Summer hasn’t quite gone away for us here in London just yet, with some very pleasant weather at the moment, but my mind is turning to bringing the site of its summer hibernation. The new Eurovision year/season began on 1 September and with Tel Aviv being confirmed as host city, the path to Eurovision 2019 is well and truly begun. Continue reading “Autumn 2018 – upcoming updates to Matt loves Eurovision”
It was a last minute decision to attend this concert, but I am very glad I did. A small set of past Eurovision performers, including a former winner, graced the stage of a compact, intimate venue near Kings Cross (The Water Rats pub) and took the opportunity to each give us a set of songs, including, of course, the songs they sang at Eurovision. My friends and I took a few pics and vids of course which you can see here… Continue reading “A trip to EuroStarz in Concert 2018”
As usual, I am struggling to write this through a Eurovision-induced hangover and the onset of PED (post Eurovision depression). I may still be in the host city of Lisbon, but that doesn’t temper the pounding head! I may have imbibed some of the legendary/notorious Mateus last night… Anyway, on to a few final garbled thoughts from last night’s eventful final! Continue reading “I’m not your toy! Final thoughts on Eurovision 2018”
So I have now attended three Eurovision shows (the two live semis plus the jury grand final) and it’s been a great experience. In advance of the grand final this evening, here are my reflections on the jury final (the show the juries watch to allocate their votes) and a preview of the final for viewers at home, including thoughts on how the running order seemed to play out and may (or may not) influence countries’ chances. Continue reading “Eurovision doesn’t last forever… reflections on the jury final and preview of 2018 grand final”
Thinking back to last year, it was the failure of fan favourite Estonia to qualify that was the big shock of semi 2. No such (nasty) shocks this time from what was an eclectic semi-final. A couple of pleasant surprises, and also a bit of both expected and less expected disappointments. The biggest news in terms of qualifications was the loss of both Romania’s and Russia’s 100% qualification records.
Continue reading “My lucky Eurovision day – reflections on 2018’s semi-final 2”
I am feeling a trifle jaded after partying in Eurocafe until 5.30am last night but am gearing up now for the second semi-final and another trip to the Altice Arena to attend the live televised show. This semi is considered as the less competitive one but I think it will be no less exciting than the first (and actually it is just as competitive – even if the songs are overall of a lower quality).
Continue reading “Eurovision 2018 semi-final 2: hopes and predictions”
This time last year, we were mourning the failure of Finland to make the final, but no such worries this year I am pleased to say. And what’s more, I was there in person this time! My first ever time actually at one of the contests, so it was a very special experience – and I have got the second semi-final and jury final still to go! Continue reading “Eurovision monsters in my head – reflections on 2018’s semi-final 1”
So it is almost time for the first of the two live semi-finals. The jury show took place yesterday so half the votes are already cast, though of course we don’t know the results of that. I’m both super excited and also anxious – I am actually attending the semi this evening – my first actual time at a contest show! Continue reading “Eurovision 2018 semi-final 1: hopes and predictions (well, guesses…)”
The Entente Cordiale is alive and well – with the vocalist of Madame Monsieur (France’s Eurovision 2018 representatives) falling ill just before the biggest of the preview events, SuRie, the UK’s representative for Eurovision this year, offered to take the stricken Émilie’s place and sing (with almost no time to learn the song and rehearse) at the concert. My friend Zoltan was the man on the ground and who I have to thank for sending this through to me. A true magical Eurovision moment! Continue reading “SuRie sings “Mercy” by Madame Monsieur at Eurovision in Concert 2018″
