Squeezy's adventures in Eurovision and Schlager

Caracola - Vamos Vamos

2008-06-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

Caracola first came to my attention last summer with the fantastic summery dance-pop single, "Mango Nights" since then they have become one of my most played artists. What I like about Caracola is that they make fun, unpretentious pop music that makes you feel good when you listen to it. For me, I like my music to make me feel happy and make me smile - Caracola definitely do that. Earlier this year they entered Melodifestivalen in Sweden with the uplifting "Smiling In Love" which made it to the second chance round and made the top 10 in the Swedish charts. To follow-up the success of "Smiling In Love" Caracola are releasing another pop gem from their album, "This Is Caracola".

"Vamos Vamos" is a perfect slice of summer and shines as brightly as the midday sun. It definitely has that feel good factor boasts the trademark harmonies and key change that we have come to expect from a Caracola single. This track is just as catchy and in some ways similar to "Mango Nights" and it should repeat the success that "Mango Nights" had last summer. "Vamos Vamos" sounds great whether you are lying in the sun or dancing at a party. This is definitely one track I will be playing all summer.

You can purchase Caracola's "Vamos Vamos" and other singles here:

http://www.klicktrack.com/klicktrack/releases/caracola/vamos-vamos

Alcazar - Inhibitions

2008-06-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

Sweden's Alcazar are one of my all-time favourite groups. I have been a fan ever since I heard "Crying At The Discoteque" (seeing Andreas in the silver hotpants in the video helped too!!). Over the years, they have made some of the best disco music to dance to and this new single from them is no exception.

When Alcazar decided to take some time out a few years ago I just assumed that they were going to do an "ABBA" by not officially saying they were splitting up permanently but just disappear and never come back. I was pleasantly surprised last year when they came back for a one-off gig at London's G-A-Y nightclub replacing Annikafiore with a new member, Lina. Naturally I went to see them perform and they were as amazing as they always had been - I was even really impressed with Lina as the replacement. Though they wouldn't confirm at G-A-Y that they were getting back together, I hoped they would and I was proven right this year when the all new Alcazar released the fantastic, "We Keep On Rockin". I even met Andreas and Lina by chance when I was in Sweden in February who told me that they were working on new material for an album. Alcazar's follow-up to "We Keep On Rockin" is part of that new material and it is excellent. "Inhibitions" is a slightly different sound for Alcazar and is not as disco orientated as some of their other material, for me it is quite Britney sounding but still very much Alcazar. I am sure that it is going to follow the success of "We Keep On Rockin".

Euroband - This Is My Life

2008-06-21T03:07:00.000-07:00

As you have probably guessed from reading my blog, I am currently a huge fan of Iceland's Euroband, who were my favourites from this years Eurovision Song Contest. In my opinion, they should have come much higher than the 14th place they ended up with. It's not all bad though, as not only were they the first act for Iceland to qualify to the final since the introduction of the semi-finals, but they have also released an amazing album which is just as feel good as their infectious Eurovision track, "This Is My Life" from which the album borrows its name.

Ever since I got Euroband's album I put it on after I've had a bit of a bad day or I'm feeling a bit down and it instantly lifts my mood. There is just something so joyous and infectious in listening to each track that you just can't help but smile. Both Fridrik and Regina are amazing singers with a great quality to their voices whether they are belting out the glittering, discotastic "This Is My Life" or harmonising on the slower paced and more melodic, "By Your Side". The first thing I noticed about the album was that it wasn't all disco and dance orientated as I expected it to be, Euroband do slower tracks just as well as they do the uptempo numbers like "A Ba Ni Bi" (which is their next single). Two of my favourite tracks on the album are the English language versions of Fridrik and Regina's Icelandic national final Eurovision solo tracks, "Thinking Of You" and "Fire" as it gives an indication of the sort of sound they have away from Euroband. Other highlights from the album is Regina's amazing take on an English language version of Celine Dion's winning Eurovision song, "Don't Leave Without Me Now" and Fridrik vastly improving Johnny Logan's "Hold Me Now" - only Fridrik and Euroband could make me like a Eurovision song I previously hated!! For all budding Euroband tribute acts (like myself) there is even a karaoke version of "This Is My Life" to sing to. This album is so much more than a collection of Eurovision covers - it's the cure to beat even the worst depression.

You can purchase the album here:

http://www.tonlist.is/Music/Album/6555/eurobandid/this_is_my_life/?

Eurovision Winners Party

2008-06-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Saturday after I got back from Eurovision was the UK Eurovision Winners Party at the Scala in London so I took myself along for one of the last big Eurovision events of this year. To be honest, the title "Winner" only applied to two of the acts - Bucks Fizz and Dima Bilan as from what I can remember, Sonia, Nikki French and Ani Lorak didn't win... I would have much preferred a Eurovision "Favourites" party with a line-up of my favourite acts like Euroband, Kalomira etc.

