Malta's Endurance Contest: The Review

Love or hate the Maltese national final it is always difficult to find a fan that will take complete offense to the Maltese entry at Eurovision. Sadly, their national final is one that always runs all night and just when you think the result is going to come we have another interval act. Malta is well up there on the endurance contest list along with Festival i Kenges in Albania and The Late Late Show in Ireland.

Anyway there is the standard MESC in Malta with virtually the same singers as last year. So lets have a look at what is on this year:

Janice Debattista – Perfect Day

This is a vanilla song, plain and simple. Not that it is never a bad idea to err on the side of caution in a national final this is just lacking in many areas and there are so many similar songs in this national final. Grade: E

Chris Grech – Never Walk Away

Another plain song with some U2 overtones. Chris is quite an introverted performer so this song may not come across as well as it should. Slow rock songs also don’t tend to do extremely well in national finals. Grade: E+

Claudia Faniello – When It’s Time

Claudia is back for yet another national final with yet another dull song. Personally speaking I think if they weren’t go to send her with the song Pure I cannot imagine her doing well enough with this one. It is dull and predictable. Grade: E+

Corazon Mizzi – My Stranger Love

Corazon’s song is probably similar in ways to other songs in this national final. However something about her voice makes me think that she might just standout a little more in the national final however perhaps I just prefer her voices to others in MESC this year. Grade: D-

Richard Edwards – Fall Like Rome

Seasoned MESC competitor returns with another dramatic song. This is certainly one of the more stand out song in MESC however I still wonder if he could actually win given that he has missed out so many times before this. Never the less I think this is a possible winner and could be in Malmo. Grade: B+

Ylenia Vella – Tides of Illusion

I like this. It is the first genuine uptempo piece of Eurodance that I have listened to in the MESC entries. It bounces along nicely however I’m not convinced that this will do as well as it can live. It is more of a song that belongs as track 7 or 8 of a pop CD. It has more introverted qualities which probably will not be recognised by a live audience and this style of song does not tend to score overly well with juries in MESC. Grade: B-

Gianni – Us Against The World

Gianni may have his fans from last year but I doubt that they will be overly impressed with this teen pop song that really is unimpressive. Last year I had him down as someone who could represent Malta at Eurovision in the future, however I don’t think 2013 is the future. Grade: D

Jessica Muscat – Ultraviolet

Can fiery red heads go to Eurovision? Yes of course, remember Niamh Kavanagh? Certainly Jessica has a pretty distinctive look. Her song is also fairly good and reminds me a bit of Lena Meyer Landrut. Maybe has an outside chance? Grade: B-

Dorothy Bezzina – Starting From The End

I never got Dorothy, her songs are always very good vocally but are never particularly warm. This one is no different. Probably will do well with juries. Grade: E-

Gianluca Bezzina – Tomorrow

Anyone else thinking Train’s Hey Soul Sister? Certainly I am. I think this is somewhat like it but none the less this is a very sweet song and Gianluca’s charisma helps to boost the song. A strong entry that may well win. Grade: B+

Danica Muscat – Fanasty

Another dull ballad from Danica. ZZZZZZZ…….ZZZZZZZZZ……Grade: E

Melanie Zammit – Loverdose

Here comes the strange woman that is a bit overenthusiastic. Everything about this song is the right thing to do but everything feels a bit overdone. Maybe this will work better on the big stage but in the meantime I’m not impressed. Grade: C

Dominique Azzopardi – Too Little Too Late

Another dull ballad. Dominique has a delicate and gentle voice but it still will not take away from the fact that the song really is just not that outstanding. Grade: E+

Davinia Pace – Betrayed

I don’t like this, for no reason at all. I just don’t. Sorry. Grade: G

Raquela – Keep Believing

I like this one. Probably a bit too cold to be a potential winner but none the less I like it. It does get too slow at times though. Grade: C

Scar – Superstar

I’m half expecting either the wimax ad (I’d have to be living Irish to understand) or else a tribute act to Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan. This is certainly a potential winner but I still am not convinced this is an ideal Eurovision choice. Grade: B

Saska Hunt – Dress Rehearsal

This reminds me of some of Lena Meyer Landrut’s dull songs that I just don’t listen to. Otherwise it is fairly dull. Grade: D-

