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MTV EMA 2023: Eurostars among the award recipients!

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The 2023 edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards may have been cancelled due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war for security reasons, however this did not prevent the hosts of announcing the winners of each award category. Winning artists were revealed yesterday and hence will receive their awards at a later stage.

The regional European MTV awards have a strong connection with Eurovision, as many artists emerge each year from the contest and introduce themselves into a wider audience. As a result, there could not be an MTV winning artists’ list without the presence of Eurovision stars.

Specifically,

  • Måneskin, the winners of Eurovision 2021, have won in the “Best Rock” category as well as in the “Best Italian Act“. This marks the second time they have been awarded with the “Best Rock”, following 2021 and the first time with “Best Italian Act“, after being nominated for three times.
  • Gjon’s Tears has been awarded the “Best Swiss Act” award for the second time, following 2021, the year he competed in Eurovision, finishing third.

Best Nordic Act

This year, we could all agree that the “Best Nordic Act” category was a bloodbath. All the three artists nominated for the prize were Eurovision 2023 artists. Loreen, Alessandra and Käärijä were nominated, indicating the big commercial success they had after achieving a top five placement in Liverpool.

The choice was hard, but in the end Käärijä from Finland won the award of the “Best Nordic Act”.

Other Eurovision artists nominated

Along with the aforementioned, there were more Eurovision stars nominated for an award in the MTV EMA 2023, such as

  • Sam Ryder (United Kingdom 2022) was nominated for the “Best Push Artist” category
  • and S10 (Netherlands 2022) was nominated for the “Best Dutch Act” category

“Best Israeli Act” missing

Reading the winning artists’ list, we can easily notice the absence of the “Best Israeli Act” category. There is no information given by the awards committee about the exclusion of the category referring to the Israeli music scene and to what extent it is connected with the ongoing war.

Nevertheless, on the nominated artists’ list, Noa Kirel, the Israeli representative in Liverpool, was also found. Noa Kirel, even before her introduction to the European audience the past May, has been a multi-nominated and multi-awarded artist in the MTV EMAs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3mIcCllJXY

You can check the full list of the winning artists here.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all news!

MTV Europe Music Awards 2023: Which Eurostars are nominated for the awards?

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The nominations have beeen announced for the MTV’s Europe Music Awards, which is the European version for MTV’s American Music Awards. Taylor Swift tops the list with the most nominations (seven), followed by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA with six nominations. Next on the list to claim the most awards are Måneskin (winners of Eurovision 2021) with four nominations.

Apart from Måneskin, there are more Eurostars being nominated than any other year, proving that the Eurovision Song Contest is strongest and the most artistically influential contest in the world.

The candidates are:

  • Måneskin (Italy 2021) as Best Group, Best Rock, Best Live, Best Italian Act
  • Sam Ryder (United Kingdom 2022) as Best Push Artist
  • S10 (Netherlands 2022) as Best Dutch Act
  • Noa Kirel (Israel 2023) as Best Israeli Act
  • Alessandra (Norway 2023) as Best Scandinavian Act
  • Käärijä (Finland 2023) as Best Scandinavian Act
  • Loreen (Sweden 2012,2023) as Best Scandinavian Act
  • Gjon’s Tears (Switzerland 2020,2021) as Best Swiss Act

It’s worth noting that for the first year, a Eurostar managed to be nominated in four categories, just as for the first time three Eurostars are nominated in the same category to claim the Best Scandinavian Act Award.

Apart from Eurostars, some artists who previously participated in the National Final to represent their country in the contest also have their honor. More specifically, in the category of Best Italian Act together with Måneskin, the candidates are: Annalisa (Sanremo 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021), Elodie (Sanremo 2017, 2020, 2023) and Lazza (Sanremo 2023).

The MTV EMA’s 2023 will be held on Novenber 5th at Nord Villepinte in Paris, France. The award ceremony will be broacast live on MTV.

You can cast unlimited votes for your favorite artists at the MTV EMA’s 2023 by clicking here, voting will last until October 31st at 11:59pm CET.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for more news on your favorite Eurostar!

Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Switzerland!

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Today is the fourth day of rehearsals, the day when the countries participating in the First Semi Final will take over the stage for their second rehearsal at M&S Bank Arena, in Liverpool!

Next up on stage for their second rehearsal is Switzerland and Remo Forrer with the song “Watergun“.

Who is Remo Forrer?

Remo, after a childhood of playing traditional folk music on the accordion in his little Swiss village of Hemberg, Remo moved onto the piano.

Given time he might have found fame with his accordion skills but it was his singing that landed him victory at The Voice of Switzerland 2020. He also triumphed in the German version of the music game show I Can See Your Voice.

The Rehearsal

No changes from Sunday’s first rehearsal that we could see, and still sounding great in the arena. “Watergun“ is a heartfelt ballad about the tragedy of war, and a universal call for peace.

