Introducing 2013: Estonia!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Estonia's turn...

Birgit Õigemeel - Et uus saaks alguse!

Eesti Laul was used once again in Estonia and it gave us some real laughs! The final was held on 2nd March and the winner did come as a surprise. Birgit won beating stiff competition from Grete Paia and Winney Puhh! Anyone who says the didn't enjoy Meiecundimees üks Korsakov läks eile Lätt is lying! HAHA! It was complete and utter craziness and I don't even have a clue what they were supposed to be. I did secretly want it to win but they only came 3rd. Mainly because the jury ranked them so low - if they had a few more points from the jury then they would've won. If anyone from the Estonian broadcaster is reading this I say "select Winney Puhh internally for 2014" and then it would be Tallinn 2015! The song itself is still pretty good but imagine people trying cover it on YouTube...

Birgit will perform her ballad second in the first semi final - she has the draw from hell, like Valentine, but will Estonia qualify? I think they could - the did with Kuula. Most people are writing this off and saying she'll just be ignored but I reckon the jury will like this and I think the "big-note" will make some people pick up the phone. I hope so anyway, it deserves the final. If you didn't know, Birgit is pregnant! Good luck Estonia - Birgit performs between Austria and Slovenia.

Veel sulab jää ja õide puhkeb raagus puu...

Enjoy!

The live version...

Another one of her efforts in Eest Laul...

I have no words to describe this...^^

This was also very nice...

WEDNESDAY'S HINT - THE FAVOURITE WITHDREW... :-( 

Serbia: Moje 3 release a toned down version in English!

Love is all around us has been released and I must admit it's great! Normally I don't like translations but this one works really well. The girls can sing, I don't know what happened in the national final - maybe nerves?

The girls also released a a few remixes of it, in Serbian and English - you can download all of these here! Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work for me at the moment but I'm sure they'll be uploaded to YouTube soon so I can enjoy it then. I think my laptop is blocking it for some reason, you all probably have better luck than me... Anyway Moje 3 perform last in the first semi final and I think that'll help them qualify. Good luck Serbia! <3

Here's the English version, and it's live...

UK: "Believe In Me" performed live on the radio!

Bonnie Tyler gave a live performance of Believe In Me today and Jesus it is amazing! This woman has the best voice this year, closely followed by Amandine Bourgeois and Zlata Ognevich!

She also have an interview to BBC Radio 2 - you can listen to that here! The guy interviewing said that over 40 countries are participant, you are wrong mister! HAHA! Anyway I can't wait to see this live now, Bonnie has said she will have backing singers in Malmo but no dancers. Thank god for that, dancers just didn't work for The Hump last year. Bonnie said she would love to win it but the most performance aspect is to enjoy it and for her to be happy with the performance! She's already done the UK proud! <3

Bonnie also gave an interview to a British magazine a couple of weeks ago but I just cannot remember which magazine exactly. Here's the live version here, what a great voice...

Introducing 2013: Finland!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Finland's turn...

Krista Siegfrids - Marry Me!

The Finnish selection had some really decent songs this year but they opted for the "in your face" option with Marry Me! It is great, and Krista is a fine performer. She has a much better voice than I gave her credit for at first and I think Finland will really well in Malmo! The national final was held in February, like last year, and it did come as a surprise when Krista was selected. I thought Mikael or Diandra would win but they came 2nd and 3rd, respectably.

Finland will compete in the second semi between Malta and Azerbaijan. She's gonna qualify, lets face it, and then I think it could be a dark horse. A top ten contender, no doubt. But the juries will hold it back. Helsinki 2014 is not gonna happen but a decent position is likely. Krista is a hoot on Twitter, you can follow her here. She also released a parody video-clip for gay marriage - she said everyone should be able to marry who they want. 12 points, Krista!!! In Malmo she's promised a "circus" on stage. #TEAMDINGDONG <3

I’m your slave and you’re my master...

Here's the official video-clip...

The live performance...

Finland also had this to offer...

...and this fantastic song!

TOMORROW'S HINT - GO SOUTH... ^^ 

FYR Macedonia: Official video-clip released!

