Eurovision 2022: 41 countries joining the 66th contest in Turin!

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Public broadcasters from 41 countries will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest when it returns to our screens next May.

Fans of the Contest will welcome back ARMTV from Armenia and RTCG from Montenegro, both taking to the stage for the first time since Tel Aviv in 2019.

It’s also a special year for Norwegian broadcaster NRK as they will be celebrating the selection of their 60th Eurovision entry during the Melodi Grand Prix grand final on Saturday 19 February.

We will also witness the 300th ‘Big Five’ performance – that’s a song from one of either France, Germany, Italy, Spain or United Kingdom.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, shared his thoughts on the line-up:

‘We are so excited that we once again have over 40 broadcasters competing to win the iconic Eurovision trophy in Turin next May.

The team from Rai are working hard on preparations to welcome all the delegations to a new Host City and ensuring the Eurovision Song Contest will provide the excitement and state-of-the-art spectacle expected by nearly 200 million viewers.’

On the announcement of the 41 participants, Simona Martorelli and Claudio Fasulo from Italian broadcaster Rai added:

‘After 31 years, Italy is proud to host the Eurovision Song Contest again! As Executive Producers, we are incredibly excited to set up this amazing event and welcome delegations from 41 nations to Turin next year.

Above all, we strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest will allow us to showcase and share the beauty of Italy with a global audience via the elements that unite us all: music and harmony.’

The Italian city of Turin won the race to become the Host City of the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, setting Saturday 14 May as the date of the Grand Final, which will be held in PalaOlimpico along with two Semi-Finals on 10 and 12 May.

Source: Eurovision.tv

Eurovision 2021: Seven countries will be directed by Marvin Dietmann!

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Not one, not two, but seven countries will be directed by the talented Austrian director Marvin Dietmann! He is truly without exaggeration one of the people who will be discussed more during the Eurovision 2021 season next May!

Who is Marvin Dietmann?

Marvin Dietmann is a director – who has produced numerous television shows, films, music videos, theatrical productions and concerts throughout Europe. Marvin was born in Vienna, Austria and started dancing at the age of six. At the age of 13 he started a professional ballet class and appeared in many classical ballets, including Swanlake and Nutcracker. At the age of 16, he changed his educational direction and studied musical theater, where he trained in singing and acting.

As a young music actor, he has worked in some of the leading theaters and television channels in Austria and Germany. After a huge injury at the age of 22, he changed his career again, studying photography and began his first productions as an art director.

It is not at all unrelated to the Eurovision contest, since we mention that he was responsible for directing the winning participation of Austria in 2014 with Conchita Wurst, but also the winning participation in the ranking of committees, Austria in 2018. director of the Viewing Room at the Tel Aviv event.

The countries he will direct

Seven countries have entrusted him with directing their participation on the stage of the Ahoy Arena in the 65th Eurovision Song Contest. These are:

  • Austria
  • Czech republic
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Spain
  • Croatian
  • Estonia

Other directors who will be editing more than one country are of course Fokas Evangelinos, who has taken over Greece and Moldova, but also Sacha Jean-Baptiste who will direct the entries of Switzerland, Sweden, Georgia and Albania.

Estonia: Listen to the Eesti Laul 2021 entries!

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Estonian public television recently released the 24 songs of Eesti Laul 2021. The semifinals of Eesti Laul 2021 will be held on February 18 and 20, while the grand Final on March 6, 2021.

You can listen to the songs by clicking on the song titles in the following list:

Unlike in previous years, Eesti Laul 2021 will take place entirely in the country’s capital, Tallinn. The semi-finals of the Estonian national final will take place in a TV studio, while it is still unknown whether the final will take place as usual in Saku Suurhall, or due to the pandemic it will be moved elsewhere. Presenter of Eesti Laul 2021 will be Tonis Niinemets.

Eesti Laul, as a method of selecting Estonian participation, has been applied since 2009. The winners of this institution have given the country some of its most successful participations – including: Urban Symphony (2009), Kuula (2012), La Forza (2018).

Let us remember once again the winning song of Uku Suviste at Eesti Laul 2020, composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Sharon Vaughn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4I3vvQzQ-E

Editorial: How fair will the “live on tape video” be for Eurovision 2021?

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The announcement of the EBU and the Dutch organizers for the live on tape video that will be made by the 41 participants of Eurovision 2021, although it ensures that the contest will take place even in the worst case scenario regarding the course of the pandemic, but leaves many questions in the part of justice and equal conditions that should govern the competition.

