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 with the jury and 2nd in the televote, Gustaph pulled off a remarkable victory by a single point.
3) The Artist
Gustaph is a veteran of the music industry in more than one sense of the word. His first single was released in 2001, and since then he’s popped up every several years with a new song or two, but his focus has been more on producing and songwriting. He’s also a bit of a Eurovision veteran, having performed off-stage as a backing singer for the Belgian entries of 2018 and 2021.
4) The Song
If you’re old enough to remember house music in the 1990s, this will ring a few bells. It’s a fairly simple track, but it’s upbeat, optimistic and empowering. Gustaph knows what he needs to do, and it looks like his backing dancers/singers do too.
5) The Verdict
This is one of those songs I like but don’t love, hence its ranking in the middle of the pack. It’s nice to listen to, and I hope he qualifies, but any success he has after that will rely heavily upon older viewers for whom this might bring back fond memories of when they went clubbing in their younger years.
My ranking: 23rd
EUROVISION, SERIOUSLY 