Amber – In Control

Also a dull song. It tries to be right but gets it so wrong. Grade: E+

Petra – No One’s Home

Petra has a blues song that does make it stand out from all of the other dull ballads in this show. Nevertheless I can’t see this as a winner. Grade: D

Deborah C – Love-O-Holic

This is my favourite song in the competition. I loved Deborah last year and once again I find myself in the same position this year. Sadly vocally she was way off last year, hopefully the year has done her some good. If this worked it could have a chance of winning but if it goes wrong it surely won’t be as bad as last year. Grade: A

Franklin Calleja – Let Your Heart Talk

More of the same dull ballads. Please read any other comment on dull ballads to understand what I think of this one. Grade: D-

Klinsman Coleiro – The Remedy

If he can pull this off live then it would  certainly be the winner of the contest hands down. However MESC is a great place to hear off key vocals and this could a just another one of these songs. I like this as a studio song. It reminds me of a toned down version of Danny’s Amazing last year. Grade: A

Petra/Richard Edwards – Wonderful Today

I personally would prefer their individual song than this duet. It really does not show off Richard’s vocal abilities and the age difference (apologies if there is no difference). Taxi for this one then. Grade: E

What? Petra? Who? Oh....Her....Hum

Today we received the news that Petra Mede will host the Eurovision Song Contest. This came as a surprise to many fans, though unusually unexpected news was greeted with a moderate welcome.

This represents quite a change from previous years both in the choice of Petra and the decision to have only one host. Firstly, it has to be noted that this is the first time that there will be only one host since 1995 and it certainly will be interesting to see how that works in the new show. Personally I was impressed by the change to have three presenters for the show in 2010, 2011 and 2012 - certainly I don't think that having a hosting couple ever worked that well.

Secondly, it is surprising that SVT/EBU have decided to select a comedian rather than a host who can be funny to present Eurovision. It will be most interesting to see the sort of show that SVT will put on. Certainly, links to Anke will be drawn whose excellent presenting of the contest was widely praised by Eurovision fans everywhere. Petra herself certainly seems like a capable host of the show, having hosted Melodifestivalen in 2009, and having hosted her own show for the last number of years.

Weekend Edition

Unfortunately I was away all this weekend (with family in the midlands) and that meant that though I was carefully watching the busy Scandinavian weekend from my phone in a hotel lobby I wasn't blogging so in this Weekend Edition I look back at the weekend.

Denmark
Denmark selected Emmelie de Forest to go to Malmo in May with her song Only Teardrops. As I said in my review of the Danish national final this was my favourite in the national final. It's always nice when your favourite wins, that's for sure.

There appears to be widespread praise for the song and its convincing win in DMGP suggests that it has a great chance at Eurovision but it is very early to be making predictions. Congratulations to Emmelie.

Norway
Things are not going well in Norway and the shine that used be associated with it as a strong national final country has well and truly come off of it. This week they sent Margaret Berger, Fjellfolk and Annsofi to the final. However overall there is not one outstanding song or even a song that I would be satisfied to see Norway send to Eurovision. This new style of music may well be an epic fail.

Iceland 
Iceland held both their semi-finals over the weekend have selected six songs to progress to the final of the competition. I suppose the only real shock is the fact that Yohanna did not make it to the final and to the surprise of many fans, Magní Asgeirsson didn't qualify through the public televote but had to rely on the jury wildcard. All in all Iceland have a nice national final lined up but it will be very interesting to see who wins it.

Could It Be Denmark's Year?

This year Denmark have presented one of the strongest fields for their national final, DMGP, which brings me to the question could they select the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest tonight? Regardless of your answer there are some real gems in the final tonight. Let's take a peek:

Frederikke - Jeg Har Hele Tiden Vidst Det
This is a fairly normal song. It starts slow and builds, however unlike many of these songs I actually think that there are too many changes in this song and the overall rhythm of the song is damaged, but still it is pretty good and should be a nice opener to the show. Grade: B-

Brinck - Human 
Brinck, having represented Denmark at the contest in 2009, returns for the first time to DMGP since his win with the gentle song Human, which could be a big hit in a final which does not really include many slow songs. However I find the Danes are not really prone to going for this style of song. Personally I think it is one of those songs I like to have for quieter times on the MP3 player. Grade: A-

