Vienna 2015: Semi final one rehearsed!

Is Polina our winner?

Unfortunately, this blogger isn't in Vienna although I have been paying close attention to the rehearsals. The 16 countries who will compete in the first semi final  have now all rehearsed and it seems Russia are the most popular. Polina looks stunning - the staging is amazing and damn, A Million Voices is a friggin' awesome song! I'm going to be so annoyed if she gets booed next week.....

Elhaida from Albania also rehearsed today and it's still looking like Albania might get their best placing ever. Georgia and Romania also look really promising. With regards to yesterday, I think Estonia and Armenia are looking the strongest. They'll both be in the final. Finland is so just bizarre and random that I'm actually liking it now. Are PKN going to make the final? Greece is also looking very strong - I just hope the song will be memorable enough... the overall reaction of Greece's rehearsal was very positive though.

Now everyone's talking about Trijntje's dress. My first reaction was huh? but hey, she looks gorgeous and she's confident in her own body - so that's all that matters. I'd take my hat of to her if I had one. The staging is apparently a bit random so there's some work to be done it seems... Why ay ay ay couldn't they keep it simple?

Belgium looked good but maybe there's too much happening? It might be messy. And I'm afraid Serbia won't be qualfirying. Maybe 15 years ago that song would've fared better. Or maybe not. So judging from the first rehearsals I think; Russia, Estonia and Georgia are the best. Georgia could be a dark horse. Love the eye!!! And maybe even Romania?! Voltaj were fab! The song has a message that'll touch a lot of people.  I hate to say it but Serbia really is looking awful.. Bojana is much better than the song. Hungary looks okay but the song? Me thinks viewers will fall asleep halfway through their performance. But we won't be failing asleep during Moldova! Whether you like Eduard's song or not, they're putting on one heck of a show! More to follow in the coming days....

Photos from Eurovision.tv

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: MOLDOVA!

Moldova opted for Ukrainian heartthrob (yes, that's arguable...) Eduard Romanyuta to represent their country in Vienna. Or did they? Rumours regarding a voting scandal circulated following his win however nothing was proved. Anyway, this is what my little team of reviews think about Moldova's effort...

Ana: This is the most dated entry this year. Maybe 20 years ago it would be OK but not in 2015. The staging is awful and his vocals aren't even good. I can’t imagine this in the final. No way. 1/10

Ilkar: Apparently his video is from his old song. Well, anything is better than his embarrassing stage show in the Moldovan final that would have been the other option I guess. (Let me correct myself: After re-watching the video even the stage show would have been better preview) Expect that in Vienna. With poor vocals and one of the worst songs this year. This is old and unoriginal in every way. 1/10

Jack: Moldova will open the first semi final and therefore officially open the 2015 contest. It's obvious most people hate this song, and even though I don't like it much, I can't deny how catchy the chorus is.. In a year of ballads and mid-tempos, could Moldova be a shock qualifier? I still wish Sunstroke Project won Moldova's national final as Day After Day was epic and would've been a perfect opener! Oh well.. 2/10

Jess: This was one of my favourites in the selection even before the live audition stage, therefore I was so pleased when he was picked. The only thing I would say is that Eduard needs to work on his live vocals a little bit. 7/10

John: Ok, leaving aside the boyband-sounding voice, the pretty image and posturing ie, a sure-fire protegé for Louis Walsh's stable of artists, I actually think this song has something to offer. Or maybe it's just the clever video. It could just have enough going for it to surprise a multitude of cynics on the big night ! 6/10

OUR VERDICT - 17/50
OVERALL SCORE - 3.4/10

Moldova: Eduard Romanyuta wants your love!

The official video-clip for Eduard Romanyuta's entry has just been released. I Want Your Love isn't getting much love from the fans so far.. but what do you think? Are Moldova being underrated? It's starting to grow on me a little bit, I guess... Enjoy the video-clip HERE!

EDUARD ROMANYUTA TO REPRESENT MOLDOVA!