It’s clear that Remo feels a real connection to these lyrics, and his vocal is beautiful. Staging-wise, he has four contemporary dancers (one is Ellinea Siampalis, dancer at several numbers in Melodifestivalen, who has Greek roots) and also dances himself, which we weren’t expecting.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU, Corinne Cumming / EBU

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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the Swedish entry in Eurovision 2023!

Eurovision 2023: First Rehearsal of Switzerland!

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Today is the first day of rehearsals, the day when the countries participating in the First Semi Final will take over the stage for their first rehearsal at M&S Bank Arena, in Liverpool!

Next up on stage for their first rehearsal is Switzerland and Remo Forrer with the song “Watergun“.

Who is Remo Forrer?

Remo, after a childhood of playing traditional folk music on the accordion in his little Swiss village of Hemberg, Remo moved onto the piano.

Given time he might have found fame with his accordion skills but it was his singing that landed him victory at The Voice of Switzerland 2020. He also triumphed in the German version of the music game show I Can See Your Voice.

The Rehearsal

Well, this is quite special. “Watergun“ is a heartfelt ballad about the tragedy of war, and a universal call for peace. It’s clear that Remo feels a real connection to these lyrics, and his vocal is beautiful.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

Below you can watch a small clip from the Swiss first rehearsal, once it’s published on TikTok:

@eurovision A heartfelt and haunting call for peace✌️🇨🇭 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @remoforrer ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Staging-wise, he has four contemporary dancers (one is Ellinea Siampalis, dancer at several numbers in Melodifestivalen, who has Greek roots) and also dances himself, which we weren’t expecting.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

The staging for this was created by Sacha Jean-Baptiste, who was also responsible for Switzerland‘s G’jon’s Tears in 2021 and Marius Bear in 2022.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

Who says you can’t have pyro in a ballad? Remo Forrer is breaking all the rules, with a short interlude of smoke and red fireworks raining down from the roof. All VERY dramatic.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

The second Swiss rehearsal will be held on the 3rd of May, when we will know how the performance will look on screen for the Swiss entry.

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Corinne Cumming / EBU

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the Swiss entry in Eurovision 2023!

Watch all the eurostars’ performances at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest 2022! (Videos)

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Yesterday, the 17th of November, the concert Het Grote Songfestivalfeest took place three years after the last concert, which was back in 2019, at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

More than 30 eurostars performed on stage for the massive audience and Eurovisionfun was there to cover the show! You will get the chance to watch exclusive videos of interviews with your favourite artists and their performances!

You can watch some of the performances of the artists below:

Loreen – Euphoria

S10 – De diepte

Edsilia – On Top Of The World

Netta – Toy

Kalush Orchestra – Stefania

Mans Zermerlöw – Heroes

OG3NE – Waterloo

KEiiNO – Spirit In The Sky

Go A – Shum

Duncan Laurence – Arcade

Subwoolfer & Alexander Rybak – Give That Wolf A Banana

Conchita Wurst – Rise like a Phoenix

Johnny Logan – What’s Αnother Υear

Gjon’s Tears – Tout l’univers

Michael Schulte – You Let Me Walk Alone

TIX – Fallen Angel

Efendi – Mata Hari

The Roop – Discoteque

Sandra Kim – J’aime la vie

Sheldon Riley – Not The Same

Stefania – Last Dance

Antique – (I Would) Die For You

Helena Paparizou – My Number One

Stay tuned at Eurovision Fun for all the latest developments regarding Eurovision 2023!

Switzerland: Internal selection for Eurovision 2023 | Submissions start on August 25th

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As the Swiss German speaking national broadcaster (“SRF”) announced today, Switzerland will participate at Eurovision 2023, and its entry will be chosen through an internal selection procedure. As of 12 July 2022, Switzerland is the 21st country which has publicly confirmed its intention to participate in the 2023 contest.

The internal selection committee

Switzerland is once again relying on a panel consisting of 100 people, and an international jury of 20 music professionals. From August 25th to September 8th, songwriters, producers, artists and lyricists are invited to submit their songs for consideration. The Swiss entry for Eurovision 2023 is scheduled to be announced at the beginning of 2023.

The decision of Switzerland not to depart from the previous years’ selection procedure shall not come as a surprise. After the very successful performance of Luca Hänni at ESC 2019 and Gjon’s Tears at ESC 2021, as well as Marius Bear’s final qualification again in Turin, it wouldn’t be wise for the national broadcasters to experiment with alternative selection methods.

What song is the committee looking for?

According to the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest Swiss Regulations, the Swiss entry for Eurovision 2023 should be a “contemporary song that has international appeal and will stand out”. The lyrics should have “a strong, clear and easily understood message”.

The composers and songwriters are also encouraged to submit songs about themes that “reflect current events or those whose content will evoke an emotional reaction or a feeling of recognition” in the Eurovision audience.

What’s your take on Swiss internal selection procedure? Will the new Swiss entry do better than Marius Bear?

Switzerland: With Gjon’s Tears at Eurovision 2021

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Using the social media, shortly before the Swiss representative at Eurovision 2020, Gjon Muharremaj announced that he is going to represent his country at next year’s contest.

