So it is time to have a look at the final five entries in this years Eurovision Song Contest. It is time to look at the big 4 and last years winner. I will be marking these out of ten, as there is no prediction to make!

Spain – Daniel Diges “Algo pequeñito” (Something Tiny)

This is less poppy than Spains normal offering and it is growing on me. I love the circus theme to the video and it is influenced in the video. 7/10

Norway – Didrik Solli-Tangen “My Heart is Yours“

There has been some comparisons between Norway and Ireland this year and I think that is misplaced as Niamh’s song is so much better. I find this to be a very boring ballad. But ballads are everywhere this year so it will pick up a few points. and more fiddles at the end… hmmm… 4/10

United Kingdom – Josh Dubovie “That Sounds Good to Me“

The UK haven’t had a whole lot of good luck recently at Eurovision, so this entry is a nice song. Its easy listening and one to tap the foot along with. It could do well also. 6/10

France – Jessy Matador “Allez Ola Ole“

France went all experimental for a while and then went back to basics. This year they are entering a fast paced dance song, that will be heard at the world cup I would say! (no handball grudge here btw) Its a cool song. 8/10

Germany – Lena Meyer-Landrut “Satellite”

All I can say is this is in my top two songs this year (Denmark is the other one). This is an amazing entry from Germany, and Lena is an amazing singer. This song has already gone platinum in Germany. I love it, its catchy and has a good chance of winning this year! 10/10

So that is all my previewing done. Don’t worry it won’t go quiet without this. Stay tuned for a more in depth look at some of the entries and of course the hits of day and news!

For today’s hit of the day we are going back to 2008 when Paolo Meneguzzi represented Switzerland with “Era Stupendo”. This song never made it out of the Second Semi, but it did come 13th with 47 points. Its a cool soft rock song. I enjoy singing along! But like Paolo on the night, I can’t reach the high notes!

For today’s Hit of the Day, we are going back to 2008 when the Swedish winner of Eurovision in 1999, Charlotte Perelli, entered the contest  for the second time, this time with Hero. It’s an amazing song and one I love to dance too!! of course it was Candelmansa’s post which reminded me of this song!

So here is my preview a predictions for the second semi. This is a very strong semi and will also see Ireland’s entry compete! Part one is here. Norway and the UK will also be voting in this Semi.

1. Lithuania – InCulto “Eastern European Funk“

This is a nice funky start to this semi. Its upbeat and fun. Could do well.

2. Armenia – Eva Rivas “Apricot Stone“

This is a nice song from Armenia. But the curse of second place may come haunting…

3. Israel – Harel Skaat “Milim“ (?????, Words)

This is one of this years favourites and is currently third in the betting stakes. I can see why. Its a very powerful ballad, but it does stand out to the others. We see how it goes.

4. Denmark – Chanée and N’evergreen “In A Moment Like This“

This is my favourite of this years entries! There performance at this years Danish final was amazing! If they pull it off at Eurovision they are in strong contention to win. This just adds to my love of Danish entries at Eurovision!

5. Switzerland – Michael von der Heide “Il pleut de l’or“ (Its Raining Gold)

I don’t know what to make of this song… or him. Im totally confused…. I sort of like it though…

6. Sweden – Anna Bergendahl “This is my Life“

Wow, this is a very strong entry. I really enjoy it. A nice uplifting song. Fabulous vocals from Anna. Will do very well I think!

7. Azerbaijan – Safura Alizadeh “Drip Drop“

This another one of the favourites and I see why. It is a really good song. enjoyable and the backing dancers…. well….

8. Ukraine – Alyosha “Sweet People“

I am disappointed with the Ukraine’s entry this year. Gone are the energetic songs that they did so well with. I don’t like it.

9. Netherlands – Sieneke “Ik ben verliefd (Sha-la-lie)“ (I’m in Love (Sha-la-lie))

This seems to hark back to entries of bygone days for the Netherlands. Its a fun song though and different! I like it.

10. Romania – Paula Seling and Ovi “Playing with Fire“

This is a really cool song. You can see why this semi is a strong one now can’t you.

11. Slovenia – Ansambel Roka Žlindre and Kalamari “Narodnozabavni rock“

This song is a brilliant mix of modern rock and traditional balkan music. Its a bit of fun,and a good entry!

12. Ireland – Niamh Kavanagh “It’s For You“

Come on Niamh! This is a excellent entry from Ireland. Its catching ballad that really shows off Niamh vocal skills. Hopefully she will have the stage presence like she did in 1993!

13. Bulgaria – Miro -”Angel si ti“ (????? ?? ??, Your an Angel)

This is another good song. Fast paced and catchy.

14. Cyprus – Jon Lilygreen and The Islanders “Life Looks Better in the Spring“

This is a nice song. A gentle song with a nice chorus. I don’t think it will get out of the semi though.

