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Eurovision Song Contest 2021

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Comments

  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Iceland is grand, that's all I can say about it really. It was always an uphill task to try and recreate the hype generated by Think About Things but this won't come remotely near. Maybe it'll look/sound a lot better in Rotterdam, but I'm pretty indifferent to it right now.


  • Registered Users Posts: 149 ✭✭daretodream


    Iceland was fairly boring for me, nowhere near as good as Switzerland. My money is on the Swiss this year. Will be interesting to see how they all compare with the staging etc but the Swiss guy can really sing, would be a worthy winner.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Iceland was fairly boring for me, nowhere near as good as Switzerland. My money is on the Swiss this year. Will be interesting to see how they all compare with the staging etc but the Swiss guy can really sing, would be a worthy winner.

    He's got an amazing voice, but I think Repondez Moi was better. I'dve been reasonably happy with that winning last year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 119 ✭✭Whitters22


    Out of all the returning artists Dadi had the most impossible task as everyone (even non Eurovision fans) knew and enjoyed Think About Things.

    I think this entry does stand up and it really grew as the song went on. Unlikely to win but hopefully does well!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,151 ✭✭✭✭Strazdas


    Whitters22 wrote: »
    Out of all the returning artists Dadi had the most impossible task as everyone (even non Eurovision fans) knew and enjoyed Think About Things.

    I think this entry does stand up and it really grew as the song went on. Unlikely to win but hopefully does well!

    It's a bit crazy to compare it to Think About Things too. That never actually competed in a Eurovision....people are talking about TAT as if took part in the Contest last year and finished in a certain position. The only thing it can be compared to is this year's other entries.


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Poland

    I like this! Although the comparisons to The Weeknd probably won't help it. Think it'll qualify from the comparatively weaker semi final though.

    Latvia

    It took me a couple of listens but I like it. Not sure about it's qualification chances.


    We should have a full house by tomorrow, just Azerbaijan, Malta and Georgia to go. Also remains to be seen whether Belarus will change their song or withdraw. Of the remaining reveals I think it's only Malta who could possibly be a contender, Azerbaijan haven't really been a factor since their vote rigging was discovered. Malta always enjoy very strong jury support but they'll need something to get the public onside, this is where they often struggle.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Azerbaijan



    A decent effort, continues the vibe of 'Cleopatra'. An easy qualifier and likely top 10. Azerbaijan know how to stage their entries.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Georgia



    I thought last year's was horrible, was easily bottom of my list, but I actually quite like this. Lyrically it's a bit simple but the voice and melody are very nice. It's one of those "could go either way" with regards qualification, it'll either come across as really sweet and refreshing or it'll just fade into the background and be forgotten.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,712 ✭✭✭Sawduck


    Iceland was fairly boring for me, nowhere near as good as Switzerland. My money is on the Swiss this year. Will be interesting to see how they all compare with the staging etc but the Swiss guy can really sing, would be a worthy winner.

    Can’t remember the Switzerland song at all, Iceland's song was memorable


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Malta



    Not what I was expecting. Will stand out, could be a contender.


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    LordBasil wrote: »
    Malta

    Not what I was expecting. Will stand out, could be a contender.

    Bookies are in agreement as this is now the second favourite to win, just behind Switzerland. I'm not too keen on it tbh (preferred her song last year) but I can see why it would appeal to a lot of people. And I can't imagine her not performing it well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 691 ✭✭✭jmlad2020


    Irlande non point


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Azerbaijan

    Thought last year's was shite and this is even worse. Azerbaijan almost always qualify but think they might struggle with this. Aisel missed the final with a better song.

    Georgia

    Can't see anyone getting behind this.

    Malta

    Now this is more like it! And to think I saw some people earlier today compare it to the horrific Electro Velvet :eek: I do think the chorus could pack more of a punch, but overall this is a very strong entry. I liked All Of My Love a lot last year but think I actually prefer this. I hope they can slightly rejig the chorus to give it a bit more pop, but overall I think this is going to do very well for Malta. Juries are naturally always very kind to them and we know that Destiny will sell the hell out of it. Top 5 contender I think, maybe even winner with great staging.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    jmlad2020 wrote: »
    Irlande non point

    Maps has probably had the best reception an Irish entry has had in a long time, bearing in mind that nobody expected Together to qualify for the final until the staging was revealed. And supposedly Lesley had a good team behind her for the staging this year (director is the guy who did Måns Zelmerlöw's Heroes). The only missing piece is her live vocal; if she can sing it well live then I think Ireland has a good chance of making the final, even in a very competitive semi.

