Ex-Yugoslavia Countries - Their Year To Shine?

Some years, the ex-Yugoslav countries dominate Eurovision, other years, they don't. In-fact, this year not one ex-Yugoslav country got into the final. Not even Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina weren't there due to financial issues (they would have qualified, more or less). Even the great duo of Bulgaria, Elitsa and Stoyan, who created a new genre of music in 2007 and came 5th and are the only Bulgarian entry to qualify for a Grand Final, didn't qualify this year, despite their song being called "Only Champions" (Samo Shampioni). Ironic, isn't it?

Editorial - My EUROVISION Bucket List

So... a Bucket List. It doesn't have to be crazy, does it? Crazy as in: leap from tall buildings, sky dive, go to Space, etc. No? Well, that's exactly the OPPOSITE of mine! I've devised a Eurovision Bucket List of Eurovision-related activities I'm determined to do before I die.

F.Y.R Macedonia - "Top 10, we're going for Top 10"

If you follow Eurovision closely, like me, you'll know that F.Y.R Macedonia's best scoring is a 12th place. Despite having countless eccentric and ecstatic performances, they never score too great (although, I think it's fair to say that Kaliopi's song was a great song in 2012).

Well, it seems they're wanting to end this run of poor results, as they're sending, possibly, the country's most famous singer, Tijana Dapčević, to Copenhagen. Now, it's always a risky move to send a famous Balkan singer to Eurovision; either the Balkan countries will love her, or they won't. And if they don't... well... her popularity may fade. So I'm sure Tijana won't let the Macedonian broadcaster send her with a terrible song.

We can only hope she's sent with a good song. I only hope she is, as I'm a huge fan. I will definitely be voting for her (I say this meaning: if she is not in the same SF as Conchita and Valentina).



Take a listen to Kaliopi's 2012 song, the last Macedonian entry to appear in a grand final.

Iceland - Receiving Songs in Icelandic?

Do Iceland even want to win Eurovision? Let's be honest. Every entry sung in Icelandic that they've sent hasn't done overly well. And look, both their second places come from two ENGLISH performed songs. Most notably, Yohanna - Is It True?

Italy - On The Way For A Win?

If you read my "Evaluation - Who Should Win (Big 5 Edition)?", then you'll know I'm supporting Italy all the way. And if you do your homework, you'd know that out of all the Big 5, Italy has done the best in recent years.

Portugal: We'll Be Back!

After some hard months of withdrawals but no returns, Eurovision Fans were getting a little anxious and were wondering if it were going to be as exciting having less countries. Well that fear is over, for Portugal, a country who missed out the 2013 edition due to financial issues, have confirmed their return!

San Marino - Song Reveal Details

San Marino's hero, Valentina Monetta, will be once again represent San Marino at the Eurovision. Her first attempt for the micro nation happened in 2012, with "The Social Network Song (Uh oh oh oh)". She did fairly well for the nation, scoring their best score to date then - 13th (despite that she was tipped for the bottom place along with Montenegro). Then it was revealed that Valentina would once again represent San Marino at the 2013 edition in Malmo. Despite being the 2nd fan favourite, she came 11th - but achieving the country's best and closest to qualifying score.

Cyprus - There's Still Hope, Cypriots!

For all you who think Cyprus should still participate... guess what, there's still hope! Another Cyprus broadcaster, Sigma TV, have offered a sponsorship to CyBC, saying they'll produce a national final and cover and fees the artist, song and stage production Cyprus may need. Now.. if it means Cyprus can still promote themselves and participate, I'd take this. But obviously, I feel there's a catch.

Morocco - Facing A Comeback?

We all remember Morocco for their supreme first participation. Well, when I say first, I also mean last. Yes, Morocco – the only African country that can qualify for EBU membership – have only ever participated in Europe’s favourite show once in 1980. As well as that, Morocco are the only country to have had a song sung entirely (and fluently) in Arabic (Samira Bensaid - Bitaqat Hob). On their debut (and last attempt) they came 18^th, with 7 points, all from Italy and they came ahead of Finland. Their broadcaster, SNRT, withdrew from the following contest due to the “bad” result. (Sore losers, I say). And unfortunately, SNRT are the only Moroccan broadcaster with EBU membership, hence that current participation is not yet happening.

Netherlands - Anouk Writing Netherlands' Song; Will It Pay Off?

Anouk of the Netherlands did the nation proud, scoring a place in the final (after 9 years) and even coming in the Top 10 doing so. And it's obvious that the Netherlands are wanting to qualify once again as Anouk is writing the song, once again. She wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music to her song "Birds" which came 9th in the final, scoring the Netherlands 114 points.

How Many Countries Are Suspected To Be Participating?

In total, 46-48 countries have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest before. Yet, the current rules are set to 45 participants. And there are also countries looking to start Eurovision. So can we be looking at a substantial rule change within the Eurovision? If you think logically, there are about 50-52 countries who can participate in Europe's favourite contest.

Estonia - Sometimes A Dress Hides It All

Birgit Oigemeel represented Estonia in the 2013 Eurovision held in Malmo. Her ballad reached 20th, being beaten by the United Kingdom and Bonnie Tyler.


On stage, Birgit wore a white dress that was very puffed out. Why, you ask? She was pregnant! And fortunately for her, she has given birth to a healthy son!

Evaluation: Big 5 - Who Should Win In 2014?

Voting... that's the best part of Eurovision. The time when your heart beats, faster and faster, as your country rakes up points. Well... unfortunately I don't get that feeling.

You see, being from the UK and born AFTER 1997 is quite upsetting. I've never witnessed my country win. But nonetheless, I still reflect on my country winning.

So... who do I, based on evaluating, think has the best chance in Copenhagen? Well, let's review the Big 5.

Belarus - Yes, We'll Be There, It's Our Favourite Show

Eurovision is like a religion in Belarus. The contest is taken so seriously that in 2012, when Alyona won for the first time, the Belorussian president ordered a recount, so Alyona didn't win in the end. They take it that seriously. But anyway... the Belorussian state broadcaster, BTRC, have said, "Yes, we will be at Copenhagen."

Albania - Like Last Year, The First To Choose Their Act

Albania is probably best known in Eurovision for Rona Nishliu's performance of "Suus". The singer performed it in a manor that no other Eurovision contestant has ever performed; she belted out the song, screaming along the way and wore her hair as a necklace. And that all payed off - 5th place. A top 5 finish and to date, Albania's best finish yet.

Spain - Still Not Giving Up - RTE's High Hopes

A few days ago, Spanish broadcaster, RTVE, updated their website for Copenhagen 2014 and around two weeks ago, assigned their commentator - this obviously means they are participating. Now, after round and round of bad results, surely you'd think Spain would give up. Well it seems not. Maybe Pastora Soler's 10th place, 97 points, raised RTVE's spirits? Or perhaps it's how Spanish music is becoming love more and more every year thanks to Eurovision? Whatever it is, RTVE are still entering and it seems they will still enter for years to come.

United Kingdom - Participation Confirmed - MY HOME COUNTRY. WOOT WOOT!

The United Kingdom - a HEDC (highly economically developed country; yes Mr. Smith, if you're reading this, I do listen in class) - have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Turkvision - May Eurovision Be Hit With "Thunder and Lightning"!

Bosnia and Herzegovina have a rich history at Eurovision. Of all the years they have entered, they have never missed a final. And they've even placed in the Top 10 6 times! That's 1/3 of their entries doing well!