With no Euroband on the line-up, it was left for me and my friend Moa to form our own tribute to them. We co-ordinated ourselves in outfits and were armed with Icelandic flags to complete the look. The turnout wasn't as impressive as the Eurovision Preview Party and the audience waiting to watch the show consisted of mainly Russian girls and really die-hard Eurovision fans (even a lot of my friends didn't show-up). The first artist out to perform was 2nd place runner-up in 1993, Sonia, who looked a bit worse for wear and didn't seem to know where she was as she "performed" - I say "performed" but it was more like a sing-a-long karaoke with her leading the way (maybe she doesn't know the words to her songs anymore??). The mostly Russian audience looked bemused when Bucks Fizz took to the stage to perform their "extended set" - in honesty even the hardened Eurovision fans only wanted them to do their 3 UK no1's and then get off stage. If the Russian's didn't know what to make of Bucks Fizz, well they didn't have a clue what was going on as Nikki French (16th place) managed to squeeze herself in the actual jacket she wore at Eurovision. Fortunately for the Russians (who looked like they were about to commit murder by this point), Dima Bilan came out. Dima looked like he didn't want to be there as he went through the motions of his 2 song set. He didn't even come back for a reprise of "Believe" - hardly the gracious Eurovision winner... Ani Lorak saved the evening with a great performance I have come to expect from her (even though she is STILL wearing the same dress - really hope she has washed it). The response "Shady Lady" got from the audience suggested that perhaps the wrong song had won in Belgrade. Ani went one step further by performing Tina Turner's "The Best" - perhaps she was sending a message to Dima Bilan?? While Dima may have taken the prize in Belgrade, it was clear that Ani is the unoffical winner of Eurovision 2008.
With the performances over it was Moa and my turn to perform as our tribute to Euroband - though they were not there at the Scala they were with us in spirit!!

Eurovision - Day Seven

2008-06-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

It was day seven in Belgrade and the night of the Final of the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest, my sadness at the contest being over for a year was equally matched with excitement to see who would be the outright winner.

The atmosphere at the arena was amazing when I arrived - there was such a hive of activity. There were seas of flags being waved, and people from all nations talking to eachother about their favourites from the contest. I couldn't help but think how wonderful it was to be part of this unifying experience. I made sure I was armed with my Iceland and Norway flags as I headed into the arena ready to support my two favourites.

The show itself was fantastic in the arena - it was one big party. Andy Abraham for the UK did well despite being the second act but it was clear he wasn't going to do well in the votes as his performance was not memorable enough to standout. No Angels gave a better vocal performance but it still wasn't up to the standard of some of the other acts. By the time Euroband came on stage my phone went crazy with all my friends back home that were watching on T.V to say how great they were. One of my friends even said that Fridrik looked like me on stage!! (I wish!!). I didn't think it would be possible for Euroband to raise their game in their performance as they were already so good but they did - giving without doubt the strongest vocal performance in the contest. Their efforts were rewarded in the arena with one of the best reactions of the night. Charlotte Perrelli's performance underwhelmed me slightly in the final and she was totally upstaged by Ani Lorak. It was obvious that out of the two divas in silver, that Ani would come out on top as her performance was much more memorable than Charlotte's. Booing in the arena was directed at Spain with people that obviously didn't think that the "song" was good for Eurovision. Dima Bilan also received a fair amount of boos when he took to the stage. My other favourite, Maria from Norway closed the show with a beautiful performance of "Hold On, Be Strong".

With all the 25 countries performed, it was now the moment of truth - the scores. My personal top 5 were Iceland, Norway, Ukraine, Sweden and Greece, so I was hoping for any of those countries to do well. As the scores started coming in I noticed that suprisingly Sweden were not getting any points. Norway and Greece in particular, were doing well, Iceland had a few points and Ukraine wasn't doing as well as I expected. At the top of the leader board was Greece and Russia and I secretly hoped it would be Greece that would take the prize over Russia. As more countries voted, my dreams for Eurovision in Iceland started to fade and I resigned myself to the fact that I would be going to Russia next year. With only one country left to vote, Demark, the game was over and it was to be Dima Bilans night. The moment that I was most annoyed about was Iceland's Euroband not having their moment of glory on the screen from the green room when they got their 12 points from Denmark - trust Dima Bilan to steal their thunder!! With the voting over, my top 5 finished like this: Iceland (14th), Norway (5th), Ukraine (2nd), Sweden (18th) and Greece (3rd). I was most disappointed for Euroband as I so desperately wanted them to do well.

In my opinion, I think the top 5 (though not all my favourites) were deserving though I would have prefered Ani Lorak's Shady Lady as the overall winner as opposed to Dima "I think I am God" Bilan. I was particularly pleased with Maria's 5th place with "Hold On, Be Strong" for Norway. I'm not sure where it went wrong for Sweden and my favourites Iceland - I guess the whole East v's West is still very much a part of the final despite it balancing out the qualifiers from the Semi Finals. The UK found themselves at the bottom of the table again which wasn't deserved (neither was Poland to be fair). With talk of Terry Wogan resigning and countries pulling out, I wonder if rules for the final will be changed for next year??

The aftershow party was a little sad as it was time to say goodbye to all the friends I had made over the week. I was able to catch up with a few of the artists at the party but the one act that I wanted to see Euroband, wasn't there. I really wanted to tell them how well they did and that it was a great triumph that they qualified to the final. As quick as the week had begun, it had ended and until next year, Eurovision was over.

Eurovision - Day Six

2008-06-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

Day 6 arrived and it suddenly dawned on me that the Eurovision bubble I have been living in for the past week was about to burst. There was no time for me to feel sad about it as I had the dress rehearsals of the Final to attend.

I was generally really happy with the songs that did qualify from the two Semi Finals - the new system had really worked as no-one can complain that the final is dominated by the East this year. It was a real victory for both Iceland and Portugal in particular, who have both qualified to the final for the first time since the semi finals were introduced. In fairness, both countries deserved to qualify as they had great songs and both acts gave amazing vocal performances.

