Tobson's Big ESC 2019 review, part 2

2001 is the horror year. The one where everything went wrong. Clearly the weakest edition of the ESC of modern times. Arguably the weakest edition of the ESC since the show switched into colour.

During this selection season I kept asking myself several times if this was the year when Europe would bring out their shovels and dig even deeper below the sad sub-standard of 2001. It really did not look promising there for a while.

To my big relief, 2019 turned out to be an OK year after all once all the entries came together. Not extraordinary in any way but at least not a complete musical dumping ground. Big relief.

To read about the first six entries of the first semi-final, click here.


07 HUNGARY
Joci Pápai / Az én apám

This is where the hard part begins. Joci made it into the top ten two years ago with a slightly similar song. This new song is possibly better from a songwriting point of view but also slightly less direct and with less of a hook. Will the voters still be onboard for this? How keen are people really to vote for things they already voted for in the past?

Qualifier:
Most probably yes. Joci is a very engaging performer and the melancholy vibe is likely to attract a number of fans. Plus Hungary has had a way lately of making it to the final - this will be their ninth consecutive qualifier.

My grade: 2/5


08 BELARUS
Zena / Like It

I listened to all the songs on Spotify and to my big surprise I found myself really enjoying this. Previously I had discarded it as a modern-sounding but tired filler and suddenly my feet was tapping along in an unexpected manner. Zena has a good voice and out of all the songs that wish they were "Fuego" in the lineup, this one actually has a few little quirks of its own.

Qualifier:
Borderline. The ESC is still a televised event where people can see you perform and Belarus are surprisingly good at ruining their own chances with disaster staging choices. If they can keep this clean, sober and fun - and not shoot themselves in the hand like last year - they could be in with a chance.

My grade: 3/5


09 SERBIA
Nevena Božović / Kruna

Nevena was part of Serbias shoutfest non qualifier trio Moje 3 in 2013 and is now back to get her revenge. She has remained a very well-known name back home and now she is entering a big and emotional ballad, written by herself. At least it aims at being big and emotional. While nothing is really wrong with it - it is well put together and well sung - it feels like something we've seen and heard millions of times before. It doesn't trigger a single emotion in me and despite repeat listenings I have no idea what the chorus sounds like. In through one ear and out through the other one. At least "Ljubav je svuda" had a bit of action in it.

Qualifier:
Borderline. When Serbia joined the party back in 2007, I expected them to be winner material almost every year. In reality they often stumble around the threshold for qualification. In or out? I think they will struggle this time.

My grade: 1/5


10 BELGIUM
Eliot / Wake Up

Even the best laid plans can go wrong. It sounded like a safe bet to have the composer of "City Lights" handpick a talent from The Voice Belgique and craft a song especially for him or her. While "Wake Up" has an excellent intro and a haunting verse, the chorus is disappointing and falls pretty flat. There is also an acute lack of development during the song and the whole thing is ebbing away rather than building up. Then it doesn't help that the charming little Eliot himself is too inexperienced to carry this weight all by himself. Maybe he should have waited a year or two?

Qualifier:
Borderline. There is still hope. Blanche finally delivered when she needed to and maybe the Belgian team know what they are doing. I just wouldn't bet my entire salary on it just yet.

My grade: 3/5


11 GEORGIA
Oto Nemsadze / Keep On Going

Failing with a folksy offering in their own language did not discourage the Georgians, so here they go again with a powerful male singer and a song rich in local folklore. While I sort of like this, I learned a thing last year that Georgia seemingly failed to pick up on: Europe's appetite for locally flavoured belters seems pretty moderate.

Qualifier:
No. This is the "Qami" of 2019. Oto can sing his heart out all he wants but not enough people will warm to his song in the end.

My grade: 2/5


12 AUSTRALIA
Kate Miller-Heidke / Zero Gravity

If there is any truth to the slightly nauseating narrative that Australia was taken into the competition in order to show the UK what they could be with a bit of effort, then that plan is failing more and more as Australia has kept slipping backwards in the results. The slippery slope continues as this - the first Australian entry chosen in a national final - is little more than one big ESC cliché. Doing that same old pop and opera mashup that has been done over and over while pretending you just invented the wheel is a pretty tired look. Especially as this song carries the promise of turning into something really good without ever delivering any of the goods.

Qualifier:
Borderline. The juries have enjoyed voting for Australia while the viewers have been less keen. Will the juries keep supporting them now?

My grade: 1/5


If you want to agree or disagree with me, please leave a comment or send me a tweet. All the preview clips can be seen here.

Tweet to @TobsonHelsinki

Tobson's Big ESC 2018 review, part 4

The person in charge of sequencing the running order has a great deal of power, that is for sure.

When the draw was abandoned in 2013, the new system was promised to guarantee a better show: similar styles would be spread out and so would geographical and cultural neighbours. Something the producers have not always managed to live up to.

In the semi finals, however, it is unlikely that the producer can make or break an entry just by giving it a certain spot. If the audience likes something, they will vote for it regardless. Last year's first semi proved quite convincingly there are no safe spots anywhere. The final is a different story altogether but let's deal with the last semifinalists first.

10. GEORGIA
Iriao / For You

A beautiful and intriguing piece of folklore presented by a country that always seems to find new areas to explore and almost never takes the easiest route in this contest. Maybe a bit lacking in dynamics to be a real points magnet but its musical merits alone should be enough to assure it some success.

