Cyprus: With “Break A Broken Heart” Andrew Lambrou in Liverpool!

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Last night was the party of OGAE Cyprus, the Official Association of supporters and friends of the Eurovision Song Contest in Cyprus.

The guest this year was Cyprus representative, Andrew Lambrou, he revealed the song title that he is going to perform on the Eurovision stage in May in Liverpool.

With “Break A Broken Heart” in Eurovision 2023

During the party, Andrew took the stage and revealed that the song with which he will represent the island of Aphrodite in the upcoming Eurovision is called “Break A Broken Heart” .

Andrew Lambrou’s song  is completely  different  from what Cyprus has sent in recent years. A song intended to do well in the competition and not necessarily to be heard in Greece and Cyprus, as were all the last Cypriot entries.

We remind you that the Cypriot participation in Eurovision 2023 is signed by the following creators, all of them with extensive experience in the competition:

  • Thomas Stengaard  : Denmark 2013, Germany 2018, Germany 2019, San Marino 2021, Cyprus 2021, Azerbaijan 2022
  • Jimmy “Joker” Thörnfeldt  : Sweden 2021, San Marino 2021, Cyprus 2021
  • Jimmy Jansson  : Denmark 2020
  • Marcus Winther-John  : Andorra 2009

On March 2 the release of the song

According to exclusive information from INFE Greece , the country’s song will be officially released on  Thursday, March 2 !

As we have informed you, the director of the video clip is George Benioudakis , who has many collaborations with almost all the popular Greek artists (A. Rammos, K. Argyros, L. Giorkas, S. Rokkos, Klaudia, El. Foureira et al.). And this year the Austrian-born  Marvin Dietmann  has taken over as the artistic director of the Cypriot participation. Andrew Lambrou’s staging at the M&S Bank Arena will be curated by both Marvin Dietmann and  Ross Nicholson from London’s directing team,  Black Skull .

Are you looking forward to the release of the Cypriot entry? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about the participation of Cyprus in Eurovision 2023, in Liverpool!

Iceland: The results of Semi-Final 1 of Söngvakeppnin 2023!

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Iceland, the land of ice and fire, has started seeking its representative for Eurovision 2023 through the national final Söngvakeppnin. A few minutes ago, the First Semi-Final was completed, with two out of five competing contestants qualifying for the Grand Final.

The hosts of the show where Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson, Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir and Sigurður Þorri Gunnarsson.

The 5 entries appeared in the following order:

1. Benedikt – “Þora”

2. Diljá – “Lifandi inni í mér” – QUALIFIED

3. Celebs – “Dómsdagsdans”

4. Bragi – “Stundum snýst heimurinn gegn þér” – QUALIFIED

5. Móa – “Glötuð ást”

Decided solely by the public vote, the 2 acts that advanced to the Grand Final are:

  • Diljá – “Lifandi inni í mér”
  • Bragi – “Stundum snýst heimurinn gegn þér”

The Second Semi-Final, where two more finalists will be decided, will take place next Saturday, February 25.

Söngvakeppnin Format

A total of 10 songs take part in Söngvakeppnin 2023 after being selected by the relevant RÚV jury. Five songs take part in each of the two semi-finals, with the best two from each semi-final advancing to the Grand Final. After the semi-finals, the judges have the right to use a wildcard, on one of the six artists who did not qualify.

In the two semi-finals, the result will be decided solely by public vote, while in the final there will be a combined public and jury vote to decide the two songs that will advance to the Super Final. There, the Icelandic public has the ultimate say in choosing the country’s next representative.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the developments concerning Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest!

Lithuania: With Monika Linkytė and “Stay” in Liverpool!

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Lithuania has completed the search for its representative and entry for Eurovision 2023. “Pabandom iš Naujo! 2023” as the Lithuanian public television process is now called, consists of two qualifying rounds, two semi-finals and one final. A few minutes ago, the grand final with 10 contestants was completed.

The presenters of the evening were Giedraus Masalskis and Augustė Nombeko. In the Green Room the presenter was Richard Jonaitis.

Eurovizinės atrankos „Pabandom iš naujo!“ finalas

The jury was composed of:

  • Ramūnas Zilnys (Music Critic),
  • Monika Liu (Lithuanian Representative Eurovision 2022)
  • Raminta Naujalytė-Bjelle (Singer)
  • Ieva Narkutė (Singer)
  • Vytautas Bikus (Composer)
  • Jievaras Jasinskis (Composer)
  • Vaidotas Valiukevičius (The Roop – Lithuanian Representative Eurovision 2020 & 2021)
  • Stanislavas Stavickis-Stano (Singer and Composer)
  • Gerūta Griniūtė (radio host)

The 10 songs that claimed the tickets for Liverpool are:

The results:

Tonight the Lithuanian audience had the chance to watch the live performances and vote for their favourites and the jury has already voted. The result was determined 50% by the jury voting and 50% by the teloevote.