Eduard Romanyuta has won Moldova's selection. I heard the song once and hated it. Let's see if it's a grower... Sunstroke Project managed third place and DoReDoS came 2nd - both great songs, yet they pick this dud. Sorry Moldova, but I am really not impressed. On the positive note though, Ukraine will kinda be represented in Vienna ;-)

Update - well some people are accusing Eduard, or his associates, of rigging the vote somehow. Hmmm. 

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #6!

On Saturday, a total of four countries will select their entries for Vienna and Melodifestivalen will also continue with the forth semi final. The much anticipated Spanish entry will also revealed at 12:00 CET on Sunday too. So we've gout a busy weekend ahead of us!

FINLAND
The Finnish entry will be chosen tonight. Nine acts may be in the running although if the polls are anything to be believed, it' just a formality for handicapped band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, Will they win? However Opera Skaala, Satin Circus and Shava also are very popular. I would personally pick either Satin Circus, Opera Skaala or Solju.

• Norlan "El Misionario - No voy a llorar por ti
• Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät - Aina mun pitää
• Satin Circus - Crossroads
• Shava - Ostarilla
• Opera Skaala - Heart of Light
• Jouni Aslak - Lions and Lambs
• Solju - Hold Your Colours
• Järjestyshäiriö - Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla
• Angelo De Nile - All For Victory

HUNGARY
Hungary also chooses tonight. My favourite is Kati Wolf - will she be picked and return to the Eurovision stage? No idea. I also like Ív and Passed. Boggie has been very popular with the juries.. so will the televote also support her? Ádám Szabó also isn't one to rule out. This is probably the hardest national final to call. I really look forward to see who they pick! Here's tonight's line-up:

• Ádám Szabó - Give Me Your Love
• Boglárka Csemer – Boggie - Wars for Nothing
• Zoltán Mujahid -  Beside You
• Spoon - Keep Marching On
• Ív - Fire
• Kati Wolf - Ne engedj el
• Passed - Mesmerize
• Bálint Gájerc - That's How It Goes

SLOVENIA
Slovenia's song is going to be selected tonight. Eight acts are in the running however Maraaya and Martina Majerle both seem to the the immediate favourites with people. I also have a soft spot for Jana Šušteršič's song - so I wouldn't mind seeing either of those three win tonight. But how about you? Who do you think should fly the Slovenian flag this year?

1. Alya & Neno Belan - Misunderstandings
2. Tim Kores - Once Too Many Times
3. Jana Šušteršič - Glas srca (Voice of the heart)
4. I.C.E. - Vse mogoče (Everything is possible)
5. Clemens - Mava to (We have this)
6. Maraaya - Here For You
7. Rudi Bučar En Figoni - Šaltinka (A šaltin girl)
8. Martina Majerle - Alive

MOLDOVA
I haven't followed the Moldovan selection much this year however I have heard some songs! I heard about Kitty Brucknell receiving only 88 votes on Tuesday and being eliminated, which I'm sad about however the song wasn't up to much really. Sunstroke Project are aiming to make a return to Eurovision tonight - can they do it? Ukrainian Eduard Romanyuta seems to be popular though but will the jury support him? Hmm... Doredos are also great. I don't have a clue who will win to be honest!

SWEDEN
The final semi final of Melodifestivalen is to be held tonight. Here is the line-up..

• Caroline Wennergren – Black Swan
• JTR – Building It Up
• Midnight Boy – Don’t Say No
• Annika Herlitz – Ett andetag
• Hasse Andersson – Guld och gröna skogar
• Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes
• Dinah Nah – Make Me (La La La)

SPAIN
And finally. the long awaited Spanish entry is finally going to be revealed tomorrow at 12:00 CET. Edurne won't disappoint us. All we know about the song is that it's dramatic and with ethnic elements, and 100% in Spanish! In the meantime though, let's enjoy this awesome tune from Edurne!

Moldova: Eduard Romanyuta accused of plagiarism!

