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"

Armenia: 'Don't Deny' revealed!

The Armenian entry has been revealed! It's another ballad, and not a bad one, but I'm not quite sure what to think about it yet... Judge for yourself here.

Reviews: Melodifestivalen 2015 Final!

Melodifestivalen will conclude on Saturday. Twelve songs are in the running.. and once again, Melfest doesn't disappoint. Here's what this blogger and my friend Robin, from Sweden, thought of the songs!

SAMIR & VIKTOR – GROUPIE

Jack: Groupie is a fun and a decent opener - it's very catchy but their song just isn't for me. The performance itself is a bit messy but it does leave a smile on my face. I don't think they will win but they could place well. 6/10

Robin: This is really catchy. Before I heard this song, I was sure that I was going to hate it. I could not have been more wrong. This song makes me really happy, it makes me wanna dance. And Viktor is so cute. It needs in the final, and I am probably going to give this one or two heart votes on Saturday. 7/10

JTR – BUILDING IT UP

Jack: JRT's song is rather average, isn't it? Not terrible, as it's easy to listen to.. but forgettable and dare I say mediocre... A contender for last place. 2/10

Robin: I seriously don't know what they are trying to build up, but I'm really sure that they fail to do it. I don't like the song, I really don't like the random rap part of the song, only one of the boys can sing. I can go on and on making a list about what I dislike about this entry but I won't. I will leave it here. Sorry boys. 0/10

DINAH NAH – MAKE ME (LA LA LA)

Jack: Love this one! Dinah's performances have been constantly strong and the song is so catchy. Defiantly would make a decent Swedish entry however I can't see them opting for this.. Prove me wrong Sweden, select this little cracker! :-) 9/10

Robin: When I first heard this song, I couldn't stand it. I thought that Dinah had a middle age crisis or something. But then I actually started to like it more and more. It's not the best song. Not the second or even third best song this year. But it's not that bad. Although, her voice is kind of bad at parts of the song. 6/10

JON HENRIK FJÄLLGREN – JAG ÄR FRI (MANNE LEAM FRIJJE)

Jack: I didn't like this much to start with but Jon's song has grown on me. I don't think Sweden has ever sent a song like this - so it would be an interesting and a daring choice... A joik song in Eurovision might not work and even though he isn't my favourite, I wouldn't be disappointed if he was victorious on Saturday. 7/10

Robin: This is magical. I had goosebumps the first time I heard this song. I like that it's something different. Something that we are not used to hear in Melodifestivalen. The staging is simple and perfect. I'm not going to be surprised if this is going to make it to top five on Saturday. I wouldn't mind to send it to Vienna either. Go Jon Henrik. 8/10

JESSICA ANDERSSON – CAN’T HURT ME NOW

Jack: Hmm, I want to like Jessica's entry however it somehow leaves me a bit cold. Nothing exciting about this one but it's pleasant. 5/10

Robin: I think that this entry is a little bit underrated. No one is talking about it and if they do, they are talking bad about it. Poor Jessica. I like this song. I am a ballad guy and this is a typical ballad. Although she is a little bit too perfect. She stands there in her golden dress, in her blonde hair with the wind machine smiling. Like she have no problems at all. I can see why that is annoying people. 6/10

MÅNS ZELMERLÖW – HEROES

Jack: Måns is my favourite for sure! If chosen, I think Sweden are going to overtake Estonia and Italy in the odds and they will be the ones to beat in Vienna! I love Heroes so much!!! The staging is brilliant and the song could easily be a hit here in the UK. Will he be chosen? I think it's the obvious choice but who knows... 10/10 from me!

