WHO WILL AND WON'T PARTICIPATE IN EUROVISION 2016?

The deadline for countries to apply for participation was 15th September although it's still possible to withdraw up until 10th October without a financial penalty. Ukraine, Bulgaria and Bosnia & Herzegovina have all expressed an interest to return however Bosnia said this last year so I'm trying not to get too excited... but of course it would be awesome to have 'em back. I am thrilled to see Bulgaria and Ukraine return too. Israel will defiantly participate after some doubts and have been allocated to perform in the 2nd semi final, as the 1st semi clashes with Israel's memorial day.

Portugal, Russia and San Marino all remain silent but are expected to be in Stockholm. Maybe. Interestingly, Montenegro announced a few days ago their participation is uncertain. We still don't know what's happening with Croatia but for some reason, I'm not so optimistic.. even though it's been hinted The Voice winner, Nina Kraljic, could fly the Croatian flag.

Liechtenstein defiantly won't compete due to not having the funds to apply for EBU membership. A shame but I'm not surprised. And then we have Australia. Are the Aussies going to become a permanent fixture.. It would be nice for them to stick around but EUROvision? If they stay, there's going to be uproar. Maybe the EBU will invite someone else? China wants to enter and what about Kazakhstan? Will 2016 be the year they debut? Or someone else? Kosovo? Who knows what's going to happen. There's still so many unanswered questions and lot's of uncertainty. It would be awesome to have a record breaking amount of participants next year.

NuVidz: Måns Zelmerlöw, Ruth Lorenzo, Doda, Nadav Guedj!

Måns Zelmerlöw, the reigning king of Eurovision, has released a new single. Listen below:

This blogger is in love. Absolutely stunning! Earlier today, Ruth Lorenzo released the official audio of 99 - her latest track. She plans to release a special edition of Planeta Azul in October. It will will feature collaborations with different artists and songs from Planeta Azul in English. 99 will feature on this album. 

Will she? Won't she? This is the question we all had regarding Doda's potential participation in Eurovision 2015. In the end, she didn't represent Poland. Obviously. Next year? Maybe. In the meantime, let's enjoy her latest song...

And finally we have some new music from out Israeli golden boy - Nadav Guedj! Great summer vibes here. Summer is not ever yet :-) 

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: ISRAEL!

16 year old Nadav Guedj won The Next Star and therefore also won the right to represent Israel back in February. His song was revealed a few weeks later - and everyone seems to think it's great. But what do we think of the Israeli effort? Are they going to qualify for the first time since 2010?

Ana: This is great, modern, fresh and fun. I love the way the song mixes so many styles of music without turning it into a mess. I also like the beginning, it seems that it’s going to be a ballad or a midtempo song and suddenly it explodes. I hope to see Israel in the final this year. 9/10

Ilkar: I can't get over the fact he's 16. This is a weird song. It's like three songs put together but somehow it works and more I hear it more I like it. The fact remains the televoters hear it only once. Anyways, he sings well and after the mama dedicated intro we get some more contemporary sounding stuff before it bursts into a typical Israeli Eurovision anthem with the already legendary line ”and before I leave let me show you Tel Aviv”. Pure poetry. Or maybe not. But it sure brings a smile on your face and if they make this work on stage we might be in for a surprise! ”Ok, three minutes, gotta go!” 9/10

Jack: Israel's entry is defiantly going to stand out in Vienna. It's fun, catchy and does have a wonderful Eastern vibe. Super! I hope Nadav will achieve the result he deserves. Israel are often so underrated. I'm still sad Mei didn't make the final last year. It's been four years since they qualified - will they make it this year? For some reason, I don't think they will. 8/10

Jess: This is a song I can not help but dance to! It's so amazing and Nadav has the perfect voice to fit this song! 8/10

John: Love it or loathe it no one can be indifferent to it. The song is really catchy and represents yet another new departure for Israel. With originality and flair and a middle-eastern flavour that makes its presence felt but doesn't dominate, this has got to be in with a serious shout. 7/10

OUR VERDICT - 41/50

OVERALL SCORE - 8.2/10

Israel: Nadav Guedj releases 'Golden Boy'!

