Douze Points!

"The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world, almost twice the size of the United States. It stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 13% of the worlds total land area. Russia was the chief republic of the former Soviet Union, which in 1991 was split into 15 separate republics. Oil, natural gas, timber and metals make up more than 80% of its exports. The country is still held back by poor transport and other systems. It also suffers from violent conflict in the Chechnya region."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
Again, this is a ballad, but it is rather touching and the chorus is very catchy.
This is a lot more interesting than other ballads and has a good beat and rhythm. The music is very powerful and so is the singer, slightly less than the music though.
This is a good track, but Nathan likes this a lot more than me and I'm sure he'll have more to say!

Nathan's view
Dima's back! And I prefer this entry! Dima Bilan came second in 2006, in Athens, and would've won if Lordi weren't there! Believe is a very good entry and I think it will do very, very well! I know that Dima will try his hardest in Belgrade and I know that he can win. He will breeze through Semi Final 1, possibly winning it, and then he should come in the top 3 in the Final. Though I believe that due to political voting it could be Russia's year... finally.

Kristopher's view
There is something magnetic about Dima and some girls will go crazy at the falsetto bits, but the performance I saw came off a little thin and shrill. I don't think the choreography (or lack thereof) really works in his favour. "I will be standing strong...nothing's gonna move this mountain", he sings -- in a falsetto, on his knees? Yeah, I know, the song is about heroic determination and it's supposed to look like gravity's pulling him down, but I doubt Dima has the presence and personality to pull off this material. At this point in his career, he's better suited to upbeat music (such as the excellent Timbaland produced tracks) and moving around more on stage.

"Portugal lies to the west of Spain on the Iberian peninsula. It is one of the European Union's least developed countries and has the highest number of people working on the land. Portugal's economy has grown rapidly since it joined the European Union in 1986. Tourism is one of its fastest growing industries. Portugal once had a vast empire, stretching across the Americas, Africa and Asia. Over 177 million people worldwide speak Portuguese."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
This is another ballad. I find it boring but not something you'd be able to sleep to, especially with Vânia's AMAZING vocals! She has a very powerful voice but is also able to sing calmly and softly.
This is a ballad that seems to tell a story and after reading the English translation, it seems slightly suicidal. It talks about a man who is no longer there, and the singer is appealing to 'The Lady of the Sea'. Perhaps the man drowned? I don't know... All I know is that this woman has talent!

Nathan's view
I'll admit it's a good ballad, not amazing, but good. I would fall asleep to it. It's boring but, as Hannah said, Vânia keeps you awake. The lyrics work well in English and it's one of the only songs which really means something this year. But, for me, Portugal are going to be disappointed again this year.

"Poland is the largest nation in Central Europe and has the highest population. It was devastated by World War II, when more than six million people died - more than in any other country. In 1989 Poland was the first Eastern European nation to topple its Communist leaders. In May 2004 it joined the European Union."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I think the music to this is very sweet and beautiful. The lyrics are a bit romantic and mushy, but the music makes up for it.
It's quite slow, but not so slow its dragging. The artist, Isis Gee, has a very powerful voice and uses it accordingly. One down side though, is I feel the music drowns out her voice slightly, making it harder to distinguish the lyrics; but not too hard.
This is a sweet ballad and I hope it does well, as this sounds like actual music, something that would fair well outside of Eurovision.

Nathan's view
I don't like it to be honest. It's the same all the way through but Isis has a powerful voice, which is what you need for a good ballad. It won't do well at Eurovision, which will hopefully prompt Poland to rethink their national selection as they are yet to proceed through the Semi Finals.

"Norway is famous for its fjords. The population is small and has a very good standard of living, thanks to the country's plentiful natural resources. Only Russia and Saudi Arabia export more oil than Norway, and it is the world's biggest exporter of seafood."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I think this artist got it in one; 'You might be saying "Why Me?"' I am. This song holds no interest for me. I find it quite boring.
The music is repetitive and doesn't really change from verse to chorus. I find that annoying that there is no real distinguishing point between the two.
An upside to this song though is the fact that it's catchy. Anyone will be able to remember, 'Hold on, hold on, be strong.'
It is boring, but ok in some places; it's a mixed bag from me. It grows on you I guess...

