Sweden: First 16 artists have been announced!

The first 16 participates to participate in Melodifestivalen have been revealed by SVT, the Swedish broadcaster. There are some well known names in the mix - including Helena Paparizou, Sanna Nielsen, YOHIO and Martin Stenmarck.

Here are the acts which will compete in the first semi final:

• Mahan Moin with “Aleo”
• Alvaro Estrella with “Bedroom”
• Linus Svenning with “Bröder”
• Sylvester Schlegel with “Bygdens son”
• Elisa Lindström with “Casanova”
• Ellen Benediktson with “Songbird”
• Helena Paparizou with “Survivor”
• Yohio with “To the End”

...and here are the acts to compete in the second semi final:

• Panetoz with “Efter solsken”
• Manda with “Glow”
• The Refershments with “Hallelujah”
• Pink Pistols with “I Am Somebody”
• JEM with “Love Trigger”
• Martin Stenmarck with “När änglarna går hem”
• Little Great Things with “Set Yourself Free”
• Sanna Nielsen with “Undo”

The remaining 16 artists will be revealed on Thursday!

Copenhagen 2014: Sneak peak of unfinished logo!

DR have released a photograph of what next years logo could look like. This isn't the finished version, however we can see what kind of look they are going for.

Me gusta! This is what Jan Lagermand Lundme, show producer at DR said:

It is not the finished theme art, but a preview of the graphics that includes some of the important elements that we work with. The idea is that the graphic to support our slogan # JoinUs. And this slogan with a hashtag in front is at the center of the graphics, which has red, blue and purple elements and has a diamond-like shape.

The Netherlands: The Common Linnets to Copenhagen!

Ilse Delange and Waylon have been announced as the Dutch representatives! TROS revealed this in a press conference in Hilversum this morning. They will compete under the name "The Common Linnets".

I'm very excited about this! They are both fantastic artists and will release a new album soon - which has been recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. The duo have worked together for many years now - and this is what Ilse had to say about flying the Dutch flag:

We’ve known each other a long time out of the country circuit. Early this year I wanted to make a record with a like-minded artist, and I came out [to Nashville] with Waylon. We went several times to Nashville and wrote there. We have written a lot of songs together, but haven’t decided what number we are going to do in the contest. One morning in Nashville we had a talk about the contest and then I was pretty enthusiastic about it.

The song hasn't been chosen yet however it is going to be country song. I'm expecting good things from Holland next year... Their Eurovision entry will be released in March.

Here they are performing together...

Bulgaria: BNT react to the new deadline!

A couple of days ago, Bulgaria announced that they would leaving Eurovision because of financial problems however now the EBU have moved the deadline to 10th January - it seems there is still hope!

BNT, the Bulgarian broadcaster, released this statement:

“New date announced by the official website of the organizers at DR, stating that to date there may be any changes in the list of participating countries. After this came out, application for participation in ” Eurovision ” 2014 will finally be possible.”

Meanwhile OGAE Serbia are asking for support so have set up a Facebook page in the hope that the Serbian broadcaster will re-think their plans on Eurovision 2014.

Copenhagen 2014: EBU expand deadline to 10th January!

Only 37 countries have initially confirmed participation for the 2014 contest, so the EBU have decided to expend their deadline. The official deadline is now 10th January - so there's still hope for Bulgaria, Serbia, Cyprus, Croatia... they have two months to get their finances in order and find sponsors.

Slovenia and Greece likely to participate although confirmation will come in the coming weeks. Poland will announce their decision tomorrow. Both Slovenia and Greece have sent applications to compete, however they said they need to get their finances in order before they confirm officially. I reckon the EBU will talk to the withdrawn countries, and maybe help them financially, as that's the reason there has been four withdrawals.

Bulgaria: BNT decide to withdraw, too!

OMG NO! Bulgaria won't participate in Copenhagen either. They did confirm ages ago but have decided not to enter blaming money problems. This is the worst day of my life *cries*

The national broadcaster in Bulgaria have released this statement:

Given the cost of this project and pending budget cuts next year, BNT decided to withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest as a first step in the financial constraints the television will have to take.

This means that four countries have announced their withdrawal. Sad times!

Serbia: Withdrawal confirmed!

Due to financial difficulties, it has been confirmed that Serbia will not send an entry to Copenhagen. RTS, the Serbian broadcaster, have been in discussion for sometime and have decided to withdraw today.

This is very sad. Both Cyprus and Croatia have also withdrawn for the 2014 contest. Serbia is one of my favourite Eurovision countries, as is Cyprus, so I'm gutted to read that they're leaving the contest. Slovenia and Moldova are still yet to confirm... Oh, and Poland! And Greece.

Bye Serbia... you've send some amazing songs!!! <3

Source - RTS

Copenhagen 2014: Deadline day... WHO WILL PARTICIPATE? Updated!

Today is the official deadline for all countries to send their applications into the EBU - so confirmations have been coming through all day... which is fantastic. Although broadcasters can decide to withdraw up until December 15th without a financial penalty. The biggest questions today are... will Poland return? Will Romania compete? Will Slovenia compete? Stay tuned!

