MARTA JANDOVÁ AND VÁCLAV NOID BÁRTA TO REPRESENT THE CZECH REPUBLIC!

Who expected this? Marta Jandová and Václav Noid Bárta will represent the Czech Republic in Vienna. Hope Never Dies is the selected song and it will be released within due course. Marta is pretty popular in Germany and fronts the band Die Happy, who were reasonable for the big hit Halt Dich An Mir Fest some years ago. She's so excited for Eurovision and had this to say....

For ten years, I have been living in Germany where everybody watches Eurovision, including the toughest rockers who always have a six-pack to go with their TV. It is a major evening for them, one of the reasons probably being they've already won twice. To know that a lot of my German friends will be watching makes the whole thing twice as interesting for me!

Václav Noid Bárta has composed the Czech entry, along with Ondrej Soukup, and is a 34 year old singer who originates from Prague. Here's what he said regarding his upcoming participation in the contest:

I’m really happy, it’s an honour for me. Together with Marta, who’s really experienced, we’ll do the best we can for the Czech Republic. It’s not a big tradition here yet, but I’ve seen it from friends abroad. It’s almost like a national holiday for them.

So the Czechs are returning with a rock ballad?

Lithuania: Liepa Mondeikaité and Neringa Šiaudikyté eliminated!

Both Liepa Mondeikaité and Neringa Šiaudikyté have been eliminated from the race in Lithuania. Mia won the show tonight and Vaidas came 2nd. Jurgis Bruzga, Monika Linkyte and Edgaras Lybus also managed to qualify so five remain.

MÉLANIE RENÉ TO REPRESENT SWITZERLAND!

Switzerland has decided and it is Mélanie René's time to shine. I am thrilled!!! She was fantastic tonight and my 2nd favourite, behind Timebelle, so I am pretty happy with that. Isn't this photo adorable? And the results....

1. Mélanie René
2. Timebelle
3. Licia Chery
4. Andy McSean
5. Tiziana 
6. Deborah Bough

I'd also like to thank everyone who followed my live blogging tonight. It was so much fun! Enjoy Switzerland's entry! 

LIVE REPORT OF THE SWISS NATIONAL FINAL!

Melanie Rene won and will represent Switzerland! Yihuuuuuu!

RESULTS TIME!

Conchita Wurst made a special appearance and performed Rise Like A Phoenix!

SWITZERLAND... STOP VOTING NOW!

My good friend Jessica from the United Kingdom has also kindly made some predictions...

1st - Melanie Rene
2nd - Tiziana 
3rd - Timebelle
4th - Andy McSean
5th - Deborah Bough
6th - Licia Chery

I'm back and this is my prediction.... the results will be revealed within 30 minutes!

1st - Tiziana 
2nd - Timebelle
3rd - Melanie Rene
4th - Licia Chery
5th - Andy McSean
6th - Deborah Bough

This blogger is going to take a short break while the acts perform cover songs. I'll be back very soon. If you don't have a live stream - watch the show here! Please do comment underneath this post telling me who your favourite is.. I would love to hear what YOU think! :-)

TIZIANA - ONLY HUMAN 
And the big favourites closes the show with a very emotional and touching performance. Some people label Only Human as being a bit dull and depressing but it has an important message. I can't lie, this song isn't my favourite tonight but I think she will win and I don't mind that. She needs to find a stylist before Vienna though. Perfect draw, stunning performance, amazing message, great voice = the whole package? 8/12

MELANIE RENE - TIME TO SHINE
Before watching tonight's show, I didn't think Melanie had much chance of winning but now I think she could do it. Her performance was stunning both visually and vocally. She is also going down very well with the international fan community on Twitter. Plus she's gorgeous. Please send her, Switzerland!! :-) 10/12

ANDY MCSEAN - HEY NOW
Andy is without a doubt the underdog tonight but who knows what could happen. Personally, I don't think the song is the best but it's not bad. A decent performance and he sung it well. He is the only guy in tonights show so is this an advantage for him? Maybe.. I do like the rock vibe. However it's only a 4/12 from me I'm afraid. Do you think Andy should win after his performance?