Robin: This is really not what I expected from him. Actually this is way better than I expected. I liked it from the first tone in the intro. The staging is perfect. I love the small snowmans. I think this could be the winner even though it's not my personal favorite. And I really wouldn't mind. 9/10

LINUS SVENNING – FOREVER STARTS TODAY

Jack: What can I say? I like him but I expected better. His entry last year was so much better. I don't think he's going to be heading to Vienna...  and there's too much happening on stage! 4/10

Robin: I like this. It's a good song and an okay show. But he do not sing that well live. Unfortunatley. It's nothing really special, and I don't think it's going to do that great in the final either. 5/10

ISA – DON’T STOP

Jack: Many people are comparing Isa's song to Ace Wilder's Busy Doin' Nothin' - I do see the resemblance but I think her look and performance are more similar to Ace's effort than the song itself. Sweden has better songs so I can't see her winning but maybe she will do well on the night. It's very catchy! 6/10

Robin: This is young, this is fresh and this is Taylor Swit-ish. It's amazing. I can't believe that she is only 16 years old. She owns the stage. And she slays it. I am going to dance to this a lot in the future. 8/10

MAGNUS CARLSSON – MÖT MIG I GAMLA STAN

Jack: For some reason, most people seem to love this song yet I find it completely boring and repetitive. Please don't send this Sweden! One of my least favourites.... 3/10

Robin: This is a typical schlager song. Kind of old-fashioned, you've heard it before. I adore Magnus, but this really is nothing special to me. I was disappointed at first, but i've slightly learned to like the song only because it's Magnus. 4/10

ERIC SAADE – STING

Jack: Eric returns with a fantastic entry. I didn't think I would like this song, as I hated his 2011 effort, but I do like it. I can't help it. The instrumental includes a saxaphone during the chorus - LOVE THAT! He has a massive fanbase and a great draw.. A winner? I wouldn't rule it out. Top three for sure. 8/10

Robin: This is up tempo. We need up tempo songs in Eurovision. But I am really not a fan of this. It's a decent song. And the show is okay, but it's something that makes me dislike this and I can't really put my finger on what it is. I don't want us to send this to Vienna. 3/10

MARIETTE – DON’T STOP BELIEVING

Jack: Mariette would stand out in any other yet although we do have several songs similar to Don't Stop Believing already chosen for Vienna. I can't see her winning but what do I know.. It's a fantastic song, she performs it brilliantly and I hope achieve a high position on Saturday! 8/10

Robin: This is my personal favorite of the whole Melodifestivalen. I love everything about this. The song is simply amazing. Mariette have a killer voice and she knows how to use it. It's so dark and mysterious, like she is some kind of vampire warrior or a witch that's putting a spell on us or something. It's pure perfection. 10/10

HASSE ANDERSSON – GULD OCH GRÖNA SKOGAR

Jack: Well it's certainly interesting. Not my favourite but some people will like it. I just find it a bit boring and dated... but hey, anything can happen on Saturday. 2/10

Robin: This is... something. Like the kind of music my grandparents use to listen to. Still it's kind of catchy and I kind of sing along to it, which is embarrassing. 3/10

Here are our rankings...

Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes 19/20 

Mariette - Don't Stop Believing 18/20

Dinah Nah - Make Me (La La La) 15/20

Jon Henrik Fjällgren - Jag är fri (Manne Leam Frijje) 15/20

Isa - Don't Stop 14/20

Samir & Viktor - Groupie 13/20

Eric Saade - Sting 11/20

Jessica Andersson - Can't Hurt Me Now 11/20

Linus Svenning - Forever Starts Today 9/20

Magnus Carlsson - Möt mig i Gamla stan 7/20

Hasse Andersson - Guld och gröna skogar 5/20

JTR - Building It Up 2/20

Tack så mycket Robin for helping me out with these receives! :-)

Belarus: Uzari & Maimuna release 'Time' video-clip!

Belarus are the next country to present their video-clip for Vienna. I'm really liking this now. The song has also undergone some more work it seems..  I think we'll be seeing Belarus in the final once again.

Russia: Here's a sneak peak of 'A Million Voices'!

Polina Gagarina will sing A Million Voices in Vienna. And you guessed it, A Million Voices is yet another ballad. It's sounding great though! The final version will premier on 15th March.

Montenegro: Knez to reveal 'Adio' on 21st March!

Montenegro was the first country to reveal their act, back in October, and now it appears the Balkan country will last to reveal their song - as Knez's song won't be presented until 21st March. As previously reported, Željko Joksimović will compose the song with lyrics by Dejan Ivanović and Marina Tucaković. Rumours say it is going to be an uptempo song.

Georgia: Nina's 'Warrior' video-clip presented!