By this point, there were 5 acts in the final that really were in my opinion streets ahead of the other 21 acts - my ultimate favourites Euroband, were absolutely amazing to watch they sound and look great on stage - they give 100 percent every time they take to the stage with an infectious high energy that electrifies the arena; Maria from Norway with her classy performance and one of the best songs in the contest; Portugal’s dramatic, theatrical performance delivered by Vania; Charlotte Perrelli's schlagertastic "Hero" and lastly, Ani Lorak with her performance that had all the right elements of a Eurovision winner: Fierce female vocalist, Great song, Amazing stage performance with a fantastic dance routine.

Today was the first opportunity I got to see the Big 4 perform alongside the other qualifiers (I had seen their rehearsals separately). Germany’s No Angels haven't improved at all as vocally they are terrible. I hadn't seen a performance where they have been in tune - it was a great shame as I really like the song (well, in its studio version). France was disappointing for me as there isn’t really much to write about the performance except that Sebastian arrived on stage in a golf buggy. Spain had probably the worst song in the competition with a performance to match. Andy Abraham for the UK delivered vocally but his dancing was questionable as was his suit, it was a bit like your dad at a family wedding trying to be cool and failing miserably.

Eurovision - Day Five

2008-06-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

Before I knew it I was already on my fifth day in Belgrade and what would be a very important night for me as I would find out if the new system of the two Semi Finals really worked and if my ultimate Eurovision favourites, Euroband would qualify to the final like they deserved.

Euroband didn't disappoint me and as always gave the most fantastic performance both visually and vocally. Even though they were the first act out they were the best performance of the night in my opinion. Fridrik looked so cute when he smiled into the camera after he opened the song and I couldn't help but smile myself. The performance looked amazing on the big screens in the arena and the camera work was excellent especially when Regina appears as if from nowhere and Fridrik disappears out of shot. Everyone in the arena was up dancing most of all me!! My other favourites, Charlotte and Ani were equally very good and the camera work and lazers during Charlotte's performance looked impressive on the big screens. Tereza from the Czech Republic hadn't improved and her performance looked like one big mess. I was also so disappointed that Morena hadn't raised her game either. Once everyone had performed, I again waited nervously to see if my favourites from this Semi Final, Euroband would qualify. Fortunately I didn't have to wait as long for Iceland to be called out as I did for Norway, but once Iceland was announced I screamed and jumped about so much that I missed the next four countries to qualify!! I was so pleased that all three of my favourites (Iceland, Sweden and Ukraine) had qualified to the Final on Saturday. I wasn't too happy with Europe’s decision to put through Croatia but I can’t really complain as EUROBAND made it. What a show it was – there was definitely a lot more tension before this semi final compared to the first one as people were expecting a shock result. I think the only shock for me was Lativia qualifying over the Swiss entry – obviously there are a lot of people in Europe that like pirates?? For me, the performances of the night were definitely Euroband who had so much energy on stage and flawless vocals, which must have been really difficult as they were the opening act; Charlotte Perelli, who gave a slick performance; and Ani Lorak with a fierce routine that had everything you want from a Eurovision entry.

"Shady Lady" Photoshoot

After the results I headed to the Press Centre to catch the press conference. Ani Lorak said she believed that “the winner was in the room”. I wasn’t sure if she meant one of the other acts or if she meant herself?? Fridrik from Euroband made my heart melt when he said that “If Eurovision was a little baby Reykjavik would take good care of it” - he really does seem to be the nicest guy ever. When asked how Euroband felt about winning, Regina said, “We are pleasantly surprised; we couldn’t be in a better place. It’s a dream come true”. Charlotte Perelli was asked whether she was under pressure to qualify to the final and win to which she replied, “We had no expectations at all. We shall do our best in the final”. As the finalists left the press conference, I congratulated Euroband who looked so happy.

The next thing to do was to make my appearance at the after-show party. Last years winner Marjia, performed the DANCE REMIX of her winning entry Molitva - I personally prefer the dance mix and I was glad that it was that version she performed.

At the party I consoled a defeated Morena from Malta, who was able to let her hair down as the pressure was now off her. Morena said “Malta had put in a lot of effort this year” and that they had worked with “a Swedish songwriter and Swedish backing dancers” she sighed, ”but it still wasn’t enough”. Poor Morena and poor Malta. I told her that despite “Vodka” not making the final, I was sure that it would become a fan favourite and will be played at Eurovision parties long after this contest, she replied, “I hope so”.

Eurovision - Day Four

2008-06-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

With the First Semi Final out the way, day four saw me at the dress rehearsals of the Second Semi Final, which was a big one as it boasts a strong line-up – including my favourite Eurovision entry.

The Second Semi Final got off to an amazing start with my favourites, EUROBAND. Their performance of "This Is My Life" is full of energy, with a tight-but-simple and effective dance routine, and it really is all about them and their fantastic voices - Fridrik and Regina have in my opinion the best vocals in the whole competition and sound perfect every time they perform. Despite being first out they give a performance and get a reaction that you would expect from an act performing in the middle of the show.

Next up was the comeback queen and former Eurovision winner Charlotte Perrelli with her schlagertastic "Hero". Charlotte hadn’t changed anything from her Melodifestivalen performance – and why should she when it worked so well??

Ani Lorak is in a league of her own with her performance of Shady Lady. This performance is SO Eurovision and has everything – dancers encased in mirrored boxes that light up, a full dance routine and just when you think it can’t get any better, Ani climbs on top of the box towards the end of the song!! It really is amazing performance and slightly upstages Charlotte Perrelli.

