ESC 2012: THE JURY REHEARSAL

After seeing the second dress rehearsal, the one that the juries vote in hasn't make things any easier. Most of them did well and were vocally good but surprisingly many were a little off in the beginning on their songs; Jónsi, Eleftheria, Pernilla, Soluna.... just to name a few. Is there a general problem as so many are doing this? And do we want to talk about the grannies? LOL. But everyone also picked up very fast so no problems there really. The show seemed to go rather smoothly. We have a break after Albania and after Russia. Good. I think an average viewer may need a moment after those two entries to pull himself together - for different reasons though. Apparently San Marino gets the honor to be interviewed in a visit to greenroom being the smallest nation in the contest. And the green room is, as everyone must know by now, in the middle of the audience!

But why is Jedward without their hairdo and in those dresses? :-( But jumping into the fountain makes it all good in the end! So, tomorrow one more rehearsal and then it's for real. Well, it was for real already now as the juries voted.... This is an interesting year and anything can happen!
Here's a recap. 

ESC 2012: CELEBRATING RALPH SIEGEL

Last night Ralph Siegel celebrated 40 years in Eurovision, 30 years from the first victory, 20th song in Eurovision and basically that he is back one more time. The symphatetic man hosted a nice dinner with lots of wine and food. The tables were all nicely set. The grand old mister Eurovision was clearly moved at times. He gave speeches and awarded the whole Sanmarino team. There was a video presented with a short review of all his 20 eurovision entries starting with Bye Bye I love you by Ireen Sheer for Luxemburg and ending with the Sanmarino song of this year by Valentina Monetta. Look at the pics of the party to get an idea.:) Robert was there for you. He also previously interviewed him here. 

And here's a little reminder: Bye Bye I love you, Sing sang song, Dschingis Khan, Theater, Papa Pingouin, Johnny Blue, Ein biscchen frieden, Children Kinder enfants, Lass die Sonne in dein Herz, Lied  für  einen Freund, Frei zu leben, Träume sind  für  alle da, Wir geben 'ne Party, Zeir, Reise nach Jerusalem, I can't live without music, Let's get happy, If we all give a little, Just get out of my life, The social network song ...

ESC 2012: THE FIRST SEMIFINAL - THE FIRST DRESS REHEARSAL

It has just begun I hear. Nearly 30 minutes late as it seems to be the habit. For the first time all the entries in semifinal one, the opening and interval acts and the presenters on same stage,one after another. And guess what? I'm not following, I rather wash my windows and enjoy this sudden heatwave we have here in Helsinki region making it feel a bit like Baku 2012. I have been trying to make my prediction of the qualifiers but honestly I still have no clue! Call me clueless but I am at this very moment. This year I have been avoiding to read what the other sites and bloggers think about everything - last year I changed my predictions last moment based too much on those comments, polls and predictions and got it all wrong. If I stuck to my own opinions I got it much closer to the real thing. In the final that is. The semifinals I did fairly well, did I have 8/10 and 9/10 or was it 7/10? Anyways, I will get to that tomorrow.... Meanwhile enjoy this interview with Nina Zilli. And here's a nice video of the week that lead us to this point. 

Blogilkar exclusive: NINA ZILLI INTERVIEW

My flying reporter Robert managed to get hold of Nina Zilli for a quick interview even if her entourage was dragging her away but what doesn't Nina do for Blogilkar and all it's Italian readers? Anyways, she talks about her Eurovision knowledge, her dress and shoes, and reveals Italy just might be ready to win and host the contest in 2013. But where? Find it out here:

Did you know what you got yourself into when you said ”si” to Eurovision? It's kind of madness here, isn't it?

Yes and no. And yes, it is! Sanremo is pretty much the same but it's even worse! It's so busy there, it's one week and we have to sing every night! I kinda like this one better!

Did you follow Eurovision before?

Yes of course because Raphael Gualazzi and Italy came back last year. Plus I really love Raphael, he's such a great artist! I was so happy for him!

But did you follow it when Italy was not in the contest?