Qualifier:
Borderline but I hope it will. There is something very likeable about men singing in harmonies like this.

My grade: 3/5

11. POLAND
Gromee feat Lukas Meijer / Light Me Up

Given recent events, it is hard not to think of Avicii here and label this entry Avicii-light. Musically it is not a bad effort and it has some good hooks in the chorus, but it also feels very lightweight and the performance in the national final was a complete and utter visual mess that needs to get sorted out.

Qualifier:
Borderline. Relies far more on televote love than most. If the Poles around Europe are awake and alert, then this one will make it, but they were not as eager to vote as expected last year.

My grade: 2/5

12. MALTA
Christabelle / Taboo

Flashback to a kind of entry that used to be really popular a couple of years ago, with a slightly aggressive-sounding female vocalist in an almost contemporary soundscape. I liked this when it won in Malta, then it grew off me surprisingly quickly. Now it just feels repetitive and dated and heard before.

Qualifier:
No, unless the viewers at home get lost in nostalgia. I'd say that's unlikely.

My grade: 1/5

13. HUNGARY
AWS / Viszlát nyár

I am not going to pretend to be a connoisseur of heavy rock but I'm delighted to see other genres than "eurovision-rock" take part at the ESC. This is heavy, hard, noisy and with more than a fair share of angst in it. It almost hurts when you hear it and I'm very happy about this glimpse into a musical landscape I seldom venture into.

Qualifier:
Yes. This must make it. We need something as different and refreshing as this in the final.

My grade: 3/5

14. LATVIA
Laura Rizzotto / Funny Girl

Another vaguely Bond-esque number by a performer with a sense of drama. Or so I hope. While this song is one of my personal favourites - I absolutely love the lyrics - the video clip is pretty much standing in the way of the song, making it feel a lot less engaging than it is when I only hear it. This one needs a firm injection of some sort of action in Lisbon.

Qualifier:
Yes, I hope so. But it could equally well end 11th. Or - if the staging is poor - it could even crash and burn close to the end of the result.

My grade: 4/5

15. SWEDEN
Benjamin Ingrosso / Dance You Off

Somehow this evolved from being a competent, visually stunning but slightly boring first semi qualifier in MF to something very different. Surprising that Sweden enters exactly the same thing two years in a row - a contemporary number where visuals are more important than the actual content - but this song keeps growing and growing.

Qualifier:
Yes. And also the winner of this semi.

My grade: 4/5

16. MONTENEGRO
Vanja Radovanović / Inje

Sometimes having all the right components is still not enough. Montenegro has a convincing performer, a solid ballad performed in their own language and quite a lot of emotion and passion soaring through their entry. And yet no matter how many times I listen, I can never remember what it sounds like once it is over. That can't be a good thing.

Qualifier:

No, unless Europe hears something I can't hear. In a way I wish they would.

My grade: 2/5

17. SLOVENIA

Lea Sirk / Hvala ne

A Slovenian babe with an attitude it all it takes for me. I am totally sold here. The beat, the idea, the ice cold lack of a proper chorus. I'm convinced. Not that Slovenia has a great track record when it comes to convince the people who are voting, though.

Qualifier:

Yes. I want this to qualify. (Maybe I don't really expect it to qualify but I'm not giving up just yet.)

My grade: 4/5

18. UKRAINE

Mélovin / Under The Ladder

I'm struggling here. There are so many good bits and pieces here and Mélovin is an engaging performer and yet things don't click into place for me. Extra plus for energy and conviction but the tempo changes are weird. And what is he even singing about? Confusion all around.

Qualifier: Yes, of course. Ukraine are brilliant at this and we are likely to get a stunning package in the end. Last year is long forgotten.

My grade: 2/5

Maybe you also want to read parts one, two and three of this review? And maybe you also want to see when I blog my way through every Eurovision entry ever (in Swedish) over here?

Tobson's Big ESC 2017 Review, part 6

The second semi is really too close to call this year and the rehearsals and final live performances will be crucial when it comes to who will qualify or not. I think that's something we say every year, but it is more true than ever now as so many of the songs are really similar in style and even in quality.

Something like six qualifiers feel solid while the final four places would be up for grabs and then the final details will be decisive. Anything that would make anyone stand out will be most important. Even standing out in a bad way could be good.

05. ROMANIA
Ilinca feat Alex Florea / Yodel It!

Talent show yodeller Ilinca teamed up with aspiring rock star Alex in this schlager meets rap meets Heidi on a mountain top meets tons of cheese meets pure madness. It could be Alex is throwing away his chances to ever be perceived as credible again but the gamble could be worth it. This breathtakingly wacky entry is precisely what the ESC needs this year: someone who is distinctive and utterly bonkers at the same time. Nobody will forget Romania this time around, that is more than sure.

Qualifier:
Yes. Not only because Romania is yet to fail in a semi final but also because this manages to be awful and adorable at the same time in a pretty irresistible way.

My grade: 4/5



Ilinca feat Alex Florea / Yodel It! (Romania 2017 preview)

06. NETHERLANDS
OG3ENE / Lights and Shadows

It's not what I would have expected, but maybe the world will wake up one morning to find they miss Wilson Philips so much they need a revival and will celebrate anything that resembles the original group at all. If that happens, these sisters will go far and knock the rest of the competition out. If not, they will struggle. This entry showcases a lot of lovely harmonies but fails big time in the songwriting department. In short, there is no song going on here and that is a problem in a song contest.

