TWELVE #3

T W ELV E T H E E U ROV I S IONS ONG CON T E ST 'sW E BM AG

POINTS OF VIEW: are you for or against international jury in NFs? SWEDEN awaits for us,

but what should we expect from it?

WITHDRAWN countries and the reasons why they gave up Eurovision CHRONICLES

Some fresh NEWS & GOSSIP

More EUROVISIVE MEMES

rd issue 3 e h t

Hello!

We proudly pr the third issue of the only we about the Eurovision Son ever made.

resent e ebmagazine

ng Contest

TWELVE

12 14 62 66 70 72 74 76

rd issue 3 the

WHAT'S UP, SWEDEN?

Matheus Gomes tells what waits for us in the country that tried so hard to win the contest, now that it actually did

2013: ALL ENTRIES IN REVIEW

We wrote about all the 39 songs competing this year, and we'll show you the strong, the weak, and everything else in between!

Missing, but not forgotten

We go in-depth to tell the story and reasons why three countries with lot of history in the ESC withdrew in 2013

P.O.V.: INTERNATIONAL JURY

Fans divided in #TeamRobin and #TeamYOHIO, in Melodifestivalen 2013.

The international jury decided the winner – are you for or against its presence?

AN EUROFAN'S CHRONICLE Fernanda Barreto shortlisted five things she wants to see happening in Malmö Arena

FRIDAY TALKS

Filipe Lima realized that, sometimes, eurofans like to whine about some things that doesn't require that much of discussing effort

THOUGHT FOR SONG

In her new space here in TWELVE, the editor Fernanda Cabrera opens her heart about something that's been repeating for her every May

THE EUROVISIVE MEMES

Humour + internet + Eurovision Song Contest + TWELVE

T W E LVE T HE  F I R S T EUROVISION SONG  CONTEST's WEBMAG

Our page on Issuu: www.issuu.com/twelvemagazine The ESC12points blog: www.esc12points.com Contact us: esc12points@gmail.com twitter.com/ESC12points facebook.com/ESC12points

Disclaimer: This webmagazine is made only for recreational and information sharing purposes by an independent group of Eurovision Song Contest enthusiasts.

It has no intention of break any copyright rule. If you would like to know more about our policies, just contact us via email on esc12points@gmail.com.

THE EDITORS' LETTER

Experience can be a good thing!

Eurovision has seen many ten-

has, and how far they can reach.

dencies rise and fade throughout

And, year after year, the depth for

the time. Not long ago, after Lordi’s

this analysis is becoming stronger,

victory, the amount of frikis in the

and giving a better outcome in the

festival was considerably high for

texts.

a period. Now, following the Rus-

For the ones who have already

sian second place in 2012, we’re

read our previous editions, you

living a send-the-elderly moment,

kind of know what to expect.

with Takasa, Agathon... and, since

News and articles, special texts

age is the current topic, TWELVE is

signed by Fefe and by Filipe (and,

also becoming a proof that, in

now, one by Nanda, too), and our

some cases, more age does mean

biggest trademark: a full guide for

more quality (for Esma, this rule

Eurovision 2013, dissecting each

doesn’t really apply).

of the 39 competitors of this year’s

This is the third year our team

festival.

releases an issue of this webmaga-

As always, producing TWELVE is

zine and, clearly, these years

a long and hard work. But, at the

helped us evolving the quality of

same time, it’s very pleasant. And

the content for it. Age has given us

our true expectation is that the

more independency, taught us not

pleasure we’ve had while preparing

to over or underestimate entries,

it is the same you can have when

and gifted every single one of us

reading it all. In the end, it’s a talk

with more background and histori-

about the contest, from eurofans to

cal knowledge to analyze songs in

eurofans: you’ll be reading the

a calmer and more balanced way.

views about the contenders made

It’s not always easy to predict

by Eurovision fanatics as you, who

how eurofans and juries will react

love it as few things in life, and want

to the songs when they are pre-

to discuss it with people who share

sented on stage, and what result

this interest so deeply.

they will get. But it is our task to,

And, if you are here, reading

using the most we know hap-

this, you’re very likely one of us.

pened in past years, try to see

As so, all we can say is: enjoy this

what potential each entry really

love with us!

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T W E LV E

THE TEAM:

Antonio Neto

24 y.o., architecture and urbanism student. Lives in BelĂŠm, but dreams of going somewhere colder. Prays for an Icelandic victory on ESC and for September and Laura to perform on ESC someday (it'd be beautiful *-*). facebook.com/netuuh | twitter.com/netuuh_

Fernanda Cabrera (Nanda)

A 24 y.o. journalism student who is extremely passionate for everything she does. Loves her Kindle, music, cooking and especially travelling. Her heart and soul are Spanish. twitter.com/nandacabrera | facebook.com/NandaICabrera

Fernanda Barreto (Fefe)

24 y.o. girl that still works in a national bank.

Loves nerdy culture, travelling, Game of Thrones, nail polishes and fell in love with the Swedish music scenario. facebook.com/missfnb | twitter.com/misssfnb

Filipe Lima

27 y.o., is happier than when last TWELVE was published: new job, new life, new everything. He is in love with Only Teardrops and scared of Monetta’s evolution. facebook.com/filipe.lm | twitter.com/limafilipe 8

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Guilherme Luz (Gui)

28 y.o., geographer and lawyer, lives in Brasília. Likes traveling, enjoys a good time with friends and family. Believes that ESC is among the biggest TV events currently, and roots for fair victories and the growth ofthe contest. facebook.com/guilherme.l.pereira | twitter.com/chapbr

Leonardo Vaz (Leo)

The 22 y.o. dude from São Paulo is a Graphic Designer working at a PR agency. Addict on eating KitKat, he lives to see Urban Symphony back to Eurovision (winning it, obviously). facebook.com/leonardovcpereira | twitter.com/leo_vaz

Marcos Paulo Pereira

26 y.o., Physical Education bachelor from São Paulo, hates to work, loves schlager divas, coreographies, wind machines, hair-whipping and flame-throwers on stage. Might represent Kosovo next century. facebook.com/justmarkos | twitter.com/justmarkos

Matheus Gomes

28 y.o., lawyer, lives in Amazonia. He loves friendly competitions between Nations, like ESC, the Olympic Games and even Miss Universe! Ukraine is clearly his favourite country in the Eurovision. facebook.com/matheusrbr | twitter.com/matheusrbr may ' 13

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NEWS& & GOSSIP

Photo: EBU

the latest Eurovision related stories!

The end of the LEDs era?

It seems to be. A few months ago, SVT announced that we would not see LED lights in the Malmö stage, but nobody knew what would be done to replace them. Well, now we know. 28 huge projectors, the brightest available nowadays, will be used. With this tecnology, the background to the songs looks more clear and sharp. The LEDs won't be all gone, though – they will still be used on the floor of the stage.

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Que la Quiten lo Bailao

Eurovision and the talent shows

While we haven't heard much about Lucía Perez (the

Since 2002, Eurovision has been full of new singers,

Spanish representative in ESC 2011) new musical work, it

fresh out of TV competitions. It was all started by Rosa

seems that she found a new career. She just finished

López (Spain). This year is not different. But there is

recording the second season of her TV show

actually people doing the opposite path. Recently, Jay

Heicho Cantar Queridiña, a prime-time hit on Gali-

Aston (Bucks Fizz, UK 1981) performed in a Blind

cia. In another TV show, called Luar, Lucía recently

Audition of UK's version of The Voice. But she had

teamed up with another Spanish Eurovision

a very poor performance of Muse's Time Is Running

diva, Soraya Arnelas (2009), to perform O Verdegaio,

Out and none of the four judges turned their chairs to

a traditional song that mixes Portuguese and Galician.

accept her. Good luck on you next try, Jay!

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An ABBA flair to Malmö We cannot talk Eurovision and not talk ABBA. And SVT, the Swedish broadcaster for Eurovision 2013,

gest musical exports and the collaboration between generations is extremely exciting”.

knows it. That's why we will have some of that in the

We Write The Story is set to be performed for the

Malmö Arena. At least half of it. ABBA members Björn

first time as the Opening Act for the Eurovision finale,

Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (below) teamed up

on May 18th. It will be a change in the tradition of the

with famous DJ Avicii to create a song called We Write

previous winner opening the show. Loreen, instead,

the Story to be the main theme for this year's ESC .

will sing Euphoria in the first semifinal, on May 14th.

But this is not the only news regarding ABBA.

Executive Producer Martin Österdahl and Show Pro-

Agnetha Faltskog is set to release an album on

ducer Christer Björkman presented to them the show

May 13th. Entitled A, it was produced by Grammy-nom-

concept, which led them to the collaboration with

inated Jorgen Elofsson, who wanted songs that didn't

Avicii on “a piece on mutual understanding and fel-

remind people of ABBA – like the single When You Re-

lowship". And Avicii's Executive Producer Ash said

ally Loved Someone, a beautiful and current -sound-

that “to experience the union of two of Sweden’s big-

ing ballad. That will definately be worth listening.

Photo: abbaofficial.files.wordpress.com

Benny and Björn released a statement saying that

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What's up, Sweden?

Sweden will be the host of this year's Eurovision. What should we expect?

ALL PhotoS: INTERNET RESOURCES

Written by Matheus Gomes

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The Eurovision season is already boiling, so, let's check what is about to come! Who arrives today in Sweden, finds a economically stable country, with a high human development index and exemplary policies. Culturally rich, Sweden is the birthplace of big names in music (Roxette, Ace of Base, The Cardigans) and cinema (Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo).

Sweden is also one of the most traditional countries in the Eurovision Song Contest, and surely, one of the most passionate about it. Their victories, striking cam-

Sweden's road connection with Denmark, the Öresund bridge; below, a scene from the Malmö University.