The music video is here! It's a good video-clip but the one for Imperija was much better. Shame they ditched that but I do really enjoy Pred Da Se Razdeni now - I especially love Esma's bit! It's also had a bit of a revamp in Lozano's bit, which works brilliantly!

This video-clip was released yesterday. The thing I don't get is why the released the music video is in English but they will perform in Macedonian in Malmo - unless there's something here I don't know about. The English lyrics are good though. FYR Macedonia are unlikely qualifiers but maybe they'll slip through, people will vote for Lozano and the jury should like Esma.

Here it is! :)

Let's remind ourselves of the performance in Amsterdam...

Introducing 2013: Malta!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Malta's turn...

Gianluca Bezzina - Tomorrow!

The small Mediterranean island is sending a quirky song to the contest this year. Gianluca Bezzina won the selection on 2nd February, after beating 15 other participants. I like the song, it's fine, but I prefered many other songs from the national final. I think the best songs from it were Davinia, Chris Grech, Dorothy Bezzina and my absolute favourite was Claudia Faniello! Damn, I was so upset when Malta didn't select her in 2012, her songs this year wasn't amazing but still pretty good, in my opinion! She has a great husky voice, and stands out from all the others plus she's beautiful  One year I'm confident Malta will send her, hopefully with something like Pure! But let's concentrate on the entry they are actually sending...

Tomorrow is a basic song, a fine song, but I feel there is something missing. He has good vocals and I'm sure the performance next month will be great but it's forgettable. Malta ain't gonna win! But when they do, apparently Maltese television have promised it to be held outside... Think of the security, there would be even more than there was in Baku! Malta competes in the second semi final, again, and will perform between Finland and Bulgaria - two songs which will really stand out, and I think they'll just be unnoticed. Maybe they'll shock us all and qualify, like they did last year...

She’s like tomorrow, oh so distant, she just wants to play Like tomorrow she is always one day away...

Here it is...

The live performance!

Sing along...

'

TOMORROW'S HINT - SHE'S A HOOT ON TWITTER! ^^

Introducing 2013: Denmark!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Denmark's turn...

Emmelie De Forest - Only Teardrops!

The BIG favourite, with fans and the bookmakers. Emmelie De Forest won the Danish selection after beating nine other participants! It was a fantastic selection - my favourites being among Kate Hall, Brinck and Albin. DMGP was held on 26th January. Once Emmelie won, it was clear that Only Teardrops was going to be a big fan favourite and it really is. She leads almost every poll and has the shortest odds with the bookmakers. And I think Emmelie deserves it - she is a great performer and her vocals are always good, even when she was nervous and shaking like a leaf in DMGP she still held her own vocally. Something which can not be said for everyone...

She'll qualify with ease - Emmelie is drawn between Croatia and Russia then once in the final Denmark will be among the top three. A possible winner for sure. I think it's only Germany which can trouble it, but then again we can't really make predictions until we see them rehearsing live in Malmo - that starts in a few weeks. I'm so exited! People have been complaining about Emmelie's vocal skills after a very underwhelming performance in London last week but I think she was still pretty good. Copenhagen 2014? I'm pretty sure, at the moment...

Eye for an eye, why tear each other apart? Please tell me why, why do we make it so hard?

Enjoy!

Her performance in London last week, an acoustic version...

Sing along!

TOMORROW'S HINT - AGAIN, IT WASN'T TIME FOR A CERTAIN PARTICIPANT! :(

Introducing 2013: Germany!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Germany's turn...

Cascada - Glorious! 

One of the big favourites this year. Germany is sending the established dance act Cascada after they won the national back on Valentines Day. It's awesome - europop at it's best. The national final was great, I loved most songs - the best being LaBrassBanda, Saint Lu, Betty Dittrich, BLITZKIDS mvt, Die Priester & Mojca Erdmann and I also really liked Mobilée's effort too. Probably the best NF this season. But the right song did win, and Cascada make awesome German representatives. The Germans really have been taking the contest more seriously recently and the results show that. Top ten for the past three years including one winner.