Lithuania and Albania’s performances didn’t really do anything for me as I didn’t like the songs, so it was the perfect opportunity to get a drink while they’re on. "Era Stupendo", performed by Paolo Meneguzz, was slightly disappointing for me as he seems disinterested on stage – although he did improve in the second dress rehearsal I saw.

"If You Wanna Have Some Fun", performed by Tereza for the Czech Republic, is a bit of a mess and looks like a bunch of schoolgirls playing in their bedroom. Poor Teresa was out of tune the majority of the time and was a complete difference to accapella that I heard her sing the other day.

Ruslan looked petrified as he performed "Hasta La Vista" and is wearing the same outfit that Koldun wore for Belarus last year -maybe they didn’t have the budget to buy a new outfit?? Pirates Of The Sea from Latvia is something you would expect to see at Disneyland, and was this year’s "Vampires Are Alive".

Croatia, meanwhile, was the one song in this semi final that I HATE, as it is RUBBISH. Deepzone, with the amazing Joanna, were just what I needed after Croatia with "DJ Take Me Away", and I was impressed with Joanna’s vocals. It really is all about Joanna in this performance. Simon Matthew gives a rousing performance of the singalong "All Night Long" - this is the one song that instantly has you singing along by the end.

Morena’s “Vodka” was very disappointing for me. Despite the fact that I really like her and think the song is great fun, her performance is a mess. Sadly, she was shouting her way through the song and it’s all a bit frantic and sloppy.

My runaway favourites from the Second Semi Final were the fantastic Euroband, followed by Ani Lorak and Charlotte Perrelli.

Eurovision - Day Three

2008-06-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Day three in Belgrade saw me at the arena for the First Semi Final where the 10 qualifiers from this round would go to the final on Saturday night. I was both nervous and excited as I really wanted my favourite from this Semi Final, Maria from Norway to qualify. The one country that I didn't want to qualify was Ireland as I would have been annoyed if it had taken the place of a more deserving song.

Despite the arena not being very full, the atmosphere was still amazing. Even though I had seen the dress rehearsals I was still excited to watch the performances and to see if the artists had raised their game. For me, the best performance of the night came from Maria who nailed it vocally. Rebeka from Slovenia seemed to give a better performance on the night compared to her rehearsals and Kalomira's vocals sounded stronger than they previously. Once the show was over I waited nervously for the results to be announced. The first country to be read out was Greece which got a very popular response in the arena. I was pleased that Kalomira had qualified but as each envelope was opened and Norway wasn't announced I began to worry. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Maria’s name to be announced and when it was (the last one) I gave a huge sigh of relief and cheered. I was pleased with the 10 qualifers and the only change I would have made would have been that Slovenia had qualified instead of Finland. I was so happy that Ireland didn’t qualify, as I think it would have been a bad day for Eurovision if it had gone to the final.

As I left the arena I was interviewed outside for television, where I was asked who I was supporting in the contest - I mentioned my favourites: Euroband for Iceland, Maria for Norway and Ani Lorak for Ukraine. With my work done at the arena, I headed to the press centre, where the conference became a bit of a farce as Dima Bilan went on a rant, calling everyone ‘beautiful’ and generally speaking madness. None of the press asked any worthy questions, apart from one directed at Shirusho about whether she thought that serious songs were more worthy for success at Eurovision. Her reply was that “all artists should be able to express themselves how they want, and if that is in a fun or serious way then that is fine.”

After the Press Conference , I caught a few moments with Paddy O’Connell, and asked him if he thought Terry Wogan would actually resign if the UK didn’t do well this year at Eurovision. Paddy said that he thought that Terry was serious, as Andy’s song was the song that he actually picked. As Maria left the press conference, I congratulated her and she screamed that she was so happy with the position she has drawn for performing in the final (25th!).

As I left, I saw Belgium’s Ishtar and consoled her on not qualifying, before heading to the official after-party. There, I stole a few moments with the presenter of last year’s contest, Yana, who said she didn’t think that this year’s presenters were very good, as they didn’t have any personality. Miaow!

Inside the party, I saw Laka’s sister, who I asked what other songs she liked from this years contest. “To be honest,” she replied. “I don’t like any other entries – except maybe France.”
Well, at least she was honest.

Eurovision - Day Two

2008-06-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

I had already been in Belgrade for 24hrs and had a very eventful first day and it seemed that my second day would be more of the same. I had a full agenda – attending the press pentre, the first dress rehearsal of the first semi final and the official parties for Malta, Belarus and Bulgaria. There was just so much to do and see that Charlotte Perrelli's comment about Eurovision being a "circus" was probably the most accurate description you could give it.

My first stop of the day was at the press centre. Teresa from the Czech Republic was outside the Sava Centre giving a television crew an interview followed by an accapella performance of her entry, "If You Wanna Have Some Fun". I was impressed with her vocal as I assumed that she wouldn't be very good (this was to be proven true later). After her interview I was able to have a photo with her and she told me that she was “very excited about the competition and that she hoped that she would do well”.

While this was going on, Diana from Georgia and her entourage – all decked out in Georgia flags and Peace Will Come t-shirts – were holding some sort of vigil. Diana was taking the Peace Will Come aspect very seriously, by releasing doves as symbolism of peace as well as organising a Peace Will Come march through Belgrade. She told me that it is her dream to perform a concert in London.

The big news at the Press Centre was that Jessica from No Angels is ill with a virus – but we have been assured that she will be well enough to perform in the contest. Judging from the vocals I had heard from them in their rehearsals, they really needed to get her back as they sounded terrible.

