Author Archives: Samantha Ross
Serbia: Željko unveils “Nije Ljubav Stvar”
Although we’ve known since November that singer, songwriter, and Eurovision veteran Željko Joksimović would be representing Serbia, it was only this Saturday that we finally got the chance to hear the song that he’d be taking to Baku. Presented in both English and Serbian, “Nije Ljubav Stvar” are a return to form from the man who brought us 2004’s silver medalist, “Lane Moje“, as well as the composer of 2006’s “Lejla” and 2008’s “Oro“. Read the rest of this entry
Sweden has decided: it’s Loreen!
In an exciting result (that, let’s face it, surprised nobody), Loreen took the Melodifestifalen Crown in Sweden last night with “Euphoria”, pushing Danny Saucedo into a second consecutive runner-up position. Written by Thomas G:son and Peter Boström (who have already each got a a song in the ESC 2012 lineup already… Spain’s “Quédate Conmigo” and Norway’s “Stay”, respectively), this was Loreen’s second go at Melodifestivalen glory. Read the rest of this entry
Preview: Melodifestivalen Final
Well, after weeks of buildup, the Grande Dame of Eurovision National Finals is just about ready to make her pick. Sweden’s Melodifestivalen often draws bigger ratings than the ESC itself, and this Saturday’s Final, to be held in Stockholm’s Globen Arena, is shaping up to be a fantastic culmination. We’ve had a few surprises so far (including the crash-and-burn result of former Eurovision champion Charlotte Perrelli in the Semifinals)…what will the Finals bring? Read the rest of this entry
Confirmed: Armenia Withdraws
Early on Wednesday, it was announced that Armenian broadcaster ARMTV had withdrawn their bid to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song contest, to be held in neighboring Azerbaijan.
According to ESC Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand, “We are truly disappointed by the broadcaster’s decision to withdraw from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Despite the efforts of the EBU and the Host Broadcaster to ensure a smooth participation for the Armenian delegation in this year’s Contest, circumstances beyond our control lead to this unfortunate decision.” Read the rest of this entry
Russia has decided: it’s the Buranovskiye Babushki!
Today, in Russia, RTR held their National Final in the hopes of sending an act to Baku that would do their country proud. Maybe it would be Dima Bilan or Yulia Volkova, a pair of globally-famous performers with a Eurovision gold, silver, and bronze between them. Maybe it would be the rap-opera hybrid act of Timati and Aida. Maybe it would mark the return of Polina Smolova… Read the rest of this entry
Slovakia confirms: Max Jason Mai to Baku
So it looks like Slovakia has confirmed what they seem to have announced back in November, but with a twist! Months ago, broadcaster STV proclaimed that “Česko Slovenská Superstar” runner-up Miroslav Šmajda (aka Miro Šmajda, aka My.RO, aka the lead singer of RoseMaid) would go to Baku, but only days later, withdrawing the comment, stating that it was nearly a done deal, but that contract negotiations were still ongoing. It then appeared that those negotiations fell apart, and no more was heard from Bratislava. Read the rest of this entry
Preview: Russian National Final
Wednesday, March 7 brings us one of the last major National Finals of the Eurovision preseason, as Russia continues its quest for their second Eurovision title. After an internal selection last year brought them a relatively disappointing 16th place in the Final (their second-lowest placement ever), broadcaster RTR is returning to a televised selection format. Read the rest of this entry
Songs confirmed in Italy and Israel
Over the past few weeks, both the Italian and Israeli delegations have dropped major hints regarding what we’ll be hearing from them in Baku this May. In Italy, a special jury at the San Remo Festival selected chanteuse Nina Zilli to represent them, but no confirmation was given regarding the song that she would present. Further east, Nina’s counterpart in Israel, indie-rock band Izabo, had their track for Azerbaijan, “Time”, leaked. Broadcaster IBA had no comments on the supposed leak, neither confirming nor denying that the song was official. Well, as we approach the EBU’s March 19 deadline, we finally have more clarity from Rome and Tel Aviv. Read the rest of this entry
Spain: “Quédate Conmigo” chosen for Pastora Soler
Back in December, Spanish broadcaster RTVE revealed that copla-flamenco-pop singer Pastora Soler would be representing the nation in Baku, and that the public would have a say in the song she’d take to Azerbaijan. This Saturday, we finally got our answer. Three songs were in the running, one from her most recent album and two new tracks. Read the rest of this entry
Lithuania has decided: it’s Donny Montell!
Saturday marked the Finals of Lithuania’s search for their Eurovision performer for Baku. Fourteen hopefuls took the stage for their shot at a ticket to Azerbaijan, but (of course) only one could win. After those performances (as well as a three-contestant Superfinal), it was 24-year old Donny Montell (real name: Donatas Montvydas) who swept the jury vote and dominated the televote, and we’ll be hearing “Love is Blind” at the Crystal Arena. Read the rest of this entry
The ESC Insider 