Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

INTERVIEW: Bulgaria's VICTORIA on Eurovision 2020 cancellation and "Tears Getting Sober"

We speak with VICTORIA -- Bulgaria's Eurovision 2020 singer -- about her song "Tears Getting Sober", the cancellation of ESC2020, her upcoming EP and her plans for Eurovision 2021. Among other things, she explains why she recorded 25 different versions of the song and what it was like to film her gorgeous music video in just one continuous shot. That may sound easy, but there was A LOT of rehearsal. Interview by William Lee Adams. 

Eurovision Review 2020: Denmark - Ben & Tan "YES" | WIWI JURY

Ben & Tan won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix — Denmark's Eurovision 2020 selection — in front of an empty crowd. The audience had been cancelled because of coronavirus. But they won hearts and minds from afar and were all set for ESC. But what of their song "YES"? There’s something to be said for an intensely upbeat pop tune, our Robyn writes. Ben & Tan deliver the goods, with a bright, joyful celebration of love. The only issue is their chemistry — at the Danish national final, they came across more as two friends performing a song together than lovers struck by cupid’s mighty arrow. But at least when listening to the studio version song, it’s like enjoying a big fat slice of birthday cake.

Eurovision Review 2020: Azerbaijan - Efendi "Cleopatra" | WIWI JURY

Cleopatra was a woman of myth, legend, beauty and passion. She may have looked into the future and taken note from Efendi. Azerbaijan's Eurovision 2020 star has delivered the most lavish music video of the 2020 season — and one that pays proper homage to the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Whether twerking by a car or bathing in Moroccanoil, our girl is hitting all of her cues! But ultimately it’s the music and the meaning that have me hooked. The song evolves fluidly over the three minutes, progressing from a call to prayer to an ethnic dance banger — all brought home with a fierce beat and an overdose of percussion. Amid all that noise Efendi manages to find her voice again. Listen and you may find yours too.

Eurovision 2020: What's the best Baltic entry? 🇱🇻🇪🇪🇱🇹

Latvia vs Lithuania vs Estonia — which Baltic country had the best song at Eurovision 2020? We choose our Top 3 among Samanta Tina, The Roop and Uku Suviste with their songs "Still Breathing", "On Fire" and "What Love Is".

Eurovision Review 2020: Austria - Vincent Bueno "Alive" | WIWI JURY

We review Austria's Eurovision 2020 song from Vincent Bueno. The funky, upbeat tune “Alive” is a feel-good number that’s all about empowerment. It suggests that Vincent, like all of you, has a fire inside that can burn through the darkest of times. Sometimes we just need someone else to flip the switch. As he sings: “I’m like a little match box, all I need is a little spark to light this whole world up, prepare for fire shots, only you can make me feel alive again.” 

Eurovision Review 2020: Spain - Blas Cantó "Universo" | WIWI JURY

In "Universo", Spain's Eurovision 2020 singer Blas Cantó reveals the inner battles that he — and so many of his listeners — face as they try to lead authentic lives. “Universo” speaks about how the singer erases who he is and acts like somebody else out of a deep-seated fear. It’s not lost on him. The reckoning comes when he’s alone and the noise of the world fades. “All that I hide when I’m scared comes to reality inside this silence,” he sings.

Eurovision Review 2020: The Netherlands - Jeangu Macrooy "Grow" | WIWI JURY

It’s the highs and lows that make you grow. That’s one of the many lessons hidden in Jeangu Macrooy’s Eurovision 2020 song “Grow”. The slow-build ballad sits at the intersection of dark soul and gospel. At times it’s so pared back that it seems naked: Jeangu’s rich voice is completely exposed. Thankfully he shines in these moments, showing just how strong a vocalist he is. The lyrics suggest his travels haven’t always been easy, and the clean production brings that pain and struggle into sharper focus. Sincere, raw and completely authentic, this song isn’t just to be heard, it’s to be felt. It hits you like a tonne of bricks straight to the heart.

Eurovision Review 2020: Latvia - Samanta Tina "Still Breathing" | WIWI JURY

Samanta has said publicly that "Still Breathing" — her Eurovision 2020 song for Latvia — is an ode to women who are held to unrealistically high standards. They’re meant to be beautiful at all times, while also being perfect mothers and devoted wives — all the while working or chasing their dreams. It’s about the relentlessness of having to do it all and the fight to say, “I’m still breathing” despite the endless struggle. It's also an in-your-face pop banger. Our girl takes it higher (and higher) and belts it out louder (and louder) as she breaks it down. She's not just breathing. She's thriving!

Eurovision Review 2020: Czech Republic - Benny Cristo "Kemama" | WIWI JURY

Czech-Angolan performer Benny Cristo was meant to sing the toe-tapping, Afro-pop dance number "Kemama" at Eurovision 2020 for the Czech Republic. This song is all about living your best life, even when the haters try to put you down. When people shout you down, just open your heart. As he sings in the lyrics: "They can say what they want, you should let it go, 'Cause tonight I will sho-o-ow love, I'll show them I can dance on my own."

Eurovision Review 2020: Malta - Destiny "All Of My Love" | WIWI JURY

In Malta's Eurovision song “All Of My Love”, Destiny Chukunyere puts her soul into the message of love. Lyrics like “Always felt I was no good /  always felt misunderstood / but now I do” showcase the emotional development she’s gone through and the fights she has overcome. She’s now ready to give all of the love she feels to that special person. The message? To open yourself to others, you must start by opening up to yourself. The toe-tapping ditty is a really smart use of Destiny’s gospel capacities, leaving the listener in awe while remaining radio-friendly. The soulful pop feel, which has shades of Lizzo, would have catapulted Malta up the scoreboard. More importantly, it would have reminded people to believe in themselves while chasing their dreams.