Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

INTERVIEW: Ulrikke (Norway Eurovision 2020) on Attention remix and Christmas album

Ulrikke Brandstorp — Norway's Eurovision 2020 singer — tells us about her upcoming Christmas album, her KLAAS "Attention" remix, her sadness over the cancellation of Eurovision, her reaction to not being automatically picked for ESC 2021, the Melodi Grand Prix 2020 voting scandal and more.

Eurovision Review 2020: Slovenia - Ana Soklič "Voda" | WIWI JURY

Water can be the force that gives us life or the most boring thing on the dinner table. And unfortunately “Voda” falls into the latter category. Ana has an admittedly huge voice, but it is wasted on this banal ballad.

Eurovision Review 2020: Finland - Aksel "Looking Back" | WIWI JURY

Finland's Aksel Kankaanranta was meant to sing “Looking Back” at Eurovision 2020. Its lyrics encourage us to avoid waiting for the future to bring us something better. If we do, we risk forgetting what we are living for in the present. Aksel sings it flawlessly. There’s no need for dramatic gestures, pyro rain or loud screaming. His rather flawless vocals were more than enough for some of us. 

Eurovision Review 2020: San Marino - Senhit "Freaky!" | WIWI JURY

On its own, “Freaky!” would be a dated disco track not fully revamped for 2020. But in the hands of Senhit — who serves sass, attitude and an unbridled sense of joy — the song becomes an anthem for living life on your own terms and having one hell of a time as you do it. Throw in the very editorial visuals, which portray Senhit as queen of hedonism, and this suddenly feels like the soundtrack to a lush and rather sinful Vogue Italia spread. A brilliant example of how visuals and ambition can change the game.

Eurovision Review 2020: Greece - Stefania "SUPERG!RL" | WIWI JURY

Stefania — Greece's Eurovision 2020 singer — planned to sing the empowering, ethno-dance number "Supergirl". The song has a powerful message. The broadcaster says it’s about encouraging “teenagers to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. It narrates Stefania’s own story since, as a young woman she has had to find the power to combine her obligations as a student with her dream of singing.”

Eurovision Review 2020: Lithuania - The Roop "On Fire" | WIWI JURY

Lithuania's Eurovision 2020 act The Roop were favourites to win it all with their quirky pop number “On Fire”. The lyrics are about keeping your dreams and passions alive even as the world tells you it’s time to dial them down. “It’s about writing yourself off too quickly,” the band says. “We underestimate ourselves too often. We think we don’t meet some standards or that we are uninteresting, too young, too old. People in their thirties already feel untimely aged and hopeless. I don’t think this is normal.” The song comes with a quirky music video and national final performance, replete with viral dance moments and oversized magnifying glasses. 

Eurovision 2020: Semi-Final 1 Qualifiers Prediction

Who would have qualified from Semi-Final 1 of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020? William and Deban pick their 10 qualifiers based on their music videos and national final performances.

Eurovision 2020 Review: Armenia - Athena Manoukian "Chains On You" | WIWI JURY

Diamonds shining on who? Diamonds shining on Armenia's Athena Manoukian. This song defies Eurovision convention, proving that R&B and hip-hop do have a place in this sphere. Risky, bold, daring — Athena takes no prisoners as she pops and locks and reminds all of us of our self-worth and potential. She may sing of chains, but baby this is all about emancipation. The production has had a major revamp since Depi Evratesil — it now takes us on a journey through space-age sounds, sensual breaths and even electro-bass. This is fire.

Eurovision Review 2020: Croatia - Damir Kedžo "Divlji Vjetre" ("Wild Wind") | WIWI JURY

Croatia's Eurovision 2020 song is a dramatic ballad about love. The lyrics for “Divlji Vjetre”, which translates as “Wild Wind”, see Damir Kedzo ensure that his special one will be loved and cared for even when things don’t go well. “When nothing is left/I will love you even then/wild wind”. In the second verse, it’s clear that the bleak prediction has come to pass. He’s turning to the wild wind, praying for it to leave him in peace. “Go away and leave me without knowing/How a man becomes what you no longer are.” The singer is asking the sky to leave the autumn leaves and raindrops of sorrow on his doorstep. The chorus paints a picture of a stormy autumn, while Damir mourns for the days he felt their love was forever.

Eurovision Review 2020: Sweden - The Mamas "Move" | WIWI JURY

The Mamas were the surprise winners of Sweden's Melodifestivalen. And for many of us, they were among our favourite Eurovision 2020 acts. Wiwibloggs Robyn wrote: "This is my number one favourite song of 2020. I love the oodles of positivity and joy that The Mamas bring with their song. It’s a step up from 'Too Late for Love', with Ashley, Loulou and Dinah taking centre stage and letting their personalities come through loud and clear. I’m not sure if a song like this could be considered a surefire Eurovision winner, but it’s the sort of song that makes an impact and leaves audiences feeling better."