We’re getting ever closer to our finished line-up of songs for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, and the stakes are getting higher in the National Finals. It’s tough to fail at any stage, but when you are in sight of the ticket to Malmo, and someone else waltzes off with it… that’s got to hurt.
This Week’s Results
The delightfully Greek number will be ‘Alcohol is Free,’ which if nothing else is going to make requests in the Euroclub rather comical. Apart from the song title, the track joins Cyprus in being in Greek for every other lyric.
Ireland’s Eurosong went down to the last set of votes, but the ticket goes to the ethno-dance track ‘Only Love Survives’ from Ryan Dolan.
Russia’s internal selection process has turned up a memorable ballad (at least more memorable than anything by Hear’Say). ‘What If…’ will be sung by winner of The Voice, Dina Garipova.
The final heat of Melodifestivalen in Sweden saw the comfortable progress of Ulrik Munther direct to Friends Arena, along with the Mustasch of Ralf Gyllenhammar. Second Chance berths went to Robin ‘Not Josh Dubovie’ Stjernberg and Behrang ‘Not Jessy Matador’ Miri. The not quite triumphant return of Army of Lovers saw them finish in sixth.
Estonia aired the second semi-final of Eest Laul, with five qualifiers reaching the final – Lilsi Kolkson ja Soooromoo, Birgit Oigemeel, Rasmus Randvee ja Facelift Deer, Rolf Roosalu, and Pohja-Talinn – where they meet the mighty Winny Puhh
Hungary did the double with both semi finals this weekend Fighting for the ticket will be Tamas Vastag, Gigi Radics, Szilvi Agardi & Denes Pal, and ByeAlex from Sunday’s show; and Gergo Racz, Andras Kallay-Saunders, Ildiko Keresztes, and Laura Cserpes from the night before.
Coming Up This Week
- Israel start their big selection shows this week, with heats on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, leading up to an Andra Chansen round on Sunday(the final is next week).
- Saturday is also Melodifestivalen’s Andra Chansen in Sweden, and with a testosterone laden final the gender balance might need some help from the new improved vote and duel format.
- Eesti Laul comes to a close on Saturday with the final choosing Estonia’s song for Europe.
- While the same is true for A Dal in Hungary, with one final show on Saturday to select their performer.
- Serbia double up on Saturday and Sunday with a semi-final followed by a final.
- And to finish off, Bulgaria’s song selection is on Sunday night.