At the opposite page, billboards in Malmö's downtown area.

paigns and even their failures blend together with the history of the competition, which today, would not be the same without their participation. Sweden won Eurovision FIVE times – the first (and more meaningful) victory occurred in 1974, under the baton of ABBA, who ruled not only Europe but the whole world with the super hit Waterloo. Other victories came in 1984 (Herreys – Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley), 1991 (Carola – Fångad Av En Stormvind), 1999 (Charlotte Nilsson – Take Me to Your Heaven) and 2012 (Loreen – Euphoria ).

Less than 50 days after conquering the Crystal Microphone in Baku, Sweden announced Malmö as the host city of Eurovision 2013. The city is the third largest in the country, has just over 300.000 inhabitants, a bustling industrial center and a bridge (Öresund Bridge) with 8 km of length that unites it to Copenhagen, the dazzling capital of Denmark. Malmö is no stranger for the Eurovision public, as it received the contest in 1992, and in recent years has been hosting the semifinals of Melodifestivalen, the Swedish National Final. In 2013, the party will be in Malmö Arena, which opened in 2008 and has the capacity to receive about 15.000 people.

39 countries will perform in Eurovision 2013, which

It's clear that Sweden wants to produce the best show

will be held on May 14, 16 and 18. For those wishing to

ever – they want and can make it happen! Innovation

visit Malmö during the week of the event, good news:

seems to be the word to follow for the team responsible

according to the organizers, the city is well prepared

for producing the festival. Unlike what we have seen in

to host the event, with efficient transportation and

recent years, the show will have a single presenter and

enough accommodation . If you prefer, you can still opt

the stage will not have LED panels. The truth is: after

for the nearby Copenhagen (great alternative, isn't it?).

Moscow's stage in 2009, it has been difficult to create a

Moreover, the Danish metropolis will be the arrival point

breathtaking backdrop for the performances, and, as the

of most eurofans.

last champion performed in a simpler form than the oth-

Now that we know a little more about the next edi-

er participants, Sweden will invest in the clean-visuals

tion of Eurovision, we can only wait for the best edition

segment, since it has been pleasing the audience.

of Eurovision's history. Good luck to all! may ' 1 3

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O I S I V O R EU

1 0 2LL SON A

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E I V E R

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3 1 GS

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This year, 39 countries will have their delegations in Malmö, ready to showcase the best of their musical talent

in

the

Eurovision

Song Contest stage. Here's the TWELVE guide for you to follow this year's Eurovision, with all the songs reviewed by our expert editors.

HOW TO READ THIS ARTICLE:  The reviews are shown in the performing

order of each show (1st semifinal, 2nd semifinal and final).  In the end of each text, you will find two

special highlights:



WHAT'S HOT shows the strong points

of the song.



WHAT'S NOT is about the weak points

of that entry.  For the countries that held a selection

process (National Final), there is a text box called ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN, in which you can read about a song that didn't win the selection, but was also good enough. may ' 1 3

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1

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st

semifinal

01. AUSTRIA 02. ESTONIA 03. SLOVENIA 04. CROATIA 05. DENMARK 06. RUSSIA 07. UKRAINE 08. THE NETHERLANDS 09. MONTENEGRO

May 14 | 21:00 CET th

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

LITHUANIA BELARUS MOLDOVA IRELAND CYPRUS BELGIUM SERBIA

also voting in this semifinal: UNITED KINGDOM | SWEDEN | ITALY may ' 1 3

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NATÁLIA KELLY | Shine

01.

AUSTRIA

Natália Kelly seems to have what it takes to erase the Austrian failure in 2012. A high-quality voice – which is usually quite appealing to both the jury and the televote –, in a strong entry, with a very catchy chorus.

The chorus is, by the way, one of the strongest features of Shine: few songs, this edition, have such a good first impact as this one.

Her performances in the national final and in the official video show she really understands how to act in front of cameras. With a diva attitude which is uncommon for someone her age, Natália is able to communicate the song with her expressions, looks and gestures.

In case the cameras in Malmö know how to explore the close-ups in the 18-year-old American-born singer, these abilities will be highlighted. If so, Austria can dream with a return to the final, and even with a decent placing in it.

 WHAT'S HOT: Strong voice. Non-

repeated style for 2013. Powerful performance.

 WHAT'S NOT: The past edition can make people punish Austria with a non-qualification.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: If you enjoy sweet songs, you’ll see Feels Like Home as another good song Austria could offer. Now, if you are all about intensity, give it a try to Rise Above The Night.

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Birgit ÕIGEMEEL | Et Uus Saaks Alguse In recent years, Estonia has been creating a very unique vibe for the country’s representatives – even when the country doesn’t go well, it’s possible to note an intimate/alternative vibe in almost all the performances. The most interesting part is that this formula is going really well at Eurovision’s stages, assuring two sixth places, with the unforgettable Rändajad, by Urban Symphony in 2009, and the great Kuula, by Ott Lepland in 2012.

In 2013, the Estonian flag will be flown by a great voice and an intimate song that certainly will please the fans of the genre. Et Uus Saaks Alguse brings some positive references about forgetting the past and think about a new beginning, with significant changes in the fate of those who seek renewal.

Compared to Estonia’s representatives of the previous years and what is expected of Eurovision in 2013, Et Uus Saaks Alguse probably won’t do so well, but the song has a good potential to go to the final.

 WHAT'S HOT: Birgit’s sympathy and the great quality of the song.

 WHAT'S NOT: the lots of ballads in the first semi final.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Grete Paia, with Päästke Noored Hinged, whould be another good option for Estonia with its contemporary mysterious sounds, penned by the same composer of Rändajad .

02.

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Hannah | Straight Into Love We don’t know if the Slovenian entry will get straight into Europeans’ love. Well, the track has merits: it is a good production, with a great voice and it’s quite modern. But it fits into dubstep, a new electronic genre which is rejected by some critics and fans of pop music (that says it has noisy and disharmonious tunes). Hannah wants to introduce this new style to the audience in an accessible way, adapted to the Eurovision scenario, which is very focused on vocals.

In this edition filled with ballads, Straight Into Love can get a good amount of votes. Slovenia’s position is good – only Denmark has an up-tempo song on this half of the first semifinal. There’s also a good chance of block voting, since Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia are in this semifinal. It is a good way to show Eurovision audience and jury a new genre; it’s only a matter of having an open-minded crowd willing to vote for it.

 WHAT'S HOT: Hannah’s efficient voice, great production of the song and block voters on the same heat.

 WHAT'S NOT: dubstep may sound

a bit agressive to some people less used to it .

03.

SLOVENIA

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KLAPA S MORA | MiŽerja Klapa S Mora’s formation is

this song – a typical genre of his

Denmark. Only a miracle can take

made by good singers, but where’s

country, with no international el-

Croatia out of this “misery”.

the harmony? They don’t seem to

ements to make another voters

be trained and synchronized. Even

from abroad identify with MiŽerja!

with this name, they don’t look like

Countries like Portugal and Spain

the “best Klapa”. Its lyrics are poor;

have learned this the hard way,

the song doesn’t catch any atten-

it seems that Croatia didn’t learn.

tion and gets tired before the final

Their position makes things even

ternational elements. Their position

verse. It was a miscalculated risk

worse, between Slovenia’s dubstep

is awful, among two uptempo songs

of the Croatian delegation to send

and the hot favourite of the year,

– including the hot favourite to win.

 WHAT'S HOT: The boys from Klapa S Mora have good voices. Block votes can help them.

 WHAT'S NOT: This song is very

traditional and doesn’t have any in-

04.

CROATIA

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05.

DENMARK EMMELIE DE FOREST | Only Teardrops Last January, Emmelie de Forest surprised us reaching the DMGP superfinals, leaving favourites like Brinck and Mohamed Ali behind, gaining public and jury’s preference.

About Only Teardrops, this song talks about a discussion of a couple.

How many times the couple is feeling guilty, how many times they will fight etc. With, of course, teardrops in the middle of it, a bunch of drama. The song melody runs with its dramatic lyrics, and following Loreen’s path. Flutes, guitars and Emmelie’s sloppy looks helps her to show how she’s “suffering”.

If she wanted to get attention, her mission was accomplished – Denmark is a hot favourite to win and, if it depends on European fans, we’re heading to Copenhagen next year. Hold on, though, as the victory is not guaranteed – Denmark is the fifth country of the first semifinal…

 WHAT'S HOT: Denmark is on top of the bookmakers and leading the OGAE voting.

 WHAT'S NOT: Being the fifth song

on a hard semifinal should be concerning. And also, Denmark is using the same formula from five years – it’s time to change the record!

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ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: An interesting diva-like performance gave Simone’s Stay Awake a new level to “schlagerize”.

She reached the superfinal, just like Emmelie did!

06.

RUSSIA DINA GARIPOVA | What If There’s always someone talking about nuclear weapons, possible

conflicts

among

and it usually doesn’t get a good

Denmark – but she might have a

result in the scoreboard.

guaranteed spot in finals because

people

Song production is very good,

of the strong block voting in this

and wishing for world peace –

as the Swedish tradition demands

semifinal (from Belarus and Lithu-

this year’s Russian entry comes

– and oh, there’s even a keychange!

ania, for example).

from Swedish composers to help

Just like some Dina Garipova’s ri-

them pass this message ahead.

vals in this semifinal, like Ukraine,

Although there’s an emotional

Estonia,

shortcut in this kind of epic diva

Her running order can prejudice

ballad, they have forgotten that it

Russia’s work, since she’ll per-

is not anything new to Eurovision

form right after the hot favourite

Moldova

and

Croatia.

 WHAT'S HOT: Dina Garipova is a

good singer, the song is very well produced and there’s block voting!

 WHAT'S NOT: There are lots of

powerballads in this semifinal and What If has nothing new to show. may ' 1 3

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ZLATA OGNEVICH | Gravity After the release of its final version, the Ukrainian entry has become one of the main favourites to win the trophy in Malmö. The song is a powerful ballad, which begins calmly, but, then, shows its "true intentions": after the first verses, it starts growing, until an explosion of strength in the chorus.

