In the six months since Moscow, there has been plenty of movement at the station - with five countries pulling out and one nation returning. BTW - Austria and Monaco still look like sitting ESC out for the time being.
Right Back Where We Started From (Returning Nation)
Georgia - They really do want to put in an entry!
The Pain of Withdrawal (Departing Nations)
July
Czech Republic - Fresh from a nul point for the Super Gypsies, ČT announced their withdrawal citing a mutual lack of interest between the Czech public and fans of the contest.
October
Hungary - MTV pulls out of 2010, citing financial limitations.
November
Montenegro - RTCG pulls out of 2010, citing financial limitations.
December
Andorra - Submitted an entry and then started looking for loose change under the sofa cushions. In December 2009 RTVA announced their withdrawal due to a lack of funding.
Lithuania - LRT pulls out of 2010, citing financial limitations. They are currently looking under the cushions of their sofas and if they find €90,000 they'll be back in.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Skaat. Skaat. Skaat.
The long interregnum comes to an end, as Albania conducts its semi-finals in order to pick a 7 minute long song in need of a pruning. But, what's this? Out of the blocks, without warning comes Israel - announcing their 2010 singer on Christmas Day.
Meet Harel Skaat who has been confirmed as the singer for Oslo by the Israeli public broadcaster IBA. He will sing four songs at a mini-Kdam later on with the public selecting his song for Norway.
But seriously, with six months to go - who cares. Wake me up in February.
Meet Harel Skaat who has been confirmed as the singer for Oslo by the Israeli public broadcaster IBA. He will sing four songs at a mini-Kdam later on with the public selecting his song for Norway.
But seriously, with six months to go - who cares. Wake me up in February.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Georgia on my Screen / Czech, please?
After a tumultuous year, domestically and Eurovisually, Georgia has confirmed it will be back at Eurovision 2010 in Oslo. After their brief war with Russia, Georgia pulled out of Eurovision, only to re-enter with a disco-dig at Vladimir Putin which saw them disqualified. In the meantime, they managed to win the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
CT, the Czech broadcaster, has pulled stumps on the failed experiment that is Czech music at ESC. The show was never all that popular in the Czech Republic, even though it has been a huge hit in Slovakia. None of the Czech acts made it past semi finals and only one of them got to double points in their semi finals (and that had more to do with the small pieces of tin foil covering the girls, rather than the thousands of missed notes).
Gypsy.cz's song 'Aven Romale' (Moscow, 09) scored the first nul pointe in ESC since Switzerland in 2004.
CT, the Czech broadcaster, has pulled stumps on the failed experiment that is Czech music at ESC. The show was never all that popular in the Czech Republic, even though it has been a huge hit in Slovakia. None of the Czech acts made it past semi finals and only one of them got to double points in their semi finals (and that had more to do with the small pieces of tin foil covering the girls, rather than the thousands of missed notes).
Gypsy.cz's song 'Aven Romale' (Moscow, 09) scored the first nul pointe in ESC since Switzerland in 2004.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Moscow 09 in Review: The Voting
There has been no talk of bloc voting this year. Given the size of Norway's victory and the consistency of it's voting-earning from all nations (everyone gave him points and apart from Turkey, Portugal and sections of Eastern Europe just about everyone had him in their top three) it is fair enough to say that everyone agrees the right person won.
Some of the old biases were in evidence - Cyprus giving 12 points to Greece, Andorra giving 12 to Spain - but generally we saw a return to votes being earned by good performances and publicity efforts. The UK scored its best result in seven years after Jade Ewen completed a 13 nation tour appearing on talk shows and variety shows across Europe - oh, and singing very, very well on the night.
After a closer contest (perhaps Oslo in 2010) we may be able to verify if the return of juries has finally slayed the Neighbourhood Watch scheme which has undermined several contests. One concern we have is that the juries make their scores after watching the dress rehearsal on the Friday night! This does seem very wrong - if a performer misses a note or has a sore throat on Friday, but nails it on Saturday at the Final, they will get marked down on 50% of their score for a sin committed off-camera.
