The 2015 “Expert” Panel – SERBIA

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.

Let’s talk about Serbia, shall we? Bojana Stamenov won the Serbian NF and is going to perform “Beauty never lies” in Austria. Our panel also doesn’t lie so let’s see what they had to say.

Katja – The Schlager Queen
I remember watching the Serbian national final. There were only 3 songs competing and it was no doubt that this slightly schizophrenic mix of Balkan ballad and gay disco would take the ticket to Vienna. I predict my schlager friends to lose their s*** in Euroclub, when this one comes up. It’s very powerful, with Bojana being this year’s Hera Björk, as in Eurofans’ schlager queen. And yes, I’m on board with it. Only disappointment is the fact she sings in English, as Serbian suited this song much better. The lyrics now try to emulate Conchita Wurst’s winning entry too much. But still – fabulous tune! Welcome back, Serbia!
Points: 7/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
Beauty may never lie, but neither do I!  First of all, I DO NOT GET what the heck the lyrics ACTUALLY mean.  It’s basically a “I’m beautiful even if I’m fugly” song, but what does that have to do with beauty never lying?!?!  It’s melodramatic and ridiculous, and yet I’m still drawn to it’s cheesy disco quality with synthesized orchestra beats.  Stupid catchy melody! I’m embarrassed to admit to you all that I love to hate this song.  #SorryNotSorry  Yes, it’s so bad that I just used hashtags!
Points: 5/10

Daniel – The Noob
You rarely see a sympathetic and nice-looking singer like Bojana. It is obvious that she sings from the bottom of her heart. Listening to every single word she sings, I am sure she sings from conviction and she is earnest in what she says. Besides, her voice and her song itself are amazing, too. I really like this entry.
Points: 8/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Welcome back Serbia! The Balkan void has been replenished with some decent contenders from Europe’s hinterland. But listening to this song as a whole you wouldn’t really know it was Serbian. I think it is a real shame they didn’t stick to their guns and sing the song in their national language. But undoubtedly, English will have a wider appeal. Bojana certainly has a hell of a voice – and when she reaches the Wiener Stadthalle arena, she’ll blow people out the water. But sadly the song is probably not as strong as her vocal chords. The lyrics are kitsch: ‘finally I can say, I am different and it’s okay’ – we’ve had too many liberal lyrics to last a life time in the past few years of Eurovision! But I’ll concede – it’s definitely a grower, and I love the middle eight when the balladic form of the song is interrupted with a raucous, dramatic interval of dissipated drums, and soaring vocals.  You know what – I think this is going to qualify! And the presence of Russia and FYR Macedonia will probably help in the voting stakes.
Points: 6/10

Mike – The Smart One
There is a tradition in the 2000s of larger women doing well in ESC.  Singers from Malta, Iceland, and Ireland come to mind.  Here’s another one.  However, this song is quite pithy and celebrates beauty of all kinds and difference/différence.  While the melody is unadventurous, the lead singer is allowed total freedom to riff on it and show off her very impressive chops.  Quite nice as a diva.  Accompaniment is good as well.  While I normally prefer non-English songs, the words in English do help a lot of people understand this song in a profound way.
Points: 8/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
I was really happy when Bojana Stamenov was selected – she has a lot of talent. Her song, however, is a bit of a letdown. The Crisalide-like transition from a power ballad to dance pop is quite epic but I feel like it lost all of its appeal upon being translated to English. Which leads me to the biggest problem here – the lyrics. There’s obviously nothing wrong with the message itself but lines like “I’m different and it’s ok” are just painfully blatant and awkward.
Points: 6/10

Overall: 40 Points

Serbia got a good amount of support from our panel and managed to break the 40 point mark. Now they’re tied with Denmark so let’s see who wins the tiebreaker: Serbia received two eight points but Denmark received one 10 pointer. That means The Scandinavian country beats Bojana.

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