Qualifier:
No. Too weak and too meek. And isn't it time for the Dutch to ditch country music and come up with something new?

My grade: 1/5



OG3ENE / Lights and Shadows (Netherlands 2017 preview)

07. HUNGARY
Joci Pápai / Origo

Deep down, this is another one of the many entries this year that is tailor-made to suit the airwaves. It is slick and it is contemporary, but it lacks a bit of build-up and has very little of a climax anywhere. Luckily for Joci, he has his very ethnic sound that sets him apart from the others. He is also the Nano-type of this lineup - someone whose back story helps him to stand out and be remembered - but it is not an easy song to keep interesting for three minutes on a stage.

Qualifier:
Yes. It should be distinctive enough to beat some of the more generic contenders, but how far will it carry in the final?

My grade: 3/5



Joci Pápai / Origo (Hungary 2017 preview)

08. DENMARK
Anja / Where I Am

I wasn't that impressed at first, but Anja is doing a good job vocally and this chorus has been growing. This is easily the best Danish entry for me in many, many years but then again it doesn't mean it lot. Denmark has developed a passion for songs that are easy and polished, void of personality and that leave no trace. We are still moving in this territory and as always I am left wondering if there is any kind of more demanding music being made in Denmark? Some noisy rock? Experimental hardcore trance? Punk? And could we please have a bit of it at the ESC?

Qualifier:
Borderline. Another one of those that are totally impossible to call before you know how all countries perform on stage. This could as easily land in 7th place as in 13th.

My grade: 3/5



Anja / Where I Am (Denmark 2017 preview)

Semi 1: 04 Hungary / Pioneer

My first reaction to "Pioneer" was pretty much this: when will my dear, beloved Hungary stop falling for all these pointless "message"-songs and just hammer out something like Kati Wolf or Bye Alex again?

Then the whole thing started growing on me. I like the staging. I like the fake whistling. And I do like Freddie quite a bit. Not just because he is stunningly handsome - he is, but that's beside the point - but because he has some sort of vibrant quality in addition to an interesting voice that helps the whole thing come to life.

"What About My Dreams" it is not. But it should certainly be good enough.

Qualifier:
Yes. Freddie and his boys will sail into the final but should not bet all their money and their houses on a top placing there.

My grade: 3/5



Freddie / Pioneer (Hungary 2016 preview clip)

Semi 1: 10 Hungary

Let's join hands and unite in a simple and uncomplicated song and maybe we can have peace on earth if you all sing along. Nicole did it, Petra Frey did it, Dina Garipova did it. Many people did it. But I'm no great fan of meek peace ditties. Singing alone will make no bigger difference, I'm afraid.

The first plea for peace of the year comes from Hungary - a country I kept my eyes quite closely on lately, as it seems they are pretty determined to do well and actively trying to win the contest. I love a bit of ambition and an ESC held in Budapest would be among the loveliest things I could think of.

After some really contemporary pop songs in a row, Hungary opted for a mild protest song about the pointlessness of war and I couldn't help but feel really disappointed with this choice. Perhaps the national final was slightly weaker this year compared to the last few editions - but still?

But then Boggie isn't just any performer. She gained international recognition for her fantastic "Nouveau Parfum" and she has a way of imposing herself in an almost hypnotising way. Her chant is more than the average peace song and stays with the listener regardless if you liked it or not.

Qualifier:
Yes, thanks to the performance and presence of Boggie. Very confident and confidence is always attractive. Even when the song isn't all that.

Grade: 2/5



Boggie - Wars For Nothing (Hungary 2015)

Hungary: where did the sparkle go?

In only a couple of years, A Dal has really imposed itself as one of the more functioning national finals. It is popular among the audience as well as the participants, and last year the quality was so high almost anyone of the eight finalists could have worked in Copenhagen.

I think I wrote a number of times last year that Hungary feels like one of those countries capable of victory at any given moment now - all they need is a bull's eye and the perfect entry.

Unfortunately, 2015 won't be the big year. Instead A Dal goes out to prove what a thin line there is between good and excellent. And in a contest with 40 songs, good will never be good enough.

There is nothing wrong with the line-up for Saturday's final. All songs are more than acceptable, all of them are well sung. But none of them have "winner" written all over it. Next year, I am hoping for sharper songwriting and better choruses again. More sparkle.

Anyway, I singled out my four favourites that could do reasonably well in Vienna:

Ádám Szabó / Give Me Your Love
Given the amount of female ballads or semi-ballads in the running so far, it could be a good idea to send a man with good vocal chords into the mix. The song in itself is okay but relies very heavily on the vocal delivery.

Zoltán Mujahid / Beside You
More of the same - a male ballad supported by a strong voice - but with more of a pop beat. Would perhaps live up more to Hungary's recent reputation of being contemporary and relevant.

Spoon / Keep Marching On
Take an updated version of V.I.P and send them off to the Gianluca Bezzina School of Performing Arts and this is what you would get. Possibly not the ultimate pop hit but still charming and summery and attractive. And who doesn't like a bit of whistling?

Kati Wolf / Ne engedj el!
Perhaps the most suitable entry of them all - not least because it fits Kati's voice a lot better than her 2011 entry. Not top five material in Vienna, but a solid little song that would at least make it into the final and probably even better Kati's last showing.