Kate Hall - I'm Not Alone
In total contrast to Brinck we turn to Kate Hall and her complete Disco stomper I'm Not Alone. This takes a few seconds to get going then it delivers a real schlager song that may not do extremely well with the Danish public but is bound to light up Twitter on the night. This really will need a bit more bass though to carry it on the night to make it a possible super finalist. Grade: B+

Louise Dubiel - Rejs Dig Op
I've actually been a fan of Louise for some time now though she has never participated in DMGP before I always though that she would be there at some stage. Personally, even as a fan, I'm disappointed by this overly poppish song she has entered which not exactly her best material but it is easy to understand why she is in last place with the bookies. Grade: C

Daze - We Own The Universe
Another disco oriented song which gathers pace and then lets fly with a real strong schlager-ish song. I have not paid much attention to this song but it actually is a great one. Because of the standard in this national final I don't this has much chance of being a surprise winner but still it is a great one to listen to. Grade: B+

Simone - Stay Awake
Returning from her surprise loss in 2010 Simone returns to DMGP, once again as the favourite. Personally I do not understand why she is the favourite of the contest. While her song is good and has a great beat to it I don't think that this will be the ultimate winner of DMGP. Clearly she proved in 2010 that Denmark will not vote for her simply because it is Simone. There are better songs in this national final which would get Denmark a better result at ESC. Grade: B

Jack Rowan feat. Sam Gray - Invincible
We have to have a male duet simply because it is Denmark don't we? This one of the weaker pop songs in the final and given the fact that this show will be full of them this song is unlikely to progress to far. Grade: C

Emmelie De Forest - Only Teardrops
Many people will have noticed that I have suggested that there may be a potential winner of the entire Eurovision Song Contest in this final and in my opinion you are looking at it. Emmelie takes part in the national final for the first time with what I think is currently the best song in the 2013 national final season so far. This is different in so many ways that it does have to do well even if it is somewhere between the second and third favourite with the bookies. Grade: A+

Albin - Beautiful To Me
Another dull pop song that actually be a surprise qualifier to the super final, though I do think that the song is not that impressive though Denmark does have a record for going for this style of song. Grade: B-

Mohamad Ali - Unbreakable
Simple question, why call yourself Mohamad Ali? Does he not have any clue how hard it is to find a music video on Youtube with a name like that. This probably one of the stronger pop songs in the the Danish national final this year. I like it, and I would certainly consider it a possible super finalist and even a surprise winner of the whole competition. The song itself is modern enough to widely appeal to the masses but also carries some schlager elements which will boost the song with the fans. Grade: A-

The Favourites
According to Nicerodds the favourite is Simone, with Emmelie and Mohamad behind.

Prediction
I'm predicting a victory for Emmelie

A Real Battle In Iceland

Iceland this year are presenting what is generally seen as a strong selection this year and ahead of tonight's first semi-final I take a look that the songs in the competition.

Mangí Ásgeirsson – Ekki Líta Undan

A rather unusual song from Mangí given his song last year – it is more of a pop song with some rock overtones. It is a good piece of music in this national final and does hold the listeners attention for the song. Personally I was never as big a fan of Mangí as many fans are, so I am less convinced by the song but it is still a good entry. Grade: C+

Eyϸór Ingi Gunnlaugsson – Ég Á Lif

Though I am sometimes critical of the number of simple ballads in national finals this song really stands out from the crowd as there are so few similar songs in the Icelandic selection. I love the Celtic overtones in the song, particularly. However I think it lacks original song writing, which is a serious fault. Grade: B

Svavar Knútur Kristinsson & Hreindís Ylva Gardardóttir Holm – Lífio Snyst

This is a really happy song which bounces along and is a nice and pleasant song to listen to. However if this was in a national final with more songs than the Icelandic semi-finals I would be concerned for it as it is not the most memorable song, however it is still a great song to listen to and may surprise a few in the national final, should it get that far. Grade: B+

Birgitta Haukdal – Medal Andanna

Birgitta returns to the national final for the first time since representing the Icelandic nation in 2003 with the song “Open Your Heart”. However I would say that this song is very different to her song in 2003. It is very dramatic and relies on the percussion elements of the song to carry it forward. It could be a success, given Birgitta’s public profile in Iceland. Personally I am less convinced. This is far from the strongest song in this competition and is lacking in creativity. Grade: B

Edda Vidarsdóttir – Sá Sem Laetur Hjartad Ráda For

A slow and gentle song that is similar to many songs we have seen the Icelandic national final before. Personally I think this is the weakest song in this semi-final. It is too simple to be really considered a good song. Grade: C-

