Christmas surprise!

Valentina recording her new album.

Valentina Monetta posted something rather interesting on her Facebook page yesterday. Could she be revealing her Eurovision entry earlier than expected? Hmm!

This is what Valentina said regarding tomorrows announcement:

Eurovision season is getting closer and Valentina Monetta has a special Christmas present for all Eurovision and her fans! Make sure to tune in on Christmas Eve 24.12.2013 in RTV San Marino's Christmas show Tombola di Natale at 20.45 CET. You can watch the show online here!

This blogger is very excited! Valentina has been in London recording songs, for her new album. Apparently the song she takes to Copenhagen will be a jazz tune... maybe she will release the album tomorrow and then keep us fans guessing as to what song she'll take to Eurovision?