Poland: Edyta Górniak in talks with TVP?

Edyta Górniak, Poland's most successful representative, is reportedly in talks with TVP regarding a return to the competition. Nothing is official yet, I must stress that, but I've heard the Polish broadcaster are interested in Edyta making a return.

TVP haven't given any information or hints regarding their representative - although they have said an announcement is due in February and that the song itself will be selected internally. Edyta represented Poland 20 years ago, where she achieved a very respectable 2nd place. She is one of the best selling artists in Poland and has released 9 albums in total. I would love to see her back in Eurovision...

Hungary: Songs published!

All of the songs, that will compete in "A Dal", were officially released yesterday! There are lots of different styles here - Gigi Radics, Lilla Polyák and Joni are my immediate favourites. I also think  Kállay-Saunders has a really good song, too.

Listen to the songs here. Who would you like to see represent Hungary this year? The Hungarian selection will kick off 25th January, with the first heat. Eventually, after more heats and semi finals, the grand final will take place on 22nd February.

Latvia: Participants and running order revealed!

The competing acts in Dziesma 2014, has today been revealed by the Latvian broadcaster  - some familiar names in the mix! So we now have names to match the songs, y'all!

Samanta Tina and Niko have returned to the selection. The lead singer of PeR also returns, Ralfs Eilands, will he be representing in Latvia for the second year running? Other names I recognise are Sabine Berezina and Mad Show Boys... although for me, it's Samanta's time! Her song is brilliant. I have been listening to it since it's release. I might cry with happiness if she wins! Anyway, here is the running order for the semi finals:

Semi Final 1 – February 1st:

1. Dejo Tā - DJ Dween & Sabīne Berezina
2. Bučas – Crazy Dolls
3. I’m Happy - Tamara Rutkovska
4. Here I Am Again – Niko
5. I’ve Got - Ivo Grīsniņš Grīslis
6. Cake To Bake - Aarzemnieki
7. Just Stop - Oskars Deigelis
8. Stay – Samanta Tina
9. Going All The Way - MyRadiantU
10. I Can Breathe - Aminata Savadogo
11. I Need More - Dāvis Matskins
12. Saule Riet (Take Away) - Olga & Līgo

Semi Final 2 – February 2nd:

1. Revelation - Ralfs Eilands, Valters Pūce & Nelli Bubujanca
2. You Are The Reason - Katrine Lukins
3. I Need A Soul-Twin – Mad Show Boys
4. Lights On – Markus Riva
5. Breathe Slow - Anete Volmane
6. What If It Was - Rolands Ūdris
7. Moment and Tomorrow -  Katrīna Bindere
8. Pa Vidu Tu - Andris Kivičs
9. Pēdējā Vēstule – Dons
10. Is It Possible - Sabīne Vidriķe
11. Pressure - Sabīne Berezina

The theme of Dziesma 2014 is "Made In Latvia" - I personally think that was the reason Samanta Tina didn't win last year, because her song was written and composed by an international team...

Slovenia: Extended deadline given - decision by 17th January!

The Slovenian broadcaster has announced that they will make a decision, regarding their participation, within the next 10 days. Thus they have until 17th January to either officially confirm their presence in Copenhagen or withdraw.

Meanwhile, the official participants list will be released sometime this week and Slovenia have only been granted an expected deadline due to exceptional circumstances. This blogger is hoping for a miracle where Bulgaria/Serbia/Croatia will actually send an entry to Denmark... Unfortunately Cyprus have confirmed 100% that they won't be in Copenhagen. Rumours are surfacing saying Russia may withdraw, as their broadcaster will be concentrating on the Winter Olympics. Hopefully they are just false rumours.

FYR Macedonia: Song presentation postponed!

Tijana Dapčević has confirmed that Pobeda will be released on 22nd February. She told a local newspaper that this decision was taken so people don't get bored with the song,  as it would've been released four months prior to the contest.

The presentation was due to be held next week. Tijana wouldn't give any details regarding the track, due to a signed contract with her record label. Take a look at the full interview here.

Romania: Krystal Mills joins forces with Mircea Cioclei!

Krystal Mills, who unfortunately didn't make the cut in Switzerland, has confirmed that she will try to represent Romania. Maybe we will see Krystal in Copenhagen after-all?

Mircea, a popular Romanian musician, approached her and asked her if she would duet with him - with one of his own tracks in the Romanian selection. The Welsh singer spoke to ESC Insight and this is what she had to say:

""The song has been beautifully written and is great Duet/Ballad sound. I hope to sing it on that huge stage in Copenhagen to the millions of viewers. Lets hope the Romanians enjoy our new track!"

Romania are yet to confirm if they will hold a national final although it looks likely one will be held. Paula and Ovi have already announced their interest in representing the country - and so has Ştefan Stan, who won The Voice Romania 2011.

NuVidz: Helena Paparizou, Twin Twin, Mirna Radulović, Giorgia feat. Eros Ramazzotti!

Helena Paparizou is aiming to represent Sweden this year, as she will participate in Melodifestivalen but we won't hear her song 1st February, so for now we can enjoy her latest single entitled De Thelo Allon Iroa. Nice song... will her Melodifestivalen entry be similar to this? Hmm. Twin Twin are in the running to represent France - Je Vais Très Bien is their latest track and it's crazy! Although they have confirmed that this isn't their Eurovision attempt. Slušaj Dobro is Mirna Radulović's new song. She was part of Moje 3 - the group that represented Serbia in Malmo. I can't say that I'm a big fan of this song although I can see why it appeals to others. Finally, and I've saved the best for last, we have Giorgia feat. Eros Ramazzotti! They released Inevitabile in 2011 although I've only just discovered it! and this blogger absolutely loves it. It's such a beautiful song! Giorgia is one of my favourite Italian artists and my dream is to see her at Eurovision. Maybe one day? :-)

San Marino: Release date postponed...