Germany is automatically in the final and I expect them to do very well. Top ten for sure and a possible winner? I really think it could. The average person will love it and I think most juries will appreciate it too - especially because Natalie's vocals are so strong. Hoping she will wear something better in Malmo, her outfit in USFM was awful! Glorious will be a summer hit - like Euphoria - it's a feel good song. Folk have been moaning it's plagiarism but the EBU didn't find any reason to believe that. Germany joins Norway and Denmark as this years big favourites with the bookmakers. Plus Germany could probably afford to host it is they won...

Tonight we can be Glorious We are young at heart and we're free The world is ours...

The NF performance...

Here's the official video-clip...

Acoustic version...

Cascada's biggest hit...

TOMORROW'S HINT - HOW MANY TIMES? 

Introducing 2013: Russia!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Russia's turn...

Dina Garipova - What If!

Russia selected The Voice winner Dina Garipova to represent the country internally. Her power ballad was released towards the end of February and has been doing really well with the bookmakers. Can see why people think it'll do well. The music video though is horrendous! Talk about cheesy... It's just horrible. Especially at the end when everyone rises to the their feet and starts swaying - I just don't like it. With any luck it'll be nothing like the video-clip in Malmo. Normally Russia stands out and this won't stand out... If Belgium was sending this it'll probably come last - but because it's Russia they will get a top ten result and qualify with ease.

Dina is a fantastic singer! One of Russia's finest... She performed at the "Eurovision in Amsterdam!" concert and was one of the best vocalists that night. If I had to complain about something regarding What If it would be about the lyrics... They are so damn cheesy. Why couldn't she sing in Russian instead, then she could sing what she wanted and it would still sound beautiful. I really want Russia to sing in Russian - it's such a wonderful language. It was written by some Swedes especially for ESC and Dina promises a fantastic performance in May.

What if we all opened our arms? What if we came together as one?

Here's that horrible video-clip...

Dina performing last week in Amsterdam...

Sing along!

Her cover of Armenia's 2008 entry! Bloody great cover!

TOMORROW'S HINT - HOPEFULLY SHE WON'T MESS UP THE LYRICS IN MALMO...

Spain: Pastora Soler will tour in Croatia once again!

The utterly beautiful Pastora Soler has announced she plans to return to Croatia this summer to give several concerts as well as a few on her home soil.

She participated at several humanitarian concerts last year, in Croatia, and had to opportunity to sing with the likes of Doris Dragovic,  David Elliot and Ivo Gamulin Gianni. They love her so she's decided to return! Come to the UK Pastora! Por favor!!! The dates have been announced...

• 17 July - Madrid
• 26 July - Cuevas de Nerja (Malaga)
• 03 August - San Fernando (Cadiz)
• 09 August - Opatija (Croatia)
• 10 August - Rovinj (Croatia)
• 12 August - Mali Losinj (Croatia)
• 14 August - Cavtat (Croatia)
• 15 August - Solin (Croatia)
• 16 August - Makarska (Croatia)

Mi amor, Pastora... <3

Introducing 2013: Cyprus!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Hungary's turn...

Despina Olympiou - An Me Thimase! 

Cyprus selected internally this year, mainly because they can't afford to host a televised national final but that didn't matter, as the broadcaster made a great choice when selecting Despina. She sings a sweet ballad in Greek - entitled An Me Thimase which means If Your Remember Me in English! It's a nice ballad, but nothing more. She recorded a Spanish and  English - both of which are lovely. Very pleased she's sticking to Greek for the contest and not translating it into English.

Unfortunately I don't think it'll make the final but it could sneak through will help from the professional juries. Looking forward to the live performances too for this one! Despina performs between Ireland and Belgium - two similar uptempo songs so Cyprus could stand out! Even if they do make the final, it won't trouble the left hand side for the scoreboard. Can Despina bring Cyprus into the final for a second year in a row? She does have great vocals, something which can't be said for everyone this year... ^^

An me thymasai Pes mou an tha se xanado Se perimeno......

Enjoy!

At the Greek national final...

Another song from Despina...

TOMORROW'S HINT - SHE WON THE VOICE... 

San Marino: Senit releases a new track!

I've always loved Senit! She has released a new song called One Stop Shop, a funky dance track which is completely different compared to her normal work.

Can't exactly see it being number one but I think it's great! This woman has attitude. Still think she should have made the final in 2011 but it wasn't meant to be. Hope she plans to make an album or something. Like her here on Facebook if you fancy.