The official video-clip of the Georgian entry, Warrior, has been revealed today. The song has also undergone a revamp. Enjoy!!

Belgium: Loïc Nottet has rhythm inside!

And here's the Belgian entry! Loïc Nottet's song has finally been presented. Not something I was expecting to be honest but it's different, and I think I like it. Rhythm Inside was inspired by Lorde..

"We were put here together to discover, the heart that beats within each other, we’re gonna rap-bop-bop-tonight, and if we die tomorrow, what do we have to show for the wicked ways down below?"

Well done Belgium! Listen to it here....

Czech Republic: Listen to 'Hope Never Dies'!

The Czech entry has been revealed today. You can listen to it here. The video-clip for Marta Jandová & Václav Noid Bárta's entry will be released tomorrow. It's one of the better ones I think.. Welcome back, Czech Republic! :-)

MONIKA KUSZYŃSKA TO REPRESENT POLAND!

Did anyone expect this? It's not Doda after all, but Monika Kuszyńska... Here's the song she will take to Vienna!

Monika was partially paralysed in 2006 due to a car accident but that never stopped her pursing her dream. She says:

Through all my artistic efforts I try to link two worlds that up until recently seemed impossible to combine World of people with and without disabilities. Bridge of understanding between those two becomes stronger and stronger each year. I strongly believe that some day borders separating those worlds will disappear forever. This year Eurovision Song Contest motto is Building Bridges and it fits perfectly the idea I convey through my song. The contest's phrase also inspired me to write lyrics to In The Name Of Love. Because in the name of love we are able to overcome every barrier, aren't we?

Spain: Edurne releases 'Amanecer' video-clip!

The official video-clip of Amanecer has been revealed today. You can watch it here. Edurne rocks the warrior look and shares the spotlight with a tiger! Es bastante increíble!

POLINA GAGARINA TO REPRESENT RUSSIA!

ESCKAZ reports Polina Gagarina will represent Russia in Vienna. The music video for her Eurovision entry is going to be recorded and released very soon..... More information to follow :-)

Malta: Official video-clip of 'Warrior' presented!

The Maltese entry has undergone a minor revamp and the official video-clip has been presented. Sometimes revamps don't work but I think it's worked for the better here. #TeamAmber! Enjoy it below....

VOLTAJ TO REPRESENT ROMANIA!

Yihuuuu! Voltaj has won Selecția Națională and therefore will fly the Romanian flag in Vienna. Luminiţa Anghel came 2nd. I did love her song but we didn't need another ballad in Vienna, did we? It's unknown whether Voltaj will sing in Romanian or English for Eurovision, but I hope it'll stick in Romanian. Beautiful song. The full results:

Enjoy their live performance below - what's with the suitcases?

Editorial: Has the UK hit an all time low?

Many fans were left shocked last night when our entry was revealed, mainly for the wrong reasons.

As we all know now, the United Kingdom will be represented by the unknown duo Electro Velvet with a funky retro number. The song has not been received well in the UK - as the British press said 'We know we won't win so we haven't really bothered'. Sigh. I appreciate the BBC's efforts though. It's different - something that Eurovision is lacking so far this year - and they could stand out in Vienna. Maybe. It's also very catchy indeed however there's one problem... the song is just a big pile of nothing. In my opinion of course. It might stand out in Eurovision when performed live but I don't think it'll good enough to reach the top ten or anything. I hope I'm wrong though.

Before yesterday, Electro Velvet were completely unknown here in the United Kingdom. Bianca Nicholas did appear on The Voice UK last year though but was eliminated in the first round so no one really remembers her... Watch her perform below:

Bianca has cystic fibrosis and I've read some comments online saying that they hope she dies before the contest. That is disgusting and so awful!!!! I wasn't going to share that but I thought I would as it shows how horrid and nasty some people can be.  It makes me question humanity. We were in a situation similar last week when Finland selected PKN. If you don't like the song, then fine -  but writing these comments is just terrible.. :-(

Moving on. Alex Larke is a lead singer in a Rolling Stones tribute band. So even more unknown. I believe, and you may not agree with me here, but if it's going to be an internal selection - we should at least send an artist who has had some form of success, within the industry. Someone who people are familiar with. If they won the right to represent the UK through an national final process where the public could vote and have a say, then fair enough. Should the UK select their song through a national final next year? I'd like to see that happen but I am not holding my breath. I don't mean to sound cruel here - but many people also felt the same when Molly was chosen so I'm not only aiming this at Electro Velvet but at the BBC's current approach to Eurovision as a whole.

