Israel

2000

2010 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
13 May 2000
Venue: 
Globen Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Broadcaster: 
SVT
Presenter(s): 
Kattis Ahlstrom and Anders Lundin
About the contest: 

The second win for Denmark in the contest came as a surprise to everyone. Way down in the betting and not seen by anyone as a potential winner, the Olsen Brothers proved that, in an age where technology and stage presentation were thought to be essential ingredients for success, a song with a strong melody at its heart was all that was needed to rise above the competition.

The Eurovision Song Contest has always been open to any genre of music, and the 45th contest is a prime example of this. Styles included modern pop, folk, Euro pop, melodic MOR, country, calypso, gospel, ballads and fun ‘nonsense’ songs.

Set designers for contests past had the difficult task of designing a stage that would suit every act from soloists to groups, and any style of song. Technological developments were beginning to make the job of a set designer much easier, enabling them to change the scenery for each country. This benefitted the contest by giving each song the setting most appropriate to its needs rather than the same background for ballads and dance songs. This gave a more contemporary look to the event.

Following the trend in pop music at the time, delegations tried to gain an edge over their rivals by creating a memorable and elaborate stage act. This would lead to all kinds of antics in the following years. Viewers in 2000 were treated to, among other things, Germans flashing their underwear, and the Dutch singer in a tent sized coat!

Finland, Macedonia, Romania, Russia and Switzerland were allowed back into the contest after missing out in 1999. They were joined by Latvia, who entered the contest for the first time. Making way for them were Bosnia Herzegovina, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia. Greece could have returned but chose not to.

Roger Pontare, Serafin and Alexandros Panayi (as part of Cypriot duo, Voice) all appeared for the second time in the contest. Ines would return in 2001 as a backing singer for her boyfriend Tanal Padar, who did her that favour this time.

Trivia: 
The title of the Croatian song differed from the one it was given in the Croatian final a couple of months earlier. Kada Zaspu Andeli was always the correct title, but an error meant it was called Ostani when it won the right to represent Croatia.
About the songs: 
Ping PongPing Pong Israel - Ping Pong - Sa'me'akh (Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Guy Assif, Roy Arad, Ronen Ben Tal/Guy Assif, Roy Arad, Ronen Ben Tal

Getting the contest off to a somewhat quirky start were the four colourful Israelis. Armed with Israeli and Syrian flags, they waved them enthusiastically like drunk students at karaoke night.   

 Linda WagenmakersLinda Wagenmakers The Netherlands - Linda Wagenmakers - No Goodbyes (English)

Music/Lyrics: Ellert Driessen/John O’Hare

After a thoughtful start, Linda broke free from the large outer section of her dress and her song bursts into life to become a modern disco stomper.

 Nicki FrenchNicki French United Kingdom - Nicki French - Don't Play That Song Again (English)

Music/Lyrics: John Springate, Gerry Shephard/John Springate, Gerry Shephard

Nicki already had a market for her brand of bright and breezy pop. UK fans were hopeful of a good placing, but unfortunately, the rest of Europe didn’t play ball. Perhaps with the more modern pop songs in the contest to vote for, it sounded slightly dated.

 InesInes Estonia - Ines - Once In A Lifetime (English)

Music/Lyrics: Pearu Paulus, Ilmar Laisaar, Alar Kotkas/Jana Hallas

Country music isn’t something usually associated with Estonia, and here is an example of why! Both song and performance are lacking the zip that seems to be lurking underneath, but is too shy to show itself.

 Sofia MestariSofia Mestari France - Sofia Mestari - On Aura Le Ciel (French)

Music/Lyrics: Pierre Legay/Benoit Heinrich

Sofia looked very nervous on stage, not that it mattered too much. It would have been hard to sell On Aura Le Ciel, it is too limp and unmemorable. Unusually, France held a final to choose it, something that hasn’t happened since. 

 TaxiTaxi Romania - Taxi - The Moon (French)

Music/Lyrics: Lucian Cioargă, Adrain Bortun, George Pătrănoiu, Dan Teodorescu, Georgiana Pană/ Lucian Cioargă, Adrain Bortun, George Pătrănoiu, Dan Teodorescu, Georgiana Pană

Romania were relative newcomers to the contest and it seemed they were struggling to understand what was required to be successful. Taxi’s song is pleasant and credible, but no more than that, just like Romania’s other entries to date. 

 Claudette PaceClaudette Pace Malta - Claudette Pace - Desire (English)

Music/Lyrics: Philip Vela/ Gerard James Borg

Claudette brought a Calypso party to Stockholm! Most viewers will have enjoyed it while it lasted and then moved on.

 CharmedCharmed Norway - Charmed - My Heart Goes Boom (English)

Music/Lyrics: Morten Henroksen/Tore Madsen

The three ladies of Charmed were in perfect harmony as they smiled their way through their uplifting and infectious pop tune. 

 AlsouAlsou Russia - Alsou - Solo (English)

Music/Lyrics: Andrew Lane, Brandon Barnes/Andrew Lane, Brandon Barnes

In the first contest of the 21st century, this would have been a great winner! Everything about it is youthful and fresh. Even finishing second, it ensured the contest continued to sound up to date. 

 Nathalie SorceNathalie Sorce Belgium - Nathalie Sorce - Envie De Vivre (French)

Music/Lyrics: Silvio Pezzuto/Silvio Pezzuto

It was the turn of Belgium to get less than they deserved. The bottom of the scoreboard was far from where Nathalie and her bright, memorable and joyous gospel number deserved to be. She probably would have been higher with the old style jury voting.

 VoiceVoice Cyprus - Voice - Nomiza (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Alexandros Panayi/Alexandros Panayi

Nomiza gets off to a sedate start, and then begins to rumble until it finally explodes to reveal its full potential. Presentation was starting to become more elaborate, and the Cypriots could be accused of over egging it. 

