Eurovision Song Contest 2021

ACitizenErased · 24-02-2021 6:31pm

Germany's song has been leaked: https://vocaroo.com/1i3gY6F26OOo

Sounds like a JESC entry. or something San Marino would reject

24-02-2021 7:57pm

ACitizenErased wrote: »

Germany's song has been leaked: https://vocaroo.com/1i3gY6F26OOo

Sounds like a JESC entry. or something San Marino would reject

I....actually don't hate this.

It's a ridiculous song but also kind of an earworm; the kind of song you think is irritating but then find yourself humming shortly afterwards. Also looked at his Insta and he seems like he might have enough charisma to pull it off. Songs like this tend to crash if they're presented too earnestly; if it's staged well it will definitely stand out as something light-hearted and fun among other, more serious/downbeat entries.

I think the trumpets are a nice touch, definitely adds a bit more lift than if it was just 3 minutes of ukulele.

yerwanthere123 · 24-02-2021 8:27pm

Yeah I'm not getting the initial Germany hate either? To me it sounds like one of the better ones picked so far. It sounds pretty tinny above though, will wait until it's properly unveiled until I judge properly.

ACitizenErased · 25-02-2021 1:49pm

https://twitter.com/lesleyroyreal/status/1364918357821173761?s=21

yerwanthere123 · 25-02-2021 2:03pm

It'd be nice to be surprised with a decent song, but obviously I'll be keeping my expectations low.

ACitizenErased · 25-02-2021 2:05pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

It'd be nice to be surprised with a decent song, but obviously I'll be keeping my expectations low.

The guy who wrote “She Got Me” by Luca Hanni for Switzerland 2019 is writing this. I am hopeful.

LordBasil · 25-02-2021 3:20pm

I'm quite optimistic about Lesley's song;

Video shoot photos look stunning.- Very Taylor Swift 'Folklore'

Interesting & Successful Songwriters

Recently, Ireland does well in ESC when we send established acts who are in control of their staging & performance (e.g. Jedward, Ryan O'Shaughnessy) and it looks like Lesley has full control over everything and she seems really comfortable.

It will probably be more in her vocal range and be folky/rock rather than the bubblegum pop of her song last year.

'Maps' is an intriguing title

Come on Lesley, don't let us down. Dublin 2022 here we come!!!

yerwanthere123 · 25-02-2021 3:23pm

LordBasil wrote: »

I'm quite optimistic about Lesley's song;

Video shoot photos look stunning.- Very Taylor Swift 'Folklore'

Interesting & Successful Songwriters

Recently, Ireland does well in ESC when we send established acts who are in control of their staging & performance (e.g. Jedward, Ryan O'Shaughnessy) and it looks like Lesley has full control over everything and she seems really comfortable.

It will probably be more in her vocal range and be folky/rock rather than the bubblegum pop of her song last year.

'Maps' is an intriguing title

Come on Lesley, don't let us down. Dublin 2022 here we come!!!

Wonder what NPHET would say about Eurovision potentially coming to Dublin next year :pac:

LordBasil · 25-02-2021 3:33pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Wonder what NPHET would say about Eurovision potentially coming to Dublin next year :pac:

'May 2022; 'The Next 2 Weeks are Critical'

yerwanthere123 · 26-02-2021 5:04am

Forgot to comment on a couple of the songs. Czech Republic is grand, it just kinda plods along? Maybe a borderline qualifier.

I'm not really feeling Finland at all tbh, the overwhelmingly positive reaction has surprised me somewhat. Not my thing at all. Completely on my own with this but it's not a patch on Aksel's song, I absolutely loved Looking Back. As I said, completely on my own with that one :pac:

Cyprus is your bog standard Eurovision 'bop', as the kids call it these days. Seems like another attempt to recreate the success of Fuego. At best I can see this getting a Tamta type result, at worst a NQ.

Here's the video for Germany

It's not bad? A bit silly and twee, but not quite sure it deserves the flak it's gotten.

I can say with a lot of confidence that we definitely haven't heard the winner so far. In fact, Lithuania is the only one I can say for sure will likely be a top ten contender.