Another important trait of Gravity is its marking background sounds, which help improving the song quality as a whole. Also, Zlata's voice matches everything perfectly, in a great communion between music and her singing.

The composers of this entry have long experience with Eurovision: the lyricist Karen Kavaleryan has reached six top tens in previous years, and Mikhail Nekrasov, responsible for the music, one other.

If Zlata can show charisma onstage, with a bit of help of block voting, Ukraine can dream of, in 2014, hosting the contest for a second time.

 WHAT'S HOT: Sticky rhythm. Beautiful voice. Possible block-voting receiver.

 WHAT'S NOT: Risk of bad presentation, as it happened with Gaitana.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Get Real With My Heart,

by Eduard Romanyuta (who looks like a mix of Ulrik Munther and Roman Lob), sounds like a song Dima Bilan would do – and could also go well on ESC.

07.

UKRAINE

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08.

THE NETHERLANDS ANOUK | Birds Lately, the Netherlands has

behind their recent history and

all the power of Anouk’s vocals.

been highlighted by bad results

topple a top 10, a top 5 or maybe a

Everything indicates that the

and is out of the final since 2005.

podium in 2013. I believe we have

presentation will follow the same

This reality plagues even the

started well, because the bet on

tone and, in my view, can bring a

good songs sent by the Dutch, as

an internationally renowned art-

good result, considering that in-

the sad case of 2012. On the other

ist always draws a good amount

tense and emotive performances

hand, in large part, this situation is

of votes, but that's not all, which

shown on TV tend to produce a

the fault of the Dutch themselves,

leads us to believe that the Dutch

marked effect on the viewer.

who bet on things like Sha-la-lie

effort can still go down.

and Shine, or bad stage presentations as the cases of 3JS or Hind.

Birds is strong and intense

 WHAT'S HOT: Anouk’s internacional success and the positive recep-

from its first second until the

tion of the song by most eurofans.

Well, the thing is that apparent-

very end, and has a melody that

ly, the Netherlands wants to leave

goes at the same pace, showing

 WHAT'S NOT: Netherlands’s recent history in Eurovision. may ' 1 3

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09.

MONTENEGRO

WHO SEE FEAT. NINA ŽIŽIC | Igranka In 2007, Montenegro took full control of its campaign in Eurovision, but the advantage, since then, has not been satisfactory. This year, the country will be represented by Who See and Nina Žižic, with the surprising Igranka .

Also known as Who See Klapa, the hip hop duo consists of Dedduh (Dejan Dedovic) and Noyz (Mario Dordevic). They initiated this project in 2002, and gradually built a successful career. Nina Žižic's career began through dance, but she soon became fascinated by music and this earned her some local hits.

What about Igranka, is it a good song? YES, IT IS! High spirits, the track is dominated by electronic elements and produced with a hardcore dubstep, and the fallen-from-the-sky featuring of Nina, which seamlessly integrates the spirit of music, making the main vocals sound like mere assistants.

 WHAT'S HOT: Igranka is like an invitation to dance nonstop!  WHAT'S NOT: Uptempo songs may be hard to sing live and lead to disasters.

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ANDRIUS POJAVIS | Something I have to tell you something, it’s been on my mind… If The Killers or Mando Diao makes a rewriting of it, we don’t have to change anything.

10.

LITHUANIA

Andrius’ song is an alternative rock of great quality. His voice fits perfectly the tune and it doesn’t get tired after listening to it on repeat.

But the song does not catch us on a first-time listen and Something’s lyrics are quite repetitive.

The national final’s performance is horrible; it has to be changed immediately. Block voters of Lithuania are also a good point since we have Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Estonia competing on this semifinal – even if Lithuania’s position is not good – between Montenegro’s electropop and Belarus’ arabesque-pop.

 WHAT'S HOT: Andrius has one of the most original songs of the year – and block voting may help him to get through the finals.

 WHAT'S NOT: Something takes

more than one listening to get attached to it. Also, his position is not very good, among two well-accepted songs among eurofans.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Something is a very cool song, but War In The Wardrobe, by Gerai Gerai and Miss Sheep, is a very cool synthpop song that would fit perfectly in Eurovision.

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ALYONA LANSKAYA | Solayoh Second NF winning, first time

looks completely oblivious to her

in Eurovision. Alyona Lanskaya,

Will 2013 be Alyona’s year, then?

dancers, moving only her arms

Honoured Artist of the Republic

Not so fast. Her imaginary place, So-

while there is a catchy choreogra-

of Belarus, actually won the Euro-

layoh, is peaceful, happy and rolls

phy going on. This has to change for

fest in 2012. But it is not Belarus

with the cha-cha rhythm. Her song,

the contest, because this song has a

without some post-election “sur-

Solayoh, is also happy, fun – and,

“get up and dance” vibe that might

prise”. There was a voting recount

well, outdated. If we were in Eurovi-

appeal to the audience.

and we ended up with “post-apoc-

sion 2003, this could be the perfect

alyptical trash bags” Litesound.

song. Not now.

In 2013, she won again, with

Another issue with the Belaru-

Rhythm of Love. And, of course,

sian performance is how Alyona

11.

BELARUS

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: There were better songs on the Eurofest. Daria’s Catch Me Again was the best among them.

This old school tune had a great performance that would look interesting in Malmö.

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this song wouldn’t be the one.

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 WHAT'S HOT: Alyona has a pretty good voice.

 WHAT'S NOT: Welcome to 2013.

Not 2003.

Aliona Moon | O Mie

12. performance using the gown as MOLDOVA

Look at Aliona. Do you know

About O Mie, let’s say that it is

her? Look again. She was a backing

way better than the “other” Aliona,

vocalist to Pasha Parfeny last year.

the Belarusian. Singing in Roma-

year. Instead of getting the wow

Now they are both back with oppo-

nian was a great bet, it sounds

factor, Aliona ends up with a bit-

site roles. It all started after a Mol-

more personal. The lyrics are also

ter taste. Work on that, and we

davian rehearsal in Baku. Aliona

way deeper than in the English

shall see Moldova rocking the fi-

joked about how she wanted Pa-

version... The melody grows strong

nals again.

sha to write her a song and act like

every moment, building a great fi-

her backing vocal. After a while, he

nale, when we go back to the piano

actually came up with a song. The

from the beginning.

rest, as they say, is history.

The big mistake here is the

a screen – just like Azerbaijan last

 WHAT'S HOT: O Mie is a beautiful ballad in a sea of boredom.

 WHAT'S NOT: The copy-cat visual performance.

12.

MOLDOVA

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Negruta Vitalie's You'll Be Mine is another entry with a Moldovan folk touch and happy tunes that would follow Parfeny's steps.

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RYAN DOLAN | Only Love Survives The Irish entry is quite late

apocalyptical tune at the beginning,

mance lacks confidence and begs to

about its topic: the end of the world

until the explosive chorus comes,

be improved as soon as possible.

predicted by mayans. But, on the

that would become a hit in many

other hand, they’re updated when

dancefloors around the world.

it comes to worldwide charts.

The lyrics are also impressive,

 WHAT'S HOT: this kind of electro-

pop track is usually well voted, and can be successful after Eurovision.

 WHAT'S NOT: This song moves

Only Love Survives has a great

despite being sung in an electronic

melody that can envy some Ameri-

entry. Ryan’s voice is superior com-

can, Swedish and Moroccan pro-

pared to most of the singers from

est” audience who is not used to

ducers (hello, Red One?) – it has an

this music style – but his live perfor-

electropop.

away the jury votes and the “old-

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN:

13.

IRELAND

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Although Only Love Survives was indeed the best choice, Fire,

by Zoë Alexis, would be another easy-listening electropop song that could do great in Eurovision.

DESPINA OLYMPIOU | An Me Thimasai Cyprus has some tradition in the

Despina was born in Limassol,

gallis and Zenon Zindilis, the melodi-

Contest. It debuted in the early 80's

Cyprus, in 1975. She studied piano

ous song tells the story of a woman

and is yet to win the festival. But who

and music theory at the Cypriot

who questions if the loved one still

doesn’t remember the beautiful cam-

base of the Trinity College of Lon-

remember her and if he will always

paign of 2004? In my memory, Lisa

don. She is one of the most suc-

be there, waiting for her.

Andreas remains steadfast, strong

cessful singers in her homeland.

and soft. Other highlights were Anna

The high point of An Me Thimasai

Vissi in 1982, and Ivi Adamou, who

is the appreciation of the Greek lan-

rocked the stage last year.

guage. Composed by Andreas Geor-

 WHAT'S

HOT: Local language

songs are in vogue!

 WHAT'S NOT: Will perform in the very competitive 1st semifinal.

14.

CYPRUS

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ROBERTO BELLAROSA | Love Kills Love Kills’ lyrics comes from a winning songwriter – Iain Farquharson co-wrote the winner song of Eurovision 2011, Running Scared.

They're flawless and that’s it. About the melody: it's not the best thing ever, but it has a good acceptance and it has a keychange to make eurofans excited. There’s a 80’s touch in it, just like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off movie. Roberto’s voice on the studio version is amazing, it isn’t anything memorable like a Lara Fabian voice (who reaches phenomenal notes) but he has a good control of his vocal cords. Still, he has a big challenge about his performance live: it lacks charisma and well, his vocal performance is quite disappointing.

His biggest adversary on the semifinal is the Irish entry, performing right before him – and after Belgium comes the overrated, overvoted, “overthing”, Serbia.

15.

BELGIUM

 WHAT'S HOT: the lyrics are quite good and the song production is ok.  WHAT'S NOT: He may not pass to

the finals with a lack of charisma and stage presence – and Belgium is between two countries that are most likely to get votes than Belgium, which are Ireland and Serbia

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Reste Toi sounds like Amy Winehouse, but it is well sung by Roberto Bellarosa – with a revamp, it would make a bigger impact than Love Kills.

