EUROVISION 2023 - General Discussion thread

[ESC United Mod Team]

This thread is for any general Eurovision 2023 discussion not limited to or specifically about any country's national selections or song choices.

 

[Smudy]

Semi 1 is just ridiculous right now.

 

[esc87fan]

The semifinal 2 artist lineup is now complete, with just the song reveals from Brunette, Teya & Salena, Victor and Iru left. Portugal, Sweden, and the songs from Azerbaijan, Israel and Switzerland are what's left of semi 1. And of course, the UK entry still needs to be revealed

 

[gigi_copp3]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVKfmwtebE/

This would be a massive (and controversial) change... let's see

 

[EscGeek]

a little prediction: others will think semi 1 is stronger, but i will disagree

Welll well welll, my own prediction is coming true

 

[Ezio]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVKfmwtebE/

This would be a massive (and controversial) change... let's see

Lex Pia Maria. Too late.

 

[Loindici]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVKfmwtebE/

This would be a massive (and controversial) change... let's see

Feels like a recipe for EuroTikTok Song Contest here

 

[Mainshow]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVKfmwtebE/

This would be a massive (and controversial) change... let's see

That change wouldn´t "change" anything at all.

Juries were asked to vote on several criteria before but all they do is: Ranking 25 to 26 songs based on their personal taste in music.
The EBU may change the wording of a single criterion but it won´t alter the whole procedure. All jury members will get a sheet of paper and get asked to rank 25/26 songs and they have to be quite fast doing so (I can´t remember which jury member spoke about it but someone did...).

IF - only IF the EBU wants juries to really take all criteria into account and make them focus on them, they should scrap the idea that non-Eurovision fans were able to rank 25/26 songs after hearing them once (or twice).
They should give them a new sheet of paper with a table on it and ask them to give 0 to 10 pts per criterion each - and let them rank (memorability, vocals, staging, composition, originality) these criteria individually.

 

[crashworld]

Is it just me but I feel at least a good 50% of the selected entries could do with some revamp or sorts to the song. Because at this point, I can't even put together a proper Eurovision 2023 favourites Spotify playlist. So far, only 6 songs made it (and we are already 3/4 done with the entries reveal). This is getting really worrisome. I am this close on giving up this year's contest.

 

[Mainshow]

Is it just me but I feel at least a good 50% of the selected entries could do with some revamp or sorts to the song. Because at this point, I can't even put together a proper Eurovision 2023 favourites Spotify playlist. So far, only 6 songs made it (and we are already 3/4 done with the entries reveal). This is getting really worrisome. I am this close on giving up this year's contest.

Unlike other years, I think that we´ve already got quite polished entries so far - only a few could profit from revamps, e.g. like Albania (I expect the Istanbul Orchestra to lift the song up), Malta (just got released this weekend), Romania and Ukraine (they already announced that there will be a revamped version). Even Ireland which sounds like the epitome of a polished production gets a revamp... but I don´t believe that it will miraculously make the song stand out in the very competitive 1st semi final.

If you ask me, I already love this ESC year (and I somehow have high expecations regarding and ). Granted, the 2nd semi final will be an uphill battle but overall, I think that I will include more than 20+ songs in my alltime Eurovision playlist.

 

[Loindici]

IF - only IF the EBU wants juries to really take all criteria into account and make them focus on them, they should scrap the idea that non-Eurovision fans were able to rank 25/26 songs after hearing them once (or twice).
They should give them a new sheet of paper with a table on it and ask them to give 0 to 10 pts per criterion each - and let them rank (memorability, vocals, staging, composition, originality) these criteria individually.

This is way more accurate, but would be tedious to work on. However, a little tediousness won't be a problem on such an important night, perhaps?

I'd like to add to your idea:
1. 0-5 instead of 0-10 would be quicker to rank since juries would probably have 40 seconds each to think about the scores (not including intermezzos).
3. When two entries in the top 10 have equal jury totals, the entry who has the lowest single jury score would be placed lower.
i.e. Song X and Y in 7/8th each has jury total of 84. Lowest jury score in X and Y are 12 and 15. Hence song X would be in 8th, and song Y would be in 7th.

 

[crashworld]

Unlike other years, I think that we´ve already got quite polished entries so far - only a few could profit from revamps, e.g. like Albania (I expect the Istanbul Orchestra to lift the song up), Malta (just got released this weekend), Romania and Ukraine (they already announced that there will be a revamped version). Even Ireland which sounds like the epitome of a polished production gets a revamp... but I don´t believe that it will miraculously make the song stand out in the very competitive 1st semi final.

My idea of the entries getting a revamp is not because they are not polished, it's more of making the songs sound more appealing or listenable (in most cases). LOL. Or maybe it's easier for me to recognise that this year is just one of those years that is not for me. Or I need to "force" myself to like them. Or maybe I am just no longer a fan of ESC music.

 

[empo21]

TIL juries have criterias. Couldn't have known since every year there's always #choices in the jury points. Vocally well entries have flopped in the jury against poorly performed entries. Like others have said, jurors rank the songs mostly by their own taste and then the criterias come 2nd.

Basically the "Agreed on the terms and conditions" of the juror's process

 

[Mainshow]

This is way more accurate, but would be tedious to work on. However, a little tediousness won't be a problem on such an important night, perhaps?

I'd like to add to your idea:
1. 0-5 instead of 0-10 would be quicker to rank since juries would probably have 40 seconds each to think about the scores (not including intermezzos).
3. When two entries in the top 10 have equal jury totals, the entry who has the lowest single jury score would be placed lower.
i.e. Song X and Y in 7/8th each has jury total of 84. Lowest jury score in X and Y are 12 and 15. Hence song X would be in 8th, and song Y would be in 7th.