LICIA CHERY - FLY
This entry has grown on my considerably these past couple of weeks. Another great one. Licia performed it amazingly and I wouldn't mind if she did win, but I don't think she will. Some people are comparing this to Denmark 2014 but I can't see any resemblance.. 7/12

TIMEBELLE - SINGING ABOUT LOVE
The big favourites, Timebelle, are up next and they gave a fabulous performance. I am so impressed!! They're drawn at #2 in the running order though.. could this hinder their chances? I hope not. Switzerland should send this. It's catchy, memorable and will have international appeal. Plus the staging tonight was awesome!! 10/12




DEBORAH BOUGH - TAKE ME BACK TO 23
Deborah opens the show tonight. Fantastic performance. Her vocals were on point and I really do love this one. The staging is simple yet effective in shades of purple and pink. Will we see her in Vienna? Probably not... 6/12

The participating acts are currently introducing themselves on stage.



Hallo! Bonjour! Ciao! The Swiss national final has just started and I am going to do a live report throughout the show. Just refresh the page to see my updates. Hope you all enjoy it :-)


Who will represent Switzerland? 

Czech Republic: Monika Bagárová and Ezy to be selected?

Apparently, the Czech Republic will reveal their representatives for Vienna on Monday and it appears to be a duet between Monika Bagárová and Ezy (Ezdráš Hýbl). Nothing is official yet though and I must stress this..  Monika Bagárová has hinted on her Facebook page that there's some big news coming up. As previously reported, Ondřej Soukup will compose the Czech entry.. will Monika Bagárová and Ezy perform it?

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #2!

A number of shows will be held over the weekend; including two national finals from Switzerland and Cyprus. We also have shows from Lithuania, Iceland, Latvia and Hungary.

SWITZERLAND 
Six acts are aiming to represent Switzerland in Vienna. The main favourite appears to be Timebelle - and they are closely followed by The Voice winner Tiziana. This blogger would be shocked if one of them didn't win. I would love to see Deborah Bough win though. Check out my full review of the finalists here. More information here.

• Andy McSean – Hey now
• Timebelle – Singing about love
• Tiziana – Only human 
• Licia Chery – Fly 
• Mélanie René – Time to shine 
• Deborah Bough – Take me back to 23 

When? 21:10 CET. Where? here.

HUNGARY
Hungary's national selection continues with the 2nd heat of A Dal. Another ten acts will all be hoping for a place in the semi finals.

• Ádám Szabó - Give Me Your Love
• Chances - The Night
• Gergő Oláh - A tükör előtt
• Gyula Éliás Jr. feat. Fourtissimo - Run to You
• Heni Dér - Ébresztő
• Ív - Fire
• Leander Rising - Lőjetek fel
• New Level Empire - Homelights
• Pankastic! - Kicsi a világ, de nagy világ
• Saci Szécsi & Böbe Szécsi - Our Time

Six will make the next stage of A Dal. When? 21:25 CET. Where? here.

ICELAND
Söngvakeppnin returns this weekend with a rather fine bunch of songs. Stefanía Svavarsdóttir's my personal favourite from the first Icelandic semi. The three most popular songs will make the final on 14th February..

• Stefanía Svavarsdóttir - Augnablik
• Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir - Í kvöld
• Friðrik Dór - Í síðasta skipti
• Erna Hrönn Ólafsdóttir - Myrkrið hljótt
• Björn og félagar - Piltur og stúlka
• HINEMOA - Þú leitar líka að mér

When? 21:45 CET. Where? Here.

LITHUANIA
Seven acts remain in the Lithuanian selection, and with no immediate favourite, it's still all to play for. Two acts will be eliminated..

• Edgaras Lubys
• Jurgis Brūzga
• Liepa Mondeikaitė
• Mia
• Monika Linkytė
• Neringa Šiaudikytė
• Vaidas Baumila

When? 21:00 CET. Where? Here.

CYPRUS 
On Sunday, the Cypriot entry for Eurovision 2015 will be chosen. The winner will be chosen by a 50/50 combination of televote and jury vote - the jury consists of Despina Olympiou, Alex Panayi, Elena Patroklou, Tasos Tryfonos, Nicola Caligiore, and Dimitris Kontopoulos. Who will represent Cyprus?

1. Hovig - Stone in a River
2. Doody - Magic
3. Panagiotis Koufogiannis - Without Your Love
4. Minus One - Shine
5. Giannis Karagiannis - One Thing I Should Have Done
6. Nearchos Evangelou & Charis Savva - Deila den agapo

I'd like to see either Panagiotis Koufogiannis or Nearchos Evangelou & Charis Savva victorious although I'm still gutted Ioanna didn't make it.... Doody's song is popular for some reason but this blogger isn't a fan. When? 21:00 CET. Where? Here.

LATVIA
And finally, Latvia's selection will also kick off on Monday. The first heat will feature ten songs and four will qualify for the semi final.When? 21:20 CET. Where? Here.