The beauty of the A Dal-format is that the final is very open to surprises. Any of the songs could be a real televote favourite while passing under the radar of the jury. My guess is that Spoon could be that one - making it all the way into the final eight without really getting showered with jury points - but I'm still hoping for Kati Wolf to get a second chance to impress Europe.



Kati Wolf - Ne engedj el! (Hungary NF 2015)

Semi 1: 16 Hungary

Usually there are one or perhaps two countries in the contest that just radiates confidence, giving the impression they are about to win as soon as they get all the components right. Hungary is most definitely such a country at the moment. All they need now is a bullseye. Is this the one?



Kállay-Saunders - Running (Hungary 2014)

There are many things pointing in that direction. Running feels modern, edgy and interesting without scaring anyone off. It is melodic, catchy and well-sung, and Kállay-Saunders himself has an intriguing persona that will make viewers remember him.

But then again while the chorus is efficient and easily graspable, the verse seems to keep the tempo down a little too much for a little bit too long. And just like the Belgian entry, there is a problem with the lyrics.

Child abuse is a difficult matter to handle in a pop song. There is a thin line between being compassionate and being calculating. I think this one lands on the right side of the border but not everyone will agree. And then it doesn't matter much how honest the lyrics really are.

Then again - this is a very open year with no obvious winner in sight. With a bit of luck, a good starting position in final and enough vocal energy to overcome the slower parts of the build-up, then Hungary could go very far.

Qualifier: Without a doubt, yes.

My grade: 4/5

Tobson review: Hungary could be a winner

You often hear talk about how difficult it is for various broadcasters to find good and established acts that are willing to take part in Eurovision. Not to mention how beyond impossible it always is to stage a credible national final that includes bigger names.

Then at times there comes a massive success story that completely contradicts all this. The way the BBC managed to breathe life into their national final in the 90's (before losing their way completely). The complete makeover of Melodifestivalen in 2002. The German national finals of 2013 and 2014.

Hungary's A Dal is another one of these incredible successes. Hungary had made a comeback after two years of absence and in most aspects except the final result, it had turned out very well. In 2012, they launched their new national final format and the audiences at home surrendered completely to it.

Now in its third run, A Dal has attracted many interesting names from across the Hungarian music spectre and - not least importantly - it has resulted in a most impressive line-up for the final.

Eight songs, all of which range from good to very good. Every single one of them would be a good eurovision entry. At least five of them would stand a good chance at making top ten or better.

As I haven't been able to sniff up a running order for the final, I have instead ranked the songs in the order I would personally place them tonight.

8. Bogi - We All
In most other national finals, Bogi would have been a real contender with this simple and straightforward pop ditty. There is something about it that becomes a little bit annoying a little bit too soon and facing this kind of competition it should be hard for it to go anywhere tonight.
Grade: 2/5

7. Dénes Pál - Brave New World
A pleasant and well-produced - if possibly slightly generic - light dance track that should be most appreciated by the local radio stations but that lacks a little bit of bite to stand out.
Grade: 3/5

6. New Level Empire - The Last One
A soft rock song that glides into a more electronic landscape makes this an original and enjoyable slice of contemporary music that would benefit from a bit of a climax somewhere.
Grade: 3/5

5. HoneyBeast - A legnagyobb hős
A nicely climaxing song wrapped in a soft folk-pop packaging that for some reason reminds me a bit of NOX (Hungary 2005), and the beautiful Hungarian language compliments the music very well.
Grade: 3/5

4. Depresszió - Czak a zene  
Still quite a far cry from being heavy metal, this is the kind of rock I would like to see more of at Eurovision. Catchy and fun, easy to grasp but still not making musical compromises in order to appeal to a large audience. The best rock song in any national final so far this year.
Grade: 3/5

3. Kállay-Saunders - Running
This seems to be the most likely winner tonight and I wouldn't mind. There is something about the verses and the lyrics - no matter how well intended they are - that doesn't quite hit home, but the chorus sounds like it could be a hit single anywhere.
Grade: 4/5

2. Fool Moon - It Can't Be Over
Not convinced this would be the safest choice if Hungary wants a top placing but I just love this seriously catchy number. So far, a cappella in Eurovision has been really jaunty (Latvia 2006) or unbearably smug (Belgium 2011) and it would be interesting to see how a genuinely good song like this would hit home in Copenhagen. And I have had a soft spot for Gergő Rácz ever since Dublin 1997.
Grade: 4/5

1. Viktor Király - Running Out Of Time
A while ago, I added Olly Murs to my eternal wish list of singers I would like to see at ESC and I don't think we would closer than this in 2014. An irresistibly infectious pop chorus with a flirtatious and fun performer could never be a bad choice. Even if I am not a huge fan of the compulsory rap part, I feel this could be a potential winner come Copenhagen.
Grade: 4/5

Tobson predicts: It seems very likely Kállay-Saunders will be tonight's winner. He has a great chorus and being last year's runner-up might give the voting audiences the feeling it is his turn. Not a bad choice, but I like Viktor Király better and think he would score higher.

Regardless, this could be a grand year for Hungary and with a bit of luck Friderika Bayer could be thrown off throne as the best placed Hungarian entry ever.



