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Azerbaijan, Czech Republic and Israel

Azerbaijan – Nadir Rustamli: Fade To Black

Nadir’s gentle piano opening borrows heavily from Kate Bush.. ..as does his obsession with the weather (see ‘Cloudbusting’ by Kate). This is all excellent, as is a bit of falsetto thrown in and his beanie (I have to say the hat game is strong this year!). Yet, I feel that Azerbaijan is just too similar to other gentle souls at Eurovision, playing the piano and eviscerating their softer underbelly….

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Czech Republic – We Are Domi: Lights Off

Oh, I do like myself a bit of electropop, and We Are Domi do not disappoint! This joyous pop anthem will surely bring the house down on the night! From my perspective one of the best entries from the Czech Republic in years! Hoping for a place in the finales (which it has only achieved three times since 2007).

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Israel – Michael Ben David: I.M

Fabulous. Embracing all aspects of diversity. Embedding pop into middle eastern beats. I just want to get into that tunnel and display myself proudly. Very empowering, ferocious and shameless. 

Review by Kiara L’Herpiniere

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Switzerland, Greece and Australia

Switzerland – Marius Bear: Boys Do Cry

Yes, boys do cry. In our society, most people think that boys should never cry. It does not suit their image and they should always be tough. I love this song because it carries a very important message to break the long-held, erroneous belief our society has. We should assimilate the essence of this song.

Review by Shatabdi Paul

Oh Switzerland. This beautiful entry is contributing to breaking down the stigma of men’s mental health. With a beautifully husky voice, Marius’ first lyric paints a picture of his younger self, tearing up at the unexplained phenomenon of heartbreak. The imagery of a blue young child invokes an ache in my heart, and by the end of the song, I feel deep empathy for grown men: for all those who grow to embody masculine ideals through societal pressure and bury the blue deep inside. Men cry, and that is not only perfectly okay but completely normal. Love it. Love Marius. Love Switzerland.

Review by Kiara L’Herpiniere 

Greece – Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord: Die Together

I can see myself and my life in every line of this song. It reminds us that you can make anything impossible possible for love. The lyrics, tune of this song and the way Amanda Tenfjord sings and acts are just mind blowing Amanda Tenfjord did an excellent job especially in the bridge section. This song has something magical that will win the music lover’s heart.

Review by Shatabdi Paul

Australia – Sheldon Riley – Not The Same

Australia’s entry is playing on the heartstring of ‘not being the same’. The journey from beginning to end of the song took me from a neutral zone to a semi-emotional state. The lyrics were great, a deeply moving story of early neurodivergence diagnosis, but it took a while to feel it through the voice. I really loved the outfit- adorned with a striking black frock and diamond-encrusted veil- they emit a sense of mourning for a sense of self that was never going to be attainable. By the end of the song, the repeated lyric ‘I’m not the same’ caught me, pulled me in, and tipped me into my emotional mind. Solid entry for Ozzie candidate.

Review by Kiara L’Herpiniere

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Belgium, Bulgaria and Norway

Belgium – Jérémie Makiese: Miss You

Although I love the way Jerémie screams “No”, the theme of the song reminds me of sad teenagers.  The melody is beautiful, and Jerémie can transition between high and low keys really well. The little heart icon on the costume is very precious, as I am one to appreciate people who dress in character. Overall, it is a performance that has a good energy, and It is easy to sing along, but I don’t see this as a winner. 

Review by Marilia Erickson

Bulgaria – Intelligent Music Project: Intention

This is an enjoyable performance, as I am biased towards rock. Unfortunately, enjoyable is all that was. Even though they sing about how they are “never in the safety zone” the performance seemed very safe to me and missing the raw emotion I would expect every time I was hoping for some higher notes. This could be on my Spotify playlist, but I don’t think it has what it takes to take the title.

Review by Marilia Erickson

Norway – Subwoolfer: Give That Wolf A Banana

At first, I did not know what I was looking at, but then I realized Subwoolfer was dressed in yellow because this is pure gold. The costumes are absolutely amazing; the music is absolutely amazing; the choreography is absolutely amazing; and the lyrics just make me want to sing “yum, yum, yum”. So, someone please get these wolves a trophy full of bananas. Even though it is doubtful that I will listen to this song again; I will certainly never forget it.  Grandma will be missed.