Here are the countries which have confirmed:

• Albania
• Austria
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• FYR Macedonia
• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Moldova 
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Slovenia  
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom

Countries which have confirmed they won't participate:

• Bulgaria 
• Croatia 
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Morocco
• Turkey
• Serbia

Keep refreshing this page to see who has confirmed! 

Switzerland: Final 18 participants announced!

The three Swiss broadcasters RSI, RTS and SRF have all announced their acts to compete in the "expert check" on 30th November. Then out of those 18 acts, only 6 will qualify for the live national final.

I'm rather unimpressed to be honest... Ilary didn't make it, Rebecca didn't make it, neither did Daria or Jerome Mevis. Shame. However one of my favourites did make it into the final 18 - and that's the lovely Gosia! Swissters also made it, they're pretty good too. Here are the 18 acts to compete in the expert check...

SRF candidates:

• 3forAll – Together forever
• Arxpendida – Mercurii diei
• Gosia – I’m not afraid
• Hot connection – Music from the sixties
• Martin Kirchberger – Yourope
• Nino Colnna – La luce del cuore
• One day remains – Alpha
• Swissters – Celebration
• Yasmina Hunzinger – I still believe

RTS candidates:

• Christian Tschanz – Au paradis
• Lola Sparkes – Baby can’t you see
• Joël Murner – In my life
• Natacha & Stéphanie – Une terre sans vous
• Paula Marengo – J’ai envie de toi
• Tanita – Another day alone

RSI candidates:

• Jasmine Mossier – Higher love
• Sebalter – Hunter of stars
• Valentino Alfano – 103 parole 

THANK YOU SO MUCH - 100,000 VIEWS!

WOW... this is absolutely amazing! I've had 100,000 hits on my blog. It's extraordinary. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart <3

This may not seem like much to some people however for an independent blogger like myself, it's such an achievement. I'm so happy right now! Who would've thought it? I can also confirm that I will be around for Eurovision next year - this year I was in Italy. So keep it here for all the latest news!!! I love you all <3

Malta: National final on 8th February!

Some details regarding next years Maltese selection have been announced by PBS. The semi final will take place on 7th February, with the grand finale taking place a day later.

70 acts have also been revealed - these are the lucky ones which have made the second stage of the competition. A jury will evaluate these songs and then the best 20 will qualify for the live shows. Like every year, there are some familiar names - Davinia Pace, Amber, Dorothy Bezzina, Jessica Muscat, Fabrizio Faniello, Eleanor Cassar, Chris Grech, Kaya...

The lucky acts will be revealed on 29th November!

Italy: RAI confirm participation for 2014!

Yipee! It's been confirmed that Italy will be sending a representative to Copenhagen as RAI has officially announced participation today. There was never any doubt regarding Italy's participation but it's awesome to see this news become official. 

No news regarding the selection method however likely to be chosen through Sanremo again. I would love Italy to win ESC... Anyway, we should soon hear news from both Poland and Romania. Let's hope for the best there! 

Montenegro: Sergej Ćetković chosen for Copenhagen!

We now have our fourth confirmed artist for the 2014 contest. The Montenegrin broadcaster, RTCG, have selected Sergej Ćetković to represent the country in Copenhagen... a fantastic choice!

It's been revealed that the song will be composed and written by himself - the staging in Copenhagen will be very simple too, apparently. It will be a traditional Balkan ballad I expect. He also stated in today's press conference:

"The song will be a love song and it will have a high quality. We hope for a place in the final, which for me would be a great result!"

He has been rumoured for months so I wasn't surprised to hear this news. Can Montenegro make the final for the first time? There's a very good chance here! Listen to one of his most popular song here...

Bosnia & Herzegovina: BHRT confirm participation for 2014!

Amazing news.. It's been confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina will return to Eurovision next year. I'm really pleased to hear this! 

BHRT, the Bosnian broadcaster, decided to withdraw last year thanks to financial difficulties and although the country are still experiencing money problems, they've decided to return to Eurovision. BHRT have said they will be working with a sponsor and therefore no public money will be spent. Poland are still possible returnees... and hopefully Romania will be able to make it too! The EBU's preliminary deadline for countries to confirm is 22nd November. 

Romania: Withdrawal from 2014?

Rumours were spreading online last night that Romania may not participate next year. Apparently there was messages on Facebook. Or something like that... anyway, it's not looking good as Romania have money difficulties.

TVR, the Romanian broadcaster, haven't officially made any comment regarding this so we don't know what's happening exactly. All interested countries have until 22nd November to apply to the EBU... with any luck, Romania will be on that list. There's also been no official announcement from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Moldova and Slovenia. Poland will also decided next week...

NuVidz: Kaliopi, Céline Dion, Lawson, Emma!

Kaliopi, one of Macedonia's finest singers, has released a new track entitled Lokomotiva. What's not to love? It features lots of violin and accordion... Personally, Kaliopi is one of my favourite Macedonians aritsts and I wouldn't mind seeing her return to Eurovision at all. The amazing Céline Dion performed Love Me Back To Life on The X Factor UK last week. It's an amazing song!!! You can listen to the studio version here! <3 Lawson's latest song is Juliet. They are an awesome band and their latest track rocks. The song was actually released a few weeks ago however I've only discovered it recently. Finally, we have a new song from one of Italy's finest singers! Emma releases L'Amore Non Mi Basta... è fantastico!!!