Is it asking too much for the juries to watch the Final and make up their minds during the 15 minute interval? Like the rest of us.
Some of the old biases were in evidence - Cyprus giving 12 points to Greece, Andorra giving 12 to Spain - but generally we saw a return to votes being earned by good performances and publicity efforts. The UK scored its best result in seven years after Jade Ewen completed a 13 nation tour appearing on talk shows and variety shows across Europe - oh, and singing very, very well on the night.
After a closer contest (perhaps Oslo in 2010) we may be able to verify if the return of juries has finally slayed the Neighbourhood Watch scheme which has undermined several contests. One concern we have is that the juries make their scores after watching the dress rehearsal on the Friday night! This does seem very wrong - if a performer misses a note or has a sore throat on Friday, but nails it on Saturday at the Final, they will get marked down on 50% of their score for a sin committed off-camera.
Is it asking too much for the juries to watch the Final and make up their minds during the 15 minute interval? Like the rest of us.
Moscow 09 in Review: Stankiest Performance
For the second year running, Ukraine made us want to have a hot shower.
Moscow 09 in Review: Raise the Double Standard
We always learn a little about the host nation from their presentation of Eurovision and 2009 was no different. Russia clearly wanted to make an impression on Europe and despite the GFC hitting them worse than most, forked out a staggering $55m on the stage and show. The stage was quite simply the most amazing thing ever! 2,000 square metres of LED (apparently 30% of the globe's LEDs were there) broken into wings, back drops and moveable circular pieces meant most contestants got live footage superior to their video clips.
But among the technical achievement were a few strange or worrying moments. As not mentioned by SBS, Georgia was forced to withdraw from the contest for having the words Put and In next to each other in their crappy disco track. The reference to Putin was clear and deliberate, but nothing in the song lyrics was political. It is safe to assume Russia put pressure on the EBU to ban it on the grounds of political comment. So what were we to make of the Russian military choir chanting "They're not gonna get us" along with tATu as the interval act at Semi #1?
And then we get to appropriate standards of dress and 'traditional values.' Germany scored a coup by enticing burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese to perform on stage as the titular Miss Kiss Kiss Bang. Unfortunately for them, she was a bit more titular than Russian authorities could handle at the dress rehearsal on Friday - her low-cut corset revealing most of a boob when side-on (though with pastie covering any nipple). Although Dita replaced her corset with one that covered more boob, the Russian broadcasters avoided putting her on screen until the very end of Germany's performance (apparently taking 2 and bit minutes to spot the new corset).
Standards are one thing - it's a family show after all, right? Well, boobs are banned, but apparently groins are great. We can recall at least two close ups of groins (Turkey and Ukraine) and plenty of up-panty angles. In the interests of accuracy we will go through all six hours and note all instances, maybe taking screen shots. How can one be OK and the other not?
To quote Dita herself: "What about the oiled up guys in loincloths?"
But among the technical achievement were a few strange or worrying moments. As not mentioned by SBS, Georgia was forced to withdraw from the contest for having the words Put and In next to each other in their crappy disco track. The reference to Putin was clear and deliberate, but nothing in the song lyrics was political. It is safe to assume Russia put pressure on the EBU to ban it on the grounds of political comment. So what were we to make of the Russian military choir chanting "They're not gonna get us" along with tATu as the interval act at Semi #1?
And then we get to appropriate standards of dress and 'traditional values.' Germany scored a coup by enticing burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese to perform on stage as the titular Miss Kiss Kiss Bang. Unfortunately for them, she was a bit more titular than Russian authorities could handle at the dress rehearsal on Friday - her low-cut corset revealing most of a boob when side-on (though with pastie covering any nipple). Although Dita replaced her corset with one that covered more boob, the Russian broadcasters avoided putting her on screen until the very end of Germany's performance (apparently taking 2 and bit minutes to spot the new corset).Standards are one thing - it's a family show after all, right? Well, boobs are banned, but apparently groins are great. We can recall at least two close ups of groins (Turkey and Ukraine) and plenty of up-panty angles. In the interests of accuracy we will go through all six hours and note all instances, maybe taking screen shots. How can one be OK and the other not?