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MOJE 3 | Ljubav Je Svuda The Serbian song talks about

about the cheating boyfriend.

on the first (and hardest) semifi-

love and people who doesn’t be-

Serbia counts on Saša Miloševicć

nal, coming after the Belgian song

lieve in it or get blinded because

Mare, one of the authors of Mo-

– it can ensure some points and

of it. The girls of Moje 3 are try-

litva, to get another good result,

even the classification.

ing to give a message to a friend,

but we can see a huge difference

who can’t see what her partner

between both songs. Ljubav Je

is doing. Typical, isn't it? The song

Svuda is a teenage song, that can

good. They can get a high position,

works fine with the performance

be only compared to Finnish entry

since we’re in a weak year.

from the National Final – where

Marry Me. They were very lucky

the good and bad conscious sides

with the running order, since they

of hers are trying to warn her

will be the last country to perform

 WHAT'S HOT: Serbia will close the first semifinal, which is very

 WHAT'S NOT: It’s a very ordinary

song that doesn’t have any great attractive.

16.

SERBIA

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Spas, by Dušan Svilar is a good song, with interesting Balkan beats and performance just like the Serbians love.

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2

34

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nd

semifinal

01. LATVIA 02. SAN MARINO 03. F.Y.R. Macedonia 04. AZERBAIJAN 05. FINLAND 06. MALTA 07. BULGARIA 08. ICELAND 09. GREECE

May 16 | 21:00 CET th

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

ISRAEL ARMENIA HUNGARY NORWAY ALBANIA GEORGIA SWITZERLAND ROMANIA also voting in this semifinal: FRANCE | GERMANY | SPAIN may ' 1 3

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35

PeR | Here We Go Latvia’s participation in Eurovision is filled of boring songs, like

ably good songs over the last two

dy and the pop beats can’t hold the

years, with Anmary and Musiqq.

whole song, which becomes messy

those of 2008 and 2009, others are

And what to expect in 2013?

and sometimes fearful, especially

sickening, like the 2007 and 2010.

Easy: just look at their overall place-

in live performance. The chorus, de-

Even the 2002 champion, I Wanna,

ment at the betting odds, the last

spite the catchyness, is extremely

was a little bit out of tune. But like

one. Anyway, taking into account

repetitive and tiring; moreover, the

everything in life, there are always

the general framework of the sec-

vocal performance is weak and the

those who enjoy the variety of

ond semi final maybe they’re, but

presentation seems very simple.

styles that the country has sent

remember that Latvia is starting at

to Eurovision, so Latvia has scored

a disadvantage by being the first

some classifications to the final in

country to perform in the semifinal.

the last decade, but this isn’t done

Here We Go seems quite interest-

since 2008, though it had reason-

ing at first, but the pace of the melo-

 WHAT'S HOT: the second semifinal

is the weakest of this year, so medians or bad songs can qualify to the final.

 WHAT'S NOT: the bad quality of the song and performance.

01.

LATVIA

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Samanta Tina, with I Need A Hero, would be a far better option for Latvia this year.

36

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02.

SAN MARINO

VALENTINA MONETTA | Crisalide (Vola) Who didn’t get really surprised

very deep and emotional, show-

good song in hands and a comfort-

when Valentina Monetta returned

ing her competent singing skills. In

able and trustful singer – we could

to Eurovision? After the awful

a year that most of the songs have

just say “thank you, San Marino”.

The Social Network Song last year,

disappointed the critics, media and

Monetta shows us that she has in-

eurofans, one of the stronger songs

deed a lot of talent. The “legendary”

of the contest has come from a for-

it to us with a very good entry.

Ralph Siegel composed Crisalide

gotten country, which has for the

(Vola), a song that is 75% ballad

first time a real chance to get to the

 WHAT'S NOT: San Marino can’t

and 25% schlager explosion. An

finals, since the second semifinal ri-

final and Crisalide (Vola) is an ordi-

ordinary Eurovision song, but still,

vals aren’t that strong. With a really

nary song.

 WHAT'S HOT: Valentina is mature

and she can actually sing, showing

count on Italy’s points in this semi-

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03.

F.Y.R. MACEDONIA

ESMA & LOZANO | Pred Da Se Razdeni

38

Forget about the Empire! Pred

what’s the point. Still, this mix of

performances is not a good thing

Da Se Razdeni is far better than

love song with folk music guaran-

but, analyzing all its rivals, we can

their other entry that looked old-

tees these unique attributes that

bet on their classification.

fashioned. The new entry is a

it has. The duo has to create now

commercial love song with folk

a good performance, because it’s

touches – the lovely part gets

not certain that a good song or a

lack of similar songs can be used

evident when Lozano sings. Be-

good voice holds a spot on Euro-

in their favour.

cause when Esma comes, she

vision finale. FYR Macedonia is

talks about calling her clan to

the third country of the second

sing along. We still can’t under-

semifinal, among San Marino and

through the official performance

stand this part of the song and

Azerbaijan. Being one of the first

of the song.

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 WHAT'S

HOT: The interesting

mix of folk with romance and the

 WHAT'S NOT: Both of them lack stage presence – you can see that

FARID MAMMADOV | Hold Me Five participations, five top 10 – and among them, one victory!

This is the summary of the impressive success of Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, after a looooong selective process, Farid Mammadov was chosen to defend the honor of the Azerbaijani in the festival, singing the romantic Hold Me. Born in 08/30/1991, in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, Farid Mammadov demonstrated, early on, interest in the musical world, especially jazz and soul. Son of Maya Mammadov, an internationally renowned athlete, Farid is passionate

04.

AZERBAIJAN

about sports, especially wrestling, and, WOW, the Brazilian capoeira!

Hold Me continues the profile adopted by Azerbaijan in their last participations in the festival: since 2010, they are investing in a lot of drama and love, it seems that the land of fire is burning passion 24 hours a day! The song tells of a young man in love, who says that if love was a mountain, he would climb the highest of them. Now realize that these verses sung by a good looking guy like Farid, makes girls (and even some boys) go insane!

 WHAT'S HOT: Stagework directed by Evangelinos Fokas (You’re

My Number One, Shady lady, etc)

 WHAT'S NOT: There’s no “What’s Not” here!

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Farid had the only digestable song in the whole Azerbaijani selection. may ' 1 3

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39

05.

FINLAND KRISTA SIEGFRIDS | Marry Me Krista Siegfrids’ career exploded in the Finnish version of The Voice, where she gathered attention due her personality and unique style.

Finland’s song this year is daring. Marry Me is an American pop, not something we are used to hear in Eurovision. It’s like if Ke$ha had decided to go to the contest. Or one of the Junior ESC kids had decided to grow up and go crazy. The fact is: Marry Me sounds like a teenage song on steroids, with adult lyrics.

Because, hey, we got your reference to 50 Shades Of Grey, Krista!

As much as this song does not reflect the “traditional” Eurovision sound it stills has some festival flair, such as a catchy melody and easy lyrics. Some hot dancers and a well thought performance might be the success recipe here. Not that they will take the trophy home, but why not dream about a nice placement?

This is the Nordic year anyway.

HOT: The Finns bet in a  WHAT'S current pop song.  WHAT'S NOT: Those lyrics…

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Diandra, the youngest winner ever on Finnish Idol and could've gone far in ESC with Colliding Into You. If she had a better performance...

40

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GIANLUCA BEZZINA | Tomorrow Malta’s choice for 2013 is included at the cute quota of songs

06.

MALTA

presented in Eurovision. They've made the right choice, especially because of the good potential of presenting these songs, making all efforts to win the viewer at first sight and reach a place that guarantees passage to the final.

Tomorrow

is

cheerful,

has

simple lyrics and cute, catchy passages and rhythm. The music video exemplifies all that, but the live presentation needs to be revamped – Gianluca needs to improve his vocal performance and the backing vocals need to connect better with the dynamics of the song, to make it attractive to the viewers. Anyway, the classification is quite possible, mainly because the second semifinal is the easiest this year.

 WHAT'S HOT: The song can get a spotlight with a good presentation.  WHAT'S NOT: the live performance isn’t as good as the studio version and the simplicity of the song.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Kevin Borg, with Needing You, would also be a good choice to Malta – and even attract some votes from Sweden, where he won the local Idol version. may ' 1 3

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41

ELITSA & STOYAN | Samo Shampioni After the screechy perfor-

Both are pretty much alike, filled

on this year’s finale. It wouldn’t

mance of Sofi Marinova in last

with drums and electric beats –

be a surprise to have it once again

year’s Eurovision, Bulgaria re-

still, it may not catch the eurofans

out of the finals, though.

deemed itself with a 100% better

like it was back in 2007.

song than Love Unlimited. Samo

They’re on the second semi-

Shampioni’s lyrics are like old

final, the weakest – and on the

semifinal 2. The stage presence of

chants talking about bravery and

spot number 7, after Malta’s happy

Elitsa & Stoyan is amazing.

glory. Looks like a sequel of Voda,

song and before Iceland, which

their first entry back in Helsinki

is good – even though this song

2007. Unfortunately, the song

is not among the favourites, it is

that Voda had back in 2007 and it

doesn’t have the same appeal.

quite likely that Bulgaria may be

can rattle their chances of finale.

07.

BULGARIA

42

 WHAT'S HOT: Original song and

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may'13

very different from all songs from

 WHAT'S NOT: Samo Shampioni doesn’t have the same charisma

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Although Kismet was the original winner of the national final, this time we gotta say that Samo Shampioni indeed was the best choice. But you can take a look and see if you prefer Kismet!

Eythor Ingi | Ég Á Líf Ég Á Líf is filled with traps. When you listen to it for the first time, sounds like a quite good song, like a classic. But each time you listen to it, you realize there are a lot of failures in it.

The melody is weak, and it comes out of rhythm due to a mistake in the song’s editing, and Eythor’s voice sounds gorgeous, but he is hiding another trick:

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Birgitta Haukdal’s Medal Andanna would be a stronger ballad with a great name representing the country, since it would be her comeback to Eurovision ten years later.