The Big Five (or the Big Six this year) will all send respectable entries to Vienna. Il Volo are massive in Italy at the moment and their entry has been certificated gold already. Grande Amore has had almost 13 million hits on YouTube and they won Sanremo - one of Italy's biggest and well respected contests. It seems they'll be the ones to beat in Vienna. Meanwhile, Spain are also sending a household name. They may have shopped abroad for the song but Edurne is well known. The French and German singers are a bit more unknown, granted, but at least Ann Sophie won the ticket to Eurovision through an open national final. Even though she wasn't the winner but you know what I mean... If you're going to pick someone internally, opt for someone who the people know. Take a leaf out of The Netherlands's book. They may have gone 100% internal this year but at least people are familiar with their act.

Another problem I have is that they have never performed together live! This surely doesn't bode well, does it? Oh I don't know. It's a rather poor effort. The guys at Wiwibloggs sum it up perfectly.....

For example, Kitty Brucknell isn't a massive name here but people do know her and she loves Eurovision so much. Kitty entered the Swiss selection, went to Moldova too.. she is so dedicated to the contest and would give anything to perform on the Eurovision stage. Couldn't the BBC have given her a shot? Here's what she tweeted yesterday.


My biggest fear is coming 27th place in Vienna. It's not just about the song or the way it was chosen, but the idea of coming 27th place would be hideous and I would be so gutted. And we don't know that they're like live. Will they crumble due to the nerves? Performing in front of 200 million people isn't going to be an easy task. I don't know... I felt a bit upset last night actually. Very underwhelmed indeed. More has to be done in this country to ensure the public can back their Eurovision entry. Molly's song was never going to be a mega hit but people liked it. It was a respectable effort. Children Of The Universe had airtime and reached #23 in the British charts. Not amazing but it's something. I don't think the Brits will support Still In Love With You. This blogger doesn't hate the song - but we could have done better. Much better. The Guardian said:

It feels mean-spirited to criticise Electro Velvet too harshly for this. After all, they didn’t write the song – that was the man who wrote the Jim’ll Fix It theme tune – and they certainly weren’t the ones who let it represent the UK. They’re just jobbing performers with an upsetting lack of taste. Our real scorn should be directed at the people who organise the UK entry; the ones who chose this song and hid their process from view. They’re the reason why we’re going to collectively hide our faces behind a pillow come May, and they deserve to be punished. Surely we can do better than this.

We can do better than this! Last year was awesome. Even though Bonnie and Engelbert didn't exactly set the leader-board on fire, they were known and had professionalism behind them. I do respect Electro Velvet and hope they do the UK proud, that goes without saying, But I think the only way London will get to host Eurovision in 2016 will be if Australia wins.. Oh well. There's always next year! ;-)

Please feel free to comment on your thoughts about the British entry below! 

Romania: National final to be held tonight!

The Romanians will select their song tonight. Twelve acts are in the the running and it's a rather weak line-up.. My favourite by far is Voltaj. I'd be thrilled if they won. It's a strong song and would make a fantastic entry for Romania! Will they select it? Who knows... My 2nd choice would be Luminita Anghel and my 3rd choice would be Lara Lee. The others didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. Here's the line-up for tonight:

1. Voltaj – De la capat
2. Baietii – Dragoste in lanturi
3. Tudor Turcu – Save Us
4. Aurelian Temisan feat. Alexa – Chica Latina
5. Rodica Aculova – My Light
6. Blue Noise – Love Won’t Run Away
7. Ovidiu Anton – Still Alive
8. Lara Lee – Superman
9. Super Trooper – Secret Place
10. Luminita Anghel – A Million Stars
11. Cristina Vasiu – Nowhere
12. CEJ – We Were In Love