Eurovision Song Contest 2016

Mr.Nice Guy

Last year's thread was started around this time so I figured we might as well get the 2016 one up and running.

43 countries are competing this year. Ukraine are back after they sat out last year's one due to political reasons, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia also return. Oh, and the Aussies are back once again.

Albania have already chosen their entry for 2016. Behold:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X73o6aGdU6Y

My verdict: Sounds like with the strings they have tried to have elements akin to the Conchita song a few years back but I don't see this one making anywhere near as big of an impact. I'm not impressed with it.

Main reason I wanted to start the thread is that there's a lot of buzz today in the media that...wait for it...Nicky Byrne will be Ireland's choice for 2016. When asked about it he refused to confirm or deny it.

What do people make of this? Personally I think it's a poor idea. If he was bringing along the rest of his Westlife crew, particularly the few that can hold a note, then I could see him qualifying; but him on his own? Not liking this tbh.

Caprica

I don't think Nicky Byrne would get anywhere in Eurovision, not that we have done great in recent years. He probably was the worst singer in Westlife and the Lottery showing he did was cringeworthy. He does seem to be liked in RTE though (don't know why) so that could be enough to get him a ticket to Sweden.

Strazdas

Caprica wrote: »

I don't think Nicky Byrne would get anywhere in Eurovision, not that we have done great in recent years. He probably was the worst singer in Westlife and the Lottery showing he did was cringeworthy. He does seem to be liked in RTE though (don't know why) so that could be enough to get him a ticket to Sweden.

Rather controversial if true. You would have thought they would want to steer well clear of internally selecting an RTE employee for Eurovision, not to mention the fact he doesn't actually have a music career.

SarahBM

Well this year with no college assignments and no plans to be out of the country, I plan to either have a Eurovision party or play eurovision bingo by myself with a crate of beer watching Graham Norton on BBC with Twitter and the Daily Edge live blog open. Best laugh!
What date in may is it on?

oh and I will of course be following this thread which is always entertaining!

bpb101

Show on rte just ending now , got me looking for this years thread.

If they want to put nickie Byrne in it, it's the wrost year. No hope. Male singing on his own won last year. They don't want a carbon copy.

We really got to stop trying to put a remake of last years winner on.

Strazdas

bpb101 wrote: »

Show on rte just ending now , got me looking for this years thread.

If they want to put nickie Byrne in it, it's the wrost year. No hope. Male singing on his own won last year. They don't want a carbon copy.

We really got to stop trying to put a remake of last years winner on.

I think the Nicky Byrne thing may be bogus in fact. The press seemed vague enough on whether he actually was the entrant or not and I'd be very surprised if RTE would let the name of their entrant leak into the media and just leave it hanging there without confirming or denying anything.

bpb101

Strazdas wrote: »

I think the Nicky Byrne thing may be bogus in fact. The press seemed vague enough on whether he actually was the entrant or not and I'd be very surprised if RTE would let the name of their entrant leak into the media and just leave it hanging there without confirming or denying anything.

neither confirm nor deny is confirmed

Strazdas

bpb101 wrote: »

neither confirm nor deny is confirmed

Not in this case. Despite the headlines, the articles were really vague and one of them said Byrne hasn't even signed off on anything with RTE yet. If RTE were really internally selecting Byrne for Eurovision, they'd hardly let news of it leak into the media in a haphazard manner before they'd even signed a contract with him. Something doesn't add up here.

JP Liz V1

I think we could send U2 and still not qualify

Duggie2012

Nicky would have a lot of 'fans' accross europe from westlife so if true then maybe this is the thinking. Even if the song or his performance wasn't that good a lot of these people who went to their concerts might probably vote for him anyway. I'm thinking norway, sweden, finland and countries like these.

PeterTheEighth

It's just been confirmed that Nicky Byrne is the one representing Ireland this year. Just announced by RTE, giving the job to one of their own staff, with his own song. Nothing against Nicky Byrne, he seems like a nice guy, but it seems a bit unfair on anybody else who might have wanted to enter the thing?

Duggie2012

PeterTheEighth wrote: »

It's just been confirmed that Nicky Byrne is the one representing Ireland this year. Just announced by RTE, giving the job to one of their own staff, with his own song. Nothing against Nicky Byrne, he seems like a nice guy, but it seems a bit unfair on anybody else who might have wanted to enter the thing?

no its not unfair. why go through the process of having linda martin and the usual suspects every year on the late late going through crappy songs. Nicky is already a polished performer with westlife and more importantly he and RTE will be hoping those westlife fans esp accross scandinavia will vote for him. heard the song and its really good for eurovision. one of the guys who wrote all the hits for westlife co-wrote the song so its good to go.
song is here.