Yohanna – Du

After surprisingly returning once again to the national selection Yohanna has a completely different song to the one that brought Iceland to second place in Moscow. It is difficult to say how this pop song will go down in Iceland, though in my opinion, I think that this is far from the best song in this selection process, though it is the best in this semi. This surprises me a lot as I was convinced after 2011, Yohanna would not enter again unless she was certain about a song. Grade: A-

Finland Heat 2: Review

Finland hold their second heat tonight. Before this I take a look at the songs the Finnish public will hear tonight

Arion – Lost In The Woods

Similar to many Nordic rock songs that we have heard a few times already but I think I might get to like it over time i.e. if Finland selected it as their song. However in the short run it would not feature on my playlists so the songs grade is capped at a D. Grade: D

Lucy Was Driving – Dancing All Around The Universe

The beat of the song certainly does make the song a bit interesting. The song develops into a song that is actually quite good and I am liking the song overall. It feels just a little bit dated but I’m not complaining hugely. This needs a good live performance to lift it. Grade: B

Krista Siegfrids – Marry Me

This is probably the most eye-catching song by any standards. Krista delivers a great performance of the song and I am actually very impressed by this. It is much better than the studio version. [Ed - I wrote this review over two weeks ago and this has definitely been one of the songs I've listened to the most in the national finals. Grade: A

Atlético Kumpula – Paperilyhty

One of the more traditional songs in UMK this year I think it is nice to listen to (as opposed to all the rock we have to endure in Finnish national finals). It is a soft and gentle song, which I like while I am paying a lot of attention to it but I would be concerned that the song will fade into the background in the heats or national final. Grade: C+

Great Wide North – Flags

I think this is meant to be a hands up in the air rock ballad. However while the chorus does live up to the songs aspirations I think it fails to deliver as strongly in the verses. Grade: D

Elina Orkoneva – He’s Not My Man

A great retro song that has really great potential but still it is highly dependent on the performance. I like this though. Grade: B+

Who's In And Who's Out: UK and Ireland

Speculation is rife that either Kimberley Walsh or Girls Aloud will represent the UK this year at Eurovision. The fact that Fridrik Kempe wrote two of the songs on Kimberley's latest album is fueling these rumours. Personally I'm not convinced that sending Girls Aloud will solves the UK's run of poor performers. Girls Aloud may get a shock when they find out vocals must be live.

Personally I never cared that much who the UK entered to Eurovision as they rarely seem to do well and despite their protests never appear to try. However if Girls Aloud were to be the UK enterant I shall quote Bernard from Yes Minister - "Sun readers don't care who runs the country, as long as she's got big tits"

In Ireland, the rumour mills are in full swing (not that I have ever add fuel to the flames). Donna Taggart, a great traditional Irish singer was considered a possible candidate by both myself and my fellow Irish Eurovision bloggers Eurovision Ireland. [Hint Donna: Don't follow Eurovision blogs in January].

That's So Unexpected

At long last, I was wondering when I would hear from Belarus:

According to the Belorussian official Eurovision Alyona may change her song for Eurovision.

Anyone else even remotely shocked?

A Dull Semi-Final In Norway

Regardless of what I may have said before this Norway have lost a lot of credibility tonight.

Tonight Norway held their first semi-final. I think that I speak for the majority of fans in saying that fans were both very disappointed with the overall results and the general quality of songs in the competition. Though I could drag out this article I think that silence might be a more powerful statement.

The Results were:
1st Place - Gromth feat. Emil Solli-Tangen - Alone
2nd Place - Datarock - The Underground
3rd Place - Vidar Busk - Paid My Way

Is It Just Me Or Has Norway Slipped A Little?

This time last year and the year before that, and the year before that I would always look forward to the Norwegian selection process, MGP. In my mind it has always been a great selection process though it may not have the musical quality of Melodifestivalen or Dansk MGP, it still was Melodifestivalen come early. However I find myself rather disappointed with what has come through in the first semi-final for MGP.