Eduard Romanyuta won the first semi final in Moldova earlier this week and is therefore one of the favourites to represent the country in Vienna. However something rather interesting has come to light today. His song is a blatant copy of Mariah Carey’s I Want Your Love, according to Moldovan press. There is already a video of the two songs side by side, do you think this is a case of plagiarism? Or has he been targeted unfairly? LISTEN HERE! This begs the question - what will happen if he wins on Saturday?

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:

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 

Moldova: Sunstroke Project and Kitty Brucknell among shortlisted acts!

A special jury received 68 songs for the Moldovan selection, and they shortlisted the best 50 to make the 2nd stage. You can listen to all the songs here! On 17th January, these participants will sing in front of music expects and the best will make the live shows. My personal favourites include Sunstroke Project, Kitty Brucknell and Cezara. Kitty Brucknell tried her luck in Switzerland however was unsuccessful, unfortunately. Will Switzerland's loss be Moldova's gain? It's also worth mentioning Sunstroke Project are back. They represented the country in 2010 (with Olia Tira) and despite coming 22nd, the Internet phenomenon EPIC SAX GUY was born!

Interview 2015: Kitty Brucknell!

Kitty Brucknell is aiming to represent Switzerland with Yearning. This blogger has been a massive fan ever since her appearance on The X Factor so I am delighted to finally speak to her about her X Factor experience, learning new languages and why Eurovision is so important to her. Enjoy!!

Jack - Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Kitty. Can you tell us some information about yourself, for the readers who might not be familiar with your work?

Kitty - Hi there, thanks for having me!!! Well, I am a singer from the UK, and I am famous because I Did the X factor in 2011, and was pretty controversial, I was a big performer and pretty quirky. I still get recognised in the street from just being on TV for 6 weeks 3 years ago, so I guess I made quite an impression!

Jack - You're one of my favourite X Factor contestants ever - what was that experience like? What was your favourite moment from the show?

Kitty - I loved doing the show, but it's been a real struggle afterwards. I really wanted to do something with the opportunity that Id been given, so I'm so excited about the prospect of entering Eurovision this year. My favourite moment, probably the Sweet Dreams performance. I loved that. It really felt like "me".

Jack - Why do you want to represent Switzerland in Eurovision?

Kitty - Because they really care about their artists and they really want them to win. I need as many votes as possible, and it's so important to vote!!! But genuinely because it gives me the chance to fly the flag for two countries, and I wouldn't get the opportunity at all, the BBC sadly wouldn't allow an XF contestant to take the place of someone from their own show "The Voice". At least, that's what I've been told. It sucks - but it means I have the chance to represent switzerland, and then the UK gets to vote for me if I get through to Vienna!!

Jack - Yearning is already proving to be a fan favourite, it's awesome - can you tell us some information about the song?

Kitty - Ahhhh I'm so excited!!! It's was going to be in a musical, but they cut it from the final line up. I heard and knew right away it was perfect for Eurovison. It's theatrical and shows off my voice as well which is great.

Jack - Do you plan on releasing an official video-clip?

Kitty - I hope to do that, but I need some funding for that really. Making a music video is really expensive and for an independent artist it's almost impossible unless there's funding behind it all.

Jack - Have you heard any other songs in the Swiss selection - and if so, do you have any favourites?

Kitty - I'm trying not to look because I know I'll get really paranoid and lose confidence. Hahaha!!! No, really - I had a look before we signed up and I loved Jessica Suttas song, but it turned out she didn't submit it! The guy with the funny video though about the surgery. Loved that, it's kind of Weird Al Yankovich in a good way, and original too. He's also from Switzerland which probably means he's strong compeition!!!

Jack - If you do advance to the Swiss national final and then Eurovision, how will you stage your performance? 

Kitty - I'm planning on doing something groundbreaking. I really want it to be classy, but also showing off the beautiful Swiss country as well. That's all I can say!

Jack - What would it mean for you to participate in Eurovision?

Kitty - It would mean everything. Literally everything. I have struggled so much to get my music heard, and it's been a huge fight to even get this far. I need everyone's help, because the only way I can do this is by votes.

Jack - Did you watch Eurovision 2014? And did you have any favourites?

