Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

  I got onboard Bon Jovi already with their debut single Runaway that I just loved. And I kept following their music ever since, even though I had obviously more liking to their poppier hits than the hardrock efforts. Over the years I may have been less interested but still always keeping eye on what they are doing, and occasionally going all fan for releases like the This left feels right album. And hits like Always and It's my life that are awesome.  Check out also:

Ireland, once the power state of Eurovision, is looking for their winning entry this Friday. Like in the previous years five acts chosen by as many mentors. The field is wide open this year as Jedward is not taking part this year either. Five quite pleasant songs and I must admit I have no clue who will win in the end.   Heartbeat is the big fan favorite but will regular TV-viewers buy it? I think it's quite good. I wished they would have dared more in the production and arrangements, now it's a bit bland. Promising but not delivering. Don't hold on is oldfashioned but a good solid song sung well. The movie song I like a lot. Apparently Eoghan isn't loved much as a person (but what do we European voters know about that?) so it might play against him, which is a shame. Be mine makes me think of Bon Jovi for some reason. Also very catchy after a couple of listenings which means he might be lost in the crowd. Laura thinks I don't remember her but hey, I do. Si...

Chisu has been the most played artist in the Finnish radios in 2012. Her songs were aired a total of 23.278 times - or there were 2-3 of her songs playing somewhere all the time - and she had three big hits besides the older ones still playing: Kohtalon oma (5.107 being the 2nd most played song of the year beated only by Loreen's Euphoria , 5.574), Tie (4.588) and Kolnas pyörä . Madonna was once again the most played foreign artist followed by Bruce Springsteen, Juha Tapio, late Michael Jackson, Nickelback, Rihanna, Eppu Normaali, Jenni Vartiainen and Bon Jovi. That's for all the radio stations. If we look at only the nationwide ones, Bruce and Michael has to do way to locals Laura Närhi and Samuli Edelmann in top-10.

Last night Bon Jovi were once again in Helsinki and played the sold out Olympic Stadium and despite the chilly weather and at times pouring rain Jon and the guys were in excellent shape and gave a great show - despite John hurting his leg halfway the show.. Talk about slippery when wet ! John Bongiovi surely is one of the best singers around, whether it's uptempo like You give love a bad name or a mega ballad like Always . The highlights of the show were of course the classics Livin' on a prayer and It's my life , and my personal favourite Runaway (that I remember listening along with Främling all summer back in 1983....) The band has sold over 132 million albums since 1984 and continues to play for sold out stadiums all over the world. They have also scored four US #1's. Their latest single and video is No apologies . It follows nicely the trend of their biggest hits, rock with pop touch and catchy choruses. And here's Livin' on prayer last night. And It...

Sami Hintsanen (38) is most known as the host of a very popular music quiz show Tartu mikkiin . But he is also the Finnish champion in schlager singing and karaoke who wanted to become the new Bon Jovi. His past include one participation in Euroviisut in 1996 with Auringonkukka (8th) and one CD under name Hintsanen party Project, eurodance covers of Finnish classics. "I deeply regret that album. Record label believed it would score big in ski resorts and cruise boats and the idea was good but it just didn't work out and I wasn't right for it. I was just too shamed to get on stage and perform those songs, like this one " .  He has also experience from musicals and other bands but maybe Euroviisut 2011 will finally make him known also as a serious singer. The rumour is his song is written by Antti Kleemola and he has said it's "more Johnny Logan style Eurovision". Sami will paeticipate in the third semifinal on January 28, 2011 and his song will be made pu...

Hanna, who has been enjoying a long break with a very few occasional gigs (like Euroviisut 2008 final) will perform in Helsinki's On the Rocks on this Thursday night and on Friday in Pori for the midsummer night's festival. The set will include also some new material! One can only hope she has recovered from the Bon Jovi concert yesterday in Olympic stadium in Helsinki though.... Meanwhile she is leading the poll of who is going to win the Iskelmä-Finlandia Award later this summer. If she wins she will be the youngest winner ever.