What exactly is live on tape video?

According to what was announced, all participating broadcasters were asked to record a live performance of their entry in their country. This recording will be delivered before the contest and will take place in a studio. The recording will take place in real time (as it would in the Contest) without making changes to the vocals or any part of the show itself after the recording.

There will be freedom in the delegations, to present as they consider their entries better, but instructions will be given which will ensure the fairness and integrity of the competition. There will be no audience and the recording should be unique and not be published before the event in May.

Delegations are allowed to use similar technical capabilities and dimensions that would be available on stage in Rotterdam, but are also free to choose a more limited production facility. Video recordings must not contain augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, color use or green screen.

How to ensure meritocracy and fairness in the contest?

In addition to the above, the EBU also announced a series of safety valves, which will ensure that the 41 live video tapes will have been made under the same conditions. Indicatively, we mention that those present in the video recording will be a representative of the Dutch public broadcaster, while the shooting will be watched by the executive supervisor of the contest, as well as a representative from an independent voting observer (E&Y). The duration of the shooting will be one hour and at this time the participants will be able to videotape up to three times their appearance. The selection of the shot will be made by the Head of Delegation and another authorized representative.

Our doubts about live on tape video

First of all, let’s say that even under normal conditions, not everyone competes on equal terms. What do we mean by that? We see in recent years on the eurovision stage, impressive appearances, with the help of the use of technology. Technology that not all broadcasters can use. Fro example Serbian public broadcaster cannot spend the money that Swedish public broadcaster spends. Albanian television cannot spend the money spent by Russian or Azerbaijani television and so on.

So, many times the countries participating in the contest can start from different points of view, but what mitigates the above a bit is that they share the same stage and it is ensured that everyone sings live. With the advancement of technology, and given that each country can use any studio it wants, even that is in question.

We read that Russia uses virtual reality in its appearance for Junior Eurovision 2020, where the contest will take place via live on tape video. An effect that other countries probably will not have at their disposal, for economic and technical reasons.

Of course for the live on tape videos of Eurovision 2021 the EBU has banned such special effects. However, LEDs are not prohibited and it is possible for different sized scenes, something that, as you understand, will differentiate the final result.

What we all hope is that everything you read remains on a theoretical level only. The situation with the pandemic to improve and to have a Eurovision as close to normal as possible, with the 41 artists performing their songs on the stage of the Ahoy Arena!

What is your opinion about the live on tape video? Are equal conditions guaranteed for all?

Dream Team is in Moscow for the final mix of songs by Natalia Gordienko and Uku Suviste!

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Dimitris Kontopoulos and Elias Kokotos are in Moscow for the last few days, meeting with their close friends Philipp Kirkorov, Sergey Lazarev and Ani Lorak, as we saw through their social networks. Of course, this visit to Moscow could not be unrelated to their obligations for the Eurovision Song Contest.

After a communication we had with the project manager of Dream Team, Elias Kokoto, he informed us that the reason for their visit to Moscow is the final mix of the songs of Natalia Gordienko and Uku Suviste for Eurovision 2021.

The travel restrictions that have been set in Greece and prohibit travel from the countries of Eastern Europe, has made the work of the creators difficult this year. So, in order to make the final production of the two songs instead of the two artists coming to Athens, as they did this year, Dimitris Kontopoulos went to Moscow.

As you read through Eurovisionfun but also based on what Natalia Gordienko herself revealed, her new song has nothing to do with Prison. This is an uptempo dance track, much younger than the previous one.

The same is true to some extent for Uku Suviste. The Lucky One is a modern radio midtempo song, which definitely has nothing to do with the classic ballad, with which he won this year’s Eesti Laul!

Stay tuned to Eurovision Fun for all the news regarding Dream Team’s entris in Eurovision 2021!

Eurovision 2021: Participants will record their songs “live-on-tape” to ensure Contest will happen!

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The EBU recently revealed how to ensure that Eurovision 2021 will happen, even in the worst case scenario with the course of the coronary pandemic.

Eurovision 2021 will take place in every way

After yesterday’s announcement that the distribution of countries in the two semifinals remains the same as that of Eurovision 2020, but also the presentation of the four possible scenarios for the conduct of Eurovision 2021, now another detail is given, concerning scenario D. In the new announcement of the EBU, concern the case in which in May the situation with the pandemic will be such that it will not allow air travel and reconnaissance, having a contest as Junior Eurovision 2020 will happen in a few days . With video appearances of the participants!

