It is your chance to vote in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. It is time to make your choice of the 26 countries that have made it to the final of the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku.

Will the favourites Sweden win? Or will neighbours Norway pip them to it? Can Jedward do it for Ireland or will Italy win bragging rights? Will the Russia grannies show they can do it like the youngsters? (That is enough name dropping – Ed.)

So you know the deal! Pick your top ten award them points 12, 10, and 8-1.

So vote here 

See the results here

See the animated scoreboard here

Related articles

• EBU Press Conference (escireland.com)
• Jedward through to Eurovision Finals (newstalk.ie)
• First Semi-Final concludes, we have ten finalists! (eurovision.tv)

Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor, Sietse Bakker, the Event Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest and Annika Nyberg Frankenhaeuser the new Media Director and representing Ictimai TV the Host Broadcaster,  Adil Kermu, Tahir Mamadov and Camran Agasi held a Press Conference this afternoon in Baku following last night’s staging of the Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

With less then 24 hours until the first Semi-Final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, it is your chance to vote Eurovision style the ESC Ireland Semi Final 1 poll.

You can vote here

You can see the votes here

You can see the animated vote here

Since I last posted about the Countries taking part in the 57th Eurovision Song Contest, six countries have confirmed their participation in Baku next May.

Montenegro is back in competition having not taken part since 2009, while Monaco has confirmed it will not take part in next years contest. They last appeared in 2006. The Czech Republic will also not take part in this years contest. They have not taken part since 2009.

Image via Wikipedia

32 countries have so far confirmed their participation in the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan. A number of countries have yet to confirm their participation and of course there is rumours about certain countries returning!

The following countries have confirmed:

• Albania
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Georgia
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Moldova
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Ukraine

They have barely come down from their trip to Düsseldorf and their is already speculation that Jedward are going to try and do better next year and represent us in Baku and maybe return Eurovision glory to Ireland.

According to thejournal.ie

The duo’s manager Louis Walsh said that he would strongly consider re-entering the twins into the 2012 Eurovision in Azerbaijan, the Irish Independent reports. “Ireland could definitely win Eurovision again and we might do it next year with Jedward. I think after what happened this year, Jedward would do incredibly well in Eurovision 2012,” Walsh told the newspaper.

The brothers, from Lucan in Dublin, came in 8th in the contest last Saturday. Despite not taking the crown, however, the reception to the pair has been good.

With Jedward hitting number one on itunes in Austria, Germany Sweden and Ireland and climbing in a number of other countries, maybe it wouldnt be a bad idea!

Related articles

• Eurovision 2012 – Baku (escireland.com)

So the 2011 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is barely over and moves are already underway for the 57th Eurovision Song Contest. So far we have a logo and location city.

We also have some prelimary dates for your calender.

• Semi Final 1: 22nd May 2012
• Semi Final 2: 24th May 2012
• Final: 26th May 2012

So far 8 countries have confirmed their participation in Eurovision next year. They are:

• Austria
• Azarbaijan (host)
• Belgium
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

In 2009/2010 Azerbaijan was suppoesed to host the 3rd Eurovision Dance Contest. This was cancelled due to not enough interest. It is doubtful that this will happen to next years contest, but it means that ?ctimai Television have an idea of what they have to organise in 12 months time.

So who is going to Baku?

Current odds from Paddy Power at 20th April 2011

So, the countdown comes to an end but before we cut it out of our lives until an updated version including the 2011 entrants comes along….here are My Top 20…….!!

No 20

Country: Spain
Song: “Dile Que La Queiro”
Artist: David Civera
Year: 2001
Position: 6th

David Civera is just dreamy with an amazing song…I just hate the two dancers beside him, they are really distracting and I just want to slap the head off them! David had a great voice, a very sexy presentation, I am guessing that this comes natural to David! I am lost in his eyes!

No 19

Country: Iceland
Song: “Open Your Heart”
Artist: Birgitta Haukdal
Year: 2003
Position: 8th

Birgitta stole the start to the 2003 show with a very up tempo, yet sweet song, very strong voice and Birgitta had great connection with the camera and the audience. I think Birgitta should revisit Eurovison again!