Not long now until we hear Lesley's song. I'm sure I'll awake in the morning to find out it's amazing and we've gone straight to the top of the bettings odds..... :pac:

gmisk · 26-02-2021 9:43am

Ok the Lesley Roy song..is...better than story of my life imo.
Nice melody, lovely build up, radio friendly.
Very decent...I am shocked.
Not sure who it reminds me of, maybe Demi Lovato?
Let's hope it's decent live!

Song and video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ZUBzqPxds

26-02-2021 10:43am

Yeah, that's quite good actually. If she can pull it off live we might well be back in the final.

gmisk · 26-02-2021 10:57am

The reaction online seems extremely positive!
Let's see if she can sing it live

LordBasil · 26-02-2021 12:17pm

I like it. I was expecting something slower with folky/rock influences but it's good.

Can she pull it off live is the big question. We'll see tonight on the Late Late.

If she can and the staging at ESC is good we might qualify.

Dempo1 · 26-02-2021 12:22pm

Just one Question

WHY?????!??

gmisk · 26-02-2021 12:30pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

Just one Question

WHY?????!??

Huh...why what?

ACitizenErased · 26-02-2021 1:06pm

Really like it, going down very well online

Strazdas · 26-02-2021 2:35pm

Very good effort from Lesley. There was always a risk she would return with something inferior, but Maps is a strong song and at least as good as SOML....fair play to her.

yerwanthere123 · 26-02-2021 2:42pm

Yay! A decent effort from Ireland. The drawback is that's it all a bit too 'nice', there's no real standout moment or any real staging potential imo. Still though, I think it's one of the better ones picked so far.

Nice to see Lil Sebastian make an appearance in the video too

Busi_Girl08 · 26-02-2021 5:10pm

I can see Maps getting a mini revamp before the semis with an acappella/drums only moment about 1 minute 55 in, losing the synthesised music in the background, building up to the big(ish) key change moment towards the end. Just imagining how epic that would have been with a packed stadium.

26-02-2021 10:53pm

Catchy tune.

Early Katy Perry vibes off it.

ACitizenErased · 27-02-2021 12:02am

I was hoping she'd actually sing the song on the late late show just now. Clearly lip-synced. A bit disappointed.

10000maniacs · 27-02-2021 3:46am

The Irish song is an autotune nightmare. I hope they switch off that device when she is singing live.

CruelSummer · 27-02-2021 8:57am

RTÉ should be stripped of their control over our Eurovision acts. Lesley Roy seems like a decent singer / songwriter.
The production last night of a few light sticks on the roof to a backing track and possibly miming some of it will put any future respectable artists off touching it with a barge pole in the future. I think virgin media should get a turn for the a year - think they’d do a better job.

Dempo1 · 27-02-2021 10:43am

10000maniacs wrote: »

The Irish song is an autotune nightmare. I hope they switch off that device when she is singing live.

It's appalling, she's actually extremely good normally and I'm taken aback at who thought the Brittany / Katie Perry auto tune sound was a good idea. Has the sound of a whining banshee, Even the bizzare video, filmed in the wicklow mountains was odd with zero creativity.

I asked early WHY, if this doesn't explain the question, nothing will.

gmisk · 27-02-2021 1:00pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

It's appalling, she's actually extremely good normally and I'm taken aback at who thought the Brittany / Katie Perry auto tune sound was a good idea. Has the sound of a whining banshee, Even the bizzare video, filmed in the wicklow mountains was odd with zero creativity.

I asked early WHY, if this doesn't explain the question, nothing will.

I have only seen her sing last year's song live on the late late show....and it wasn't good imo at all...so I have no idea if she is good normally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBL73Dsv3TY

I really wanted to see her sing it live so really disappointed with last night's "live" performance.

Deeper Blue · 27-02-2021 1:58pm

To be honest I think the ceiling for that song is 10th in the Semi and 22nd in the final.

