braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5306 posts, RR: 35 Posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 2524 times:
I haven't followed Euroviosion closely for years, but this year have been watching the semis of this overblown annual piece of fluff and have really got into it, and I'm amazed there isn't a Eurovision thread on here here already.
Some thoughts and predictions:
FULL MARKS TO THE AZERIS! It's certainly putting Azerbaijan and Baku on the map at last, and I'm delighted for the people, though not necessarily the government. They deserve their moment in the sun, and they're making a great stab at it. But it helps when you have the money: apparently it's the most spent on an ESC, by a long shot. It shows!
WHAT HAPPENED TO ARMENIA? I would've loved to have seen how the Azeris handled Armenia in the contest. What happened here?
THE UK ENTRY IS PERFECT FOR EUROVISION . . . 50 years ago. Although fair play to Engelbert for having the neck to go for it at, what, 76?
DOUZE POINTS TO ALBANIA: while Lena hit the nail on the head, getting the song and look spot on for Germany two years ago, the Albanian singer does it this time round. What a song, and what style! A wild card, but I'm predicting it'll do well, even though it's probably far too good for the contest. It's one ne the juries will vote for, more so than the public.
WHERE IS RUSSIA GOING WITH THE GRANNIES? Although I have to hand it to them for having the neck to enter them. Apparently there are two spares, in case anything happens to any of the six on the night. As a novelty act they certainly take the prize, but please . . . It's well-past their bedtime anyway.
WE WION'T DO AS WELL AS WE THINK: All our pundits seem to think Jedward willl win, and while we may love them, and they certainly add to the gaiety of the nation -- and now the continent -- they really haven't a note in their heads. They may get the public vote, but national juries won't go for them.
ALEXANDRA STAN SHOUD SUE BULGARIA. who ripped off her Mr Saxobeat backing track.
NICEST BIT OF TALENT AWARD: Douze points to Hungary this time round, with Moldova and Malta folloiwing closely behind.
SWEDEN MAY BE THE FAVOURITE, but it's too predictable and formulaic. I hope it doesn't win, and it doesn't deserve to.
THE ROMANIAN SINGER NEEDS TO WEAR SOME CLOTHES: Luckily she didn't qualify, as Azerbaijan is a Muslim country.
NICE SONG FROM ITALY, but Pixie Lott should sue . . .
QUIRKY SONG OF THE CONTEST AWARD: Goes to Moldova, and it could do well as it's actually quite catchy.
THE SERBIAN SINGER COULD BE GEORGE CLOONEY'S YOUNGER BROTHER. Not a compliment though . . .
GERMANY ARE FINALLY ENTERING GOOD SONGS: What on earth is happening? Lena two years ago, and this year's one could very easily be a chart hit.
PHX787 From Japan, joined Mar 2012, 5106 posts, RR: 14 Reply 1, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 2514 times:
Any death metal this year?
Otherwise, I'm none too interested
IIRC, Norway ALMOST picked a Keep of Kalessin song (albeit one of their slower, less metal songs, which a lot of fans really don't like...including myself...) as THEIR song. My Norwegian professor said that he wouldn't have been too surprised, since Norway's music is mostly metal (according to him....and my own observations.)
L410Turbolet From Czech Republic, joined May 2004, 5411 posts, RR: 18 Reply 2, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 2511 times:
Quoting braybuddy (Thread starter): FULL MARKS TO THE AZERIS! It's certainly putting Azerbaijan and Baku on the map at last, and I'm delighted for the people, though not necessarily the government. They deserve their moment in the sun, and they're making a great stab af it.
Indeed, not many countries take this ridiculous contest in kitsch so seriously they turn it into politicum resulting in arrests of domestic opposition.
On the other hand it might be a good opportunity to use what would otherwise be a total waste of time to bring wider atttention to the situation in Azerbaijan . Not sure if typical Eurovision viewer does give a crap about Azerbaijan or is even able to find it on a map without googling it up first.
I think the Iranians were rarely spot on with their observations.
braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5306 posts, RR: 35 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 2486 times:
Quoting L410Turbolet (Reply 2): Not sure if typical Eurovision viewer does give a crap about Azerbaijan or is even able to find it on a map without googling it up first.
True, but they're bowled over by the country, and particularly Baku. They're being kept away from the ugly industrial suburbs and the poverty in the rest of the country, of course, but it is a showcase, and no country every highlights these aspects.
Quoting L410Turbolet (Reply 2): think the Iranians were rarely spot on with their observations.