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=nicky_byrne_with_the_song_sunlight_for_ireland

Welsh Megaman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Pbnb7Y6AU

squonk

Can't listen to the song now but given what has been said, no doubt it's up to scratch however it's still unfair on any aspiring songwriters or artists who would like to step up to the Eurovision plate. Even the national song contest would give exposure to people like that. Then again, maybe in the modern world of social media exposure like the NSC isn't needed any more?

CFlat

I think Nicky Byrne is a good fit for the Eurovision after all he's been singing Eurovision songs all the time he was with Westlife. He looks well too and the fact that he's well known too around Europe cant do us any harm with the votes.

The Brits have sent over Englenbert Hump, Bonnie Tyler, Blue and we've sent over Brian Kennedy, Naomh Kavanagh so I can't see the problem with Nicky going and representing us.

I listened to it and its a standard fare Eurovision song us but no key modulation at the end could be calamitous!! Funny chord to end it on, seems like its hanging there but maybe that's the intention. Him and the song should at least get us into the finals.

Toto Wolfcastle

That's 100 million times better than last year's effort (wouldn't be difficult!) and we don't have to listen to a panel of Dana and Linda Martin giving out so it's all good in my eyes. I was never a Westlife fan but Nicky seems nice so I wish him well.

Mr E

Not a bad song. Good luck to him.

hmmm

Song is decent, like something that could come out of Sweden. Doesn't feel like a winner though, it's very forgettable.

Better effort than previous years however - I like also that they have put a bit of effort into a video, with the words included - the competition often seems to be decided on youtube these days.

Now we just need Linda Martin in a hamster cage with flames shooting out her arse in the background and we're set.

Dodge

squonk wrote: »

Can't listen to the song now but given what has been said, no doubt it's up to scratch however it's still unfair on any aspiring songwriters or artists who would like to step up to the Eurovision plate. Even the national song contest would give exposure to people like that. Then again, maybe in the modern world of social media exposure like the NSC isn't needed any more?

How has the exposure of recent years helped anyone?

Haven't listened to the song yet but no harm in getting a big of a high profile act in to help gt them into the final for a change

Seems a decent fella so good luck to him

Mysteriouschic

Nicky Byrne is a good choice to represent I like the song don't know if the song will come across cheesy on stage though depends on the arrangements on stage . Hoping they've got rid of those awful backing singers they send every year. But I wonder why Shane Filan wasn't chosen maybe he's not allowed. It's interesting RTE have gone down the BBC route choosing the song .

Duggie2012

Mysteriouschic wrote: »

Nicky Byrne is a good choice to represent I like the song don't know if the song will come across cheesy on stage though depends on the arrangements on stage . Hoping they've got rid of those awful backing singers they send every year. But I wonder why Shane Filan wasn't chosen maybe he's not allowed. It's interesting RTE have gone down the BBC route choosing the song .

i heard nicky on Ian Dempsey this morning and it sounded like they had someone doing the stage arrangements. think he said they had already come up with a few ideas. hopefully RTE will have as little as possible to do with it. sounds like Nicky is using people from his old westlife days to put this together.

Busi_Girl08

Duggie2012 wrote: »

i heard nicky on Ian Dempsey this morning and it sounded like they had someone doing the stage arrangements. think he said they had already come up with a few ideas. hopefully RTE will have as little as possible to do with it. sounds like Nicky is using people from his old westlife days to put this together.

If that's the case then I have more faith than I had this morning. The song is decent and Nicky/Westlife are (relatively) well known around Europe and have sold out a lot of gigs over the years.

How it will translate on stage will be the big question.

Duggie2012

well apparently Sweden was westlife's 3rd biggest market in europe at least. suppose after england/ireland. he said they played that arena before aswell.

Mysteriouschic

Duggie2012 wrote: »

i heard nicky on Ian Dempsey this morning and it sounded like they had someone doing the stage arrangements. think he said they had already come up with a few ideas. hopefully RTE will have as little as possible to do with it. sounds like Nicky is using people from his old westlife days to put this together.

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=nicky_byrne_with_the_song_sunlight_for_ireland

I was reading this on the the eurovision site Nicky has a good songwriter Wayne Hector he's worked with Westlife before also looking the other songs he's written on wikipedia he's written many top hits.

