NuVidz: Loreen, Sam Smith, Annalisa, Maraaya!

Pretty much everyone adored Loreen's new song - I'm In It With You - when it was released a couple of months ago however the same can't be said for her video-clip. Yes, it's weird. A multicultural group of girls just go around destroying things.. To be fair, I've always admired Loreen but her latest video is just a big no no. Shame as the song is excellent. Judge for yourself here. Sam Smith's Writing's On The Wall has also had a pretty bad reaction but this blogger thinks it is gorgeous. Imagine something like this representing the UK in Eurovision? It's a dream. Unless you've been living under a rock these past few weeks, you would've heard the song is the official theme tune to Spectre. The new James Bond film which will be released at the end of the month.Meanwhile Annalisa's Splende has an official video-clip and y'all can enjoy it here. Finally, Marjetka from Maraaya has lost her headphones for their new single. Living Again. Actually I kinda love it. 

Vienna 2015: Semi final 2 rehearsed!

This blogger is slightly behind... opps! The 17 acts in semi final two have all rehearsed now. The countries getting the best reactions seems to be Azerbaijan, Poland and I'd say San Marino. Call me crazy but their performance appeared to me really strong. A shock qualifier? Even though the song isn't the best, I'd still like to see the microstate qualify. Montenegro's rehearsal was awesome too. I think Azerbaijan are winning this semi final and who knows, maybe the final too? The dancers are amazing, the backdrop is superb... They've spent a lot of money on this y'all! Elnur apparently had some technical problems though but that can be ironed out. Switzerland looks great on screen too. Meanwhile, I think Iceland looks fab! And no dancers - thank God!

Slovenia has received mixed reactions. There's some work to be done there me thinks. Ireland also seems to be getting a mixed reaction. Molly's great - we know this - so why does she need backing singers behind her? It looks weird. Hmm.. I still hope to see Ireland qualify though!

Elsewhere we have Cyprus and Czech Republic. Both songs I didn't see qualufrying but I think (and hope) I'll be wrong. Especially in the Czech Republic's case. They're really bringing it.

I'm underwhelmed with Norway. The backdrop is boring and it still seems that Deborah is having nerves on stage.. Oh and I love Portugal's hats!! Finally, let's talk about Sweden! The song you either love or love to hate. Måns Zelmerlöw is one of the favourties to win but his rehearsal has so many dislikes online and it seems people's opinions on the song are changing. I'm think Sweden will do well but who knows?

So the first semi finalists have all rehearsed for the 2nd time today so stay tuned for more...

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: SLOVENIA!

Maraaya are among the favourites to win the contest and it would give Slovenia their first ever win. Ljubljana 2016? Here's what we think....

Ana: I’m not feeling this song as much as most people do. I can’t say that it’s bad, but for me it’s just pleasant and correct. Maybe it still has to grow on me. Anyway, it’s nice to listen to something different since this isn't a typical Eurovision song and I love her voice. 6/10

Ilkar: What to say? This is awesome. I love everything about this: her voice, the arrangement, the air violinist, her trademark headphones... Slovenia is going for their best result ever in Eurovision. This differs from all the rest, it's catchy and memorable in a good way. They've got all the right cards, don't mess them up with some over the top staging, please..... 9/10

Jack: Can Slovenia finally do it? I would love to see Slovenia win and Maraaya would be worthy winners indeed. The lead singers voice is unique and can be compared to the likes of Duffy. The violin rocks, the headphones are fabulous and it's so damn catchy. Wherever Slovenia place, it's an entry they can be proud of. 10/10

Jess: Well, all I can say is that Here For You is so so catchy and it's a song I can't help but get up and dance along to! 8/10

John: It says something for a song when you find yourself humming the tune to it after listening just once. That's what I've been doing with this year's Slovenian entry. They have sent some fab entries in the recent past but this is the cream of the crop. I would dearly love to see another Balkan victory this year. Could it happen ? It's a very real possibility. 9/10

OUR VERDICT - 42/50
OVERALL SCORE - 8.4/10

Slovenia: Martina Majerle releases 'Alive'!

