Posts

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

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

 

Cyprus: Listen to “Running”, Sandro’s song for Eurovision 2020

The Cypriot entry for Eurovision 2020 has been launched recently. “Running” with which Sandro will compete in the Cypriot colors at the 65th Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place on May 12, 14 and 16 in Rotterdam, is already on Panik Records Youtube.

The symbolisms of the song

As you read in our article yesterday, “Running”, is a pop dance song that, in conjunction with Sandro’s special tone, “captivates” from the first listen! RIK’s team believes in both the song and Sandro’s ability to convey the message on Ahoy stage.

“Sandro’s philosophy is that music must be authentic, honest and aiming to reach people’s hearts. This is of course reflected in “Running”, the song that will compete in Rotterdam. “Running” is a dark story with biographies that highlight the struggle against the adversities and thunderstorms we face in life. Having been depressed himself, Sandro’s appearance on stage will signal the tunnel of darkness that we must continue to run through, under adversity or disaster, but also the strength needed to stand up and not fall”.

(RIK for Running)

That is why we see in the video clip that various natural disasters such as Australian fires etc are reflected in this.

The lyrics

“I don’t feel like talking, let me sit here alone.
The phone’s calling, I just pick it up

Very tired of running from these demons
Tired of running out of these demons, I don’t see any more
I don’t see anymore

But I keep on running, I keep on running
I keep on running away
Now I keep on running, I keep on running
I don’t wanna fall again

Drowning out my memories, from the night before
Door’s knocking, just leave me alone

Looking – losing
My energy – tripping
Anybody tow me back home

(Yeah yeah)

Standing naked
Putting on fake smiles
I don’t want to be sad anymore

I don’t wanna fall again

Not gonna fall again”

The creators of Running

The song is signed by Australian-born composer and performer Alfie Arcurie, who won first place at Australia’s “The Voice” in 2016 and participated in last year’s national Eurovision final. Other members of the synth group are German singer and songwriter Octavian, singer and music producer Sebastian Metzner Rickards, Sandro himself, and Teo Arkitekt. The artistic director is one of the leading choreographers and directors, Marvin Dietmann, who, among other things, edited Austria’s Eurovision 2014 appearance.

The director of the video clip is Alexandros Kostelidis, who is the director of the video clip of Anna Vissi “Burning Wheel” and many other important projects.

Cyprus at the Eurovision Contest

This is the 37th Cyprus participation in the competition, which is now the country with the most entries without a win. The debut was made in 1981 with Monika and an impressive sixth place. Until the end of the 90s, Cyprus was often in the top ten. But since 2004, when the semi-finals system began, and by 2014, it was able to pass the semifinals in just three cases!

This has changed drastically since 2015, with small Cyprus only qualifying. The highlight of all this good course, of course, was second place in 2018 with Eleni Foureira and “Fuego”.

Last year Cyprus was represented by Tamta with “Replay”, occupying the 13th position with 109 points in the Grand Final of Tel Aviv.

 

Cyprus: Watch Sandro’s live performance at Selecția Națională 2020

As we reported in our previous article, Cyprus‘ representative at Eurovision 2020, Sandro, was invited to the Romanian national final – “Selecția Națională 2020″, where he performed live the “Fuego” and “Replay”, the last two Cypriot entries.

Just days before “Running” will be released, Sandro had the opportunity to introduce himself to the Romanian public. In a beautiful national final, where Romania chose the song with which Roxen will represent her country in Rotterdam, Sandro proved once again how good a performer she is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2f8RDSC_7I&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2WOUV-5qtkWsB3WD-4ywuHI6Lk_HUOQFfXtzb4EbS71CktnI41nTNgBo0

In Buzau, where the Romanian national final was held, also the Moldovian representative, Natalia Gordienko, as well as the Norwegian representative,Ulrikke’s, were invited. All of them did not miss the opportunity to take a commemorative photo together with hostess Roxen.

“Running” is expected to be released no later than Friday 6 March, as Sandro is one of the guests to appear at the Melfest WKND Pre Party, the Eurovision pre party hosted by Ogae Sweden and takes place shortly after the Melodifestivalen final in March 7. At this party Sandro is expected to perform “Running” for the first time live!

Below is Sandro’s interview with Eurovision Buddies a few months ago:

 

Cyprus: Eurovision Buddies meet Sandro

Our favorite Eurovision Buddies met Sandro during his recent visit to Athens and had a really interesting discussion with him!

The young Cyprus representative at the competition eagerly answered all of Dionysia’s questions and shed more light on his participation in Eurovision 2020.

As he revealed he is in the process of choosing the song. Among a small list of 3-4 songs he loves and believes in, along with RIK will choose the one who will sing in May at Ahoy Arena, representing the Cypriot colors.

Throughout the past, Sandro has been involved in the composition and production of songs, working with several major artists. This is a major difference with previous years where RIK had the song ready and with it approached Foureira and Tamta. This year, RIK reached out to Sandro, and then with a dynamic and productive process and with the artist’s involvement, they ended up with the song that will be Cypriot participation.

What surprised you is Sandro’s admission that he attended Eurovision for the first time in 2018! He feels very happy and grateful for the honor RIK has given him for choosing him to represent Cyprus in the contest.

His favorite songs from Eurovision are Fuego and Replay of course, but also Soldi and Arcade.

It also describes the ideal stage setting. He wants to be himself in Rotterdam, authentic and to interpret from his heart.

“With my song I want people who have problems to know that they are not alone”

So what we expect based on what Sandro told us is a dynamic ballad, with an important message, but also an internal interpretation, something that Sandro has proven to know very well!

We heartily wish every success on the Cyprus delegation and Sandro because they truly deserve it!

We would like to extend special thanks to Mr. Michalis Marateftis, former Director General of RIK, as well as to Ms. Evi Papamichael, Head of the Cyprus Delegation in the contest.