The Israeli song got its official premier tonight - listen to Golden Boy here. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Love it!

"I'm a golden boy Come here to enjoy And before I leave Let me show you Tel-Aviv"

Israel: Nadav Guedj will sing 'Golden Boy' in Vienna!

ESCToday reports that Nadav Guedj's song for Vienna has been chosen and is entitled Golden Boy. A special committee meet to discuss Nadav's potential Eurovision songs, after he won the right to represent the country last week, and Doron Medali's song has subsequently been chosen. No information about the song itself has been disclosed yet - it will be revealed very soon..

NADAV GUEDJ TO REPRESENT ISRAEL!

Earlier tonight, 16 year old Nadav Guedj won The Next Star and therefore will represent Israel in Vienna. Iky Levy & The Rasta Hebrew Me came 2nd - followed by Avia Shoshani and Sari Nachmias respectively. His song will internally chosen by a special committee at IBA and released later. Did Israel pick the best singer tonight? Or would you have preferred someone else?

Israel: Participant to be chosen tonight!

Israel's artist will be chosen this evening. The winner of The Next Star will fly the Israeli flag. Some of you might be familiar with Avia Shoshani - she was one of Moran's backing singers in Malmo. Here's the line-up for tonight:

• Avia Shoshani
• Sari Nachmias
• Iky Levy and the Rasta Hebrew Men
• Nadav Guedj

The song will be internally chosen and released within the next couple of weeks.

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #4!

No less than ten selections are taking place this weekend - including two national finals and Sanremo!

ICELAND
Iceland will be selecting their Eurovision entry tonight. The show will take place at 19:45 CET and be seen here. Who should win? I did a little review and you can read that HERE

• Haukur Heiðar Hauksson - Milljón augnablik 
• María Ólafsdóttir - Lítil skref
• Sunday - Fjaðrir
• Cadem - Fyrir Alla
• Björn and friends – Piltur og stúlka
• Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir – Í kvöld
• Friðrik Dór – Í síðasta skipti

This blogger would be delighted to see Sunday win - although I expect the Icelanders will opt for either Cadem or Björn and friends.. but who knows!

SWEDEN
Eric Saade and Jessica Anderson qualified directly to the final last week - so who will join them in Friends Arena on 8th March?

• Mariette – Don’t Stop Believing
• Emelie Irewald – Där och då med dig
• Linus Svenning – Forever Starts Today
• Magnus Carlsson – Möt mig i Gamla stan
• Samir & Viktor – Groupie
• Neverstore – If I Was God For One Day
• Marie Bergman & Sanne Salomonsen – Nonetheless

Y'all can watch Melodifestivalen here at 19:00 CET.

ITALY
Throughout the previous week, the amazing festival of Sanremo will conclude tonight. The winner will maybe go to Eurovision but if they decline, a special jury will select the Italian representative although it won't necessarily be from tonight's participants. Arisa, who openly wanted to go to Copenhagen, said she'll be up for it IF the winner of Sanremo isn't interested. More of this weeks goings on here. Nek and Il Volo are joint favourites to win tonight!

• Annalisa – Una Finestra Tra Le Stelle
• Bianca Atzei – Il Solo Al Mondo
• Malika Ayane – Adesso E Qui (Nostalgico Presente)
• Alex Britti – Un Attimo Importante
• Chiara – Straordinario
• Dear Jack – Il Mondo Esplode Tranne Noi
• Lorenzo Fragola – Siamo Uguali
• Irene Grandi – Un Vento Senza Nome
• Gianluca Grignani – Sogni Infranti
• Il Volo – Grande Amore
• Marco Masini – Che Giorno È
• Grazia di Michele & Mauro Coruzzi – Io Sono Una Finestra
• Moreno – Oggi Ti Parlo Così
• Nek – Fatti Avanti Amore
• Nesli – Buona Fortuna Amore
• Nina Zilli – Sola

Watch the show here.