To quote Dita herself: "What about the oiled up guys in loincloths?"
Moscow 09 in Review: The Hosts
It is not often the hosts from the Semi Finals have everyone talking - but it's safe to assume it's never going to be good when they do. Alsou and Ivan Urgant did a great job at the Final - polished, well-dressed, nothing silly. As Graham Norton said before they appeared on stage: "Unfortunately... they're quite good."
This was in contrast was the first Semi - hosted by model Natalia Vodyanova and journalist Andrey Malakhov. Natalia has not presented on TV before, which means throwing her before 30 million viewers with a week's training was a bit optimistic. Making her speak in French was inviting disaster. Clearly upset by her stumble on the French introduction when we next meet Natalia she's quite bubbly, the time after that she is clearly swaying (nice job Andrey, trying to make it look like you were both dancing side to side) and from there on she was a Whoo! girl punching her mike in the air and making some weird, substance affected comments. Like:
"The most political correct song of the Contest"
This was in contrast was the first Semi - hosted by model Natalia Vodyanova and journalist Andrey Malakhov. Natalia has not presented on TV before, which means throwing her before 30 million viewers with a week's training was a bit optimistic. Making her speak in French was inviting disaster. Clearly upset by her stumble on the French introduction when we next meet Natalia she's quite bubbly, the time after that she is clearly swaying (nice job Andrey, trying to make it look like you were both dancing side to side) and from there on she was a Whoo! girl punching her mike in the air and making some weird, substance affected comments. Like:
- "I don't push buttons on the catwalk, I push buttons off the catwalk"
- "Where are your buttons, Andrey?"
- "In the end, I am a lady"
- "Oh my god" (noteable for the number of times she yelled this out), and,
- "Stick with Andrey, he knows how to party" (so that's where you got the stuff!)
"The most political correct song of the Contest"
Moscow 09 in Review: Coverage
Following an amazing broadcast by Russia and a remarkable victory by Norway (averaging 9.4 votes from every nation) we turn our eye to the highs and the lows of the contest.
2009 marks the first year for three decades with no Terry Wogan commentary via the BBC. SBS have attempted in previous years to introduce some Australian content to the commentary - for purposes which have never seemed apparent (it clearly weren't broke). With Terry's departure the network understandably decided to use local commentators to fill the vacuum.
Well known SBS identity Julia Zemiro and less-known 3RRR host Sam Peng were sent to Moscow with both of them commentating for the three nights. And it got off on the wrong foot - a cartoon about how Julia loves Eurovision. We don't care. It's not about the host - particularly not the one we already know - it's about the contest. An intro on who Sam was would have been useful, but we instantly found out he was there to carry Julia's bags (literally and metaphorically).
Sam displayed some knowledge of the contest and contestants (basis stuff from the notes the EBU would provide each commentating team) and some wit on the few occasions he was allowed to get a few words in. Yet each time he attempted to add some information or explanation he was told off for being a swot or having done research.
Julia on the other hand continually provided timeless quips and observations like "Yeah", "That was good" and "Who's next?", whilst labouring a few personal favourites (we get it, you liked Belarus, now move on). By way of establishing her reputation as a Eurovision commentator, Julia decided to eat into the mike and appeared tipsy at the second Semi. Knowing that Julia has been involved in Eurovision: The Musical (which displayed a deep knowledge of the contest) we assumed she knew more about the show: if not spotting half of Eurobandid (Iceland 08) in the backup singers for Yohanna, then certainly that Alsou came second in 2000!
We opted to download the BBC coverage with Graham Norton and watched this the day after. The differences were quite clear - a far greater engagement with the audience, more detailed intros, slightly saucy comments after a song, and most noteably the BBC commentators talk over the audio track where SBS turned off the contest's audio whenever Julia and Sam spoke, meaning we kept missing hosts' dialogue or having the music drop in and out.