It's not that any one song is particularly awful or indeed it is not that two or three songs are not great. It's just that overall I am left feeling very underwhelmed by this semi. I know that I should be more optimistic about this. This is only the first semi-final, we've only heard one third of the songs. Yet I just feel that everything so far about MGP this year has disappointed me. I know they are trying to change the show a little after the last three years, but still, I had higher hopes anyway the songs (along with some brief thoughts) on them are:

Vidar Busk - Paid My Way
This 1950/1960's music style has performed extremely well in the Nordic national final with bands such as The Lucky Bullets and Top Cats registering a substantial impact on their national finals. Though this style is popular I think that this song lacks something to genuinely lift the song and to make the average Norwegian pick up the phone. I would particularly note the chorus would appear to be weak. Having said all that I am rarely impressed by this style of music. Grade: D

Carina Dahl - Sleepwalking
In a complete change of style from the sexy but superficial song "Guns and Boys" in 2011 Sleepwalking is a much slower R+B style song. It has a very strange opening where we can hear music in the background and then it bursts into a tune. I'm very surprised by this - I didn't expect that sound effect to be used in a Eurovision Song. Overall this song has grown on me with multiple listens, and it is now one of my favourites in this semi-final. Grade: B

Tom Hugo - Det Er Du
A rather unusual song for a Nordic ballad in a national final. It is unusual to find a song that this relaxed and as acoustic as this song is. Overall it builds into a song that is very pleasant to listen to. However it does remind me a lot of a song that was knocked out in the first semi-final last year [Singing from the same position in fact]. Personally I like this. Grade: B

Gromth feat. Emil Solli-Tangen - Alone
Heavy rock meets what could be a relative of Didrik Solli-Tangen [Anyone know are Emil and Didrik actually related?]. This might be just one cross over too many. While I have always been an opera fan, particularly outside of Eurovision I have seen sorts of crossovers with artists such as Katherine Jenkins however really I don't think that this all works together perfectly. This is a song that will probably attempt to appeal to rock fans. I think Opera fans will not appreciate the rock elements of this song. Grade: C

Julie Bergin - Give A Little Something Back
This reminds me of Carina Dahl's song mixed with Tom Hugo, though sadly I don't think that this is as good as either of them. It lacks either an interesting song nor a good hook. Dull and boring. Grade: D+

Mimi Blix - Catch Me
I've always had a soft spot for Mimi. Her extremely sexy performances are wonderful and they generally make up for a discernible lack of genuine talent. Nevertheless I am looking forward to hearing this disco anthem being sung in the semi-final. I think that the song is not perfect as it has too many breaks and style changes and the verses are extremely dull and do not really build the tension in the sense that a normal disco song would. Grade: B-

Datarock - The Underground
It is difficult to put an exact style on this song. In some ways it reminds me of The Showbears and there are elements of current boyband songs and also there is a certain Stayin' Alive (The Bee Gees). This is a rather intriguing song. Very difficult to call this one. Grade: B+

Having reviewed these songs I probably do think that the songs this year are probably not as unimpressive as I first though, but still I think that it is missing some of the genuinely great songs of last year.

My Favourites: Datarock, Carina Dahl and Tom Hugo.

The Odds
Tom Hugo, Datarock, and Julie Bergin are the favourites with two bookmakers, and Tom Hugo, Datarock and Carina Dahl are the favourites with other bookmakers. Though personally I think that Datarock will win and Tom Hugo will do very well to qualify.

Semi-Final Draw, Finland First Semi-Final and A Theme

I was going to write up a post on today's semi-final draw but ESCInsight has pretty much said everything I was going to say. So I strongly recommend that as a piece. From an Irish prespective I'm prett happy the the draw and think that we have a reasonable hope of making it through to the final, though how we will get on in their remains to be seen.

Elsewhere in Finland Mikarl Saari and Diandra both made it to the final of UMK. I like Mikael's song but I am not a huge fan of Diandra's.

Finally the theme of Eurovision "We Are One" was revealed today. Personally I do like it and feel that this is probably something the contest should be attempting to promote at this point of European history.

Looking Forward To Tomorrow?

Tomorrow, Monday 14th January, sees national final seasons ramping up to new levels. [So exciting!!!]

Tomorrow Austria release their artists songs and if my sources are correct Iceland will also publish their songs. On Wednesday Norway will announce the artists in their first semi-final and will release their songs. Thursdays sees the first heat in Finland and Saturday sees the first semi-final in Norway. Plus there's bound to be all the usual SVT Thursday and during the busier parts of national finals seasons we can expect at least one surprise announcement per week.