No 18

Country: Turkey
Song: “Don Artik”
Artist: Tugba Onal
Year: 1999
Position: 16th

Tugba, Tugba, Tugba, you are just 100% crazy looking and I can’t get enough of you! Tugba stole the stage and I don’t think anyone else on stage was even noticed during those three minutes!! I adore this song and wish Turkey would send some more of this style!

No 17

Country: Ireland
Song: “Why Me?”
Artist: Linda Martin
Year: 1992
Position: Winner

My favourite Irish entry, Linda was just quite simply perfection! Linda breezed her way through this performance without even trying, she is ever the professional would never let something as trivial as “nerves” get the better of her! One of the few very deserving winners!

No 16

Country: Estonia
Song: “Through My Window”
Artist: Sandra Oxenryd
Year: 2006
Position: 18th in Semi Final

Sandra Oxenryd put hugely amazing energy into this song and no one could say she didn’t give this her all. A fabulous song with wonderful performance from backing dancers to support Sandra.

No 15

Country: Albania
Song: “Image Of You”
Artist: Anjeza Shahini
Year: 2004
Position: 7th in Final

This is a huge favourite of mine, because of Anjeza’s very popular, friendly and warm facial expressions. A very polished performance with a beautiful song that I was not expecting at all from Albania that year! Also, Anjeza has such a very distinctive voice that gives this song such a strong unique sound!

No 14

Country: Turkey
Song: “Leylaklar Soldu Kalbinde”
Artist: Buket Bengisu & Group Safir
Year: 2002
Position: 16th

Buket is my 2nd highest placed crazy looking person! She looks like she has been let out of her local asylum for a night of partying with her equally weird and badly dressed friends with the exception of her gorgeous male backing singer (he needs to get rid of his tacky t-shirt, just take it off I guess??).

No 13

Country: Sweden
Song: “Give Me Your Love”
Artist: Fame
Year: 2003
Position: 5th

I just felt all warm, happy and ready to party after I watched this in 2003. Jessica and Magnus make a wonderful partnership and even though they have very different voices, they work fabulously together! Another stunning entry to come from the ever producing Sweden!

No 12

Country: Malta
Song: “Another Summer Night”
Artist: Fabrizio Faniello
Year: 2001
Position: 9th

Malta’s best entry I believe, with a very happy, maybe a bit cheesy for some but happy song either way! A gorgeous performance from Fabrizio, one he has never been able to equal since. The backing dancers while in terrible harem satin trousers, did put in a very good performance!

No 11

Country: Serbia
Song: “Oro”
Artist: Jelena Tomasevic
Year: 2008
Position: 6th

What a stunning, haunting, ethnic, beautiful song! I should have known with the previous quality of Zjelko Joksimovic, his songs are amazing, some of the best I have ever heard. Jelena did not let him down with her own unique style added to this song, should have made for a winning performance.

No 10

Country: Turkey
Song: “Dum Tek Tek”
Artist: Hadise
Year: 2009
Position: 4th in Final

Turkey’s best effort in regards to a dance/pop song in my opinion. I loved this when I first heard it and was thrilled to see that Hadise managed to do a better job on stage. Very addictive song and great for the clubs!

No 9

Country: Germany
Song: “Wir Geben ‘Na Party”
Artist: MeKaDo
Year: 1994
Position: 3rd

Mekado are my highest placed crazy people!!! I just adore them!! The dancing is soooo bad, it’s fabulous! I have actually re-enacted this at late night eurovision sessions with my friends who, quite sadly, were quite happy to do so! I adore the quy on the keyboard and the terrible “girl” on the drums who fell out of the Prisoner Cell Block H wing!

No 8

Country: Estonia
Song: “Runaway”
Artist: Anna Sahlene
Year: 2002
Position: Joint 3rd

Another Swedish angel and thats just what she is, an angel! Although, I would bet that Anna is in actual fact a bit of a minx and that why I love her! She had an amazing song, an equally amazing voice and she rocked that arena, the audience went wild while she sung her little heart out! WOW! I love Anna!