Oh no. As Italy was away for some many years.... 13-14 years wasn´t it? And I was a little girl the last time. But I knew it existed. Now with internet you can go and check everything out so now I did just that!

I had so many questions for you but I know you're in a hurry.... Your dress is by Vivienne Westwood. Why a British designer and not something Italian?

Because she invented the word punk and I'm punk and rock'n roll as well :-) I really love her cloathes because they're so neat, so elegant and chic but still they're rock'n roll!

You have two dresses, did you already made your mind up which one to wear?

No, I don't know yet.....

And you have a shoe fetish?

Oh yes! And I have to say I have Westwood's shoes also and Jimmy Choos!

You have been in the music scene for quite some time now. But artists Nina Zilli exist only for a couple of years. Why this new start with a change of image and name?

Actually I'm alone for the very first time. I had many bands before; there was ChiariScuri, there was Franziska.. I was always a part of something but I wanted to write songs on my own for myself, and for my band actually. I felt a little bit grown up now, you know. I was ready to get out there by myself!

And have you found your musical self now?

Yes, I write what I sing and sing what I write! I also write the music score startting from the drums, then to the bass, violins, trumpets... and everything! Every record is really a piece of me.

What can we expect from Nina Zilli in the near future?

That's a good question because I don't know! Ha ha ha! Another album for sure!

What is your favorite Sanremo song? Do you have one?

Of course! It's Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare) from 1958. It's a master piece. Also Non ho l'età (and here Robert who's also a singer does a nice duet with Nina.... shame we don't have a video!)

And if you win, I heard from your head of delegation that Italy will organize it for sure... Must it be Rome or Milan for you?

Ha! I don't know! I better not say a word... but... I think Torino! It's one of my favourite cities in Italy.

Grazie Nina for this interview and good luck in the final! In bocca al lupo!

ESC 2012 - INTERVAL ACT

In case you are interested and can't wait, here's the interval act for tomorrow night.... The traditional one. 

BAKU DAY 8 ROUND UP

Today's hot topic is the ban of Eurovision music in EuroClub after a DJ played Armenian music that is banned in Azerbaijan - by accident, by purpose or no one told him, I don't know. This raises an interesting question: If Armenian music is banned, how could have Armenia participated in the first place? Hmmm...

The Opening reception didn't quite impress this year Robert, Nina Badric or the others as you can read also from 12points.tv's report here. They have also done a brilliant sum of of the bad press Azerbaijan has been getting lately for various reasons here.

Robert went to the opening party (here) and interviewed Nina Badric, Pernilla and Nina Zilli (coming up tomorrow so stay soul for that!) Also Jedward create confusion everywhere they go (here). Now that sounded if Robert is creating confusion everywhere he goes but I hope not! He creates excellent interviews instead! You can see a link list on the right side. And more is coming!

Today the last second semifinal countries and the Big5+1 rehearsed for the second time and the rehearsals were apparently the usual 1-1,5 hours delayed. Hasn't that been the case every day? Most everyone improved their acts and Italy emerged as a hot favorite to win the whole thing! " why I bought a brand new gun shot " she says in the photo. To win this thing for Italy of course!

Blogilkar exclusive: PERNILLA INTERVIEW

The next victim to fall on Robert's charm was Finland's very own Pernilla. They chatted about her song and how she got here, family and why the song's in Swedish. Also, try to guess what is her favorite song in ESC 2012?

You came out of nowhere and won the Finnish national selection. How was your life before that?

I mostly played handball, went to work and such normal things and sung sometimes. I worked in a kindergarten. Music was still very important to me, I was singing everyday to myself. So winning this contest was like a dream come true.

When did you discover you had a good voice?

Maybe in high school when my music teacher wanted be to sing in the school fest. Before that I never believed I could do it.

Your brother is in the music scene. Did he encourage you to step to the spotlight?

Yes, because he has this studio in Helsinki and it was so easy to just go there and sing. He made me to take part in UMK. We did this song last summer and decided to send it there.

You decided to sing in Swedish. Was that received well in Finland among the Finnish speakers?