Nathan's view
I love it. It was my early favourite and I still believe it will do well, as it is one of the better ballads. The repetitiveness will do the country well and I can see it gaining a top half position in the Final. Hold on Norway... We may just be coming there next year!

Hannah's view
I quite like this song. The verses are quite climatic towards the end of them, leading into the chorus. The choruses aren't really catchy, and there isn't much of a difference between the verses and choruses.Although the lyrics may not be catchy, the beat and music certainly is infectious. It is a slowish pop song that is sung well by a good female artist. Well done Netherlands.

Nathan's view
It could be better. I thought Edsilia's On Top Of The World should have qualified for the final last year, but I don't believe this should.

Sorry Netherlands. Good singer, bad song.

"Moldova is Europe's poorest country. It has no natural resources and imports all its energy supplies from Russia, from which it became independent in 1991."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
This is a slow and boring song in my opinion. It just rambles on about her and another person taking stars and touching rainbows. The music is basically all the same and holds no interest to me. Its boring, and i can't be bothered with the song or it's write up. So i shall waste no more words on it.

Nathan's view
I hold the same opinion as Hannah.

"After World War II, Israel was created in Palestine as a homeland for Jews. When Britain left the area in 1948 the State of Israel was proclaimed, and there was immeadiate conflict between the Jewish settlers and the Arabs who were living there. The State of Israel gained a great deal of land in the conflict, and many Palestinians were made homeless. There have been many attempts to make peace between the two sides but the conflict continues."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
Just listening to this song, you assume the artist is female. I was shocked to find that this is actually a boy! This song is a ballad, but a rather interesting ballad. HURRAY!
It's mostly sung in Hebrew, which to me, always sounds very mystic and wonderful! It works well in this song. Even without knowing the meanings it sounds very emotional, towards the end i can imagine him bursting into tears, bless!
I think this is a very sweet slow song and I really hope it does well, also half way through it has a little bit of traditional music in there, very funky!

Nathan's view
Boring. This and Albania's 'Zemrën E Lamë Peng' are just why I don't like ballads. It's boring. It gets a bit interesting in the middle, then becomes boring again. This is a very unwelcome change from Teapacks last year. Sorry Israel, but I don't think you will do well.

"Hungary became Communist after World War II. In the 1990's, it defied the Soviet Union and began some free trade with the West. This central European country has flourished since the Soviet Union's collapse and it entered the European Union in 2004."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I think this is a good song. Maybe a little bit slower than the other pop songs; but still very good. This song has also been changed into English for Eurovision and; like all songs that have been converted from one language to another, I half expect the chorus to be in Hungarian during the English version!
I think this song works well in both Hungarian and English. The artist has a strong voice and can easily sing in tune. She is able to put a lot of power into her voice and it sounds almost effortless! Points for that!
I think this is a good song and should do well, if it will or not is the big question with every song! The only way we'll find out is to watch the semi-finals and final.

Nathan's view
This is the only song which has been changed this year that I don't like. Switch it back now! Szívverés was so much better than Candlelight and it worked better. I'm not going to comment on Candlelight as although she has a good, strong voice, it doesn't work as well as Szívverés.

"The ancient county of Greece lies in an important position between Europe, Asia and Africa. It includes about 2,000 islands as well as the mainland. About 14 million tourists visit Greece every year. However, it has few natural resources and relies on money from the European Union."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

"The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded the north of the island in 1974. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. Greek Cyprus attracts many tourists and was accepted into the European Union in 2004. The Turkish part depends heavily on loans from Turkey."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
This starts off very traditional with a guitar and her voice. Her singing is in tune and quite impressive with the long and varying notes.

"Croatia was one of Yugoslavia's most advanced and prosperous areas, and declared its independence in 1991. The country borders the Adriatic Sea and its coast was popular with torusits. The Yugoslavian conflict of 1991-95 threw the country into turmoil, but visitors are now returning."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I don't really know what to make of this. There is a man singing, who is then interrupted by an older sounding man ranting on. (???) Is it just me whose confused here?

