Eurovision Song Contest 2009 – Introduction Of The Finalists

By Clarix on Friday, May 15, 2009 - 17:23

 

Wasn’t that...? Who is this guy? Didn’t they win before?...

 

Here you go with a summary of the contestants, so everybody has a little guide for the live-blogging of Saturday’s final.

 

The order of the countries is the one in which they will appear on the show.

 

You can watch all songs videos and much more on the Eurovision YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/eurovision  and also the official page has it all: www.eurovision.tv

 

 

1. LITHUANIA

 

Song: Love

Artist: Sasha Son

Some info:  Lithuania is taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1994, when the doors were opened to the Eastern European Countries. Lithuania has never won.

Comment:  Love ballad with nothing special: It’s a hard entry to remember, especially as the first one to be performed.

 

 

2. ISRAEL

 

Song: There must be another way

Artist: Noa & Mira Awad

Some info:  Takes part in the contest since 1973 and has won 3 times: in 1978 (A ba ni bi / Izahr Cohen), 1979 (Hallelujah / Gali Atari and Milk & Honey) and 1998 (Diva / Dana International).

Comment: The Israeli-Arab combination is the most “political” entry if you want to say so. A nice song with a strong peace message and two well-known singers… Could be a good option, but I guess people watch Eurovision just for fun and not for choosing a political position or making any kind of statement.

 

 

3. FRANCE

 

Song: Et S'il Fallait Le Faire

Artist: Patricia Kaas

Some info:  France is one of the “founding” members of the Eurovision family. From the very first year in 1956 France has a long track list of unforgettable and outstanding chansons. It has won 5 times: “Dors mon Amour” by André Claveau (1958), “Tom Pilibi” by Jacqueline Boyer (1960), “Un premier Amour” by Isabelle Aubret (1962), “Un jour, un enfant” by Frida Boccara and “L’oiseau et l’enfant” by Marie Myriam (1977).

Comment:  A great “chanson française”, some say “in the cabaret style”, with the superb Patricia Kaas. A song I definitely love but is it “eurovisive”? You know, usually the Eurovision songs are easy and catchy…  and with a big/colorful performance on stage. Let’s see if it’s time for a change.

 

 

4. SWEDEN

 

Song: La voix

Artist: Malena Ernman

Some info:  Sweden is one of the most successful countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. They have won 4 times so far: ABBA (Waterloo, 1974), Herrey’s (Diggi-loo Diggy-ley, 1984), Carola (Fångad Av En Stormvind, 1991) and Charlotte Nilsson (Take Me To Your Heaven, 1999)... ABBA changed everything, being the first group to win the contest. Since then more happiness and light came to the festival. On the 50^th anniversary Waterloo was named the Best.Eurovision.Song.Ever.

Comment:  A mix of opera and pop with a Mezzo-soprano that must have the best arms in the opera circuit!!! It is a powerful song to be remembered no matter the ESC results. A plus is that she appears with five gorgeous women in a kind of tux!!!

 

 

5. CROATIA

 

Song: Lijepa Tena

Artist: Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea

Some info:  Takes part as an individual country since 1993. They have never won but had some good results ending several times at the top 5.

Comment: A song with traditional roots and folkloristic elements. Nice song to hear but I don’t think it has real options since it is “nothing new”.

 

 

6. PORTUGAL

 

Song: Todas As Ruas Do Amor

Artist: Flor-de-lis

Some info:  Portugal is one of the “unlucky” countries on Eurovision, as they have participated for 42 years and never won. Some say it’s because they have only one neighbor and as you know, neighbors vote for you! Or how do you think we (Spain) got some points??? Because we have at least Andorra, Portugal and France, LOL.

Comment: A very happy folklore song (accordion included) that takes us to the country, and makes you dream of Porto wine and some bacalhao, yummy! Hippie Pop folk? I don’t know, but definitely leaves a smile on your face!

 

7. ICELAND

 

Song: Is it true?

Artist: Yohanna

Some info:  They entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1986. As you can imagine being an island means no neighbors, so although they had really great songs, sometimes they have not even made it to the final.

Comment: It’s a nice love song with a cello. One of those you really enjoy listening to while driving/cooking/drawing/thinking … but strong enough to make it in Moscow?

 

 

8. GREECE

 

Song: This Is Our Night

Artist: Sakis Rouvas

Some info:  Greece entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. They were quite unlucky until 2001, since then they have always been on top positions, winning in 2005 with My number one of the stunning Helena Paparizou.

Comment: Sakis represented Greece back in 2004 with Shake it, ending up on 3^rd. I remember that song, it was really catchy and I also remember him being more hot back then (as my hetero friends say). A cool performance on stage balances what for me is a not-so-strong but danceable pop song.

 

 

9. ARMENIA

 

Song: Jan Jan

Artist: Inga & Anush

Some info:  A quite new country. Debuted in 2006 and has been in the top ten the 3 years. Some say that’s due the Eastern Connection (all the Eastern countries vote for each other).