15. Croatia – Feminnem “Lako Je Sve“ (Everythig is Easy)

So Feminnem are back. This time for Croatia, and this time with less of a pop song. It would seem that they have matured. Its a powerful song though.

16. Georgia – Sopho Nizharadze “Shine“

This is a nice gentle ballad. Sopho is an amazing singer.

17. Turkey – maNga “We Could be the Same“

Not a great fan of this song. Its okayish.

Prediction time! So ten of these entries will progress. My guesses are in no particlar order

1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. Israel
4. Ireland
5. Romania
6. Georgia
7. Slovenia
8. Azerbaijan
9. Croatia
10. Cyprus

What do you think?

Germany are still riding high in the betting according to PaddyPower who have Lena at 3/1 to win this year edition, but Eurovision hasn’t always been kind to Germany. Heres a quick look back at their history and some of their notable entries.

Germany has entered Eurovision every year since 1956 and has taken part in the final every year, except for 1996. That year a pre-selection was used to bring the number of entries down to 23, and German’s entry Leon with “Planet of Blue”,  did not make the cut. Since that year, Germany has been one of the “Big Four” who automatically qualify. Germany also is the largest contributor to Eurovision.

German Wins

You have to go all the way back to the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest in Harrogate, UK, for Germany’s last and only win in Eurovision. In that year Nicole took home the prize with her song “Ein bißchen Frieden”.

2nd Place

Germany have finished in 2nd place on four occasions. Two of these were with the band Wind. Wind finished second in 1985 with “Für alle” and in 1987 with “Laß die Sonne in dein Herz”. Germany also finished second in 1980 and 1981. In 1980 Katja Ebstein with “Theater” and in 1981 it was Lena Valaitis with “Johnny Blue”.

Wind – “Für alle”

3rd Place

Germany have finished in 3rd place five times. Two of those occasions were with Katja Ebstein, in 1970 with “Wunder gibt es immer wieder” and in 1971 with “Diese Welt”. In 1972, for the third time in a row Germany came third with Martina Roos and “Nur die Liebe läßt uns leben”. Skip forward to 1994 when Germany came third with Mekado and “Wir geben ‘ne Party” and again in 1999 Germany came third with “Reise nach Jerusalem – Kudüs’e seyahat”

Katja Ebstein – “Diese Welt”

Last Place

While above I mentioned the Germany success at Eurovision, it hasn’t always been plain sailing for Germany, apart from 1996, Germany has come last, or joint last on six occasions. In 1964 Nora Nova got nul points for her effort “Man gewöhnt sich so schnell an das Schöne” and in the following year Ulla Wiesner also got nul points for her song “Paradies, wo bist du?”. After a run of good finishes in the 1970′s that run came to an end in 1974 when Cindy and Bert came last with “Die Sommermelodie”, they did manage 3 points though! 1995 was the next time that Germany came last and they managed to garner one point that year for their entry Stone and Stone with “Verliebt in Dich”. Ten years later in 2005 was the next year Germany came last, that year Gracia came last with four points with the song “Run and Hide”. Keeping up with the bad results in 2008 No Angels came in with 14 points to finish at the bottom of the table with “Disappear”.

Grace – Run and Hide

Overall Eurovision has been a mixed bag for Germany, hopefully this years entry will redeem them and do them well!

Germany are in the headlines a bit at the moment as they are currently favourite to win this years contest, so I decided for today’s hit of the day to go back to 2006 when I last loved the German entry. In 2006 they entered Texas Lightning, a country group quintet, with the song “No, No, Never”. I loved it and I can still sing-a-long with it!

Here is my preview and my prediction for Semi Final 1.

1. Moldova -  SunStroke Project and Olia Tira “Run Away“

This is a fast paced song which features an electric violin. Its a feature of Eurovision, what ever wins the previous year is mimicked the following year. This has yet to work for any country! But this song isn’t based too much on it and isn’t folksy like Fairytale. Its a good song and could do well.

2. Russia -  Peter Nalitch Band “Lost and Forgotten“

This is a different move for Russia. Russia normally goes for fast paced modern songs, but this entry seems to me to be folksy and slow paced. The have been drawn in second place which is notoriously difficult to do well from. I am not a big fan of it, but because its Russia, I think it will get through.

3. Estonia – Malcolm Lincoln and Manpower 4 “Siren“

This is very different from the first two songs of this semi. In fact its something that is quite different to most of the entries that I have heard. I can’t put my finger on what it sounds like, but I like it.

4. Slovakia – Kristina “Horehronie“

What starts off as a slow song, turns up the beat and gets going. The dancers remind me of Wild Dances, even Kristina’s outfit is reminiscent of it. Its not as fast, but its a good song.