Switzerland: National final to be held tonight!

There may be four different shows taking place tonight across Europe however this bloggers main focus will be the Swiss national final. Six participants are aiming to represent Switzerland and they are:

• Andy McSean – Hey now
• Timebelle – Singing about love
• Tiziana – Only human 
• Licia Chery – Fly 
• Mélanie René – Time to shine 
• Deborah Bough – Take me back to 23 

My prediction is that Timebelle will win but realistically, it's anyone's game. I'm loving Licia Chery's song though now - maybe the Swiss will opt for her? Fly has a great upbeat vibe.. Or maybe The Voice of Switzerland winner Tiziana will make a big impression on the night? Or will the fan favourites Timebelle be victorious? Or one of the underdogs? This is the reaon why I'm loving this Swiss selection this year. It really is still anyone's game :-)

Austria: Conchita's 2015 national final diary!

Last years Austrian winner, Conchita Wurst, will appear in several upcoming national finals. Tomorrow night she will be a special guest in the Swiss national final. It's also been confirmed that she will attend Melodifestivalen on 8th March. And if that wasn't enough, Conchita will also open Unser Song für Österreich on 5th March. Meanwhile the
hashtag #ConchitaSanremo2015 clearly worked as she will perform Heroes at Sanremo during the 2nd night of the prestigious Italian event. Back in November, Conchita also appeared at Malta's national final too. Here is a little recap of the national finals she will/has attended :-)

• Malta - 22nd November 
• Switzerland - 31st January
• Italy (Sanremo) - 11th February
• Germany - 5th March
• Sweden - 7th March

Sweden: Melodifestivalen stage revealed!

The stage for Melodifestivalen 2015 has today been revealed. It will be one of the largest stages ever used - with a total of 24 meters in width and 21 meters in depth. It's looking great! Melodifestivalen returns on 7th February.

Georgia: Sacha Jean-Baptiste and Thomas G:son. to work with Nina Sublatti!

Eurovision legend Thomas G:son. and Swedish choreographer Sacha Jean-Baptiste will work with the Georgian representative, Nina Sublatti, to make an amazing song and a memorable performance for Vienna. Nina's Warrior is among the favourites already to win the contest - and with G;son onside, her chances could improve even more. Sacha has previously worked with the likes of Alcazar, Zara Larsson and Eric Saade. Thomas G:son is a name very familiar with Eurovision fans. He has composed several songs in the past, including Euphoria. He has also composed the Spanish entry - Amanecer - and has a song in the upcoming Danish national final too. Mi Amore.

 

Spain: Edurne has recorded Amanecer - snippet released!

Spanish representative, Edurne, has finished recording her song for Eurovision. The full song will be released within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime though, you can listen to a five second snippet here.

Vienna 2015: Semi Final Allocation Draw decided!

The Semi Final Allocation Draw took place today from Vienna. If you missed the show, you can watch it here. Semi final one will be the most difficult it seems.. Semi final two is actually pretty wide open. The Czech Republic will participate in the 2nd semi final as will Poland, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino - countries who have a chequered qualification record! #excited! :-)

Special Reviews: UMK 2015 Semi Final 2!

These special reviews continue with the 2nd semi final of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Here's what myself and Blogilkar thought of the acts who will participate in this semi: 

Jouni Aslak - Lions and Lambs

Jack - Meh, it's not bad but not that great either! I just find it avarage. This song doesn't interest me. Most likely a non-qualifier. 2/5

Blogilkar - This makes me think a bit GWN's Flags from UMK 2013. Anthemic pop that doesn't quite get going after all. Maybe this needs to be perfoemed on stage with live audience? It's not bad, but... it isn't anything special either even if I do like the lyrical concept. 2/5

Eeverest - Love It All Away

Jack - Eeverest's song is one of the strongest for sure! It's modern, catchy yet also unique. I love her voice, too. Oh I really do hope to see them in the final. A contender for victory? Hopefully, definitely one of the best! Me likes. 4/5

Blogilkar - Ida has an interesting voice and the intro of the song is great, but promising a lot more than it delivers in the end. This is once again an entry that will die or triumph on stage depending on the staging and live vocals and how they get the audience going. I doubt they will have any problems with the live audience jumping along hands in the air but how they manage to transmit that atmosphere to TV-screens where the voters are is another matter. 3/5

