The 2015 “Expert” Panel – BELGIUM

The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back once again reviewing all Eurovision songs and rank them accordingly.

You are probably asking yourself on how we pick our panel and the criteria. We looked at people from all walks of life to bring together a unique group of panelists with a wide range in taste. They all bring different skills and tastes to the table so who are they?

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Arie – The Professional Musician
Daniel – The Noob
Katja – The Schlager Queen
Mike – The Smart One
Olivia – The Journalist

You can read more about them HERE

Disclaimer: While we picked, what we perceived individuals with a wide range in taste, it is subjective to a certain degree so just enjoy their thoughts and if you don’t agree, feel free to post your comments below.

Belgium is ready to get their Eurovision Rhythm back and maybe Loid’s “Rhythm Inside” has what it takes?!?! But let’s find out if our panel feels the same.

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Belgium has really stepped up its game this year! I had been a bit sceptical when Loïc Nottet was announced as Belgian representative but as soon as the song was revealed I was completely sold. Many people negatively pointed out the obvious similarities to Lorde but that’s fine by me since he’s even mentioned in interviews that he was inspired by her – and personally I think “Rhythm Inside” is better than Lorde’s stuff anyway. It’s definitely unique in a Eurovision context. The song (especially the chorus) is full of energy and wonderfully rhythmic. I really hope this one will do well!
Points: 10/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
Ah, Belgian male Lorde/Sia on now. And it’s pretty evident he’s been inspired by both. The intro and the verses are very Lorde-like and the chorus is very Sia. It’s very contemporary, very radio and chart-friendly and can of course bring many younger viewes to watch the contest. His vocals though puzzle me. His voice is very Justin Bieber, before he hit puberty, unusually high pitched. Let’s hope it doesn’t let him down live. A bit doubtful about the running order as this would have stood out way more as a song #7-#8 instead.
Points: 7/10

Daniel – The Noob
Damn Belgium, you drive me round the bend. I have been listening to this entry at least ten times yet. My issue is that I still have absolutely no idea whether I like this song or not. When I am listening to this entry, I feel like a schizophrenic person and that is what drives me wild. There are definitely so many parts I really hate but on the other hand I kind of like the parts I hate because they make this song especially unique. My brain is fried! For all that, I rather like this song for being so weird and since I have to rank this entry, my points are as followPoints: 6/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Well if this was the world impersonation contest, Belguim would win hands down. This song is, without a doubt, inspired by New Zealand artist Lorde. The signature ‘drum and finger click’ introduction at the start signals to the listener that we are departing from the euro-pop mould into something far more current and avant-garde. Like Lorde, this song is sparse, understated and not afraid to set its own pace.  And, importantly it has a fairly catchy chorus and a decent singer. But I fear his audience is limited, some might not get the style of song, and others could be, frankly, bored by it. And, amidst other big ballads, large vocals and first-pumping dance anthems, – this song could get totally lost. But there is something very refreshing about it, which I very much welcome. So well done Belguim for something young, hip and different. I hope it qualifies!
Points: 6/10

Mike – The Smart One
This is a song I’ll have to see performed before I have a firm opinion.  The official video is so overproduced it is hard to know what the real song will be.  I sort of like what I hear so far.  It is an interesting song, I think.  Belgium has a tradition of really interesting songs, so I tend to believe it will be.  Belgium even invented a mellifluous language in the early 2000s to sing in.  I like a lot of the song and find the singer cute even if he didn’t know that ABBA got their start in ESC.
Points: 7/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
If I die….during this song….can I get my money back?  I absolutely LOATHE this song!  It actually makes me angry, and I don’t even know what the hell it’s talking about.  I shall not be rop bop bopping tonight, my good sir!   I don’t like Loic’s voice.  It’s sounds like a raspy teen going through puberty.  Be you enemy or lover?  More like be you crack cocaine or heroine.  Stay off the drugs, kids!   2 points…and that’s only because you’re BARELY better than that-thing-they-call-a-song from Finland!!!
Points: 2/10

Overall: 38 Points

Seems a lot of people are confused about this song but with one exception, gave it pretty decent scores. Unfortunately it didn’t break the 40 point mark but 38 points is a decent score, isnt’ it? Here’s the updated ranking:

Do you think that the panel got this right?!? Share your thoughts below and join the convo on our Forum. See yah soon!