 Einer TelmaEiner Telma Iceland - Einer Augúst Víðisson and Telma - Tell Me (English)

Music/Lyrics: Oggi/Oggi, Sigurdur Orn Jonsson

The Icelandic duet can’t decide if it wants to be a rock or pop song. As a result, despite the sing along quality, it is a difficult song to get into.

 Serafín Zubiri  2000Serafín Zubiri 2000 Spain - Serafín Zubiri - Colgado De Un Sueño (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Jose Maria Puron/Jose Maria Puron

Serafin’s second Eurovision effort is similar in the construction to his first. It is tuneful, nice to listen to and breezes along from start to finish.

 Olsen BrothersOlsen Brothers Denmark - Olsen Brothers - Fly On The Wings Of Love (English)

Music/Lyrics: Jorgen Olsen/Jorgen Olsen

There weren’t many people predicting a Danish win! However, the strength of the melody and effective staging - including the sudden burst of light when the song springs back into life after a brief pause - proved a winning formula, and a worthy one at that.

 Stefan RaabStefan Raab Germany - Stefan Raab - Wadde Hadde Dudde Da (German)

Music/Lyrics: Stefan Raab/Stefan Raab

Stefan wrote the song which gave Guildo Horn the freedom to give his memorable performance in 1998. This time, he stepped up to the mic himself to perform a more restrained, but still fun and frisky song. He mostly raps over a jazzy background. Interesting! 

 Jane BogaertJane Bogaert Switzerland - Jane Bogaert - La Vita Cos'è? (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Bernie Staub/Tomas Marin

With Italy out of the contest, this would have kept Italian music fans happy while they prayed for a return. It’s not quite got the additional’ something’ that real Italian songs have, but it’s still good enough to shine through.

 Goran KaranGoran Karan Croatia - Goran Karan - Kada Zaspu Andeli (Croatian)

Music/Lyrics: Zdenco Runjic/Nenad Nincevic

This is what Croatian writers do best. Kada Zaspu Andeli has charm, sincerity and sensitivity. 

 Roger PontareRoger Pontare Sweden - Roger Pontare - When Spirits Are Calling My Name (English)

Music/Lyrics: Peter Dahl, Linda Jansson, Thomas Holmstrand/Peter Dahl, Linda Jansson, Thomas Holmstrand

Looking a fine figure in his traditional Native American costume, Roger stays true to his roots with his powerful and ethnically influenced song about a man’s attachment to his homeland.

 XXLXXL Macedonia - XXL - 100% Te Ljubam (Macedonian)

Music/Lyrics: Dragan Karanfilovski-Bojs/Orce Zafirovski, Davor Jordanovski

XXL were four young girls, and their slightly immature song seemed aimed at a similar age group.

 Nina ÅströmNina Åström Finland - Nina Åström  - A Little Bit  (English) 

Music/Lyrics: Luca Gente/Gerrit Aan’t Goor

The Finns have a habit of choosing the wrong song from their national final. In choosing Nina’s lifeless effort, they did it again. Even the old trick of including various European destinations in the lyrics was tried.

 BrainStormBrainStorm Latvia - BrainStorm - My Star (English)

Music/Lyrics: Reynard Cowper/Reynard Cowper

Latvia almost had a dream debut. Renars Kaupers, Brainstorms lead singer, was an off-beat character on stage and sold the quirky pop song well.

 Pinar AyhanPinar Ayhan Turkey - Pinar Ayhan & S.O.S. Band - Yorgunum Anla  (Turksh)

Music/Lyrics: Suhan Ayhan/Pinar Ayhan, Orkun Yazgan

Showing a softer, more reflective side to Turkish music, Pinar presented a gentle Turkish folk song whose vocals are at their most intense during breaks in the music.

 Eamonn ToalEamonn Toal Ireland - Eamonn Toal - Millennium Of Love (English)

Music/Lyrics: Raymand Smyth, Gerry Simpson/Raymand Smyth, Gerry Simpson

By the end of the week’s celebrations in Stockholm, everyone was very familiar with the Irish entry. Eamonn sang it everywhere he went. No-one asked him to, he did it anyway! Maybe he hoped that familiarity would breed love for his cliché-ridden dirge.  

 The Rounder GirlsThe Rounder Girls Austria - The Rounder Girls - All To You (English)

Music/Lyrics: Dave Moskin/Dave Moskin

The very aptly named Rounder Girls were well co-ordinated in their choreography. Influences of Motown are to the fore, with more than a hint of soul added to the mix.

1999

1999 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
29 May 1999
Venue: 
Israeli Congress Centre, Jerusalem, Israel
Broadcaster: 
IBA
Presenter(s): 
Yigal Ravid, Dafna Dekel and Sigal Shachmon
About the contest: 

Following the introduction of televoting a couple of years earlier, 1999 saw another of the biggest changes in the history of the contest. For the first time since the contest begun 43 years before, an orchestra was not used, with all artists having to rely on a backing track. This would be to the benefit the songs following contemporary trends, whose production values don’t seem to require real instruments, but to the detriment of ballads and other songs whose arrangements add another dimension when the power of an orchestra is utilised.   

Another major rule change was to allow entries to be sung in any language. Previously, all countries had to sing in one of its national languages. The reason for the rule change was to create a more even playing field in recognition of the belief that Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom were at an unfair advantage singing in the international language of English. This would lead to some unexpected choices in years to come, but most of all to the annoying habit of some songs being sung in two (or sometimes even more) languages as a singer would switch between his/her own language and English.