No 7

Country: Sweden
Song: “Fangad Av En Stormvind”
Artist: Carola
Year: 1991
Position: Winner

Well it was bound to happen, you cannot have a top 10 ever with regards to Eurovision and not have the Queen of Eurovision herself, Carola, involved. Carola dashed out onto the stage in Italy with huge gusto and straight into the face of more gusts…in the form of a wind machine bellowing through her hair! Carola gave a stomping rendition of “Fangad Av En Stormvind” which has now become one of the absolute Eurovision favourites among Eurovision fans and rightly so!

No 6

Country: Sweden
Song: “It Hurts”
Artist: Lena Philipsson
Year: 2004
Position: Joint 5th in Final

Lena sashayed and swept through the building like a hot sweaty, unexpected orgasm burning through everyone with her very sexy, powerful, playful performance She was like a rampant panther searching though the audience with her eyes peeking out under perfectly tousled hair for her prey! What a show! Lena deserver to be higher that year, maybe she should have even won it! I want my own microphone stand!!

No 5

Country: Sweden
Song: “Framling”
Artist: Carola
Year: 1983
Position: 3rd

For her age back then, Carola gave an amazing energy and confidence that belied her years. Her performance that year was simple, effective, great voice and of course, an unforgettable song! Carola, I can’t get enough!!!

No 4

Country: France
Song: “Allez Ola Ole”
Artist: Jesse Matador
Year: 2010
Position: 12th in Final

I know I am going to be slated for this! Jesse’s whole intention of going all out and dancing like there was no tomorrow with a song to match just could not get me to sit down for weeks after this was taking over the stage! Jesse and his excellent dancers went through some work out and rocked the place! This song is soo addictive and each time I listen to it, I must play it at least 3 or 4 times! I want Jesse to “perform” at one of my parties!!

No 3

Country: Iceland
Song: “This Is My Life”
Artist: Euroband
Year: 2008
Position: 24th in Final

When I first heard this, I got major tingles in my stomach for this and when I watched the performance, I was equally happy but they saved the best performance for the Eurovision stage. In any excellent Eurovision performance, you have to translate to a tv and arena audience that you are enjoying it yourself every bit as much as you want the audience to enjoy it and these two certainly did!!! Amazing song!!!

No 2

Country: Sweden
Song: “Invincible”
Artist: Carola
Year: 2006
Position: 5th

Carola gave the performance of a lifetime in her semi final in 2006 with her smash hit schlager winner “Evighet” and her version of Invincible was equally perfect in Athens, I should know, I was there frantically waving my Swedish flag (all the while receiving vicious looks from my fellow Irish brigade). A lot has been said about Carola’s personal views (which by the way, I don’t believe) but you cannot mistake that she always gives her all in a performance and she is Sweden’s top Diva without a shadow of a doubt and she has earned her title!!

No 1

Country: Sweden
Song: “Hero”
Artist: Charlotte Perelli
Year: 2008
Position: 18th in Final

Charlotte Perrelli (formerly Nilsson) has long been a Swedish Diva along with Carola & Lena Ph, she has bravely taken Sweden back to Eurovision in 2008 and did not get the recognition she deserved. This was the biggest travesty in Eurovision’s history in my opinion. This is a huge schlager hit with all the elements you could have asked for and easily could have been a winner. Charlotte was once again on top form when she performed in Serbia with all vocals being perfect! Charlotte just made the number one slightly ahead Carola as this is more of a club schlager hit than “Evighet/Invincible” but it was a very, very close contest! Well done Charlotte & Sweden!

You can check out 100-81 here:

http://www.escireland.com/2011/02/my-top-100-eurovision-entries-ever-100-81/

You can check out 80-61 here:

http://www.escireland.com/2011/02/my-top-100-eurovision-entries-ever-80-61/

You can check out 60-41 here:

http://www.escireland.com/2011/02/my-top-100-eurovison-entries-ever-60-41/

You can check out 40-21 here:

http://www.escireland.com/2011/03/my-top-100-eurovison-entries-ever-40-21/

So there we have it…..the Top 20 of my Top 100 Eurovision entries of all time!