Jury Results

Televoting Results

Final Results

At the end of the voting, the big winner was Monika Linkytė, with the song, “Stay“.

We remind you that Lithuania will appear in the second half of the second semi-final on 11 May.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding Eurovision 2023!

Sweden: Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey are the two direct finalists of the Third Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023!

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Ninety minutes ago, the show for the Third Heat of Melodifestivalen 2023, started off on SVT and SVT Play. And we are here to share the results of the night with you!

The two numbers that qualify directly to the finals are Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey which we will get to see perform their songs live, on the 11th of March, when the finals will take place at Friends Arena.

But how things developed during the night?

The show

Jesper Rönndahl and Farah Abadi are presenting Melodifestivalen 2023. The heats are following the touring concept again, after SVT had pulled back last year due to health restrictions in Sweden, with the finals being held at Friends Arena! With the next show of the contest on Saturday February the 25th, Melodifestivalen will take place in Malmö then Örnsköldsvik will follow and finally the final show in Stockholm on the 11th of March.

Dolly Style performed their 2019 entry “Habibi“, with Farah also joining with a colourful wig.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

The numbers

  • Paul Rey – Royals

First up on stage, Paul Rey with his song “Royals”.

His song is a pop anthemic song, that doesn’t require any superb vocals, however, Paul delivers. He delivers voice, stage presence, some moves maybe and some fireworks in the process.

The staging is dark but features bright strobe lights and a led backdrop that shows words from the song lyrics, yellow rectangles, abstract art making Paul blend in with his jacket that is in black and white stripes. Dancers join him with a simple but powerful choreography.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka

Next up, Casanovas with their song “Så kommer känslorna tillbaka”.

Their song is a typical Swedish schlager song, all five of them are on stage, each of them on a platform with spotlights all around. Vocally they’re all quite good I must admit.

Stagewise, there’s a backdrop video shown on the LED, initially shows their band name, reminding a Las Vegas sign in mainland US. The staging is nice and nostalgic of other times.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Third on stage, it’s Melanie Wehbe with her song “For The Show”.

For the show is a mid-tempo power ballad, that you could easily listen to the radio, on your headphones while you’re on the move. Vocally she’s not that bad, but definitely could do much better. She pulled off the high note though, quite nicely and effortlessly.

Stage-wise, she is alone on stage, with a large light prop that at the end of her performance splits up into two pieces and the backdrop LED screen, showing octagon shapes, matching the prop. Quite simplistic but visually pleasing.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Next up on stage, Nordman with their song “Släpp alla sorger”. Nordman have a powerful, pop, EDM with some folklore elements song, that reminds me of sound that I have listened in some Avicii songs. The song could have a crowd effect, but they are a bit static.

Regarding the staging, there’s a vulture at the back for starters, then there’s more birds, a scenery and more strobe lights and a green background.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Laurell – Sober

Now Laurell takes over the stage with her number, singing “Sober“.

After an SVT emergency meeting, the Canadian Laurel Barker had to change part of the lyrics of her song, so that she doesn’t mention a famous brand of vodka, as brands are not allowed to be promoted directly or indirectly by any of the performances.

Her signature Laurell Barker sound is now conquering the stage in Lidköping, with a nice uptempo and joyfull song, nice and spot-on vocals.

Stage-wise, there’s a galore of neon and colours, a video on the backdrop showing funky images, probably depicting how one feels when they’re high and delusional.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på

Next up on stage Ida-Lova  with the song “Låt hela stan se på“!

Now that’s a ballad entirely in Swedish, but full of sentiment that she puts through her eyes. Vocally she is impeccable. Nice high note there Ida, she did it!

Regarding the staging, it’s super simple but aesthetically pleasing. Nothing much is going on, either than herself performing and a large piece of fabric hanging off the stage ceiling. Many strobe lights that give room to more lights as she proceeds to the song.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

  • Marcus & Martinus – Air

Last (but sure not least), the worldwide known duo Marcus & Martinus with their song “Air”.

This song is for me like the air that I’m breathing! I LOVE IT! I WANT IT! The song is a pop EDM banger, that one could vibe all day and night long! Both the guys are great vocally, except one tiny part of improvised adlibs. But other than that, this number is pure PERFECTION!

Stage-wise, I think it is a hybrid of Eric Saade’s “Every Minute” and last year’s entry “Bluffin” by LIAMOO, but in blue. The lights play an important role and make it even more visually pleasing, while the twins follow a light choreography with some contemporary dance moves.

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

Afro-Dite were the performers before the announcement of the direct finalist!