Comment: They are sisters. It’s a quite different entry: I still don’t know if I like IT or not, it’s kind of a danceable folklore with some Asian reminders (think of Bollywood or MTV India). Costumes and make-up are amazing and make me think of Persian ancient gold era (at least this is what comes first to my mind). Being so original they could win or be the last ones…  A plus, only women with great costumes on the stage!

 

 

10. RUSSIA

 

Song: Mamo

Artist: Anastasia Prikhodko

Some info:  They started in 1994 and got some 2^nd places till they won last year with Believe - Dima Bilan.

Remember they sent T.A.T.U. in 2003 achieving the 3^rd position, not bad!.

Comment: Is a very plain song, always the same tone… it makes me want it to finish, sorry. It feels like they put all the enthusiasm in organizing the event (which they are doing PERFECTLY) and suddenly they realized they also had to sing a song. Gossip: Anastasia presented this song in Ukraine, also for Eurovision, and failed.

 

 

11. AZERBAIJAN

 

Song: Always

Artist: AySel & Arash

Some info:  They started just last year and made it to the 8^th place.

Comment: A catchy, danceable song with Indian/exotic touch. Not bad and it has a lot of neighbors! A plus: The girl is a hottie! And the 3 dancers are a really good support with those little skirts…

 

 

12. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

 

Song: Bistra Voda

Artist: Regina

Some info:  They started in 1993, doing their best on 2006 when they made it on 3^rd place.

Comment: The band is quite famous on the Balkan zone. The song is a mix of ballad, nice melody and popular music with a kind of military drum. Sounds strange but is nice to listen to. The costumes remind me of that Napoleon wars represented in film, where the last row was built of drummer ¿¿?? Never mind. Two girls at the drums make it nice to watch.

 

 

13. MOLDOVA

 

Song: Hora Din Moldova

Artist: Nelly Ciobanu

Some info:  They debuted in 2005 and maybe you remember them from the song with the grandma in a swinging chair. Moldova often surprises, which is not always good, lol.

Comment: It’s a popular song full of energy. They sing and dance all over the stage and dressed with some folklore clothes. It’s vibrating and accelerate, you have to –at least- move your head to the rhythm, and it reminds me of a party at the town tavern with lots of beer and all the people dancing and singing, yay! A good entry: RRRRA!!!

 

 

14. MALTA

 

Song: What if we

Artist: Chiara

Some info:  Malta debuted in 1971 but after 1973 they took a break of more than 15 years. Recent years gave them second and third places but they are still waiting to win, to then finally make the open air concert they always promise! It’s the third time that Chiara represents Malta.  

Comment: Chiara has a great voice and she presents the song alone at the stage. It’s a nice song but has nothing special for me. Wants to be a “hymn” kind and is a good song, really, but after two other songs I had forgotten about it…

 

 

 

15. ESTONIA

 

Song: Rändajad

Artist: Urban Symphony

Some info:  Takes part since 1994. They won in 2001 with Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL’ s Everybody being the first time that an Eastern European country won The ESC… well, after that it has been all about them… 

Comment: Sung in Estonian it’s a kind of pop folk song, combining electronic sounds with acoustic instruments and being the best the 6 women on stage. The singer playing the violin, three more players: 1 violin and 2 cellos and two chorus singers.

 

 

16. DENMARK

 

Song: Believe again

Artist: Brinck

Some info: Denmark is participating since 1957 and has won two times already: “Dansevise” by Grethe and Jorgen Ingman (1963) and “Fly on the wings of love” by Olsen Brothers (2000)! Between 1966 and 1978 Denmark has interrupted its attendance.

Comment: A catchy kind of “radio hit” song and a cute guy can make it to top 10.

 

 

17. GERMANY

 

Song: Miss Kiss Kiss Bang

Artist: Alex Swings Oscar Sings!

Some info: Germany one of the “foundation” countries back in 1956. They had several second and third places but they only won in 1982 with Ein bißschen Frieden by Nicole

comment: A catchy swingy song BUT it was an internal decision, no public voting in Germany, that ended up with those guys representing Germany in Moscow… They say Germans don’t support the song very much for all that reasons. VERY GREAT PLUS: It is said that Dita Von Teese will do a striptease on stage!!! Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Be sure to not miss Germany… then you can vote for them, or not.

 

 

 

18. TURKEY

 

Song: Düm Tek Tek

Artist: Hadise

Some info: Turkey’s debut at the Eurovision Song Contest was in 1975. They won in 2003 with the unforgettable song Everyway That I Can sung by Sertab Erener.

Comment: Selected internally, Hadise sings a pop and catchy song that seems a mix of last Eurovision hits: You’re my number one, Secret Combination, Shady Lady… with some RRRRRA! also. Add that there are 5 girls on stage in a belly dance custom and shaking their hips to the song notes…. Well, that’s a top 10 for me!

