Today, as some of you may have seen RTÉ released the names of the five acts that will be trying to represent Ireland in this year's Eurovision song contest. Suffice to say that I am somewhat disappointed by the list of names that they have released. It's a good day for the bookies as none of the names released were on Paddy Powers lists before the announcement.
The five acts are: Zoe Alexis Bohorquez; Ryan Dolan; Aimee Fitzpatrick; Incheqin and Kasey.
Nope! I haven't heard of any of the either. All I can say is that Zoe and Aimee are the favourites in early betting. While it is nice to see that it will not be Jedward this year I think I shall hold back my most grating comments until after the Mooney Show, where the songs will be presented tomorrow. Though I have classes during these times, I will be updating the blog and Twitter page later in the evening.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Isn't That What National Finals Are All About?
After a surprising night of national finals and semi-finals we've two more Eurovision entries, and many songs have been eliminated in the quest to find a Eurovision entry. Many people have been shocked to see some of the choices made in some of the shows yesterday. But really is this not The story continues....
Malta
Malta have selected Gianluca Bezzina, to represent them in Malmo, with his song "Tomorrow". It's a delightfully bouncy song and might do well at Eurovision. On reflection though it was not my favourite entry in Malta, it probably was the best selection. Hear Gianluca's song here.
What could have been one of the most embrassing stories to come from eurovision.tv they put a story up on eurovision.tv saying that Amber had won the Maltese selection about one hour before results were due to be announced
Iceland
In one of the Iceland's most surprising moves they selectedBill Bailey Thomas G:sson Eybor Ingi Gunnlaugsson to represent them in Malmo. By all accounts it is a poor choice from a fairly selection which is a same given the strong run that Iceland have had since 2008. You can listen to the song here.
Sweden
Melodifestivalen is my favourite national final and despite its critics last year it is able to produce some really great songs. In last nights semi-final Daivd Lindgren and YOHIO progressed to the final directly with Eric Gadd and Cookies 'N' Beans going to Andra Chansen.
Unusually and surprisingly SVT do not appear to have censored the songs progressing in the contest from the internet, perhaps they understand that at this stage they would have some job to do that. They also have left the semi-final up on their site and you can watch it here.
I was also very impressed with Danny and Gina as presenters the interval act was very impressive. Well done!
Norway
Three more songs have made it to the final in Norway. Gaute Ormasen, Sirkus Eliassen and Aledén all qualified. The most surprising of these was Aledén who came in first place. As far as I can see this had nothing to do with her legs.
Hungary
I don't pay much attention to Hungary so I shall let escXtra fill you in.
So we can all look forward to next weekend when Norway and Finland will select their entries.
Malta
Malta have selected Gianluca Bezzina, to represent them in Malmo, with his song "Tomorrow". It's a delightfully bouncy song and might do well at Eurovision. On reflection though it was not my favourite entry in Malta, it probably was the best selection. Hear Gianluca's song here.
What could have been one of the most embrassing stories to come from eurovision.tv they put a story up on eurovision.tv saying that Amber had won the Maltese selection about one hour before results were due to be announced
Iceland
In one of the Iceland's most surprising moves they selected
Sweden
Melodifestivalen is my favourite national final and despite its critics last year it is able to produce some really great songs. In last nights semi-final Daivd Lindgren and YOHIO progressed to the final directly with Eric Gadd and Cookies 'N' Beans going to Andra Chansen.
Unusually and surprisingly SVT do not appear to have censored the songs progressing in the contest from the internet, perhaps they understand that at this stage they would have some job to do that. They also have left the semi-final up on their site and you can watch it here.
I was also very impressed with Danny and Gina as presenters the interval act was very impressive. Well done!
Norway
Three more songs have made it to the final in Norway. Gaute Ormasen, Sirkus Eliassen and Aledén all qualified. The most surprising of these was Aledén who came in first place. As far as I can see this had nothing to do with her legs.
Hungary
I don't pay much attention to Hungary so I shall let escXtra fill you in.
So we can all look forward to next weekend when Norway and Finland will select their entries.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Who Can Malta Choose?
The lengthily Maltese national final takes place tonight and after a long semi-final last night will anyone be awake? Last night was fairly unsurprising and succeed in eliminating some of the real junk though surprisingly knocked out one of my favourites, Klinssman. Anyway what can the choose from tonight?
Scar – Superstar
I’m half expecting either the wimax ad (You’d have to be 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
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-
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-
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-
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
Davinia Pace – Betrayed
I don’t like this, for no reason at all. I just don’t.