Next stop was the Belgrade Arena to watch the first dress rehearsal of the first semi. My inital reaction to the stage was “wow”, as it looked fantastic - the theme of the “confluence” really works.

After a dull start with the first six songs, the contest really going going for me with Azerbaijan. Their performance was exactly what Eurovision should be – completely over the top. The theme may be a cliché, but it really did work. Slovenia were next, with Rebeka performing "Vrag Naj Vzame" with a colour scheme of lime green, silver and purple. This performance reminded me of some elements of Kate Ryan’s back in 2006 as there was so much going on that Rebeka didn't seem to know what she was doing and didn't look very comfortable.

The beautiful Maria from Norway gave a stunning performance of Hold On, Be Strong which was a very simple and subtle compared to the previous two. The stage looked breathtaking, with lots of lights behind her twinkling like stars. Maria's vocals were perfect and she looked so pretty.
Isis Gee came next with a great vocal, despite some very strange facial expressions – I was initially worried to see if this qualified as I thought at the time, with Norway and Poland side-by-side, they might cancel each other out.

Ireland was one complete hot mess on stage and like I said when I reviewed it on my podcast for ESC Today, the song and performance is everything that is wrong about Eurovision. For me, Dustin the Turkey is just one joke that I don't find funny.

Gisela for Andora singing Casanova was a big disappointment for me as I really lied the song when I first heard it. The performance was a bit of a shambles as her backing dancers and singers looked like they didn't know what they were doing and Gisela's vocals were quite weak.

One of the highlights for me was Bosnia’s Laka, with a fantastic performance which is crazy but really cute. I think that this is the song that has grown on me the most out of the competition. While its not right at the top of my list with Iceland's Euroband and Norway's Maria, its definitely in my top 10.

Armenia's Sirushu looked beautiful in her fringed dress and gave a great vocal performance. I was impressed that she didn't have any female backing vocalists to help her out which I thought was a brave move.

Finland's song and performance was Lordi part two – without the gimmick of the masks. I'm not a fan of rock music so I didn't enjoy it at all.

Dima Bilan, back for Russia, gave the most self-indulgent performance ever. It started with him lying on the stage dressed in white like he is some kind of god. It’s a shame that his vocals are so bad that you cannot understand what he is singing, despite it supposedly being in English.

Kalomoria’s Secret Combination is another performance that had everything – including a dance breakdown. My personal favourite part was the pop-up book that opens up to reveal a huge heart – talk about interpreting the words of the song literally!!

The evening saw me at the official party being held for Malta, Belarus and Bulgaria. Ruslan from Belarus had boxes of CHOCOLATES with his face on them to give away as promotional items – I wondered if it was a deliberate attempt to sweeten people up to sway the vote. Bulgaria seemed to go for the gay market at the party with their fierce vocalist Joanna camping it up performing You Make Me Feel Mighty Real and a 90s dance megamix of Corona tracks – AMAZING!

Sadly Malta’s Morena didn’t raise her game and gave a disappointing performance of Vodka and Casanova (her other entry for the Maltese national selection). Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse for her she put a complete downer on the evening by performing Knocking On Heaven’s Door - WHY?!

Ani Lorak from the Ukraine turned up and completely stole the show by showing Malta, Bulgaria and Belarus how it should done with a tight, professional performance of Shady Lady, which put the performances we had just watched to shame. Another big buzz was Dima Bilan showing up to perform Believe in support for Belarus – although I don’t think there was actually any support at all for Belarus, it was Dima doing a bit of extra promotion for himself.

After the show I mingled with Teresa from the Czech Republic who told me that “she loved the fact that this competition brings everyone together” when I asked her what made a winning Eurovision song she replied "If You Wanna Have Some Fun" – I had to admire her confidence.

Evdokia from Cyprus told me that she was a Femme Fatale herself, and when asked if she had a favourite song she declined to single anyone out by saying “Many”. Fortunately there are many, many good songs”. Yet again, I partied the night away to the Eurovision hits past and present until the sun came up on day three.

Squeezy x

Eurovision - Day One

2008-06-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Belgrade on the Sunday before the final. By the time I had arrived, the artists and delegations had already been in Belgrade for a week or so. At the Sava Centre (the Press Centre which was to be my home for the week) the buzz of Eurovision was well underway. Press conferences were taking place - Sweden’s Charlotte Perrelli, a former Eurovision winner, described the event as a “circus” at her press conference, and I knew what she meant as there is so much going on. Early favourites at the press centre in Belgrade were Ukraine, Russia, Iceland and Sweden – but it was still very much anyone’s game.

The first night saw me invited to the official opening party at the Royal Palace. Naturally I attended, as I knew it was the perfect opportunity to mingle with the delegations and the artists and hopefully catch up with a few people I had met at the Eurovision Preview Party in London.

My first meeting was with Joanna, the sassy vocalist from Bulgaria’s Deep Zone. When I asked her what she thought the key to Eurovision success was, she replied: “To be yourself”. Joanna was definitely being herself dressed in a very eye catching outfit.

My old friend from Malta, Morena, told me that she was going to “have fun on stage and have a party” and with an infectious song like "Vodka" I was sure she would. Morena also talked about her Euro competition. When I asked her if she had any tips for me, she said: “The competition is always really tough and there are often many good songs”.

Simon Matthew from Denmark told me that a good Eurovision song needed to be an “anthem”, much like his entry this year, "All Night Long". He added that a good Eurovision song needed to be “memorable and sing-a-long”.