And enjoy...

Introducing 2013: Hungary!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Hungary's turn...

ByeAlex - Kedvesem (Zoohacker Remix)!

Hungary is sending ByeAlex to Malta after he beat of competition from 29 other participants. Not a bad selection but I think there were better songs. My absolute favourite was Janicsák Veca however she failed to reach the actual final - which was held on 2nd March. It was a surprise when ByeAlex won - most of the big favourites never made the final... Well my favourites got knocked out in the semis! Kállay-Saunders András was the favourite, who actually qualified for the final but he was the runner up. Kedvesem is a really weird song, but I like it, he sings in Hungarian - and a Swedish version was made but that won't be used for the contest...

Will he qualify? Nah! I doubt it... Can't see it doing well, if I'm totally honest, and I don't think the juries will vote for this either. The Hungarian entry will be performed between Norway, a favourite, and Armenia, which is most certainly not a favourite! The staging will be simple for this one. I applaud them for singing in the native language but I think Kati Wolf ought to return soon! She's the best singer in Hungary...

Mert nekem Nincs most más, csak a kedvesem, az én kedvesem, ő Bárhol jár, az úgy jó nekem, az úgy jó nekem,..

Enjoy!

The live version...

In Swedish towards the end...

The best in the Hungarian selection, for me...

TOMORROW'S HINT - I REMEMBER YOU...

Belarus: Litesound are calling for a criminal investigation!

After the voting was apparently rigged last year Litesound got to right to represent Belarus however they are calling for a criminal investigation ageist the broadcaster!

They said in a statement...

“Despite the fact that our right to represent the country at Eurovision-2012 in Baku was restored, we are the victims since illegal actions were performed towards us. The persons, who falsified the results of the national selection round of the Eurofest project, committed forgery of documents and actions, which entailed significant harm to the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, state and public interests”.

It will be looked into and more will follow. Alyona won the NF last year but because the voting was "rigged" Litesound represent the country in Baku instead. Alyona returned this year and will represent Belarus in Malmo - which is only a few weeks away now! Belarus is the capital for drama, but I don't understand why the want an investigation... Hmmmm.

Here's Litesound's entry, which I personally never really liked...

Alyona's BACK!

Introducing 2013: France!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's France's turn...

Amandine Bourgeois - L'enfer Et Moi!

La France is represented by the incredibly talented Amandine Bourgeois after being selected internally by the French broadcaster. Anne Marie David submitted a song however she didn't even make it to the broadcasters top fifteen, which did suck. Madame Amandine was announced to the French representative in January then the song was released in March. It got negative feedback from most but not from moi - it's a great song! I love the last minute, in fact I love all of it - she is one sassy woman! For me, the most attractive artist this year...

I hope she can do well! I doubt that though - I think another poor result for the French is likely. Maybe the jury will like it, and see that the song is really a masterpiece. France are always sending different genres to the contest - and try different things! It's one of my favourites and I would love to see the contest in Paris for 2014. What do you think about L'enfer Et Moi? Hope the stage performance won't look a mess, that ruined Anggun's chances last year... Echo was a good song but the stage performance made it look stupid and quite unprofessional in my opinion. Bonne Chance!

Je vais te faire l'enfer De là où tu te perds...

Here it is, sassy video-clip...

Amandine in Amsterdam last weekend...

Her cover of Kissing You...

A cover of Bring Me Back To Life...

TOMORROW'S HINT - MASSIVE NF, DISAPPOINTING WINNER! 

Introducing 2013: Greece!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Greece's turn...

Koza Mostra & Agathon Iakovidis - Alcohol Is Free!

After all the rumours that Greece would withdraw due to the economic situation they finally confirmed just a few days before the EBU cut of deadline. Thanks to MAD TV for sponsoring it and sponsoring the NF. That was held in late February where about five ESC winners sung with "local stars". It was great fun to watch. Can't believe I'm saying this, I'm in the minority, but Alcohol Is Free was actually my least favourite from the NF. But I'm used to my favourites not winning this year...