Kállay-Saunders - Running (Hungary NF 2014)



Fool Moon - It Can't Be Over (Hungary NF 2014)



Viktor Király - Running Out Of Time (Hungary NF 2014)

Semi 2: these are my ten qualifiers

If there was pressure to predict the first semi final then this second one feels like a nightmare for various reasons. Mainly because it all seems very open and I have no idea whether to predict with my heart or with my head.

I feel sure about five of ten qualifiers, perhaps. Then it feels like the placings 6 - 16 or so are one big grand lottery. How will the points spread between the candidates? If they spread enormously you might need less points than ever to make top ten tonight. Then a couple of high points could be enough. Which opens up for basically anyone.

But again - I repeat my old mantra that this is just a game and nothing to be taken too seriously. If I tell myself that a number of times I might believe it in the end.

1. LATVIA Here We Go / PeR
Just like Austria, this is a very good opening number and for a long time I thought this would be the happy pill that would appeal to the audience in the end. But I thought the same about Trackshittaz last year. You've got to learn sometime.
Qualifier: No

2. SAN MARINO Crisalide / Valentina Monetta 
This is where the real prediction nightmare starts. If you are not a eurovision fan and you don't know how much Valentina improved since last year, all you are left with as a ballad that never fully develops and a dated beat from the Siegel factory, which hasn't worked since 1999. This prediction is more based on me wanting to see San Marino on a scoreboard for once. Heart wins over head.
Qualifier: Yes

3. FYR MACEDONIA Pred da se razdeni / Esma & Lozano
I still think this is a dismal song that merely uses Esma as a special effect and nothing more, but you could have way worse special effects than her. And I'd rather have her than many others on offer tonight.
Qualifier: Yes

4. AZERBAIJAN Hold Me / Farid Mammadov
A weak song enhanced by technology, pretty much like last year's Azeri entry. Of course it will work, at least at this point.
Qualifier: Yes

5. FINLAND Marry Me / Krista Siegfrieds
Catchy, instant, over the top, girl on girl kissing, wedding dress. This one will stay in the audience's mind and will sail into the final. Well done, girl.
Qualifier: Yes

6. MALTA Tomorrow / Gianluca
A very charming song with a very charming singer has, reportedly, turned unnecessarily dull and not striking enough on stage. I still want to think that an ukulele and eyes as charming as Gianluca's will be enough, but I'm not sure at all.
Qualifier: Yes

7. BULGARIA Samo shampioni / Elitsa & Stoyan
Despite liking them a lot in Helsinki six years ago, I did not predict them to qualify, neither did I see their top five placing coming in advance. So maybe the trick will work again, despite this song lacking everything that made "Voda" good. But I don't think so.
Qualifier: No

8. ICELAND Ég á líf / Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson
This is a pretty little ballad in many ways. Iceland has a way of squeezing themselves into the final where they ultimately don't do so well. It could work this time around as well, but the battle for ballad points is ferocious and Iceland would need a large portion of luck to make it this time.
Qualifier: No

9. GREECE Alcohol Is Free / Koza Mostra feat Agathonas Iakovidis
This is another truly divisive song that certain people will detest, but temper, attitude, forza and dancing musicians dressed in kilts will win in the end.
Qualifier: Yes

10. ISRAEL Rak bishvilo / Moran Mazor
One week ago I predicted that Iceland would make it and Israel would not. Today I swap them around. I still think the song would need more of a climax - I expect more than it ever delivers every time I hear it - but think Moran's intensity will beat the Icelandic cool in the end. And I doubt there is room for them both in the final.
Qualifier: Yes

11. ARMENIA Lonely Planet / Dorians
I really hate bringing up the subject of diaspora voting, but the Armenian Head of Delegation mentioned it herself in their press conference this week. In my mind, this is the weakest song of the second semi, but will potential friendship points be enough to take it to the final. For the sake of this competition, I hope not.
Qualifier: No

12. HUNGARY Kedvesem / ByeAlex
This is one of my top favourites this year. But I think this introverted but brilliant little gem will be too demanding from a grand audience on a Thursday night and that it could very well mean ByeHungary in the end. I would love to be wrong on this one, but I don't see it happening.
Qualifier: No

13. NORWAY I Feed You My Love / Margaret Berger
After all these question marks it feels wonderful to be this sure again. Norway is a potential winner this year and is a sure qualifier tonight.
Qualifier: Yes

14. ALBANIA Identitet / Bledar Sejko & Adrian Lulgjuraj
I like these rockers, I like their song and I like their sound. But just like in 2011, I think this will be a bit too much for Europe. Unfortunately.
Qualifier: No

15. GEORGIA Waterfall / Nodi & Sophie
Big voices and a big - albeit predictable - ballad. Will work wonders and steal lots and lots of points and ruin the chances for most other ballad entries - how many are there room for besides this one?
Qualifier: Yes

16. SWITZERLAND You And Me / Takasa
Alongside Armenia, my least favourite song in this semi. Three minutes of very little action and very little else. The big question is if people are prepared to vote for a group just because they feature the oldest person ever on a eurovision stage. And again, for the sake of this competiton, I hope the answer is no.
Qualifier: No

17. ROMANIA It's My Life / Cezar
Is this a good song? No, not particularly. Will people laugh at Cezar tonight? Quite a few will, yes. But perhaps the final needs a performance like this. To ensure entertainment value for everyone.
Qualifier: Yes

So these are my ten qualifiers tonight: San Marino, FYR Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Finland, Malta, Greece, Israel, Norway, Georgia and Romania. My heart is bleeding for Hungary, but I really don't dare hope that they will make it.

