The Swiss National Final

Last year the Swiss were the first to choose their finalists and this year they will again as their National Final “Die Grosse Entscheidungs Show” takes place next Saturday 10th of December. 14 finalists battle it out to represent Switzerland in Baku and the winner will be chosen by 100% televote. There are some interesting entrants.

There has already been four selection rounds for the main channels of for the four languages in Switzerland (French, German, Italian and Romansch)

The finalists are:

Guillermo Sorya with “Baby Baby Baby”

Guillermo calls his music “Eclectic Soul” drawing influence from soul, blues, hip-hop and reggae. He has written and sang with some big Swiss acts such as Steff la Cheffe, Lea Lu, Dodo Jud, Big Zis and Nubya. His entry dosent do much for me. Can’t see it winning.

Patric Scott feat. Fabienne Louves with “Real Love”

Patric Scott is a musician and actor having starred in many musicals as well as releasing singles and albums. He is joined in this duet by the winner of Music Stars, Fabienne Louves. This is a lovely song, something the Swiss are great for, but will it be enough to win?

Atomic Angels with “Black Symphony”

Atomic Angels are a Swiss pop group from Bern. Two members of the group were born in Philippines but moved to Bern in their youth. Beyonce, Nicole and Rihanna are all listed as favourite musicians and that definately comes through in their entry. Could do well.

Katherine St-Laurent with “Wrong To Let You Go”

Katherine, originally from New York state, won Canadian Idol in 2008 and has decided to follow in Celine Dion’s footsteps and try to represent Switzerland at Eurovision. This uplifting ballad really shows off her voice and definitely deserves its place in the final.

Sosofluo with “Quand je ferme les yeux”

Sosofluo is a 22 year old Swiss-Canadian, she was a finalist in Concours International de Comédie Musicale in Paris back in February. She has enterted this fun song in French and I must say I like it.

Ze Flying Zézettes Orchestra with “L’autre”

Ze Flying Zézettes Orchestra are a 8 member band (though only 6 will be allowed on stage in Baku if they win) from Chateau-d’Oex. They have entered this beautiful song. Its a bit folksy but Eurovision voters seems to like that every now and then.

Sinplus with “Unbreakable”

Sinplus bring a bit of rock to the National Final. Sinplus are two brothers Gabriel Broggini and Ivan Broggin. They wrote “Shoot” which became one of the anthems of the 2009 World Hockey Championships. Its a fast, indie song reminiscent of the Killers. I like it!

Chiara Dubey with “Anima nuova”

Chiara enters the only Italian composition in this years final and its a sweet melodic song, but it dosent really stand out. Chiara has an amazing voice, so she could impress on the night.

Lys Assia with “C’était ma vie”

And now a lady who needs no introduction and who won the very first Eurovision Song Conest back in 1956. Lys Assia re-enters the lives of Eurovision fans in an attempt to represent Switzerland again. This is an old fashioned Eurovision Ballad but its full of class, plus her voice is still fantastic. Definitely one to watch!

Emel with “She”

Emel is a Turkish-Swiss singer and that certainly comes across in this song. It seems to have a number of failsafes built in. Turkish instruments and a chorus of “La La La”. Not sure how the Swiss votes will go on this one.

Ivo with “Peace & Freedom”

Ivo brings the traditional concept of Peace and gives a rock song. Quite a powerful song for someone whos been singing professionally since 2003. Depending on the mood of the voters on Saturday it could do well.

I Quattro with “Fragile”

I Quattro bring some Opera to the National Final. The 4 singers came together in 2009 in a show called “Die grössten Schweizerhits“ having performed as separate artists. They have two albums together and have had many sell out concerts. This song is quite mellow, and very slow in comparison to the entrants and therefore forgettable.

Raphael Jeger with “The Song In My Head”

This entry with its violins, reminding me of Fairytale, is an interesting number. Its got a catchy chorus, that certainly gets stuck in your head! Could do very well, as it is a good song.

Macy with “Shining”

Macy are band that were founded in 2007 and have a few hits. This year they have decided to enter a pop song to the Swiss National Final. This is a fun song, and one that would be played on the radio.

So thats the 14 entries. Later today the draw for the running order will take place. Who do you think will win?