Interesting that the song was written 2 years ago
".@NickyByrne co-wrote #Sunlight two years ago with Wayne Hector and Ronan Hardiman "

gazzer

So RTE are sending over possibly one of the worst presenters of the Lottery show and a backing singer for Westlife to represent us in Sweden. All we need now is for Bertie to give the points from Ireland

MelanieC

It's not bad - certainly better than Albania's entry in the first post in my opinion - but it seems very similar in style to last year's winner when it's probably the turn of a ballad or simple acoustic song this year. We always seem to send the wrong song types at the wrong times! :-(

Welsh Megaman

Pretty decent song.

22catch

I haven't listened to the song, but the cronyism doesn't surprise me. Ireland is never going to win Eurovision again. Perhaps sending over Panti Bliss to sing My Lovely Horse would be more successful, that sort of thing seems to go over well at Eurovision. Anyways, I can't even watch the cringeworthy Irish presenters I much preferred Terry Wogan, and now his replacement Graham Norton. It's a bit of fun that too many people take far too seriously.

Atlantic Dawn

I suppose he who pays the piper calls the tune.

UsBus

Shane Filan and Mark Feehily must be wondering where they went wrong....The only two singers in West life and they end up bankrupt and running a burger van....
Then kian Egan and nicky without a note in their heads can do no wrong....

Say Your Number

In fairness the song that won last year wasn't all that great, it was just a handsome lad and a great stage show, I don't think this song is any worse than that, but presentation is important in this thing, I think it'll get through and end with a respectable mid table finish.

yerwanthere123

Thread's been started for almost a week and I didn't even know! :eek:

Anyway, just popping in to say that Nicky's song is, as predicted, sh*te. Haven't listened to Albania's in full yet but wasn't very impressed with what I heard, although it'll be getting a revamp of some form so I'll listen again then.

yerwanthere123

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

I think we could send U2 and still not qualify

22catch wrote: »

I haven't listened to the song, but the cronyism doesn't surprise me. Ireland is never going to win Eurovision again. Perhaps sending over Panti Bliss to sing My Lovely Horse would be more successful, that sort of thing seems to go over well at Eurovision. Anyways, I can't even watch the cringeworthy Irish presenters I much preferred Terry Wogan, and now his replacement Graham Norton. It's a bit of fun that too many people take far too seriously.

Same posts every year. And as I say every year, we'll win it again when we send a song worthy of winning.

CFlat wrote: »

I think Nicky Byrne is a good fit for the Eurovision after all he's been singing Eurovision songs all the time he was with Westlife. He looks well too and the fact that he's well known too around Europe cant do us any harm with the votes.

The Brits have sent over Englenbert Hump, Bonnie Tyler, Blue and we've sent over Brian Kennedy, Naomh Kavanagh so I can't see the problem with Nicky going and representing us.

I listened to it and its a standard fare Eurovision song us but no key modulation at the end could be calamitous!! Funny chord to end it on, seems like its hanging there but maybe that's the intention. Him and the song should at least get us into the finals.

And how did they get on? :pac:

Say Your Number wrote: »

In fairness the song that won last year wasn't all that great, it was just a handsome lad and a great stage show, I don't think this song is any worse than that, but presentation is important in this thing, I think it'll get through and end with a respectable mid table finish.

I didn't really like last year's winner and was disappointed it won, but it's infinitely better than the tripe we're sending this year.

Strazdas

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Thread's been started for almost a week and I didn't even know! :eek:

Anyway, just popping in to say that Nicky's song is, as predicted, sh*te. Haven't listened to Albania's in full yet but wasn't very impressed with what I heard, although it'll be getting a revamp of some form so I'll listen again then.

I don't think it's that bad. If it showed up as this year's Danish entry, nobody would bat an eyelid.

Mr.Nice Guy

I think it's absolutely crap. It couldn't be more bland if it tried. And there's also the problem that he can't sing. He's the Westlife equivalent of Boyzone's Mikey. If you're going to send one of them, send the one that can hold a note.

I feel the Scandinavian countries will put this to shame with much more polished efforts.

I can predict what will happen: he will qualify for the final, pick up about twenty points and we will hear Marty and the other insufferable RTE loyalists pronouncing that he had done Ireland proud.

*vomit*

MelanieC

When do all the entries have to be submitted by? The decision seems to have been made very early this year. Why is it we don't wait until the likes of Scandinavia have submitted theirs & see what we're up against before settling on our entry?

Dodge

MelanieC wrote: »

When do all the entries have to be submitted by? The decision seems to have been made very early this year. Why is it we don't wait until the likes of Scandinavia have submitted theirs & see what we're up against before settling on our entry?

Wouldn't the idea be to put the best song forward, regardless of opposition?

