poppyshake Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 I quite like the UK entry I was expecting so much worse because I've read so many bad reviews of it (so perhaps I went in with low expectations) but I thought it was fun and quite catchy and I love that 1920's sound. I was singing it afterwards (though I've forgotten it now ) so that says something .. I'm not sure what If they can replicate the sound and the look of it on the night then it'll be a thousand times better than our recent entries .. especially Englebert and Bonnie. I didn't see last years competition so can't comment on Molly. The thing is, it's the kiss of death to any established UK act so nobody wants to touch it. Hardly anybody will vote for us regardless of song so what can you do? Perhaps they should stop saying where the acts come from and just give them numbers Really enjoyed the special that was on a few weeks ago Fabulous seeing some of the acts from way back be just as good if not better than they were back in the day. Loved seeing Dana International and Conchita Wurst perform together too .. amazing! Will try not to get too ranty about it on the night .. love watching the acts but the vote results are always painful to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted April 17, 2015 Author Share Posted April 17, 2015 I missed the 60th anniversary special, well most of it anyway. I was ill and exhausted and fell asleep on the sofa - LOL!I've been hearing our entry for this year a few times lately, and despite not being overly fond of it at first, it's definitely growing on me. It's a lot catchier and more upbeat than pretty much all the other entries I've heard so far, which will make it stand out a bit amongst them, and make it more memorable. It's good to be the catchy tune in a sea of dirge - LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emelee Posted April 19, 2015 Share Posted April 19, 2015 In recent years, I've liked Lena from Germany enough to keep on my Spotify. And Loreen. What else....? Nah, I think that was about it. ESC is just fun to watch. And it's because the stage shows everyone comes up with. How can 3 minutes be filled to sell a product, a song in this case. You have to stick out from the crowd to win this competition, somehow. If not with an amazing song, then at least by a great voice and a great show. Some years, a great message has been enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcsucr Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 Anyone who knows me knows better than to ask me out on the night of Eurovision. Sad though it might be, I've watched every one since time immemorial, or at least that's what it seems like! At the end of each year's contest I find myself outraged at the ludicrous voting and vow never to watch it again but find myself getting that all too familiar feeling of excitement the following year as it approaches. The 60th anniversary show was hilarious! I would definitely have sacked the stylist that thought putting a 'beyond middle-aged' women in a pink glittery cat-suit was a good idea (Bobbysocks - you know who yo are!) So yes, I will be watching it this year - still with a glimmer of hope for the UK although I don't think there'll be any middle ground for Electro Velvet - either a big hit or a big miss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emelee Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 Sweden is predicting that Australia will win this year. If Aussie really wins, then Germany will hold the 2016 Eurovision. It was part of the agreement to let them participate this anniversary year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 I wonder how they decided on Germany? I'm not sure why anyone would think that Australia would win, unless people just vote because of the novelty factor, and I just can't imagine Europeans doing that. I'm most interested to see how England votes regarding us. Probably last! I heard a snippet of our entry the other day and wasn't impressed, although I've seen good things said about it. Maybe I need to give it another chance. Or not. I don't care that much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emelee Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 I wonder how they decided on Germany? I'm not sure why anyone would think that Australia would win, unless people just vote because of the novelty factor, and I just can't imagine Europeans doing that. I'm most interested to see how England votes regarding us. Probably last! I heard a snippet of our entry the other day and wasn't impressed, although I've seen good things said about it. Maybe I need to give it another chance. Or not. I don't care that much. I don't think it matters all that much what countries the songs are from. I would say that the UK but also countries like Sweden feel more closely related to Australia than they do with eastern European countries. Somewhat more similar lifestyles and we can at least understand the language. People have said that the Aussie song reminds them of Bruno Mars. I would say that's a compliment. I don't know why they chose Germany. But one of the "Big 5" was the natural choice (UK, Germany, France, Spain or Italy), as they are guaranteed a spot in the finale (because they pay bigger money than the other countries to arrange the competition). Australia, in order to be allowed to participate this year, had to make an arrangement with a European TV-network for sponsorship, and that country was then also promised to get to arrange ESC 2016 if Australia won. They found a deal with a German TV-network. So that's why it is Germany. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 The UK has hosted in the past when nations who couldn't afford to host won the competition. Nice that someone else will get those duties this time if Australia wins it. I'm against tactical/political voting, but fully concede it is a fact of Eurovision, so maybe with Australia in the mix, the UK might get a few extra friendly points this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emelee Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 The UK has hosted in the past when nations who couldn't afford to host won the competition. Nice that someone else will get those duties this time if Australia wins it. I'm against tactical/political voting, but fully concede it is a fact of Eurovision, so maybe with Australia in the mix, the UK might get a few extra friendly points this year. For the brits's sake, I do hope you end up top 10. However.......... I wouldn't vote for that song. *ducking for the tomatoes* But on the other hand, I would vote for the UK song if I had to choose between that one, the Finnish song or the French song. The French song was even more boring than watching paint dry. The Finnish song (though I loved the cause), just annoyed me. I really don't like the Finnish language. (It's okay for me to say that, since both my grandmas were Finnish and spoke only Finnish) But yeah, I think Finnish sounds pretty bad. And in a punk rock song..... even worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 I just watched the first semi-final. Some good songs there. Can someone please explain to me how pre-qualifying works? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 Prequalifiers are the winners of the previous year (current year's hosts) and the "big five" of the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy. They automatically qualify for the final as they contribute the largest amount of money towards Eurovision every year. This year, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, Australia are being allowed to enter too, as Eurovision is hugely popular over there, If they win it this year, it has already been agreed that Germany will host next year in their place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Ah, OK. Thanks Kell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Ah, Finland didn't get to the finals. What a shame "Europe" is not ready for punk! Edited May 20, 2015 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 It seems to be quite controversial that they didn't get through. Maybe it was a case where everyone thought that Finland was a shoo-in, so they voted for someone else instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 I rather liked the Finnish entry. I hadn't even realised they were all special needs until the night of the semi final, and I'd heard the song several times already! Apparently they already have a recording contract and are rather popular in Finland where, obviously, people are far more open to that style of music and also to people who are a little different from the "norm" than some people are in other countries (Finland often seems rather a lovely, progressive place to me!). I'm rather sad they didn't make it through to the final - it would maybe have shaken things up in a way that hasn't happened since Lordi won in 2006 (hey, Finland again, whaddaya know?!). I'm still not hugely impressed overall with the entries this year, but the first semi-final performances were, by and large, not bad. I'll be missing the second semi final due to attending my niece's show, but I'll be tuning in on Saturday for the final. Speaking of the final, did anyone else see the video of the rehearsal for the UK act? It sounded dreadful and the light-up costumes just looked awful (and horribly unflattering). I'm not holding out much hope of the UK finishing anywhere on the left hand side of the board this year. No different from recent years, really. What a shame!Part of me kind of hopes that Australia will win and that they'll be asked to join the competition permanently (even though I know that won't happen, because Germany has been chosen to host in their place if they should win it, which is a pity, because it might be fun for the show to be taken down under!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Speaking of the final, did anyone else see the video of the rehearsal for the UK act? It sounded dreadful and the light-up costumes just looked awful (and horribly unflattering). I'm not holding out much hope of the UK finishing anywhere on the left hand side of the board this year. No different from recent years, really. What a shame! James Dawson (the author) tweeted this last night: The reaction was FAR more positive to Electro Velvet this time round. Get behind them UK! #Eurovision2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 (edited) I rather liked the Finnish entry. I hadn't even realised they were all special needs until the night of the semi final, and I'd heard the song several times already! Apparently they already have a recording contract and are rather popular in Finland where, obviously, people are far more open to that style of music and also to people who are a little different from the "norm" than some people are in other countries (Finland often seems rather a lovely, progressive place to me!). I'm rather sad they didn't make it through to the final - it would maybe have shaken things up in a way that hasn't happened since Lordi won in 2006 (hey, Finland again, whaddaya know?!). They played a gig at Ilosaarirock festival (the one I've been going to since 1997 or so) maybe five years ago and everyone was really excited about the gig. Back then I hadn't heard of the band myself, and didn't know what it was about. I didn't go because I was meeting some friends but I know people who did go and see the gig and loved it Aww, I really appreciate your lovely words about Finland I do love our country, but I promise, we have our fair share of intolerant people too. What can you do About the band again, they played a gig at a Finnish prison some weeks before the ESC, and I think it was Toni who did a little speech about how his bike had been stolen, and then he said 'I'd like to have it back' or something along those lines. When I read about it on the paper, I thought it was hilarious, shows a great sense of humor! After that the inmates had actually started raising money to buy him a new one! I thought that was pretty cool Edited May 21, 2015 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Aww, I