Sorry. Grade: G
Kevin Borg - Needing You
For some reason I overlooked this last night and when I was writing up my first reviews. This is a strong ballad but that's only by Maltese standards. It doesn't really go that far. 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+
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
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
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+
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+
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+
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
Amber – In Control
Also a dull song. It tries to be
right but gets it so wrong. Grade: E+
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+
Melodifestivalen Semi Final 1: Review
Unfortunately thanks to SVT's bizarre ideas I have to construct a review from clips of less than one minute but lets give it a bash anyway
David Lindgren - Skyline
A strong song to open the competition. David returns from a very successful debut in Melodifestivalen last year. This is broadly what we expected from David this year. This is the favourite to go to the final from this semi-final, and is second favourite to win overall. It also is notable that he won the vote in the dress rehearsal. Personally I was never the greatest fan of this type of song, it feels very hollow. Nevertheless it's still good. Certainly a qualifier and possibly more. Grade: A-
Cookies 'N' Beans - Burning Flags
Seasoned Melodifestivalen competitors Cookies 'N' Beans return to Melodifestivalen with a song by Frederick Kempe. The song itself is fairly old-fashioned Melodifestivalen, however it is endearing in a strange sort of way. Personally I like this but don't think it has a hope. Grade: B
Jay-Jay Johnson - Paris
Debut Melodifestivalen performer Jay-Jay comes with an unusual song with some French influences (at least that's what I think they are). It is a very odd song to listen to the first time round but still, it has its charms. I find it difficult to believe that enough people will be able to listen to this the first time round and get it. So it will be in the running for last place in the semi-final in my view, still a very creative and different song. Grade: C+
Mary N'diaye - Gosa
Once again we have another new Melodifestivalen performer. Mary brings an upbeat pop song with African influences. It's pleasant to listen to but I think we've seen this before with Stella Mawagi - it may sound a little different but it still is not up to the required standard. Grade: C
Eric Gadd - Vi Kommer Aldrig Att Forlora
A rather dull song from Eric with far to much drumming for the overall song. This is just not what I like. That said the song has a nice tune that would be nice without the drumming but if it was entered without the drums then it would be a fairly dull song and would not advance in the competition. Do drums really make a difference? No. Grade: C-
YOHIO - Heartbreak Hotel
Another one of the highly tipped to do well in this semi final. This is a strong rock song but still it is lacking in something and though it could do well I'm not sure this is the right song for the popular band. This might be more of an Andra Chansen then a Finalist. Personally, as many of you may guess rock is not a genre I was ever a fan of. Grade: D
Anna Jarvinen - Porslin
A very surprising song is in seventh position. Anna's song reminds me of some of the Eurovision entries that might be found in the 1970's particularly the early part of that decade. This song is sweet but is it a finalist?, probably not. The one minute clip of the song is last part of the song which not really that dramatic. Still I like this. Grade: B
Michael Feiner & Caisa - We're Still Kids
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you return of Epic Sax man Mark II. This is a fun pop song from the duet. I just love this song, though then again I was a Bjorn Ranelid fan. Though some might not put this direct to the final I think that the Swedish public probably will go for this, particularly as it is in the last running spot in the final. Grade: A
So I hope you enjoy the evening and let's all hope for a fair result.
David Lindgren - Skyline
A strong song to open the competition. David returns from a very successful debut in Melodifestivalen last year. This is broadly what we expected from David this year. This is the favourite to go to the final from this semi-final, and is second favourite to win overall. It also is notable that he won the vote in the dress rehearsal. Personally I was never the greatest fan of this type of song, it feels very hollow. Nevertheless it's still good. Certainly a qualifier and possibly more. Grade: A-
Cookies 'N' Beans - Burning Flags
Seasoned Melodifestivalen competitors Cookies 'N' Beans return to Melodifestivalen with a song by Frederick Kempe. The song itself is fairly old-fashioned Melodifestivalen, however it is endearing in a strange sort of way. Personally I like this but don't think it has a hope. Grade: B
Jay-Jay Johnson - Paris
Debut Melodifestivalen performer Jay-Jay comes with an unusual song with some French influences (at least that's what I think they are). It is a very odd song to listen to the first time round but still, it has its charms. I find it difficult to believe that enough people will be able to listen to this the first time round and get it. So it will be in the running for last place in the semi-final in my view, still a very creative and different song. Grade: C+
Mary N'diaye - Gosa
Once again we have another new Melodifestivalen performer. Mary brings an upbeat pop song with African influences. It's pleasant to listen to but I think we've seen this before with Stella Mawagi - it may sound a little different but it still is not up to the required standard. Grade: C
Eric Gadd - Vi Kommer Aldrig Att Forlora
A rather dull song from Eric with far to much drumming for the overall song. This is just not what I like. That said the song has a nice tune that would be nice without the drumming but if it was entered without the drums then it would be a fairly dull song and would not advance in the competition. Do drums really make a difference? No. Grade: C-
YOHIO - Heartbreak Hotel
Another one of the highly tipped to do well in this semi final. This is a strong rock song but still it is lacking in something and though it could do well I'm not sure this is the right song for the popular band. This might be more of an Andra Chansen then a Finalist. Personally, as many of you may guess rock is not a genre I was ever a fan of. Grade: D
Anna Jarvinen - Porslin
A very surprising song is in seventh position. Anna's song reminds me of some of the Eurovision entries that might be found in the 1970's particularly the early part of that decade. This song is sweet but is it a finalist?, probably not. The one minute clip of the song is last part of the song which not really that dramatic. Still I like this. Grade: B
Michael Feiner & Caisa - We're Still Kids
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you return of Epic Sax man Mark II. This is a fun pop song from the duet. I just love this song, though then again I was a Bjorn Ranelid fan. Though some might not put this direct to the final I think that the Swedish public probably will go for this, particularly as it is in the last running spot in the final. Grade: A
So I hope you enjoy the evening and let's all hope for a fair result.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
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:
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
Monday, January 28, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, January 25, 2013
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)