Kalomira, the entry for Greece, told me that she couldn’t give away her Secret Combination but that she felt that each Eurovision entry needed its own "gimmick to make it unique".

Later on I was reunited with the lovely Maria, with whom I danced on stage with at the Eurovision Party. Maria was one of the people I was most looking forward to see as along with Iceland's Euroband, as I was supporting both her and them as my two favourites in the competition. I asked Maria if she felt there was any other standout entries in her opinion, she told me that she didn’t feel that there was an “outright winner” this year. I was then introduced to the writer of "Hold On, Be Strong", Mira Craig.

The other artists I was most looking forward to see were my Eurovision favourites, Euroband. Whenever I see Fridrik and Regina they make me smile as there is just something about them that is just so likeable. They are without doubt two of the nicest, friendliest people I have met. In my opinion, Euroband are everything that Eurovision is about - two amazing singers and performers that are doing something that they really enjoy. I know it sounds a bit corny, but whenever Euroband are around they light up the room.

I was lucky enough to steal a moment with last years Eurovision winner, Marija Šerifović who agreed to pose for a photo which I was very happy about as I knew it would be the envy of my friends!!

The biggest acts at the party were Verka and Charlotte Perrelli, who were very much in demand. Unfortunately I was unable to seize my chance to ask them what they thought it takes to win Eurovision and pose for a photo!! I didn't notice Russia’s Dima Bilan, Ukraine’s Ani Lorak and the UK’s Andy Abraham at the party - maybe I was too busy at the bar??

Just as I was leaving the party I caught up with another of the entrants I had met at the Eurovision Preview Party, Isis Gee. The first thing I noticed was how much tanning she had been doing!! With the end of the party at the Palace, I headed off to the Eurocafe with my friends to continue the party elsewhere!! What a fantastic first day it was!!

Squeezy x

Eurovision Preview Party - Part 3

2008-06-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

As we waited for our moment to go on stage and dance back-up for Maria infront of over 1,500 people Alex and I were in a prime spot to watch the artists performances from the side of the stage.

The opening act were Eurovision legends, Bucks Fizz who opened with "New Beginning (Mamba Seyra)". They followed with the UK no1 hits "The Land Of Make Believe" and the Eurovision winner "Making Your Mind Up" - complete with the obligatory ripping the skirts off.

After a great start, it was the lovely Maria from Norway who came out to perform her Eurovision song "Hold On, Be Strong". Maria looked stunning in an orange dress and as Alex and I waited for our moment to join her on stage we could see all the audience singing along with her. Before we knew it Maria had finished "Hold On, Be Strong" and was begining her second song a cover of the 80's hit, "More More More". Despite the audience not being that familiar with the song they all got into the swing of it especially when Alex and I came out to join Maria to dance. It was a fantastic experience for Alex and I as we felt so happy to have been asked to participate. After our "performance" Maria thanked us backstage and told us that she was "amazed" everyone was singing along to her song.

Ruslan from Belarus was next out to perform "Hasta La Vista". Following Ruslan was Romania's entry Nico & Vlad who performed their Eurovision entry, "Pe-o margine de lume" and "Beauty & the Beast". To liven up the mood, Malta's "volcano" Morena erupted onto the stage with the frantic "Vodka" which went down well with the audience.

To close the first half my favourites, Euroband came out and gave an amazing set. From the moment they came on stage the atmosphere was amazing and they definitely got the best reaction from the audience. As they performed you could see they were really enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Not only did they give an fantastic performance of their Eurovision track "This Is My Life" but they performed a medley of past Eurovision hits that sent the audience crazy and a brilliant cover of "A Ba Ni Bi". Both Fridrik and Regina are extremely talented vocalists with two of the best voices I have heard. For me, Euroband were definitely the highlight of the party as they really gave 100 percent on stage.

Following my favourites, Euroband as the opening act in the second half was was never going to be easy, but Nanne Grönvall managed to do well. Nanne gave an energetic crowd pleasing performance including her second place Melodifestivalen entry, "Håll om mig" which had the audience singing along despite it being in Swedish!!

Pall Oscar followed Nanne in a dazzling white suit. Laka had clearly cheered up since I had spoken to him backstage to give a quirky performance of "Pokušaj". Armenia's Shirusho certianly came alive onstage and was a completely different character to how she was backstage when she performed "Qele Qele". The Polish entrant, Isis Gee looked stunning in a full length pink gown and sung her beautiful ballad, "For Life". To end the evenings performances, Ukraine's "Shady Lady", Ani Lorak took to the stage. Looking gorgeous in a silver outfit that resembled Charlotte Perrelli's silver Melodifestivalen dress, Ani gave a fierce rendition of her Eurovision entry, "Shady Lady" and a cover of Tina Turner's "The Best" - was she sending out a message to anyone??

With all the performances over, it was time for me to say goodbye to the acts I had met backstage and head to the dancefloor to dance to the Eurovision hits past and present.

Squeezy x

Eurovision Preview Party - Part 2

2008-06-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

After meeting some of the artists taking part in the performances later in the evening, Alex and I went to change into our matching outfits as we were to join Norway's Maria on stage to dance during her second song, a cover of the 80's hit "More More More".

The host of the evening BBC's Paddy O'Connell said that we looked like Amy Winehouse's backing dancers - we are not sure if he meant that as a compliment or not!!

