LEONOR ANDRADE TO REPRESENT PORTUGAL!

So Portugal has opted for Leonor Andrade to represent them in Vienna. Favourites Simone de Oliveira and Yola were both eliminated in the first round meaning Leonor was joined in the 'Super final' with  Teresa Radamanto and Gonçalo Tavares. The winning song is pleasant but you can forget about Lisbon 2016.....

Photograph - eurovision.tv

ELECTRO VELVET TO REPRESENT THE UNITED KINGDOM!

Electro Velvet will represent the UK with Still In Love With You. My immediate thoughts are that it stands out, it's different and very catchy! Yet I do feel underwhelmed. Electro Velvet are completely unknown. Well until tonight. They are a duo consisting of Alex and Bianca. Regarding their upcoming participation, Bianca said:

I am so proud to have been chosen to be a part of the world’s biggest song contest - Eurovision! It's such an honour to represent the UK, especially in its 60th year too! I have never been to Austria before, and I can't wait to get out to Vienna and do my best, and I hope to make the UK proud!

...and Alex went on to say:

I feel incredibly privileged and humbled to be representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, for this massively historic 60th anniversary event. We have a fantastic song and will work as hard as is humanly possible to bring the contest home and make our great nation proud. It's time to get this party started! See you in Vienna!

So that's another duet in Vienna! We already have duets from Estonia, Belarus, San Marino, Lithuania, Czech Republic... anyway, here you can enjoy the British entry for 2015!

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #7!

The penultimate national final weekend is here. Three more songs will be revealed/selected and Melodifestivalen also continues..

UNITED KINGDOM
The British entry will be revealed tonight! Eeeeeek! You'll be able to find out who is representing the UK at 21:30 GMT on the BBC's Red Button service. Viewers outside the UK will be able to watch the big reveal on eurovision.tv. There's not much known about the show itself apart from the fact that it'll include a short interview with our representative and Scott Mills. Here's hoping the UK doesn't disappoint!

PORTUGAL
Festival da Canção has been a three night affair this week with two semi finals taking place earlier this week. The big favourite, Simone de Oliveira, has apparently said she won't go to Vienna even if she does win the national final. These acts are in the running:

• Leonor Andrade - Há um mar que nos separa
• Yola Dinis - Outra vez primavera
• Gonçalo Tavares - Tu tens uma mágica
• Teresa Radamanto - Um fado em Viena
• Simone de Oliveira - À espera das canções
• José Freitas - Mal menor (Ninguém me guia à razão)

SWEDEN 
Melodifestivalen's Second Chance Round will also take place tonight. This is how the battles are looking:

• Andreas Weise – Bring out the fire VS Linus Svenning – Forever starts today 
• Hasse Andersson – Guld och gröna skogar VS Kristin Amparo – I see you 
• Dolly Style – Hello hi VS  Dinah Nah – Make me (La la la) 
• Behrang Miri feat. Victor Krone – Det rår vi inte för  VS Samir & Viktor – Groupie 

Who would you like to see make next weeks grand final?

ROMANIA 
And finally, Romania will select their entry tomorrow night. Twelve acts will participate - who are you rooting for? Here's the running order:

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

I'd like to see Voltaj win but I think it'll be either CEJ, Lara Lee or Luminita Anghel who will fly Romania's flag in Vienna...

Armenia: The members of Genealogy!

Armenia's act for Vienna, Genealogy, will consist of 6 singers and the members will all be released in due course. On this post, Ill update it with the members once revealed along with some background information.

Essaï Altounian, commonly known as Essaï, is a French/Armenian musician and actor. To centennial the 1915 Armenian genocide, he composed the song Je n'oublie pas- Chem morana. More information here.

On 20th February, it was announced American based Tamar Kaprelian would be the 2nd member of the group. Her previous songs include New Day and California..

Vahe Tilbian has been announced as the third member of Genealogy. He is a 34 year old singer, dancer and musician. He's Ethiopian, with Armenian decent. The fourth member will be revealed later...