The official video-clip was filmed in Thessaloniki and totally suits the song. I don't mind Greece sending this but I think they could've done much much better. Maybe next year? That's if they participate. For the past few years the Greek and Cypriot participation has always been in sheer doubt but they always find a way to participate in the end. Well done to them, that's what I say. Will the Greeks make it into the final? Yep! They are drawn between Israel and Iceland - two great ballads. I think people will vote for it especially because of the catchy chorus and the lyrics which the average viewer will love! And we do hear some Greek too, which is always nice...

Se mia thalassa ouiski Navagoi kai poios mas vriskei...

Here it is!

The NF performance...

I wanted this...

And would've liked this too...

TOMORROW'S HINT - SHE HAS VOODOO DOLLS! ^^

Introducing 2013: Austria!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Austria's turn...

Natália Kelly - Shine!

After the hideous Austrian entry last year, they are back with a fine pop track. Natalia Kelly won the Austrian ticket on 15th February. An awesome voice, maybe a bit shaky in the NF, but she was pitch perfect in Amsterdam last week. Natália is a wonderful vocalist for her tender age. She's 18. I did enjoy the Austrian selection, my favourite was Back To Fantasy, but it came last - and that sucked!

Austria will kick of this years Eurovision! She opens the first semi final, so there is a big chance it can qualify, and it will be followed by the sweet ballad from Estonia. Shine is a great opener - if I had one criticism it's that the chorus is a bit repetitive. I would love to see Austria back in the final. I wish her the best of luck! Read an interview with her here!

When hurt is all you’re feeling, your heart is slowly bleeding The only memories to hold on to When you almost stop believing, you’re cold, alone and freezing...

Here's the official video...

National final performance...

Loved this!

And even this!

TONIGHT'S HINT - FORGET ABOUT PAYING! 

Sweden: Loreen's not having a great time...

Our lovely Loreen was planning on giving a concert in Lidköping however this has unfortunately been cancelled as she's only sold 221 tickets - which kinda sucks considering she had a number one in about 20 countries last year! The arena holds around 3,000 people...

Fame doesn't last for long. Maybe this is just a blip and she will come back with a bang. Especially with her new album coming this fall, I can't wait for that. I'm a massive fan of Loreen! And let's remember she will perform at ESC in Malmo... I hope she won't be disheartened with this, I bet she won't. :-) 

She released this a few weeks ago, with Kleerup...

Ukraine: "Gravity" ringtone released!

Zlata Ognevich has decided to release a ringtone of Gravity on SoundCloud - this is rather bizarre but great nevertheless! I have downloaded it already...

It's great she decided to do this - #TEAMZLATA! She has been saying that the visual representation is key in Malmo... Her team have been working like crazy to ensure she gives the best performance as possible next month. She will have 4 backing singers who will help her - not that she needs to. Zlata is an awesome vocalists, as are many Ukrainian singers! There will also be surprises! I wish her the best of luck and I really wouldn't mind seeing it win! She is currently 3rd in the betting odds...

Here's her performance from Amsterdam last weekend...

Introducing 2013: Georgia!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Georgia's turn...

Nodi Tatishvili & Sophie Gelovani - Waterfall!

For the first time ever, Georgia selected their entry internally. Nodi and Sophie were confirmed as the representatives for Georgia just before the new year, then the song was released in February - on a Wednesday if I remember correctly! The ballad is composed by Thomas G:son - an ESC legend, who wrote Spain's fantastic entry last year and Euphoria! A winning recipe? Maybe!

They gave a really solid performance last week in Amsterdam. Hopefully the stage presentation in Malmo can lift it even more! I think Georgia would make a great host country. Azerbaijan did it in 2012 and Armenia has hosted Junior Eurovion! Maybe it's time for them. Georgia will compete in the second semi final, between Albania and Switzerland - this is one of the best songs this year and I think they will qualify with ease. Then a top ten is likely in the final, maybe top five, maybe a winner?

Like I am sailing on a sea of dreams Your love is pouring down on me like a Waterfall...

Here it is...

On stage in Amsterdam...

Thank the lord Georgia is not sending something like this...

SATURDAY'S HINT - SHE WILL SHINE!

Introducing 2013: Lithuania!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Lithuania's turn...

Andrius Pojavis - Something!