Opera Skaala - Heart of Light

Jack - Opera Skaala's song is fun and I am sure her performance will be very entertaining. Personally, I don't think it's the best however I can see the appeal and therefore I'm sure she will qualify with ease. 3/5

Blogilkar - Many are comparing this to La voix or Svet z juga, but those two were pure schlager, this one isn't. In fact this break the main rule of an Eurovision entry with its almost total absense of a chorus. It's daring, crazy, weird and fascinating. You keep listening and wondering what comes next over and over again as you just can't remember what comes next indeed. First hearing left me very confused yet interested. Then I started imagining how wonderful staging one could do for this. If we take hint from the video what would be better place than Imperial Vienna? A real opera diva on stage, some baroque dancers going wild, those kaleidoscopic images in the LED-screens (that would be a nice reminded or Helsinki 2007 as well). Can't help but give it a full 5/5

Siru - Mustelmat

Jack - Siru seems to be one of the big favourites to win the whole thing and I certainly wouldn't mind if she did. I love her song and she's beautiful.. and as mentioned, she won The Voice of Finland so we know she'll be great live. Yeah, a definite finalists and a potential winner for sure. Good luck, Siru! 5/5

Blogilkar - Interesting how foreign reviewers like this song so much (and Eurofans apparently all over Europe). We Finns are maybe more taken by the lyrics and their effect on us. If her goal was to make us think, she really manages in that and we don't pay attention to the rest; the melody, arrangement, her voice... This is a bit like Mikko Pohjola's Sängyn reunalla last year that finished second. A song with a very interesting and important text. I'm not yet totally won over by this, but if this won I wouldn't be sad. 4/5.

Shava - Ostarilla

Jack - Shava are bringing Bollywood to Finland's Eurovision selection it seems. I do actually really like their song because it's different. However I don't think it's good enough to win the whole thing. Will they make the UMK final? Probably and that isn't a bad thing at all. 3/5

Blogilkar - This is much better than I expected beforehand. The rather tragic love at first sight happening in the mall and Finnish melodrama meeting Bollywood. It is catchy, memorable, fun and colorful. But would I like to see this in Vienna for us? No. Call me a stubborn old fart but I want a proper song and not something that would be labelled as a joke entry. This can become a summer hit and UMK should serve also for that, but for Vienna I want something else. 3/5

Otto Ivar - Truth or Dare

Jack - Truth or Dare is a decent pop tune and he looks the part but I feel something is lacking... Otto could make the final if his performance is good enough but at the moment, I'm not seeing this one as a non-qualifier. It's decent although a big average 3/5

Blogilkar - I have to agree. I had it hard to concentrate on listening as my mind started wandering elsewhere. Uninteresting, heard before, nothing original. Can't really remember a thing afterwards. He's ok, the song's ok, all's ok. Yet it's not working. Imperfectly perfect. 2/5

Stay tuned for the final installment of these reviews with the third semi finalists :-)

Hungary: Six acts qualify to the semi finals!

Last night, the first heat of A Dal was held and six acts managed to qualify to the semi finals. Fan favourite Bogi qualified although didn't win the show. Passed won the show with 43 points. Here are the full results from last nights heat:

• Passed – Mesmerize (43 points)
• Vera Tóth – Gyémánt (39 points)
• Bogi – World Of Violence (38 points)
• Gabi Szűcs – Úgysem felejtesz el (37 points)
• Karmapolis – Time Is Now (37 points)
• Timi Antal – Woke Up This Way (33 points)

The 2nd heat will take place next week.

Lithuania: Tadas Juodsnukis is eliminated!

Tadas Juodsnukis was eliminated from Lithuania's Eurovizija tonight. Liepa Mondeikaitė won the televote and Mia won the jury vote. Vaidas Baumila only managed 6th place tonight, out of eight participants so it's not looking good for him. The following acts live to fight another day:

• Edgaras Lubys
• Jurgis Brūzga
• Liepa Mondeikaitė
• Mia
• Monika Linkytė
• Neringa Šiaudikytė
• Vaidas Baumila

Denmark: Participants and songs leaked!

DR wasn't going to reveal their songs for DMGP 2015 until next Monday but they have already leaked it seems.. People who pre-ordered the CD got it through the post today ahead of its official release. Ooops. This isn't the first time this has happened as the Finnish songs were also leaked a couple of days ago ahead of their official release. These acts will participate in DMGP 2015:

• Tina & René – Mi Amore
• Anne Garegaard – Suitcase
• Babou – Manjama
• Cecilie Alexandra – Hotel A
• Anti Social Media – The Way You Are
• Julie Bjerre – Tæt På Mine Drømme
• Andy Roda – Love Is Love
• Sara Sukurani – Love Me Love Me
• Marcel & Soulman Group – Når Veje Krydses
• World Of Girls – Summer Without You

Denmark will select their entry on 7th February and I am so blimming excited :-) 

Vienna 2015: Kati Bellowitsch and Andi Knoll will play an important role in Eurovision 2015!