The only time that Israel had hosted the contest was twenty years earlier. One could be forgiven for thinking that IBA had just used an updated version of the same set from that year. The design of a predominant semi circular structure and idea of the movable parts were very similar.

Dutch singer, Marlayne, could have been a very busy lady that night. Not only did she compete in the Dutch selection, she was also due to sing a song in the UK selection as well. After she was chosen to represent The Netherlands, she decided to withdraw from the UK show.

Since the middle of the decade, the EBU had used a system of relegation to select which countries would compete in the contest the following year as so many now wanted to participate, mostly due to the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. Rather than simply relegate the bottom seven countries as had been happening, each country's five year average score was used instead. An exception was made for France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. As the four biggest contributors to the EBU bank account, and therefore to the cost of the contest each year, they would be allowed to compete every year regardless of their average score.

Controversy stalked the Bosnian entry. Dino and Beatrice only travelled to Jerusalem because the winner of the Bosnian final, Hari Mata Hari, was disqualified. His song, Starc I More, was found to be a cover of a song that he co-wrote and had been released as Sydänveri on an album by Finnish singer Janne Hurme.

Selma made her first of two appearances in the contest, while Doris Dragovic and Darja Svajger had seen it all before.

Latvia had expressed an interest in participating for the first time but decided not to. Hungary declined the offer of the free place, so Portugal made an earlier than expected return to action, along with Austria, Bosnia, Denmark, Iceland and Lithuania. Forced to sit out were Finland, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland.

Trivia: 
So much for peace and unity in Eurovision! The Irish sisters, The Mullans, criticised Sweden’s Charlotte Nilsson, saying she looked like a porn star. The Swedes hit back, describing The Mullans as resembling pregnant nuns.
About the songs: 
Aiste SmilgeviciuteAiste Smilgeviciute Lithuania - Aiste Smilgeviciute - Strazdas (Lithuanian)

Music/Lyrics: Linas Rimsa, Sigitas Geda/Linas Rimsa, Sigitas Geda

The first entry of the night is more like a pagan chant than a song at times. Drums are used effectively to add a bit of bite.

 Vanessa ChinitorVanessa Chinitor Belgium - Vanessa Chinitor - Like the Wind (English)

Music/Lyrics: Wim Claes, Emma Philippa/Wim Claes, Emma Philippa

Two songs in and already we hear the first of the possible winners. The sweeping pan pipes sound beautiful in combination with the strings and the whole thing has impact.

 LydiaLydia Spain - Lydia - No Quiero Escuchar (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Alejandro Carmona, Carlos Lopéz/Fernando Rodriguez, Alejandro Piqueras

When the first impression the audience has is what the singer is wearing, it pays to leave positive or even neutral thoughts. Lydia’s choice of dress fails on both counts! The song she is charged with singing is, by Spanish standards, a rather lacklustre ballad. 

 Doris Dragovic 1999Doris Dragovic Croatia - Doris Dragovic - Marija Magdalena (Croatian)

Music/Lyrics: Tonci Huljic/Vjekoslava/Huljic

Doris’ second tilt at the title is completely different to her first. 13 years earlier. She went up-tempo and much more dramatic. A vocal was included in the backing track, which was against the rules as all vocals have to be sung live on stage. As a result, the EBU deducted 33% of Croatia’s score from the contest. This gave them a lower five year point average, potentially relegating them from future contests. 

 PreciousPrecious United Kingdom - Precious - Say It Again (English)

Music/Lyrics: Paul Varney/Paul Varney

Precious started the decline of the United Kingdom in the contest. Twelfth was the lowest finish for the UK at the time by one of the contests most successful countries. Say It Again is an empty lifeless mixture of soul and pop. Band member, Jenny Frost, went on to be part of successful girl group, Atomic Kitten

 Darja Svajger 1999Darja Svajger Slovenia - Darja Svajger - For A Thousand Years (English)

Music/Lyrics: Primoz Peterca/Primoz Peterca

Here is one of the problems with the free language rule! Darja’s pronunciation isn’t always exact, resulting in ‘eyes’ sounding like ‘arse’. That aside, her second Eurovision song is not unlike her first, a classy but standard ballad that you just know is going to build long before it does. .

 Tugba ÖnalTugba Önal Turkey - Tugba Önal & Grup Mystik - Dön Artik (Turkish)

Music/Lyrics: Erdin Tunc/Erdin Tunc, Canan Tunc

In a contest in which a lot of the entries are uninspiring, Dön Artik is a very welcome inclusion. Its pace and infectious rhythm inject the contest with vitality. 

 Stig André Van EijkStig André Van Eijk Norway - Stig André Van Eijk - Living My Life Without You (English)

Music/Lyrics: Stig André Van Eijk Stig/André Van Eijk

While a contemporary R ‘n’ B sound will be considered by some to be a positive, it is how the song sounds that counts. The best description was given by Radio 2 commentator Ken Bruce, who said “he’s wearing a vest with a picture of a bull on the front, and the song is a bit like something the bull might leave behind.”   

 Trine Jepsen & Michael TeschlTrine Jepsen & Michael Teschl Denmark - Trine Jepsen & Michael Teschl - This Time (I Mean It) (English)

Music/Lyrics: Ebbe Ravn/Ebbe Ravn

Congratulations should be given to anyone still awake at the end. The Danish ballad meanders its way slowly and limply from the start to the finish.

 NayahNayah France - Nayah - Je Veux Donner Ma Voix (French)

Music/Lyrics: Pascal Grazic Pascal Grazic

Celiné Dion returns! Well, nearly. It is easy to imagine the 1988 winner and international superstar applying her talents to the French entry. Nayah controls the stage in Divaesque fashion. 