5. Finland – Kuunkuiskaajat “Työlki ellää” (One can work for a living, too)

A second showing for fiddles! This is a very traditional sounding song from Finland, very different, from Waldo’s People last year. I like it. I love the outfits, and of course the clapping also help when it comes to me liking it!

6. Latvia – Aisha “What For?“

A modern ballad here from Latvia. Its good song, and I do like the words. It these type of songs that are impossible to tell how they will do. It can all come down to the performance on the night. I think it will do ok. Towards the end of the top 10, if it is to get through.

7. Serbia – Milan Stankovi? “Ovo je Balkan” (This is the Balkans)

If you didn’t guess from the title, this is a very balkans song. It is very traditional sounding, but it does have a modern feel it. It is catchy and you would tap your feet to it. With 3 other Balkan countries in this final (and Russia) it could do well on the televote. For some reason the outfit and hair remind me of Lady Gaga… I am alone on that aren’t I?

8. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Vukašin Braji? “Thunder and Lightening”

Finally a bit of rock ballad. I like this song. A song to nod your head to. Vukašin is a good singer also!

9. Poland – Marcin Mrozi?ski “Legenda“

This guy reminds me of Johnny Logan (looks wise). Its a good song, it dosen’t really stand out for me though.

10. Belgium – Tom Dice “Me and My Guitar“

Wow, I love this song. Sorry, but this is the sort of stuff that I love to listen to. I am not sure how it will do. But I think it could do quite well.

11. Malta – Thea Garrett “My Dream“

Malta have decided to enter a traditional strong ballad this year. Its not exactly my cup of tea, and to be honest I am bored with ballads. Thea is a fantastic singer and can hit the high notes, it will depend on the her performance on the night.

12. Albania – Juliana Pasha “It’s All About You“

So Albania enter a song who’s video was definitely inspired by Lady Gaga. I think I hear fiddles in the back ground at some point, but I am not sure! Its a good song.

13. Greece – Giorgos Alkaios and Friends “OPA“

This is a nice mix of greek and modern. No fiddles but lit up drums (and a ringtone??) instead.

14. Portugal - Filipa Azevedo “Há dias assim” (Its one of those days)

This song reminds me of a Disney ballad. Yes she can sing, but  I don’t think it will well.

15. FYR Macedona – Gjoko Taneski, Billy Zver & Pejcin “Jas ja imam silata” (I have the strength)

A bit of a rock song here. Its good. How it will do is hard to tell, but the rapping could pick it up a few votes.

16. Belarus – 3+2 “Butterflies“

Ok, me being not a big fan of ballads, yada yada, yada, I actually like this song. Yes, scream hypocrite all you want. But it is easy to listen to and enjoyable! Admit it!

17. Iceland – Hera Björk “Je Ne Sais Quoi” (I don’t know what)

This is the last song of the semi and it will end the show on a high note. A fabulous singer with a great song!

So thats the 17 entries, so who do I think will get through/want to get through? In no particular order

1. Russia
2. Iceland
3. Serbia
4. Belgium
5. Greece
6. Latvia
7. Moldova
8. Macedonia
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Belarus

How many will I get right?

(Originally posted here)

So hello there, I am one of the new writers here on ESCIreland.com. My name is Stephen Spillane and I have been blogging about eurovision over on my own blog stephenspillane.com since 2006.

I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on Eurovision, but I know what I like, and who ever I support, doesn’t win. So don’t bet on my picks!

I will be cross posting my posts on Eurovision stuff here, and of course, will be providing some original material.

I normally love the Danish entry every year for no reason, and I have an affinity for Germany also!

So just so your know where I am coming from on my love of Eurovision, here is my favourite song from each year since 2005. (Note: I am ruling out winners, as they are mostly obvious!)

2005 – Kyiv

Walters & Kazha – The War is Not Over (Latvia, 5th place)

This is a lovely song, and they are cute to boot! I do like my ballads, but I’m not stuck with them, don’t worry.

2006 – Athens

Carola – Invincible (Sweden, 5th place)

Do I have to explain this one?

2007 – Helsinki

DQ – Drama Queen (Denmark, 19th in the Semi)

To me 2007 wasn’t a great year for Eurovision and a lot of my favourites went out in the Semi (see my curse). But this was a fun entry and different!

2008 – Belgrade

Ani Lorak – Shady Lady (Ukraine, 2nd Place)

This is an amazing song and I did prefer it to the eventual winner. Brilliant song and I have great memories dancing to it!

2009 – Moscow

Christina Mextaxa – Firefly (Cyprus, 14th in Semi-Final 2)

This wasn’t one of favourites coming up to the contest, but after seeing it in the Semi and constantly listening to it on the CD it has grown on me hugely!

So that’s sort of where I come from on Eurovision songs. Hopefully some of my predictions this year will be a bit more accurate!