Stockholm 2016: San Marino and Albania confirm!

...maybe! They can still withdraw up until 10th October but it's more than likely we will see them compete. Yay!! As always, Albania will use Festivali i Këngës to select their representative and the competition is expected to take place in December. Meanwhile Alessandro Capicchioni, San Marino's HoD, has said his country plans to participate however they need to review all options before official confirmation can be made. He also said he wants Andorra and Monaco back. We all do, Alessandro :-)

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.

#ESC2015: REVIEW OF THE SEMI FINALS!

Twenty countries have managed to qualify through the semi finals for tomorrow nights big grand final. I have loved both shows even if I'm not 100% happy with the results.. We're always going to have some great songs that won't make it.. Find out what this blogger thought about the shows and the week so far below:

SEMI FINAL ONE
The first semi final was amazing! Albania made it, Russia made it.. Georgia made it! So did Estonia, Greece, Belgium... all amazing songs. I think Russia won this semi final and I think 10th place would've been either Hungary or Serbia. I'm a little shocked Hungary made it through but pleased. Boggie's performance brought a tear to my eye. Very touching. Armenia's entry could've been a disaster live but Genealogy impressed me. Moving away from the songs, the hosts are pretty good although not very memorable.. Does this make sense? I love Conchita hosting the green room! She's a natural :) and I also love it when the participants walk from the green room onto the stage during the opening.. That's a lovely touch. Talking of Conchita, this photo is beautiful! Love it!

Overall I was impressed with the results. My biggest disappointment was The Netherlands not qualifying though... Why ay ay ay didn't they make it? I'm also sad that we won't see Macedonia in the final. Daniel performed brilliantly and I now fear we may not see a Macedonian entry in next years contest... wasn't they close to withdrawing last year? Finland not making it was a shock. It wasn't my favourtie song - far from it - but I thought PKN deserved it.. Moldova, Denmark and Belarus deserved what they got. I got 7/10 right. I thought Denmark, Finland and The Netherlands wouldn't make it. Unfortunately I have read some comments saying Elhaida was vocally poor. I don't agree. She smashed it. I want Albania to be top ten but whether she will or not remains to be seen....

SEMI FINAL TWO
Now I was rather upset with some results from last nights semi. Czech Republic, Ireland and Malta all deserved to qualify! I am really sorry to see them miss out. Ireland's Molly is a true star. She's only 16 but her performance last night was one of the best. Also Amber really impressed me. And as for the Czech Republic.. Marta & Václav didn't just deserve the final, but they deserved top ten. Obviously the rest of Europe (and Australia) didn't agree with me. I'd be saddened but not shocked if they quit Eurovision. Even though I didn't think Portugal would make the final, I'm still upset Leonor failed to qualify. I'm not saying that I dislike the Cypriot song but I don't think they deserved to have qualified over some that missed out... but that's they way it goes. John was flawless vocally. I was underwhelmed with Iceland so it was no surprise to see Maria fail although I was a bit surprised about Switzerland's non qualification. San Marino's failure didn't surprise me. I got 9/10. I thought Iceland would make it and Latvia wouldn't. For once I am happy to be wrong!

With regards to the qualifiers, I'm thrilled Latvia and Israel finally qualified after all these years! Sweden, Azerbaijan and Norway are possible winners so it was no surprise to see them make it. I was a bit confused with the Azeri dancers are first but they did make the performance memorable. I hope Elnur won't flop like Dilara. Lithuania's performance featured three kisses, including a lesbian and gay kiss. Are Vaidas and Monika a couple? Knez qualified and I think Montenegro could achieve top ten tomorrow night. I think Sweden won this semi.



DRAMA! 
Even though nothing is official, it seems the EBU are going to allow Australia to participate next year too and the year after.. I don't mind but this will do doubt get some people raging IF it turns out to be true. China have sent a delegation to Vienna and they're broadcasting it too - maybe we'll see them debut one year? A Moroccan delegation are also in Vienna it seems. Is this the end of EUROvision? Personally, I'd love to see as many countries as possible compete. One could argue Israel, Azerbaijan and Cyprus aren't European countries yet they're allowed to compete..

Elsewhere Michele from San Marino threw some shade in Måns's direction although did later say he was joking. Hmmm..