Kitty - Ruth Lorenzo!!!! And also the Netherlands as well. Their song was awesome!

Jack - Here are a few random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Kitty Egypt! It's so beautiful.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink?

Kitty - Disaronno and apple juice. Mmmmm.

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages?

Kitty - If I get through to the Swiss national final, I'm going to make sure I can speak a little of French, German, Italian and Romansh. My mum knows French quite well, and I know a bit of conversational Italian. It means a lot to me that the Swiss people can see I'm dedicated to this.

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Kitty - I'm really into alternative ancient archeology. It's a long story :-)

Jack - A massive thank you, Kitty! You're fabulous and I'd love to see you represent Switzerland! Best of luck :)

Kitty - Ahhh thank you!!! You can vote for me by going to www.votekitty.co.uk :-)

You can vote for Kitty here! And you can also enjoy her latest single below:

Moldova: International artists allowed to compete in national final!

TRM, Moldova's broadcaster, has invited international artists to compete in the upcoming Moldovan selection - maybe this is due to a low number in submissions from domestic artists? Normally only Moldovan are allowed to compete. Anyone interested has until 15th December to submit their songs.

Moldova: National final on 28th February!

O melodie pentru Europa, Moldova's selection for Eurovision 2015, will consist of two semi finals and a grand final. The final will take place on 28th February, which is slightly earlier than normal. Moldova's entry will be decided by a televote a national jury. So, who do you want to see represent Moldova next year? Cristina Scarlat has actually hinted about a return if she has the right song.

NuVidz: The Common Linnets, Neil Diamond, Sunstroke Project feat Deepcentral, Anouk!

The official video-clip of Give Me A Reason was premiered this morning and it's fantastic! The video-clip was filmed in an old barn, surrounded by farm animals and it suits the song perfectly. They will tour The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Austria later this year. The Art Of Love is Neil Diamond's latest tune. This blogger has always been a fan of the American singer-songwriter. Another beautiful song from this legend! Splendid voice. Stunning lyrics. He will release an album will be released on 21st October. Can't wait for that!!! SunStroke Project, the group who represented Moldova in 2010 with Olia Tira, joined forces with Deepcentral and released Sunshine. A great summer tune - shame it wasn't released a few months earlier... Since giving birth to her fifth child, Anouk released Places To Go. It's a very personal video for Anouk as it includes her new son. She'll release an album in a couple of months.

Introducing 2014: Moldova!

Cristina Scarlat (aged 33) will represent Moldova in Copenhagen with Wild Soul. She won the Moldovan national final - and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought Boris Covali would have won, but it wasn't his year. There was some controversy surrounding Boris Covali's song choice.... anyway, the national final itself was rather weak. My favourite was "Wild Soul" but Forever by Edict was also a great song - and that would have made a great entry for Moldova.

Moldova will probably qualify in Copenhagen. I think it's a borderline qualifier, actually... The performance will need to be strong and convincing. The national final performance wasn't that strong. I'm sure we'll be seeing Moldova in the final!

Moldova: Christina Scarlet is chosen for Copenhagen!

Moments ago, Christina Scarlet won the Moldovan selection. She was my favourite and therefore I'm very happy with Moldova's choice. Boris won the televote however the jury thankfully opted for Christina instead and she was declared the winner. Justice is served! Lucia S. came third. Stay tuned for results from Norway! Enjoy the Moldovan entry here.

Moldova: "O Melodie Pentru Europa" final tonight!

Two semi finals have taken place this week where the sixteen finalists were chosen. I don't know what Moldova will opt for, and there isn't much on offer I'm afraid. These are the acts who remain in the competition:

• Cristina Scarlat – Wild Soul
• Curly - Your recovery
• Diana Staver – One and all
• Aurel Chirtoaca – Urme de iubiri
• Edict – Forever
• Lucia S - Frozen
• Mikaella – Follow your dreams
• Margarita Ciorici & Metafora – Vis
• Boris Covali – Perfect Day
• FLUX Light – Never Stop No
• Doinița Gherman – Energy
• Anna Cernicova - Dragostea divină
• Diana Brescan – Hallelujah
• Tatiana Heghea – I’m Yours
• Felicia Dunaf – The Way I Do
• Paralela 47 – Fragmente

If I had to predict a winner, I'd go for either Boris or Cristina Scarlat. I think Boris would've been much better with Flying. That song is much stronger, in my opinion... sigh.