 MarlayneMarlayne The Netherlands - Marlayne - One Good Reason (English)

Music/Lyrics: Alan Michael, Tjeerd van Zanen/Alan Michael, Tjeerd van Zanen

If 1999 was the start of the British decline, the same could almost be be said of the Dutch. It would be the last time they would be in the top ten for many years. Marlayne’s performance was top notch, but the song, an up-tempo guitar based MOR effort, left her too much to do to finish too high up the scoreboard. 

 Mietek SzczesniakMietek Szczesniak Poland - Mietek (Mieczyslaw) Szczesniak - Przytul Mnie Mocno (Polish)

Music/Lyrics: Seweryn Krajewski/Wojciech Ziembicki

Poland’s ballad is one of the best of the bunch. Remaining engaging throughout, it has a calm, emotional feel.

 Selma BjörnsdóttirSelma Björnsdóttir Iceland - Selma Björnsdóttir - All Out Of Luck (English)

Music/Lyrics: Porvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson/Sveinbjörn Baldvinsson

One last hurrah for europop? After Selma’s second place, this style of song went out of fashion in the contest as the public became more and more involved in the voting. 

 Marlain AngelidouMarlain Angelidou Cyprus - Marlain Angelidou - Tha'nai Erotas (Cyprus)

Music/Lyrics: Giorgios Kallis, Andreas Karanicolas/Giorgios Kallis, Andreas Karanicolas

Our second Marlain, although with a different spelling. Every year the contest throws up an astonishing result, and this year was the turn of Cyprus to suffer. Deserving of a much higher placing,  Tha'nai Erotas is fast and very catchy. 

 Charlotte NilssonCharlotte Nilsson Sweden - Charlotte Nilsson - Take Me To Your Heaven (English)

Music/Lyrics: Lars Diedricson/Gert Lengstrand, Marcos Ubeda

Elements of the piano arrangement conjure up memories of Sweden’s most famous winner. Like Waterloo, it is very upbeat, memorable and adds touches of saxophone to provide a little quirkiness.

 Rui BandeiraRui Bandeira Portugal - Rui Bandeira - Como Tudo Começou (Portugal)

Music/Lyrics: Jorge do Carmo/To Andrade

Moving away from a traditional Portuguese sound, Rui’s song is a soft rock, MOR number that quickly becomes uninteresting. 

 The MullansThe Mullans Ireland - The Mullans - When You Need Me (English)

Music/Lyrics: Bronagh Mullan/Bronagh Mullan

Ireland had by now started a run of sending sub-standard, plodding ballads to the contest. A complete lack of charisma from the two sisters didn’t help. 

 Bobbie SingerBobbie Singer Austria - Bobbie Singer - Reflection (English)

Music/Lyrics: Dave Moskin/Dave Moskin

Bobby’s young voice sounds a bit too twee for some, but will probably sound cute to others. As for the song, it is buried in the crowd and has nothing to lift it.

 EdenEden Israel - Eden - Yom Huledeth (Hebrew, English)

Music/Lyrics: Jeki Oved, Yaakov Lymai, Gabriel Butler/Jeki Oved, Yaakov Lymai, Moshe Datz

As it turned out, the hosts had a good draw. Following rather drab entries, Eden’s chirpy song and energetic dancing brought the show back to life. 

 Times 3Times 3 Malta - Times 3 - Believe 'n Peace (English)

Music/Lyrics: Chris Scicluna/Moira Stafrace

The three Maltese starlets posed and smiled a lot. Despite being rather repetitive towards the end, the youthful pop sound of Believe 'n Peace would have already hooked those who like it without winning new fans.

 SürprizSürpriz Germany - Sürpriz - Reise Nach Jerusalem - Kudüs'e Seyahat (German, Turkish, English, Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Cynics could have a field day with this one. A Turkish group representing Germany with Turkish flavoured song whose title includes the name of the host city. There was even room in the lyrics for a burst of Hebrew. Siegel and Meinunger at their most desperate! 

 Dino and BeatriceDino and Beatrice Bosnia & Herzegovina - Dino and Beatrice - Putnici (Bosnian, French)

Music/Lyrics: Dino Dervishalidovic/Dino Dervishalidovic

How the Bosnians must have wished their original choice could have been there! They were left with their hopes in the hands of daft, disorganised sounding ditty whose only saving grace was the occasional interjection by the fiddle. 

 Evelin SamuelEvelin Samuel Estonia - Evelin Samuel and Camille - Diamond Of Night (English)

Music/Lyrics: Priit Paajusaar, Glen Pilvre/Kaari Sillamaa

Rumour has it that Estonia would have won if only juries had been used. Thank the Lord for televoting then! Some of the previous songs seemed to be designed to send viewers to sleep. Anyone still awake would surely have been finished off by Evelin’s dreary lullaby. 

1998

1998 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
9 May 1998
Venue: 
National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Broadcaster: 
BBC
Presenter(s): 
Ulrika Jonsson and Terry Wogan
About the contest: 

Following the limited introduction of public televoting the year before, 1998 saw a big expansion of that system of voting with almost every country adopting this way of awarding its points. Only those countries not technically able to use such a system continued with juries. In case of problems, even the countries using televoting had a jury as a backup. The dangers of televoting became clear when a campaign in Germany in support of Guildo Horn sent Germans abroad so they could vote for him in an effort to boost his placing.

Another landmark event involved the orchestra. Ever since the first contest in 1956, an orchestra had been used to provide a totally live musical experience. This contest would be the last time an orchestra was needed; some countries even used a backing track instead anyway.

Dana International was the subject of much discussion a long time before boarding the plane to Birmingham. He/she became the first transsexual Eurovision singer, a fact which caused much controversy but it seems no publicity is bad publicity.