08.

ICELAND

he can’t raise or descend his tone, or else he’ll get unturned and lose his elegance, as you can see in his live performances. The song’s lyrics are simple, but in its original language it doesn’t have rhymes and sounds very bad. Ég Á Líf means “I’m alive”, but it looks so dead! Plus, its videoclip looks like the commercial of an Android app called Paperland, which is not amusing at all. They should have invested their money on a sexy video instead.

 WHAT'S HOT: For a first listen (a.k.a. "which is most of the Eurovision votes come from"), it sounds amazing!

 WHAT'S NOT: It doesn’t appeal to the young audience of the contest, and can play the role of “the bathroom-break song”.

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43

KOZA MOSTRA & AGATHON IAKOVIDIS | Alcohol Is Free Repeating well-succeeded ideas

chances of going to the final. They've

isn't the best path one can take on

Even so, that is the Greek intention

never failed qualifying from a semi-

Eurovision. Going for frikis after

with this entry: taking the Buranovs-

final before (even though, this year,

Lordi's victory was an awful deci-

kiye Babushki's flow and sending an

they would deserve).

sion for many countries – Kreisiraa-

older artist to Eurovision. The problem

If, in 2012, people were com-

dio, Rodolfo Chikilicuatre, Pirates of

with that? You can't just copy a pro-

plaining Aphrodisiac sounded re-

the Sea, Dustin the Turkey and Gip-

posal from a previous year if your song

petitive; this year, it changed too

sy.cz are clear examples of it. It only

can't support your choice. And Alcohol

much. And for worse.

worked with Verka Serduchka, and

Is Free doesn't: it's not that good.

it did because the song was good

09.

GREECE

44

(and had a bit of block voting, too).

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 WHAT'S HOT: They're Greece.

Qualities aside, Greece has good  WHAT'S NOT: All the rest.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: With a very nationalistic feeling, Hilies Kai Mia Nihtes had much more to offer, and could bring a better result for the Greeks this year.

MORAN MAZOR | Rak Bishvilo Israel has a history of success in the Eurovision Song Contest and won it on three occasions: 1978,

10.

ISRAEL

with Alphabeta & Izhar Cohen - ABa-Ni-Bi; 1979 with Gali Atari & Milk and Honey - Hallelujah; and in 1998, with Dana International - Diva. Last year, Israel missed out on the finals – so the broadcaster IBA has chosen to retake charge of Kdam 2013, which had Moran Mazor as winner, with the intense Rak Bishvilo.

Moran Mazor was born in Holon, Israel, in May 17th, 1991. She started to study piano when she was a kid, and later devoted herself to the Israeli Air Forces. Through the music show Eyal Golan Calls You, Moran had her talent recognized nationally. Mazor has a remarkable feature: never steps on stage without her big glasses, which are now her trademark.

Rak Bishvilo was the song chosen by Moran Mazor to do well in the Eurovision. It combines all the ingredients of a blockbuster: beautiful voice, lyrics overflowing romanticism and a dramatic musical arrangement, with a rich variety of instruments. Sounds good? Yes!

 WHAT'S HOT: Moran’s voice works beautifully!  WHAT'S NOT: The song doesn’t cause impact at the first listen.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Kathleen Reiter withdrew from the competition right before the final stage, but her ballad Ad Elay was a beautiful and heartfelt mix of Hebrew and French. may ' 1 3

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45

11.

ARMENIA

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Let’s face it, Armenia: none of the four songs presented was good enough to Eurovision.

But No Time, with a new arrangement, could give the Armenians a better performance.

DORIANS | Lonely Planet So they are back! After last

back vocalists to the Apricot

can’t put your finger on, but that

year’s withdraw, Armenia came

muse, Eva Rivas, in 2010. The

you just know is not there. The

back to Eurovision. And they are

rest of the musicians are the ones

Armenian entry does not stands

coming with a cliché: the engaged

who usually play for Gor, who

out between the other songs.

song. Let’s face it: every year we

was first internally selected to

They won’t be missed on the big

have at least one song talking

represent Armenia.

show in May 18th in case they stay

about saving the world, the environment… This is Lonely Planet.

46

Going back to Lonely Planet, it does have a pleasant melody and

The artist is Dorians, a band

a chorus. And that’s it. What is

whose singer, Gor, is not new to

missing here is that called X-fac-

Eurovision. He was one of the

tor, that one single thing that you

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in the semifinal.

 WHAT'S HOT: peace anthem songs usually are well voted.

 WHAT'S NOT: Lonely Planet does not stand out in any way.

BYEALEX | Kedvesem Kedvesem means “sweetheart”.

actly the same through the three

on a good position in semifinal; he’ll

It means that we’re talking about a

minutes. And it’s a remix version of

be performing before the hot favou-

love song… A minimalistic one, with

the original one – can you imagine if

rite Norway and have powerballads

a guitar base and nothing else. Also,

it wasn’t? It’s like love without pas-

to compete with him (like Israel and

it looks like a lullaby, with simple

sion. Everything gets worse when

Georgia).

lyrics filled with “sugar” in it. Does

you sing in Hungarian for an audi-

this work on Eurovision, at least?

ence from so many countries. At

 WHAT'S HOT: the song production is ok, and it has the “cute” factor.

 WHAT'S NOT: Love sung in hun-

Everything says that it doesn’t,

least, the Hungarian delegation is

mostly when the song can’t catch

working hard on social networks

us at the first listen. It needs a

and media, where we can find lots

rangement of the song needs a

strong push, because it sounds ex-

of Kedvesem covers. ByeAlex is not

major revamp.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN:

garian may not work and the ar-

12.

HUNGARY

Hungary is rediscovering Eurovision – that shows on the Hungarian national selection show, which is gathering more famous artists from their musical scene every year.

In 2013, Veca Janicsák brought an interesting mix of pop, electro and folk styles in Új Generáció, a song that was very well performed on stage. may ' 1 3

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47

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Another edgy entry from Norway would be Datarock’s The Underground. But, if you wanna go with a contemporary pop song, listen to Awake, from Gaute Ormåsen. Amazing ones!

13.

NORWAY MARGARET BERGER | I Feed You My Love This year’s Norwegian entry is a

year’s musical scenario: a symbolic

song that really “feed” our imagina-

and emotional metamorphosis af-

HOT: Margaret is ready  WHAT'S and has a great delegation with

tion, with a melody that reminds of

ter a psychological trauma – we

her. Jury and public accepted nor-

gloomy things, the unknown. The

have another two songs talking

wegian’s entry very well, being

synthesizers were picked to shake

about this, but Norway jumps

among the hot favourites to win.

our feelings, makes us feel a little

ahead because of this song’s quali-

uncomfortable, a little afraid of

ty. Margaret’s vocal skills are amaz-

something that we still don’t know.

ing. She proves her hidden abilities

what you saw on MGP is what you’ll

Its lyrics says of something

when sings live, being way better

get in Malmö. But, in Ms. Berger’s

than its studio version.

case, this is not a bad thing, right?

overly explored through these 48

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 WHAT'S NOT: Her performance will

not be changed for Eurovision –

Adrian Lulgjuraj & Bledar Sejko | Identitet When Identitet won Festivali i

once, show new genres and the

You My Love, one of the favourites

Këngës, I had my doubts about the

rock scene of the country. The final

of the year.

song. With lots of beautiful entries

version has improved what makes

sung by amazing voices like Ke-

the song memorable: the drums

jsi Tola and Anjeza Shahini, this

from the beginning and the violins.

old-fashioned rock song was quite

The whole problem is that old-fash-

contested. But when the final ver-

ioned rock songs, sung in national

sion of it was released… I changed

language are not well accepted by

vourites of the year. 80’s rock sung

my mind, completely. It was good

eurofans. Albania’s position is not

in national language is not accepted

for Albania to come out of the box

good; they’re after Norway’s I Feed

between traditional eurofans.

 WHAT'S HOT: Identitet’s final version improved what makes it great, and the artists are very experienced.

 WHAT'S NOT:

Albania’s position

is bad, right after one of the hot fa-

14.

ALBANIA ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: There were a lot of great singers, like Anjeza Shahini, Flaka Krelani, Kejsi Tola and Marsela Cibukaj. But Hersi Matmuja, with Kush Ta Dha Ketë Emër was an amazing song and performance that would make the Albanian people proud. may ' 1 3

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Nodi Tatishvili & Sophie Gelovani | Waterfall In 2013, Georgia will send a duo to Malmö, willing to overcome the failure of 2012 and return to the final. The good vocal quality of Nodi and Sophie is enhanced by the formula of an in love couple singing all their passion, surrounded by a sea, or rather, a waterfall of romanticism that will be present at the stage and certainly will conquer much of the European viewers.

But many people are criticizing the excess of romance in the lyrics and melody.

Waterfall has all the features we can expect from a song that speaks of love in the most visceral way: a couple in love, romantic lyrics and a melody with epic tones...

All this to illustrate an unconditional love that involves passionately as if they were one, and makes them travel to a world of dreams that flows into a waterfall of love and passion.

 WHAT'S HOT: Nodi’s and Sophie’s

vocal performances and the promising performance.

 WHAT'S NOT: this formula recently won the contest.

15.

GEORGIA

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ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Although Takasa was the best choice from this national final, another good tryout would be The Point Of No Return by Melissa. Electropop of quality!

16.

SWITZERLAND

TAKASA | You And Me First thing about Takasa: the

makes all the difference, since it’s

mania – it can bring them a lot of

oldest man ever to step in Eurovi-

the best weapon that Switzerland

votes to take Switzerland to finals

sion stage, with 95 years old is the

has in hands.

again, who knows?

grandpa-like man playing cello. That

You And Me is an OK entry, very

is so amazing, I want to give him a

common in Eurovision, but still it’s a

hug! This band has an interesting

good production. Their position in

formation, a good stage presence,

semifinal 2 is very favourable, since

they’re very capable on live perfor-

they’re between the Georgian bal-

mances and they’re charismatic – it

lad and the horror show from Ro-

 WHAT'S HOT: the band’s charisma

– the old man from cello is so cute! – and its position in semifinal is good.

