Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Celine Dion plays the movie soundtrack card once again Did you know the first original recording of this global success snobbed by NRK for Eurovision was by Johnny Logan? Finally released on Secret Garden's new compilation.  Tanel Padar keeps scoring hits from his solo EP Maria Naumova who? - Marie N! - Who?

Belgium chose Axel Hirsoux (32). He has taken part in several talent shows since 2001 and finally hit gold in the Belgian national selection Eurosong . He's got a great voice, no doubt and this blogger liked his efforts a lot in the selection process. When his entry Mother was revealed, I was less enthuastic....But I seem to be in minority as he is one of the main favorites to win this year.... Robert: There was no better song for me in the disappointing Belgian selection this year. Therefor I chose Axel's song but certainly not because I love it so much. I see that he can attract a lot of votes with his voice, song and presentation and maybe win the whole thing, but in the end we won't understand anymore why we voted for him because the song gets irritating quickly I'm afraid.  Blogilkar: I agree with my bicycling reporter Robert what he said about the song. Plus I have to admit I find the lyrics so cheesy I can't take them seriously. (Maybe I have some i...

Two blond ladies with blue eyes, catchy little rather acoustic song, perfect for radios. While Denmark has a hint of melancholy in it, Latvia is bursting with good mood and happiness singing about the song she is singing about. How weird is that? Weird but wonderful but so is Denmark's entry. I have fondly disliked all these Danish entries of recent year's that have done very well in Eurovision - does this now mean Denmark will bomb as I like it? And how about Latvia? Many say they like it "somehow" but it will not be voted for. Are we sure? As said, Denmark has done the top-5 two years in a row, while Latvia has missed the final three years in a row. Will the tables turn this year? And both have a very messy staging in national finals to sort out before Baku. Will they succeed? Latvia - Anmary - Beautiful song ***** The song is insanely catchy, whether you like it not, the melody sticks into your brain. And the corny lyrics. But it also comes across that the...

Latvia will have its final tonight. Ten songs made it this far after two semifinals earlier. The first part of the show starts at 18.00 CET and the second with three superfinalists at 20.00 CET. Amongst guest stars we have the only Latvian Eurovision winner Marie N, this year's Swiss entrants Sinplus (yes, they sure make the rounds!) and Musiqq. My favourites by far are Anmary (even if they need to better the staging a lot!), Roberts and Mad Show Boys (who on the other hand don't need to change a thing) but we can't rule out PeR unfortunately either. Andris could have a chance as could Elizabete. UPDATE: Beautiful song is the winner. With a new staging. But it still doesn't work I'm afraid. Just sing and drop the show! 1. My world - Ruta Duduma 2 . I want you back - Samanta Tina & Davids Kalandija 3. Disco superfly - PeR 4. Stars are my family - Trianas Parks 5. Celebration - Paula Dukure 6. We can change the world - Andris Abelite 7. Beautiful...

It's time for a little summer trip and I'm off to Riga for the very first time. Riga hosted the Eurovision 2003 when Turkey won with 167 points followed by Belgium' s 165 and Russia 's 164 - a surprise twist after the last voting round and one of the most spectacular votings ever while the Latvian winning song the year before might be one of the less spectacular ever. The song, not the performance . Latvia has finished in the top-5 also with their debut in 2000 and again in 2005 . The past three years they have missed the final even if at least this year Musiqq did deserve the final if you ask me.... See you next week!