Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Poli Genova has released Oshte . Her smile is as pretty and contagious as ever but the song isn't quite going anywhere.  Severina abandons her high heals and goes all rap hippy with Jala Brat in Otrove . Catchy summer number, nothing oh so original but fun to listen anyways :-) And her voice is fab as ever.  Milan Stankovic continues with the same sound and featuring the same Jala and Buba Corelli in Ego . This may have also been heard a milion times before but at summer time this rhythm works. Always! Even if released already this winter but it has twerking in it..... Michal Szpak offers 3,5 minutes of insignificant 80's inspired nonsense in Tic tac clock that comes with a pretty video shot in Italy and sponsored by Rock Star nail polish....

One of the most touching moments in the Eurovision song contest history happened back in 1993 when Bosnia & Herzegovina debuted and during the voting we heard for the first time "Good evening Sarajevo, can we have your points please?" by Fionnuala Sweeney in Millstreet. The public in the Green Glens Arena erupted in a spontaneus heartfelt applause when the phone connection was made, with some sound problems to war torn Sarajevo.  Bosnia & Herzegovina's way to Millstreet wasn't a dance on roses. Fazla and his team had to escape from Bosnia on foot during the night hoping not to be shot dead by the Serbs. Sounds quite Hollywoodian as we think about it now but it was the reality back then. Their conductor was ment to floow them later but wasn't able to leave Sarajevo in time to join them due to heavy war, and house conductor Noel Kelehan stepped in. “An army guide put me into a group with the guitarist and two girls – our back-up singers. Then he t...

Small changes and better choreographed rapper part, that's Bosnia's recipe. I liked this at first, then I wasn't sure and now I'm buying this Balcan drama again with its important message. Hoefully they qualify! What about the wire fence? The producer of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2016 Eurovision Song Contest stage act, Haris Pašović, says the wire fence separating its singers over the duration of their performance is symbolic of the situation Europe is currently facing. “The fate of refugees from Syria and Northern Africa is heartbreaking. At the same time, Europe is in fear. Bosnians remember the time when the Balkans was going through its apocalypse. More than a million people had to emigrate and leave their homes behind, with many of them finding refuge in Europe and across the world. They are now successful and respected members of society in their adopted nations”, Pašović says. He adds that the wire fence, which will be featured in the country’s stage perfor...

Now this is getting interesting. They have barbed wire fence separating them, they are rolled into thermal blankets... is this going for the refugee theme with full force? Poor Ana sitting with her cello with bare legs and the foil around looks like a chicken in a grill... sorry! When Jala comes in with his rap the barbed fire is gone and Deen & Dalal can get it going on full time. Maybe there's a concept and explanation for all of it. I will wait and see.... In the Meet & Greet visibly emotional Deen is very happy and proud to be back in Eurovision after 12 years. He's there with his friends of up to 20 years already. The faith is that once they praised Sweden for everything working so well and everything being in time the microphone didn't work and needed to be replaced... And that took another lifetime, lol. After that Deen continued telling what the song is all about and his experience of being a refugee himself. It's hasn't all been In the di...

A couple of artists returning in this one, a country returning and one country returning to more autenthic sound. And here are the other two non-English including songs besides Austria this year. MACEDONIA - KALIOPI - DONA (Romeo Grill) Kaliopi returns to Eurovision after her 2012 experience. Once again she was internally selected - due to public demand by her fans it seems - and her song is written by her ex-husband. Blogilkar: I adore Kaliopi. This out of the way let's get to the song. It wasn't quite what I expected after 2012 and her songs since. It's been labeled dated and oldfashioned and boring and ridiculed with references to donuts. The fact remains she's amazing live and can make this work on stage no mattr what. And I do like the song, too. It starts off a bit like a lullaby but even if I don't understand a word I believe every word. She deserves the final as this is a real song, not manufactured for Eurovision. 9 Jack:  The Macedonian queen...

Drama! The Bosnian delegation seems to be in trouble over incidents in a bar the other night. Apparently BHRT has confirmed calling in an emergency meeting and has informed also EBU. Speculations over possible withdrawal are also in the air. In short, the team was spending some time in Vlašić to record a TV-Show. In the evening they were gathered in restaurant Eko Fis when a fight between the composer Almir Ajanović and the rapper Jala broke out. Ajanović tried to hit Jala with a glass bottle but missed him and hit another singer Šaćir Ameti in the head instead. He's now intending to sue him. In the fight that followed also singer Dalal seems to have had her share of hits and eventually Jala. "The atmosphere was tense all evening, there's something wrong with the team" Ameti says.  Both Ajanović and Dalal were taken to hospital in Travnik. Ajanović has three stitches in his face, no news about Dalal's injuries have been reported. He says the fight didn...

