Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Carlo Conti has announced today the Big artists taking part in the 76th Sanremo festival della canzone italiana or simply Sanremo 2026. As widely speculated in the past few weeks the cast may not be as "big" as usually and eyeing it as  the Eurovision in mind it looks rather slim. But then again, let's hear the songs before judging more! Among the artists we have previous winners Arisa (2014), Ermal Meta (2018), Marco Masini (2004) and Francesco Renga (2005) among Big. The previous Newcomers winners among them are Leo Gassman (2020) and previously listed Arisa (2009) and Marco Masini (1990). Eurovision veterans are Ermal Meta (2018), Raf (1987) and again Marco Masini as backing singer (1987).  For this blogger the list includes some names I have no idea of: Bambole di pezza, Eddie Brock, Colombre, Nayt and Samurai Jay among with other names I know the name of but have no idea of their music like Luchè, Sayf and Tredici Pietro. Thus I guess I can consider myself able to jo...

  Yle has announced today information on coming UMK 2026 with the first clues on artists. Yle received a record number of 491 songs for UMk 2026. As usual seven entries have been selected via various juries (both professional and amateur) to compete. The show will include also grand opening and interval acts by Top Finnish artists. The artists will be revealed on January 14, 2026 in live television event and the song previewed as usual one per day at midnight between January 15 and 23. The final takes place on February 28 in Tampere Arena.  There will be as give  as glues: a charismatic performer making their debut at UMK,  an artist who represents a current sound right now,  an internationally sought-after crowd-pleaser,  a pioneer in their own genre,  an attractive duo of two performers with unique voices,  a dramatic pop piece from a singer with a magnificent voice,  and a captivating ballad from an artist radiating international appeal So...

While Sweden's Melodifestivalen 2026 has received 3.888 entries only to have then some 20 out of 28 written by same 5-6 names in various combos Finland's UMK is way more unpredictable and you never know what we have in store for the next edition. We have already noticed the selection team tends to have a sort of trend for the season. If 2025 was very pop oriented and 2024 quite rap influenced it's curious to see where they put the focus on in 2026.  This said the fandom is already speculating and so far Yle has kept quiet and there hasn't been any leaks or bitter comments by artists that they applied and were not taken ( Vilma Jää this year for example). Anyways, here's my first prediction/wish list for possible names added with the first rumored names! If I get 2-3 out of 7 right I'm happy, LOL.      Ladies Vesta - She's in Van elämää this fall and already making it big, could it be that she's doing both back to back? Her career has taken an upright di...

It might be only September but the Sanremo 2026 cast speculation is on already now that the deal with the town of Sanremo and Rai is settled finally for the next three years at least and the festival stays in Sanremo and bears the same name as usual.  All Music Italia that is to Sanremo what Aftonbladet is to Melodifestivalen in means of spoiling the artists way before the official announcement - due in December by Carlo Conti - has released their first list of possible names taking part next February. Curiously there's only one band in the list..... The Comebacks: Angelina Mango - winner of 2024 who retired to rest and take care of her mental health over a year ago recently reappeared in Olly's concert on stage and could be coming back. Alfa - after his debut in 2024 as well he's gained a lot since and scored The #1 summer hit of 2025  Blanco - winner of 2022 with Mahmood has been returning to charts in 2025 also as a co-author for three songs in Sanremo 2025 (Giorgia,...

In this page you can find all chosen artists and songs in respective posts and all the information on selection process and national finals.  Internal selections: September 2:   Cyprus: Theo Evan  March 11: Shhh December 11: Czech Republic: Adonxs   March 7: Kiss kiss goodbye December 19: the Netherlands - Claude February 27: C'est la vie January 30: Austria - JJ March 6: Wasted love January 30: France - Louane March 15: Maman February 4: Azerbaijan - Mamagama February 19: Run with U February 25: Australia - Go-Jo February 25: Milkshake man March 5:  Zoë Më March 10: Voyage March 7: Remember Monday What the hell just happened? March 14: Georgia Mariam Shengelia Freedom National finals: November 27: Montenegro   Montenegro2 Dobrodosli   New version December 22: Albania , Shkodra Elektronika  Zjerm January 22: Israel    Yuval Raphael March 9: New day will rise January 25:  Luxemburg   Laura Thorn La poupée monte la son Janu...