CFlat

I've listened to it a few times now and his vocal sounds good so assuming he can do live on stage what he's done in a studio you'd be hoping for a reasonable result. One would have to assume that he'll have a good presence on stage considering his experience.

I suppose it is a valid question why maybe Shane Filan wasn't asked but they probably would have had to pay him whereas Nicky is already on the payroll. i don't know. I agree with the poster that said at least we don't have to watch Louis, Lynda, Johnny and Marty talk bo**ox while a disinterested Tubridy looks on.

Anyway decision is made so I wish him the best.

MelanieC

Dodge wrote: »

Wouldn't the idea be to put the best song forward, regardless of opposition?

Yes obviously. But no harm in seeing what the vibe seems to be this year and sending the best,most fitting song. I'd be looking at any means of improving our chances at this stage. Do you think the strongest countries every year don't do their research first??

bpb101

lads, were wasting our time , it just last years entry expect ****e

Strazdas

MelanieC wrote: »

When do all the entries have to be submitted by? The decision seems to have been made very early this year. Why is it we don't wait until the likes of Scandinavia have submitted theirs & see what we're up against before settling on our entry?

The middle of March, Melanie. One advantage of it being revealed so early is that it gives Byrne the chance to promote the song around Europe and he said yesterday he intends doing so.

I'm a bit surprised at all the negativity here, the song isn't bad at all and is well produced.

DEFTLEFTHAND

Sorry but I don't like that song at all, bland generic pop that will go nowhere.

Could be looking at another year of not being in the final. That always ruins it for me.

On a side note I knew those Aussies would become a permanent fixture, eugh!
It was a nice idea having them as a once off special guest for the 50th anniversary last year but there was no need to go this far.

yerwanthere123

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

Sorry but I don't like that song at all, bland generic pop that will go nowhere.

Could be looking at another year of not being in the final. That always ruins it for me.

On a side note I knew those Aussies would become a permanent fixture, eugh!
It was a nice idea having them as a once off special guest for the 50th anniversary last year but there was no need to go this far.

I feel the same tbh. And I don't believe it's going to stop there, China have previously expressed an interest in it too, so I imagine they'll be invited along as a 'guest' some time in the next five years.

ebbsy

Last year there was some decent songs form Italy,Czech,Latvia,Belgium etc.

It is possible to do something decent.

This Irish entry is average and w'ont make the final.

Shurimgreat

To overcome the bloc voting you need a really great standout song. Even a good song from Western Europe won't get far.

We've no chance, again. At a certain stage we will need to ask, what is the point of entering?

yerwanthere123

Shurimgreat wrote: »

To overcome the bloc voting you need a really great standout song. Even a good song from Western Europe won't get far.

We've no chance, again. At a certain stage we will need to ask, what is the point of entering?

... do you actually watch Eurovision? :pac:

Kirby

Shurimgreat wrote: »

We've no chance, again. At a certain stage we will need to ask, what is the point of entering?

To be there and be part of it maybe? Our football team has no chance in the euros this summer with a group of Belgium, Italy and Sweden but we are there and part of it which makes the tournament a better watch.

I'm not a Eurovision fan by any means but the attitiude of "if we cant win, why bother?" is a terrible attitude to have.

Dodge

Shurimgreat wrote: »

To overcome the bloc voting you need a really great standout song. Even a good song from Western Europe won't get far.

We've no chance, again. At a certain stage we will need to ask, what is the point of entering?

The last 13 winners; Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Germany, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Finland, Greece, Ukraine, Turkey

What is this eastern-bloc stranglehold you speak of?

Shurimgreat

Dodge wrote: »

The last 13 winners; Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Germany, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Finland, Greece, Ukraine, Turkey

What is this eastern-bloc stranglehold you speak of?

All won by great songs. The clue is in the word. Great songs will do well, good songs will still struggle. Our entry this year might be good, but its not outstanding or great. In my view and others its bland enough. Its not in the outstanding, great, etc category, hence it will get nowhere. We will find out in due course.

By the way several of the countries you mentioned are in the scandanavian bloc. Turkey is not in western Europe.

By western Europe I mean Ireland, UK, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and a couple others.

Dodge

Good songs win, no matter where they're from. There is no added eastern bloc obstcle to overcome (as the last 13 years proves)

Strazdas

Shurimgreat wrote: »

To overcome the bloc voting you need a really great standout song. Even a good song from Western Europe won't get far.

We've no chance, again. At a certain stage we will need to ask, what is the point of entering?

Austria went from winning in 2014 to finishing last with 'nil points' in 2015. That tends to disprove the influence of bloc voting.