The Austrian broadcaster, ORF, has revealed that the duo Kati Bellowitsch and Andi Knoll will have the responsibility of hosting the Semi Final Allocation Draw. On Monday, the Eurovision Insignia Handover Ceremony and the Semi Final Allocation Draw will both take place at Rathaus - Vienna's City Hall. 

It has also been announced that Andi Knoll will be the Austrian commentator in May for both semi finals and the final. Kati Bellowitsch will once again announce Austria's votes. This duo will both play very important roles in the contest. Kati Bellowitsch has revealed the Austrian votes every year since 2011 and even wore a knitted beard in 2014 to support Conchita Wurst. Meanwhile the Austrian broadcaster will air a show entitled "ESC Live" at 20:15 CET every day during Eurovision Week. Andi Knoll and Kati Bellowitsch will host the event from a Glass Room Studio and their aim is to bring fans even closer to the contest. Kati will host the press conferences where journalists from across the world will get the chance to ask questions to the participants. Stay tuned for all the latest! 

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #1!

National final season will soon be in full swing so I have decided to do these posts every weekend to make it a little easier for y'all :-) the following shows will be held tonight!

HUNGARY
Hungary's A Dal will start at 20:25 CET tonight and you will be able to watch the show live here. These acts are in the running:

• Bori Magyar - Lead Me To Heaven
• Balazs Farkas Jenser - Liar
• Gabi Szucs - Ugysem felejtesz el
• Passed - Mesmerize
• Bogi - World Of Violence
• Karmapolis - The Time Is Now
• Gergo Szakacs – Ösz utca
• Timi Antak - Woke Up This Way
• Vera Toth - Gyemant
• MDC - Maniac

Fan favourite Bogi is among tonights lineup... will she finally be the chosen one for Eurovision? There will be an app vote meaning international viewers can vote for their favourites! Six acts will qualify to the next stage of the competition.  

LITHUANIA

The Lithuanian marathon continues tonight. Because Milita Daikeryte withdrew, there's now eight participants aiming to represent the country in Vienna. One more act will be eliminated tonight and you will be able to watch the show live here. 

• Edgaras Lubys – “This Time”
• Liepa Mondeikaite – “Take My Love”
• Tadas Juodsnukis – “Factory Hearts”
• Mia – “The Right Way”
• Vaidas Baumila – “Not Perfect”
• Monika Linkyte- “Skestu”
• Jurgis Bruzga – “No More Tears”
• Neringa Siaudikyte – “Feel My Love”

Cyprus: Six acts qualify to the final!

Panagiotis Koufogiannis

The final line-up for the Cypriot national final has been decided and the following acts made it:

• Minus One – Shine
• Nearchos Evangelou & Charis Savva – Deila den agapo
• Hovig – Stone in a river
• Doody – Magic
• Panagiotis Koufogiannis – Without your love
• Giannis Karagiannis – One thing I should have done

The Cypriot selection aka Eurovision Song Project hasn't been without controversy. If reactions online are to be believed, it's a two horse race between Doody and Minus One. It isn't a bad line-up of songs actually. Must say I'm gutted Ioanna Protopapa didn't qualify with Beat Of My Heart...

Photograph - eurovision.tv 

France: Full version of "N'oublie pas" released!

Lisa Angell's Eurovision entry has been released in full moments ago. Listen to N'oublie pas here.

BUT WHO IS LISA ANGELL?

Lisa Angell (birth name Lisa Vetrano) was born in Paris in 1968. The 48 year-old singer has released a total of three albums to date, with her most recent one being in April 2014. It was entitled Frou-Frou although failed to chart in France. However one of her older albums, Des mots…, managed to reach #30 in the French charts. She's hardly a big name. France has already been criticized for selecting a relatively unknown singer. She currently has just under 6,000 likes on Facebook. J'Ai Deux Amours is one of her most popular songs. Her Eurovision song was written by Robert Goldman and the song is all about remembering World War 1. However due to the recent terror attacks in Paris, this song is even more significant. She is fantastic live! Watch her perform J'ai Besoin de Parler live here. Bonne chance :-)

Iceland: Listen to the songs here!