CXfirst From Norway, joined Jan 2007, 2756 posts, RR: 1 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 2448 times:
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 1): Norway's music is mostly metal
I absolutely hate that stereotype. Although on a world basis, Norway might have a large metal fan base and produce quite a few metal bands, it's not as big as people think. Of the people I hang out with, only one likes it. You never hear metal on the radio, nor do the general public see it as big. It is still a nische music scene.
GBLKD From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2011, 345 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 2404 times:
Not heard any of the other entries yet but Radio 2 are playing "The Hump" to death. I guess I'll see it all tonight (wife loves it so gotta sit through it).
I'm surprised anyone in Europe is trying to win it with the recession, if you win you have to host next year at your own expense. Would have thought everyone would be sending the worse acts possible in the hope of losing badly and dodging the bullet of having to fork out and pay for next year.
The largest commercial Norwegian sucessen in Norway and internationally is still pop and rock bands. Metal is a nische.
Quoting CXfirst (Reply 8): I absolutely hate that stereotype. Although on a world basis, Norway might have a large metal fan base and produce quite a few metal bands, it's not as big as people think. Of the people I hang out with, only one likes it. You never hear metal on the radio, nor do the general public see it as big. It is still a nische music scene.
Just Googled it and didn't realise Armenia had pulled out. I knew the Azeris used to show a blank screen when Armenia were performing in the past, so I thought the problem might lie there. Such a shame.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): If you like young pretty boys
Are we looking at the same guys? Jedward are the young pretty boys of the contest.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): As to if I will watch the final .... only if I have nothing else better to do !
Oh go on . . . you'll be glued to it come eight o'clock tonight . .
babybus From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 3537 posts, RR: 6 Reply 13, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 2351 times:
Unfortunately I missed the programme last night.
They always say that these countries on the edge of Europe love hosting the Eurovision Song Contest as it puts them on the map. Is it really worth that amount of money for only 24 hours of fame?
and with that..cabin crew, seats for landing please.
ME AVN FAN From Switzerland, joined May 2002, 13875 posts, RR: 27 Reply 14, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 2352 times:
Here in Switzerland, the band who tried to get ahead are completely frustrated and rather bitter about their negative result. The sentiment is growing that Switzerland either should abandon its participation or participate with a group of Balkanese Secondos
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25127 posts, RR: 60 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 2352 times:
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 12): I knew the Azeris used to show a blank screen when Armenia were performing in the past, so I thought the problem might lie there. Such a shame.
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 12): Jedward are the young pretty boys of the contest.
Yet they claim to represent ''modern Ireland'' ..... God help us all.
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 12): Oh go on . . . you'll be glued to it come eight o'clock tonight . .
I will safely be at work getting loads of Euro I might fire up my iPad for a while though if I get quiet. I think there are actually only 5-6 songs that are decent . At least Serbia has some culture to it .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5306 posts, RR: 35 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 2322 times:
Quoting babybus (Reply 13): Is it really worth that amount of money for only 24 hours of fame?
The official Azeri figure is something like 70 million euro. The unofficial estimate is something like ten times that amount. The purpose built auditorium in the Caspian Sea is obviously included in that. I suppose for oil-rich Azerbaijan which has been struggling to escape the Soviet-era image it's a godsend, and it's already blown a lot of preconceptions out of the water. Listening to some of the commentators, they are absolutely bowled over by Baku (justifiably so, although the ugly side of the city is kept well out of sight). I predict a surge in tourism, but if they're serious about attracting tourists they'll need to do something about the 130 euro visa charge.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): I think there are actually only 5-6 songs that are decent
I think that's about the most you can expect in any year. I've already booked my place at a friend's house later, the first time I've watched it live in years.
HELyes From Finland, joined Oct 2010, 655 posts, RR: 1 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 2180 times:
Quoting babybus (Reply 13): They always say that these countries on the edge of Europe love hosting the Eurovision Song Contest as it puts them on the map. Is it really worth that amount of money for only 24 hours of fame?
I have not been the biggest ESC fan, but when Helsinki was hosting the show in 2007 for the first time I really enjoyed it. The city organized kind of spring carneval around the contest, a lot of side happenings, nothing too serious- local drag queens hosting sight seeing tours on a tram and such
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2139 times:
Quoting Aesma (Reply 21): Man, the commentators we get in France are awful ! And they can't even shut up when the local presenters speak French.
Yeah, I noticed that last year when I was in France during the semi-finals. In advance I thought "It doesn't matter if I'm in Sweden or abroad when it's the ESC, they speak English anyway".
Boy was I wrong.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5424 posts, RR: 3 Reply 25, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2178 times:
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 5): True, but they're bowled over by the country, and particularly Baku. They're being kept away from the ugly industrial suburbs and the poverty in the rest of the country, of course, but it is a showcase, and no country every highlights these aspects.