    Looking at the semis now that all the songs have been chosen I wonder if Ireland will be chosen to open the semi-final and perform first; this is not always a bad position to be in (Sweden were due to perform first in 2020) but it seems like it would fit as a non-ballad and non-"too weird" choice to be up first.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,823 ✭✭✭Deeper Blue


    Ireland are near the bottom of the betting for a reason - the song is forgettable.

    I'm sure Lesley is lovely but at the end of the day she doesn't stand out. It is what it is.

    We'll do very well to qualify.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Ireland are near the bottom of the betting for a reason - the song is forgettable.

    I'm sure Lesley is lovely but at the end of the day she doesn't stand out. It is what it is.

    We'll do very well to qualify.

    Lesley's chances of qualifying will all depend on staging & performance. Betting odds mean little, for example at this stage in 2014 & 2018, The Common Linnets and Eleni Foreira were both about where Lesley is now in the betting chart and both of them finished runner-ups. I'm not saying Maps will finish second but something to bear in mind.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Running order Predictions

    SF1;

    First Half
    1. Australia
    2. Slovenia
    3. Sweden
    4. Russia
    5. North Macedonia
    6. Ireland
    7. Lithuania
    Second Half
    8. Israel
    9 Romania
    10. Azerbaijan
    11.Ukraine
    12. Croatia
    13. Norway
    14. Cyprus
    15. Belgium
    16. Malta

    SF2;

    First Half
    1. Moldova
    2. Austria
    3. Poland
    4. Serbia
    5. Estonia
    6. San Marino
    7. Iceland.
    8. Greece
    9. Czech Republic
    Second Half
    10. Portugal
    11. Albania
    12. Finland
    13. Bulgaria
    14. Latvia
    15. Georgia
    16. Switzerland
    17. Denmark


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,823 ✭✭✭Deeper Blue


    LordBasil wrote: »
    Lesley's chances of qualifying will all depend on staging & performance. Betting odds mean little, for example at this stage in 2014 & 2018, The Common Linnets and Eleni Foreira were both about where Lesley is now in the betting chart and both of them finished runner-ups. I'm not saying Maps will finish second but something to bear in mind.

    Fair point, I'm at least willing to give it a chance.

    Slightly off topic but the fact that the Common Linnets didn't win that year is still a travesty.


  • Registered Users Posts: 119 ✭✭Whitters22


    Just catching up on yesterday's releases and the last bunch of entries.

    Georgia - Such a simple and honest song but I quite enjoyed it.

    Azerbaijan - Points for sending something ethnically authentic but that's about it.

    Malta - I was very much expecting a ballad here so was taken aback. This has a great chance with good staging and her vocals.


  • Registered Users Posts: 119 ✭✭Whitters22


    LordBasil wrote: »
    Running order Predictions

    SF1;

    SF2;

    First Half
    1. Moldova
    2. Austria
    3. Poland
    4. Serbia
    5. Estonia
    6. San Marino
    7. Iceland.
    8. Greece
    9. Czech Republic
    Second Half
    10. Portugal
    11. Albania
    12. Finland
    13. Bulgaria
    14. Latvia
    15. Georgia
    16. Switzerland
    17. Denmark

    God I'm struggling to pick qualifiers past 6/7 of these songs.


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Whitters22 wrote: »
    God I'm struggling to pick qualifiers past 6/7 of these songs.

    Switzerland, Bulgaria, Iceland, San Marino, Greece and Finland are probably safe enough bets (though I personally think Finland is dreadful and it may be completely overshadowed by Italy in the final). I'd add Moldova to this list, assuming that it's not a disaster live.

    That's 7/10, after that it's less clear cut but I would guess Latvia, Czech Republic and Albania for the final three spots.

    I think there's only room for one of Latvia or Serbia, and Latvia stand out a bit more (but they might both qualify if either Moldova or San Marino flops live).

    Czech Republic is under the radar a bit but I think it's enjoyable and catchy enough to go through.

    Albania is a shot in the dark but they tend to do well enough when they sing in Albanian, so why not?


