Favourite Song NOT to Qualify... 30 days to go!

The Eurovision fan community is so diverse and passionate, that things can often get very heated when discussing favourite songs. So therefore, it isn't a surprise to see angry and delusional comments made when a fan favourite does not qualify.

I have to say that the chance of not qualifying has helped my love for Eurovision. Not only do I love to predict the qualifiers, but I similarly love the drama when a favourite doesn't do well... and hands up, love getting caught in that drama when one of my own favourites falls short of the mark.

So it seems fitting to mark 30 days to go with my favourite song to not qualify.

I'll start with a few notable mentions. Andorra in 2007 came with a strong song, and I feel that Salvem El Mon deserved to qualify. At the contest in '07, they had only one semi final, with 10 songs qualifying from 28 entrants. This included great songs from that year, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the winner from Serbia (more from her later on this season). In the end Andorra finished 12th which is a proud achievement for such a minnow nation!

2008 saw Dustin the Turkey compete for Ireland and I would have just loved to have seen that qualify. Thank God for Eurovision it didn't. But Switzerland were robbed that year, Era Stupdendo was easily one of the best that year and they finished 13th in SF2, with some truly horrific songs qualifying instead. I'm not going to name countries but apart from the top 3, you could make a case for every other qualifier not having made it over Switzerland.

I fell in love with Cyprus' quaint entry 'Firefly' in 2009, despite Christina's scary vocals at times. 2010 was just rather poor. 2011 was undeniably a really strong year all around, and there were some really good non-qualifiers. Stella Mwangi and 'Haba Haba' was a shock non-qualifier for Norway, and there was also some shock non-qualifiers from previously strong countries, like Armenia and Turkey, even if both their songs were rubbish. As well as Norway, I would loved to have seen Portugal and Slovakia qualify.

Slovakia were also robbed in 2012, I absolutely loved 'Don't Close Your Eyes'. Joan Franka for the Netherlands should have qualified as well, and I was a big fan of Portugal's 'Vida Minha' and Slovenia's 'Verjamem' entries. 2012 is notable for some hilariously songs not qualifying; Austria's 'Woki Mit Dem Popo', Georgia's 'I'm a Joker', the lyrically phenomenal Montenegrin 'Euro Neuro', and last but not least, 'The Social Network Facebook Song' from Eurovision star Valentina Monetta. Deary me, that SHOULD have qualified, it would have been incredible. 

Starting with Valentina Monetta, 'Crisalide (Vola)' was a huge shout for my favourite not to qualify, but it doesn't quite make it. It was such a strong song and the fan community was heartbroken when it didn't get San Marino their first spot in the final. Hell, the song even finished a remarkable 2nd in the infamous OGAE poll. Better luck next year Valentina...oh wait...

SO WHO IS MY FAVOURITE NON-QUALIFIER?

CONTROVERSIAL? I don't know, but I was so upset this didn't make it. Latvia were probably one of my favourites in 2011, and we all know just how amazingly strong the entrants were in 2011. 

"Angels in Disguise" actually came as low as 17th out of 19 for Musiqq. But oh well, positions aren't the be all and end all. Anmary actually finished a position higher a year later for Latvia. And if it wasn't for 'The Social Network Song', we would still be talking about how appallingly terribly 'Beautiful Song' was. Latvia's 2011 performance came at a time when they weren't doing well in Eurovision, with the 2002 winners failing to qualify in six consecutive attempts. I'd love Aminata's 'Love Inject' last year and wish them all the best for this year! Good Luck Latvia!

31 Days to Go! Ranking the Irish Winners...

Ireland are considered the Gods of 20th Century Eurovision, and for good reason. Sweden may have steam rolled the contest since rule changes and modernization, but Ireland still hold the record for most wins (7), including their emphatic victories in the mid-90s, and can celebrate Johnny Logan, the King of Eurovision as the only artist to ever win twice three times.

With 31 days to go until Eurovision turns 61 I'm going to rank the Irish winners today. Split across three decades, it would be unfair not to mention some great Irish Eurovision entrants that sadly did not claim top prize.

JEDWARD were everything to me when they competed on the UK X Factor back in 2009. The message from the media was 'bin the twin', but like so many others, I became entangled in the 'Jedward paradox' and went into meltdown when I got a chance to meet them in early 2010. I met Jedward. Still doesn't sink in. Oh My God, I literally love them so much.

Well anyway Jedward gave us 'okay' with Waterline in 2012, but everyone fell for Jedmania back in 2011 when they came 8th in the contest with Lipstick. They even beat the UK that year, who had sent popular 00s boy group Blue. That says something in itself. Well Done Jedward. They said they would come back to Eurovision one day, and I really, really, really, really hope they do.

Other notable entries include 2003 entry Mickey Harte, the not-yet-crowned winner Linda Martin for 'Terminal 3' back in 1984, and without fail, non-qualifier Dustin from 2008. Yes Dustin the Turkey, for 'Irelande Douze Pointe'. Eurovision GOLD.