Lithuania selected their entry on 20th December - and if I'm honest, I wasn't expecting much as it was a weak NF but they selected the best song on offer! And after it got revamped I like it even more. "Eurovizijos“ dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka" started in October 2012, and lasted two months - one of the longest selections! But the Lithuanians weren't the only country to select their song in December - Belgium, Ukraine, Albania and Switzerland also did! The song Something is a fine song.

I think I was the only one who didn't like Love Is Blind last year so I'm pleased there's a Lithuanian entry I can enjoy, it's been a while! I don't think the country will beat they're 2007 effort - fantastic song! Andrius will not qualify, that's my prediction... Would like to see this in the final though! It's drawn between Montenegro and Belarus - both uptempo songs. Good luck Andrius - you can follow him on Twitter here!

I have to tell you something, it’s been on my mind so long I’ve got to tell you this, it’s been on my mind

Here it is!

Last weekend, in Amsterdam...

From the Lithuanian final...

TOMORROW'S HINT - CAN HE WIN FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW? ^^

Introducing 2013: Sweden!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Sweden's turn...

Robin Stjernberg - You!

The Swedes selected their entry through the classic Melodifestivalen! There was few good songs, the majority were of a very low standard in my opinion! My favourite was Louise Hoffsten - lovely song, slightly weird lyrics though! Plus she reminded me of my old English teacher. The grand final was held on 10th March, same night as Romania, and surprisingly Robin Stjernberg won! Everyone expected YOHIO or Ulrik Munther to win but nope, the results surprised us all! And I was not pleasantly surprised...

It is a good song but I don't like this type of music normally. I just find this so lame and boring - even his vocal performance couldn't lift it. You is a favour tie with fans though. Can Sweden win again? I bloody hope not! I don't even want this to do well but I fear it will... It's bound to come top ten, especially because it's the host country and they will concentrate ate on an awesome stage presentation! Sweden 2014 would be a nightmare for me, sorry!

So even if disaster strikes I close my eyes and then I’m next to you I´m right there with you, hey...

Here it is!

The acoustic version, which I rather like...

The best from Melodifestivalen 2013...

This was good too...

TOMORROW'S HINT - THESE SHOES, I'M WEARING TODAY... 

Introducing 2013: Azerbaijan!

I have decided to take a look at each entry this year, in a lead-up to the contest! There are 39 countries participating this year, all aiming to win in Malmo (well, some don't wanna win!) Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina decided to withdraw this year, which was a shame, so lets hope they'll decide to return for 2014! I have drawn all the countries randomly and today it's Azerbaijan's turn...

Farid Mammadov - Hold Me!

The Azeri selection started in December and came to an end 14th March. It was the longest national selection and damn we had some awesome performances! Participants had to cover world famous songs, ESC songs and Azerbaijani traditional songs - so a bit of everything. My favourite performances include this, this, this, this, this, this and the utter best was this cover of "Euphoria" - comedy gold! There's nothing like a karaoke night in Azerbaijan... These performances certainly brought a smile to my face.

I hate Hold Me! I'm sorry but it's just awful. We have heard this kinda song 100 times before. Farid is a very good singer and deserves to represent Azerbaijan - but with a different song. I think it'll qualify, and then do very well but I really wouldn't miss this if Azerbaijan missed the final... I loved all their entries (even Running Scared) until this year. Farid will perform Hold Me in the second semi final between Finland and FYR Macedonia. Could we be going to Baku again next year? Never say never! One day we will hear some beautiful Azeri music.. And I'm looking forward to that day very much!

Hold me, just unfold me Unchain my soul, give me love, make me whole...

Enjoy!

Probably my favourite entry from Azerbaijan...

TOMORROW'S HINT - IT'S NOT ME, IT'S ???

Albania: Aurela Gaçe releases a new video-clip!

If you didn't feel her passion in 2011 then maybe you will like this! Aurela Gaçe has released a new music-video - well it was released a few weeks ago! ^^ 

I have no idea what she's singing about but the power and beauty in her voice is just breathtaking. She's a really talented singer - Albania has loads of great singers it seems, especially female ones. Still, I don't think anyone will come between my love for Rona Nishlui! Aurela's new video has already clocked 45,000 views and has hardly any dislikes. Plus she looks much better now... Bravo! 

Enjoy it below! <3