One of the most remembered events of the show was host Ulrika Jonsson’s apparent faux-pas when she was talking with 1957 winner, Corry Brokken, who was giving the Dutch results. Ulrika was heard to comment that Corry had won the contest a long time ago, the insinuation being that Corry was getting on a bit. In fact, what happened was that Corry herself made that comment but, as the audience were cheering her loudly, Ulrika repeated it knowing that no-one would have heard what Corry said.

Danijela and José Cid (as part of Portuguese group, Alma Lusa) were both making their second appearances in the contest, while Chiara and Edsilia Rombley would be seen again in future years.

Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Denmark, Russia and Iceland missed out on participation as their average points over the previous five contests was less than all other countries. This allowed room for Belgium, Finland, Israel, Romania and Slovakia to return from a forced absence in 1997. Italy’s withdrawal meant Macedonia could make it’s debut.

Trivia: 
Greek composer, Yiannis Malachias, had some very particular ideas about how he wanted his song to some across on screen. To that end, he made a nuisance of himself to the organisers. So much so, that, after being warned about his conduct, he was stripped of his accreditation, leaving him unable to enter the NIA.
About the songs: 
DanijelaDanijela Croatia - Danijela - Neka Mi Ne Svane (Croatian)

Music/Lyrics: Petar Graso, Remi Kasinoti/Petar Graso, Remi Kasinoti

Conductor: Stjepan Kalogjera

Danijela was the lead singer of Magazin when they represented Croatia three years earlier. Now a solo artist, her tender ballad builds steadily while remaining calm throughout. It will always be a fan favourite. 

 DionysiaDionysia Greece - Dionysia and Thalassa Group - Mia Krifi Evaisthissia (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Yiannis Malachias/Yiannia Valvis

Conductor: n/a

Greek entries usually sound distinctive because of the unique sound of Greek music. This time, a more cosmopolitan rock sound was tried but, while Dionysia’s performance was genuine, the song just wasn’t strong enough to score heavily. 

 Marie-LineMarie-Line France - Marie-Line - Où Aller (French)

Music/Lyrics: Marie-Line Marolany/Marie-Line Marolany

Conductor:  n/a

African rhythms had brought France some success early in the decade. The formula was tried again in an effort to lift them above some of the lower placings they had experienced since then.

 Mikel HerzogMikel Herzog Spain - Mikel Herzog - ¿Qué Voy A Hacer Sin Ti? (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Alberto Estébanez/Mikel Herzog

Conductor: Alberto Estébanez

While this is a song worth listening to, it lacks the punch of other Spanish entries, a bit Spanish ballad by numbers.

 GunvorGunvor Switzerland - Gunvor - Lass Ihn (German)

Music/Lyrics: Gunvor Guggisberg, Egon Egemann/Gunvor Guggisberg

Conductor: n/a

The last song that involved Egon Egemann was very strings based with emphasis on his solo violin. The same formula is applied here to less effect and a worse result. With more countries using televoting instead of juries, it was never going to be the favourite song of enough viewers to get many votes, and ended up with no points at all. 

 Katarína HasprováKatarína Hasprová Slovakia - Katarína Hasprová - Modlitba (Slovakian)

Music/Lyrics: Gabriel Dusík/Anna Wepperyová

Conductor: Vladimir Valovic

Katarina looked very graceful in her long, black evening dress. Her song is just as graceful and is a well constructed ballad which never goes over the top.

 SixteenSixteen Poland - Sixteen - To Takie Proste (Poland)

Music/Lyrics: Jaroslaw Pruszkowski/Olga Pruszkowska

Conductor: Wiesiek Pieregorolka

Just when you think the Polish song is going to limp along from beginning to end, it comes to life for the instrumental. That point comes a bit too late in the song to change the minds of those already turned off by it. 

 Dana InternationalDana International Israel - Dana International - Diva (Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Tzvika Pik/Yoav Ginai

Conductor: Tzvika Pik

Did all the publicity help Dana to win? This one was the complete opposite of the sweet innocent Dana who had brought Ireland its first victory in 1970. The styling and the song were loaded with camp, and if leaving a lasting impression became important with the advent of televoting, Diva certainly does that. 

 Guildo HornGuildo Horn Germany - Guildo Horn - Guildo Hat Euch Lieb (German)

Music/Lyrics: Stefan Raab/Stefan Raab

Conductor: Stefan Raab

The stage simply wasn’t big enough for Guildo! His performance took him into the audience and up the scaffolding at the side of the stage. Within the crazyness of the song were hints of jazz and blues, though they easily missed in the fun of it all.

 ChiaraChiara Malta - Chiara - The One That I Love (English)

Music/Lyrics: Jason Paul Cassar/Sunny Aquilina

Conductor: n/a

This is the first of Chiara’s three appearances in the contest and she laid down a marker for what was to follow; a gentle, inoffensive ballad which came closest to giving her a win.

 CharlieCharlie Hungary - Charlie - A Holnap Már Ném Lesz Szomorú (Hungarian)

Music/Lyrics: István Lehr/Horváth

Conductor: Miklós Malek

Perhaps fed up with putting in a lot of effort for little reward, this was to be the last song Hungary entered for seven years. Charlie’s dreary blues number was never going to encourage viewers to reach for a pen to write down the phone number. 

 Vili ResnikVili Resnik Slovenia - Vili Resnik - Naj Bogovi Slisijo (Slovenian)

Music/Lyrics: Matjaz Vlasic/Ursa Vlasic

Conductor: Mojmir Sepe

The tone is set immediately. Tinkling piano gives way to acoustic guitar before Vili’s angst filled voice takes over to tell the story in this wonderful, emotive ballad.