Ahead of Söngvakeppnin's return next week, the participating songs were released and you can listen to them here. It's a very strong line up! 

LISA ANGELL TO REPRESENT FRANCE!

French TV announced their representative this morning. It's Lisa Angell with the song N’oubliez pas. The song translates to Don't Forget and is about remembering World War 1, although it also has a new significance and importance due to the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris earlier this month. Listen to a snippet of the song here. Lisa has released three albums and this is what she said regarding her upcoming participation in the contest:

It is my great pleasure to announce to you that I will represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest on 23 May in Vienna. I’m proud and happy!

Israel: Ten acts remain in the running!

Israel seems to be taking a different approach to the contest this year. Popular talent show The Next Star is being used to find the successor of Mei Finegold. Ten acts have made it to this stage of the competition, following several elimination rounds. Avia Shoshani is one of those acts. She was a backing vocalist for Moran Mazor in 2013. These act remain in the running:

• Asif Ziberman
• Avia Shoshani
• Iki Levi & The Rasta Hebrew Men
• Lirose Balas
• Nadav Gadej
• Nava Tehila Walker
• Orit Binsay
• Sa’ar “Rusty” Davidov
• Sari Nachmias
• Yifi & Osher Aricha

Romania: National final set for 8th March!

The Romanian entry will be selected on 8th March. Wiwibloggs reports the submission period has opened today and that it will close on 8th February. Once again, international artists can apply to take part. Mihai Traistariu has already announced his interest in participating.. Although this blogger would love to see Electric Fence represent Romania!

Lithuania: Milita Daikeryte withdraws from the competition!

Aw, here's some sad news. Milita Daikeryte has unfortunately decided to withdraw from Lithuania's Eurovizijos. Her illness has caused her severe vocal problems and therefore she has no choice but to leave the competition. Last weekend, she finished in sixth place out of eleven participants. These acts remain in the running to represent Lithuania:

• Edgaras Lubys – “This Time”
• Liepa Mondeikaite – “Take My Love”
• Tadas Juodsnukis – “Factory Hearts”
• Mia – “The Right Way”
• Vaidas Baumila – “Not Perfect”
• Monika Linkyte- “Skestu”
• Jurgis Bruzga – “No More Tears”
• Neringa Siaudikyte – “Feel My Love”

Norway: Melodi Grand Prix participants announced!

Melodi Grand Prix will be a one night affair this year, on 14th March, and the eleven participating acts were revealed this morning. Check out the full lineup below:

• Alexandra Joner – Cinderella
• Contrazt – Heaven
• Erlend Bratland – Thunderstruck
• Ira Konstantidinis – We Don’t Worry
• Jenny Langlo – Next To You
• Karin Park – Human Beings
• Marie Klåpbakken – Ta meg tilbake
• Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – A Monster Like Me
• Raylee – Louder
• Staysman Lazz – En godt stekt pizza
• Tor & Bettan – All Over The World

The songs will be revealed sometime in February.

Vienna 2015: Here is our stage!

Photographs of the stage were revealed this morning. Must say it looks very impressive! The 2015 stage will consist of 1288 individual pillars and it will measure 44 metres in width, 14,3 metres in height and 22 metres in depth. Kathrin Zechner, TV Director of ORF had this to say:

The vision for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest is the bridge from the past to the present and the future. The eye is a symbol of this bridge - a mutual respect between cultures, countries and people.

What do you think of the stage? Could this be the most impressive stage yet?

Photograph and source - eurovision.tv

UK: Katie Price - "My only regret is Eurovision"

Forget her failed marriages, Katie Price's only regret in life is Eurovision. Well actually, her regret is participating in the British selection for Eurovision. Back in 2005, The Pricey was aiming to represent the United Kingdom with Not Just Anybody although eventually came runner-up to Javine. We can all remember her unique performance and that outfit! Javine eventually only managed 22nd place in Kyiv - would Katie have fared better? Katie Price revealed this on Celebrity Big Brother. She entered the house on Friday following two ejections. Regarding her performance on 'Making Your Mind Up 2005', she said:

I looked shocking, I sounded shocking and I couldn’t sing the song now, I couldn’t sing it then!

Special Reviews: UMK 2015 Semi Final 1!