Apparently fake cheers will be used tomorrow after Russia's performance. I am not in Vienna so I don't know if it's true or not although I'm upset if it is. As much as I hate to see booing in Eurovision, the crowd still have a right to express how they feel. It's freedom of speech. I was so sad to see Dima booed in London although if that's how the masses feel. fine. Even though I don't agree with booing an act - I do agree with freedom of speech. If Polina wins - and it's very possible - expect some more controversy! Stay tuned for a special preview of the grand final!

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: SAN MARINO!

Valentina Monetta famously gave San Marino its first ever qualification last year. Are Michele and Anita going to have the same fate? Or will San Marino stay in the semis? Here's what we think..

Ana: Every time I listen to this song, I miss Valentina Monetta. I find it boring and dated. It’s like if they had only two days to prepare their entry and send it. Definitely, this deserves to stay in the semi final and ask Valentina to come back next year. 3/10

Ilkar: What to say? This starts well and sounds interesting. The feeling is a bit gone by the time the chorus kicks in and it turns to something very familiar and already heard. The kids will charm the TV audience anyways so let's all switch on the light on our cellphone and join the chain of lights, ok? 7,5/10

Jack: San Marino's 2014 entry became one of my favourites (along with Emma and Ruth) and I loved Maybe even more after Vale qualified - so whoever would represent San Marino this year would have big shoes to fill.  I feel it's a respectable effort from San Marino but not one of my favourites, if this makes sense. We're yet to see this performed live too.... I fear it may crumble live as they are both still very young. Will San Marino qualify for the 2nd year in a row? Maybeeeee. 4.5/10

Jess: I really do like this song! Michele & Anita voices work so well together! 8/10

John: "If we all light a candle" ? The most ill-advised lyric of the century crops up here but, being the forgiving type, I will concede to liking other aspects of this song (after hearing it several times). If it fails abysmally it will likely have more to do with it being the San Marino entry than anything else. Overall a pleasant sound.  6/10

OUR VERDICT - 29/50
OVERALL SCORE - 5.8/10

Let's remind ourselves of Anita's and Michele's Junior Eurovision entries...

San Marino: Valentina Monetta to announce votes!

It's official. Valentina Monetta will reveal the San Marinese votes during the final of Eurovision 2015. Yihuu. Valentina managed to bring San Marino it's first ever qualification last year with Maybe.

San Marino: 'Chain of Lights' officially presented!

Chain of Lights by Anita Simoncini & Michele Perniola has been officially presented today. Ralph Siegel composed the song. What to say about this one? This blogger defiantly misses Vale but I do wish them the best of luck. Maybe the song will grow on me.. Maybe ;-)

Photograph - Eurovision.tv 

San Marino: A chain of light for Michele and Anita!

San Marino's song will be officially presented tomorrow morning, during the Heads of Delegations meeting. Anita will be the youngest singer in Vienna, she turns 16 next month, and therefore San Marino are sending the youngest duo ever to Eurovision. Their song is entitled A Chain Of Light. Listen to a 40 second snippet here...

UPDATE - Chain Of Lights has been leaked. Valentina's song was also leaked last year before its official release... oppps! Listen to it here. 

San Marino: Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini internally selected!

Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini will represent San Marino in Viennal! Michele Perniola represented San Marino in Junior Eurovision 2013 and also revealed San Marino's votes in Copenhagen. Meanwhile, Sammarinese born Anita Simoncini recently participated in Junior Eurovision 2014 with The Peppermints. Perniola is 16 years of age although Simoncini is only 15, but she will be 16 in May and therefore is eligible to represent the tiny nation. San Marino's song will be revealed at later date, naturally. Good luck San Marino! Enjoy their Junior Eurovision songs below:

Source - ESCBubble

San Marino: Artist announcement tomorrow!

At 12:00 CET, a press conference will be held to reveal the 2015 Sammarinese representative. Who will succeed Valentina Monetta? We will find out very soon! I am confident San Marino won't disappoint us :-)

San Marino: Artist announcement next month!

The Sammarinese representative will be revealed next month. An announcement will be made after Junior Eurovision, which takes place on 15th November. Valentina Monetta has already confirmed she won't represent San Marino for the forth year in a row - so could it be Michele Perniola? Maybe! 

San Marino: Valentina Monetta WON'T return!

The beautiful Valentina Monetta recently announced on her personal Facebook account she won't represent San Marino for the fourth year in a row.

Soooo...San Marino asked me if i wanted to participate again but i said NO already from mey... the lates news about me is not truth,i'd like to write a song for next year but no one asked me..actually this is the real truth...

