BH
BillyH
Founding member
I'm not sure how I feel about Sweden's dominance this decade - it does get frustrating when a country constantly achieves high places for years (Ireland in the 90s, Azerbaijan in the late 00s/early 10s) but all their entries since 2011 have - for me - been genuinely brilliant, and being in Stockholm for the contest last year they're clearly hugely proud of their Eurovision history and committed to the contest. Even the pedestrian crossings were altered to play Euphoria and Heroes!
I Can't Go On would be another good winner, but if it is I can imagine a fair few countries starting to grumble.
I Can't Go On would be another good winner, but if it is I can imagine a fair few countries starting to grumble.
BH
BillyH
Founding member
Italy are by far the favourites, but look how massively ahead Russia were of everyone else this time last year!
Belgium have some early hype too, who've had an astonishing turn of fortune in recent years after spending most of the noughties failing to quality. Wouldn't mind them winning as that would be an easy journey to make from the UK for once.
Belgium have some early hype too, who've had an astonishing turn of fortune in recent years after spending most of the noughties failing to quality. Wouldn't mind them winning as that would be an easy journey to make from the UK for once.
AN
Russia last year was pretty much a copy of the previous winner though. If there's one thing that's true about Eurovision, it's that the winner tends to be fairly original (and therefore stands out against all the many copies of the previous year's winner) - Russia may have won with that song had Mans not won the year before.
Italy this year stand out amongst a sea of wailing female ballads.
Italy this year stand out amongst a sea of wailing female ballads.
DV
Russia ....
Seems Paddy O'Connell got wind of a possible withdrawal a few weeks ago, we'll see if they cross the line or not. Interesting that Bulgaria and San Marino still have to declare too.
Seems Paddy O'Connell got wind of a possible withdrawal a few weeks ago, we'll see if they cross the line or not. Interesting that Bulgaria and San Marino still have to declare too.
GO
Russia and San Marino both released their entries today. Valentina entering for a fourth time for SM.
Russia ....
Seems Paddy O'Connell got wind of a possible withdrawal a few weeks ago, we'll see if they cross the line or not. Interesting that Bulgaria and San Marino still have to declare too.
Seems Paddy O'Connell got wind of a possible withdrawal a few weeks ago, we'll see if they cross the line or not. Interesting that Bulgaria and San Marino still have to declare too.
Russia and San Marino both released their entries today. Valentina entering for a fourth time for SM.
DV
Apologies, The official website is a little bit car crash this year, and Bulgaria crossed the line this morning too.
JA
Russia is OUT.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39354775
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39354775
Quote:
Ukraine has barred Russia's Eurovision contestant because she performed in Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.
Julia Samoilova was banned from attending the event because of her "illegal" visit , the Ukrainian SBU security service said.
Samoilova, 27, has confirmed that she sang in Crimea in 2015. Ukraine is due to host Eurovision in Kiev, in May.
Julia Samoilova was banned from attending the event because of her "illegal" visit , the Ukrainian SBU security service said.
Samoilova, 27, has confirmed that she sang in Crimea in 2015. Ukraine is due to host Eurovision in Kiev, in May.