 

 

 

19. ALBANIA

 

Song: Carry me in your dreams

Artist: Kejsi Tola

Some info: They are in since 2004.

Comment: After no good results with traditional songs this year they send a kind of international pop, but with a few traditional notes that reminds us that the song comes from Albania. Strange mix and stranger performance: a green guy, 2 mimes and the singer in a kind of ballet tu-tu.

 

 

 

20.  NORWAY

 

Song: Fairytale

Artist: Alexander Rybak

Some info: They are in since 1960. They have already won twice with “La det swinge” by the Bobbysocks in 1985 and with “Nocturne” by Secret Garden in 1995.

Comment: A song that has a little bit of everything. It makes you move your head to the beats and clap your hands, a cute boy playing the violin, some dance, and FIREWORKS. It’s almost the unofficial winner, lets see if they can make it official !!! It reminds me of some song I know but I can’t remember which one and maybe that’s its strength: everybody thinks they already know it!

 

 

21. UKRAINE

 

Song: Be my Valentine! (Anti-crisis Girl)

Artist: Svetlana Loboda

Some info: The Ukraine is one of the most successful countries in the Eurovision Song Contest recently. The victory with “Wild dances” (for me Xena Dances) performed by Ruslana in 2004 has boosted the interest in the Ukraine enormously and that happened just one year after the debut. The two last years they got the second place and that’s because of the catchy songs and the great performances.

Comment: Catchy song, pole dancing, short skirt, black leather boots above knees, great choreography, sexy moves… Really tall girl, curly blonde hair… what else do I have to say? I’m all in !!!

 

 

22. ROMANIA

 

Song: The Balkan Girls

Artist: Elena

Some info: They started in 1994 and Tornero in 2006 is a song that made it to the 4^th place, which lots of people remember. Last year it went pretty bad (place 20), so this year they are sending a formula that has been working: catchy songs+sexy girls with not much clothes on.

Comment: All said, catchy song that at the end is not that catchy and girls showing legs… with that formula there are still better options than place 20.

 

 

23. UNITED KINGDOM
Song: It’s my first time

 

Artist: Jade Ewen

Some info: The United Kingdom is participating since 1957. It’s a winner country: three times number 3, fifteen times number 2 and five times number one: “Puppet on a string” by Sandie Shaw (1967), “Boom-Bang-a-bang” by Lulu (1969), “Save your kisses for me” by Brotherhood of Man (1976), “Making your mind up” by Bucks Fizz (1981) and “Love Shine a Light” by Katrina & The Waves (1997). No more success since the Eastern Connection… though they are trying hard every year.

Comment: They got famous composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to make this entry. As he is famous for musicals like Phantom of the Opera you can imagine what kind of ballad it is.

 

 

24. FINLAND

 

Song: Lose control

Artist: Waldo’s People

Some info: Finland is participating since 1961 and won in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah from Lordi, a heavy metal song, do you remember it? It was great! But last year the ended up on place 22, ooops…

Comment: They are sending what I call a “dance song” that you could hear at any disco it the 90’s and I have to say I LOVE it. It has rhythm and could be a summer hit. Would be better only with the girls singing but it’s ok. I will get up and dance!

 

 

25. SPAIN

 

Song: La noche es para mi

Artist: Soraya

Some info: Spain is participating since 1961 and won in 1968 with La,la,la,la by Masiel and in 1969 with Vivo Cantando from Samole. But in 1969 there was a tie between 4 countries, so at the end Spain got to be the host only once. Well, it’s been 40 years now!!! Time to win again!

Comment: Soraya was in some kind op Pop Idol and is very famous in Spain now. She won by public votes so we all support her. We send a catchy song, also a mix of last Eurovision hits. And she is a sexy girl and will show legs. Also, they say they’ve prepared a spectacular performance. And being the last one is good because everybody remembers you. So, let’s hope for some good luck, pleaaaseeee!!! Besides, half of the people living in the Eastern countries have a relative living in Spain, that should help!!!

I really love the song and it’s being played in Spanish discos for months now.

 

 

NOTES:

 

1. For the first time after tele-voting started there will be a jury giving 50% of the points… that is to try to stop the “Eastern Connection” and make a Western country a winner again. The last years it was all about being neighbors and not about the songs anymore, so people started to be tired of the situation… it could have been the end of ESC.
2. 42 countries have been involved in Eurovision 2009, there has been two semifinals, so on Saturday only 25 countries will compete. You can watch the semifinals on eurovision.tv if you wanna see the show for yourself: First semifinal, Second semifinal
3. Svetlana Loboda (Ukraine), Patricia Kaas (France) and Soraya (Spain) will make an European campaign to stop violence against women. And that for sure one of the best things Eurovision will bring us: great women working together for all of us.

And you? Any favorites so far?

Don't forget to live-blog Eurovision tomorrow from 8:15pm on with the eurOut-staff and -readers, directly on eurOut or with hashtagging your tweets with #eurout!

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