Eurovision 2013: How Euphoric!

[victoriaheidi]

Ok, well, I had to think of something for the title.

We're just barely one day out to the start of Eurovision madness. Belarus is holding its National Final on December 7th!

Other interesting development: This year, the performance order will be picked by the producers, rather than through a draw. I have really mixed feelings about this. It could lead to $$ going into who gets which spot for better chances of success or whatnot. Or it could be fine and we may all think the producer-picked order is perfect. Who knows at this point?

And, just to make life easier for everyone, here's a list of National Final dates (thus far):
December 7: Belarus
December 15: Switzerland
December 16: Belgium (song; artist already selected)
December 20: Lithuania
December 22: Albania
December 23: Ukraine
January 26: Denmark
February 2: Iceland, Malta
February 9: Finland, Norway
February 14: Germany
February 15: Austria
February 16: Latvia
February 22: Ireland
March 2: Estonia
March 3: Serbia
March 9: Sweden

Macedonia will select in December; The Netherlands have their artist, but will not select the song until February.

Unknown National Final Dates w/Confirmed Participation: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Hungry, Israel, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovenia, Turkey, France, Italy, UK
Source

Yay! Time to talk Eurovision again...how I missed it for 6 and a half months!

[allezfred]

Poland and Portugal are out for next year apparently as well.

[Reuven]

Oh lawsey! It's that time already?!

[shah]

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia and, to my great surprise, Turkey are also out.
Turkish national broadcaster claims the current 50/50 voting system is unfair and favours the Big 5 countries. well, quite a controversial statement...

[shah]

as for Poland, Polish TV gave no reason for withdrawal. most probably it's lack of money and lack of motivation to participate. I am not surprised, the level of the competition in the last few years was ridiculously bad - singers/bands unknown even to the audience, crap songs, no resources to promote the entries. I'm rather pessimistic about 2014...

[allezfred]

Bosnia & Herzegovina and Turkey being out is a huge surprise!

Meanwhile, Switzerland have chosen their entry and it's a bit controversial.

[shah]

Bosnia & Herzegovina and Turkey being out is a huge surprise!

Meanwhile, Switzerland have chosen their entry and it's a bit controversial.

love this quote: "There have also been reports Greece and Cyrus may also withdraw."
Miley planned to be at the ESC 2013?

btw, Belarus and Belgium also chose their entries. well, the quality of the songs so far is rather questionable...

[Reuven]

Hmmmm....and so the meh begins...

[Finnice]

Meanwhile, Switzerland have chosen their entry and it's a bit controversial.

At least here in Finland, the Salvation Army is against gay rights - that was the reason I stopped funding them, even though they otherwise do good work. So them an Eurovison song contest are a bit controversial indeed.

[allezfred]

Same here. Kind of wonder why they thought it would be a good idea to enter Eurovision.

[shah]

Ukraine, Albania and Lithuania have chosen their songs. any comments? I do not dare ...

[shah]

btw, it's a shame Lithuania did not choose this. I know, my taste in music is strange ...

[Reuven]

Ukraine, Albania and Lithuania have chosen their songs. any comments? I do not dare ...

Apparently the ability to sing is no longer a prerequisite? and Ukraine seems like they’ve hit upon a new style where the back-up “singers” are in a different key?

[victoriaheidi]

Ugh, my favorite song in the Lithuanian final was "Loreen." Oh well.

Nothing really stands out as "potential Eurovision superstar" yet. Also, I'm really wondering why so many people want those techno songs that really only sound good when recorded. Eurovision is a live show; save the techno for the clubs.

[allezfred]

What happens in Eurovision is that if an uptempo numbers wins the year after we get lots of uptempo numbers. And then a ballad wins and the same thing happens the following year.

[Ziggy]

Wow I can't believe what a total mess it's turning out to be so far...

Turkey's withdrawal is huge. They always took Eurovision seriously and consistently placed well. That comment about the voting system favouring top 5 countries is complete bullshit.

The quality of the songs chosen so far is just abysmal. Ukraine in particular is a totally ridiculous racket.

[Ziggy]

btw, it's a shame Lithuania did not choose this. I know, my taste in music is strange ...

Only watched it now. Amazing, kooky electro! A real shame indeed.

[Eden]

Turkish national broadcaster claims the current 50/50 voting system is unfair and favours the Big 5 countries. well, quite a controversial statement...

ITA,IMO the current voting system actually gives Turkey a huge advantage because of the Turkish immigrants, who live in Europe and automatically support Turkey's songs.

[4rkidz]

I always find it comforting to read the eurovision thread page as was always a significant part of my childhood in England watching it on TV and seeing who would win. My favourite was when ABBA was in it.. but also liked other years as well..

[victoriaheidi]

I'm kind of sad with Eurovision this year...it's not the fun it usually is because there's legitimately very little there this time around! Come on, everyone who hasn't picked--time to pick some awesome music! Preferably something voidy