Category Archives: 2012
Ireland has decided: Jedward returns!
In a win that surprised basically nobody, the dynamic duo of John and Edward Grimes, better known to the world as Jedward, won both the public televote as well as the regional juries to take a second consecutive victory in Ireland, making them the first act from that nation to perform in back-to-back Eurovisions. Mentored by 1992 ESC-winner Linda Martin, here’s their winning song, “Waterline”: Read the rest of this entry
A Switch in Belarus: Litesound to Baku
It’s just not Eurovision without a bit of drama from Belarus, is it? Back on Valentine’s Day, a five-song National Final, “Eurofest”, was held, with Alyona Lanskaya being declared the winner with “All My Life”. However, earlier today, a press conference was held, stating that due to allegations of vote-fixing and corruption, the results of “Eurofest” have been nullified in favor of the runners-up, popular Minsk-based band Litesound. Read the rest of this entry
“Love Me Back”, says Can Bonomo
Back in early January, after much speculation, it was decided that Izmir-born indie-rocker Can Bonomo would be representing Turkey in Baku this year. We finally have some insight into what Bonomo will be bringing to the table (or, in this case, to the arena); he unveiled “Love Me Back”, an eastern-infused song that somehow blends pop, folk, sea shanties, and maybe just a hint of klezmer…
Israel: Izabo’s “Time” leaked?
Someone, grab some duct tape and a few towels…it looks like Israel’s leaking! Earlier this month, Israeli broadcaster IBA announced that they would be forgoing its traditional national selection format, “Kdam”, in favor of an internal selection. The ethno-indie-rock act Izabo was chosen, and their song’s title, “Time”, was released, but no further details were given. It appears, however, that a demo version of the song has been spotted on YouTube!
Weekend Semifinal Round-Up
This weekend marked the start of the semifinals for Estonia’s Eestilaul, as well as the third heats in Sweden and Lithuania, and the continuation of the Finnish selection process. Furthermore, we’ve gotten more clarification on the songs that Spain will be choosing from for Pastora Soler. Let’s take a look at what happened this weekend: Read the rest of this entry
Georgia has decided: it’s Anri Jokhadze!
On Sunday, Georgian broadcaster GPB held their National Final, determining who would have the honor of representing their nation in neighboring Azerbaijan this spring. Would it be another Sopho? Would they rock out like Eldrine, or choose a moving ballad, like “Shine“? Read the rest of this entry
Croatia: Nina Badrić releases “Nebo”
As announced back in January, Croatia’s traditional National Final, Dora was cancelled in favor of an Internal Selection. Veteran performer Nina Badrić was selected by broadcaster HRT, but it was unclear which song she would take to Baku. That question was answered this weekend on a special aired by the network, where an edited version of the title track of Nina’s most recent album, “Nebo (Heaven)”, was unveiled. Read the rest of this entry
Italy has decided: it’s Nina Zilli!
Before Melodifestivalen, before Festivali i Këngës, even before Eurovision itself, there was San Remo. Founded in 1951, international stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Nek, and Eros Ramazzotti have all been discovered through this festival, which was supposedly the inspiration for the Eurovision that we all know and love today. All throughout this week, fourteen established artists and eight newcomers performed, all in the hopes of grabbing the honor of a victory at the Teatro Ariston on the Italian Riviera. Read the rest of this entry
Latvia has decided: it’s Anmary!
Saturday marked the final of Latvia’s “Eirodiezma”, their national final to determine who would carry the maroon and white to Baku. After ten songs were performed, a split jury/televote determined that Anmary’s “Beautiful Song” would have the honor:
Ukraine has decided: it’s Gaitana!
This morning, Ukranian broadcaster NTU held their National Final, where twenty-one songs fought it out for the right to represent the country in Baku this May. After a jury- and televote, it was Gaitana who stood above the rest, with her upbeat disco number “Be My Guest”:
The ESC Insider 