really appreciate your lovely words about Finland I do love our country, but I promise, we have our fair share of intolerant people too. What can you do About the band again, they played a gig at a Finnish prison some weeks before the ESC, and I think it was Toni who did a little speech about how his bike had been stolen, and then he said 'I'd like to have it back' or something along those lines. When I read about it on the paper, I thought it was hilarious, shows a great sense of humor! After that the inmates had actually started raising money to buy him a new one! I thought that was pretty cool Aw, what a sweet story! Finland definitely has a good international reputation, I'd say. It doesn't feature in our news very often, but when it does, it's usually something about how Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. And how well looked after new parents are (I think I sent you an article I found about that once...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbielleRose Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 *peeks in* I saw Eurovision for the first time this week via a link online. So far Russia is my favorite quickly followed by Belgium and Slovockia. Frankie, I thought it was so awesome how Finland sent those guys to represent their country. I was hoping they'd move on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 (edited) Aw, what a sweet story! Finland definitely has a good international reputation, I'd say. It doesn't feature in our news very often, but when it does, it's usually something about how Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. And how well looked after new parents are (I think I sent you an article I found about that once...) I didn't even realize we might have an international reputation, because I always think nobody knows about us... About us having one of the best education systems: according to the last Pisa test or whatever it's called, we got worse than before marks and apparently we've gone down. We also have kids bullying other kids in schools. Finland is no paradise! It's still a lot better than some places in the world, but I hope you don't think there's nothing wrong with Finland because nobody's perfect *peeks in* I saw Eurovision for the first time this week via a link online. So far Russia is my favorite quickly followed by Belgium and Slovockia. Frankie, I thought it was so awesome how Finland sent those guys to represent their country. I was hoping they'd move on. Thanks, I'm glad to hear that. And how exciting for you to see the Eurovision semifinals for the first time ever. Have you by now become a fan?! I've lost all interest in the contest when PKN didn't go through. I don't mean to sound like to me it's all about Finland, but to be honest, I don't really care about the contest normally. I was only somewhat interested this year because it was PKN that made its way to represent Finland. The last time I was this interested was back in 2006 when Lordi was our representative. Oh man that was epic Edited May 22, 2015 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inver Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Oooo.....just seen Sweden....very good and bit of eye candy too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emelee Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Thrilled that we won. Loreen's victory 3 years ago made me happier though. She's my favorite ESC-winner. Glad Australia did good too. My top 3 was Sweden, Australia & Russia. I also liked Austria, Slovenia, Estonia, Spain and... Azerbaijan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Oooo.....just seen Sweden....very good and bit of eye candy too Conchita thought so too. Thrilled that we won. Loreen's victory 3 years ago made me happier though. She's my favorite ESC-winner. Glad Australia did good too. My top 3 was Sweden, Australia & Russia. I also liked Austria, Slovenia, Estonia, Spain and... Azerbaijan? I didn't end up watching any of it. I'm usually up all night (Eurovision is shown in the early morning here), but I was so tired last night. I think there will be a repeat at some stage, but I'm not sure that I'll get to see it. I still haven't even seen Australia's entry! I was surprised that Austria and Germany got 0 votes. Were they that bad? Did no one vote for Austria because they won last year and they just figured it would be someone else's turn? It's rather sad not to get any votes. I'm so glad Guy got into the top 5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Well done, Guy! I think he made Australia proud, didn't he? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted May 24, 2015 Author Share Posted May 24, 2015 Here's what I thought of each act as I was watching last night: Slovenia - Horrible nasal voice and bad air violin playing. France - well sung, but rather boring. Roll on Israel! What is up with Mr Israel's footwear? And there's no way he's still a teenager - he looks more like he's 30 or something! Well, he can sing, and the song is catchy - certainly more interesting than France's effort! Estonia. I remember this one from the first semi final. I don't like the guy's voice, but the song is OK. Time for the UK... The costumes are so unflattering it's not even funny, and I'm not impressed with the LED bits either, but well performed. WTG UK! Armenia! No capes! Haven't you seen The Incredibles??? Is it just me, or was one of the women totally off key?! Lithuania. Let's see if she can hit all the notes this time... Bluegrass and snogging. If they'd been near the tail end of the show, I'd say they have it in the bag. They're at the wrong end of the show! Serbia - love this woman's voice, and love the message of the song - being different is fine. And then it gets ruined by the introduction of the dance music in the last third - it doesn't suit her voice at all. Norway... Apparently he did something terrible - hopefully it's not the song he's talking about! Bit of a dull song. Not brilliant. Sweden - bookies' favourites. Let's see! Excellent performance, good, strong song, and marvelous production. Cyprus. Hey! He's black and white! And now he's in colour. It's like he just landed in Oz! Boring song, but nicely performed. Song 12 - here come the Aussies! Well, they brought their A-game! He's bloody good and it's a cracking song! Personally, I'd love to see Australia join the EBU and join Eurovision permanently, especially if this is the kind of act they are going to submit as their entry! #AustraliaForTheWin! Belgium now. Bit of an unusual one. The guy sounds a bit like a woman... I don't think they'll be last, but they're not going to win. Shame they're following the fabulousness that was Australia, because I quite like this one. And now, our hosts, Austria... The song sounds a bit like an Adele song... "I heard that you've settled down..." The guitarist looks like he's from a dodgy 70s Swedish porn film. Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! (the piano was set alight) Good solid performance, but a little lifeless. Greece - and as I'm about to start posting, Mr Norton steals my line. I was about to say "12 points from Cyprus!" Ack - boring! Let's move on to the next song, please! Montenegro now... Oh hey! At least SHE'S got a real violin instead of an air one! The thinnest goatee in the history of goatees! Why so serious, Montenegro backing wifies? Not a smile among them! Germany. Let's see how the second choice does for them! (their first choice puled out) I actually really like this one and she's bloody good at singing it. She's like a cross between Paloma Faith and Amy Winehouse - I kind of like the mix! Let's see if Poland will have something visual to tempt... Like the sexy milkmaid a from last year! Beverley Craven breathing. "Promise me (breath) you'll wait for me (breath)..." Well, that was just a bit meh. Very middle of the road and unadventurous. Rather dull and uninspiring. What a shame. Bring back the butter churner! Latvia! Go Latvia! Since their first year, we've been cheering this country. Don't let us down, Latvia! Why the hell is she wearing a dress that makes her look like a giant shrimp??? Nah. Didn't do it for me, I'm afraid. I don't see that finishing well on the score board. Song 20 already! Romania with an act that fronts a children's charity for abandoned kids. Nice story. It's good, but it totally sounds like something else - can't remember the name of the song it sounds like though. Spain. Here we go. This one has been getting a bit of buzz... I think this one will do quite well in the voting. That was cracking! And this is why the UK don't win any more. We don't enter established acts with great songs and fantastic production values. We just don't take it seriously like most of the other do, and that's disrespectful! Hungary... This is a nice song, very simple (like her dress), but it doesn't do much for me, and following Spain makes it seem very dowdy by comparison. I also thought political songs weren't allowed in the competition, but hey ho... One of the songs called Warrior that were entered this year (the other didn't make it to the final). It's Georgia! I rather like this one actually. Now, THAT is good. And I love her costume! She looks like she should be in Once Upon A Time - Regina's long lost daughter! That. Was. Awesome! Azerbaijan... I know it's not the point of it, but I not enjoying the choreography - I'm finding it very distracting and off putting.Good performance, but I'm not a fan of the song. Or the dancing. Russia's turn... She's singing the hell out of it, and the transparent instruments are pretty cool too! Now THAT is how you enter Eurovision! Albania - penultimate song. I'm not a fan of this song, I'm afraid. Horribly repetitive and annoying. And she keeps sliding off key. It's just horrible. And now she's howling/wailing/caterwauling! Well, Italy are going to sound amazing after that, unless they screw it up royally! Last song. Italy. Third favourite and performing last - and after someone who was awful. So they could do well! And immediately, you can hear why they were supporting Barbara Streisand last year - gorgeous voice! And THAT'S how you play the closing spot at Eurovision! What voices! Very powerful! Now, that's a finale and a half! I then predicted Russia, Spain and Italy in the top three (no order specified), with Sweden and Australia rounding out the top five. Although, to be honest, if Australia won it, I wouldn't be disappointed! Georgia somewhere around the high teens/low twenties, and the UK somewhere around 22nd/23rd place... Germany around 10th. The top five were (in order): Sweden Russia Italy Belgium Australia So I got 4 out of the top 5 right - hurrah! Sweden had a very well deserved win - it was a top notch entry with a great performance and stunning interactive visuals. UK finished 24th, so I was almost right with that. Germany finished joint last with the dreaded Nil Points - total shocker! And Georgia finished in 11th place. I was glad, however, to see how many countries bucked the trend of giving 12 points to their neighbours and political allies - they still got points, but were often in the 3-7 points zone, instead of the top marks. I hope this trend continues, as it was definitely more about the music this year. However, I will say this to the people who organise the UK entry - give the choice back to the people! Stop giving us second- and third-rate songs by performers who are nobodies. Yes, it huts to send our best and lose, but to send less than our best is disrespectful to the countries who send their A-game every year. Case in point - when Blue represented the UK a few years back, it was a good song and they performed it brilliantly - we came 11th, which is a darned sight better than usual, If we had kept that up and sent our best the next year, and the next, we could have seen our songs edging up the board a little. If the UK doesn't up our game and start taking it seriously instead of treating it as a camp joke, then the last time we won (in 1997) will be the last time we EVER win, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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