LITHUANIA 
The Lithuanian song will be chosen tonight. Once the song has been selected, the three remaining artists will perform it next week and then the overall winner will be chosen. The show will start at 19:00 CET and can be watched here. These songs remain in the competition....

• Dangerous (S.O.S.)
• This Time
• The Right Way

FINLAND 
The 2nd semi final of UMK will be held tonight and these are the participants will be aiming to make the final in a fortnights time:

• Jouni Aslak – Lions and lambs
• Eeverest – Love it all away
• Otto Ivar – Truth or dare
• Opera Skaala – Heart of light
• Shava – Ostarilla
• Siru – Mustelmat

This blogger predicts that Siru, Shava and Opera Skaala will qualify. Catch the show here. I only care for Siru tonight and Eeverest are pretty good too. Here's some special reviews myself and Blogilkar did - read them here.

ESTONIA 
There very well may be ten acts participating in Eesti Laul tonight, although all eyes will be on Elina Born & Stig Rästa's Goodbye to Yesterday. Will they sail through to next weeks final as expected?

• Wilhelm - Light Up Your Mind
• Kruuv - Tiiu talu tütreke
• Demie feat. Janice - Kuum
• NimmerSchmidt - Kellega ma tutvusin?
• Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday
• Daniel Levi - Burning Lights
• Triin Niitoja & John4 - This is Our Choice
• Kali Briis Band - Idiot
• Luisa Värk - Minu päike
• 1Mari - Kolm päeva tagasi

HUNGARY
A Dal also continues tonights at 19:25 CET - and the show can be seen here. This is tonight's lineup:

• Ádám Szabó – Give Me Your Love
• Boggie – Wars For Nothing
• Karmapolis – The Time Is Now
• New Level Empire – Homelights
• Pankastic! – Kicsi A Világ, De Nagy Világ!
• Spoon – Keep Marching On
• Timi Antal – Woke Up This Way
• Vera Tóth – Gyémánt
• Zoltán Mujahid – Beside You

SERBIA 
Serbia are going to chose their song for Vienna tomorrow. Although first, there'll be an introduction show tonight. The three competing acts will be officially reveal their songs and the the winner will be chosen tomorrow night via a 50/50 mix of televoting and a jury.

• Danica Krstić - U ime ljubavi
• Bojana Stamenov - Ceo svet je moj
• Aleksa Jelić - Vodi me

LATVIA 
The first semi final will be held in Latvia tomorrow night.

• ElektroFolk - Sundance
• MNTHA - Nefelibata
• Antra Stafecka - It's the Night
• Framest - Ziemā
• Aminata - Love Injected
• Markus Riva - Take Me Down
• Rihards Bērziņš - Your Eyes
• Euphony - Home

Big favourites to take the crown next week are ElektroFolk, Antra Stafecka, Markus Riva and Aminata.. will they all make the final or could there be any surprise elimination?

Here's the favourite (or at least my favourite) to win in Iceland:

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

Israel: Participation very likely in 2015!

IBA, the Israel national broadcaster, has submitted a preliminary application to compete in next years contest. Fantastic news! Although the broadcaster is yet to make an official announcement - Israel's participation in Vienna is very likely, thankfully, however NOT OFFICIAL. The whole situation is rather confusing at the moment. Radio 88FM has announced they will select the Israeli representative internally to save money - which certainly wouldn't be a bad decision. Israel's participation has been in jeopardy because IBA is closing down next year, due to financial difficulties. Nothing is official yet regarding their representation in Vienna and more details will be released very soon. Let's enjoy the Israeli 2014 entry:

Introducing 2014: Israel!

Back in January, Mei Finegold was internally selected to fly the Israeli flag in Copenhagen - and what an amazing choice! The song she'll represent Israel with is Same Heart. Defiantly one of my favourites this year. I love the switch between English and Hebrew. However, she hasn't performed this live yet so we have no way of knowing what the stage presentation will be like. The song itself was chosen through a mini-national final, which consisted of three songs. The other songs were Be Proud and Nish'eret iti. But I think the best song was selected!