What is the process

All participating broadcasters were asked to record a live performance of their entries in their country. This recording will be delivered before the contest and will take place in a studio. The recording will take place in real time (as it would in the contest) without making changes to the vocals or any part of the show itself after the recording.

There will be freedom in the delegations, to present as they consider their participations better, but instructions will be given which will ensure the fairness and integrity of the competition. There will be no audience and the recording should be unique and not be published before the event in May.

Delegations are allowed to use similar technical capabilities and dimensions that would be available on stage in Rotterdam, but are also free to choose a more limited production facility. Video recordings must not contain augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, color use or green screen.

How will it be fair?

Normally in the Eurovision Song Contest all the artists would appear on the same stage under the same conditions giving everyone the same opportunity to shine. For the live recordings, the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest approved additional measures to guarantee the fairness of the contest.

Prior to the recording, each participating broadcaster will meet with a representative from Host Broadcasters and submit a recording session schedule, studio setup and camera schedule.

The Head of Delegation will be on site during the registration period of 60 minutes and up to three authorized expirations, either alone or with an appropriate mandate, to make the final decision on the selection of the final receipt (from three).

A live link will be created during the recording to allow the Eurovision Executive Supervisor and a representative from an independent voting observer (E&Y) and Host Broadcaster to monitor the recording, provide assistance and support, and ensure the integrity and fairness of the contest.

No videos of the appearances from the national finals can be submitted, but each country can record on the same stage. The “live-on-tape” recordings must be delivered by the end of March.

Of course, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article, all of the above will apply in the case of contestants who will not be able to attend Rotterdam in May. The 65th Eurovision Song Contest will take place anyway!

Source: Eurovision.tv

Eurovision 2021: Allocation draw in semi-finals remains the same as in 2020!

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A little while ago through the official social networks of the contest, it was announced that the draw of the semi-finals of this year’s contest will also apply to Eurovision 2021. Read more

Estonia: “Uku’s song is very strong and I like it more than What Love Is”, says the head of delegation!

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During the Ringvaate, the ERR program through which the announcement of the 24 participants of Eesti Laul 2021 was made, Tomi Rahula, who is the head of the Estonian delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest, revealed that Uku Suviste’s song is very strong and in his opinion is even better than his previous entry.

Uku Suviste was the winner of Eesti Laul 2020 with What Love Is. He is also a candidate in Eesti Laul 2021 with a song by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Sharon Vaughn. According to Toni Rahula, who is a musician but also the head of delegation and producer of Eesti Laul, Uku Suviste’s entry in Eesti Laul 2021, The Lucky One, is even better than the song that gave him the victory in the previous Eesti Laul.

Uku’s song is very strong. I like it more than the previous one!

Tomi Rahula

Toni Rahula also confirmed what you read exclusively at Eurovision Fun. Although Uku Suviste had a wildcard for direct qualification in the Eesti Laul semifinals, he did not use it in the end, as it would not make sense to participate in a contest where the jury would not consider his song competitive.

I sent Uku’s song to the jury, which passed it through to the semifinals. He did not need direct qualification.

Tomi Rahula

As we mentioned in our previous article, in addition to working with Dream Team, Uku Suviste will be working for Eesti Laul 2021 with Jaagup Tuisk, who was the big favorite at this year’s Eesti Laul but eventually finished second. Jaagup, who is considered one of the best directors in Estonia, will direct The Lucky One, Uku’s entry in Eesti Laul 2021.

The semifinals of Eesti Laul 2021 will be held on February 18 and 20, while the grand Final on March 6, 2021. The songs will be available in early December.

Source: Ringvaate

Estonia: The first 12 participants of Eesti Laul 2021 | Uku Suviste, Koit Toome and Jüri Pootsmann are back!

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During the ETV program, entitled Ringvaates, the first 12 artists, the titles of their songs and the composers / lyricists from the 24 total entries of Eesti Laul 2021 were announced.

Estonian Radio and Television, ERR, also announced the names of the 14-member committee that selected the finalists, among the 156 entries submitted, which consists of people from the country’s music industry and the show in general.