Nobody has said anything bad about it to me, but of course there are different opinions. And that's the way it should be. It was a natural choice for me because we are Swedish speaking Finns and I would never have changed the language to any other.

Would you consider recording it in Finnish?

No, not this song. This was a gift to my mother, for her 50^th birthday.

What does your mother mean to you?

She's everything to me and my brother. Always. There's nothing she can't do! She solves all the problems just like that! I can always count on her.

Is it true that you don't have a recording deal yet?

Yes. I don't have one yet. We are now concentrating this here in Baku first, then we will have some meetings and we will see... Hopefully there will be a full album later this year.

I'm looking forward to that. What are you plans for this summer?

We will be working on this album with my brother and maybe some gigs. But more gigs when I have more songs!

With what result will you be satisfied here?

It's hard to know how it goes here. I'll be very, very happy if I get to the final and after that... I will do my best! That's all.

What is your favourite Finnish Eurovision song?

I liked Laura Voutilainen! Addicted to you, I danced to that a lot!

And which of this year's other 41 songs could be on your repertoire?

Maybe San Marino!

Yeah, I heard you sing it on the bus already!

Yes, it's very catchy! I also like Romania, also A very catchy song!

Thank you! Blogilkar hopes to see his country in the final so good luck on Tuesday!  

Blogilkar exclusive: NINA BADRIC INTERVIEW

My flying reporter had a great interview with Croatian hopeful Nina Badric. They talked about Dora, how she got selected, what does she do besides singing. And did you know this is not her first time on Eurovision stage against common belief? And that she's one helluva party girl! Here:

Yesterday was the opening party. Did you have a good time?

Great time! The red carpet was like in Monte Carlo! Lots of beauiful dresses, so many people. For me it was a first time but it was ok.

Did the location meet your expectations?

The open terrace was nice. The rest... puff.... ha ha ha!

Nina, you clearly wanted to participate in Eurovision because you participated already when Yogoslavia existed as a backing singer...

How do you know that?!?

I'm well informed :-) You also tried in 1993 so you wish to be here for a long time. Now that you are finally here, how does it feel?

Ok! :-) Back then I was just starting my career and the most famous song festival was Dora. I wasn't thinking so much Eurovision but Dora, to be able to present my song to a wide audience. Dora was to place to be back then and score a hit and sell a lot of records. Croatia is a small market but Dora was watched in the other countries in the region, too. In 2003 when I last participated in Dora I thought I had a great song and I went to Dora because I wanted to go to Eurovision. But I didn't win and I said to myself I don't want to do Eurovision anymore. And then this year for the first time Croatian TV decided to select internally and they chose me! I told them I have a powerful song that I believe in it and if it's ok for them... and here I am with Nebo. Also, the other Balcan countries have selected their singer and song internally for years already with good results. Except Croatia, we had Dora. But now we try this, too.

And why you?

Why me?! Because I'm the best! :-)

That's a good answer! But do you regret Dora doesn't exist anymore?

No... Dora wasn't Dora for a long time now. The last time we had success with it was … when was it.... Doris Dragovic in 1999. I think that was the last big success. We have amazing musicians and singers in Croatia but Dora lost its credibility. Serious artists didn't want to go to Dora anymore.

So you like the idea in coming years they will continue with internal selections?

Definately. The artists have more time to prepaire themselves. See what's happening in Eurovision and choose the right song. I'm breaking the ice this year and I hope I will break it the right way! :-)

And if it shouldn't go so well for you this year, will others be scared to do it next year?

I don't know. Why? It's not the end of the world. A bad result here won't effect my career. I have 20 years of career already. People who love my music will love me even if I came last in Eurovision. My fans are actually happy I am here and singing for Croatia.

Who would you like to see follow you on Eurovision stage next year for Croatia?

Hmmm... I would like to see some klapa. It's a traditional Croatian way of singing a cappella. That would surely do well. Better than the babushkas!

Was Nebo an obvious choice for you for Eurovision or were the other songs you considered?

I just had released a new album when Croatian TV called me so I had where to choose. But I always came back to Nebo. It's a serious song and maybe won't go so well I thought but it's a song that best represents me.