 Dawn MartinDawn Martin Ireland - Dawn Martin - Is Always Over Now? (English)

Music/Lyrics: Gerry Morgan/Gerry Morgan

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

While the melody of the Irish song is reasonably memorable, there isn’t really enough in the arrangement to support it. Consequently, Is Always Over Now? struggles to move away from the start line.

 Alma LusaAlma Lusa Portugal - Alma Lusa - Se Eu Te Pudesse Abraçar (Portuguese)

Music/Lyrics: José Cid/José Cid

Conductor: Mike Sergeant

José Cid, who wrote and performed Portugal’s 1980 entry, returned as part of the specially formed Alma Lusa. Together they gave us another very jolly ditty and chirpy performance.

 Malina OlinescuMalina Olinescu Romania - Malina Olinescu - Eu Cred (Romanian)

Music/Lyrics: Adrian Romcescu/Liliana Stefan

Conductor:

The 15th song of the night bowls along efficiently, and while it never sparkles, Eu Cred does enough (just) to keep the listener interested. It isn’t often that a singer is alone on the Eurovision stage, but Malina coped well without support from backing singers.

 ImaaniImaani United Kingdom - Imaani - Where Are You? (English)

Music/Lyrics: Scott English, Simon Stirling/Scott English, Simon Stirling

Conductor: James McMillan

Not for the first time, the United Kingdom entered the most contemporary song of the contest. It’s a pop song that has aged well and bears repeated hearing. It is also worth saying Imaani executed her duties as ‘host singer’ very professionally, dealing well with the demands made on her time.

 Michael HajiyanniMichael Hajiyanni Cyprus - Michael Hajiyanni - Genesis (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Michael Hajiyanni/Zenon Zindilis

Conductor: Costa Cacoyannis

Bursts of brass create an epic feel to the song, while the Greek language gives it the sound of a prayer to the Gods.  

 Edsilia RombleyEdsilia Rombley The Netherlands - Edsilia Rombley - Hemel En Aarde (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Eric van Tijn, Jochem Fluitsma/Eric van Tijn, Jochem Fluitsma

Conductor: Dick Bakker

It had been 23 years since the last Dutch victory. They must have fancied their chances of breaking that run with Edsilia’s modern and catchy song. Her performance was also worthy of the top spot.

 Jill JohnsonJill Johnson Sweden - Jill Johnson - Kärleken Är (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Bobby Ljunggren, Hakan Almquist/Ingela ‘Pling’ Forsman

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Jill sang a tender and sensitive ballad in a way that suggested she didn’t have a nervous bone in her body. In doing so, she pitched her performance at exactly the right level for the song.

 Mélanie CohlMélanie Cohl Belgium - Mélanie Cohl - Dis Oui (French)

Music/Lyrics: Philippe Swan/Philippe Swan

Conductor: n/a

The Belgians tried a young singer with the cute factor in the hope of achieving their second win. Her funk tinged pop song was a pre-contest favourite.

 EdeaEdea Finland - Edea - Aava (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Alexi Ahoniemi/Alexi Ahoniemi

Conductor: Olli Ahvenlahti

Bravely having a go with something a bit different, Finland entered a song which can best be described as earthy and sounding like something Enya might come up with if she was feeling energetic.

 Lars A. FredriksenLars A. Fredriksen Norway - Lars A. Fredriksen - Alltid Sommer (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: David Eriksen, P K Ottestad/Linda Andernach Johannesen

Conductor: Geir Langslet

Despite the amount of percussion, Alltid Sommer still sounds slightly limp and laboured. Lars did his best and was rewarded with a generous place in the final scoreboard.

 Koit ToomeKoit Toome Estonia - Koit Toome - Mere Lapsed (Estonian)

Music/Lyrics: Maria Rahula, Tomi Rahula/Peter Pruuli

Conductor: Heiki Vahar

Koit remained seated at the piano for the whole performance. He probably had difficulty summoning up enough energy as his song is a rather uninspired, lifeless ballad. 

 TüzmenTüzmen Turkey - Tüzmen - Unutamazsin (Turkish)

Music/Lyrics: Erdinc Tunc/Canan Tunc

Conductor: Ümit Eroglu

Think of Turkish music and you think of high tempo, ethnically flavoured tunes. Unutamazsin is a welcome break from that style, and the piano based ballad is proof that the Turks can also do sensitive and emotional. 

 Vlado JanevskiVlado Janevski Macedonia - Vlado Janevski - Ne Zori, Zoro (Macedonian)

Music/Lyrics: Grigor Koprov/Vlado Janevski

Conductor: Alexandar Dzambazov

As well as performing Macedonia’s debut, Vlado co-wrote it as well. Self belief was not lacking in him but in fairness, his Balkan ballad still sounds good many years after. As an added bonus, the English version is good as well, succeeding where many fail in having a sensible lyric.

Harel Skaat Owns all of the Marcel Bezençon Awards

Marcel Bezencon Award ©  mieurovision.com

Marcel Bezençon, who was the director of the European Broadcasting Union, had the idea of the Eurovision Song Contest, which is based on Italian famous San Remo festival, in 1955. After his death in 1981, it was decided to give awards based on his name.

1995

Basic information
Date: 
13 May 1995
Venue: 
Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
Broadcaster: 
RTE
Presenter(s): 
Mary Kennedy
About the contest: 

Charged with hosting the contest for a third consecutive year, RTE returned to the Point Theatre on the banks of the River Liffy. They clearly didn’t spend much of the budget on lighting, the set was one of the darkest ever not seen in a contest. Not only had no broadcaster had to organise the contest three years in a row before, no venue had staged the contest for two consecutive years either.