"Armenia was the first country formally to adpot Christianity in AD 301. This mountainous coutnry is bordered by Azerbaijan, Goergia, Iran and Turkey. Its key position between Europe and Asia led to invasions by the Persian, Ottoman, Roman and Byzantine empires, among others."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I think this is a really good up beat, catchy song with a fun feel to it.
It starts off very traditional with powerful singing and a quite quiet music to emphasise her voice. Then the main dancey music kicks in and it makes your toes tapping!
Its really easy to sing to in the chorus; I mean - any fool can master the words 'Qele, Qele'!
I think this is a good song and should do well.

Nathan's view
Qele, Qele is a great song guaranteed to make you sing along. The Armenian lyrics at the beginning with full emphasis on Sirusho's voice works well and when the dancey music comes in you start partying! If this doesn't do well... I will eat... Hannah.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognized as an independent state in 1992 after Yugoslavia collapsed in 1991. Since then clashes between Bosnia's Croats, Serbs and Muslims have caused civil war, which is still not resolved. Despite this, more tourists are beginning to visit the country again."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
Laka cannot sing, simple as. The backing girl can though...
I don't like the starting; it's boring and ballad-like. But, luckily, it picks up the tempo after the introduction and becomes a little bit more interesting. Its a long wait for the good bit, and to be honest, it's not worth it. Not very good try this year Bosnia and Herzegovina! Its a weird and varying track. There is bad singing and weird chanting near the end - very strange.

Nathan's view
This is very strange and it's not one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's best songs. The guy sings very high throughout and the backing singers are slightly strange too. I'm pretty sure that this would be classed as a pop song, but I can't be sure. Try again in 2009!

"The Czech Republic was part of Czechoslovakia until it split from Slovakia in 1993. It now attracts investment from other countries and has a thriving tourism industry. The country joined the European Union in 2004."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
To be honest, I don't really like this song. Yes it's poppy and fun, but I don't like it. I get bored listening to it.
I cant put my finger on it, but there's something wrong with this girl's voice. It's probably that it's computer generated. I don' think they picked this girl for her voice, but her looks. Why do I have a feeling 'Have Some Fun' isn't as innocent as it's meant to seem.
I think the chorus is repetitive and the music is bland and boring. I don't like this song; I actually just yawned whilst listening to it.

Nathan's view
I used to really like this song, and not because she's fit. It was one of my early favourites but I got bored of it once the really good entries were picked. I suppose that's the problem with picking early in the year. I like her voice, and it's real. If this was the best song in the Czech final then you really need to get your act together. First Kabát now Tereza. Come on Czech Rep! I know you can pick better!

"France is the largest country in Western Europe and a key member of the European Union. It has a varied landscape ranging from coastal plains to the Alps in the south-east. Farms and forests cover a large proportion of the country, and agricultural products - particularly wine and liqueurs - are major exports. France once had one of the world's largest empires. Most of its former colonies are now independent, but French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, St. Pierre and Miquelon, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna and the Southern and Antarctic Territories all still have links with France."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
May I first state that Sébastien Tellier is NOT divine, he is weird. This song gets on my nerves. It feels like it's been written by someone who was SERIOUSLY high at the time. The opening music is very happy-clappy, away-with-the-pixies and hippy-ish.
I feel like this guy doesn't quite know his lyrics, as at the start of each verse, he stutters a random letter. (???)
It stops in the middle, getting your hopes up that its finished, only to find that the guy has run out of happy pills and become depressive but all of a sudden becomes high again with his little band of people saying 'bop' and 'beep' and other such stuff.
A truly random and very weird track form France this year.

Nathan's view
Totally weird sums this song up in two words. It takes 40 seconds for him to even say a word. I do, however, like the way he stutters the first letter at the start of each verse. It stops in the middle, a good use of pause, but you do think that it's finished when you first listen to it. It becomes sort of sad and depressed at this point and then it becomes all happy and jolly again. It seems that France have joined the joke entry pile this year.