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Denmark is my ultimate guilty pleasure this year. I think they have a shot at qualifying.


  • Registered Users Posts: 171 ✭✭delboy85


    I think it's a very poor year this year re: the quality of songs. I think last years selections were much stronger.

    Most years there are 4 or 5 songs that I love but I'm struggling to pick songs this year that I even like. But there are a few.

    Iceland was my winner last year. And while the new song isn't as good I do still think it's one of the stronger entries.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    I feel Iceland's reveal performance was deliberately subdued as not to create too much of a buzz but they'll build momentum with the release of the music video nearer the contest. People have written them off prematurely....


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    We finally have our final lineup for the class of 2021 as Belarus have been disqualified!


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    So finally had a go at predicting the Semi Final 1 qualifiers!

    Qualifying
    Lithuania
    Sweden
    Malta
    Romania
    Croatia
    Cyprus
    Russia
    Ukraine
    Ireland
    Israel

    Staying in the semi's
    Slovenia
    Belgium
    North Macedonia
    Norway
    Australia
    Azerbaijan

    Wasn't quite as difficult as I thought it might be. Divided my list into 'Definite Qualifiers', 'Maybes' and 'Definite NQ'.

    Lithuania, Sweden, Malta, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus went on my list of definite qualifiers straight away, I can't see any upsets there. Slovenia, Belgium, Macedonia and Norway were put on the NQ list straight away. I've seen some trying to make a case for Macedonia because of his strong vocals, but I can't see it happening. At the end of the day the song still has to be strong, and a 90's Disney ballad just doesn't cut it at Eurovision 2021. Norway are suspiciously high in the odds, and may get a bit of public support for the novelty factor, but surely sanity will prevail here? Plus they only have Sweden as an ally, Denmark, Iceland and Finland are all in the other semi.

    So that left me with six countries fighting for the last four spots. I initially thought Russia could be a NQ but it is after growing on me a bit. The loss of Belarus will hurt them, that's a guaranteed 24 points that they've lost, so they're now relying on just Lithuania, Ukraine and Azerbaijan as neighbours. I think they'll do it though. Ukraine lost some of its appeal with the revamp, but this is still more than strong enough to keep the 100% qualification record intact.

    So that left Ireland, Israel, Australia and Azerbaijan to fight it out for the last two spots. The only reason Australia has made it this far into the conversation and didn't go on the 'NQ' list straight away is because they're Australia, and as we know they'll be ridiculously overrated by the juries. I can't see it happening for them this year though, Don't Break Me was much stronger, so I think they're missing out for the first time. The last couple of spots could go either way, but I chose Ireland and Israel to make it over Azerbaijan. I like Ireland's song, it's pleasant and could look well with good staging. We won't be picking up any 12's or 10's, but if the juries are kind enough to us I think we'll sneak through. Israel should make it for similar reasons, it's pleasant and inoffensive. Azerbaijan's song just isn't strong enough this year, and as I've mentioned before, if Samra couldn't make it with a better song then I think Mata Hari will be NQ #2.

    I wonder how many of these I'll get totally wrong :D Any thoughts? I'll have a go at Semi Final 2 later.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    At this stage I'd only put Lithuania and Malta as guaranteed Q's tbh, and I wouldn't rule out any other entry from potentially qualifying (now that Belarus is no longer present). The two songs generally regarded as the weakest in this semi, Slovenia and North Macedonia, have arguably two of the best vocalists and Israel's revamp is showing off the singer's voice more than the original was; that could rack up some jury scores. I think people might be underestimating Belgium too.

    A lot will depend on the night, what staging works and doesn't work, what live vocals don't come off as well as they should etc.


  • Registered Users Posts: 119 ✭✭Whitters22


    If I was to pick 20 songs to go through 12 would probably come from this SF so it's a bit unbalanced.
    I rate Australia, Norway and Belgium highly so I'd have them in. Casualties might be Ireland, Israel, Ukraine or Croatia.
    On a side note is it looking increasingly inevitable that the competition will be held remotely in each of the individual countries?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,151 ✭✭✭✭Strazdas


    Whitters22 wrote: »
    If I was to pick 20 songs to go through 12 would probably come from this SF so it's a bit unbalanced.
    I rate Australia, Norway and Belgium highly so I'd have them in. Casualties might be Ireland, Israel, Ukraine or Croatia.
    On a side note is it looking increasingly inevitable that the competition will be held remotely in each of the individual countries?