Cynics suggested that Ireland’s entry, Dreamin' by Eddie Friel, was chosen because it wouldn’t have a chance of winning. While Ireland didn’t make it four in a row, there was a very clear link between Irish music and the winning Norwegian song. The group, Secret Garden, had been brought together by Nocturne’s composer, Rolf Lövland. Among the group was Fionnuala Sherry, an Irish lady who had been a member of the RTE Concert Orchestra the year before. Nocturne was an unmistakably Irish song. It was one of the most controversial winners in the history of the contest. Some argued it wasn’t a song at all. There are two lines at the beginning of the song and two lines at the end, with a total of 25 words. The rest of the three minutes is instrumental.

A wide range of music was represented; opera, jazz, commercial op, ballads, folk and, for the first time, rap.

Riverdance, the interval act from the 1994 contest, had been expanded into a full length show and was sweeping the world. Because of this, there was much interest in what RTE would serve up while the scores were being counted. What was produced was something completely different from Riverdance. A monastic chant called Lumen provided good entertainment and stood up in its own right.

Unusually, there were no performers among the acts who had been in the contest before. The nearest to that was Norway’s Secret Garden.  Rolf Lövland had written the 1985 winning song. La Det Swinge. Alexandros Panayi and Darja Svajger would reappear in future contests.

The scoring system remained as the very familiar 1-8, 10, 12 point system. A rule change meant that no songs would be automatically relegated from the 1996 contest, signalling only a temporary end to this form of deciding who would be in and out of the next contest.

About the songs: 
JustynaJustyna Poland - Justyna - Sama (Polish)

Music/Lyrics: Wojciech Waglewski, Mateusz Pospieszaalski/Wojciech Waglewski

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Poland came close to winning on its debut the previous year with an epic ballad. This time, Justyna’s song is more in the style of a Polish folk/gypsy song. Her choreography consisted almost exclusively of lots of hand waving.

 Eddie FrielEddie Friel Ireland - Eddie Friel - Dreamin' (English)

Music/Lyrics: Richard Abbott, Barry Woods/Richard Abbott, Barry Woods

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Under normal circumstances, this uninspiring folk ballad would not have been considered as a possible winner. However, on the back of three wins in a row for Ireland, no-one would have bet against it! Sighs of relief all round then when it became clear it was not going to be four in a row.

 Stone and StoneStone and Stone Germany - Stone and Stone - Verliebt In Dich (German)

Music/Lyrics: Cheyenne Stone/Cheyenne Stone

Conductor: Hermann Weindorf

Pretentions of greatness were misplaced as Cheyenne and her husband presented their slightly funk influenced song in a way that suggested they thought it was going to finish higher than was ever likely.

 Davor PopovicDavor Popovic Bosnia - Davor Popovic - Dvadeset I Prvi Vijek (Bosnian)

Music/Lyrics: Zlatan Fazlic, Sinan Alimanovic/Zlatan Fazlic

Conductor: Sinan Alimanovic

There was a lot of international sympathy for Bosnia at the time which possibly translated into votes for some of the new country’s other entries. However, this is a rather non-descript song which passes by unnoticed. It was never likely to feature highly on the scoreboard. Davor hardly opened his eyes the whole time he was singing performance.

 Secret GardenSecret Garden Norway - Secret Garden - Nocturne (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Rolf Lövland/Petter Skavlan

Conductor: Geir Langslet

Ireland may not have won the contest, but there was more than a hint of Irish about the song that did claim the prize. The group even borrowed a former member of the RTE concert orchestra to perform the main part of the song, the violin solo.

 Philipp KirkorovPhilipp Kirkorov Russia - Philipp Kirkorov - Kolybelnaya Dlya Vulkana (Russian)

Music/Lyrics: Ilya Reznyk/Igor Bershadsky

Conductor: Michael Finberg

The big man with the big voice and a sense of melodrama was the perfect performer for a song like this. There is no understatement here!

 Bó HalldórssonBó Halldórsson Iceland - Bó Halldórsson - Núna (Icelandic)

Music/Lyrics: Bó Halldórsson, Ed Welch/Jon Örn Marinosson

Conductor: Frank McNamara

There is a feeling that Bo’s beautiful ballad never quite takes off to achieve its full potential. Even so, it is still a very worthy entry and there is more than enough in the song to enjoy.

 Stella JonesStella Jones Austria - Stella Jones - Die Welt Dreht Sich Verkehrt (German)

Music/Lyrics: Michael W Krausz/ Michael Krausz

Conductor: Michael Keinzl

The Austrian entry is a jazz/funk number which is slightly messy, but welcome in a contest containing a lot of ballads. Perhaps expecting not to be involved at the end of the show, Stella appeared to be wearing pyjamas.

 Anabel CondeAnabel Conde Spain - Anabel Conde - Vuelve Conmigo (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Jose Maria Puron/Jose Maria Puron

Conductor: Eduardo Leyva

Spain should send a song like this every year! Anabel may have been small in stature, but her voice filled the auditorium. Her song is a smouldering fire of emotion. The Spanish delegation were delighted with the result and celebrated wildly afterwards.  

 Arzu EceArzu Ece Turkey - Arzu Ece - Sev (Turkish)

Music/Lyrics: Melih Kibar/Zeynep Talu Kursuncu

Conductor: Melih Kibar

The 1995 contest was bursting with ballads. Even the usually cheery Turks slowed down the tempo. The beginning of the song is better than bearable, but by the end, it sounds a bit laboured. 

 Magazin and LidijaMagazin and Lidija Croatia - Magazin and Lidija - Nostalgija (Croatian)

Music/Lyrics: Tonci Huljic/Vjekoslava Huljic

Conductor: Stipica Kalogjera

Soprano Lidija lent an operatic feel to Croatia’s entry, which also had a classical edge. It was classy, but possibly a bit too high brow to have a wide enough appeal.