What did you think? Did you want someone else in there are did you agree with me? Is there somebody missing that you would have had in YOUR Top 20?

I can’t wait to see what will be added to the list next time!

Thanks for taking the time to look at my list….until next time!

So, the countdown of all countdowns continues……

No 40

Country: Israel
Song: “The Silence That Remains”
Artist: Shiri Maimon
Year: 2005
Position: 4th

This is one of the most stunning ballads to come from Eurovision. Shiri’s performance was utterly faultless and so simply beautiful. Why has she only made it this far in my Top 100 I hear you cry? Simple, because there are other songs that I love more for overall performance as you will see when you go on in my cut throat list!!

No 39

Country: Ukraine
Song: “Show Me Your Love”
Artist: Tina Karol
Year: 2006
Position: 7th in Final

Tina Karol should have made it further up the leaderbord that year but 2006 was a very strong year with quailty songs. Don’t get me started on “Lordi”! Tina’s vocal was so strong, song was so catchy and the staging was great. I want her boots….for collection purposes only you understand!

No 38

Country: Ireland
Song: “Hold Me Now”
Artist: Johnny Logan
Year: 1980
Position: Winner

Johnny, Johnny, Johnny…where do we start? Johnny stole the show in 1980 with this beautiful ballad. He had a gorgeous velvet tone to his voice which made him an instant hit with the ladies and I’m sure some men!

No 37

Country: Estonia
Song: “Once In A Lifetime”
Artist: Ines
Year: 2000
Position: 4th

A very vibrant, confident performance from Ines. Still quite young, she carried it off effortlessly. The song is very catchy and memorable which is what you always expect in Eurovision! Not so sure about some of the clothes from the whole performance but a cute backing singer puts paid to that!

No 36

Song No 36:
Country: Ireland
Song: “In Your Eyes”
Artist: Niamh Kavanagh
Year: 1993
Position: Winner

Niamh Kavanagh was amazing back in 1993 with yet another fabulous ballad for Ireland. The arrangement for this song was so beautiful and I think it was perfectly matched for Niamh’s voice. Niamh has every reason to be very proud of this performance!

No 35

Country: Belgium
Song: “Je T’adore”
Artist: Kate Ryan
Year: 2006
Position: 12th in Semi Final

One of the best uses of michrophone stands I have ever seen! Amazingly addictive song and was one of the favourites to win in 2006 but unfortunately, the voice let her down in some parts but I think she still should have made it to the final!

No 34

Country: Norway
Song: “Hold On, Be Strong”
Artist: Maria Haukess Storeng
Year: 2008
Position: 4th in Final

I remember watching this online at the National Final and thinking, this has to be one of the favourites without seeing any of the other entries! How right I was this is an usually quirky pop ballad and I think it is fabulous! The improvments they made from the winning the Nationl Final up to the Eurovision itself were very welcome and the whole staging was perfect!

No 33

Country: Sweden
Song: “Listen To Your Hearbeat”
Artist: Friends
Year: 2001
Position: 5th

Another Swedish gem that I have very fond memories of, especially at private Eurovision parties! This was high energy, with a song so memorable, you could be singing it for days! Sweden are known for this type of schlager song and most of the time, they don’t disappoint!!

No 32

Country: Greece
Song: “Shake It”
Artist: Sakis Rouvas
Year: 2004
Position: 3rd in Final

I first listened to this on the official Eurovision CD and I thought it was good but I was expecting some older greasier slimy guy to come out singing it! Boy was I very, very wrong! What we actually got was an impossibly (but very real and very in your face and mind) perfect bodied Sakis Rouvas who put on a fast paced, sexy, stripping, romping performance!!  Wow is all I could muster to say for hours after!

No 31

Country: Sweden
Song: “Waterloo”
Artist: Abba
Year: 1974
Position: Winner

What a showstopper! Abba certainly stole the show in 1974 with the gripping “Waterloo”. This now hugely iconic song is played the world over and righly so. Abba had what you would call the “X Factor” nowadays, they just had everything, the looks, the voices, the songs, they had it all! It’s a pity personal relationships/marriages ruined things between them back in the early 80′s as they could have gone on for many more years!