... and it has just been presented. This blogger as a sucker for some serious Balcan pathos a la Joksimovic with additional rapper liked it. To be updated.....

The rumors were true. BHRT returns after three years absense to Eurovision song contest with Deen and Dalal, an act was heavily rumored the past few days. Bosnia & Herzegovina' s comeback was wuite a surprise but it all comes down to money. BHRT got sponsors the ladt minute both for the participation fee and the costs for the entry's promotion and production - maybe this comes directly from artists and their label? Anyways, welcome back all of you! Deen or Fuad Backović has been there already back in 2004 in Istanbul - as was I. Dalal Midhat-Talakić is a newcomer. Their entry will be revealed later..... and will include Ana Rucner.

Ever since Australia was confirmed and Bulgaria declared it is NOT in the provisional list (but could still make it the final decision being made only after this weekend's Junior Eurovison taking place in Sofia) fans have been wondering who the 41st country is then?! Could it be Croatia? Today the rumour comes from Bosnia-Herzegovina they are still trying to make it and have a song and artists ready if only BHRT managed to come up with the 25.000 euros needed for the participation. The artists in question would see Deen returning, but this time with Dalal and Croatian cellist Ana Rucner. Now wouldn't that be great to have Bosnia-Herzegovina back again? And if Bulgaria makes it, too, we might end up with 42? 

The preliminary date to take submit an interest to take part in the Eurovision song contest 2016 in Stockholm was set by EBU to September 15, 2015. Or today. We won't know for sure until October 10 (or after) but Italy and Ukraine publicly stated that they intend to take part. That's a relief for the Italian fans who still are in doubt and in fear every year that RAI might go crazy and not take part after all. Once the Sanremo festival's rules will be out we will maybe know if once again the winner has the first option to go to Stockholm, or if another method will be used for the entrant. Ukraine makes a welcome comeback after last year's absence for obvious reasons and I have a feeling they will be welcomed back with open arms and cheers by the public! Bosnia-Herzegovina has also applied but we won't know for sure until October. Maybe. Last time they sent and entry was back in 2012 and it would be great to have them back! No news from Turkey.... But also Bul...

The national broadcasting network in Bosnia & Herzegovina is close to collapse, states EBU in a statement that you can read here . This network includes BHRT, that has been responsable for the country's Eurovision song contest participations. In this light it's very unlikely we will see Bosnia & Herzegovina in Sweden 2016. Shame.  The country has been last seen on Eurovision stage back in 2012, when Maya Sar placed 18th. They debuted back in 1993 with the legendary voting call from the war zone and we finally heard "This is Sarajevo calling" to a spontaneous applause in the arena. They also survived every semifinal and were always present in the final scoring six top-10 places and 3rd at best, with Hari Mata Hari's Lejla in 2006. After a shaky start they gave us some great entries the lst few years. You can check them all below...

Namely writing the song for Knez who has been announced the Montenegrin artist already last year. When he was asked to write the song for him Zeljko told it was an offer too good to turn down and so he returns to Eurovision for the 5th time as a composer or a singer. On top of that he of course was the host in Belgrad 2008 Eurovision. And we must remember he has scored on silver, wo bronzes and one sixth place with his entries. So I'm sure he feels no pressure at all to do well.... ;p Apparently this time we won't get a big Balcan ballad but something more uptempo. Let's remember Zeljko's Eurovision adventures so far: 2004 Serbia & Montenegro  - Lane moje (artist & composer) 2nd (2005 Serbia & Montenegro - Jutro (composer) - Jelena Tomasevic 2nd in national selection) 2006 Bosnia & Herzegovina - Lejla (composer) - Hari Mata Hari 3rd 2008 Serbia - Oro - (composer) - Jelena Tomasevic ft Bora Dugic 6th (2008 Eurovisison song contest host in ...