Martina Majerle's Alive has been officially released today on all radio stations in Slovenia. The Slovene-Croatian singer failed to win EMA however her song would have been more than worthy of representing the tiny nation in Vienna. Love it! Regarding her latest song, Martina says:

My new single Alive is not a part of my own love story, but I think, that every woman  can find herself in it, as well as I did. Every women  was for sure in situation, when she  had a hard  times because  of  love, that  was never given  back to her or a relationship, that  she did not forget and  that she would like to be in a life of that man again. This song wears  a special meaning. Personally, the melody itself, took me over more than its lyrics and because of that the recording of the single was  a real pleasure to me, even if the song really hard and challenging. If you will like the song as half as I do, my goal will be complete, because the song is  written  and sung with a lots of love.

Do you think Martina should have won Slovenia's national final instead of Maraaya? Could she have won the contest for Slovenia?

MARAAYA TO REPRESENT SLOVENIA!

Slovenia has decided and it's Maraaya who is off to Vienna. They were in the Superfinal with Rudi Bučar En Figoni. I do really like this one. The violin parts are awesome and her voice will really stands out in Vienna. Maraaya are a duo consisting of Marjetka Vovk and Raay. They actually composed Slovenia's Junior Eurovision entry too. Good job, Slovenia :-)

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!

Slovenia: Entries released in full!

The Slovenian entries have been revealed on Radio Val 202, ahead of their national final on Saturday. Eight acts are competing in EMA 2015 and you can listen to them on ESC+Plus. Maraaya, Jana Šušteršič and Martina Majerle are my three immediate favourites!

Slovenia: Eight finalists revealed!

Eight acts are bidding to represent Slovenia and today, they was officially presented. EMA 2015 will be held on 28th February - so put that one in your diaries, y'all! Here's the full line-up:

• Alya & Neno Belan
• Clemens
• I.C.E.
• Jana Sustersic
• Maraaya
• Martina Majerle
• Rudi Bucar
• Tim Kores-Kori

Martina Majerle represented Slovenia in 2009 (with Quartissimo) and has been a backing singer on several occasions, most recently for Montenegro last year. Jana Sustersic won the latest edition of Slovenia’s Got Talent and it seem she's already the one to beat.

Photograph - EMA Facebook Page

Slovenia: National final on 28th February!

Will Muff return?

EMA will once again be used to determine the Slovene entry for Eurovision 2015 and the national final has been set for 28th February. The participants are due to be revealed in the coming weeks. 12 acts are due to compete. Six acts will be invited to take park by RTVSLO and the other six will be chosen through open submissions. Moldova, Hungary and Lithuania will also choose their entry on the same date.

Slovenia: National final to select 2015 representative!

EMA will be used once again to select Slovenia's participant for Eurovision. More details will be revealed next month, though. Who would you like to see fly the Slovene flag? Maja Keuc would be my preference.

Missed Opportunities 2014: Slovenia!

Slovenia opted for Tinkara Kovač to represent them this year, but was she the best choice? Tinkara came 25th in the final with only 9 points. I thought she deserved more but there was another song in EMA, the Slovenian national final, which this blogger loved...

Muff - Let Me Be (Myself)
Muff came 2nd with Let Me Be (Myself). This song is rather unusual but it has charm. The lead singers voice is awesome! Me likes. It would have made a great entry indeed - but what do you think? Did you prefer Muff?

Introducing 2014: Slovenia!

The Slovenian participation was in serious doubt this year - the EBU gave them two extended deadlines to get their finances in order, and thankfully they confirmed their participation on 17th January. It was later announced the Slovenian entry would be chosen through EMA. The national final was held on 8th March where Tinkara Kovač won with Spet/Round and Round. The best song defiantly won. But I also had a little soft spot for Muff's Let Me Be Myself. Tinkara Kovač has tried to represent Slovenia three times already - in 1997, 1999 and 2001. The song has been criticised for the flute comparison to "Only Teardrops", but Tinkara has said that she's been playing the flute before Emmelie de Forest was even born!