Photo: Alma Bengtsson / SVT

The Direct Qualifiers

First voting round winner: Marcus & Martinus – Air
Second voting round winner:Paul Rey – Royals

Semi-Finalists

Second voting round 2nd place: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
Second voting round 3rd place: Melanie Wehbe – For The Show

Second voting round results

Age-band 3-9 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 10-15 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 16-29 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 30-44 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 45-59 years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Age-band 60-74 years old winner: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

Age-band 75+ years old winner: Paul Rey – Royals

Televoting winner: Nordman – Släpp alla sorger

See you next Saturday, after the third heat, when you will have the chance to be informed in detail about the results, as soon as they are announced on TV!

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: SVT
Photos: SVT/Alma Bengtsson

Italy: Blanco’s case to go to court after Sanremo outburst!

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This year’s Sanremo has been and will continue to be talked about due to events during the performances of the participating artists and not only, with Blanco‘s guest appearance during the first night of the Festival being a prime example.

Blanco’s appearance made rounds on media inside and outside of Italy, as the artist, in a move that is still debated as to whether it was planned or not, destroyed the flower sets that had been placed as props for his performance, which resulted to damages on the Ariston stage.

Reactions to this move were not limited to the reaction of the public and fans but have now taken a dramatic turn, with the Prosecutor’s Office of Imperia investigating the case on the charge of destruction of property at a public event, a charge punishable by one to five years in prison. The case is expected to go to court in Imperia.

Aside from Blanco, a second legal case is unfolding starring Rosa Chemical and Fedez, over the kiss they shared during contestant Rosa Chemical’s appearance on the final night of the Festival.

Specifically, a representative of the organization Pro Vita & Famiglia (Pro-Life & Family) filed a complaint to the Prosecutor’s Office of Sanremo, arguing that

“(That of Rosa Chemical and Fedez) is a behavior of unprecedented gravity, which has led to a wave of general indignation for the shame, discomfort and revulsion caused by the vulgarity of behavior in the sexual sphere.”

The organization’s lawyer argues that the kiss between the two artists violates articles 529 and 527 of the Criminal Code regarding obscene acts and objects and obscene acts in a public place respectively. Added to the charges is the violation of laws on the protection of minors with regard to the material shown on television until 11 o’clock at night.

For all of the above, RAI seems to be at risk of a fine of up to 600 thousand euros, in the event that it is found guilty.

Sources: escbubble/escbubble, imusicfun

Croatia: Dora 2023 viewers figures released!

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Croatian Dora 2023 achieved their highest audience figures in years (42%).  Dora 2023 got 46000 more viewers than last year’s edition.  These are the highest audience figures for the Croatian national final in four years.

According to HRT public figures, the Grand Final of Dora received its highest audience results since 2019.  During the broadcasting of Dora, people used the hashtag #Dora2023.  The hashtag had a potential impact of 4.600.000 users.

In addition to this, the audience figures show that the peakest moments of the show were the moment in which Let 3 performed their winning song “Mama ŠČ!” and the moment when Let 3 won Dora 2023.

Dora 2023 will represent Croatia in Liverpool.  Their national final performance has accumulated in a couple of days near one million views in the official Eurovision channel and almost 3 million viewers in Dora’s official YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isZ_4AnCTnA&ab_channel=EurovisionSongContest

Source

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about Croatia in Eurovision 2023!

 

Sweden: The betting odds, just a few moments before the Third Melodifestivalen 2023 Heat results!

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Melodifestivalen 2023 Third Heat show will begin in a few moments, with the new competition and voting format in place and will be aired on SVT and SVT Play. Seven contestants will have to compete against each other tonight, in order to secure one of the direct finalist places, or if not directly qualifying to the finals, claiming their ticket for the fifth semi-final, as their last chance in the hopes of competing at the finals.

Tonight’s contestants

  1. Paul Rey – Royals
  2. Casanovas – Så kommer känslorna tillbaka
  3. Melanie Wehbe – For The Show
  4. Nordman – Släpp alla sorger
  5. Laurell – Sober
  6. Ida-Lova – Låt hela stan se på
  7. Marcus & Martinus – Air

The odds

The betting odds depend on many factors and as these factors are subject to changes anytime, the odds can still fluctuate, even last minute. Currently there seem to be two clear direct finalists and these are Marcus & Martinus and Paul Rey.

As for the two semi-final qualifiers, we might have quite a close combat between some of the artists. Currently, in the third and fourth place of the betting odds we have Nordman and Ida-Lova respectively.

Let’s see what is going to happen, we will get the chance to watch the actual heat live, on SVT and SVT Play and of course at EurovisionFun you will get the chance to be informed about the results as soon as they are announced on TV!

Which two of today’s competing artists do you think will be the direct finalists, that will be competing on the 11th of March, hoping to represent Sweden in Liverpool, this year?

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun, for all the latest developments regarding Melodifestivalen 2023 and the Swedish entry for Eurovision 2023!