 Nathalie SantamariaNathalie Santamaria

France - Nathalie Santamaria - Il Me Donne Rendez-vous (French)

Music/Lyrics: Francois Bernheim/Didier Barbelivien

Conductor: Michel Bernholc

Unusually, the French song is easily the most commercial of the contest. The employment of a very pretty singer certainly wasn’t going to hinder the chances of success, it very nearly worked.

 

 Czaba SzigetiCzaba Szigeti Hungary - Czaba Szigeti - Ùj Nèv Egy Règi Hàz Fàlan (Hungarian)

Music/Lyrics: Ferenc Balazs/Attila Horváth

Conductor: Miklós Malek

Hungarian isn’t the most attractive of languages, especially when sung in a croaky voice. This combination makes the song easy to underrate. Czaba’s tender, piano based ballad would have benefited from the free language rule that exists today.   

 Frédéric EtherlinckFrédéric Etherlinck Belgium - Frédéric Etherlinck - La Voix Est Libre (French)

Music/Lyrics: Pierre Theunis/Pierre Theunis

Conductor: Alec Mansion

Boasting several verses (or several choruses, depending on your point of view), Belgium’s song builds with each one, but lands just the wrong side of the border between dull and interesting. 

 Love City GrooveLove City Groove United Kingdom - Love City Groove - Love City Groove (English)

Music/Lyrics: Stephen Rudden, Catsiana Mais/Stephen Rudden, Catsiana Mais

Conductor: Mike Dixon

A musical first for the Eurovision Song Contest, rap music. It was a brave, but always doomed to fail, attempt. Rap music has limited appeal and a lot of jurors would not have been familiar with that genre anyway. 

 Tó CruzTó Cruz Portugal - Tó Cruz - Baunilha E Chocolate (Portuguese)

Music/Lyrics: Antonio Vitorino de Almelda/Rosa Lobato de Faria

Conductor: Thilo Krassman

Portugal’s contribution is a slow paced soul number appealing for racial harmony. Tó gave it his all, but looked a bit awkward as he swayed from side to side.

 Alexandros PanayiAlexandros Panayi Cyprus - Alexandros Panayi - Sti Fotia (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Alexandros Panayi/Alexandros Panayi

Conductor: George Theophanous

Every contest needs an over the top piece of drama, and this year, it was provided by Cyprus. That said, Alex gave one of the best performances of the night. There are brief but impactful interjections from the backing singers and lots of sudden changes in intensity. 

 Jan JohansenJan Johansen Sweden - Jan Johansen - Se På Mej (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Hakan Almquist, Bobby Ljunggren/Ingela ‘Pling’ Forsman

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Every Swedish song seems to be in the shadow of Abba. Se På Mej is a world away from Waterloo, it is a slow, quiet number that never threatens to boil over. 

 Aud WilkenAud Wilken Denmark - Aud Wilken - Fra Mols Til Skagen (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Lise Cabble, Mette Mathisen/Lise Cabble

Conductor: Frede Ewert

The Banjo made a rare and welcome appearance in the contest. That is the only interesting aspect about what is otherwise quite a dull effort! It lumbers along lifelessly. 

 Darja SvajgerDarja Svajger Slovenia - Darja Svajger - Prisluhni Mi (Slovenian)

Music/Lyrics: Primoz Peterca, Saso Fajon/Primoz Peterca

Conductor: Jozé Privsek

Prisluhni Mi is a graceful ballad of the type that has often been done well in contests past. It’s a bit ballad-by-numbers, but bears up well under multiple listens. 

 LioraLiora Israel - Liora - Amen (Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Moshe Datz/Hamutal Ben-Zeev

Conductor: Gadi Goldman

Perhaps determined to avoid relegation, Israel sent this uplifting anthem. Like all good anthems, it builds and builds to the big finish. Liora was rightly disappointed with 8th.

 Mike SpiteriMike Spiteri Malta - Mike Spiteri - Keep Me In Mind (English)

Music/Lyrics: Alfred Sant/Ray Agius

Conductor: Ray Agius

Soul is a genre not often heard in the contest. Malta’s effort wasn’t a disaster by any stretch of the imagination, and Mike’s gravelly voice suits the song well.

 Elina ConstantopoulouElina Constantopoulou Greece - Elina Constantopoulou - Pia Prossefchi (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Nikos Terzis/Antonis Pappas

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Elements of classical Greek culture are all over Pia Prossefchi. As a result, it is possibly one for aficionados only, but well worth a listen. 

What went wrong for the ballads?

Didrik Solli-Tangen ©  Tommy Engström, EuroVisionary

Countries like Israel, Ireland and Norway were by fans and press mentioned as potential winners after successful rehearsals in Oslo. But on the actual night of the final they all failed to live up to the expectations and instead ended at the bottom of the scoreboard. What went wrong for them?

The Semi-Final Results

Tom Dice © EuroVisionary.com

Shortly after Lena had been declared the winner of the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU released the results of the two semi-finals.

Lena in Orbit As She Flies Away to Victory

Lena ©  eurovision.tv

Germany has won the 55th Eurovision Song Contest by a big margin, beating Turkey into second place. Romania achieved its best result by finishing third.

Video: Semi-final 2 - 10 qualifiers makes their appearance at press conference

See video

Last night the last ten spots for the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday was filled as the lucky ones from the second semi-final were revealed. In this video you can see how the 10 qualifiers made their appearance at the following press conference.

Shocks and Surprises - The Story of the Second Semi-Final

2nd Semi-Final

After the fairly uncontroversial results of the first semi-final, tonight’s second semi-final produced a number of surprises and talking points. Some songs considered sure-fire finalists were left behind, while those that should have been disposed of lived to sing another day.

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