It’s been a relatively quiet build-up to Eurovision 2016 so far but the first bit of news regarding potential performers has surfaced today – from our host nation Sweden, no less! Today, Sveriges Radio announced the eight finalists of Svensktoppen Nästa, a competition organised to discover the next chart success in Sweden. One of these finalists will win the competition …
Dream Team 2016 – Israel
Next up on our dream team is a country who thankfully saw a reversal of recent fortune in 2015 – Vienna would not have been the same without the parties and celebrations sparked by Nadav Guedj’s “Golden Boy”! Will Israel keep this party spirit going in 2016, or will we see another change in direction? Let’s see who you wanted …
Dream Team 2016 – Albania
Albania saw some controversy in 2015 as their chosen entry was withdrawn and replaced. Nevertheless, Elhaida qualified in Vienna, so can Albania make it two in a row? There was no contest – Lindita Halimi, third placed contestant of FiK 2014 – was the overwhelming victor in the readers’ poll. “S’të fal” was an eclectic surprise in a selection as …
Dream Team 2016 – Denmark
It’s been a while but it’s finally time to revisit the dream team selections for 2016. We left off at Hungary and next up it’s Denmark! The Scandinavian nation saw an embarassing semi-final exit in Vienna, but can they regain their successful ways in 2016? Surprisingly, the people have spoken and want to see another band take Denmark back to …
Belarus confirmed for 2016
Belarus has become the latest country to confirm its participation in Stockholm next spring despite a disappointing exit at the semi-final stage in 2015. The ex-USSR country has taken part in each edition of the contest since its semi-final expansion in 2004 but has achieved no higher than sixth place, which was gained by Dima Koldun’s “Work Your Magic” in …
Graham Norton defends BBC from budget cuts
The following article contains sensitive language which may not be suitable for younger readers. As I’m sure many Brits reading this will agree, the BBC is a major part of the British cultural landscape, and has been an integral part of the British broadcasting complexion. Now though, the UK government is looking into mechanisms to save money at the broadcaster, …
Dream Team 2016 – Hungary
The dream team begins to take shape – so who’s next? It’s time to see who you wanted to sing for Hungary in 2016. They’ve been in the finals since 2010, but is it time for a Hungarian win? With one of the most popular national selections across Europe with a number of more alternative entries, it’s no surprise that …
Dream Team 2016 – Macedonia
Next up on our search for the ideal 2016 line-up is Macedonia. Who did you want to see singing for the country and return them to the final after three years? It seems you trust the last Macedonian finalist to do the job again! Kaliopi was our readers’ poll favourite to represent Macedonia in 2016. The singer, who gained many …
Dream Team 2016 – Australia
The EBU shocked the world by announcing Australia’s 2015 participation in February of this year and the end result proved popular; 5th place for Guy Sebastian and the door left slightly ajar for a potential Aussie entry in 2016. So with that in mind, who could possibly fill Sebastian’s shoes? It’s a tie between three; two of the country’s rising …
Dream Team 2016 – Ireland
Ireland’s run of form in the last few years has left fans in the most successful country craving for another win, especially with Sweden fast approaching their record. Is there an Irish hope that could bring the country a win in the 21st century? County Wicklow-native Hozier is our readers’ favourite to perform for the Emerald Isle in Sweden, and …