As the 21-year-old mentioned in his Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B996cJhjcH_/

Switzerland thus becomes the 9th country to participate in Eurovision 2021 with the same artist who will also be in Rotterdam in May!

https://youtu.be/O9GAfFHZE-E

Eurovision 2020: Bulgaria remains 1st- Boundary differences in top positions

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With the  puzzle of the 41 Eurovision 2020 songs wrapped up yesterday, we can have a clearer picture of online betting odds. So far, it looks like we are heading into a race of 5 horses that will fight for the coveted victory in Rotterdam. Bulgaria, Lithuania, Iceland, Switzerland and Russia will cross their swords to win the contest!

The favorites

Bulgaria remains in 1st place, with one of the most beautiful ballads in this year’s competition. Victoria aims for her tears to be tears of joy rather than regret and to bring victory to our neighbors! One year after its absence from Tel Aviv, Bulgaria is in a “pole position” in the event of a victory. Just behind it is Lithuania. The participation that won the hearts of Europeans from the first moment they won the national final. The Roop are back in 2nd place, surpassing Iceland, which has been 3rd since the 1st in a week! But it does not cease to be a winning track.

On the upside we see Switzerland in 4th place, which in some betting companies is in the first place. A breath away from the three pioneers, it will not be surprising to soon be the new Top 3. Gjon’s Tears will attempt to give their country their first win since 1988 and Celine Dion! In fifth place is Russia, the day after the release of “Uno”. Despite being slightly behind other countries, Bear is 1st in at least 1 betting company.

The fact that in a total of 17 companies, all of the above countries occupy at least one of them, is a prime example of how dubious this year’s Eurovision is. This is perhaps an unprecedented statistic in the history of the institution. Bulgaria, Lithuania, Iceland, Switzerland and Russia to claim the victory in the Netherlands on equal terms!

The Top 10

In 6th place you can find Romania. Roxen is on the rise and may soon be in the Top 5! “Alcohol You” is one of the most atmospheric ballads of this year’s Eurovision. However, it will be required to go beyond the barriers of Bulgaria and Switzerland of the same species. Italy remain in 7th place, with Azerbaijan and Malta completing the top ten.

Samira Efendi will bring Oriental perfume to Ahoy Rotterdam’s stage and as another Cleopatra wants to surprise the crowds! The 17-year-old Destiny, Malta’s representative, may well give the Islanders their first appearances in the top 10. Top 10 closes with Germany and Benjamin Dolic!

Much can change in the next two months. The returns, as it stands, will go through several ups and downs. Party appearances, stage presence information and of course the appearances at Ahoy in Rotterdam can be brought up on the boards of betting companies. Nothing will be judged until the night of May 16 and the big Eurovision final!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_hgYnwZR8I

 

Switzerland: Sacha Jean-Baptiste directing Gjon’s Tears

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Not long ago, in a statement on his official Twitter account, Swiss broadcaster SRF announced Sacha Jean-Baptiste as the director responsible for directing the country’s bid. Sacha will be collaborating with Gjon Muharremaj, world-renowned Gjon’s Tears, to present his best, “Répondez-moi”, at Ahoy Arena in May.

Swedish origin Sacha Jean-Baptiste is no stranger to the Eurovision contest as she has successfully directed many artists such as John Lundvik (Sweden 2019), Luca Hanni (Switzerland 2019), Tamta (Cyprus). 2019), Helen Foureira (Cyprus 2018), Equinox (Bulgaria 2018) as well as Kristian Kostov (Bulgaria 2017).

https://twitter.com/srfesc/status/1238117543828570112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1238117543828570112&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurovisionfun.com%2F2020%2F03%2F%25ce%25b5%25ce%25bb%25ce%25b2%25ce%25b5%25cf%2584%25ce%25af%25ce%25b1-%25ce%25b7-sacha-jean-baptiste-%25cf%2583%25cf%2584%25ce%25b7%25ce%25bd-%25cf%2583%25ce%25ba%25ce%25b7%25ce%25bd%25ce%25bf%25ce%25b8%25ce%25b5%25cf%2584%25ce%25b9%25ce%25ba%25ce%25ae-%25ce%25b5%25cf%2580%25ce%25b9%25ce%25bc%25ce%25ad%25ce%25bb%2F

Who is Gjon’s Tears

Gjon Muharremaj, artistically known as Gjon’s Tears is a Swiss singer and member of the band. He was born in Switzerland to a Kosovar father and an Albanian mother. At an early age, he appeared in the first round of the show, Albania’s Got Talent, in 2010, reaching the final by impressing both the jury and the television audience. In 2019 he took part in the French version of the talent show, The Voice, reaching the semifinals. Then, he released his first single, “Babi”, combining indie-pop music with sounds of Albanian music.

Below you can hear “Répondez-moi”, this year’s Swiss entry:

https://youtu.be/O9GAfFHZE-E