The first 12 participants of Eesti Laul 2021:

In the following list you will see the first 12 artists and their candidate songs for Eesti Laul 2021:

“Calm down”: Nika Marula
Creators: Andrei Zevakin, Nika Marula, Daniil Kotilevits

Hypnotized: Kéa
Creators: Ketter Orav, Sander Sadam, Alvar Antson

“Lost In A Dance”: Gram-Of-Fun
Creators: Martin Kuut, Kristel Aaslaid, Raul Ojamaa, Kostja Tsõbulevski, Mikk Simson

Magus melanhoolia: Jury Pootsmann
Creators: Jüri Pootsmann, Joonas Mattias Sarapuu, Jana Hallas, Aleksi Liski

“Nii kõrgele”: Helen
Creators: Rob Montes, Jason Hunter, Renae Rain, Helen Randmets

“One By One”: Hans Nayna
Creators: Vahur Valgmaa, Hans Nayna

“Tartu”: REDEL
Loo autorid Kristjan Oden, Indrek Vaheoja

The Lucky One: Uku Suviste
Creators: Uku Suviste, Sharon Vaughn

“Tuuled”: WIIRALT
Creators: Pat Lyons, Martin Saaremägi

“We Could Have Been Beautiful”: Koit Toome
Creators: Joonas Parkkonen, Koit Toome, Peppina Pällijeff

“Wingman”: Andrei Zevakin & Pluto
Creators: Andrei Zevakin, Henry Orlov

Üks öö: Tuuli Rand
Creators: Gevin Niglas, Kristel Aaslaid, Tuuli Rand

Of course, the returns of eurostars would not be missing this year either! Apart from Uku Suviste who was the winner of Eesti Laul and participates again with a song by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Sharon Vaughn (not mentioned in the titles due to regulations), Jüri Pootsmann, who represented Estonia in 2016, returns to the Estonian national final, but also Koit Toome, who represented his country twice, with the last one in 2017 with the song Verona, a duet together with Laura!

Estonia: Jaagup Tuisk will direct the video clip of Uku Suviste’s entry in Eesti Laul 2021! EXCLUSIVE

Tomorrow, November 12th, we will meet the other 12 candidates. We will hear the songs for the first time in early December.

The semifinals of Eesti Laul 2021 will be held on February 18 and 20, while the grand Final on March 6, 2021.

Unlike in previous years, Eesti Laul 2021 will take place entirely in the country’s capital, Tallinn. The semi-finals of the Estonian national final will take place in a TV studio, while it is still unknown whether the final will be as usual in Saku Suurhall, or due to the pandemic it will be moved elsewhere. Presenter of Eesti Laul 2021, will be Tonis Niinemets,

We remind you that this year’s winner of Eesti Laul, while he had already secured his place in the semifinals of Eesti Laul 2021, as we revealed in our exclusive article, preferred to go through the jury process normally. Last time we saw him on social media, preparing his song with the Dream Team.

Let us remember once again the winning song of Uku Suviste at Eesti Laul 2020, by Dimitris Kontopoulos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4I3vvQzQ-E

Source: ΕRR

Estonia: Jaagup Tuisk will direct the video clip of Uku Suviste’s entry in Eesti Laul 2021! EXCLUSIVE

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He was the big favorite to win Eesti Laul 2020, with his wonderful ballad, Beautiful Lie. He finally took second place, behind Uku Suviste and Dimitris Kontopoulos’ song, What Love Is. Of course we are talking about Jaagup Tuisk. Now the two artists will work together, as Jaagup will direct the video clip for Uku Suviste’s entry in Eesti Laul 2021, with which he hopes to win again the Estonian ticket to the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.

Jaagup Tuisk’s main profession is directing and he is considered one of the best video clip directors in Estonia. According to our exclusive information, he will be the one to direct the song with which he will participate in Eesti Laul 2021 and which has been written this time by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Sharon Vaughn.

This is a song completely different from What Love Is. A highly pop radio track, midtempo. Uku Suviste asked his song to be judged properly by the pre-selection committee of Eesti Laul 2021 and not to use the wildcard for direct qualification to the semifinals, as it would not make sense to participate in a contest where the committee would not consider his song competitive.

Estonia: Former Eesti Laul producer says that “Uku Suviste would have won Eurovision”!

Today 11/11 and tomorrow 12/11, we expect the 24 artists who will take part in the two semifinals of Eesti Laul 2021.

Below we enjoy once again the video clip of Jaagum Tuisk for his song, Beautiful Lie, which participated in Eesti Laul 2020, taking the second place.

Stay tuned to Eurovision Fun for all the news regarding Estonia’s entry in Eurovision 2021!