I know there's very few big name UK performers who'd touch the ESC with a barge pole, but that DID seem to be the main point most foreign people on the show last night made - we need a name, not a talent show reject.
I know we'll never manage anything like Melodifestivalen over here, but names we've heard of and a few more than six to choose from, would be a good start...
Now I don't know the Eurovision rule book back to front but from what I remember the excuse used when we had non-British singers representing us was that it was a song contest, and it was the song written by a Brit. So how are they getting away with Dionne Warrick, an American writing the song this time?
Now I don't know the Eurovision rule book back to front but from what I remember the excuse used when we had non-British singers representing us was that it was a song contest, and it was the song written by a Brit. So how are they getting away with Dionne Warrick, an American writing the song this time?
There are no restrictions on nationalities of either writers or performers. And it's Diane Warren.
Diane Warren is a hugely renowned songwriter, she's written some of Celine Dion's best songs... if she's on board with Sir Andrew that's a sure-fire good song.
Nice to see the twins rejected from X Factor are going through to the 'Final 6' to represent the best of this countries singing ability. Fantastic. Not.
Surely all ALW needs to do for this to be branded a success is get higher than a 'nil' after all the results are in?
Lets take a look at the other acts, the Twins are too childish to represent us, Europe would laugh at them both, if were supposed to take the contest seriously then I don't think they are the right people to represent us.
Mark is very good but IMO a woman singer appeals more and theres a lot more she could do especially with dance routines and outfits.
As for the song, I think its going to be too serious. When we heard a snippet of Diane and ALW composing last night, it sounds like its going to be a slow, dreary song. I think, if Jade wins, she should go in the Beyonce direction, which she could pull off. However I think the song in the end will be far too serious, slow and frankly boring. Eurovision in the last years has been a lot more pop music oriented with flashing lights and that certain 'pazaz' that you can't quite meet if you're singing a slow ballad.
I think the UK will probably fail again.
As for the look of the contest this year, the female presenter has already been announced. I'm looking forward to seeing the logo for the contest too, which we should see in a couple of weeks, maybe early March?
I don't think anything will beat the branding of Eurovision 2007, Helsinki. Lovely logo, graphics and stage design that year.
I think the song selection (and rules) is pretty much up to the country involved. I think the only caveat is that the song can't have been commercially released prior to entry into the contest.
Many countries have songs written by nationals, or performed by non-nationals. (Celine Dion was Canadian when she won, and at least one winner for Monaco - or was it Luxembourg ? - had never set foot in the country she was representing)
SVT HD (which is on both the Viasat and Canal Digital platforms) would be the place to look for the highest quality Melodifestivalen broadcast. If it is HD, then it will be HD, if it is SD 16:9 as previous years - then it will be a good quality upconvert on SVT HD rather than a reasonably heavily compressed SD broadcast on SVT1 SD (or SVT Europa)
SVT HD now seems to be pretty much a simulcast of SVT1 upconverted - and carrying HD versions of HD programmes - a bit like C4 HD (previously it ran more like BBC HD ISTR - with a barker channel during the non-peak time hours)
Female solo singers with backing singers/dancers have probably been more successful than solo performers of late. Looking at the last few years :
2008 - Dima Bilan (male soloist with oddball iceskating dancer)
2007 - Marija Šerifović (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
2006 - Lordi ("comedy" hard rock band)
2005 - Helena Paparizou (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
2004 - Ruslana (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
2003 - Sertab Erener (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
2002 - Marie N (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
2001 - Tanel Padar / Dave Benson / 2XL (two male singers with backing)
2000 - Olson Brothes (two male singers)
1999 - Charlotte Nilsson (female singer with backing singers/dancers)
1998 - Dana International (female singer with backing singers/dancers - don't think discussing gender of Dana International serves much point)
That is 7 out of the last 11 winners. Only one male singer has one in the same period, the other winners were groups/duos.
Historically - female performers do better than male in recent years.
That said - bad songs and bad singing still don't win. Similarly if you are a VERY popular performer in multiple territories (like Dima Bilan - who as won MTV awards in Russia/former Soviet countries) then you also have a real head start.
Also - performing (but not winning) in a previous year's contest is a good sign.
Dima Bilan won in 2008 and came second in 2006 - both for Russia.
Helena Paparizou won in 2005 but was the lead singer with Antique (2001) which came third in 2001 - both for Greece.
Carola also hasn't done too badly - she has entered the contest at least three times - 3rd in 1983, winning in 1991, and coming 5th in 2006 - all three times for Sweden.
Chiara has come 3rd (1998) and 2nd (2005) - representing Malta.