Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

Russia First Rehearsal: Manizha "Russian Woman" - Eurovision 2021 reaction

Manizha - Russia's Eurovision 2021 artist - has had her first rehearsal of "Russian Woman" at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. Here's our first review and reaction. 

You can read our full reviews on the wiwibloggs website: https://www.wiwibloggs.com 

Slovenia First Rehearsal: Ana Soklic "Amen" - Eurovision 2021 reaction

Ana Soklic - Slovenia's Eurovision 2021 act - has had her first rehearsal of "Amen" at Eurovision 2021. Here's our review and reaction. 

You can read our full reviews on the wiwibloggs website: https://www.wiwibloggs.com 

Lithuania First Rehearsal: The Roop "Discoteque" - Eurovision 2021 Reaction

The Roop — Lithuania's Eurovision 2021 act — had their first rehearsal today of "Discoteque" inside Rotterdam Ahoy. Here's our review and reaction. Read our full review on wiwibloggs.com. 

Switzerland Eurovision 2021: Review - Gjon's Tears "Tout l'univers"

The Wiwi Jury review Switzerland's Eurovision 2021 entry "Tout l'univers" by Gjon's Tears. He's one of the hot favourites to win the song contest and bring Switzerland's its first victory since the 1980s. Will he live up to expectations? Wiwiblogger Pablo writes: 

"Sublime. 'Tout L’univers' showcases Gjon’s Tears at his best. Possibly the most arresting ballad in the mix, the epic instrumentals hark of Woodkid, one of my all-time favourites in the French music scene, while Gjon makes those high notes sound as effortless as they are crisp, clean and pretty much pitch-perfect. With a tender first half that grows into an explosive cinematic flair, this song exudes class. Switzerland didn’t show to just play the game, they want to taste the gold once more, and if they do with this, it’ll be extremely well deserved."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/08/wiwi-jury-switzerlands-gjons-tears-with-tout-lunivers/263606/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features: 

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleea...​
Suzanne - https://www.instagram.com/suzadams1/​
Deban - https://www.instagram.com/deban_deban​
Robyn - https://www.instagram.com/robyngallag...

Manizha "Russian Woman" | Russia Eurovision 2021 Interview

If you push Manizha down, she just gets up stronger. In the weeks after winning Russia's Eurovision 2021 selection with her song "Russian Woman", she faced an onslaught of hate from people who said she wasn't Russian enough since she was born in Tajikistan. “How do Russians look?" she says in our Zoom interview. "Can you explain it? Can you describe it? I can. I can look in the mirror and say that I am a Russian woman and I am proud...My mission is to not give up. I know that all the haters want me to give up… I have my voice. I have my music. And, I have my family. I’m not gonna cry because I’m going to Eurovision.”

And when she gets there she'll use her song to call on Russian women to stand up for their rights. “I’m doing all this because of Russian women — to say ‘Come on, girl. You can do anything you want to do.’ Say good-bye to patriarchy and let’s think about gender equality in our country. Let’s think about something really, really beautiful like your strength, your personal strength."

We also discuss abusive relationships, how her song is ironic and does NOT fit in the "drama genre", how her mother worked four jobs at the same time (including cleaning lady and cooker) to help the family make it after immigrating. "My mom inspired me so much so that’s why I will not give up and I will not listen to all these haters."

Manizha will sing "Russian Woman" for Russia at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. 

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

Bulgaria Eurovision 2021: Review - VICTORIA "Imaginary Friend"

VICTORIA will sing "Growing Up Is Getting Old" for Bulgaria at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. Will she bring her nation its first song contest victory? The Wiwi Jury discuss her chances. Wiwiblogger Sebastian in Australia writes:

"With pervading ticks of a clock throughout, 'Growing Up Is Getting Old' is a beautifully reflective masterpiece and a stunning moment in time in what will be a very full list of songs in the competition. In a year where no doubt many songs are influenced by the new Covid-19 world, VICTORIA's song is an exasperated but realistic take on what many other countries’ artists are trying to turn into a song-and-dance. VICTORIA is not in the mood to celebrate, and I’m here for it.  I also applaud the clever play on words when the words ‘growing’ and ‘getting’ are interchanged throughout the song."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/07/wiwi-jury-bulgarias-victoria-with-growing-up-is-getting-old/263576/ 

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features: 

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​
Deban - https://www.instagram.com/deban_deban/​
Robyn - https://www.instagram.com/robyngallagher​
Padraig - https://www.instagram.com/justpadraig/

Malta Eurovision 2021: Review - Destiny "Je Me Casse"

The Wiwi Jury review Malta's Eurovision 2021 entry "Je Me Casse" by Destiny. She's one of the hot favourites to take home the crystal microphone trophy. Could the Junior Eurovision champion bring the island nation its first main contest victory? Wiwiblogger Pablo writes:

"This should be the textbook example of how to properly find your adult musical style after achieving childhood notoriety. 'Je Me Casse' is the perfect way to both showcase Destiny’s talents without forcing her to either be put in a box or be pushed to a direction that feels foreign to her. The Roarin’ Twenties beat works perfectly as a unique uptempo angle, and neither the message nor the energy clash with each other. Destiny offers the perfect fusion of power, independence and fun, and in turn, offers a very high-quality contribution to the new Maltese era in Eurovision."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/07/wiwi-jury-maltas-destiny-with-je-me-casse/263592/ 

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​
Deban - https://www.instagram.com/deban_deban​
Padraig - https://www.instagram.com/justpadraig/​
Robyn - https://www.instagram.com/robyngallagher

 

Iceland Eurovision 2021: Review - Daði og Gagnamagnið "10 Years"

How does it keep getting better? Daði og Gagnamagnið will sing "10 Years" for Iceland at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. One of the hot favourites to win Eurovision last year, they're looking to repeat their success. Will they bring Iceland its first song contest victory? The Wiwi Jury discuss. Wiwiblogger Diego from Colombia writes:

"As well as being one of the most sophisticated contemporary songwriters of his generation, Daði is a showman. He knows how to sing, how to dance and most of all, he knows how to make good music. '10 Years' opens with a string quartet, but later on, we arrive at a party. Funky, groovy, disco —there is so much to enjoy here!"

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/06/wiwi-jury-iceland-dadi-og-gagnamagnid-10-years/263587/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams 
Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams
Jonathan - https://www.instagram.com/jonathanvautrey 
Deban - https://www.instagram.com/deban_deban 

Ardit Cuni (Anxhela Peristeri's Manager) | Albania Eurovision 2021 Interview

Anxhela Peristeri's manager teases her stage costume. Apparently her dress is going to be "related to Albania" in some way and she will "be in control" of the stage (that's from 05:10​ in the interview). We're not quite sure what that means, but we are LIT! Apparently the Albanian designers have worked with Beyoncé and Rita Ora. Ardit also discusses why he encouraged Albania to work with creative director Sacha Jean-Baptiste.

Romania Eurovision 2021: Review - Roxen "Amnesia"

The Wiwi Jury review Romania's Eurovision 2021 entry "Amnesia" by Roxen. Will we remember it enough for Romania to find their way back into the grand final on 22 May? Wiwiblogger Lauren in Israel writes:

"This song brings something altogether different to the table. 'Amnesia' is right up my alley, and it helps that its lyrics are actually some of the best this year. If Roxen works on her pronunciation and the staging is as impactful as the music video, this could shoot for a deserved top-ten result."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/05/06/wiwi-jury-romania-roxen-amnesia/263599/ 

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​
Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams/​
Lucy - https://www.instagram.com/lucyeapercy/​
Suzanne - https://instagram.com/suzadams1