From the comments at SBS's Eurovision website, the fan reaction is overwhelmingly negative - and somewhat confused. Terry's retirement was never explained - the t-shirts at the end 'Terry's not doing it tonight' were unclear and have led some viewers to think SBS decided to not use Terry's coverage or that he'll back next year. A bit of recognition to the guy on his retirement after 25+ years of commentating would have been polite and avoided viewer confusion. Still, the night got nearly half a million viewers, up 12% or so on last year's coverage.
Constructive feedback: Share the commentating duties next time. One commentator at a time: Sam can do the two semis and Julia the Final - having them both talk was inefficient, the schtick got old quick, and their banter was forgettable. Sam's use of information and delivery of comments will be suited to the semis as we meet 35 nations for the first time. At the Final, some knowledge can be assumed, and more barbed comments made by Julia. If the audience has a preference, then splitting the duties will make it come clear.
Alternatively - save the money and just use the BBC commentary - even post-Wogan it remains brilliant.
2009 marks the first year for three decades with no Terry Wogan commentary via the BBC. SBS have attempted in previous years to introduce some Australian content to the commentary - for purposes which have never seemed apparent (it clearly weren't broke). With Terry's departure the network understandably decided to use local commentators to fill the vacuum.
Well known SBS identity Julia Zemiro and less-known 3RRR host Sam Peng were sent to Moscow with both of them commentating for the three nights. And it got off on the wrong foot - a cartoon about how Julia loves Eurovision. We don't care. It's not about the host - particularly not the one we already know - it's about the contest. An intro on who Sam was would have been useful, but we instantly found out he was there to carry Julia's bags (literally and metaphorically).
Sam displayed some knowledge of the contest and contestants (basis stuff from the notes the EBU would provide each commentating team) and some wit on the few occasions he was allowed to get a few words in. Yet each time he attempted to add some information or explanation he was told off for being a swot or having done research.
Julia on the other hand continually provided timeless quips and observations like "Yeah", "That was good" and "Who's next?", whilst labouring a few personal favourites (we get it, you liked Belarus, now move on). By way of establishing her reputation as a Eurovision commentator, Julia decided to eat into the mike and appeared tipsy at the second Semi. Knowing that Julia has been involved in Eurovision: The Musical (which displayed a deep knowledge of the contest) we assumed she knew more about the show: if not spotting half of Eurobandid (Iceland 08) in the backup singers for Yohanna, then certainly that Alsou came second in 2000!
We opted to download the BBC coverage with Graham Norton and watched this the day after. The differences were quite clear - a far greater engagement with the audience, more detailed intros, slightly saucy comments after a song, and most noteably the BBC commentators talk over the audio track where SBS turned off the contest's audio whenever Julia and Sam spoke, meaning we kept missing hosts' dialogue or having the music drop in and out.
From the comments at SBS's Eurovision website, the fan reaction is overwhelmingly negative - and somewhat confused. Terry's retirement was never explained - the t-shirts at the end 'Terry's not doing it tonight' were unclear and have led some viewers to think SBS decided to not use Terry's coverage or that he'll back next year. A bit of recognition to the guy on his retirement after 25+ years of commentating would have been polite and avoided viewer confusion. Still, the night got nearly half a million viewers, up 12% or so on last year's coverage.
Constructive feedback: Share the commentating duties next time. One commentator at a time: Sam can do the two semis and Julia the Final - having them both talk was inefficient, the schtick got old quick, and their banter was forgettable. Sam's use of information and delivery of comments will be suited to the semis as we meet 35 nations for the first time. At the Final, some knowledge can be assumed, and more barbed comments made by Julia. If the audience has a preference, then splitting the duties will make it come clear.
Alternatively - save the money and just use the BBC commentary - even post-Wogan it remains brilliant.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Overheard at Rehearsals
PUTIN: I have something you might wanna put in.AY SEL: Er...
PUTIN: Berlusconi told me to try that line.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dance with Me
For Australian Eurovisionaries wanting to join a crowd during the SBS coverage, here are some locations in Sydney & Melbourne:
Sydney:
Hoyts Entertainment Quarter, Lang Road, Moore Park
17 May - starting 7pm
Cost $15.00
Melbourne:
Eurotrash Bar, 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne (small lane between Lonsdale & Lt Bourke Sts, near Russell Street)
Cost: $25.00 - includes basic drinks during the broadcast.