 WHAT'S NOT: this type of song is

quite ordinary in Eurovision and Switzerland can’t count with block voters. may ' 1 3

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17.

ROMANIA CEZAR | It's My Life Cezar has an impressive background with music. He studied in the prestigious Giuseppe Verdi Music Academy, and worked with many famous conductors and some well-known names of contemporary music, such as Andrea Bocelli and Vangelis.

What is unexplainable is selecting such an experienced artist, with enormous potential, and making him perform a song like It's My Life. The song is much below what a classical singer can do. Eurovision itself has seen many other songs which applied this kind of voice better, such as Cvet Z Juga and Sognu, for instance.

History

shows

many

artists with out-of-usual voices who were extremely well pointed by the jury and the audience. But, for that to happen, the song has to convince the voters.

And Romania is far from achieving that in 2013.

This edition, many people are wondering why Valentina Monetta has gone to Baku which such an awful song as The Social Network Song, if she could do something as cool as Crisalide. Cezar's case is similar. But he'll probably not get a second chance.

 WHAT'S HOT: Cezar's experience.  WHAT'S NOT: The song.

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ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: It wasn’t for lack of options: Romanian NF offered the pop Paralyzed and the pop/rocks Criminal Mind and Run Away With Me as much less creepy possibilities than Cezar’s.

totally

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN is our new mixtape !

What if our National Finals tips were chosen to represent their countries?

You can check that out for yourself in our new Also Worth The Listen mixtape.

Click here and enjoy!

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final

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xx. FRANCE xx. GERMANY xx. italy

May 18 | 21:00 CET th

xx. SPAIN xx. UNITED KINGDOM 16. SWEDEN

+10 countries qualified from the 1st semifinal +10 countries qualified from the 2nd semifinal

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xx.

FRANCE

AMANDINE BOURGEOIS | L'enfer Et Moi France won the festival in five opportunities, among them, Frida Boccara – Un Jour, Un Enfant (1969) and Marie Myriam – L'oiseau Et L'enfant (1977). In 2013, Amandine Bourgeois attempts to exalt weakened and faded French charm with the provocative L'enfer Et Moi. Amandine Bourgeois was born on June 12, 1979, in Angoulême, France. Famous in the French music scene, Bourgeois was the winner of the French version of Pop Idol TV show. Her biography can be discrete as a Chanel little black dress, but the quality of her work earned an invitation to represent the French people at Eurovision in 2013.

L'enfer Et Moi is a different work of the last sent by France to Eurovision, incidentally, that has been a hallmark of the French campaigns, exploring various musical styles.

Amandine's voice shows security and control of the situation, essential qualities to deliver a song which concerns a revenging woman, finding a way to disturb the life of the one who made her cry.

HOT: Amandines’ voice  WHAT'S promises call the shots!  WHAT'S NOT: France’s bad moment in the festival.

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CASCADA | Glorious This year’s national final was

XX. GERMANY

a tough competition. There was a good amount of songs, just as good as Glorious. But Natalie Horler and her amazing voice brought a new level to it and took the golden ticket to Malmö. It’s a song that grows during its performance, just like all Cascada’s songs. It starts slow but it goes on and on until the chorus, where you get captured by its contagious rhythm!

You know that eurofans love dance entries, and Germany made a wise choice bringing dancefloor experts to Eurovision. Does someone have any doubts that Glorious will set fire in Malmö Arena? It seems that is perfect but it’s not. Although Germany’s entry has a big fanbase, it is not jury-friendly, since it’s not as hipster as Euphoria was – it’s a total mainstream floorfiller tune. We don’t know if in May 18th the German night will be as glorious as the song...

 WHAT'S HOT: The band is known all over the world by its dance tunes and Natalie’s voice is very good.

 WHAT'S NOT: Glorious is so mainstream that it can move away all jury’s votes.

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: The Righteous Ones, by Ben Ivory, would be a creative choice – can you think about mixing Patrick Wolf with David Lindgren?

Ben Ivory it is!

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xx.

Italy

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: Annalisa sung an interesting and charismatic mix of retro and modern sounds in Scintille, a song that reminds a bit of two Ninas – from Serbia 2011 and from Italy 2012, but with an extra dosis of charm.

MARCO MENGONI | L'essenziale Italy is like the founder of the ESC

and reached a respectable second

main asset of this song. Some other

– that's because the Festival di San-

place then. Now, it's time for Marco

rivals are also strong, but only RAI

remo sparked up the idea of breaking

Mengoni to play the cards: the singer

dares to ignore the eurosong pattern

barriers in EBU, making a continental

brings a typical italian ballad, with the

that was established in ESC and keep

Sanremo to test the European broad-

very essential elements that make it

showing their own thing. Luckily.

casters' capacity of showing the same

recognizable. It sounds classical and

TV event live, something that never

atemporal – if it wasn't an Italian song,

happened before at that time, in 1951.

it would sound completely outdated

Maybe that's why Europe loves

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and out of place.

Italy so much in Eurovision. The coun-

The interpretation is very heart-

try ended a big hiatus two years ago,

felt, intense and theatrical – here's the

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 WHAT'S HOT: Italy is back like Europeans wanted it to. And with an outstanding singer

 WHAT'S NOT:

many countries

this year will share the voting quota for the ballads

ESDM | Contigo Hasta El Final (With You Until The End) For the second year in a row, TVE

Contigo Hasta El Final is a liv-

eyes and tell her story to everybody.

decided to choose an established

ing proof of the benefits a good ar-

This will not be the song that

artist. This time ESDM will repre-

rangement. The new version trans-

takes the title back to Spain, but

sent Spain. They started their mu-

forms the “end of the album” song

it is one more step. If they keep

sical journey in 2002 when Raquel

into a hit single. Raquel’s voice fits

trusting good artists, we might

and David started a band. In 2004,

better, the guitar is more vibrant

see the red and yellow flag shin-

after Juan Luís incorporation, they

and the bagpipe don’t sound like a

ing again.

had their breakout. Since then, they

stranger anymore. There is a lesson,

have been one of the biggest names

though, that the band should learn

in Spanish’s music scenario, mixing

to Eurovision: connection with the

traditional Celtic and pop sounds.

cameras. Raquel has to open her

ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN: The right choice to Spain was made. However, there was also another song worth listening: Atrévete. The band mixes their celtic-pop sound with a country vibe.

 WHAT'S HOT: The official video vibe would look great in Malmö.

 WHAT'S NOT: ESDM needs to prepare to Eurovision as a TV show.

XX. SPAIN

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xx.

United Kingdom BONNIE TYLER | Believe In Me The recent years have shown that, on Eurovision, it's better to focus on music than on the name of the artist. That's why the United Kingdom has seen Blue reaching only an average result and Engelbert Humperdinck being a flop, while Jade Ewen got a top five: even though her entry had Andrew Lloyd Webber, it was its qualities which granted UK the points, not Webber's name.

This year, BBC is trying to find a middle-term. Yes, they kept the big-name option, with Bonnie Tyler, but they tried to invest in a better song. And, for that, Desmond Child was the answer. He is a very influential composer, responsible for many worldwide hits, such as Kiss's I Was Made For Lovin' You, Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer and Misunderstood, Aerosmith's Crazy, Ricky Martin's Livin' La Vida Loca, among many others.

The song is, indeed, better than the previous ones. But it still seems like just an upgrade from Engelbert, leaving the feeling that it could be even better.

ď ƒ WHAT'S HOT: Known artist. Hugely experienced composer.

NOT: Song can sound a ď „ WHAT'S bit outdated.

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ALSO WORTH THE LISTEN:

Photos: ARTISTS BY EUROVISION.TV, BACKGROUNDS BY fLICKR

We got surprised that David Lindgren, with his amazingly eyecatching performance of Skyline didn’t feature on Melodifestivalen’s top 5. What a shame, Sweden!

16.

SWEDEN

ROBIN STJERNBERG | You Who would say that he’d go

Robin wasn’t the swedes favou-

about You is the performance – it

all this way huh? Everyone was

rite, he was mainly voted by the

is not as strong as the song de-

betting on other names like YO-

international jury – leaving YOHIO

mands to be.

HIO or Ulrik Munther, but Robin

in second place – but Sweden has

surprised us all. You grows a lot

a good singer in hands, he’s great

when you listen to it a couple of

live and his song is being very

jury friendly. He’s a candy in the

times. It’s a great production like

well accepted through all over

eyes and girls can vote a lot for him.

all Swedish music, with lyrics

Europe. It’s very likely that Swe-

that would make Fredrik Kempe

den will battle for another top 5

proud, since its chorus is just as

in her own home, what confirms

But we can’t see any bad thing

catchy as Popular. It’s true that

its favoritism. The only problem

about the song itself.

 WHAT'S

HOT: Robin’s voice is

amazing live; the song is catchy and

 WHAT'S NOT: The performance

is not 100% good for the song.

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M issing , but not forgotten Always part of the Eurovision history, these three nations decided not to participate in the 58th edition of the Europe's biggest song contest. We'll guide you through a little piece of history about Bosnia Herzegovina, Portugal and Turkey.

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ALL Photos: INTERNET RESOURCES

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA Local scenario

Ups and downs

War, poverty and suffering. These words have been

Debuting as an independent nation in 1993, Bosnia

defining this quite new nation. From ruins and debris

Herzegovina would be completing 20 years of partici-

rise the people’s hopes for a better, safer future, free

pation now. For five times the country achieved a top 10

from the fear of invasion and extortion.

placing. A special mention is given to the band Regina,

Culturally speaking, the Slavic blood keeps running in the veins of their folk music. Essential local classics

who participated in 2009 with an emotional and meaningful statement in the song Bistra Voda.

will include the sounds of bagpipes, violins, and the very distinguished chords of the sargija. There is a

Why’d you leave us?

unique music style that is considered among Bosnians

Bosnian broadcaster BHRT announced in December

their own and tradicional, named Sevdalinka. Distin-

that, because of financial and budgetary pressures, and

guishly a “Bosnian” music genre, sevdalinkas are very

an ongoing recession in the country, it wouldn't be pos-

melancholic ballads, a mixture between Turkish and

sible to attend this year.