Mei Finegold is a 31 year-old singer, who placed third on Kokhav Nolad 7, the Israeli version of Pop Idol. I think her voice is amazing and I really want to see Israel in the final this year... the last time they qualified was in 2010 and I believe Mei will qualify. This song deserves to be in the final, without a doubt.

Israel: "Same Heart" chosen for Copenhagen!

Wahoo! "Same Heart" has been selected as the Israeli entry for Copenhagen. Unfortunately, Mei didn't give live performances tonight so instead the video-clips were played. It was my favourite song so I'm satisfied. LISTEN HERE.

Israel: Listen to Mei Finegold's songs!

Mei Finegold has presented her three possible Eurovision songs tonight. I like them all but "Same Heart" is my immediate favourite, although that could always change after hearing them some more times. Listen to them here!! I'll hopefully get round to doing a review at some point. Mei's selection show will take place on 5th March - and I think Israel be be one of my favourites this year.

Israel: National final set for 5th March - song titles revealed!

The song Mei Finegold takes to Copenhagen will be chosen on 5th March! However there will be a press conference before that, where three songs will be presented with a separate video-clips. This is due to take place on 27th February!

A whopping 87 songs were initially sent into the Israeli broadcaster, IBA, and they selected two songs for the national final - the other song was submitted by Mei herself. The song titles are:

• Same heart 
• Nish’eret iti (Staying with me)
• Be proud 

Israel: Mei Finegold selected!

Yay. It's official!!! Mei Finegold has been officially chosen to represent Israel this year! I'm delighted. I think that IBA have made a fantastic choice here.

This blogger has been listening to her stunning rendition of Hallelujah all day long... The 31 year old rose to fame in 2009 - when she came 3rd on Israel's version of Pop Idol. I am seriously expecting great things from Israel now. Her song will be chosen in March, through a televised national final, where she will perform three or four songs, and one will be chosen for Eurovision. I hope she will take a rock song to Copenhagen! Listen to her cover of Creep. And here's an original song entitled Pictures.

Israel: Mei Finegold internally selected?

One of Israel's biggest newspapers, Israel HaYom, has reported that Mei Finegold will represent Israel in Copenhagen!

Mei took part in ‘Kokhav Nolad 7′ (Israel's version of American Idol) a few years ago, where she finished a very respectable 3rd. It is not official and hopefully IBA will announce their 2014 representative soon. I do like the sound of her - she has a very good voice and would make a decent choice. Maybe we could be hearing some rock from Israel this year.

If she is chosen to fly the Israeli flag, her Eurovision song would be selected through a national final in March. Enjoy one of her finest covers here!

Update - it appears that IBA have selected her for Eurovision, although she needs consent from her record label first and therefore it is not official, yet...

Wishlist #6: Shany Zamir!

The last time Israel qualified for the grand final was in 2010, but maybe that could change next year. I've always had a soft spot for Shany Zamir. She would be the perfect choice for Israel!

She did actually try to represent her country in 2013 - as she participated in KDAM with Forever. The Israeli public clearly liked her as she won the public televote, although the "professional" jury didn't award her a single point. Overall she came 6th. An unplugged version has also been released. It's absolutely beautiful. You can take a look at on her personal YouTube channel for some great covers - my favourite covers from her include Hurt, Adagio and Lost.

IBA, the Israeli broadcaster, has announced that their 2014 representative will be chosen internally - with a national final to decide the song itself. It begs the question, will Shany be selected for Copenhagen? The Israeli public clearly liked her in KDAM and she does have an amazing live vocal. It would be fantastic if she did go to Eurovsion... Support her by clicking "like" on her official Facebook page!

Oh and I've just found an awesome cover of Euphoria!!! <3

Photograph from Shany's official Facebook page. 

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.