Am I sure? Not the least. Azerbaijan, Greece, Norway, Georgia and Finland will be in the final. Everything else is up for grabs. If I have more than five right tonight, that will be a victory in itself.

So bring it on, prove me wrong!

ESC 2013: who is our winner, then?

Two weeks before the big eurovision final and right before the rehearsals start, I managed to finish my big review of the entries in their preview versions.

At some point somebody asked me in a comment who would get my full five-pointer out of these entries and the answer is that nobody got a rating of five.

No less than thirteen countries (one third of the line-up) got four points out of five possible, and for me that describes this year perfectly. It is a good year with many strong contenders but it lacks those complete standout, runaway victory-type of entries.

Which is arguably a good thing. With a bit of luck we could get a tight, nerve-wracking, intense voting sequence that will keep us in suspense up until the very last country has cast its votes. It has been ten years since we had a voting like that. It would be about time.

What about my thirteen four-pointers then? Well, they can be divided into a number of sub-categories:

Personal favourites

I don't really believe that Estonia, Greece, Hungary or Malta will have any real chance of winning the big final, they just happen to ignite something in me. Nobody would be happier than me if I was wrong but I don't think I am.

The potential surprises

I was there to see Marie N win the 2002 final. I remember the sound of everyone's jaws dropping as Riva won for Yugoslavia in 1989. Sometimes the unlikely will happen and then Finland, Belgium, Ireland or France could break through to the audience in an unexpected way and start collecting points aplenty.

The gourmet entries
Italy's song is perhaps too slow, Norway is too modern and has too sharp edges and the Netherlands sounds more like a classy film soundtrack than a eurovision winner. Don't forget that sometimes quality stands out and wins through despite not being tailor-made for this contest. Think Molitva. Think Yohanna.

The crowd-pleasers

Denmark is the biggest favourite to win and has a most easily accessible formula with its singalong chorus and tin whistle. Ukraine has a very engaging performer and always knows how to tweak the last little drop of entertainment out of their songs.

Conclusion?

Do I have to say something clever to sum this up now? Before any rehearsals have started or anything like that, I will just state that my dream winner - the one I think could be the best choice for the future of the contest - would be Norway, Netherlands or Italy. Sharp edges and hit potential for the win.

Ask me again in a week and I might have changed my mind completely. Bring on the rehearsals.

Semi 2: 12 Hungary

Ever since their latest comeback in 2011, Hungary has developed an intriguing taste for well-crafted and quirky quality pop songs that add a certain spice to the contest. This year's entry is no exception.



ByeAlex - Kedvesem (Hungary 2013)

At a first glance, I found the Hungarian winner slightly disappointing, un-catchy and lacking most kinds of punch or attack, but soon enough it opened up like a flower. Like a big, beautiful, rare flower.

ByeAlex is not like any other performers in this line-up. Understated and almost introvert, whispering his ode to his loved one in smooth, poetic Hungarian words. Light, artistic and appealing.

To my big surprise I am far from alone in liking this gentle and pleasant little effort, and if Hungary keeps up to this standard also in the future they could grow in to being the quality guarantee that Poland used to be back in the day.

Qualifier:
Yes, if there is any justice in the world. But this one could also be the critic's darling that passes way over the heads of the televoting masses.

My grade: 4/5

Tobson's Ranking: #13 Hungary

If you bring modern, radio-friendly electro-flavoured pop à la Hurts to Eurovision, you will have a special place in my heart.



Compact Disco - Sound Of Our Hearts (Hungary 2012)

Hungary had really bad luck in the draw for the grand final - had this song been among the last ten to perform, chances are that more people would have realised what a suggestive little package this is.

It is up-to-date, it is very well performed and, thanks to charismatic front figure Csaba Walkó, it looks just as good as it sounds. Not unimportant in a televised contest.

The only problem here is that the package itself is slightly better than the actual song, but if it gave this band a push in their domestic career it was all worth it.

For the last two years, Hungary has made in important contribution to Eurovision by sending in very modern entries that sound contemporary and radio-playlist-friendly. If they stick to this tactic, the voters will get the big idea sooner or later. Hang in there!

My grade: 4/5

The 2012 review, part four

Here they come, the last four songs to complete the line-up for the first of the two semi finals in Baku, complete with my grade as well as my prediction.

15. HUNGARY



Compact Disco - The Sound Of Our Hearts

I have really conflicting emotions about this entry, to be honest. I find Compact Disco a most competent electro pop band with a credible sound and an attractive frontman and would really love to love this. Problem is that the song never takes off quite the way I would have wanted it to.

It sounds a bit like a marriage between Hurts and some of the later a-Ha output, complete with a reasonably strong chorus, but it isn't until the last thirty seconds or so that the song really gains momentum. And that might be too late.

Qualifyer:
Possibly. The first semi final should not be too difficult to crack, and the juries should be able to recognise the quality of their craft. But it could also be the song finding itself in eleventh place, two points short of qualification.

My grade: 3/5

16. AUSTRIA



Trackshittaz - Woki mit deim Popo

Last year, these to tractor-gangsta-rappers aus the Austrian countryside were runners-up in the national final, landing a huge hit with a far better and far wittier song. This one is still catchy and fun-loving, but there are too many awkward details here to turn viewers away.