Slavic instuments, most appreciated by local muslims.

In the new days, the production of popular music

Will you come back?

of Bosnia Herzegovina is mainly based in their capital

It’s not certain, but probably not so soon. Unless any

Sarajevo, and Banja Luka. Varying from rock to soft

major changes in Europe’s financial breakdown occur,

ballads, the folk music of their roots always seem to

Bosnia Herzegovina’s delicate situation is unable to

show up in the background, making their music scene,

change by itself. Rebuilding a financial structure from

although still quite shy, one of the most exquisite in

the ground during a major continental crisis gives no

the continent.

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PORTUGAL Local scenario A country that has more than nine centuries can’t say that doesn’t have any culture to show. Portugal’s history is filled with lots of discoveries around the globe, colonies (like Brazil and Mozambique were), local battles with Spanish colonizers, and with one of the most important Christian Capitols of the world, located in Fátima.

Portugal’s most important music genre is fado.

Originated in 1830, in the harbor districts of Lisbon as Alfama and Bairro Alto, it is a song made by a fadista (the singer of Fado), with instrumentals played by a classic acoustic guitar (called viola) and a Portuguese guitar – some fados even have some banjo in them.

Their lyrics are mostly about missing someone or love disillusions. Fado reached the status of Patrimony of Mankind, given by UNESCO, back in 2012. Nowadays, there are lots of new artists that use fado mixed with electronic or rock music, being still a big influence in Portuguese music scenario.

Ups and downs Hands down, Portugal is the most unlucky country of Eurovision history. Never won a single edition, after 46 appearances. Quite disappointing for a country that has so much good music in its veins. Their best result ever was a 6th place in 1996, with Lucia Moniz and her Meu Coração Não Tem Cor. Last year, they brought a fado mixed with some Balkan tunes, sung by Filipa Sousa, who didn’t qualify to the finals.

Why’d you leave us?

This year, they gave up due to the economic crisis and rumours of the privatization plans of RTP. Last year, one of our editors, Fefe, went to Lisbon and she lived a strike there. The situation is not easy for our fellow "patrícios"!

Will you come back?

Some Eurovision websites state that RTP executives work on the country’s return for 2014. It is being said as well that the 2013 final might be broadcasted by RTP in May 18th.

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TURKEY Local scenario The vibrant and unique music of Turkey reflects their historical and cultural background. Influences of Greek, Arabian, Armenian, Balkan, Gypsy and Persian sounds provide the exotic local style, filled with arabesque and classical instruments.

Today’s pop music of Turkey, a very balanced mix between folk and europop, is the result of the efforts of one single woman: her name is Sezen Aksu. She is responsible for bringing the western and overseas pop style to Turkey by penning and producing most of the pop songs of the country in the 1990’s, and handling the contracts and booking of the Turkish first pop stars, such as Sertab Erener and the worldwide famous “Turkish prince” Tarkan.

Ups and downs

Why’d you leave us?

Turkey surely started with the downs. Beginning in

TRT, the Turkish broadcaster, issued a press release

1975 with a last place, Turkey was always left behind on

in December confirming that Turkey was withdrawing

the scoreboard, actually, they only managed to achieve a

from the contest, and claiming that TRT's executives

top 10 one time. But that was until 1997, when televot-

were unhappy some of the basic rules, more specifical-

ing came. That same year, Turkey finished in 3rd place,

ly: the jury/televote split, and the Big 5 automatic quali-

and from that year on, good times were coming for them.

fication to the finals.

The last decennium started with a bang. In 2003

The Turks diaspora is nothing new to any european,

Sertab Erener brought home their first victory, on a very

and claiming that an "all-televote" system would be the

tight scoreboard. The rest on the decennium brought

fairest could surely be considered a guilty confession.

many top 10 placings to the country, including memorable performances such as maNga and Hadise.

By claiming that the Big 5 countries are gaining unfair advantage and should compete in the semifinals, TRT is also shooting their own foot. Why? Because it's not believable that TRT would be able to afford half the contest, every year, or even a quarter of it.

Most people forget that, but the Big 5 countries alone pay for more than half of the contest. How would you feel if you paid for 50% of a pool party, and people who bought just a couple of beers blocked you from getting in?

Will you come back?

TRT’s decision is most likely a one-time event. The same executives that decided Turkey wouldn't participate also said that they will be changing aspects of



their next participations.

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POI N T S OF V I E W

 what ' s yours ?

It ’s all be cause of

You,

international jury Sweden has chosen YOHIO. SVT has chosen Robin.

about this year’s Melodifestivalen results.

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ALL PhotoS: INTERNET RESOURCES

Twelve’s editors share their opinions

Melodifestivalen 2013 has brought one very historical moment: the first time an Andra Chansen qualifier gets the Golden ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest. The lucky one was the young singer Robin Stjernberg, with the song You. Melodifestivalen’s votes from the international jury gave Robin the highest score, leaving the decision to the televoters. Swedish voters’ favourite was YOHIO, with Heartbreak Hotel, but their votes weren’t enough: even so, he ended behind Robin by only 33 points (and it was so unbelievable that even Stjernberg didn’t believe at all!).

If it was only based on televote, YOHIO would be the Swedish representative in Malmö, leaving Robin in the second place.

Following these events, Twelve’s editors Fernanda Barreto, Matheus Gomes, Leonardo Vaz and Filipe Lima will share their opinions about it. Points of view based on their opinion (and some info from the past).

So, let’s see which side will you pick: Robin’s or YOHIO’s?

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International Jury?

#HellYeah!

Fernanda Barreto:

LEONARDO VAZ:

THE Swedish way to avoid a Heartbreak

Learn to let go and find the right balance

My thoughts about Melodifestivalen’s results

The voting system in Eurovision and related events,

are simple: if Sweden wants the opinion of an inter-

such as national selection processes, has always been

national jury, they’re only anticipating which song

a controversial point – for broadcasters (willing to bring

EUROPE wants to see representing Sweden. After lots

more viewers and votes' income), for the artists (that may

of years flopping on Eurovision (2007 until 2010, and it’s

have lots of strategical reasons for joining or not the com-

too much for a beloved flag like Sweden!), they’re using

petition), and for the fans and press (that tend to analyze

this rule to think ahead of other countries!

the facts in a more idyllic way).

See 2010 as a great example of listening the audi-

Melodifestivalen is a place where many different vot-

ence abroad – Salem Al Fakir’s Keep on Walking won the

ing methods are being tested, in spite of bringing Swe-

international jury votes – but televoters wanted Anna

den the best result possible at the Eurovision battlefield.

Bergendahl.

Lately, I think that an international jury panel has proven

The international jury works in Melodi, since Eric

to be an efficient formula – Loreen's victory and Anna Ber-

Saade’s Popular went 3rd and Loreen’s Euphoria won

gendahl's failure are the main reasons why. Eurovision is

the contest last year – both won the international jury

all about universal and instantaneously catchy songs and

votes before they were elected by televoters.

performances, and having only the people of your coun-

In 2013, I agree that Robin was a very wise choice – You is a catchy pop song with easy lyrics. Also, his voice

68

try choosing the most competitive song for a continental music war may narrow down the choice scope too much.

is amazing live, and he is so cute! On the other half, the

This year, the international jury guided the Swedish

heartbreak boy would not be well received by eurofans

choice in a safer way: YOHIO was much more about the

that are not used to his Kei looks. YOHIO could flop even

shocking visual value than the music itself, and Robin

with a good song – I can’t imagine Azerbaijan, Georgia

was the opposite, betting on his vocal performance and

and other eastern countries voting for Heartbreak Ho-

the well constructed song to make it all work. Not always

tel, since they are not that open-minded… It would be

there's an unanimous choice – but there will always be

unfair to him, because he rocks. Still, I’m Team Robin!

the more balanced.

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International Jury?

#NoWay! FILIPE LIMA:

MATHEUS GOMES:

It’s not about who is on stage, but who chose

LET EUROPE DECIDE – BUT ONLY IN EUROVISION

Eurovision is a musical game among countries. And

When Melodifestivalen 2013 started, we knew that

if each artist will represent a specific country, it’s its

its winner would have a big responsability on shoul-

population – and no one else – who should be respon-

ders, because to replace Loreen, at home, is a big deal!

sible for deciding the representative. Some people can

Some famous singers took part in the competition, as

argue SVT is “the player of the game”, therefore they

David Lindgren (with a great clubhit in his hands) and

can choose whatever rules they feel they should to

Sean Banan (with all that stupid trash), but the final

select their entry. And it’s even fair. But when Robin

race only had eyes for two newcomers: YOHIO and

enters the stage during the festival, it’ll show “Swe-

Robin Stjernberg. The first one not only has won his

den” on TV, not “SVT” or “Europe”. So, if it’s “Sweden”,

semifinal, but was the sweetheart of the Swedish au-

why was the Swedish choice ignored?

dience, being the hot favourite to win the competition.