Anyway, who will get the honour of representing San Marino next year? Maybeeee Michele Perniola?

San Marino: Participation to be decided on 11th October!

A final decision regarding San Marino's participation in the sixtieth Eurovision Song Contest will be announced on 11th October. Will they compete? Oh, I really hope so! Meanwhile, Slovenia has apparently applied to participate next year however they can still withdraw until 11th October. Albania, Croatia, Poland, Ukraine and Moldova are still to reveal anything....

San Marino: Antonello Carozza and Michele Perniola for 2015?

San Marino historically made the final for the first time ever in Copenhagen with Valentina Monetta. Naturally, a lot of people have discussed whether she'll represent the country for the forth time although it appears this won't be the case. SMTV are yet to confirm their presence in Austria - however sources close to the broadcaster say a decision has already been made regarding their act for next years edition...

Michele Perniola represented Europe's oldest state in JESC 2013, and even announced the Sammarinese votes in ESC 2014 - so naturally, he's been tipped to represent San Marino next year. Could it be him? Meanwhile, Antonello Carozza is an Italian singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, pianist and vocal coach. He has recently announced on his Facebook page that he's going to be busy in November working on JESC, and also busy in May... it's possible that he will produce Perniola's for next years Eurovision. Or maybeeeee Carozza will be their representative? Antonello Carozza produced San Marino's JESC entry last year and even competed in the Russian selection, back in 2010 with Senza respiro. He came 8th. We'll see how this one pans out.

This is not official - only speculation at the moment...

Copenhagen 2014: Grand final tonight!

The grand final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be held tonight! 26 acts are all in the running to be crowned the winner, and it's going to be a spectacular show. The running order was decided yesterday by DR and the EBU. Ukraine will open the show, and the United Kingdom will close it! Does this mean Molly can win? I really hope so! Azerbaijan will perform #03 in the finale - maybe this be the first year they don't make the top ten? And who will be last? I have a horrible feeling it could be Germany.. I hope I'm wrong. There are so many unanswered questions - and that's why this is the strongest and most exciting final in years! Remember, we see Montenegro and San Marino in the final for the first time ever! I predict the winner will be between Sweden, Hungary, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, Greece and maybe Austria? It's so hard to call. These are tonight's participants:

1. Ukraine
2. Belarus
3. Azerbaijan
4. Iceland
5. Norway
6. Romania
7. Armenia
8. Montenegro
9. Poland
10. Greece
11. Austria
12. Germany
13. Sweden
14. France
15. Russia
16. Italy
17. Slovenia
18. Finland
19. Spain
20. Switzerland
21. Hungary
22. Malta
23. Denmark
24. The Netherlands
25. San Marino
26. United Kingdom

Good luck to everyone! Especially Ruth Lorenzo, Emma, Molly and Valentina Monetta! <3

Copenhagen 2014: Semi final ONE review!

The first semi final was held last night and it was truly amazing. The stage looked great on TV and all the performances were very strong. I also loved the hosts! Ten countries qualified from last night's semi and I was mostly pleased with the results. Montenegro and San Marino made the grand final for the first time ever... YAY! I'm delighted for Valentina! She has finally achieved her dream! It's marvellous - maybe this will entice other microstates to come back? It's also great to see Montenegro in the final. The Netherlands were amazing - and they are now among the favourites to win on Saturday! Amsterdam 2015? Sweden seems to be the front runner now though.. Armenia was good but not good enough to win me thinks. The Russian twins were booed when it was announced they had made the final - it was always going to happen I guess... Ukraine looked great on TV and I think a top five position is very likely for them.

Here are the lucky qualifiers:

• Armenia
• Sweden
• Iceland
• Russia
• Azerbaijan
• Ukraine
• San Marino
• The Netherlands
• Montenegro
• Hungary

Latvia, Albania, Estonia, Portugal, Belgium and Moldova were eliminated. I thought that Portugal and Moldova would have made the final easily... Portugal really was amazing! Why didn't the lovely Suzy make it? Gutted - I would have loved her in the final. Latvia's song is sweet although the performance wasn't up to much. Axel's performance was very disappointing and Estonia underwhelmed me too, I'm afraid... It was a great show and I cannot wait for tomorrow now! 

San Marino: Valentina Monetta for 2015?