EDU is happy to add any other venues hosting a screening to the blog or EDU website, just drop us a line.
Sydney:
Hoyts Entertainment Quarter, Lang Road, Moore Park
17 May - starting 7pm
Cost $15.00
Melbourne:
Eurotrash Bar, 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne (small lane between Lonsdale & Lt Bourke Sts, near Russell Street)
Cost: $25.00 - includes basic drinks during the broadcast.
EDU is happy to add any other venues hosting a screening to the blog or EDU website, just drop us a line.
Push the Button
For those night owls wanting to stay up overnight next Saturday night/Sunday morning and watch ESC live on-line, an extra bit of fun commentary will be available via the 'so hot right now' Twitter.
Brilliant UK comedy writer Graham Linehan (Father Ted, Black Books, IT Crowd) and the TWUMPET team will be hosting a live Eurovision Twitter ‘Happening’’ at:
http://www.twumpet.com/
Brilliant UK comedy writer Graham Linehan (Father Ted, Black Books, IT Crowd) and the TWUMPET team will be hosting a live Eurovision Twitter ‘Happening’’ at:
http://www.twumpet.com/
Partners in Crime
The hosts for the Semi Finals have finally been annouced - not a moment too soon! A TV personality and a model will host the two Semis, with the Final to be hosted by a former Russian entrant and 'the best dressed presenter on Russian television.' (Think Megan Gale, Andrew O'Keefe, Vanessa Amorosi and Eddie McGuire). Get ready for style to grind substance into the ground!
Semi Finals
Natalia Vodyanova -a model since she was 16 years old, part of Calvin Klein's 2002 campaign.
Andrey Malakhov - a former journalist on Channel One TV who presents several talk-shows.
Finals
Ivan Urgant - an actor and singer, who has worked in radio stations and on MTV. He presents a number of shows in Russia.
Alsou - represented Russia in 2000 with "Solo" (finishing second). Since then she has worked with Enrique Iglesias, Jon Bon Jovi and Nelly.
Semi Finals
Andrey Malakhov - a former journalist on Channel One TV who presents several talk-shows.
FinalsIvan Urgant - an actor and singer, who has worked in radio stations and on MTV. He presents a number of shows in Russia.
Alsou - represented Russia in 2000 with "Solo" (finishing second). Since then she has worked with Enrique Iglesias, Jon Bon Jovi and Nelly.
Lose Control
In what may be the greatest news in Eurovision news ever - Germany has announced that their stage show for the very cool and very swinging 'Miss Kiss Bang Bang' will include the world famous (and utterly wonderful) burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese.
Obviously Dita has to keep it clean - but even so, it will be a huge highlight to an already impressive live performance. Should Ms Von Teese do something outrageous on the Saturday night the EBU will use the footage of the Friday night dress rehearsal. That is the EBU's guarantee against any act pulling something political or distasteful each year.
Obviously Dita has to keep it clean - but even so, it will be a huge highlight to an already impressive live performance. Should Ms Von Teese do something outrageous on the Saturday night the EBU will use the footage of the Friday night dress rehearsal. That is the EBU's guarantee against any act pulling something political or distasteful each year.
Friday, April 24, 2009
This is EDU Calling
The Editors have ranked the songs and argued differences in opinion over France and Turkey. Our predicted qualifying songs from the semis (below) were ranked alongside the five automatically qualified to produce our Top Ten list. While we love Norway, we love Switzerland just a little bit more - well, a heck of a lot more. The editors were also surprised to strongly agree on Portugal - their best placing ever calls!