Montenegro is yet to reach the final. The five previous entries didn't do it and they surely have tried various genres. All but the classic Balcan ballad Moj svijet , that comes now, by a big name. All is set for the first qualification especially as the other countries that have brought in similar songs are missing; Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia. But that also means they are not voting.... Sergej has over 20 years of succeful career behind him and will surely do his best in Copenhagen. Robert: Montenegro is going for a traditional Balkan ballad this year and an internal choice so nothing to compare with if there was something else in the running. It's a beautiful song yes but i'm afraid it's not bringing anything new and we have heard it before. I cannot help comparing it with other Balkan ballads we had before from Zejlko in 2004 and 2012 and Hari Mata Hari in 2006 and then I can only conclude that the other songs were better and had more built...

Regina has released a very beautiful song Na balkanu . From the category "I don't understand a word but believe it all"....  Saara Aalto (Talent, Euroviisut and The Voice runner up) has released her new single and video You had my heart . She's really aiming for the Asian market and both Japanese and Chinese versions will follow in due time. Arash features Sean Paul in his new She makes me go that could have been released some 20 years ago really. Finns must feel nostalgic as it has hit the charts here...  Ramdadamdamdigidigi! ABBA's Agnetha Fältskog has made a comeback and the first single When you really loved someone is really a nice tune..... relaxing, sad and wonderfully old fashioned at the same time. And on top of that oh so familiar voice of Agnetha :-)

Turkey announced already right after Baku 2012 that they wouldn't participate in 2013. Then they had a change of heart and applied for 2013 after all. And tonight, following the sad news from Bosnia & Herzegovina also TRT announce they will withdraw. Unlike the other countries staying home Turkey's decision is not financial but principal. Apparently they are not happy with the recent change of rules in the contest...  Are we in for some more surprises before EBU publishes the confirmed and definitive list? Let's hope Azerbaijan won't make any last minute decisions, especially when their national selection start has been postponed and their big brother out.... Turkey has been one of the most successful Eurovision countries since the semifinal was introduced.

And there's a rumors about Montenegro and Turkey, too. Both countries have confirmed their participation earlier but as they can withdraw without penalty until December 15 (I believe) Bosnia's BHRT announced today their decision, based on financial problems and thus follow Portugal, Poland and several others. As I have written earlier EBU wanted to downscale Eurovision song contest but I'm pretty sure they didn't mean this! This is such a shame as Bosnia-Herzegovina has been participating since 1993 every year and after some shaky results (and songs to be honest) did shape up their act and has provided some fantastic songs in the recent years and also got well deserved placings. They have also qualified for the final every year since 2004 when the semifinals were introduced. Do you remember Lejla , Rijeka bez imena , Bistra voda and Love in rewind ? And who could forget  Pokušaj or In the disco ?! But... only hours later RTRS, the broadcaster of the autonomous S...

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 wa...

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 . 

Serbia starts the rehearsals post-lunch and Zeljko is wearing a black jacket, most likely the one he will be wearing in the semifinal and the final. As it is certain this qualifies. One of the most beautiful songs this year and even if this does have similarity to Lane moje in many ways, the structure and the performance, I still think Nije ljubav stvar is different and equally beautiful. And I would buy from Zeljko anything he is selling.... Gret artist, great song. Will he win is another matter as you never know what happens in Eurovision but if he did I would be one happy man. I know I wasn't so convinced after the first rehearsal about the backdrop and all, but I hear it looks great on screen so that's all that matters. Robert did a great interview with Zejlko yesterday where he answers to many interesting questions like will he return again? Read it here . More here . I also have a new favorite Eurovision word after "tonteria". It's" brodolom...

My flying reporter Robert met Zeljko Joksimovic yesterday for an interview. They talked about all his entries and his various tasks in Eurovison, the Spanish version, his fame abroad and what Eurovision means to Serbia and other Balcan countries. And will he be back again? With the first question we go back to 2004. Did the 2 nd place of Lane moje change your career and if so, how? My life changed a lot. After the 2 nd place in Istanbul Lane moje became a big hit all countries surrounding Serbia and many other countries in Europe as well. Before 2004 I had a big career in ex-Yogoslavian republic, with Eurovision it expanded of course and I had many concerts in Europe. In which countries are you popular then? In every country where my population lives. For example if I have a concert in Sweden Serbian immigrants will come with other ex-Jugoslavians, and maybe 10-15% are other, locals. And that's definately thanks to Eurovision. Why you waited eight years to come bac...