Busi_Girl08 · 27-02-2021 2:03pm

gmisk wrote: »

I have only seen her sing last year's song live on the late late show....and it wasn't good imo at all...so I have no idea if she is good normally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBL73Dsv3TY

I really wanted to see her sing it live so really disappointed with last night's "live" performance.

I thought her "Eurovision at Home" performance on Youtube was great last year, it was just her with the turntable/music thingy, orchestrating the music while singing which I thought was great. She is talented, but I wonder if her style is better suited for a more intimate setting/set-up.

ACitizenErased · 27-02-2021 2:08pm

Deeper Blue wrote: »

To be honest I think the ceiling for that song is 10th in the Semi and 22nd in the final.

Eurovision pundits are eating it up, only place I’ve seen negativity is on Irish websites. I reckon it’ll finish top 10 in the final tbh.

yerwanthere123 · 27-02-2021 2:51pm

Deeper Blue wrote: »

To be honest I think the ceiling for that song is 10th in the Semi and 22nd in the final.

After having to endure the likes of Nicky Byrne and Brendan Murray, I'd take that!

gmisk · 27-02-2021 7:50pm

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

I thought her "Eurovision at Home" performance on Youtube was great last year, it was just her with the turntable/music thingy, orchestrating the music while singing which I thought was great. She is talented, but I wonder if her style is better suited for a more intimate setting/set-up.

Er that is miles better!
Sure let's see how she gets on live with maps, the fact she has the guy who did Heroes staging it should help!

27-02-2021 9:33pm

We have Slovenia:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5LW-09r2JQ

They've gone the gospel route, which usually tends to do pretty well. It's a bit overly-polished and clinical but there's no doubt she has a terrific voice. Possibly a "jury bait" entry, certainly more likely to qualify than last year's one...which of course is bad news for Ireland.

ACitizenErased · 27-02-2021 9:36pm

Deleted User wrote: »

We have Slovenia:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5LW-09r2JQ

They've gone the gospel route, which usually tends to do pretty well. It's a bit overly-polished and clinical but there's no doubt she has a terrific voice. Possibly a "jury bait" entry, certainly more likely to qualify than last year's one...which of course is bad news for Ireland.

Two songs with the same name now - Austria's is Amen too!

I think ours is better than this, no word of a doubt.

27-02-2021 9:57pm

ACitizenErased wrote: »

I think ours is better than this, no word of a doubt.

I prefer Maps too but while it's great to see Ireland come back more competitively than last year, we now have three semi-final opponents who were likely non-qualifiers last year (Croatia, Cyprus* and now Slovenia) come back more competitive as well. So that's a bit worrying.

*I actually thought Cyprus's entry last year was ok but it didn't seem to go down well with a lot of people, for whatever reason.

ACitizenErased · 27-02-2021 10:02pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I prefer Maps too but while it's great to see Ireland come back more competitively than last year, we now have three semi-final opponents who were likely non-qualifiers last year (Croatia, Cyprus* and now Slovenia) come back more competitive as well. So that's a bit worrying.

*I actually thought Cyprus's entry last year was ok but it didn't seem to go down well with a lot of people, for whatever reason.

Agree with that however you also have countries like Norway and Israel who were odds-on qualifiers last year going backwards. I think Ukraines song is worse this year too.

MisterAnarchy · 27-02-2021 11:20pm

Dempo1 wrote: »

It's appalling, she's actually extremely good normally and I'm taken aback at who thought the Brittany / Katie Perry auto tune sound was a good idea. Has the sound of a whining banshee, Even the bizzare video, filmed in the wicklow mountains was odd with zero creativity.

The auto tune is very irritating.

The lyrics are very indistinctive, not clear at all.

Its catchy though and uptempo.
Not as good as last years version but I think it will do well.
100-1 with the bookies though, seems very generous.

Busi_Girl08 · 28-02-2021 1:01am

We have a decent song, but we have *a lot* of competition for SF1. At the end of the day it's down to staging. I doubt what we saw on the late late last night (which just looked like a thrown together "Covid-friendly" outdoors setup) will be what they're planning for staging given the hype of the team, but it also depends on the Eurovision format confirmed for May. Will she be able to perform live in Rotterdam or will it be a pre-record/video-cast?