It's still a dump, all ypu have to do it go a couple of hundred meters away from the Crystal hall and you'll come to a wasteland of donkey pumps, abandoned platform supply vessels and shipyards, further around the coast, approx 2-3 km you'll find 4 or 5 old jackups abandoned on the beach.
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 1): My Norwegian professor said that he wouldn't have been too surprised, since Norway's music is mostly metal
Rubbish, the biggest band to ever come out of Norway is A-ha, they've probably sold more records than all the Norwegian death metal bands put together.
Quoting CXfirst (Reply 8): You never hear metal on the radio, nor do the general public see it as big. It is still a nische music scene.
Agreed I've only heard metal once or twice very late at night.
I wonder how all the gay Eurovision fans are getting on in Baku, Azeris are very homophobic, I know a gay Scotsman who works for a supply company, if it became public knowledge that he was gay he would have to leave, the Azeris, especially ones working for SOCAR wouldn't work with him.
AR385 From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 4928 posts, RR: 27 Reply 27, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2211 times:
Quoting GBLKD (Reply 9): I'm surprised anyone in Europe is trying to win it with the recession, if you win you have to host next year at your own expense. Would have thought everyone would be sending the worse acts possible in the hope of losing badly and dodging the bullet of having to fork out and pay for next year.
Well. So far, it seems that´s what everybody´s doing...except for the UK.
Aesma From France, joined Nov 2009, 4934 posts, RR: 9 Reply 28, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2185 times:
Most countries wouldn't have to spend that much to host. Besides, it's great publicity. You may not know it but your own country does spend money advertising itself abroad.
New Technology is the name we give to stuff that doesn't work yet. Douglas Adams
B747forever From United States of America, joined May 2007, 16598 posts, RR: 11 Reply 33, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 2086 times:
Quoting Aesma (Reply 28): Besides, it's great publicity. You may not know it but your own country does spend money advertising itself abroad.
Talk about some stunning footage of Azerbaijan during tonight's show!
Hywel From Peru, joined Apr 2008, 722 posts, RR: 3 Reply 37, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 2021 times:
Predictions for Eurovision: Ireland and Malta will give points to the UK. Spain will vote for their neighbours Portugal and Germany who have money. Likewise Greece will vote for Germany because Greece need money. Cyprus will give points to Turkey and Greece but probably not 12 points to either as they don't want to show favourites. Norway will give points to Sweden and Finland. Finland will give points to Norway and Sweden. Sweden will give points to Norway and Finland. Iceland will give points to Norway, Sweden and Finland as they want to be close to Scandinavia. The whole of Eastern Europe will vote for each other and of course Russia out of fear. Israel will give points to the UK and Russia as they want allies in case of war. Belgium and Luxembourg will vote for France as they might as well be part of France. All that aside, I think this year the UK still has no chance.
AirPacific747 From Denmark, joined May 2008, 2096 posts, RR: 23 Reply 43, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 1964 times:
0 points to Denmark from Sweden, and was it 4 points from Norway? Come on people! You may not like our song, but at least help us out a bit and show us that you are good neighbours. The rest of Europe vote for their neighbours too.
alexeu From Serbia, joined Oct 2007, 1792 posts, RR: 2 Reply 46, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 1906 times:
Hopefully one day, Ireland will compete with their great folk songs! Here in Serbia, Irish folk music is relatively popular given the distance from Ireland...
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25127 posts, RR: 60 Reply 47, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 1902 times:
Quoting alexeu (Reply 46): Hopefully one day, Ireland will compete with their great folk songs! Here in Serbia, Irish folk music is relatively popular given the distance from Ireland...
The Irish are split some love Jedward and some hate them. It was split among people I know too . Certainly this years Irish entry was a far cry from the real talent that brought the competition to Ireland so many times. The past number of years Ireland seems to have lost its way . Such a shame when you see the genuine talent that exists here still and can be heard in street musicians and pubs all over the country.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
aznmadsci From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 3546 posts, RR: 5 Reply 50, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1830 times:
I figured Sweden would win because it's a decent song. However, I really did not like any of the songs in the final. Sadly the Russian Grannies had a catchy song, but wasn't my favorite. Spain had an amazing voice. I did like Italy, and how about them French gymnasts! . Both Malta, Germany, and Estonia were a sight on the eyes, and had nice songs too.
Good job Azerbaijan! Congrats Sweden! Look forward to Sweden 2013!
The journey of life is not based on the accomplishments, but the experience.
braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5306 posts, RR: 35 Reply 52, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 1813 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 25): It's still a dump, all ypu have to do it go a couple of hundred meters away from the Crystal hall and you'll come to a wasteland of donkey pumps, abandoned platform supply vessels and shipyards, further around the coast, approx 2-3 km you'll find 4 or 5 old jackups abandoned on the beach.