Source: Eurovision World

Malta: Eurovisionfun Reacts to Eurovision 2023 Entry ”Dance (Our Own Party)”

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A few days ago the MESC 2023 was completed, the process of Malta‘s national selection for Eurovision 2023. After voting by the public and the committees, “The Busker” with the song “Dance (Our own Party)“, who won the ticket to Liverpool.

The Eurovisionfun team once again watched and reacted to the live performance for the country’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision contest! Enjoy Paschalis, Apostolis and Elefterium in a delightful and highly comical Reaction video with detailed commentary on Malta’s participation in 2023!

(edit of the video by Elefterium)

Here you can see again the entry of Malta in Eurovision 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfcKnD_mnyo&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to enjoy interviews, reaction videos and Live streams for our favorite contest!

What do you think about the entry of Malta for Eurovision 2023? Tell us in the comments!

Lxandra: “My perfomance will be huge, dramatic with dancers!” | Exclusive Interview

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Lxandra gave an interview to EurovisionFun and Giorgos Zefteridis talking about the participation in UMK 2023, her song “Something to lose” and her upcoming perfomance next week!

Lxandra, tell us some things about you as an artist.

“I am a songwritter, singer and I love all the aspects of being an artist. I like writing songs, perform and I love doing my visuals! The most important thing for me is the emotion and I want to touch the people listening to my music, just like how music helps me and my emotions.”

How did you write “Something to loose” and what does the song mean to you?

“I had some basic lyrics on my phone, I usually write while I am on the road, like walking or in the metro so it started like that. It is a very personal song and it talks about how important is to have real communication with people because loneliness is very common nowadays. Having something to loose means you have something to fight for.”

How were the reactions for your participation?

“It has been great! I usually don’t live in Finland, more people know me in the USA because that’s where I make shows and publish song, so many people here in Finland don’t know me. It is very cool seeing the Eurovision community react to my song.”

Have you thought of participating in Eurovision before?

“I used to watch Eurovision when I was a child, everyone knows Eurovision! I always liked dramatic perfomances and ballads. I had talked before with UMK to participate in the past but I was not sure. UMK now has been updated, the perfomances, the video- clips so I decided to do it. Also, at that stage of my career, I don’t have the chance to perform on such big shows like Eurovision so it is a great oppurtinity and honour for me. I thought that if i find the right song, I would do it! We wrote “Something to loose” in Los Angeles and it’s not the biggest ballad I’ve written before but the meaning and the feeling of the song is very important because the perfomance will be authentic and so me, so I chose this song. I had written more “Eurovision” tracks before, but I just went with the flow and my heart.

Could you tell us something things about your UMK perfomance?

“On the video- clip there is some dancing, so I’m preparing myself for the perfomance that will have a lot of movement, five dancers and will be very dramatic. It will start slowly and then it will end up in something huge. I am very excited about the perfomance cause it will be huge, from the movement, to the visuals, the sound, the dramatic direction, those are all things that inspire me a lot and I am very excited. It will be theatrical!”

Is there any other song that stand out to you in UMK 2023?

“I like them all, they are all huge hits! Many different tracks, pop ones, crazy ones and also my ballad. I think it will be an awesome year, I have no idea who will win. Most people in Finland expect Kaarija to win UMK but we do not know until the perfomances!”

At the end she mentioned that she is doing a lot of vocal practice because she will sing the song in a different more dramatic way and that her favourite Finnish entry is Blind Channel (2021). Of course, she sang to us a small part of “Something to loose“! You can watch the full interview below:

Belgium: The Starlings would like to go to Eurovision if internally selected!

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The Starlings would like to represent Belgium in Eurovision.  However, it seems that after their experience in the Belgium national selection they would only do it if they are internally selected.

The Starlings ended in second place at Eurosong 2023, only one point behind the winner, Gustaf.  The Starlings were the favourites of the public.  However, the jury placed “Rollercoaster” in fifth place ending their chances to represent Belgium.

The couple seemed particularly unhappy with the choice of the jury and Alexander Rybak ‘s remark about the alleged similarity of their song to a well-known Ed Sheeran song.

In an interview with radio station MNM, the duo talked about their experience at Eurosong 2023.  They also commented on the possibility of representing Belgium in the competition, only if they are internally selected.

“The disappointment is better now. It was a very stressful period in which we worked hard.  It’s very bitter if you lose by just one point. On the one hand we wanted to participate, but on the other hand we didn’t. Not with a national selection anyway. As a household name you have everything to lose in such a qualifying round. That would stop me now. We say no to a national final, but a yes to an internal selection.” The Starlings

Rollercoaster may not be heading to Liverpool.  However, the song has been positively received in the radios.  The Starlings ended their interview mentioning that, although they did not make it, they support Belgium candidate Gustaph.

Source: songfestival.be

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates regarding Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2023, in Liverpool!