People were maybe expecting an uptempo song?

Yes, uptempo would be great but Crotia has never had this kind of song before. We have sent all kind of songs; pop with etno, only etno, great ballad, up tempo... we have tried everything. Maybe this will go all wrong, maybe it's a big success. We will see, ha ha!

You're in a strong semifinal but you have four Balcan countries there. Do you expect something from them?

Definately! Ha ha ha! They better vote me or we'll be in war! Ha ha! I'm known in all former Yogoslavian countries so I hope they will recognize me and vote for me.

The other Balcan countries are sending big names, too. Is that a threat...?

No, I feel great! I think it's good we all are here and in the same semifinal. Most of them are my friends. We are hanging out here together and last night we partied til the morning.... I did a duet with MayaSar last year and we are friends. So we will be happy for anyone of us who goes to the final even if I wouldn't go myself. We're supporting each other.

Are you active in something else but music and singing? I heard that you do a lot of charity work as well?

I think when you a celebrity you have to use your fame and power to something good, to give people back. Talent is a gift from God, I mean it. You have to use it for something good. It's not a job that you leave behind when you close the door. I do what I can to give people back what they give me.

And do you have any hobbies?

Parties! Ha ha ha

Yes, I saw you last night...

I was dancing like a.... ha ha ha.... I love travelling. Even if in Croatia, it's such a beautiful country. If you haven't been there you should come! I also like Caribian, Greece, Spain... This summer only two day holiday, I'll be busy touring and promoting my album.

What's your favourite Croatian Eurovision song?

Sveta ljubav by Maja Bladgan (Mine, too. Ed.note)  for me is the most interesting one, I really like it. And she was great and did very well! 4^th. I wanna be like Maja Bladgan! :-)

Ok Nina, thank you for this interview...

Are you done with me already?!

Otherwise my friend in Helsinki has to work too much writing all this down! (No comment. Ed.note)

Blogilkar wishes Nina the best of luck next Thursday and see you in final!

ESC 2012: OPENING PARTY AND RED CARPET PHOTOS!

Are the days of the super parties over at Eurovision? wonder Robert in Baku. Here is his photo reportage from last night!

Yesterday, the opening party of the new Eurovision season was held at the Euroclub. The Euroclub? Yes, the Euroclub! Baku has so many prestigious buildings but the party ended up in the Euroclub which cannot be compared at all with the venues we had in the past. Out of my own experience, the venues in Helsinki, Oslo and Dusseldorf were far more stylish. Was the organisation saving money here because they went over their budget? I don't know but many guests were complaining and this must be marked as the worst opening party in recent history. Many artists and delegations did not stay long. On the other side, it was still a better party than a regular evening out and many people were enjoying themselves anyway. 

The red carpet scenes were very enjoyable to watch and many artists looked great in their evening dresses/costumes. Everybody seemed to be there. 

The Russian grannies were present and they had to be protected from the large crowd who wanted a glimpse of them as also Loreen from Sweden, the hot favourite to win.

Many artists got on stage to sing their Eurovision songs. Among others Sabina, Ell & Nikki from Azerbaijan, Roman from Germany, Eleftheria from Greece and Ivi from Cyprus.

Tonight I will attend the Ralph Siegel 40 years Eurovision dinner party. At the same time, the Dutch party will start and the Russian grannies organize a barbecue but this is a one hour drive out of Baku so I will not attend this because you can't do it all!

BAKU DAY 8: GERMANY

Germany also pulls a very good second rehearsal. Roman is likable, the song is easy even for the first hering, the act is simple and effective. This year all the Big5 are very strong and I wouldn't be surprised if we had a winner among them and if they all did top-10. Now wouldn't that be something? But then most likely obsessed fans started to talk how EBU has tricked the voting and bla bla bla. How very boring! But Roman Lob is great! And so is his song. And with him it's a wrap for today. Tomorrow it's time for the full show dress rehearsals for the first semifinal already! More here. 