Moldova: "Flying" withdrawn from the national selection...

Boris Covali is one of the favourites to win the Moldovan selection, with the song "Flying" - however the song has unfortunately been withdrawn by his manager. It appears the song "Perfect Day" will replace it, even though "Perfect Day" didn't make the original final 24.

The reason why "Flying" was withdrew from the selection is because of “financial agreements” between the people behind “Perfect Day”, the Moldovan broadcaster and Boris's management. "Flying" was composed by international songwriters consisting off Michael James Down, Jonas Gladnikoff, Primož Poglajen and Dimitri Stassos. Many fans have expressed their outrage that this song is no longer in the selection... A full statement from the songwriters can be found here. A new version of the song was planned to be recorded in Stockholm - and there were plans for a commercial release too. "Flying" was winning most online polls and was receiving lots of positive feedback from Eurovision fans - although it appears money talks, unfortunately... TRM, the Moldovan broadcaster, and Boris's management have still not commented on the situation! Stay tuned for more - as this story won't go away. The songwriters of "Flying" have said they will be taking legal action. This should be a fair competition and its clear to see that this is not fair whatsoever. It's a disgrace. #TeamFlying.

Moldova: Here are the 24 semi-finalists!

Cristina Scarlat 

Yesterday, a total of 64 songs were performed in front of a special jury - where they selected 24 songs to progress to the semi finals. There has been some controversy in Moldova actually, as the same three songs were entered in both the Moldovan and Lithuanian selection - the songs have been withdrawn in Moldova but remais in Lithuania (although one as eliminated last night). The Lithuanian selection is so confusing, so I've not been following it.

Personally, I really like Vis. A strong ballad in Moldovan - however I've only heard a small number of the songs so far. Here are the qualifiers:

• Diana Brescan – Hallelujah
• Margarita & Metafora – Vis
• PARALELA 47 – Fragmente
• Carolina Gorun – Turn The Tide
• Lucia S – Frozen
• Curly – Your Recovery
• Ana Cernicova – Dragostea Divină
• Rodica Olișevschi – Without You
• Alina Sorochina – Ascultă-mă, Tăcere
• Diana Staver – One And All
• Vlad Ray – Freedom
• Mikaella – Follow Your Dreams
• Lana Lights – Solar Wind
• Aurel Chirtoacă – Urme De Iubiri
• EDICT – Forever
• Cristina Scarlat – Wild Soul
• Doinița Gherman – Energy
• FLUX LIGHT – Never Stop No
• Felicia Dunaf – The Way I Do
• Anna Gulko – Happy Tomorrow
• Dana Markitan – Queen Of The Dancefloor
• Tatiana Heghea – I’m Yours
• Boris Covali – Flyng
• Glam Girls – You Believed In Me

Moldova: Listen to the renaming 40 hopefuls!

Moldova is the latest country to release their bidding entries. These tracks have made the second phrase of the selection process - and the retrospective artists will perform their songs in front of a special jury and 24 acts will make the live shows. You can listen to the songs here! Boris has two songs in the selection this year, and Flying is already proving very popular...

Moldova: Only 25 acts have applied...UPDATED!

Interest is low in Moldova as only 25 acts have applied to take part in the selection. However maybe there will be more acts submitting their offerings today - as this report was published last night. The deadline is today...

Pasha Parfeny has already confirmed we won't compete this year because he wants to give someone else a change. I really would love to see Geta Burlacu back! Last year, a total of 49 candidates applied to take part. One act has already announced his interest and that's Sasha Bognibov. This is his 13th attempt - his song is entitled My Lesbian Girl.

UPDATE - It appears there was a last minute rush today, as now 57 acts have submitted their songs into the selection. Boris Covali is among them.