Baku is far from a dump! Yes, it does have it's ugly side -- like most cities -- particularly the extensive industrial suburbs to the west. As far as cities in the region go, it's certainly one of the more pleasant ones. Yes it's been scrubbed-up for the contest, but for some years now the government has been pouring billions of manat into improving the city. They haven't got it all right, unfortunately: the magnificently restored old city has been stuffed with embassies, which makes it very sterile.
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 35): It doesn't look like that when you actually go there! Getting a visa is also a P.I.T.A
Can't argue here: those lush green landscapes are certainly not typical of the countryside, and they'll need to reduce the visa fee (and make it payable on entry) if they're really serious about attracting toursits. Though, in fairness, is ANY country hosting the show ever going to highlight the ugly aspects of their country?
As for the contest . . . it was predictably unpredictable. While Sweden were the favourites, it's really hard to figure out why a song like that can do so well and Denmark's entry can do so badly. They're both in English, both have catchy tunes, both could easily be chart hits -- though I would certainly argue that Denmark had the better quality song -- and they're both Scandinavian, which means they get the Scandi vote. Strange. And driving home this morning, which song was going round in my head? Denmark's . . .
Nice to see Albania do well, even if she didn't win. No surprise to see Turkey (which was the turkey of the contest IMHO) do so well, no doubt getting votes from Turks all over Europe. And that will be Jedward's last chance, unless we are determined not to win . . .
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5424 posts, RR: 3 Reply 53, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 1804 times:
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 52): They haven't got it all right, unfortunately: the magnificently restored old city has been stuffed with embassies, which makes it very sterile.
If you had been in Baku 5 years ago you wouldn't think you were in the same city today. On the main road from the airport to town if you go behind the buildings you will see that they didn't renovate the back sides, they are still old commie blocks.
The purple London taxis make an interesting addition.
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 52): it's really hard to figure out why a song like that can do so well and Denmark's entry can do so badly. They're both in English, both have catchy tunes, both could easily be chart hits -- though I would certainly argue that Denmark had the better quality song -- and they're both Scandinavian, which means they get the Scandi vote. Strange. And driving home this morning, which song was going round in my head? Denmark's . . .
ME AVN FAN From Switzerland, joined May 2002, 13875 posts, RR: 27 Reply 57, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 1709 times:
The bad outcome for Switzerland proves that Switzerland should have tried it with the "Grande Dame" again, in spite of her no longer being a "young hare" !
While the two Ticinesi brothers failed to bring across any piece of Italianita but rather looked like people out of the "youth revolutions" of 1968 and 82 ..... professional yes but not convincing
Lys Assia most likely would have managed to get into the final..... but to paraphrase her "c'est la vie"
CamiloA380 From Sweden, joined Feb 2008, 486 posts, RR: 22 Reply 59, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 1639 times:
Quoting AirPacific747 (Reply 43): 0 points to Denmark from Sweden, and was it 4 points from Norway? Come on people! You may not like our song, but at least help us out a bit and show us that you are good neighbours. The rest of Europe vote for their neighbours too.
Thats very true!
Now, why did Norway beat their own bottom record? I think its because of this:
Was my favourite too, along with France.
Pity the Finnish song was too weak to get through, would had been cool to hear Swedish language in the final, after 19 years
Anyway I'm sure we'll see a good show in Sweden next year!
AirPacific747 From Denmark, joined May 2008, 2096 posts, RR: 23 Reply 62, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1347 times:
Did anyone notice the message from Anke from Germany just before she revealed the German votes?
Or how the Swedish lady couldn't pronnounce Azerbaijan but had to say Baku instead? Seems like she was making a little fun of the regime in Azerbaijan.
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 64, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 1312 times:
Quoting AirPacific747 (Reply 62): Or how the Swedish lady couldn't pronnounce Azerbaijan but had to say Baku instead?
Quoting braybuddy (Reply 63):
LOL! Though she sounds more British than Swedish.
That was all an act, she was the one of the hosts for the Swedish TV-show where we decided who should represent us at the ESC, and she did a sketch playing "Lynda Woodruff". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrQsZ8Ak4KM
braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5306 posts, RR: 35 Reply 65, posted (1 year 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 1262 times:
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 64): That was all an act, she was the one of the hosts for the Swedish TV-show where we decided who should represent us at the ESC, and she did a sketch playing "Lynda Woodruff
Nice one! Though I think it might have been lost on the rest of Europe . . .
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Jedward are the young pretty boys of the contest. 
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. Both Malta, Germany, and Estonia were a sight on the eyes, and had nice songs too.
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