Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Today the first semi-final ones (except for Malta) had their second rehearsal, this time 20 minutes that allowed them about three run throughs to see the adjustments made after the first rehearsals and try possible further ones as the next rehearsal will be already the first full semi final show rehearsal next Monday.  Photos and videos as always lovingly from  eurovision.tv   Croatia works well in its genre and looks like any music show performances from the 90s and that may be its problem: nice but not very memorable and what I hear she isn't the greatest singer either. But all in all its kinda likable and could qualify if the stars are right on the big night. Belgium sticks out a bit the same way Anouk and restarted the Netherlands. They do their thing they have done for decades and don't pretend anything else. If there is any justice this sails to the final instead of Norway, Croatia or Azerbaijan. Israel and Eden Alene, it's no secret this is one of my top favorites ...

While the fandom seemed to be all for Ue la la and La la love my favourite from the start was Set me free, and guess what? it won! Let the fandom melt down.... The downscaled selection show took place tonight without audience or live performances and people voting out the winner by an app.

ISRAEL - EDEN ALENE - FEKER LIBI One of my biggest favorites this year! This song just makes me so happy every time I hear it and makes me wanna sing a long. And it does play quite often in my head radio as well. She's great, all the final songs were Eurovision worthy tbh but this was my favorite. I totally understand those who says it's a mess, too many genres and sounds put together, too many languages and all that but I have always listened this kind of music so for me it's just great hommage to late Ofra Haza and others, and if Idan Rachel is involved I like it already. A very strong 9/10 ROMANIA - ROXEN - ALCOHOL YOU For a long time I didn't get this song at all, but then eventually with further listenings I learned to like it. The melody is pretty, the arrangement and her voice quite nicely rusty. A bit forgettable though I'm afraid despite the word play I didn't get either... Still it's not quite there, especially if compared to Bulga...

Eden Alene (19) is one of those already confirmed for Eurovision 2021. Born in Jerusalem of Ethiopian parents, but her dad left when she was two and they haven't been in contact since. Eden did religious schools before serving her army duties. Between school and army she won The X Factor Israel and released her debut single. The Israeli production of Little Shop of Horrors was next for her before doing Rising star and winning it, too, and therefor earning the right to represent her country at the Eurovision 2020. One EP and three singles preluded her four excellent songs for Eurovision, this blogger liked them all. Feker libi was my favorites along with Rakata . 

Eden Alene (19) won the long HaKokhav Haba selection process after winning already the X Factor Israel two years ago. Then the song hunt started for her and the songs were made public in due time. Last night the final took place and unlike someone else she showed extreme professionalism and neutralism performing each and every song with right enthuasism and energy. Combined jury (60%) and televotes (40%) determined the winner that is Feker libi, a joyous song in English, Amharic (making an Eurovision debut), Hebrew and Arabic and filled with African and Oriental sounds with a pop beat. It was also this blogger's favorite along with Rakata. Saviour of sound was also great showcasing her warm vocals and Roots wasn't bad either despite the annoying bits.... Feker libi echoes nicely Ofra Haza's bangers and is written by Doron Medalie ( Golden boy, Made of stars, Toy ) and legendary Idan Raichel.  Check out the performance and enjoy Eden's fabulous voice below: ...

Roxen was internally chosen for Romania and her five entries written mostly on a song writing camp were released in due time and last Sunday it was the televised Selecția Națională 2020 time with several guest acts from Eurovision winner Loreen to this year's Norwegian entrant Ulrikke and Cypriot Sandro Nicolas plus freshly the night before elected Natalia Gordienko from Moldova that caused some speculation.  But even more speculation caused Roxen's uninspired performances making it apparently very clear which was her favorite and totally underperforming for example fan favorite Cherry red . The comparation got more fuel and meat under their teeth the nigth after when Israel's Eden Alene with a similar concept gave her all to all her four songs clearly not favoring any of them. Oh well, in the end we have a winner, Alcohol you . Whatever it means. 1. Alcohol you (jury 5 + televoters 5) 10 2. Storm (3 + 3) 6 3. Cherry red (1 + 2) 3 4. Colors (2 + 1) 3 ...

  Israel's ever lasting talent show (read more here and here ) to find the artists for Eurovision song contest 2020 ended a month ago and Eden Alene (19) was crowned the winner. A search for songs was launched and now she has four songs to choose from. It will be done by a professional jury (50%), judging panel (10%) and televote (40%). Amog the songwriters Eurovision winning composer ( Toy ) Doron Medalie with fabulous Idan Raichel, And quite a fabulous selection of songs they have for her. Rakata is great (not so sure if it really fits her though), Roots kinda funny and my least favorite here, Savior has a weird structure but I listened it till the end with great interest not getting at least bored and Feker libi is my favorite.  Roots  *** (Nathan Goshen, Stav Beger) Feker libi  ***** (Doron Medalie, Idan Raichel) Savior in the Sound  **** (Oren Emanuel, Talia Londoner, Uri Avni) Rakata  **** (Gal Jo Cohen, Eyal Ishay, Zlil...

  After the very long selection process ( read more here ) known as Hakovhav haba or Next Star Eurovision 19-year-old Eden Alene came out victorious unlike in X Factor two years ago. Her parents came to Israel from Ethiopia.There should be another final to choose the entry where she will sing a number of song next month.