    Not at all. Rotterdam are confident Eurovision will go ahead as normal with all contestants live on stage. They say they will hold it in an empty arena if necessary, but are determined to put on a live show (or three shows).


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Running order has been released:

    ExuBC2eXEAEB3ZI?format=jpg

    Not sure if this is good or bad for Lesley; definitely serves as a pick-me-up after North Macedonia, but risks being overshadowed by Cyprus if they put on an OTT stage show for El Diablo.

    Norway being on so early is strange considering he's the only male vocalist in the second half.

    And here's Semi 2 - Senhit and Flo Rida up first!

    ExuBC3GWYAE4Yg5?format=jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Quite a surprising running order.

    SF1;

    I'd echo previous comment about Norway's place in the 2nd half. I was sure he'd be used to break up the run of females.

    Lithuania opening makes sense but could dampen their televote and prevent them from finishing high in the semi which could have implications for what slot they get in the final.

    Sweden will likely qualify thanks to the juries but coming between Russia and Australia might further weaken their televote score as it might be more forgettable compared to what comes before and after it.

    Best slot Ireland could have hoped for and coming after North Macedonia, which imo is the worst song in SF1, can only be a good thing. There might an ad break between Ireland and Cyprus. I watched an interview with Irish HOD Michael Kealy and he said they have something special planned for Lesley's staging that has never been done at Eurovision before. Can't wait to see what they have in store....

    Malta closing is no great surprise. Destiny might win the semi.

    SF2;

    Shocked San Marino is the opener especially if Flo Rida turns up.

    Don't like that 2nd half sequence of Georgia - Albania- Portugal - Bulgaria, going to be a bit of a slog to get through.

    Bulgaria have been done dirty by being followed by Finland.

    Denmark closing makes sense as Finland is too heavy going and Latvia too chaotic.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Draw takeaways:

    - 7th is about as good as Ireland could have hoped for, the only concern is Cyprus might blow us away with an incredible stage show, but I'm happy overall
    - Lithuania opening and Malta closing SF1, interesting to see the potential winner and runner-up in these spots
    - Poor Slovenia following Lithuania in second place, and preceding Russia too :o
    - The Israel through to Malta section will be quite a busy end to SF1

    - Iceland smack bang in the middle of two extremely frenetic songs, not sure whether that's good or bad for them. Either way they'll surely qualify
    - The Georgia/Albania/Portugal section will be the toilet break/tea making section
    - Really not sure what's the motivation behind Denmark closing the second semi. I guess it's light hearted and everything, but surely they'd want to close with a strong song.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    The Australian delegation won't be travelling to Rotterdam this year, will be participating remotely instead. Makes sense I guess when it's only the semi's they'll be partaking in ;)


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    You have to feel bad for Montaigne not being able to travel but she's one contestant who the "live on tape" approach might actually suit. "Technicolour" is probably one of the most vocally challenging songs in the competition, not only due to the range needed but also the tempo shifts. Her performance was one of those most at risk of being a disaster on the night, at least with the live on tape she gets a bit more control and three takes to get it right.

    Being the only act going live on tape might also work in her favour as it adds a novelty factor. If anybody else ends up having to do it then that novelty is erased.

    So it's a shame she couldn't travel but I wouldn't rule out her chances of qualifying just yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,151 ✭✭✭✭Strazdas


    You have to feel bad for Montaigne not being able to travel but she's one contestant who the "live on tape" approach might actually suit. "Technicolour" is probably one of the most vocally challenging songs in the competition, not only due to the range needed but also the tempo shifts. Her performance was one of those most at risk of being a disaster on the night, at least with the live on tape she gets a bit more control and three takes to get it right.

    Being the only act going live on tape might also work in her favour as it adds a novelty factor. If anybody else ends up having to do it then that novelty is erased.

    So it's a shame she couldn't travel but I wouldn't rule out her chances of qualifying just yet.

    Indeed and there might even be something of a sympathy vote factor for her, especially from the juries.


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Announced that 3,500 fans will be allowed to attend the three live events. Will be great to have a bit of atmosphere!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,669 ✭✭✭✭Galwayguy35


    Its a few weeks later than usual this year I think, thought it used to be always on in early May.