Eurofestival News has reported that the Sammarinese entry for Copenhagen will be released in late February or maybe even in March. The song was initially going to be released on 14th February however this has changed...

Valentina is still recording songs for this album in Monaco and Bavaria - there are a few songs that Valentina and her team are considering sending to Copenhagen. I just hope we get to hear some jazzy from Valentina this year!

Finland: Finalized versions of UMK songs played on radio!

The finalized and remastered versions of the songs, competing in UMK, were played on a Finnish radio station today. The program was only broadcast in Finland - although you can now hear the finalized versions on Spotify.

The jury performances have also taken place and you can watch them here. This gives an idea of how the performances may look like in the national final. My friend, Ilkar at Life After Helsinki 2007 has given a full breakdown of the judges comments from these shows. My personal favourite is Clarissa ft Josh although maybe that'll chance after hearing the songs more...

Armenia: Aram MP3 selected for Copenhagen!

Last night, the Armenian broadcaster announced that Aram MP3 would represent the country in 2014. This was announced through a special New Year's Eve variety show. Many fans are disappointed - as it's not the lovely Sirusho!

Aram MP3's real name is Aram Sargsyan and the song he represents Armenia with will be revealed in February. Aram MP3 is a comedian, showman and singer - and he also hosted the Armenian version of The X Factor! Is this a good choice? I don't know... I'm keeping an open mind until I hear the song. His most noticeable songs are Shine and If I Tried.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2013 has been a very fun and eventful year. Thank you to everyone who follows my blog and I'm delighted to see that so many of you guys are enjoying it! I put all my efforts into this blog and will continue to do so!!!

I want to thank all my friends and family for making this year so good. Hopefully 2014 will be another awesome year. Remember y'all, the Armenian representative will be revealed tonight! Who's excited? ^^

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. 

Albania: Hersiana Matmuja will take "Zemërimi i një nate" to Copenhagen!

Hersiana Matmuja has just won the 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës with "Zemërimi i një nate" and will thus represent Albania in Eurovision!

She's no stranger to Festivali i Këngës as she's entered the competition on four occasions - in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012. I like the song - and it could be great with a revamp and some English lyrics although I feel there were better choices tonight. Rezarta Smaja was my ultimate favourite - although I did enjoy Blerina Braka and Klodian Kacani too! The hashtag #FiK52 was trending here in the UK... pretty impressive, huh?

Emmelie de Forest performed "Only Teardrops" and "Hunter and Pray" tonight, although she was lip syncing because she was feeling sick, apparently. Here are tonight's results:

1. Herciana Matmuja - 69 
2. Klodian Kaçani - 45
3. Sajmir Braho - 40
4. Lindi Islami & Venera Lumani - 37
5. Frederik Ndoci - 33
6. Xhejn & Enxhi Kumrija - 28
7. Rezarta Smaja - 25
8. Grupi NA - 25
9. Renis Gjoka – 22
10. Luiz Ejlli - 20
11. Marjeta Billo – 18
12. Blerina Braka - 16
13. Besiana Mehmedi & Shkodran Tolaj - 12
14. Edmond Mancaku & Entela Zhula - 10
15. Grupi LYNX - 6
16. Xhejsi Jorgaqi – 0

Okay, this blogger needs sleep - goodnight folks! <3

Albania: Festivali i Këngës to be held tonight!

The 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës will be held tonight and a total sixteen acts will compete in the hope to represent Albania in Copenhagen.

I unfortunately haven't heard any of the songs as it's been a hectic week - although I will watch it tonight so I'll be hearing the songs for the first time then. I know Rezarta Smaja, Hersiana Matmuja and Luiz Ejlli are favourites so I'm looking forward to hearing their offerings. Emmelie de Forest and Elhaida Dani will perform as special guests - this blogger cannot wait for both of those performances! Elhaida Dani won The Voice of Italy earlier this year. A special jury will select tonight's winner. Here's a live-stream for tonight's show - it'll start at 20:45 CET.

These acts will compete tonight:

1. Hersiana Matmuja – Zemërimi i një natë
2. Besiana Mehmeti & Shkodran Tolaj – Jam larg
3. Luiz Ejlli – Kthehu
4. Frederik Ndoci – Një ditë shprese
5. Grupi Na - Jehona
6. Klodian Kaçani – Me ty
7. Venera Lumani en Lindi Islami – Natë e parë
8. Blerina Braka – Mikja ime
9. Xhejsi Jorgaqi – Ëndërrat janë ëndërra
10. Xhejn en Enxhi Kumrija – Kur qielli qan
11. Lynx – Princesha
12. Marjeta Billo – Ti mungon
13. Sajmir Braho – Grua
14. Rezarta Smaja – Në zemër
15. Edmond Mancaku en Entela Zhula – Vetëm për ty
16. Renis Gjoka – Mjegulla

Who will represent Albania?

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.

Moldova: National final to be held on 15th March!

It has been announced by TRM, the Moldovan broadcaster, that Moldova's national final will take place on 15th March. There will also be two semi-finals beforehand on 11th and 13th March.

24 acts will battle it out for the Moldovan ticket to Copenhagen. I would love to see Geta Burlacu back - she's did actually try to represent Romania last year with The Other Side although failed to make the live shows. Interested candidates can submit their offerings until 23rd January.