No 30

Country: Estonia
Song: “Randajad”
Artist: Urbad Symphony
Year: 2009
Position: 6th in Final

An eerie haunting electro pop ballad which along with it being in their own language made this a winner for me. I do love songs being presented in their countries own language, there is an extra feeling of pride within it and the sound of the accent, the language and the music together give it that extra edge. This should have definintely placed higher in 2010 and should have wiped the floor with the quite poor (in my opinion) winner Lena with “Satellite”.

No 29

Country: Ukraine
Song: “Shady Lady”
Artist: Ani Lorak
Year: 2008
Position: 2nd in Final

I had heard great things coming from the Eurovision parties and rehearsels about Ani Lorak being amazing and I decided to wait to see for myself at the Semi Final. She certainly did not disappoint, she put on a very flashy,sexy, high octane show. A fabulous song helped her achieve many points from most countries earning her a very respectable 2nd place!

No 28

Country: Serbia & Montenegro
Song: “Lana Moje”
Artist: Zjelko Joksimovic
Year: 2004
Position: 2nd in Final

Another hugely popular ballad that went down a storm in the arena in Turkey. You can just tell from this and other songs written by Zjelko that he writes from the heart. This song would make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck! Stunning!

No 27

Country: Ireland
Song: “What’s Another Year”
Artist: Johnny Logan
Year: 1987
Position: Winner

Johnny was back in 1987 with another equally great ballad. The voice we all came to love was here again to show us what had been missing in Eurovision in the mid 80′s. It’s very hard to achieve success with another song in Eurovision once you have already won but Johnny did it with ease!

No 26

Country: United Kingdom
Song: “Love Shine A Light”
Artist: Katrina & The Waves
Year: 1997
Position: Winner

Although there were many good songs in particular in 1997′s Eurovision, this was always my favourite and I was willing with all my breath that this would win! A great song for Katrina and the Waves and brilliantly preformed. I always light up the minute I hear this song being played, quite aptly named really!

No 25

Country: Ukraine
Song: “Wild Dances”
Artist: Ruslana
Year: 2004
Position: Winner

I always liked this on cd but I LOVED it when it was on stage! Ruslana put 300% effort in to this and it certainly worked for her. Being a choreographer helped and this was an amazing show to watch and she deserved to win.

No 24

Country: Finland
Song: “Bye Bye Baby”
Artist: Cat Cat
Year: 1994
Position: 22nd

I have massively fond memories of this song and can never take my eyes off the performance even to this day! Shockingly awful but I just can’t get enough of these two! This was a welcome distraction from doing my homework back then!

No 23

Country: Spain
Song: “Dime”
Artist: Beth
Year: 2003
Position: 8th

Beth looked and sounded amazing with this fabulous performance. The outfit, while risqué to some, was welcomed by others and the dancers along with Beth gave a very polished routine! I wish Beth would return to Eurovision, either for Spain or anyone else as long as she comes back!

No 22

Country: Sweden
Song: “Se Pa Mig”
Artist: Jan Johanssen
Year: 1995
Position: 3rd

Jan could sing this without music anytime, anywhere! His voice was deep, raspy but in a wonderful way. I could listen to this song over and over and never get bored. This was a beautifully written song , however, I don’t think it would ever have sounded as good as it did with Jan singing it.

No 21

Country: Belarus
Song: “Love Me Tonight”
Artist: Anjelica Agurbash
Year: 2005
Position: 13th in Semi Final

Anjeclica’s performance brings me back to the unusual liking I have for mad looking people in Eurvosion. This was my favourite in 2004 when I got the cd and I loved her on stage (even if the vocals were not perfect), I was so upset when she didn’t get through. I just adored this wild, nutty looking woman presenting this song!

So….there you have songs 40 down to 21!

What do you think so far?

Which ones would you have further up in your list or not in your list at all maybe?

Who do you think will make next weeks final countdown (20-1)??