BAKU DAY 8: SPAIN

Spain and Pastora Soler's vocals. What to say? Amazing time after time. One can only imagine the audience explode along with her long note. Can't wait for that! Otherwise I didn't notice significant changes in the set up. The blue backdrop with dripping water and stars. I hope this will be Spain's year. Or at least do better than they have done for a long, long time! If she gave half of her emotion to Sabina she would still be fantastic and Sabina would have at least a little warmth.... More here. 

BAKU DAY 8: AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan next. It's pretty much the same as yesterday. The light effects on dress will surely look great on TV and Sabina sings well but the song is still what it is. Cold. It gives me nothing. And that man in the background doesn't fit in at all in this 100% Americanized affair. No matter how good he is in what he is doing and no matter how traditional thing it is in Azerbaijan. It's just clued on top of this and it doesn't fit. That's my opinion. Sabina and Azerbaijani people deserved something better and authentic for themselves in their own show....  This is a bit like Paula Abdul sampling Ofra Haza only that they did it well. More here. 

BAKU DAY 8: ITALY

Italy has made a few changes to the staging. The backing singers have been moved to the back and they also stand in a different order - in fact I was wondering yesterday why the smallest one was in the middle as it looked a bit strange. They engage more into some sort of choreography as well. La Zilli was vocally in top form and apparently wearing one of the two Vivienne Westwood creations she's rumored to have ready. This one  is sparkly blue while the other is silver. Red high heels completed the look and she moved nicely to the song making it look spontaneous what it probably was, too. Italy certainly is one of the winning candidates, no doubt about that! Viva Italia! More here. 

NINA ZILLI IS GETTING READY....

My hair will be like THIS big..... Davvero!

BAKU DAY 8: FRANCE

France has polished their act, too and Anggun also delivers much better vocals today. Still there is so much happening on stage that it takes the attention away from the song. Remind me of Spain 2009 but maybe this will come together on TV-screen? But there's something hysterical about this and very much to get hold of, except the continuous whistling. Will an average televoter who hears this for the first time vote for it? I'd like to say no but then you never know. And I have no idea how this will end up. I wasn't so impressed when I first heard it and now that I'm well familiar with the song I still don't rank it very high. Shame. I would love to love this! More here. 

BAKU DAY 8: UNITED KINGDOM

United Kingdom starts the second round of rehearsals for the Big5+1. Dark stage for Engelbert Humperdinck and his dancer and the guitar player with some white and red images in the backdrop. Much better vocally today than yesterday so it's all becoming together well for the UK. And if he hits that last note come Saturday... he will surely hit the right cords with the older viewers who also tend to vote, so... Definitely one of the winning candidates this year. More here. 

JEDWARD, ANMARY & PERNILLA: THE NEW ABBA!

Things you only see in Eurovision: The Irish Duracell bunnies Jedward spent some time with Latvian Anmary and Finnish Pernilla while waiting to get on the red carpet last night and all of sudden we have a new ABBA! They were also craving for Finnish chocolate and I don't blame them! Here. 

BAKU DAY 8: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA AND LITHUANIA

Bosnia & Herzegovina has changed the backdrop and that's a clever move. Now all the focus is on the song and Maya's fantastic vocals. This is maybe the most underrated song this year, like Lithuania last year only that this is much better. I would think the juries will go for this, and also the televoters enough to push this to the final. or at least it deserves to be there. Stylish, elegant, beautiful, real... She's wearing a long black dress. More here.

Lithuania ends the morning part of rehearsals and there are no changes except Donny is wearing his smart suit today. The presentation is the same, the backdrop is awesome as are his vocals. he is blindfolded, he does the back flip. And I still have no idea how this will go. I like it though. And we have a great interview with Donny here. Is it me or are these last staging in semifinal all very dark?! More here. 

BAKU DAY 8: NORWAY

Norway gave another good one. Tooji confessed his voice is a bit strained and it did sound so especially in the part where the song stops for a moment. But then, he acted as a host in the Norwegian party on Friday and last night was the opening party.... :-) Anyways, it all works very well, the backdrop is ok, the choreography is good, he sings and looks good, the song is catchy with a hint of exotic sounds. Why shouldn't Norway be a success this year? More here.