What should be goofy and entertaining leaves a little bit of a bad taste at least in my mouth. Where the video clip is funny the live performance is just tired and sexist. If they manage to polish the presentation a bit, then the song will get more appreciated by merit.

Qualifyer:
Yes. A mentally out-washed little party stomper might be just what the final needs this year.

My grade: 2/5

17. MOLDOVA



Pasha Parfeny - Lăutar

Straight from one party to another - if Austria offered an after-ski atmosphere, then Moldova wants us to dance along to their happiest band, fronted by the happiest vocalist they could find, complete with an energetic brass section and something that could be confused for a kind of reggae vibe.

For me, Pasha Parfeny is one of the best performers in the contest this year - he loves what he is doing and, unlike Switzerland, he gets away with his dodgy English simply by being so happy and upbeat, apparently not taking himself too seriously. That certainly works for me.

Qualifyer:
Yes. Pasha will be bang in the final, where he belongs. With a bit of luck in the draw, he could even take his country back to top ten for the first time since 2007.

My grade: 4/5

18. IRELAND



Jedward - Waterline

The semifinal ends with a three-minute lesson in how not to conduct your eurovision comeback. This contest is a treacherous beast that could easily take away the fame it brought you and rip you to shreds and leave your career in bits. Jedward's second entry makes me think of poor Thomas Forstner who had done everything right and then came back to have his reputation crushed.

That is not exactly what will happen to Jedward, given their following and what a phenomenon they have grown into, but coming back so soon with an act as similar as you first one as well as a considerably weaker song is not a good idea. I still adore these two obnoxious madhats, but they are not fantastic singers and this new song requires more singing and less bouncing.

Qualifyer:
Yes. But I doubt the juries will back these two up in the final this year. I would not bet my money on a top ten finish.

My grade: 1/5 

Hungary 2012: Compact Disco to Baku

In my short overview on Friday, I completely overlooked the fact that also Hungary selected their entry this weekend.

How could I? I have always had a soft spot for Hungary and their entries, and always keep some fingers crossed for them at some point.

The winners Compact Disco is a handsome bunch who, by the sound and look of it, probably listened to Hurts "Happiness" album until the CD turned to dust.



Compact Disco - Sound Of Our Hearts (Hungary 2012)

You can have worse sources of inspiration, of course, and this song is the kind of grower that starts showing potential on the second listening or so.

A little bit of work here and there, a bit of a tighter production and, perhaps, some vocal coaching, and this could, with a bit of luck, at least make it out of the semis without too much effort.

On a first listening, my impression was that it would have sounded better in Hungarian and that the lead singer didn't always come across as understanding what he was singing. But there is plenty of time to work on that, too.

Tobson Ranking: #4 Hungary

What better way to attempt a comeback than to send in a bright and shiny piece of pop perfection?



Kati Wolf - What About My Dreams (Hungary 2011)

If we only discuss this entry from the perspective of sheer songwriting, this is a completely flawless creation. Catchy, loaded with lovely hooks, full of cute little references to other pop music (mainly Whitney Houston when she wanted to dance with somebody) performed by a blond Lara Fabian.

What is there not to love? A perfect radio hit and a perfect eurosong all rolled into one.

Unfortunately, the live performance doesn't quite live up to expectation. Kati's voice isn't always in place, there is something awkward about the stage show, something about that dress.

When the pieces don't fall into place like they should, it doesn't help how beautiful the picture on your jigsaw puzzle was intended to be.

That said, a 22nd place was a slap on the face. Wonderful Kati deserved so much more, and I'm left wanting more more more.

I want to see and hear more of her, preferrably backed by the same production team.

My grade: 4 / 5

Poor blog, how I mistreated you

Since I set foot in Düsseldorf, I have not had time at all to look after this blog. It doesn't look awfully promising for the future either, but I promise to predict the outcome of the semis as well as the big final.

Being very nervous about Finland. Thinking it will go through, fearing it will be the highly tipped one that misses out. Silence, please, voices in my head.

But I have not been lazy - have a look at the YouTube clips I have produced for Svenska Yle on our channel here with clips of Paradise Oskar singing Germany's 2007 eurosong, as well as interviews with Musiqq of Latvia and Kati Wolf of Hungary.

Enjoy!

The 2011 review: part Three

Halfway through the first semi, time to attack five more songs fighting it out for ten spots in the final.

11. MALTA



Glen Vella - One Life (Malta 2011)

It is so easy to love the smaller nations in Eurovision (there will be no less than three of them only in this review) - how they struggle, how much they invest of themselves into making a splash, how important it is for them to be seen.

It is very easy to love Malta for all the reasons mentioned above. It is also quite easy to warm to Glen Vella. He is so happy. He is so energetic. His trousers are so bright. Just too bad his song is not up to standard in any way. As soon as the intro ends and the static drumbeat takes over, this is a battle lost for poor Glen.

Malta used to send in quite good songs in the past, often ruined by nervous performances. Now that the singers seem to be up to the task, it would be time to bring out the strong melody lines again.

Qualifyer:
No. Glen can smile as sweetly as he wants, people will find better songs to vote for.

My grade: 1/5

12. SAN MARINO



Senit - Stand By (San Marino 2011)

I missed San Marino ever since they pulled out after their 2008 debut, and hope for them to stay put this time. Their atmospheric ballad has slowly grown into something of a personal favourite of mine. I realise it is probably a bit too soft and fluffy to grab the voters on a first listening, but more than one radio station around the continent could find a late night playlist favourite here.