When Alex and I were asked if we would dance for Maria we jumped at the chance as during our podcasts for ESC today we had both liked Maria's Eurovision entry for Norway - the jazz inspired, "Hold On, Be Strong". I, particularly enjoyed the song as there was a quality to the sound of Maria's voice that I really liked and the fact that there was something so likeable about her as a performer. I'm glad to say that Maria is as likeable as she comes across we chatted and went through our routine with her backstage as we waited to go on.

Whilst backstage, Alex and I met Eurovision legends Bucks Fizz who were really nice, Cheryl told us all about the new Bucks Fizz album that was due to come out "The Lost Masters" whilst Mike told me that he still has his sweater that he wore for Eurovision all those years ago!!

One artist that Alex and I were very excited to meet was Nanne Grönvall who was waiting to go on stage with her two dancers. We told her that we had been to Sweden earlier this year for Melodifestivalen and that we hoped that she would enter again. From the look in her eyes it seemed that she was thinking the same thing - could we see Nanne return to Melodifestivalen next year??

Bosnia and Herzegovina's entrant, Laka wasn't looking too happy backstage. Alex and I enquired why he was sad to which he replied, "I don't like to work overtime" - !!?? Despite him not being very happy he still posed for some amazingly crazy photos as did his sister.

The gorgeous Shirusho representing Armenia was a complete contrast to the unhappy Laka. Despite having a big voice and a big song "Qele Qele", she was tiny and really quiet as she waited to go on - I think she was saving all her energy for her stage performance.

Eurovision Preview Party - Part 1

2008-06-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

With the countdown to Eurovision 2008 and the national selection process completed, April saw me at the UK Eurovision Preview Party at The Scala in London. Not only was it the perfect opportunity to catch live performances from Eurovision entrants new and old but it gave me the chance to meet some of my favourites from this years contest.

The first person Alex (my podcast co-host) and I caught up with was Morena who we had met briefly in Malta after her win. Morena told us that she was "very excited to be in London" and was ready to perform "Vodka" for the audience.

Isis Gee an American representing Poland with her ballad "For Life" confessed that she "didn't know much" about Eurovision but that she was "glad to be taking part". I couldn't help but get the impression that she didn't really know where she was or what she was doing there.

Alex and I interviewed Iceland's 1997 Eurovision entrant Pall Oscar, who talked us through the evolution of Euroband's original "Fullkomið Líf" to the version "This Is My Life" that we know now. Pall also invited Alex and me to Iceland for his Eurovision party - we are definitely going to take him up on his offer!!

When Euroband were announced on the line-up I couldn't have been more excited. Ever since I had heard their Eurovision entry "This Is My Life" and watched their performance it had become my ultimate favourite from the competition. During our podcasts for ESC today I raved about the song and gave it a full 12 points because I absolutely loved it. For me, it wasn't only just the song that hit the spot for me it was the performance from the two vocalists Fridrik and Regina. Not only did they both look so cute but you could tell they were really enjoying themselves onstage - seeing them having fun was really infectious and I couldn't help but smile everytime I watched it back. The song itself its an instantly catchy dance track that captivates you from the begining - one listen and I was hooked.

I was lucky enough to meet and interview Euroband for my podcast at the Eurovision Preview Party and I have to say they didn't disappoint. I found them to be two of the nicest, most charming people I have met. It was wonderful to talk to two people that knew about Eurovision (as they are in a Eurovision tribute band) and actually cared about the contest. During our conversation I asked Fridrik to sum up Euroband's "This Is My Life" in one sentance - he gave me a cheeky smile and replied, "Winner!!"

Squeezy x

Smiling In Love - Melodifestivalen round-up

2008-06-03T10:31:00.001-07:00

Much of my February and March was taken up by Melodifestivalen. If I wasn't in Sweden watching it live I was in a Swedish pub in London watching it on the big screen. What I love about Melodifestivalen is that it has so many good songs in the competition - most of which would do well at Eurovision.

Here are my favourite 10 songs from this year's Melodifestivalen:

1. Hero - Charlotte Perrelli

The ultimate Melodifestivalen song and a worthy winner.

2. Smiling In Love - Caracola

Amazing feel good schalger song with a cute dance routine and a wonderful key change.

3. Lay Your Love On Me - BWO

Discotastic - great to dance to.

4. Love In Stereo - Ola

80's sounding dance-pop - a great floorfiller.

5. Thank-You - Amy Diamond

Cute electro-pop.

6. Deja Vu - Velvet

Another great dance song from a disco diva.

7. Hur svårt kan det va? - Linda Bengtzing

Great schlager - what we expect from Ms Bengtzing

8. Empty Room - Sanna Nielsen

Beautiful and emotional ballad.

9. Razborka - The Nicole

Just for fun - not to be taken seriously!!

10. One Love - Carola & Andreas Johnsson

Big anthem from two big stars.

Hero - Charlotte's glittering comeback

2008-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

March saw me return to Sweden for the Melodifestivalen final with Alex. We were guarenteed a good show with six of my favourites from the competition in the running for the chance of representing Sweden at Eurovision. For me, there could only be one winner and that was the "comeback queen" Charlotte Perrelli.

During the day of the final I was able to catch a PA from Ola and meet him. Upon meeting him he seemed surprised that I had come from the UK to catch the final of Melodifestivalen and even more so when I told him that I had seen him perform at his semi-final a few weeks previously.

At the final Charlotte Perrelli was first up with her schlager-by numbers "Hero", wearing a fantastic silver dress she gave a flawless performance that was amazing to watch - Charlotte really set the standard for the rest of the finalists.

