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…)”
On the eve of heading off to Lisbon myself, we finally reach my number 1 and it’s a country that had seen little success since its first win in the late 1960s until Conchita wowed and charmed Europe in equal measure in 2014. Their artist this year is also charming and humble and is gifted with a beautiful voice. The gorgeous Cesár Sampson, representing Austria, is my number one for Eurovision 2018. Continue reading “Eurovision 2018 previews countdown: #1 AUSTRIA – Cesár Sampson – “Nobody but You””
Israel last won in 1998; they also won in 1978, and there is a good chance that Netta could maintain that twenty year cycle of victories. This stormed to the top of the betting odds when it was released and the music video went viral, with millions of views. But could Israel suffer the fate of Italy last year and France the year before that when the pre-contest favourite ended up coming 6th on the night?
Continue reading “Eurovision 2018 previews countdown: #2 ISRAEL – Netta – “Toy””
The Czech Republic has but a few appearances at the contest, and has barely seen the grand final, with just one qualification and even then they ended up near the bottom. Suffice to say I think this year could be a very different story as they’ve got something really quite special this year. Can it live up to pre-contest hype and can the man behind their unlikely frontrunner status recover in time from a back injury incurred in rehearsals? Continue reading “Eurovision 2018 previews countdown: #3 CZECH REPUBLIC – Mikolas Josef – “Lie to Me””
