While technically the 2024 season of Eurovision has begun, we all know that the first national selections are still a couple of months away at least, so I’m going to return to a few of these reviews of previous contests. Unlike my earlier attempts at this, I’m not going to listen to the songs beforehand. … More ESC 1966: Full Contest Review
It’s been well over two months since the credits rolled on the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, hopefully long enough for most people to be able to analyse the contest from a more nuanced perspective. (And, as it turns out, more than enough time for Sweden to announce the host city and dates … More ESC 2023: One Last Look Back
1) The Result WRS and his song “Llámame” was one of the surprise qualifiers, but one that I think many people welcomed. Despite being placed 2nd in the running order he finished 18th overall, not a bad result given what he was up against. 2) The Process After the controversy of last year’s Selecția Națională … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “D.G.T. (Off and On) by Theodor Andrei (Romania)
1) The Result When Ochman’s song “River” was released, there were some who dared to dream about Poland winning the contest for the first time. Then we all saw him perform it live, where he kept his eyes closed for the most part, and that was the end of the hype. Nevertheless, the entry finished … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Solo” by Blanka (Poland)
Disclaimer: I’m a Dutch citizen by birth and lived there for several years in as a teenager/in my early twenties. I’m sure there will be some favourable bias. 1) The Result Sending in an entry sung in Dutch for the first time in over a decade paid dividends, as S10’s “De diepte” finished in 11th … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Burning Daylight” by Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper (The Netherlands)
1) The Result Thanks in part to an excellent position in the running order, the combination of Zdob și Zdub and Frații Advahov with their catchy, uplifting and uniting song “Trenulețul” finished 7th overall, boosted by 2nd place in the televote. 2) The Process Moldova’s national selections have been fairly dodgy at times, but this … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Soarele și luna” by Pasha Parfeny (Moldova)
1) The Result We Are Domi were in the unfortunate position of closing the second semi and then immediately opening the final the next day. They ended up in 22nd place. 2) The Process ESCZ moved from an online-only to an in-studio session, and perhaps they shouldn’t have. While it’s always good to see how … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “My Sister’s Crown” by Vesna (Czechia)
1) The Result Somewhat of a surprise qualification last year, Belgium’s entry Jérémie Makiese with his song “Miss You” ended up in 19th place in the final. 2) The Process Belgium (the Flemish broadcaster this year) returned to a national selection also named Eurosong to confuse fans with the Irish Eurosong, maybe? Despite placing 3rd … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Because of You” by Gustaph (Belgium)
1) The Result Despite the hype of having Italian superstar Achille Lauro represent the country after his failed attempt at Sanremo, and despite putting on an elaborate and provocative staging, the song placed 14th in the second semi, foiling San Marino’s attempt at three consecutive qualifications. 2) The Process The smallest country in the contest … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Like an Animal” by Piqued Jacks (San Marino)
1) The Result Maro’s “Saudade, saudade” continued the excellent run Portugal has had since its first Eurovision win in 2017. She finished 5th in the jury vote and 15th in the televote for 9th overall. 2) The Process As always, Portugal’s Festival da Canção is a bewildering, fascinating and quirky highlight of the national selection … More ESC 2023 Song Review: “Ai coração” by Mimicat (Portugal)
EUROVISION, SERIOUSLY 