FINAL PREDICTION
1 Switzerland 12 pt
2 Norway 10 pt
3 Portugal 8 pt
4 Estonia 7 pt
5 Malta 6 pt
6 France 5 pt
7 Turkey 4 pt
8 FY Macedonia 3 pt
9 Iceland 2 pt
10 Armenia 1 pt
FINAL PREDICTION
1 Switzerland 12 pt
2 Norway 10 pt
3 Portugal 8 pt
4 Estonia 7 pt
5 Malta 6 pt
6 France 5 pt
7 Turkey 4 pt
8 FY Macedonia 3 pt
9 Iceland 2 pt
10 Armenia 1 pt
Semi-Final #2 Predictions
Semi-Final #2 Predicted Top Ten
Norway Alexander Rybak - Fairytale
Estonia Urban Symphony - Rändajad
Moldova Nelly Ciobanu - Hora din Moldova
Albania Kejsi Tola - Carry Me in Your Dreams
Ireland Sinéad Mulvey and Black Daisy - Et Cetera
Greece Sakis Rouvas - This Is Our Night
Azerbaijan AySel and Arash - Always
Slovenia Quartissimo feat. Martina Majerle - Love Symphony
Denmark Niels Brinck - Believe Again
Cyprus Christina Metaxa - Firefly
Norway Alexander Rybak - Fairytale
Estonia Urban Symphony - Rändajad
Moldova Nelly Ciobanu - Hora din Moldova
Albania Kejsi Tola - Carry Me in Your Dreams
Ireland Sinéad Mulvey and Black Daisy - Et Cetera
Greece Sakis Rouvas - This Is Our Night
Azerbaijan AySel and Arash - Always
Slovenia Quartissimo feat. Martina Majerle - Love Symphony
Denmark Niels Brinck - Believe Again
Cyprus Christina Metaxa - Firefly
Semi Finals - EDU Prediction
Semi Final #1 Predicted Top Ten
Switzerland Lovebugs - The Highest Heights
Portugal Flor-de-Lis - Todas as ruas do amor
Malta Chiara - What If We
Iceland Yohanna - Is It True?
Turkey Hadise - Düm Tek Tek
FY Macedonia Next Time - Neshto shto ke ostane
Andorra Susanne Georgi - La teva decisió
Belgium Patrick Ouchène - Copycat
Armenia Inga and Anush - Jan Jan
Bosnia Regina - Bistra voda
Switzerland Lovebugs - The Highest Heights
Portugal Flor-de-Lis - Todas as ruas do amor
Malta Chiara - What If We
Iceland Yohanna - Is It True?
Turkey Hadise - Düm Tek Tek
FY Macedonia Next Time - Neshto shto ke ostane
Andorra Susanne Georgi - La teva decisió
Belgium Patrick Ouchène - Copycat
Armenia Inga and Anush - Jan Jan
Bosnia Regina - Bistra voda
Friday, April 17, 2009
The King is Dead...
SBS has revealed its plans for Eurovision 2009 - and they involve two Australian commentators on the scene.
Now that Sir Wogan has retired, SBS will attempt to fill the vaccuum with an Aussie angle. Fans (including EDU) revolted when Des Mangan commentated in in 2003 - in lieu of Terry Wogan - and since then SBS has shied away from too much local content. Julie Zemiro - host of RockWiz and star of Eurobeat (the ESC stage comedy) - will broadcast from Moscow, alongside 3RRR broadcaster Sam Pang.
As per 2008, the two semi finals will be delayed a few days in order to screen from 7:30pm on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th May. The Final will screen at 7:30pm on Sunday May 17th.
(more details here)
This means that Australian viewers will be denied the usual BBC commentary - this year provided by Graham Norton (whose hilarious chat show is currently on ABC2 Thurdays at 9:30). For those keen to hear Norton's commentary might try UK-specialist file sharing sites like thebox.
Now that Sir Wogan has retired, SBS will attempt to fill the vaccuum with an Aussie angle. Fans (including EDU) revolted when Des Mangan commentated in in 2003 - in lieu of Terry Wogan - and since then SBS has shied away from too much local content. Julie Zemiro - host of RockWiz and star of Eurobeat (the ESC stage comedy) - will broadcast from Moscow, alongside 3RRR broadcaster Sam Pang.
As per 2008, the two semi finals will be delayed a few days in order to screen from 7:30pm on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th May. The Final will screen at 7:30pm on Sunday May 17th.