ACitizenErased · 28-02-2021 1:08am

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

We have a decent song, but we have *a lot* of competition for SF1. At the end of the day it's down to staging. I doubt what we saw on the late late last night (which just looked like a thrown together "Covid-friendly" outdoors setup) will be what they're planning for staging given the hype of the team, but it also depends on the Eurovision format confirmed for May. Will she be able to perform live in Rotterdam or will it be a pre-record/video-cast?

https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2021-determined-yet-realistic-plans-for-may

By the way, her stage director is Benke, he done Heroes by Mans Zelmerlow in 2015

28-02-2021 2:41am

ACitizenErased wrote: »

Agree with that however you also have countries like Norway and Israel who were odds-on qualifiers last year going backwards. I think Ukraines song is worse this year too.

Norway definitely gone backwards - I hope I'm not underestimating the appeal of the song with televoters but I would be tempted to call it a NQ.

Israel - I don't know if they've gone backwards but at best they've stayed still. They were borderline last year and likely to be again this year. To be fair they did pick the best of three songs they had on offer - the other two potential songs she had were absolutely atrocious (kinda wishing they'd picked one of the crap ones now!)

Ukraine's probably unique and different enough that it will get through - it's not as good as Solovey but it's not a huge step down either. Also they're the only country (apart form Australia, who haven't been in ESC that long) who've never failed to qualify from a semi-final, so their track record is very strong.

We can probably safely assume that Lithuania are qualifying.
Sweden are almost always sure of a place in the final.
Russia, if they pick Little Big again, should walk into the final.
Malta is a decent bet to qualify, unless they get the song choice horrendously wrong.
Add Ukraine for argument's sake and you've got 5/10 places filled already.

Even with Lesley's improved song, it'll still be tough.

yerwanthere123 · 28-02-2021 4:40pm

Who do we reckon will win Melodifestivalen? I've only listened to Tusse, The Mamas, Dotter and Eric Saade because I'm assuming it's between those four. Tusse is actually the favourite but I don't think I can see it winning. Dotter has a nice song but will inevitably be compared to the superior Bulletproof. Same thing with The Mamas really, In The Middle is missing the bouncy, fun factor of Move, but I expect they'll get a few sympathy votes after missing out last year. I reckon Eric Saade should be the one to go for. Staging is good and the song is catchy enough. Whoever they choose I don't think they have a winner on their hands, but I think Every Minute would have a shot at top 5 in the final.

ACitizenErased · 28-02-2021 4:43pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Who do we reckon will win Melodifestivalen? I've only listened to Tusse, The Mamas, Dotter and Eric Saade because I'm assuming it's between those four. Tusse is actually the favourite but I don't think I can see it winning. Dotter has a nice song but will inevitably be compared to the superior Bulletproof. Same thing with The Mamas really, In The Middle is missing the bouncy, fun factor of Move, but I expect they'll get a few sympathy votes after missing out last year. I reckon Eric Saade should be the one to go for. Staging is good and the song is catchy enough. Whoever they choose I don't think they have a winner on their hands, but I think Every Minute would have a shot at top 5 in the final.

Hope it's Dotter, love Little Tot.

LordBasil · 01-03-2021 1:43am

SF1 looks to be potentially the strongest ever since the 2 Semi Finals were introduced in 2008 and unfortunately Ireland is drawn in the first half. Going on what we know so far, likely qualifiers will be;

Lithuania
Sweden
Cyprus
Russia (especially if Little Big)
Malta (unless they pick a terrible song but I just can't see Destiny not being in the final)

Which means there would be 5 slots left. I would rule out Slovenia and Israel so it will be a battle royale between the rest for qualification, of the songs we know;

Ukraine have great track record but Go_A might alienate juries.

Ireland has stronger entry this year and seems to have been well received and Lesley will be using the guy who did ESC winning staging for 'Heroes'. If she can deliver a strong vocal and captivating performance she has a chance. Running order will be crucial.