Next out was the cute Sibel with "That is Where I'll Go" for a tiny girl she could really belt out this power ballad. Following Sibel was Rongedal with their Scissor Sisters sounding "Just A Minute" with kitch dance routine - it was a good performance and certainly got the audience dancing. Linda Bengtzing's "Hur svårt kan det va?" was a great song but sadly was a bit of a car crash performance onstage as it was just too frantic and messy with Linda running around the stage. Christer Sjogren followed Linda with the extremely dated "I Love Europe". The youngest performer in the final Amy Diamond gave an energetic performance of her Rachel Stevens sounding "Thank-You" which was one of my favourite songs of the competition - sadly Amy got a bit out of breath during the performance and her vocals occasionally went screachy.

The emotional ballad "Empty Room" changed the mood of the final when Sanna Nielsen performed next, it was a beautiful and flawless vocal delivered by Sanna. Carola and Andreas Johnsson's nemesis, Nordman (who beat them in the second chance round the week before) was next and was popular in the arena. Frida & Headline the act that in my opinion didn't really deserve to be in the final came next with "Upp o Hoppa" as they performed I couldn't help but think it should have been Caracola with "Smiling In Love" there instead.

The last song of the final came from the mighty BWO with the discotastic "Lay Your Love On Me", it was a great stage performance with a big production using a metal cage that elevated lead singer Martin above the stage. With the ten songs performed I thought it had to be either Charlotte, Sanna or BWO that would be going to represent Sweden in Belgrade. As the results came in I was prooved right as Charlotte took first place with Sanna taking the runner-up position and BWO coming third.

Squeezy x

One Love - Or was it??

2008-06-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

February saw me travel to Sweden for the second semi-final in the Melodifestivalen competition which was held in Västeras. The "wildcard" entry for that semi-final was the pairing of former Swedish Eurovision winner Carola and Andreas Johnsson. It was wildly assumed that with the pairing of two huge stars that they would sail through to the final. This wasn't the case. Neither of them had reckoned on the popularity of Rongedal's catchy and Scissor Sisters-esque "Just A Minute" and Sanna Nielsen's beautiful ballad "Empty Room". Carola and Andreas though having a good song, didn't have the performance to match and watching it looked like two solo artists trying to out sing each other as opposed to dueting. As a result, the pair found themselves in the second chance round along with Ola who performed one of my favourite songs from the contest - the 80's inspired "Love In Stereo". Other highlights in this semi-final was The Nicole's "Razborka" which didn't seem to go down well with anyone apart from me and my friends. Though she wasn't a very good singer, the song and performance was great fun and very entertaining and is still a favourite of mine.

On our way to Stockholm from Vasteras my friend Craig and I encountered Andreas and Lina from one of my favourite groups, Alcazar. They had been in the area promoting their fantastic comeback single, "We Keep On Rockin'" and informed us that they were working on a new album. When we told them that we had been to see the Melodifestivalen semi-final Andreas told us that the third member of Alcazar, Tess has choreographed the routine for Ola's performance.

At the end of our weekend in Stockholm we went to the club Patricia which is on a boat. There we were treated to a PA from a previous Melodifestivalen entrant, La Gaylia. We were really excited as we already had heard her entry for the Romanian selection for Eurovision, "Dr Frankenstein" which she performed. After her performance we spoke to her where she revealed that she knew that she wasn't going to win the Romanian selection and that she would "try again next year". Here's hoping that she does!!

Squeezy x

Vodka - It's the secret code

2008-06-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Since this is a new blog and it is coverring my adventures from this year I am going to backtrack to January where I visited Malta with Alex and Richee to cover the Maltese Eurovision selection final.

This was really the begining of Eurovision 2008 for me as it introduced me to Morena who became one of my early favourites from this years contest. When I heard the songs that were in the Maltese final there were three that instantly caught my attention. Two of the songs I liked were sung by the same artist, Morena who had the most powerful voice - it was no surprise to hear that she is called the "Mediterranean Volcano". What I liked about Morena's two songs, "Vodka" and "Casanova" is that they were both catchy, uptempo numbers that you could have a good dance around to. The other song in the final that I liked was also a similar sounding uptempo track by Claudia Faniello, "Caravaggio". Both Morena and Claudia had two songs each in the final - Morena had the aforementioned "Vodka" and "Casanova" and Claudia had "Caravaggio" and a typical Eurovision sounding ballad "Sunrise". Morena seemed to prefer "Vodka" and urged her fans to vote for that so that her votes wouldn't be split which worked in her favour as the energetic and furious "Vodka" went on to win Song For Malta and go on to Eurovision.

At the aftershow party I was able to catch a few moments with former Maltese Eurovision entrant Chiara who thought that "the right song had won". Upon asking Chiara what made a good Eurovision song she told me that it needed to "have the right ingredients". Probing her further she went on to say that a good Eurovision song should "move you". Chiara was a delight to meet and talk to and she even hinted that she might represent Malta in the contest in the future if she "found the right song" - you read it here first!!

Squeezy x

This Is My Life

2008-06-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I have been thinking about starting up a blog that covers my two favourite things in the world - Eurovision and Schlager. This year has seen me embark on many adventures and projects including co-hosting a Eurovision podcast for ESC today, attending the national Eurovision selection final in Malta, Melodifestivalen in Sweden, dancing on stage at the Eurovision Preview Party in London and of course attending the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade. During the course of this time I have met some great people and heard lots of fantastic music. It dawned on me that I should really share my experiences and the music with other people interested in the same sort of thing. Follow me on my adventures...

Squeezy x