Review by Marilia Erickson

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Sweden, Malta and France

Sweden – Cornelia Jakobs: Hold Me Closer

As a bitter Finn I naturally crave to say something negative about our “always better at everything”-neighbour Sweden, but I must admit I really like this song from the first listening – a rare jewel in Eurovision song contest! I like the appearance of the video, the slightly hoarse voice of Cornelia Jakobs and the catchy melody. It is a marvel, because I have a pre-decided and thus unfair tendency to dislike any breakup or goodbye songs (this song very literally fitting in the latter category). The very nice and not too repetitive lyrics written by Jakobs herself probably hit too close home with me due to my very recent move to Australia and might bias my perception on the song. But I stand by my statement, this is a really pleasant song and definitely one to make it to the finals.

Review by Sanni Silvasti

Malta – Emma Muscat: I Am What I Am

This song attempts to make an undeniably important point of individuality and the need of people to recognize and accept diversity in others. But jeez, what a Disney song… The only difference is that the songs in cartoon movies would never ever be this boring. The video could have saved a lot; the start was kind of good but towards the end the whole scheme got at least as corny as the song was boring. My suspicion is that this piece will be forgotten by the audience at the very instance the last tunes of the too much repeated “I am what I am” fades and thus it will not make its way to the finals. Props for at least having diverse people in the music video, though.

Review by Sanni Silvasti

France – Alvan & Ahez: Fulenn

The song starts by building a mental image of mystical women in a forest dancing to ethnic beats in torch light, and by the first chorus I am completely hooked! The whole performance is mesmerizing and hilarious if you read the translations of the lyrics at the same time.  Shadow spirits, beasts, lust, and heat are mentioned! It is very refreshing, however, that even though the theme of the song perhaps implies some pagan sex fest, the music video is not relying on overly sexualized naked women. Rather, vocalists are dressed in black and gold and are doing a good job at singing and being mysterious while a single dancer is there to add to the atmosphere of a near satanic rite. The song is catchy and definitely entertaining – I assume this one will make it to the finals but will not take the victory this year. I dance with the devil, so what!

Review by Sanni Silvasti

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Austria, Iceland and Italy

Austria – LUM!X feat. Pia Maria: Halo

Ready the autotuners and prepare for a high energy rush that will leave you out of breath. Austria manages to squeeze two standard Eurovision entries into one – the beat and delivery are rapid and there is barely time for Pia Maria to gasp for air! Might this be the dance anthem amongst a field of moody ballades, we have been waiting for? According to one reviewer, it took them 15 minutes of continuous listening to actually like it. I am not sure I am game enough…

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Iceland – Systur: Með Hækkandi Sól

Three ladies (sisters, no less), three guitars, one dude on percussion and an excellent hat!!! That’s all it takes to deliver a very lovely, toe tapping lullaby, beautifully delivered by Systur. So far, so good, what could go wrong? Well, there seems to be a preponderance of touching melodies delivered by women with guitars this year, and I am not sure if Iceland can stand out sufficiently. Now, if Systur had another 3-4 sisters joining them on stage, that could make the difference…

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Italy – Mahmood & BLANCO: Brividi

Hey – we all know Mahmood….he came second in 2019 Eurovision. Back then the has very angry with his father. Now he is in love and is ‘naked with chills’. But seriously, it is actually a great song, has elements of a very classic love song with some edgy crescendos, some wholesome LBGTIQ+ content and an oversized white suit (which I hope will make it on stage). No wonder Italy is one of the three top favorites. Douze points from me!!!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Armenia, Cyprus and Denmark

Armenia – Rosa Linn: Snap

Rosa Linn, the love-child of ‘First Aid Kit’ and ‘The Lumineers’, delivers a charming folk song, with an catchy chorus and tap-along beat. With surprisingly cogent lyrics (‘get out of my heart’) – this is definitely not your typical Armenian entry… I love it… and the adorable beanie she is wearing! Top 10 for me!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Cyprus – Andromache: Ela

Reminiscent of the Sirens who transfixed Ulysses with their song, Andromache’s Ela is seductive, alluring and dreamy, without losing Cyprus’ signature Eurovision pop (the trashy kind of pop). The bookies have Andromache wearing white on stage (a pretty safe bet, tbh), and in the top 15.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Denmark – REDDI: The Show