BUT to the 7 we get. It's actually quite hard to do this. Starting off and in at #7 is...

#7 1992 - Linda Martin "Why Me?"

It's a timeless-ish ballad. It's no doubt a classic, and Linda Martin is part of a very exclusive club of artists who have come 1st and 2nd at the contest. That features one of the Queens of Eurovision, Lys Assia, and the likes of Russia's Dima Bilan. Probably because I prefer 'Terminal 3', 'Why Me?" features as #7 on my list.

#6 1970 - Dana "All Kinds of Everything"

Such a cute and pretty song sung by such a cute and pretty girl. Everything about 'All Kinds of Everything' is all kinds of nice. I love the fact this won Eurovision.

#5 1980 - Johnny Logan "What's Another Year?"

Oooooh just listen to that 80s sax, and then the soothing voice of Mr Eurovision. Ireland followed up their first victory a decade on, and it literally feels like Ireland evolved in ten years. The cutesy song from Dana turned into a timeless cutesy ballad from Johnny Logan. I always forget that this is actually really good, but 'What's Another Year' was the first track on an 'Easy Listening' CD we used to play in the waiting room at work and I would hear it at least three times a day, five days a week.

#4 1993 - Niamh Kivanagh "In Your Eyes"

I was born in 1993 and as mentioned here I think Sonia from the UK should have won. Hell, even Switzerland had a good shout in '93. But I don't want that to detract from Niamh Kivanagh's stunning vocal for an otherwise 'okay' ballad.

#3 1994 - Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan "Rock 'n' Roll Kids"

Ah god this is absolutely beautiful. We're getting to the cream of the crop, not just of the Irish winners, but Eurovision winners in general. This song is brilliant, and gave Ireland three consecutive victories. That's amazing, and will never be repeated. Like I don't even think Sweden can do that now.

But before I announce my top two, let's really reflect on what happened in 1994 and still to do this day goes down as the greatest Eurovision interval act ever. Originally designed as just simply an interval act, Riverdance happened and sells out shows all over the world. Welcome Michael Flatley. It certainly helped the Irish victory that year, but Paul and Charlie wouldn't have needed it anyway. Riverdance is literally incredible, enjoy...

#2 1996 - Eimar Quinn "The Voice"

Going from Riverdance to this, how Celtic can you get? I love rich Irish/Celtic culture and the fact that Eimar Quinn even sang this well live still amazes me. This song is impossible to sing. Beautiful.

#1 1987 - Johnny Logan "Hold Me Now"

Johnny evolved into a white-suited God, just look at him here in 1987, stealing the show with timeless classic 'Hold Me Now'. I wasn't sure to put him first over Eimar Quinn's 'The Voice' but 'Hold Me Now' is shamelessly one of my all time played and one of Eurovision's all time best. I love it, and so should you. As if he won twice! Probably should mention he wrote Linda Martin's 1992 winner as well (in case you forgot Petra Mede telling you back in 2013 - LOL) which truly does make him Mr Eurovision King. Thank you Sean Sherrard.

Do you agree with my ranking? Let me know!

Good Luck to Ireland this year. I think they're gonna need it...

32 days to go! Best 5 from the Big 5!

Hello readers, it's Friday so whose excited for the weekend?

Today I'm revealing my best 5 from the big 5. This is my 5 favourite entrants since the inception of the big four in the year 2000 (and then since Italy came back in '11).

The big 5 are always such a contested issue and I really don't know where I stand on it. This year my favourite track is France and I genuinely am of the opinion that France should walk away with the trophy. So for some reason, that makes qualification important to me. As in, it would mean more if they also had to go through a semi. 

Nevertheless, I whole-heartedly support the big 5 rule. If it wasn't for us, the show wouldn't be able to go on air. The reason I am pro this, quite frankly obnoxious opinion, is because ESC is first and foremost a live entertainment television show, created to encourage, promote and deliver cultural relativism in a diverse hybrid of rich socio-political and economic history. It is not a sporting occasion, or an ideological race, it is plainly a television programme. I believe we get so lost in the competition that without seeing the contest in defined monetary numbers, a big 5 rule appears an unyielding display of power. I won't lie, on face value, that's what it is. But the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy put the money in the EBU and we should reap the reward. Nuff said.

(and if you don't like it, well get over it, those and the rules and that is that)

SO NOW ON TO MY FAVE 5.

Well for me the UK is a tough choice because I am from the UK. I am proud we have had a null points, it makes me happy that despite our lousy finishes since then, it will always be better than 2003 (touch wood). However I absolutely fell in love with Molly back in 2014 and she's a good pick.

Next up I'll do France. Slightly easier because they haven't been great. I wish it could have been the original Conchita Sebastien but unfortunately not.

Instead it's easily one of the funnest songs to have been entered. Allez Ola Ole by Jessy Matador in 2010. Thank you France.

