The European Union may be on the brink of impeding economic doom, but there’s still reason to sing and dance in the most absurd manner possible, namely the biggest, campest, most undeniably fun karaoke contest in the world, also known as The Eurovision Song Contest! Our resident Euro-addict Spencer Barnett reports ahead of this year’s event…
It hardly seems a year ago that I was dancing in Dusseldorf and hanging out with the boys from ‘Blue’, when as quick as you can say ‘One Hit Wonder’ the Eurovision Song Contest is here again.
Teetering on the television horizon with its usual helping of tackiness, tragicness and the talentless this grand fest of all that is great in European ‘music’ is already underway with rehearsals currently taking place in the Azeri capital of Baku.
Host country, Azerbaijan, along with Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK automatically qualify for the grand final on Saturday 26t May (as we all contribute most to the EBU). Singing supremo Engelbert Humperdinck proudly flies the flag with his tender ballad, ‘Love Will Set You Free’.
As you can’t vote for our own song here in the UK, here we profile some of the movers and groovers singing in the semi’s also desperate for a place in the final:
Greece – ‘Aphrodisiac’ by Eleftheria Eleftheriuo
Are they so cash-strapped in Greece that they resorted to filming the promo for this in a shopping centre? This up-tempo high energy number will surely propel Greece into the final and if they go all the way, they’ll need an extra bail out as hosting Eurovision costs millions. Definitely one for the girly votes!
Israel – ‘Time’ by Izabo
This toe-tapping instantly catchy song is packed with a combination of psychadelic rock, disco, and punk infused with Arabic spices. This circus-like performance will no doubt strike the right note across Europe and could give Israel its first win since Dana International… Jerusalem 2013?
Cyprus – ‘La La Love’ by Ivi Adamou
With a title understood in any language this is undoubtedly Cyprus’ best entry in years. Although only eighteen, Ivi has emerged from X Factor in Greece and went on to have a No.1 hit and released a Christmas hit that went gold. This could be the dark horse of the contest and may well bring this Mediterranean island its first victory on the Euro- stage.
Russia – ‘Party for Everybody’ by Buranovskiye Babushki
The Eurovision wouldn’t be the Eurovision without acts like this… Six semi-toothless grandma’s trying to sing in Russian and English whilst doddering around the stage have made this an internet sensation. Bonkers and bloody brilliant, this song is so bad it has to make the final, especially considering the strong regional voting from Russia’s neighbors.
Ireland – ‘Waterline’ by Jedward
Seven-times winners Ireland are fielding Jedward for the second year running. As much as I disliked their song in 2011, I like their entry this year. Already well-known throughout Europe, these twit twins pump out a catchy number, co-ordinated choreography and those famous hairstyles which alone are worth being awarded twelve points. Sure to qualify could end up going all the way.
Sweden – ‘Euphoria’ by Loreen
This is the type of song that you either loathe or love. If Europe falls into the latter this Swedish songstress should finish in the top 5! This song has already spent three weeks topping the Swedish charts having gone platinum in her home country. Neighbouring Norway and Finland were also quick to discover this uplifting anthem, which has reached the same position there also. You can never discount a song from the land of ABBA!
Estonia – ‘Kuula’ by Ott Lepland
The best of the Baltic entries this year this simple song transcends language and cultural barriers, which is key to Eurovision success. With a slight hint of Michael Buble in his voice, Otte Lepland also wrote this number which I cant help but feel will finish in the top five. Having won Estonian Idol 2009 and having starred in High School Musical in 2010, Eurovision will be another wrung on the road to success for this accomplished artist.
Norway – ‘Stay’ by Tooji
Always a strong performer at Eurovision, Norway are represented by one of the cutest guys in Baku. Tooji was born in 1988 and had his first birthday whilst fleeing from Iran. With strong references to his Persian roots evident in his music he is sure to go down a hit in neighbouring Azerbaijan. Contemporary, chic and sexy, his many fans will be hoping he will ‘stay’ for the final on Saturday.
• QX will be reporting from backstage in Baku with all the behind the scenes gossip, tears and tantrums and the latest from the UK camp. Catch our exclusive report and ongoing coverage next week.
