Eurovision Song Contest: What Hopes for Ex-YU?
Thirty years ago today, Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom with their infectiously upbeat Euro classic Making Your Mind Up. What better time to look forward to this year’s event in Düsseldorf, on Saturday 14 May.
Attracting devotion and derision in almost equal measure, the Eurovision Song Contest is undeniably an event that gets people talking. This year’s glittering final will be held in Düsseldorf on 14 May, preceded by two televised semi finals on 10 and 12 May, when phone votes will say who goes through and who heads home early. Strict rules control who can vote in each semi final.
With a handful of songs that stick in your head for all the wrong reasons, a couple of classy numbers and more than a fair share of sequins and satin, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest should make for a great night of escapist viewing. To top it all, previous winners Lena (Germany) and Dana International (Israel) are returning to give it another go!
As artists head out on a string of personal appearances to attract Europe’s voters, Wild Rooster asked John Kennedy O’Connor, official author and historian for the Eurovision Song Contest, to give his expert opinion on the high hopes and low votes for ex-YU entries at this year’s festival. This is what John had to tell us:
Bosnia & Herzegovina
‘Love In Rewind’ – Dino Merlin
If you like your Eurovision traditional, then this simple sing-a-long is just perfect. All the right ingredients to bring a smile, but whether it’s too out-dated for the voters remains to be seen. Certainly the best of the Balkan offerings this year, although if Dino’s claim that he’s only 2 years older than me is real, then I must have been born in 1948. (Semi final: 12 May)
Croatia
‘Celebrate’ – Daria Kinzer
I liked this from first hearing, although it was better when the English title was ‘Break A Leg’. It wasn’t until much later when I saw the video that I discovered Daria’s a girlie! Bit of a surprise. Very catchy and probably Croatia’s first foray into EuroPop. I’m expecting this to score very well in the final. (Semi final: 10 May)
FYR Macedonia
‘Rusinka’ – Vlatko Illieski
Not keen on this. Way too harsh for my tastes. FYROM were doing pretty well in the contest until a couple of years ago, but they seem to be in a rut and keep sticking to the same song. It’s not working. Time to get a new groove. (Semi final: 12 May)
Serbia
‘Čaroban’ – Nina
If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Petula Clark released this circa 1967. Very retro and catchy, but it’s a mistake to sing the Serbian version in Germany. The English lyric works much better. I’m sure this will reach the final, but I don’t think it will do much once it’s there. (Semi final: 10 May)
Slovenia
‘No One’ – Maja Keuc
The forgotten step sister of the ex-Yugoslavs. Slovenia has only made one final in the last decade and seem perennially shut out by their neighbours. This was pretty blah, but did get a boost with the English lyric. I’ll be amazed if this makes it to Saturday night, but it’s not nearly as forgettable as other Slovenian efforts. (Semi final: 12 May)
Montenegro
Couldn’t raise the entry fee. Shame. See you next year?
John Kennedy O’Connor’s acclaimed book The Eurovision Song Contest – The Official History (Carlton Books) details all the facts and figures through the years, as well as enough backstage colour to maintain readers’ interest. Now in an updated and repackaged edition, this entertaining and invaluable guide to the contest is definitely a must-have for any fan of Eurovision. The book is widely available worldwide, including Amazon.
So, now you’ve seen John’s judgement, tell us your thoughts on this year’s entrants…
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