I can’t say I am on YOHIO’s side of this argument. I

The other one came from the Second Chance round,

would say I’m on the Swedish side. Because I don’t re-

and his fate was to show his song and come back

ally care if it’s YOHIO, Robin, Ulrik, Lindgren... all these

home. But, SVT, insane as nobody else, decided to ask

songs were good, and any of them would please me if

the opinion of a dangerous group, called international

selected. What I think is that the National Finals – the

jury, and they ruined all the national final, choosing

name states clearly – are NATIONAL. It’s the moment

who Sweden didn't want! YOHIO won the televoting

in which the country, internally, chooses what they

because Sweden had faith in his work, but "Europe"

want to send. Europe’s moment to give an opinion is on

came and destroyed a dream. I know that Robin, for

Eurovision, not before.

some unexplainable reason, got the attention in the

Likely, Heartbreak Hotel would go much worse

show, but it didn't change the national feeling about

than You. But then, it’s Sweden’s problem: if they

YOHIO. The time to submit an entry for the interna-

would choose to send YOHIO, it would be their choice,

tional judgement is during Eurovision, not before it!

and they should deal with the consequences of it. It’s

It must be a Swedish decision and it should be YOHIO!

part of the game.

#HeartbreakResult

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Chronicles of a brazilian eurofan

What do I want from Malmö?

Written by Fernanda Barreto*

Hello, dear readers of Twelve!

I want her to be just as successful as Alexander Rybak

Well, the Eurovision fever is getting higher and high-

was. The competition is tough, I know!

er and I’m already pissing off my parents and neighbours

3. Inevitable things will happen in this year’s contest:

with all Eurovision 2013 songs on repeat! It’s completely

Russia, Serbia, Greece and Azerbaijan probably will be

normal for me to get ridiculously addicted and attached

in the finals. And between these four I mentioned, only

to Eurovision songs in April and May, when all fans are

Farid Mammadov’s Hold Me deserves it. Still, I hope I’ll be

getting ready to follow Europe’s favourite show.

wrong when the semifinals arrive.

Anyway… In this chronicle I’ll just bare myself. I’ll

4. Oh, how I wish that Portugal didn’t give up. If they

get straight into my emotions. Just share my thoughts

had sent Filipa Sousa’s Vida Minha this year and it was on

of what I want from Malmö. Five topics, simple results,

the second semifinal, she would get through the finals

with no complaining – I’m just wishing that everything

easily. How life’s unfair, huh?

will be alright.

1. So, when the host song performs, the audience al-

gro are in block votes but almost never reach the finals. In

ways makes the difference – they sing along, they make

2013, I want to see this changing. Because both songs are

the arena tremble and make their host artist shiver; at

incredibly good and far better than Serbia, which is the

least that’s what it looked like when Jelena Tomasevic

“dearest” country of the Balkans, that is always getting

stepped onto Belgrade’s stage back in 2008. It was re-

the highest scores. This year, it can’t happen.

markable for me. When Robin Stjernberg steps onto that

These were my small, but cozy thoughts of this year’s

arena, I just wish that he’ll make Sweden proud of him.

Eurovision. This year’s songs are like, some are incredible,

And show them that Europe was right picking him. You is

some others are just crappy and there are too many bland

my second favourite song of the year (it used to be Italy,

songs. I want to see a huge spectacle from Sweden, and I

but L’essenziale got me bored. But I still love you Marco

hope it will be just as amazing as Düsseldorf was, in pro-

Mengoni hahahaha). I hope my friends will not laugh at

duction, stage, postcards and everything.

me if I start to get emotional.

2. It looks like supporting Norway is now a tradition

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5. I still don’t understand how Slovenia and Montene-

See you in May 18th, then?

Kisses!

for me – see 2009 and 2012 as two great examples of it.

*Fernanda Barreto, 24 years old, is a hopeless

Their differences are that, 2009, Fairytale was almost a

eurofan that wants to feed her love for Robin

unanimity and 2012, Stay was a huge failure. Margaret

Stjernberg, but doesn’t want to put a knife

Berger’s song is my favourite of the year and of course,

against his back – only if its to rip off his clothes.

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Photo: EUROVISION.TV

She's got the favoritism on her tongue – once again Norway touches Fefe's heart may ' 1 3

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Friday Talks

The EBU versus EBU (Eurofans being unfair) Written by Filipe Lima* EBU decides to deny a song from taking part of

Let’s go for some facts. Block voting helps, but, with

Eurovision because of its political content. Years before,

rare exceptions (Dima Bilan’s victory had only one 12

they demanded the adaptation of another entry’s

coming from a non-neighbour), it’s not enough. Serbia

lyrics for the same reason: political content is not well-

won with the help of former-Yugoslav nations, but also

received. Does a band’s name express a political or

with 12s from Austria, Finland, Hungary and Switzerland.

religious idea? Change it! Even the harmless (and silly)

Another example: Bosnia and Lithuania are usually very

Facebook song generated a small censorship from the

helped by friendly pointing, but they don’t win.

contest’s organizers.

What happens after all of these decisions of EBU?

voting? Take the UK as an example: was the Eastern

An avalanche of critics from the eurofans. For the ones

Europeans’ preference for neighbors what made songs as

who complain, this is censorship – and censorship isn’t

Flying The Flag and Teenage Life go bad or the low quality

the best solution for things, right? But then...

of them? When they sent something better, like Jade Ewen,

Russia gets well voted with a bizarre song. Ukraine

they went well. Nothing could drown her quality.

qualifies with anything. Serbia, with almost anything.

The audience’s censorship has gone, in a few cases,

Azerbaijan wins and hosts the following year’s

even further. Some eurofans make campaigns for

Eurovision. What happens? Again, an avalanche of critics

boycotting artists who are pointed as anti-gay – even

from the eurofans. They affirm block voting destroys

when they have no concrete proof of the accusation.

Eurovision, and that good songs get totally drowned by

The first step to demand EBU to accept politics

countries which have more friendly neighbors around.

and religion is being OK with different points of view

About Azerbaijan, they complain of the human rights.

regarding these topics. And, while eurofans complain of

Some even say that an event which has a good amount

a country’s governments (even though some are really

of gay fans shouldn’t go to “such places”.

bad), or about block voting, they are doing the same as

So, when Eurovision wants to ban something

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And what song has really “got drowned” by block

EBU: censoring the different.

because of politics, they think it’s wrong. But when a

Eurofans are just helping this discussion to get even

country should be disregarded because they receive

more boring and more unnecessary than if they would

block voting, or when a host nation should be boycotted

just stay quiet.

because of political reasons, then censorship because of

*Filipe Lima, 27 years old, thinks everyone

politics is OK? More contradictory, impossible! Eurofans,

has the right to express their own opinions,

in average, have the horrible habit of criticizing an

even if he totally disagrees of them. And

argument and accepting the same one depending on if

he doesn’t see most of eurofans respecting

it’s good or bad for them.

that on each other.

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Photo:Photo: internet EUROVISION.TV resources

Takasa, formerly known as Heilsarmee (the German name of the Salvation's Army), faced the rage of some eurofans for having the name of an anti-gay organization may ' 1 3

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THOUGHT FOR SONG

No Eurovision to the Eurofan :( Written by Fernanda Cabrera*

It's like taking the candy away from the kid. The Eurofan anxiously awaits for that Saturday and then....

As you might imagine, I am an Eurofan. I not only LOVE

my phone because I didn't want to get the results. As if nobody knew Loreen would win.

Eurovision, but I also write about it. I also love many other

On the next May 18th, I will be travelling again. I'm go-

things, like soccer. And I can't see myself not watching a

ing to Rio to meet some of the best friends I've made on

Palmeiras' final championship match (even though this

my exchange programs. A party was scheduled to the fi-

hasn't been usual in the past few years, but this is another

nal day and I had already promised I was going. Now, I am

story). I also can't imagine following the National Finals, all

missing Eurovision for the third time in four years. And

the pre-Eurovision stuff, analyzing songs and rehearsals,

I won't be following it, since this year we really have no

wathching the semifinals and then not watching the final.

clue who is winning. That should be awkwardly exciting.

Right? Oh well... Not so fast. Since 2010, the only Eurovi-

Why am I using my space to talk about it? Besides be-

sion final I watched live was 2011. Yeap. It's true.

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mances via Twitter. When they were over, I shut down

ing a sad-funny story about a bad luck eurofan, it's be-

The first time it happened, I was living in the tiny city

cause I bet it happened to some of you guys too. Missing

of Gambrills, MD, USA. I was an Au Pair there, and watched

Eurovision. Isn't it frustrating? You wait for that one sin-

both semifinals in my notebook while watching baby Mad-

gle day the whole year, and then you can't be there. But

die. But the final happened to be on Memorial Day week-

then again, it gives an unique perspective of the festival,

end and I could not miss a rare chance of travelling. And I

about its grandiosity. Even knowing the results, you still

went to Boston. While eating on Quincy Market, I was able

get nervous about the voting when wathcing it. Even far

to get some wi-fi and watch Romania's performance. And

away, your head is still on that stage.

that was it. No Jimmy Jump, no Epic Sax Guy. Some hours

Last, but not least... We raise our glasses and thank for

later, my fellow writer here, Fefe, texted me saying Ger-

the internet, allowing us to watch Eurovision online as

many had won. It was far from being my favourite.

soon as we can put our hands in a computer!

Last year Eurovision happened to be on the same

*Fernanda Cabrera, 24 years old, is now used

day I had a mandatory speech to watch about the Dis-

to not watching Eurovision live and thinks

ney College Program (I've done it twice and it was amaz-

2014 will be another of those years, since she

ing!). I had friends that I hadn't seen for a while coming

will be days away from presenting her final

to S達o Paulo and I just couldn't miss the chance to meet

college essay. But she hopes that she doesn't

them. After the two hours long speech about every-

get the fourth year mark that soon and finally

thing I knew, we went to a bar and I followed the perfor-

sees Spain in the top 3.

TWE LVE

may' 13

Photo: jasleen_kaur/FLICKR

It takes some luck to win Eurovision.

And, sometimes, even to watch it.

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THE EUROVISIVE MEMES*

* You can find more Eurovisive memes in our Facebook page! facebook.com/ESC12points 76

TW E LVE

may' 13

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T W ELV E thank you for reading! www.issuu.com/twelvemagazine www.esc12points.com facebook.com/ESC12points twitter.com/ESC12points