There are strong rumours that Valentina Monetta will represent San Marino for the forth year in a row. These rumours are heard in the press center, in Copenhagen. Someone asked the question and she said "maybe...". Of-course nothing is confirmed - but wouldn't it be awesome if Valentina did it again? Hopefully she will make the final tomorrow night. Here is my interview with the lovely Valentina!

Introducing 2014: San Marino!

In 2012, Valentina Monetta flew the Sammarinese flag with The Social Network Song although failed to qualify. Then she decided to give it another go with Crisalide (Vola) - and she didn't make it, although she was close. Therefore, Valentina decided to give it another shot this year! She'll perform Maybe in Copenhagen. The song is actually my favourite entry from Valentina - and I really would love to see San Marino in the grand final. Maybe that would encourage other microstates (like Monaco, Luxembourg and Andorra) to return in the near future. She's recently released a new album, entitled Sensibilità.

The Sammarinese was composed by Ralph Siegel with lyrics by Mauro Balestri. Valentina will sing the English version in Copenhagen - although she has recorded an Italian version. Normally I support songs in the native language, but I feel Valentina and her team made the right choice when deciding to sing in English. There have been little details revealed about Valentina's performance in Copenhagen. I would be thrilled to see San Marino make the final.. You can read my exclusive interview with Valentina here! Buona fortuna, Vale! <3

San Marino: Valentina Monetta interview!

Valentina Monetta has already represented San Marino in 2012 and 2013, now she's back again - and her mission is to make the grand final! I was lucky enough to speak to her.

Jack: In June 2013, it was confirmed that you would represent San Marino for the third year in a row. Why did you want to participate in Eurovision again.

Valentina: Why not? It would have been a shame to interrupt such an adventure.

Jack: It must have been a hard choice when choosing your entry for Copenhagen - so why did you pick "Maybe (Forse)"?

Valentina: True, it hasn't been easy. I have decided with my production team. As last year our song was well liked , we believed it's good to go on with the same path. Maybe is an evlotuion of Crisalide.

Jack: Regarding Copenhagen, can you reveal any details about your performance?

Valentina: I can only say you will see me smiling a lot!

Jack: Have you had chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision entries this year? If so, do you have any favourites?

Valentina: Germany and Hungary.

Jack: Who would you consider as your biggest rival in Copenhagen?

Valentina: Hard to tell, at this moment.....

Jack: San Marino have unfortunately never qualified to the final, why do you think this is?

Valentina: Maybe because we are a small country and to reach the final, maybe more than just talent is needed??? I don't know....

Jack: What are you plans after Eurovision?

Valentina: To promote my new album Sensibilità and do many, many concerts.

Jack: Who would you like to see represent San Marino in 2015?

Valentina: There are many collegues of mine getting ready for that. Well, we'll see.

Jack: Here are a couple of questions to get to know you a little bit more... Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Valentina: I have fallen in love with a place in south-west of Sardinia. A laguna where I can relax while working, practising kite surf!

Jack: Do you have any hidden talents?

Valentina: I'm a creative person, I paint, create, plan, dance... many the things I would have wanted to done if I wasn't singing.

Jack: What has been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Valentina: Ha ha ha, I can tell a funny event. When I was just starting with kite surf and not very good with my kite yet.. I took a flight for several meters on water and was ripped off my swimsuit.... giving a good view to several persons nearby, oops!

Jack: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Valentina! I wish you the best of luck in Copenhagen and fingers crossed you will qualify!

Valentina: Thank you, Jack! Enjoy your life!

San Marino: Valentina Monetta releases her third Eurovision entry!

San Marino's entry has been revealed and I'm really impressed. Valentina is representing the landlocked country for the third year in a row, after failing to qualify in Baku and Malmo. I really hope her luck will change this year. The song was officially presented moments ago during a special TV program and you can listen to it here!

Valentina Monetta was announced as the Sammarinese representative back in June 2013 and expectations have been high. The song was composed by Ralph Siegel and it was penned by Mauro Balestri. After writing several songs for the contest, it was decided "Maybe (Forse)" would go to Eurovision because it plays on Valentina’s jazz strengths. It appears the English version will be used in Copenhagen. "Maybe (Forse)" will naturally feature on Valentina's next album. The reception from ESC fans has been mixed. Some folk are saying it's dated but I think it's really lovely. A stunning video-clip, too. Good luck Valentina! This song is defiantly one of the best entries this year. Will it be third time lucky for Valentina and San Marino?! Maybe...

Copenhagen 2014: Three songs to be presented tomorrow!