The country that breaks ‘Eurovision Rules’
Rybak may claim to know the secret behind songwriting. Musicologists insist success at Eurovision is based on a 16-bar verse and chorus formula. Many...
Belarus – when is a national final not a national final?
Some broadcasters choose to carry out their selection behind closed doors. Sometimes brown envelopes exchanges hands. Others opt to give the viewers a say...
24 September – We got worn out, the light from our...
There's a word that is used in a derogatory fashion to describe some songs that elements of the fan community think are wonderful and...
North Macedonian sentimentality – and a glimpse of Australia
So I missed Australia. I mean, obviously she’s not here, or rather there, but they did #OpenUp a ‘room’ in the virtual press centre...
Russia’s not actually that bad…
We stayed in the hall for this. I'd read the early reports from the first rehearsal and I wasn't expecting very much but it's...
Bulgaria – afloat on a sea of emotion
Now to Bulgaria, also riding high with the bookies. I think Victoria would have done really well with her song last year, and whilst...
Eurovision favourite screams into the open
Ever since bookmakers offered odds on this year's Eurovision Song Contest, one country has been tipped to win. Long before it named its artist...
The Russians mix it up at Eurovision
Nick: OK, I'm completely confused now. It's the Beastie Boys and Girls Aloud and Afro-Dite and it's easily the most contemporary song of the...
17 August – Yodeleeii, yodeleeii, yodeleeii, yodeleioo
It would be a dull old Eurovision if all the songs sounded the same. They obviously don't, otherwise they'd all finish up with the...
19 July – I’d give it all, everything in the world
We had dark and moody the other day. But dark with a likeable quality. Dark can take many other forms, and one of those...