Stephanie Topalian has been announced as the forth member of Genealogy. She's a Japanese American singer, songwriter and also an actress of mixed Japanese and Armenian descent. She was born to a Japanese mother and an Armenian father in America. The next member will be announced on 3rd March and will have links to Australia!

Mary-Jean O'Doherty is the firth member. She's an Australian opera singer - with Armenian decent of course.. the final singer is going to be revealed next week! Will it be Inga from Eurovision 2009?

ANN SOPHIE TO REPRESENT GERMANY!

Andreas Kümmert won the German national final but he isn't going to Eurovision! This is crazy. He said Eurovision isn't for him and gives his victory to Ann Sophie.. the audience are booing. I don't mind though - as I much preferred Ann's song. But why did be bother participating in the first place if he knew he wouldn't go to Eurovision? Publicity? Fahrenhaidt were among the first to be eliminated, surprising. I blame the staging... overall, it was a great show though. And I wish Ann Sophie the best of luck :-)

Conchita Wurst was a special guest and performed You're Unstoppable.

Russia: Will Nargiz Zakirova sing in Vienna?

The question on everyone's lips is 'Who will represent Russia?' as the national broadcaster are yet to reveal anything about their act. We don't even have a release date. Domestic pop star Sergey Lazarev is rumoured every year and I do think he's great however there's someone else who I would rather see represent Mother Russia. And that's Uzbek born Nargiz Zakirova! This blogger discovered her last year and she is absolutely incredible. Nargiz was runner up on The Voice of Russia in 2013. The heavily tattooed singer would be perfect. She's different - in a good way - has a tremendous voice and with the right song, could bring Eurovision back to Russia. Yep, I love her. We need something unique and special in Vienna! And my dream may become reality because she is being rumoured in Russian media.. Russia's entry will be revealed within the next couple of weeks. Will she be the chosen one? Time will tell. In the meantime, check her out below:

Germany: 'Unser Song für Österreich' tonight!

The Germans are next to pick for Vienna. Eight acts and sixteen songs are in the running - but who will they opt for? Fahrenhaidt are the big favourites to win and rightly so. They would indeed make very worthy winners. Both of their songs are great - however this blogger has a slight preference for Frozen Silence. Ann Sophie won the wildcard round last month, as did Elaiza last year, so the underdog win again this year? Alexa Feser is another favourite of mine but she sings in German so I don't think she will win,.. shame really. We shouldn't underestimate Andreas Kümmert and Mrs. Greenbird. It's going to depend on the live performances really. Everyone thought Unheilig were going to take it last year, and then look what happened... So how will the show work? All eight acts will sing their first song, then four will be eliminated. The remaining four acts will then perform their 2nd songs. The most popular two songs will advance to the next stage. The winner will be chosen by televote alone.. You can watch the show at 20:15 CET here.

Ann Sophie
“Jump The Gun”
“Black Smoke”

Fahrenhaidt
“Mother Earth”
“Frozen Silence”

Faun
“Hörst du die Trommeln”
“Abschied”

Alexa Feser
“Glück”
“Das Gold von morgen”

Mrs. Greenbird
“Shine, Shine, Shine”
“Take My Hand”

Andreas Kümmert
“Home Is In My Hands”
“Heart Of Stone”

Laing
“Zeig Deine Muskeln”
“Wechselt die Beleuchtung”

Noize Generation
“Song For You”
“Crazy Now”

GUY SEBASTIAN TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA!

Guy Sebastian will be the first ever Australian participant in Eurovision. This was revealed moments ago during a special press conference at Sydney's Opera House. I think he's amazing and I can't wait to hear his song. The song he'll sing in Vienna is still yet to be decided but there's two songs in the running it seems. Malaysian born Guy is a very big name in Australia. He won Australian Idol back in 2003, and has 3.7 million record sales under his belt. You can read more about him here..

The following songs could be potential entries for Eurovision: Alive, Madness, Elephant,, Light and shade, One of us, Imagine the sunrise, Lighting, Animal In Me or The pause. And if you can't get enough of him, you can enjoy some of his older and most popular songs below:

The song will be presented within the next couple of weeks... Good luck Australia! I knew the Aussies wouldn't let us down :-) 

MARIA ELENA KIRIAKOU TO REPRESENT GREECE!

