Since 2008 the annual Eurovision Song Contest consists of two semi finalists which are responsible to deliver 10 qualifiers each to take part in the grand final where they join Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the host country, this year Azerbaijan. Over the past few weeks we’ve been going through the semi finalists. Today we have a closer look at the entries from the Netherlands, Malta and Belarus.
Netherlands: Joan Franka – You and Me
the Netherlands have not had the most brilliant years behind them when it comes down to Eurovision results. In fact the country hasn’t made it to the final since 2004. With a slightly more serious approach this year, and the producer of the Voice as the brain for the preselection, things might change. Joan Franka, who won the selection is representing her country with the song ‘You and Me’. And Awww this is a very sweet, country-pop song splendid for a camping trip. Her vocals are unusual but very likeable and her colour of voice is very pleasant to listen to. The video also shows a more stripped down Joan, as the act performed during the final was slightly over the top, with her Indian headgear and outfit. The natural Joan is so much better. And if a Belgian, Cypriot and Finnish boy can do it just with a guitar, plus a Swiss girl and her two instrument players then so can the Dutch. The Netherlands have won Eurovision on 4 occassions: 1957, 1959, 1969 & 1975.
Malta: Kurt Calleja – This Is The Night
Right behind the Netherlands is another country which has come close to victory several times but never won the contest. Judging on what was in the Maltese preselection this year, the country have definately gone for the best what was on offer. Kurt Calleja really knows how to play the camera, and brings a radiopop friendly number to Baku. In all honesty, we don’t think Kurt’s voice really suits this song, his voice seems to be too on the heavy side for this type of radio song. Having said that there is something instantly likeable about the Maltese entry and the moves in the video are a nice hint to the ‘Every Day I’m Shufflin’ move. In a semi which has got quite a lot of ballads, they might scrape through, and in all honesty we wouldn’t really mind for that to happen.
Belarus: Litesound – We are the Heroes
Time for one of the most entertaining countries in Eurovision. Belarus likes to do what we call ‘A Sugababe’ meaning either changing a song/artist or in most cases both. This year the initial winner of the contest was stripped from her victory after it emerged her boyfriend who was in charge of the televoting had been naughty. So we got Litesound, in Power Rangers costumes for Belarus this year. Their song is very similar to the Maltese entry, so they’re a bit unfortunate in their draw. As with Malta it’s a radiofriendly pop song which doesn’t really bring anything refreshing. The tacky power rangers costumes and a decent act could get them into the final, (remember the butterflies in 2010?). We will have to see what happens.
Our verdict:
1 Netherlands
2 FYR Macedonia
3 Serbia
4 Malta
5 Belarus
Next up are Portugal and Ukraine