Hannah's view
I like this song. Its upbeat to start and then slows slightly. I think the genre and the way the artist delivers the song is very good.
I like the lyrics of the song - if you had just read them and not actually heard the song, you would have thought those lyrics belonged to a ballad, but they managed to put it into a pop song; and I think they've done a good job!
The only thing that slightly annoys me is that this song reminds me of Austria's entry last year, 'Get A life, Get Alive'

Nathan's view
Sounds like a pop version of 'Ajde, Kroči! It's ok but to be honest, it's not the greatest. We all know that countries from former Yugoslavia normally do well, but do better with a good song. I think this will do well because of it's political relations and because it's a good pop song.

Hannah's view
This is another emotional ballad like the one they sent last year. They are hoping, that if they sent the same style material they may win. I hated Molitva last year, and prefer this song - Oro.
I like the singer's powerful voice and the way she is able to cope when the music becomes very powerful and emotional. Unfortunately, the English translation of that piece of the music is just like Serbian scat.
I like this ballad, but it is still boring. It wont win this year.

Nathan's view
HOW IS THIS A FAVOURITE?! I much prefer Molitva... By a long, long stretch. I can't say much else other than it's another ballad. I hope, for the sake of the contest, that this doesn't win.

"The small Baltic state of Estonia regained its independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. It was one of the Eastern European nations that joined the European Union in 2004."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I don't like this. It is a joke entry, and a bad one at that. These men can't sing. They are like drunk mates that decided they could do well in a karaoke contest. The plain truth is; no - you can't.
But it's not just the singing that bugs me... its the lyrics. Its more like a shopping list than a song. In English, most of the verses just say, 'beans pods, cake, lobster, that's enough, that's enough.' I'm sorry... but what kind of song has that utter RUBBISH in its lyrics, let alone making its lyrics up OUT OF that rubbish. Its ridiculous. I don't like it.

Nathan's view
So the song is called Leto Svet (Summer Light) but it's about food... Confusing, or what? We stole the esctoday podcast title for their Estonian chat but to be honest, it fits. They won with the only song since the turn of the millennium that I don't remember. I loved Sandra Oxenryd's entry in 2006 and Gerli Padar's entry last year wasn't that bad but this... well it's indescribable. I hate it... I really do.

"Georgia lies in a key position east of the Black Sea between Russia and Turkey. It has coal deposits, but they have not yet been exploited. The country relies on farming - particularly grapes from which wine is made."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
I think this is again, another ballad, but a more interesting ballad than others. Normally ballads make me fall to sleep, but Georgia's doesn't.
With the singer's amazing high pitched vocals and then chant of 'Peace Will Come' it definitely keeps you awake. I think she sings well, but not as well as others.
I like this song, but I'm not really keen. I think there are definitely better songs out there! So basically, well done Georgia - just try harder next time!

Nathan's view
It's not a ballad. It's a pop song. It's fantastically sung by a fantastic woman, you have to commend her for performing although she is blind. The lyrics are very catchy and I enjoy listening to the song. The video to go with this song is also very moving. She sings well, and better than most in my view. Maybe not the best, but one of this year. In my opinion, this is as good as last years début. Well done Georgia - must be one of the only countries to have two successive good entries... with Finland.

"Latvia is bounded by the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia. It became independent of the Soviet Union in 1991 and in 2004 it was accepted into the European Union."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
When i first heard this song I thought; Oh. My. Word. WHAT?!
Not only does it start out singing 'With a hi hi ho and a hi hi hey!' But it talks about pirates and the artists actually dress up as such.
As a rule I try to avoid songs with the phrase; Jolly Rogers Go!; but the up tempo beat and rhythm of this song has grown on me. I think its a fun poppy joke entry; a bit like Ireland.
I think this song is OK, but a bit of an embarrassment! I wouldn't admit to liking it in public, put it that way!

Nathan's view

With a hi hi ho and a hi hi hey

We're hoisting the flag to be free

We will steal the show, Jolly Rogers go

We are wolves of the sea

That is exactly what I want to hear for Eurovision. That is Eurovision. I love it, I really do. It has been one of my favourites since I first heard it! The costumes make it so much funnier too! I cannot wait for them to perform at Eurovison because they will get through! I am constantly playing this with Hero and This Is My Life!