In the lead-up to Finland's Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, myself and Blogilkar at Life After Helsinki 2007 will review all of the participating songs with predictions. Enjoy:

Hans On the Bass - Loveshine

Jack - This entry has a very laid-back feeling to it. It's cute! If Hans On the Bass perform it well, I'm sure we will see them in final. In fact the more I listen to it, the more I like it!! A winner? Hmm. Probably not but you never know! 4/5

Blogilkar - This would be easy to label elevator music but it's more than that. Actually the feel good factor comes across and makes me dream of palm trees and cocktails. Yes, this is once again one of those songs! But would it hit it home in Eurovision? I'm not so sure. But then it has some Anna Rossinelli vibes, doesn't it?  This could make the UMK final but probably it will be left out in this semi, and it's a shame. Maybe..  3/5

Vilikasper Kanth - Äänen kantamattomiin

Jack - This is nice and quirky. He could make the final with a strong convincing performance but at the moment, I am predicting a non-qualification. It's also a bit too repetitive and I don't think the song is strong enough to make an impact. Not bad but not great either. 2/5

Blogilkar - The song isn't bad but there are so many similar around. He says his voice sets him apart from the others and indeed it does. Or rather his way of singing. One could argue is he raping the Finnish language in verses with his pronunciation and it's very close to being annoying rather than interesting. I like him but expected more from him judged on his previous efforts. Shame. 2/5

Norlan El Misionario – No voy a llorar por ti

Jack - No voy a llorar por ti isn't among my favourites but it's okay. Could work live but could also be a disaster... A non-qualifier at the moment but I wouldn't mind seeing him in the final. Not a winner. 3/5

Blogilkar - As much as I like Latin music and have a fondness for Cuba and I kinda like this song something is missing. Or is it just misplaced? It's not very original, one of those 13 in a dozen but wouldn't be at all out of place in some compilation of relaxed Caribian sounds album. Eurovision? Simple just not strong enough and most of all wrong country. When I go to Cuba I'm more than happy to have this playing in the background when I sip my Cuba Libre. 2/5

Satin Circus - Crossroads

Jack - OMG, I love this one! A super cute boyband, a great pop song and it's so catchy... what's not to love? Crossroads is a fantastic song and we should see them in the final of UMK and possibly Vienna, too! Satin Circus would be a great choice for Finland. 5/5

Blogilkar - Propably the biggest name in this year's UMK and a perfect act for Eurovision. A honest boyband pop act and song, a first for Finland if selected. Nothing to bad to say about this, it's easy on the ear and on the eye and an entry Finns can be proud of and expect a decent end. In short this is a perfect package. Depending on the staging this could do well even in Vienna. It will be harder to win in Finland first though. 4/5

Pihka Ja Myrsky – Sydän ei nuku

Jack - I think this entry is fantastic. It's so hard to predict who will and who won't qualify, but I really think this song should. Pihka Ja Myrsky could even win the whole thing and I wouldn't complain if they did :-) They need to be great live though - otherwise it could be a disaster.. 4/5

Blogilkar - I really like the arrangement and the two singer mix is nice. The song is kinda nice, very 90s pop and makes me think of some French songs at that period. Yet it is also very Finnish one. But somehow I really want to like this band! Is this song strong enough for Eurovision? Propably not unfortunately but I will surely keep eye on them in the future (and dig deep into their past releases)! I'm a fan and hope they will make the final! 4/5

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät – Aina mun pitää

Jack - If polls in Finland are to be believed, this handicapped punk band could be the ones heading to Vienna. Definitely a potential winner, and if they do win UMK, the Finnish entry in 2015 would be one of the shortest Eurovision songs in decades. Aina mun pitää doesn't even last two minutes. They would certainly stand out in Eurovision whether it be for the right reasons or not.... This song is already dividing opinions. Some people think it's amazing whilst others label it as a disaster.. I'm in the latter category. 2/5

Blogilkar - Many in Finland compare this to Lordi and Conchita Wurst for being different and standing out for various reasons and for minorities. But they forget one crucial thing: both had a good song and Conchita can even sing well. PKN doesn't have a song, nor can they sing. Punk syndrome's place is not in the Eurovision and it proves YLE still isn't serious by letting this in the line up (or they are desperate for media attention after poor ratings in the previous years) And if we want punk with attitude, this one is zillion times better, for example. This could be a zero pointer in Vienna semifinal but it doesn't even deserve that. If they go, I hope they get 3 points and be forgotten, zero pointers remain in history books. Being handicapped doesn't justify being plain bad. 1/5

If you haven't heard the songs yet, listen here. Stay tuned for Part Two! 

Ireland: Mary Byrne rejected for being too fat?