Also, Senit delivers beautifully and would deserve every drop of European attention she could get. Maybe she would have been better off with a more distinct song, however.

Qualifyer:
No. I hope I am wrong, but it would be more than a slight surprise if San Marino makes the final cut.

My grade: 4/5

13. CROATIA



Daria Kinzer - Celebrate (Croatia 2011)

A basic lesson in how not to treat your Eurovision entry. From the start, we had a slightly anonymous but pleasant disco song in native language, sung by a slightly anonymous but likeable girl. So what does one do?

One way is to make the disco beat more square, write a ridiculously pointless lyric in English that in no way suits the performer and let the most evil stylist in the country loose on the poor girl. Then you get Croatia's entry this year.

Qualifyer:
No. Croatia has had a tendency of doing reasonably well even with weaker entries, but when the brilliance of Feminnem missed out last year this should, in all fairness, not stand a chance.

My grade: 1/5

14. ICELAND



Sjonni's Friends - Coming Home (Iceland 2011)

You all know the sad but touching story: the composer and original performer dies before the national final, and his best friends perform the song as a tribute to him.

There is a fine line between a tribute and an unpleasant riding on a sad situation, though. For instance, the English version can't make up its own mind as whether it is directed to an ex-lover or towards somebody who died. And if it is the latter, then what does the line "I can't wait for tomorrow [...] I'm coming home to you" mean exactly? There is something mildly disturbing about the whole thing.

But it is a pleasant little song that grows on you. It could very well be that I find myself liking it a lot come Düsseldorf.

Qualifyer:
Possibly. One of those really hard songs to predict. Will it come across as touching on stage, or will it just be old-fashioned. My guess is yes, it will make it. But not by a large margin.

My grade: 2/5

15. HUNGARY



Kati Wolf - What About My Dreams (Hungary 2011)

Hungary is back with a bang after a year of absence, and here comes one of the strongest candidates for victory. Whatever some net rumours say, Kati is a strong live performer (check out her stuff from X-Faktor, if you don't believe me) and her song is a little masterpiece. A danceable, elegant disco knockout and by far the best dance track of the year.

I'm trying not to be political in this review (I will fail that mission with two more countries, wait and see), but it would also do Hungary a lot of good to be invaded by a large troop of journalists and Eurovision fans next year. They all need a bit of fun, it seems, and I can hardly think of anything more fun than ESC 2012 in Budapest.

Qualifyer:
Yes yes yes! If this does not make it, it is the biggest disappointment since Selma's failure in Kyiv 2005.

My grade: 5/5

Hungary cut their entry short - and I love it

Hungary has presented the shortened Eurovision version of their entry, and I had worried a bit about that.

I really, really enjoyed the original version that clocked in on a bit more than four minutes and sometimes when you cut songs down they lose a lot in structure as well as in the drama department.

So my relief and joy is all the greater to see the official clip tonight.



Kati Wolf - What About My Dreams (Hungary 2011)

There are just so many things I love about this. You can hear echoes of Lara Fabian ("I Will Love Again" in particular) and Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", and the clip blinks an eye towards Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head".

It is also very elegant to keep one verse in Hungarian. Now they get to show what a lovely language this is, but the audience can sing along every time the chorus comes around.

I am officially upgrading Hungary from a personal favourite into one of the hot contenders. And I assure you - you would all love Budapest in May.

Quite a comeback for Hungary

Few countries have had as much of an on-off relationship with the ESC as Hungary. (Another one is their dear neighbour country Austria, of course.) First they were in, then they were out for several years, then they were in, then out, then in again, the out again.

After one year of money-saving absence, MTV is back with an entry selected internally in order to save some more money.

The selection committee decided to nominate Kati Wolf for the job, and if saving money was the main prospect, then these people may get a lot to answer up to before the show is over.



Kati Wolf - Szerelem, miért múlsz? (Hungary 2011)

The song may not be the ultimate composition, but in a line-up very much lacking strong choruses and easily retainable melody lines this one could happen to stand out quite a lot come May.

The song will be shortened by more than a minute and re-written so that half the lyrics will be in English. The title used in Düsseldorf will be "What About My Dreams".

Hungary is one of these very uneven countries that produce real contenders when you least expect it. I am very happy to have them back, especially with an entry as strong as this one.

Viktor Rakonczai and Gergő Rácz, the men behind the music, are no strangers to this contest, as they sang for Hungary back in 1997 as part of V.I.P.

They scored a 12th place back then and together with Kati, who emerged from Hungary's X-Factor, they could possibly manage an even better result this time around.



V.I.P - Miért kell, hogy elmenj? (Hungary 1997)

Preview clip: Hungary 2007

I am so happy about Hungary being back at the Eurovision Song Contest this year. Not that the Hungarian entries always went down very well in the competition, but most of them were original and added an air of something different.

Very much so in 2007, when MTV produced not only a highly unusual entry but also one of the best preview clips ever.



Magdi Rúzsa - Unsubstantial Blues (Hungary 2007 preview)

Lavish, tasteful, artistic. Three minutes of pure art. And it didn't lose anything when translated to the live stage either.



Magdi Rúzsa - Unsubstantial Blues (Hungary 2007)

Next week, MTV has promised to disclose their candidate for Düsseldorf. I keep my fingers crossed for more unusual, bold and different songs coming up.