Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

C'est la vie! How The Netherlands' Claude uses the circle of fourths at Eurovision 2025

Claude Kiambe will sing for The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. Born in the Congo before fleeing to Europe aged 9, Claude is recognised for his merging of languages in much of his music. But does his song C'est La Vie have what it takes to rouse audiences all over Europe? In this episode of What Really Happened at Eurovision? Professor Joe Bennett, musicologist from the Berklee College of Music, tells us about C'est La Vie and the circle of fourths - and how musical greats have been use the chord progression to capture audiences. 

Presenters:

Freddy: http://instagram.com/freddyt234

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

 

 

 

 

Laura Thorn (Luxembourg Eurovision 2025) | Interview @ House of Helvetia in Basel

Luxembourg’s Eurovision 2025 singer Laura Thorn tells us all about her song “La poupée monte le son.” She explains how the lyrics demonstrate a woman’s growth — from being treated like a puppet or a doll to standing on her own and taking up space for herself. She also discusses the Ukrainian creative team behind her staging and doll hours; what it’s like working with her dancers; and how Eurovision 2009 singer and vocal coach Susanne Georgi has helped her stay strong.

Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Shkodra Elektronike (Albania Eurovision 2025) | Interview @ House of Helvetia in Basel

"Zjerm" singers Shkodra Elektronike — that's Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji — gave us a very entertaining interview at the House of Helvetia in Basel. Among other things, they discuss the legend of Rozafa, the unique culture of their home region Shkodër, Kolë's recent virality (for not following the typical chord progressions in songs), and how they wrote their Eurovision entry. Beatriçe also gives us a dance tutorial.

Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

 

Justyna Steczkowska (Gaja) on Eurovision, spirituality and learning to love herself | Eurovision

Justyna Steczkowska — one of Poland's most loved singers — has returned to the Eurovision Song Contest thirty years after her first appearance. She tells our William Lee Adams about how she has grown and evolved musically and spiritually since finishing 18th. Some of this growth was prompted by personal traumas, including the loss of her parents and her husband's illness. She also recounts how her song "Gaja" — a reference to Mother Earth — explores the idea of our relationship to our planet and the ways we've harmed the source of our existence.

Interviewer: William http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Translator: Bartek http://instagram.com/bartekfetyz

 

NAPA (Portugal Eurovision 2025) | Interview @ House of Helvetia in Basel

NAPA’s band members — Diogo Góis, Francisco Sousa, João Guilherme Gomes, João Lourenço Gomes, and João Rodrigues — join us on stage at the House of Helvetia. The band, formerly known as Men on the Couch, explain how their song “Deslocado” speaks of dislocation and the experience of so many people from their home island of Madeira. We also discuss the creation of their song, how they were rejected from Festival da Canção 2024, and how they share hateful and shady comments from social media in a private WhatsApp group for laughs.

Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

 

Marko Bošnjak (Croatia Eurovision 2025) | Interview @ House of Helvetia in Basel

“Poison Cake” singer Marko Bošnjak stopped by the House of Helvetia for an interview in front of a live audience. Croatia’s ESC singer tells us that the lyrics and angry sound were a way to fight back against negativity and hate, including people who called him a Satanist for liking Lady Gaga. He said the song has resonance with his current situation: conservative religious leaders have called for a boycott of him at Eurovision because of his devilish performance from Dora.

Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

 

Erika Vikman on Finland's President, ICH KOMME and KAJ | Interview

We chat with Finland's Eurovision 2025 superstar Erika Vikman. She will perform "ICH KOMME" in the Second Semi-Final in Basel. Among other things, we discuss her many tattoos — including the one she wants to get removed; what it’s like singing on top of that giant microphone; and her reaction to Finnish President Alexander Stubb's comments that he is supporting Sweden’s KAJ.

Featuring: William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams/

 

KANT get enough! How Miriana Conte's SERVING plays with the Arabian riff and exoticism

What does Miriana Contes 'Serving' have in common with songs by Kesha, the Ying Yang Twins and 17th century Algerian folk music?

In this episode of "What Really Happened At Eurovision?" William and Freddy dissect the Arabian riff — a motif that plays in one of Eurovision 2025's most talked about songs.

Professor Joe Bennett from the Berklee College of Music explains how Arab influences make "Serving" such a special song and why, no matter how hard you try, you Kant just censor certain elements of it. He also discusses the foundations of creativity and how the notion of "exoticism" frequently shows up in music. 

Remember Monday on tattoos and friendship (UK 2025) interview at Eurovision in Concert

Remember Monday — the UK’s Eurovision 2025 group — tell us what the hell happened during their gorgeous music video shoot. They also explain the difference between performing on the West End and at Eurovision, discuss the strength of their sisterhood and reveal the five matching tattoos they share. The group consists of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele from Farnborough, Hampshire.

Interviewer: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

 

Sissal on Hallucination and her childhood crush | Eurovision in Concert Interview

We met up with the meme queen of the year, Sissal from Denmark, to talk about the now infamous group chat on Instagram, her new plans for staging and not least a little surprise message from her childhood crush!

Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk