So, this year’s not that stellar, in terms of the quality of entries, but come the traditional reading of the votes in the final and we may find ourselves lurching the length and breadth of Europe before we have a host country for 2014 which should make for an exciting show.
Host country Sweden, who has direct entry into the final in Malmo, created a first during their National Selection contest, Melodifestivalen, this year. Robin Stjernberg’s “You” initially had to find it's way out of the relegation final, Andra Chansen, to earn a spot in the actual final where the entry pipped the much favoured YOHIO’s “Heartbreak Hotel”, courtesy of an overwhelming majority in the judges voting, to win the chance to represent the home nation. The selection was the right one too - YOHIO's entry smacked of "novelty" whereas Robin's song is catchy, especially the “you-o-o-o-o-o-io-io-io”, and has some great dramatic moments - cue pyrotechnics. Mr Stjernberg's challenge will be getting through the vocal gymnastics of the song on the night and the backing dancers are awful - ditch the peasant chic and replace with some glam please. Really solid entry and could see a Top 5 finish for Sweden especially as they’ll feature in the later half of the final. Is a repeat win on the cards? Don’t discount it – Robin’s already #1 on the Swedish singles charts with this entry and the song is charting in Denmark & Norway.
The Netherlands have been in the Eurovision wilderness for many, many years without a crumb trail to follow to find their way out. Victims of the “revolt against the West” it’s been a tough gig for the Dutch in recent years with no entries making it past the Semis but in sending Anouk, a superstar in her native Netherlands, they may just have discovered the dry loaf that can be used to start a trail back to "contest contenders". "Birds", Anouk’s entry, is a haunting ballad which will, again if given the correct staging, see her as a firm favourite for the title. Boding very well for Anouk is that she too is topping the charts in her native The Netherlands where the song actually entered the singles charts at #1. Good signs if The Netherlands could vote for themselves…doh! Still – list this as “one to watch”.
Returning to the contest this year is Armenia and they’ll be represented by the fabulously mono-browed Gor Sujyan with his entry “Lonely Planet”…um, yes the irony is not lost on me or any of my colleagues. At least he named his entry correctly not like the mistaken name given to our company by our founder from a misheard Joe Cocker lyric. This is not my “cup of tea” by any stretch. The vocals are strained and the song, although earnest, is clumsy. This meandering offering is turning into a bit of a bookie favourite and Armenia have a great track record in the competition so I’d expect this to qualify through to the final. If he gets a spot late in the final he could feature prominently toward the end of the night.
Drums – check! Disco lights – check! Big dance-chorus – check! Ireland are taking the competition seriously again. Phew! Young Ryan Dolan’s “Only Love Survives” is one of my favourite songs this year so far. It’ catchy dance pop and should have some excellent percussion staging (take note Ms de Forest). The Irish National selection had acts being mentored by “industry insiders” and producer Stuart O’Connor’s slick influence assists this entry. Ryan’s in Heat 1 and this entry will stand out due to its exuberance and should qualify for the final. Again, Ryan needs to watch his scratchy vocal.
And now to one of my perennial favourites…Estonia – who always put up a worthy entry for consideration. Ott Lepland was last year’s real breakout performer with his stunning rendition of “Kuula” and equally impressive trouser theatrics. The gorgeous Birgit Oigemeel will be taking another simple ballad “Et uss saaks alguse” or “So there could be a new beginning” into Semi #1 (the more competitive of the 2 Semis). Birgit’s flowing black hair would give Morticia Adams a run for her money and this simple song could find itself in the final very easily.
And I have not even touched on Azerbaijan’s answer to Saakis Rouvas or GB’s latest gamble by sending 80’s songbird Bonnie Tyler into the competition. So much more to come…
For the record – my top 3 remain – Denmark “Only Teardrops”, Norway “I Feed You My Love” and Ireland “Only Love Survives”.
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