Croatia has a good song too and seems to be popular but she could get overshadowed by Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Malta.

Norway will be the only male vocalist in the 2nd half but will the staging be a turn off and the song may be a bit too 90s boyband.

Of the songs we haven't heard yet;

Azerbaijan will likely throw the kitchen sink at their staging. Efendi is a capable performer so I'd say they are a likely qualifier.

North Macedonia will likely have limited appeal.

Belgium, if Hooverphonic send something better than last year's sleeping pill they could be in contention.

Australia are jury darlings but again will depend on the song.

Belarus, no idea but their record is patchy. Rumours that it will be their 2019 entrant Zena who qualified for that year's final.

Romania, Roxen isn't the most charismatic performer so again song will be vital.

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict the remaining qualifiers as Azerbaijan, Australia, Norway, Ukraine with one of either Romania, Croatia or Ireland taking the final spot.

A really tough and unpredictable SF, if Lesley qualifies it will be an even bigger achievement than either Brian Kennedy (2006) or Ryan O'Shaughnessy (2018) qualifying from their tough semi finals. She would also be only the second woman to qualify for Ireland since the semifinals were introduced, the first was Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Lesley has been a great ambassador for Ireland over the past year and has put in a great amount of work so I hope she pulls it out of the bag.

04-03-2021 11:40am

Two more of Ireland's semi opponents released, and Lesley's task hasn't gotten any easier.

Belgium:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EQyG1Yjlgw

I really like trip-hop so this definitely appeals to me. I love the intro, wasn't sure about the chorus at first but it grew on me. Ends somewhat abruptly, will need to pull that off on stage. But overall an improvement on last year.

Romania:

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

I hated last year's (mostly due to the lyrics) and I think this is an improvement. Bit heavy on the autotune though.

A snippet of Australia's entry was played on radio, with full song released soon Link to reddit.

Obviously have to wait for full track to judge properly but my first impression on this one is that it just seems a bit shouty and hyperactive. Maybe it'll work on stage with the visuals.

ACitizenErased · 04-03-2021 11:59am

That Belgian entry is incredibly flat, same as last year with Hooverphonic, there's no change in tempo. Very stale.
Romania's is decent but as you said, full of autotune.

04-03-2021 10:35pm

Two more released:

Moldova

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zvnsvxA3to

Glitzy, trashy, camp Europop....which means it will probably do very well. :pac: Not really my cup of sugar tea but the instrumental hook is undeniably catchy, and there's definitely an audience out there for it. If the live performance is any good then I can see it doing quite well with the televote. Definitely more likely to get out of a semi than last year's entry.

The Netherlands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osE3fnQ5LkA

I'm not sure what to make of this one. I liked Grow but it felt like an odd choice for Eurovision as it was so introspective and understated. This one is definitely more "Eurovisiony" but I don't like it as much; it feels like it's missing something. Maybe it'll come to life more on the night of the Final but otherwise I think mid-table is the best they can hope for.

yerwanthere123 · 04-03-2021 10:55pm

Haven't listened to any of today or yesterday's reveals yet, I'm falling behind! Doesn't sound like I'm missing much anyway. Lithuania is really the only one so far that I can say is a top 5/10 contender.

Rjd2 · 05-03-2021 12:38am

The Cyprus song is cool, but I hope that Lady Gaga's lawyers are not watching.:o

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

LordBasil · 05-03-2021 11:13am

Armenia have withdrawn from ESC 2021

https://eurovision.tv/story/armenia-withdraws-from-eurovision-2021

05-03-2021 11:21am

Australia

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

Ok, I actually like this more than I thought I would based on the snippet. The quality of the staging and the live vocal will make or break this one; it will either come off as really fresh and vibrant, or a hyperactive mess that just assaults the senses.

gmisk · 05-03-2021 4:09pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Australia

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

Ok, I actually like this more than I thought I would based on the snippet. The quality of the staging and the live vocal will make or break this one; it will either come off as really fresh and vibrant, or a hyperactive mess that just assaults the senses.

Oh that is really good!

Eurovision Song Contest 2021

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