Since the closing moments of Vienna’s glamorous and vibrant hosting of the 2015 contest, and as the lights turned dark on the Wiener Stadthalle, Eurofans across the continent and beyond had already begun to yearn for more Eurovision. It’s been a long summer and autumn but tonight finally sees the first selection of 2016 come to a close! Albania claims …
Albania: Who’s in the final?
The EBU has in the last few minutes confirmed who has qualified for the grand final of Albania’s selection Festivali i Këngës. The 22 qualifiers and therefore the acts performing in Sunday’s grand final are; Adrian Lulgjuraj – Jeto dhe ëndërro Sigi Bastri – Engjëll i lirë Dilan Reka – Buzëqesh Luiz Ejlli – Pa mbarim Nilsa Hysi – Asaj …
TONIGHT: Semi-Final 2 in Albania
Tonight the annual Festivali i Këngës continues in Tirana, Albania, as the second semi-final sees 15 more hopefuls performing. The fifteen acts vying for a spot in Sunday’s final are; Kristi Popa – Ajo çfarë ndjej Klodian Kaçani & Rezarta Smaja – Dashuri në përjetësi Revolt Klan – Dashurinë s’e gjejmë dot Jozefina Simoni – Një det me ty Andi …
EBU sets date for semi-final allocation draw
The EBU has set the date for the semi-final allocation draw for Eurovision 2016. It has been reported that the draw to decide which semi-final the 37 eligible countries will perform in will be held on January 25th 2016, in Stockholm. The draw will include the decision on which semi-final will see the first Australian entry to go through the …
2016: Returning Artists [Part 2]
We previously discussed the returning artists for 2016 HERE as well as on out podcasts. The last article discussed Kalopi representing Macedonia again in 2016, as well as Deen representing Bosnia & Herzegovina again in 2016, as well as potential returnees who are in national finals. Bojan Jovović represented Serbia & Montenegro in 2005 (and should have in 2006) as part …
Georgia: Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz chosen for 2016
As previously mentioned, the Georgian national broadcaster has opted for an internal selection for Eurovision 2016. Today, it has been announced by both GPB and the EBU that Nika Kocharov and his band Young Georgian Lolitas will represent the Caucasian country in the contest in Stockholm. With a distinct alternative sound comprising indie rock and electronic synths, GPB is aiming …
Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw to host Eurovision 2016
The EBU announced today the news that many had been expecting – it will be Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw who will take the presenting reins in Stockholm! The duo have experience in Eurovision and presenting; Mede previously presented Eurovision 2013 and co-presented the BBC’s anniversary celebration “Eurovision’s Greatest Hits” earlier this year, and remains a fan favourite for her …
Switzerland: Kaceo replace Stéphanie Palazzo
Mild drama! A phrase uttered many times during a Eurovision selection season, but in mid-December we have our first case of controversy as Stéphanie Palazzo is disqualified from the Swiss national final in February after her song, “Perché mi guardi cosi?” was discovered to be formerly submitted in French in 2013. Kaceo will be the band to replace her in …
Switzerland: Six acts chosen for final
The Swiss national final’s line-up was confirmed this evening following today’s ‘expert check’ round, which saw 19 candidates put forward by each broadcaster vying for a place in February’s final. The remaining six who qualified today will perform again on February 13th as part of the televised national selection where one will be chosen to represent Switzerland in Stockholm. The …
2016: Returning Artists
So, we know that Macedonia have selected Kaliopi to represent them in Stockholm, and Bosnia & Herzegovina have selected Dalal Midhat-Talakić, Fuad Backović-Deen & Ana Rucner as their representatives. In those we have two returning artists, Kaliopi represented Macedonia in 2012 and Deen represented his nation in 2004. Could 2016 be the year of the returning artists? Some singers like to …