I hope Slovenia manage to qualify. I think there's a good chance they will. Another borderline qualifier.. Semi-final two is incredibly hard to call as everyone has a fair chance of making it. We'll see in a couple of weeks! The official video-clip was released a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful.

NuVidz: Tijana Dapcevic, Chachi ft. Natascha Bessez, Tinkara Kovač, Adelén!

The Macedonian video-clip was revealed this afternoon and it's awesome. The video-clip of To The Sky features several shirtless men... I really like Tijana and I think it's one of the best Macedonian entries ever! The lovely Natascha Bessez has recently teamed up with American DJ Chachi - and here's the official video-clip of Heart is a Warrior. I love this song <3 Natascha is fabulous and she deserves massive success. And... she should have represented Denmark! Yesterday, Tinkara Kovač released the official video-clip of Round and Round. There have also been slight changes to the song, which makes it even stronger. Finally, we have a new song from the gorgeous Adelén. Enjoy Always On My Mind!

Slovenia: Tinkara Kovač wins EMA!

Brilliant. Tinkara Kovač won the Slovenian national final - Muff came 2nd. Great choice from Slovenia. Stay tuned for more.

Slovenia: EMA songs released!

Slovenia will select their representative on 8th March and tonight the competing songs were officially presented. A pretty interesting line-up, my favourite is Tinkara Kovač. Nude's song is very nice too - and I also like Omar Naber's song. It's generic rock we've all heard a million times before but it's pleasant nevertheless. Go Slovenia! Take a listen to the songs here!

Slovenia: Songs to be presented on 4th March!

The seven finalists in Slovenia will present their bidding entries on 4th March at 18:00 CET - ahead of their national final on 8th March. I am really looking forward to hearing the songs! It would be nice to see Slovenia to well this year.. after being extremely underrated in 2012 and 2013, although if they were to win in Copenhagen, could they afford it?

Slovenia: Participants announced for EMA!

RTVSLO, the Slovenian broadcaster, has announced the seven acts that are going to compete in EMA - and thus the rumours proved to be incorrect. Maja and April are not going to enter, which is a shame, although Omar is back in the quest to represent Slovenia once again.

These are the acts:

• Bilbi
• Muff
• Nermin Puškar & Samuel Lucas
• Nude
• Omar Naber
• Rudi Bučar
• Tinkara Kovač

The songs are going to be released at a later. It should be strong selection. 

Slovenia: Rumoured participants...

Rumours have been circulating around the web regarding who will participate in EMA 2014, the Slovenian national final. And if this is true, EMA is defiantly going to be fantastic!! Maja Keuc, April and Nika Zorjan are among the rumoured names.

The possible acts that will take part are:

• Alya
• Lea Sirk
• Aleks Volasko
• April
• Maja Keuc
• Katarina Mala
• Tinkara Kovač
• Hamo
• Ana Soklič

Confirmation should come soon! The Slovenian national final will take part on 8th March.

Slovenia: EMA to return on 8th March!

After much doubt regarding their participation, it's been announced that Slovenia will select their representative through EMA. The national final will take place on 8th March.

Uh-oh! This is the same night as Melodifestivalen and Dansk Melodi Grand Prix! It will be a hectic night - that's for certain, and maybe there will be another national final that night too as some countries are still to announce their selection date. RTVSLO will invite artists and composers to compete - maybe Maja Keuc will return?

Slovenia: Participation confirmed!

YAY! Slovenian broadcaster, RTVSLO, has officially announced that they will send a representative to Copenhagen. Therefore 37 countries will #JoinUs this year!

Information regarding the Slovenian selection process will be announced very soon - it's very likely they will choose their entry internally. Slovenia were granted a longer deadline to get their finances in order. The Semi-Final Allocation Draw will take place on Monday.