Hannah's view
I really like this song. It's very pop, upbeat, and the start is very unique. You know that it's the Bulgarian entry just from the introduction. Then when the actual music kicks in, your surprised to find it has a slight reggae influence and is quite slow and laid back.
The girl can sing really well and the lyrics are quite unique, but very repetitive; but unlike other songs; you don't get bored as the music is so interesting. The beat boxing is quite weird when you first hear the song, but suits quite well with the fun rapping style of the intro.
good song! Like it a lot!

Nathan's view
I don't really like it. It's not like Iceland and I do get bored quite early on. It's too repetitive for me, but I suppose that repetitiveness will work well in the contest. The girl can sing so that's a positive but, for me, the rest is negative.

"Since the end of World War II, Finland has changed from being a rural country covered with dense forest into a modern nation. It has very successful industries and an excellent welfare system. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and adopted the Euro as its currency in 2002."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Nathan's view
Finland have found that rock is the key to Eurovision. Every year since Lordi won... ok since 2006 Finland have sent rock to Eurovision. Last year it was Hanna this year it's Teräsbetoni! I love Finnish rock so yet again I am backing Finland to do well. It seems, to me at least, that Scandinavia have all sent good entries but they do all vary from one another. As Scandinavia is split in the Semis, Finland can only guarantee 12 points from Norway so they will have to hope that rock appeals to the rest of Europe again. I'm glad that Finland have sent an entry completely in Finnish as this keeps the competition alive. I love this song, and I definitely hope that it reaches the Final. Well, considering the Semi it's in, that shouldn't be a problem!

Hannah's view
I really like this rock track. It makes a differnece form all the pop and ballads that have been sent.
I definitely agree, Finland seem to think that rock is the new black. Since they have won with Lordi; a scary track with an even scarier band; they have continued to send rock tracks hoping to win again.
I think the fact that this track is in Finnish seems to add to it. Why does rock seem to sound better in Finnish?! Or is that just me? The voice of this band is vry fitting too. it can reach notes on either end of the scale, high and low.
I really like this track and hope it does do well.

"Turkey is in a key position between Europe and Asia. The territory west of the Bosphorus strait is in Europe, while the much larger area to the east is in Asia. Turkey is popular with tourists and between seven ant ten million people every year visit its coastline and the historic city of Istanbul."

Whitaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
Im sorry for this corny title!! It was Nathan's idea; blame him!
I think this entry is ok, but it cannot beat 'Shake It Up Šekerim' as that was a great Eurovision entry, but I'm talking about Deli, not that Shake it Up.
I think it has a very rock feel to it, and I wish I knew what the lyrics meant in English; a quick visit to Diggiloo should sort that out!
I think its upbeat and easy to listen to, but not the best entry in the contest by far.

Nathan's view
Hmm... Turkey's last 2 entries appeal to me much more than this. It maybe a good rock song, but as Hannah said 'Shake It Up Šekerim' was better, and 'Süper Star' beats them both in my opinion! English would be better for this song but it does work quite well in Turkish, and it has, I have to admit, grown on me! Not the best entry, but it does reach my top 21!

"Iceland is a volcanic island and is the most westerly country in Europe. Its capital city is the furthest north in the world. Iceland is a wealthy country with low unemployment and a good welfare system. Fish provides 70% of its exports, which could cause problems as fish stocks decline."

Whittaker's World of Facts - Russell Ash

Hannah's view
This is a good upbeat, dancey song that I know Nathan LOVES. I like it too, but not as much as Nathan. It opens with a slow but dancey tune and then becomes very pop. It's very fun to listen to and reminds me vividly of night clubs - it has that kind of beat and music.
The lyrics are very... proud, if i could relate that. The singers are obviously very proud about their life and the way its gone; espicially since they say 'This is my life, I dont wanna change a thing'. Good song; wish it well.

Nathan's view
I think we could be going to Reykjavík in 2009! This is a great upbeat dance song and, for me, a Eurovision song has to be upbeat! I love it so much! It will be played constantly at Eurovision Nightclubs around Europe as it is one of those songs you just expect to hear in a nightclub. I would even imagine it in UK nightclubs if it wins! Both singers can sing, which is more than can be said for some countries *cough*AZERBAIJAN*cough*...