Girl band, REDDI, lure you into a a slow piano start with a sudden, yet not entirely unexpected, transition to a high-energy rock rendition reminiscent of the 80s. What’s not to love? Empowered women, guitar solos, high kicks, wild drumming and an excellent hat!!! Unfortunately, the song is not very lovable… still hoping REDDI will make it through to the finals.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Albania, Croatia and Germany

Albania – Ronela Hajati: Sekret

Combining traditional Albanian drum and pipes with reggae beats and a very melodious chorus, Ronela is throwing down the musical gauntlet – just not sure anyone will pick it up. As in every year, Albania is testing our patience with this cacophony of sounds: big, bold and relentless. And as in every year, it won’t go well… no further than the semi-finals, I am afraid!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Croatia – Mia Dimšić: Guilty Pleasure

This stripped back performance of Mia and her guitar is sweet, authentic and speaks of guilty desires. While the sound leans heavily on Taylor Swift, the real risk is that it could just be drowned out by the other big, ostentatious on-stage performances. Still, good enough for the finales!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Germany – Malik Harris: Rockstars

A strong, emotional and heartfelt start that gives way to an angry, frustrated and lengthy soliloquy (Eminem-esque), rather than the expected high energy crescendo and key-change. While Malik gets an automatic entry into the finales, he won’t be able to break Germany’s Eurovision drought over the last 7 years not ranking above 25 (the exception being a 4th place in 2018).

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Buonasera Torino

Friends of Eurovision and other such madness!

On would think an ongoing pandemic, a war in Europe, an associated energy crisis or the spiraling cost of living would put an end to Eurovision. But like an unkillable zombie, it limps along.

This year we find ourselves in Torino, at the heart of the Piedemonte, Italy, thanks to Måneskin’s headbanging performance in Rotterdam last year. Torino is famous for aperitivo, truffles and shrouds. But could it host back to back winners for Italy (an economic and cultural disaster in anyone’s book!)?

What to expect? Mostly, an outpouring of support for the Ukraine – Russia and Belarus have been uninvited because they don’t play well with others. Other than that, it will be the usual shenanigans – flimsy pop songs, questionable google translations, wailing pipes, wind machines and key-changes!

The top favorites include the Ukraine, Italy and, surprisingly the UK, after decades of flops.

So, join join us (Club Douze Points) for expert Eurovision insights and song reviews!

We see out the finales at the Salisbury Hotel in Sydney (May 15 from 6:30pm) hosted by the NSW Queers in Science. Register here for literally no money at all!

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Norway and Spain

Norway – Fallen Angel by TIX

Love this song. The story is heart-touching. I love the way TIX has cinematized the reality of his life in this song. It makes me sad for him and happy at the same time. The lyrics, sounds, rhythms, and his voice are superb! I am not a critic but it encourages me to write up some words for Norway. The story represents his life. It is inspiring. The disorder is not a burden for him, it is his CROWN. This song is the appropriate answer to the people who bullied him. The song tells how diverse Eurovision is! It absolutely fits in this Eurovision and deserves to win. It is not only lovely but also powerful.

Review by Shatabdi Paul

Spain – Voy A Quedarmeby Blas Canto

The appeal or prayer that Blas showed in this song is brilliant. His voice and gesture dazzled me though I did not understand his native language. It reminds me of my grandma and makes me emotional for her. I think diversity is definitely something that reaches everyone’s heart in their very own way. The song is really very touching. I love the line “I am going to stay and I promise to love you more than yesterday” which is heart-stopping.

Review by Shatabdi Paul

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Portugal and Serbia

Portugal – Love Is On My Side by The Black Mamba

Abandoning the usual Portuguese, lead singer Tatanka, delivers a this soulful love ballad in English and in earnest. The overall style is a bit of a hodgepodge…. the band name evokes heavy metal (cum Kill Bill), while the band appears in tuxedos…and then there is that hat. The whole thing is just too confusing for me…not in my top 10.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Serbia – Loco Loco by Hurricane

With possibly the best hairpower of the competition, Hurricane does deliver a classic Eurovision feast – trashy beats, saccharine lyrics and an ill conceived key change with only a hint of the macarena. I sure hope the windmachines will be on full blast!

Review by Mariella Herberstein