Maria-Eleni Kyriakou just won the Greek national. Awesome choice!!  It was a fantastic show. The biggest disappointment tonight was Shaya's vocals - they were not good at all so I'm not suprised she didn't win... Maria was amazing live though, and so was Thomai too. Do you think Greece picked the right song? Among the many guests, Helena Paparizou was there and performed her new song and Rise Like A Phoenix amazingly!

Giannis Karagiannis from Cyprus was there too...




Update - So Thomai Apergi & Legend came 2nd, Shaya 3rd, Barrice 4th and C:Real came last..

Poland: Edyta Górniak wanted to return, but TVP said no...

Poland's song is going to be revealed on 9th March and many names are rumoured such as Sylwia Grzeszczak and Doda but we can now rule one name out for sure. Edyta Górniak. The first ever Polish representative sent a song into TVP which would have been perfect for Eurovision (according to her) however the broadcaster said they already have selected someone. This song will be included on Edyta's new album. And she doesn't rule out the possibility of flying the Polish flag in the future. One year she will be back!

UK: Guy Freeman says "Our song is a contrast to last year!"

Guy Freeman dropped some hints about the British entry yesterday. He said:

I think we learnt a lot last year and have tried to apply some of those lessons. All I will say is that it is probably quite a contrast to last year – read into that what you will – and the reason that we picked this song is because of all the ones we looked at, it’s the one that a) had the most instant interesting factor about it and b) when we listened to loads of others, it stuck in the mind.

The rumours have been full on today. Firstly, British Press reported that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke might have been selected. However she declined this... then beatboxer Grace Savage tweeted "Eurovision here I come" - however eurovision.tv then tweeted this:

Photo credits - Schlager Katja  

Other names I've heard being mentioned include Rebecca Ferguson, Tyler Names, Bo Bruce, Owen McGarry and George Ezra. The UK's entry will be revealed at 22:30 CET on the BBC's Red Button Service - or on Eurovision.tv for international viewers.

Review: Greece's 2015 national final!

Five songs will compete in the Greek national final tomorrow night so here's my review. The overall standard isn't great however I do love Shaya's song. It's fun, catchy and I hope she wins. My favourite for sure. I reckon she would stand out in Vienna - as we have so many mid-tempo ballads so far.. Another act that would stand out is Thomai Apergi & Legend. I know their song isn't to everyone's taste but I really like it. A winner? For some reason, I don't think so... Maria Elena Kiriakou won The Voice of Greece and she brings us a good old fashion power ballad. A strong contender for sure. I wish she was singing in Greek though.. I believe C:Real are very popular but I think their song won't be strong enough to win tomorrow. Barrice is my least favourite. His songs sounds dated and boring to me.. nothing exciting or interesting. If Greece sent him, it would be one of the weakest entries ever. So ideally I want Shaya however if I can't have her, then Maria Elena Kiriakou or Thomai Apergi & Legend would do nicely too. 

Phtograph - joinusoneurovision.blogspot.com

Finland: Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät make headlines in the UK!

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät won the right to represent Finland last night - which has been a very controversial choice to put it mildly. This handicapped punk band are already making headlines internationally; including here in the UK. The Metro has reported their win and according to the article, PKN's main aim isn't only to raise awareness of those with learning disabilities but also to have a f***ing good time. Good luck to them!

Spain: Listen to 'Amanecer'!

The wait is over. Edurne has released Amanecer and she hasn't disappointed. It's incredible!!! The official video-clip will be presented on 9th March.. Listen here

#MiPrimerAmanecer

France: Lisa Angell performs 'N'oubliez pas' live!

Lisa Angell has finally performed her Euroviion entry live. It was performed on The Grand Show some days ago although only broadcaster tonight. There's no doubt that she's a fantastic singer but I don't know how this one will fare in Vienna. See for yourself 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.