Enjoy! and stick with myself here on The Best Eurovision Blog.

A Good Icelandic National Final In Sight

Yesterday Iceland presented its 12 artists who will participate in the national final. There are a considerable number of returning artists two who have competed at Eurovision and five who have competed before in the national final.

Many fans, including myself will be delighted to see the return of Bigitta [Eurovision 2003: 8th] and Yohanna [Eurovision 2009: 2nd]. Others may also be happy with the return of Magni Ásgeirsson [National Final 2012: 3rd], though I never really understood what made that song so special in the eyes of fans.

The Icelandic songs should be released on Monday 14th January and I'm very much looking forward to hearing them.

Could It Be The Winner of Eurovision 2013?

I was just typing up a boring piece of analysis to do with Melodifestivalen when I noticed that Cascada's entry in the German national final was available online. Each year, like most Eurovision fans, I notice some artists coming through national finals who make you wonder could they winner. Cascada is a group which I had earmarked as possible winners, so their song one I was watching out for.

Having listened to their song I'm not convinced it can win the German national final with ease however it would certainly put Germany in the top 10. It's a good song, it might win, but I was hoping for something a little more inspirational. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you think this has winner written all over it. Maybe you think this is a definite no no. Feel free to comment or tweet to me as usual.

Cascada - Glorious

A Change Is Gonna Come - Nope, It's Here Already

One of the more odd changes in this year's list of changes to the contest is the insertion of article 1.2.1a into the rules of Eurovision. It deals specifically with commercial release date of songs. The article reads as follows:
Compositions  (lyrics and music) must not have been commercially released before 
1 September 2012. In case the composition has been made available to the public, for 
example, but not limited to, on online video platforms, social networks or (semi-) publicly 
accessible databanks, the Participating Broadcaster must inform the ESC Executive Supervisor, 
who shall have authority to evaluate whether the composition is eligible for participation in the 
Event. In particular, the ESC Executive Supervisor shall assess whether such disclosure prior to 
1 September 2012 is likely to give to the composition an advantage in the Event vis-à-vis the 
other compositions. The ESC Executive Supervisor shall authorise or deny participation of a 
composition which may have been available to the public as described above, subject to the 
prior approval of the Reference Group.

This is actually a highly subjective rule, which apparently was proposed by the Danish broadcast - which makes me wonder what they are up to. As with many of the newly introduced rules this year we will have to wait to see it in practice before we can make a judgement on it. Sadly this means that the newly implemented rules will actually impact the contest before they are judged, which is far from optimal.

I am calling on the EBU to ensure that this rule will be applied prudently even if this means that many countries have to change their songs.

This rules seems to likely to be used with some of the songs in the German national final [five of which are already publicly released].

Melodifestivalen Running Order Revealed

Today on what has now become known as SVT Thursday SVT revealed the Melodifestivalen running order (For the semi-finals). The semi-finals are opened by David Lindegren and end with Ulrik Munther. Really their is not a whole pile of surprise involved in this, largely because there is not quite as many returning artists as normally would be expected.

The most interesting is who received the coveted last place in the semi-final went to Ulrik Munther. This generally considered to mean that he is Christer Bjorkman's favourite and is a song that Christer thinks has a chance. This means one of two things: The song is amazing or more than likely Christer just thinks he's onto a hunch. Christer's crazy ideas have had very much mixed success even when they do actually make it out of Melodifestivalen. In 2009 he decided the world needed to hear Malena Ernman. BAD IDEA. Didn't even get to the top 10 despite all the great songs in Melodifestivalen that year. 2010, Anna Bergendahl. I don't need to elaborate. 2011 Eric Saade. Good Choice Christer. 2012 Danny Saucedo. Oh but who won Eurovision. It wasn't Danny.

Certain those who catch Bjorkman's eye are always worth watching mainly because of the massive budget that is thrown at their performance.

Now those of you who may be thinking that Ulrik might have a chance but I am somewhat skeptical. Last year he was though he came joint third with David Lindgren he still didn't manage to win his semi-final against David and only managed to come in fourth place with the juries. On top of that he only finished eighth in the televote. This is an artist who doesn't exactly have the hallmarks of someone who really has a strong chance of winning. You could argue that many artists may have had a shot had it not been for Loreen hoovering up the votes, however I'm not convinced that Ulrik would have massively improved in the absence of Loreen.