Mary Byrne's song hasn't made the Irish national final. Speaking to Goss.ie, she said:

I am baffled as to why I didn’t get the chance to perform in the Irish Eurosong final. Maybe they’re looking for somebody younger, or a slimmer version of Mary Byrne?

The song she was going to compete with, The Storm, was composed by Karl Broderick. He also composed Eoghan Quigg's from Ireland's national final last year and the Irish entry in 2005. I think Mary would've been great in Eurovision. It's a shame.. The acts that have made the cut will be revealed soon.

Lithuania: Reda Striškaitė and Wilma La eliminated!

Wilma La is out!

Lithuanian continued their selection last night and the artists finally performed their potential Eurovision songs. Sadly, Reda Striškaitė and Wilma La were both eliminated from the competition. Monika Linkyte won the voting last night and Edgaras Lybus achieved 2nd place. Vaidas Baumila came 5th overall but shockingly only managed 9th in the televote. Neringa Siaudikyte seems the be the favourite to leave next week if previous results are anything to go by. Eurovizijos will return for the fourth live show next weekend. These acts are still in the running:

• Tadas Juodsnukis 
• Vaidas Baumila 
• Edgaras Lybus 
• Monika Linkyte 
• Mia
• Liepa Mondeikaite 
• Milita Daikeryte 
• Jurgis Bruzga 
• Neringa Siaudikyte

Moldova: Semi finalists revealed!

Throughout the day, auditions have been held in Moldova to determine who will make the semi finals. This blogger did watch some of these auditions and it was a diverse line up, to say the least. I'm thrilled Kitty Brucknell made the next stage! The qualifiers:

• Carolina Gorun – Sublime
• Cezara – Am devenit straini
• Dana Markitan – Love me
• Diana Brescan – Up and down
• Doinita Gherman – Inima fierbinte
• Domenico Protino – Let me fly
• Doredos – Maricica
• Edict – Our star
• Eduard Romanyuta – I want your love
• Glam Girls – Magia
• Irina Kitoroaga – I’m gonna get you
• Julia Sandu – Fire
• Kitty Brucknell – Remix
• Lidia Isac – I can’t breathe (Without you)
• Marcel Rosca – Feelings will never leave
• Mihaela Andrei – About love
• Miss M – Lonely stranger
• Raby – Hero
• Serj Kuzenkoff – Danu nazdravanu
• Stela Botan – Save me
• Sunstroke Project & Michael Ra – Day after day
• Valeria Pasa – I can change all my life
• Vera & Diana Popa – Faith
• Vitalie Todirascu – Tu singura

Unfortunately, Rodicia didn't make it. I thought her song was amazing. Kitty didn't qualify with Yearning, the song she also sent into Switzerland, but Remix instead. The Moldovan semi finals will be held on 24th and 26th February, with the final set for 28th February. Sunstroke Project & Michael Ra qualified with this fabulous song:

Poland: Doda asked to do Eurovision!

Doda has been asked by the Polish broadcaster, TVP, to represent the country in Vienna. Wow! This is very exciting. Doda is interested in this proposal however a final decision is yet to be taken. Will we see her fly the Polish flag in Eurovision? An announcement isn't expected until March. In the meantime, enjoy her new single here. It's worth mentioning an English version is expected to be released soon. 

NuVidz: Sergey Lazarev, Mrs. Greenbird, Indila, Tim Schou!

Sergey Lazarev has recently released 7 цифр. It's an awesome pop song. Sergey is tipped to represent Russia in Vienna with Breaking Away. This blogger think he would be a fantastic choice if selected but only time will tell if the rumours turn out to be true. Shine, Shine, Shine is one of the songs Mrs. Greenbird are aiming to represent Germany with. What do you think about their song? I think it's cute. Indila's Love Story is one of my favourite songs from her album Mini World. The official-video for Love Story was released a couple of months ago.. unfortunately, she isn't interested in Eurovision. Finally, Goodbye is Tim Schou's latest song and you can buy it on iTunes if you wish.

Portugal: National final in March!

Twelve composers will be invited by RTP to participate in the upcoming Portuguese national final. This was also the method they used last year. Composers will select an artist to perform their song.. Will Emanuel return? Meanwhile, it's been revealed Festival da Canção will take place in early March however exact dates remain unknown. 

Moldova: Watch live auditions here!

Live auditions are currently behind held in Moldova and you can watch all the goings on here. This blogger eagerly awaits the performances from Kitty Brucknell and Sunstroke Project. Stay tuned for the results.

Photograph - ESCUnited