Hungarian Freddie was very thrilled and happy, "we gave it all" and he just wanted to make his country proud.
Nina Kraljic from Croatis is still in shock. She says some people back at home wanted her to fail and now she made it to the finals for the first time in seven years.
Douwe Bob from the Netherlands said he got what he wanted from those 10 seconds. And he, like everyone else on that table, is aiming to bring home the trophy. He believes he has a strong song and that less is more.
Iveta Mukuchyan from Armenia thanks the production and how it was so nervous to wait for the name even if everyone was saying she will slay in the semifinal. She takes nothing for granted, and feels so priviliged to be right here and now. She wants to enjoy every second. And then she's asked about the flag....
Sergey Lazarev of Russia admits he was feeling nervous and has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Then he invites everyone to Russia to see they are not horrible but warm people. Then he asked about LGBT rights... It's all talk and rumour. Gaylife exists in modern Russia. Sure. Everyone is welcome and when Russians organize something they make everybody feel welcome and safe.
Czech Republic's Gabriela Guncikova is living a historic moment right now bringing her country to the final for the very first time and she's so happy. She's asked if this will change people's attitude to the contest in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Their goal was just to make it better known in her country, show what amazing gathering of music and art it is. To make her people understand what a gret opportunity it is.
Minus One from Cyprus are happy and were losing their nerves as they were called out among the last ones. If they win it's huge, Cyprus has never won and if they do they propably name the airport after them .-) They are doing their most for that. They are also sad for new friends who didn't make, it but surely everyone has gotten already so much out of this.
Very emotional Zoe from Austria confessed she was crying in the make up before her performance but on stage the energy was good. And now it's all so big and surreal. But she's so happy her adventure and time with these lovely people continues still.... And now she knows why and how Eurovision is so addiciting.
Samra from Azerbaijan hasn't really understood yet she's in final, maybe tomorrow. And then we are into politics again with a guy asking a question but starting to preach about Armenia and Iveta's actions tonight and all that... No question. And booing. She answers Eurovision is a song contest and it's all about music. She feels no pressure but only support from her country.
Last but not least Ira Losco from Malta. She says her heart goes out to those who didn't make it as they have become friends. She said it was nervous to be called out last, as this was also her first semifinal. And theh she's asked about LGBT rights as well but things are better in Malta of course.
In overall the press conference was rather negative experience, with too many questions about politics and LGBT issues, and the atmosphere was a far cry fromthe usual joy there is for some reason. The artists weren't even looking partically overjoyed when they marched in as in the previous years. Why? They were happier in the backstage after their performances really.... What happened in between?
The Azerbaijani selection show for the represant was as long as the selection process for the five finalists. Kurt Calleja from Malta and Can Bonomo from Turkey were present with Ell/Nikki to see Sabina Babayeva to emerge as the winner after each and every finalist had done about zillion songs amongst other guests. Now the Azeri TV will shop around a suitable song for her.
Krista Siegfrids is delivering nice pop tunes one after another and this one is particularly catchy and soon you will be singing along..... Hopefully her Melodifestivalen entry will be equally good!
The Norwegian entries are now and there to listen, or here . This time Norway has only one off final with 11 songs and a live orchestra, so it will be interesting to hear how these songs will turn out as most are rather modern sounding and not so Eurovisionesque midtempo numbers. There could have been also only ten if they had dropped that joke entry from the line up. The old veterans Elisabeth and Tor have nothing to be ashamed among this lot. To be honest I didn't get excited by any of these really... Something is wrong in my books if a classic schlager like Heaven sounds almost the best... What's wrong Norway?
Małgorzata Jamroży aka Margaret has also been tipped for Eurovision and apparently she did turn it down but she'd be perfect. She's got a look and persona you can't unnotice nor forget, she's got hit songs, she has been voted or nominated for everything from Trendy artist to the Hope of the Year, Fashion Icon and Glamour Woman of the year besides the usual best video, song, album, debut..... Oh she's also a fashion designer! She's very clever with social medias and would surely use it to her advantage if selected for Stockholm 2016. Her debut album is titled Add the blonde , do we need to say more? Except it includes mostly Swedish written pop tunes like Tell me how are ya , Wasted , Start a fire and Heartbeat . And of course her debut single and internationally noticed Thank you very much that you can enjoy below with all its anti-textil feel. I think she's Eurovision perfection, she's cheeky and fun, can we have her?
Brand new studio album SEXORCISM is released tomorrow, 12 years and 5 days after their monstreous victory in Athens 2006 Eurovision song contest. It is quite possibly the most controversial Lordi album yet and already their 9th stuido album (plus three compilations and one Ep)
The 2016 Eurovision song contest organizers didn't manage it - or any of the previous ones either nor those offering them millions of dollars - but they seem to get together for birthdays, the way the old friends do. Back in 1999 they performed together in a private party for Görel Hansel's 50th birthday, and now to celebrate the first meeting of Björn and Benny 50 years ago. Venue was Stockholm's Bern's Salonger and once again in a private setting but today even they can't stop the cell phone videos and social medias. Enjoy the magic of Frida's and Agnetha's voices again.
The time has come. After all these years, 5,7 million visits, 12.000 articles I guess the time has come. As much as I love and care for Eurovision it just doesn't feel the same. The Corona years took their toll and the past two years and certain decisions have helped me to mature the idea that next year I will hear the songs for the first time in semi-final just like any so called local. The bubble has burst. Add the toxicity in social medias and fandom. The arrogant teenagers who saw their first contest somewhere 2017 or even 2021 who think they know it all and only their opinion matters. Did I mention the toxic atmosphere on social medias? I'm too old for that sh*t. It's been a long ride that took me to various Eurovision on spot as a fan and tourist, as a journalist, as a delegation member. I met some great people, made memories of lifetime. In stressful, sad periods of my life this blog has been my safe place, a place to escape and forget everything else for an hour o...
Today's funniest Eurovision related story comes from Belarus. Some sources claim Ivan wants to perform on stage naked and with live wolf or wolves. It surely would be a first on Eurovision stage! We have seen some forgotten underwear over the years, and some cardbox animals though..... Is it time to take things a bit further? No, according the rules live animals are not allowed, and Eurovision being a family show nudity won't do either. (It seems to be ok to be half naked if you are a dancer though..... )
The old rivals have put their bras (or the lack of them) in peace and entered the studios together to record Blondie's boombastic Call me . Life could be worse.....
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