(more details here)
This means that Australian viewers will be denied the usual BBC commentary - this year provided by Graham Norton (whose hilarious chat show is currently on ABC2 Thurdays at 9:30). For those keen to hear Norton's commentary might try UK-specialist file sharing sites like thebox.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Putin' on the Politics
EDU expected Georgia to blackban this year's contest in Russia, after they decided to taunt the lion from the wrong side of the zoo cage (in the military sense). We were non-plussed when they announced they would withdraw from Moscow 2009. We were kind of surprised they re-entered only a few weeks later.
Now it becomes clearer. It is hard to flip the bird on an international level if your country's only international relations are at Eurovision. So, EDU is delighted to hear Georgia is sending Stefane & 3G to Moscow with the song '(We Don't Wanna) Put In.' Opting against more challenging puns on the name Medvedev, the Georgians swear the song is not a swipe at Vladimir Putin. Which is a good thing... we're not sure the same rules apply to singers as they do to journalists - but we hope Stefane & co have better exit strategy for Moscow than Saakashvili did.
Now it becomes clearer. It is hard to flip the bird on an international level if your country's only international relations are at Eurovision. So, EDU is delighted to hear Georgia is sending Stefane & 3G to Moscow with the song '(We Don't Wanna) Put In.' Opting against more challenging puns on the name Medvedev, the Georgians swear the song is not a swipe at Vladimir Putin. Which is a good thing... we're not sure the same rules apply to singers as they do to journalists - but we hope Stefane & co have better exit strategy for Moscow than Saakashvili did.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
/delurk
(Not) In the words of Scripture, it is time to put aside non-camp things. With a mere four months to go until the next Eurovision Song Contest, the first contestants are being announced and even a tune or two being released.
The big news thus far is that Sakis Rouvas is back! Sakis (3rd in 2004 and host of 2006's show) will represent Greece once more. He is sure to be the early favourite in betting - esp after Dima's 'Lazarus with a quadruple bypass' of a song won last year.
Four other nations have announced their acts, with the songs they will perform to be decided later on. They are:
Azerbaijan (sending: AySel Aysel Teymurzadeh), Israel (Mira Awad - the first Arab-Israeli singer to represent Israel and Noa Achinoam Nini), Netherlands (De Toppers - who are old enough to know better) and Switzerland (the Britpop stlyings of Lovebugs)
Only four countries have unleashed their songs onto the unsuspecting public.
Albania - As usual, the Albanian nationals were first cab off the rank (in December) and were won by Kejsi Tola with 'Më merr në ëndërr' (Take me into your Dreams). Turkey was not far behind, announcing Belgian-born Hadise Hadise Açıkgöz would represent them with 'Düm Tek Tek' (Boom Bang Bang - relax Lulu, it sounds totally different!).
Belarus are offering David Cassidy look-a-like Petr Elfimov with 'Eyes That Never Lie' and Bosnia-Herzegovina are sending U2 wannabes Regina with 'Bistra voda' (Clear water).
The big news thus far is that Sakis Rouvas is back! Sakis (3rd in 2004 and host of 2006's show) will represent Greece once more. He is sure to be the early favourite in betting - esp after Dima's 'Lazarus with a quadruple bypass' of a song won last year.
Four other nations have announced their acts, with the songs they will perform to be decided later on. They are:
Azerbaijan (sending: AySel Aysel Teymurzadeh), Israel (Mira Awad - the first Arab-Israeli singer to represent Israel and Noa Achinoam Nini), Netherlands (De Toppers - who are old enough to know better) and Switzerland (the Britpop stlyings of Lovebugs)
Only four countries have unleashed their songs onto the unsuspecting public.
Albania - As usual, the Albanian nationals were first cab off the rank (in December) and were won by Kejsi Tola with 'Më merr në ëndërr' (Take me into your Dreams). Turkey was not far behind, announcing Belgian-born Hadise Hadise Açıkgöz would represent them with 'Düm Tek Tek' (Boom Bang Bang - relax Lulu, it sounds totally different!).
Belarus are offering David Cassidy look-a-like Petr Elfimov with 'Eyes That Never Lie' and Bosnia-Herzegovina are sending U2 wannabes Regina with 'Bistra voda' (Clear water).
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