Next up let's do Italy. Such brilliance when they came back in 2011 after such a long absence. Italy have truly given us some absolute diamond songs in Eurovision history. One of the highest selling songs (in the world) of all time is an Italian Eurovision entrant. Since rejoining and becoming part of the big 5 they have done very well, and this isn't an easy choice. 

Madness In Love was one of my favourite entrants back in 2011, and I'm going to put it in over Grande Amore. Yes I loved Grande Amore and hoped it was going to win at points last year, and hello Gianluca Ginoble 

...but it's not enough. Madness in Love - extended is even better.

Spain haven't been that exciting as part of the big four. They haven't been terrible, but they haven't been great. Beth from 2003 would have been a worthy choice had it not been for 2012's Quedate Conmigo. It's shocking this finished as low as 10th - I'd probably have put it top 3 that year, and if the year wasn't so ballad-centric then this would have done even better. Plus it was Euphoria year and well everything else is kind of forgotten from Baku. 

Last but not least it's Germany. When I say Germany have probably been one of my favourite countries since 2000, I mean it. From Wadde Hadde Duda Da to Miss Kiss Kiss Bang, I've loved pretty much all of them. When Dusseldorf hosted the contest in 2011, they did an absolutely magnificent job so hats off to them. One of the worst entries last year for me was Black Smoke, couldn't really stand it and so love the fact that Deutschland have also grabbed a nul points.

My choice is therefore pretty hard. It seems such a cop out to choose Satellite, but it is a cracking little track which gets everyone dancing. However I've gone back the years and selected a proper 00s ballad. It's Michelle's 'Wer Liebe Lebt' from 2001, which I think translates to something about 'whoever loves, lives'. I like the message.

My 34 Days of Eurovision - Day 2

Hello readers. How was your day?

Well the 7th April means we are now 33 days away from the start of Eurovision, and today is:

BEST RUNNER-UP EVER

This was a bloody difficult one to choose. I've liked pretty much every runner-up in the 10s (apart from Turkey's... wait for it, controversial Eurovision opinion coming... horrible 2010 entry).

So let's start with my notable others before my big reveal. Russia 2015, Azerbaijan 2013, Italy 2011, Netherlands 2014...

Then let's slowly rock back a few years for some other notable performers.

You've got Iceland 2009. Yohanna's song was simply beautiful, and a worthy runner-up to run-away train Fairytale.

There's also Maltese legend Chiara, who scored deservedly with Angel back in 2005.

The year I was born was one of Eurovision's best years. And Sonia for the UK probably should have won this year. I'll let Ireland off - this was the middle gem in their triple crown during the early 90s.
Better the Devil You Know almost did steal it in 1993 though.

Next is one of my all time favourites in Eurovision and I feel the UK should definitely have won in 1975! The Netherlands won with Teach-In, but come on, Let Me Be The One by The Shadows was so much better!!

And then when ABBA stole the show in 1974, they managed to hide the deeply controversial Italian entry 'Si' by Gigliola Cinquetti, already a winner herself. Taking the political context out, I loved her entry.

And my final notable other is the Swiss entry from 1963 and this should have won! Esther Ofarim was robbed...but I'm sure that's not the last you'll hear me mention that context this season.

SO WHO IS MY WINNER?

WELL... Anyone who knows me just knows I'd pick this one. This runner-up is a perfect silver medal finisher, and was beaten by literally one of the all-time best. So hats off Verka Serduchka, 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai' is Eurovision GOLD and will forever live in my memory as one of my favourite ever moments in Eurovision history.

The best runner-up ever: Ukraine 2007 - Verka Serduchka "Dancing Lasha Tumbai". Let's watch it again...

Amazing! What do you think? Do you agree? Are there any I have missed? Let me know! And keep up to date with my 34 days of Eurovision with the chart below:

Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/eurovchris

Eurovision with 34 days to go!

It's here, it's happening, the Eurovision 2016 season is in full swing and I am delighted. Since 2015 has been over, I graduated, travelled, met Loreen in Amsterdam, got a job and grew up.

Usually I'm either really good with posting what I think (*ahem*) reflects a good all round objectivity. Aha. OR I'm absolutely terrible. This year I'm not a student so I have time which I feel I can suitably waste. Last year I was writing my dissertation, dealing with a break-up, prepping for finals and freaking the fuck out. So I forgive myself for my sole post dealing with the UK's self-fulfilled labelling prophesy about why Europe might or might not hate us.

I have been dwelling on what I should do new for this year's contest, and I've decided to come up with a daily post chart with 34 days to go till Semi-Final 1. EXCITING SHIT.

So here it is:

And with 34 days to go, I present my favourite entry from the 2015 edition.

It was a dispute with Golden Boy because FREAKING YES ISRAEL I LOVE YOU FOR THAT but it has to be Rhythm Inside. Hats off to Belgium, a solid 4th in what was such a dominant vote for Sweden, Russia and Italy. It would have been too easy to choose one from them.