  • Registered Users Posts: 967 ✭✭✭SecretsOfEarth


    Its a few weeks later than usual this year I think, thought it used to be always on in early May.

    It seems to vary, it has slipped deeper into May over the last couple of years...to think ABBA won on April 6th!!


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    It varies every year, tens to slip back and forth between early, mid and late May. This is the latest final since 2015 which was held on May 23rd. The 2010 final was as late as May 29th! Personally I prefer a late May final, means we get a longer Eurovision season :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,634 ✭✭✭Mollyb60


    Hey folks! We're holding a Boards Eurovision Contest over in Forum Games. If you want to have a vote in the contest pop over and have a look.
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058183242


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,085 ✭✭✭✭Busi_Girl08


    Will the 3500 spectators be from Netherlands only or will it be a mix of guests from different countries etc?


  • Registered Users Posts: 967 ✭✭✭SecretsOfEarth


    Will the 3500 spectators be from Netherlands only or will it be a mix of guests from different countries etc?

    Open to correction here but as far as I'm aware, ticket sales are open to all countries but if you're coming from abroad you'd have to abide by your own country's (and the Dutch) travel restrictions - don't know how many fans from outside of the Netherlands would feasibly be able to travel.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    Can't believe rehearsals start on Saturday. Its been a long time coming.

    We will finally see what Lesley's staging is going to be like as she has her first rehearsal on Saturday afternoon. Can't wait!!

    Along with Ireland, the ones I'm most intrigued to see over the next week are Cyprus, Romania, Azerbaijan, Malta, San Marino, Greece, Moldova, Iceland, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the UK.

    Bring on ESC 2021!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,085 ✭✭✭✭Busi_Girl08


    Very curious what Australia will be like as the outlier. Would they be given similar limitations (ie staging size and facilities), and will theirs be broadcast live?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,151 ✭✭✭✭Strazdas


    Very curious what Australia will be like as the outlier. Would they be given similar limitations (ie staging size and facilities), and will theirs be broadcast live?

    No, they have had to record it in a smaller studio in Australia and it's definitely not live.

    Seeing as this is a Eurovision first, it's anyone's guess how the voters will respond to it.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    Very mixed bag from Ireland's first rehearsal. It's really only the second rehearsals that things start to take shape and we can make our minds up a bit more, but not a great start.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,302 ✭✭✭✭gmisk


    Very mixed bag from Ireland's first rehearsal. It's really only the second rehearsals that things start to take shape and we can make our minds up a bit more, but not a great start.
    Don't like the sound of that....
    I was always worried she might not have the best live vocals.
    Reaction on wiwibloggs was broadly positive
    https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/08/ireland-lesley-roy-eurovision-first-rehearsal/264814/


  • Registered Users Posts: 967 ✭✭✭SecretsOfEarth


    Lesley's performance is quite technically intricate, so I imagine that there were bound to be teething issues moving from practice to the Eurovision stage.

    Hopefully the second rehearsal will give a clearer idea of the camera effects that will actually be on the performance - it uses Augmented Reality and perspective to create something interesting, like a virtual storybook.

    Whatever happens, I commend Lesley and her team for trying something different and putting huge effort into the whole package.


  • Registered Users Posts: 494 ✭✭LordBasil


    I thought Lesley's vocals were ok considering she had to focus on finding her marks, camera shots and everything else going on. The staging concept is ambitious, unique, memorable but technically very challenging. They will work on fine tuning everything before Ireland's next rehearsal on Wednesday and hopefully Lesley is more stronger vocally.

    I also applaud Ireland for taking a risk, hopefully it pays off.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,533 Mod ✭✭✭✭yerwanthere123


    I hold off on watching actual clips of the rehearsal's, just read the commentary and look at pictures, but at least it sounds like we're taking a risk which is great. We've had more than enough years of sending safe and solid shíte. We'll need to wait for the second rehearsal's to see how thing's are really taking shape. I just hope there's plenty of vocal backup because I really don't expect a lot from Lesley unfortunately.

    Also, great to see Dotter finally got her shot at Eurovision!

    North-Macedonia-Vasil-First-Rehearsal-Eurovision-2021.jpg

    Oh wait no sorry, it's Macedonia's Vasil who's ripped off her staging :pac:


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