That sounds like a great addition to that idea.
0-5 makes so much more sense!

I just think that IF the EBU brings in juries to "come across as more professional", the results should also be valid.
But what´s the point of asking 5 individual jurors to somehow rank 25/26 entries in a very fast way - they are just people and due to them being pop singers or former talent show contestants, they prefer such music as well.

Since the EBU introduced criteria, it´s really not a bad idea to let them rank each and every category individually - that way, it´s also easier to call out "cheaters" (like giving the highest scores for terribly sung and dated entries xD).

 

[FilipFromSweden]

I think the jury system should work in the way that each juror gets to award songs 1-12 points, then the total becomes the set of points for that group of juries. It is a bit weird that televoters vote for their favorite and aren’t able to punish songs in the way that a juror can, we don’t sit at home and rank a song as 25th.

 

[Mainshow]

I think the jury system should work in the way that each juror gets to award songs 1-12 points, then the total becomes the set of points for that group of juries. It is a bit weird that televoters vote for their favorite and aren’t able to punish songs in the way that a juror can, we don’t sit at home and rank a song as 25th.

Yeah, that´s another very good point!

As long as you´re not a hardcore fan, viewers might only vote for 1 or 2 countries max.
Every time I watch with friends/family, they usually can´t match the songs to the countries they represent (as long as they are not their ultimate favourites). They usually also remember their "personal least favourite performance" but everything in between is more or less a hotchpotch.

It´s way better if juries evaluate each and every song individually instead of ranking all 25/26 songs (or "punishing songs" as your mentioned it).

Actually, it baffles me that the EBU sticks to that procedure. It might have made sense back in the day when there was a combined vote (jury and televoting´s scores being combined and calculated to come up with a single set of points) but it´s not necessary anymore because both voting entities will award their own single set of points.

Personally, I think that the EBU underestimate the overwhelming activity of ranking 25/26 songs based on random critera if non-hardcore fans or people who work for Eurovision/the EBU are involved.

 

[gigi_copp3]

Those are (in my opinion) the rankings of the possibility of a song to qualify:
SEMIFINAL 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
NOT SELECTED YET:

SEMIFINAL 2 (but I feel in this even the 1st could easily fail and the 10th could qualify with flying colors)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
NOT SELECTED YET:

 

[Looren]

I won't dare to do predictions so far, we also know that in May all our predictions will be destroyed by some absolutely awful stagings and performances that will destroy songs and some absolutely wonderful stagings and performances that will uplift a song

 

[HarryUK]

Those are (in my opinion) the rankings of the possibility of a song to qualify:
SEMIFINAL 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
NOT SELECTED YET:

SEMIFINAL 2 (but I feel in this even the 1st could easily fail and the 10th could qualify with flying colors)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
NOT SELECTED YET:

If qualify with that mess then it'll only encourage them to have a 2am selection show with Dustin The Turkey as an 'expert panelist' alongside Louis Walsh

 

[GlamSIMorous]

My idea of the entries getting a revamp is not because they are not polished, it's more of making the songs sound more appealing or listenable (in most cases). LOL. Or maybe it's easier for me to recognise that this year is just one of those years that is not for me. Or I need to "force" myself to like them. Or maybe I am just no longer a fan of ESC music.

I do feel you, honestly. I only have 6 or 7 entries in my playlist so far, perhaps because I am more of that pop type of music listener and as much as I am open for rock, heavy metal, fun entries here and there, I cant grab 50% of this years songs. They are just not for me. F.e. Croatia, Romania, San Marino etc. I simply cant get through completely, because I couldn't bother less for these songs. I do have these songs each year, around 3 or 4, but this year probably 10 to 12 entries that have been chosen are simply not my cup of tea and are just there. I cant put my finger on it, but probably I just miss some pop bops or grand ballads. Like a Elena Tsagrinou, Chanel or even We Are Domi. I love uptempo songs, dances and stuff and this year just falls flat for me. Just yet. Maybe it might change. Maybe i am just a sucker for basic bitch pop and that makes it hard for me to love this year.

That being said, I think some revamps can change my overall feelings. If Ireland, Albania, Ukraine or so can manage to lift their songs up, I am all in for that.

 

[crashworld]

I do feel you, honestly. I only have 6 or 7 entries in my playlist so far, perhaps because I am more of that pop type of music listener and as much as I am open for rock, heavy metal, fun entries here and there, I cant grab 50% of this years songs. They are just not for me. F.e. Croatia, Romania, San Marino etc. I simply cant get through completely, because I couldn't bother less for these songs. I do have these songs each year, around 3 or 4, but this year probably 10 to 12 entries that have been chosen are simply not my cup of tea and are just there. I cant put my finger on it, but probably I just miss some pop bops or grand ballads. Like a Elena Tsagrinou, Chanel or even We Are Domi. I love uptempo songs, dances and stuff and this year just falls flat for me. Just yet. Maybe it might change. Maybe i am just a sucker for basic bitch pop and that makes it hard for me to love this year.

That being said, I think some revamps can change my overall feelings. If Ireland, Albania, Ukraine or so can manage to lift their songs up, I am all in for that.

You pretty much describe how I feel about this year's contest. Even though there are pure pop entries but they are either bland or sterile. I mean I have to put Poland as my no. 1 for now and I am like scraping the bottom of barrel here. Blanka's song typically will be in the bottom 10 or top 15 at best in a good year for me.