Iceland: national selection line-up confirmed

Eyþór Ingi represented Iceland in Malmö this year.

 

Reykjavik, Iceland - The Icelandic broadcaster RUV has released today the information regarding the method of selecting their entry for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen. They will have two semi-finals, on Saturdays the 1st and the 8th of February, with the final taking place the following Saturday 15th of February. Ten songs have been selected for the competition, five in each semi-final.

No less than 297 songs have been submitted in Iceland, approximately 25% more songs than for the 2013 contest. Also the number of songs that each composer was allowed to send had been changed in their rules: in previous years each composer could submit three songs, this year only two songs. This means that never before have so many composers sent songs to the contest.
In total 23 songwriters and lyricist will take part in Söngvakeppnin 2014 and 18 artists will perform the ten songs. This is the participants list (authors between brackets):

• Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir - Amor (Haukur Johnson)
• Guðbjörg Magnúsdóttir - Aðeins ætluð þér (María Björk Sverrisdóttir, Marcus Frenell, Beatrice Eriksson & Johnny Sanchez)
• Sverrir Bergmann - Dönsum burtu blús (StopWaitGo)
• Vignir Snær Vigfússon - Elsku þú (Vignir Snær Vigfússon / Þórunn Erna Clausen)
• Gréta Mjöll Samúelsdóttir - Eftir eitt lag (Ásta Björg Björgvinsdóttir / Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir)
• Pollapönk (Heiðar Örn Kristjánsson, Haraldur F. Gíslason, Guðni Finnsson and Arnar Gíslason) - Enga fordóma (Heiðar Örn Kristjánsson and Haraldur F. Gíslason)
• Sigríður Eyrún Friðriksdóttir - Lífið kviknar á ný (Karl Olgeir Olgeirsson / Sigríður Eyrún Friðriksdóttir)
• Guðrún Árný Karlsdóttir - Til þín (Trausti Bjarnason / Guðrún Eva Mínervudóttir)
• Gissur Páll Gissurarson - Von (Jóhann Helgason)
• F.U.N.K. - Þangað til ég dey (Franz Ploder Ottósson, Pétur Finnbogason and Lárus Örn Arnarsson)

Pollapönk are Heiðar Örn Kristjánsson, Haraldur F. Gíslason, Guðni Finnsson and Arnar Gíslason while F.U.N.K. comprises Franz Ploder Ottósson, Pétur Finnbogason, Lárus Örn Arnarsson, Valbjörn Snær Lilliendahl, Egill Ploder Ottósson and Hörður Bjarkason. The authors of Dönsum burtu blús are StopWaitGo which is made of Pálmi Ragnar Ásgeirsson, Ásgeir Orri Ásgeirsson and Sæþór Kristjánsson.
Televoting will decide which songs from the semi-finals will qualify for the final. Like last year, televoting and an expert jury will decide jointly the top two songs in the final. After a duel between the top two, televoting only will decide which song will represent Iceland in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Denmark.
 

What do you think of the Icelandic participants?

 

Make your #MyEurovisionIdea happen for 2014

#JoinUs: Theme art in 2014, DR has presented the theme art for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Photo: DR

 

Copenhagen, Denmark - Have you always had an idea what could be happening during the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest? If you share it this year with the organiser, it might just happen!

It’s one of the world’s biggest TV shows, followed by some 180 million people in more than 40 countries. And it could be your idea that they will see during the show for four minutes!
But how? Today, DR, the Host Broadcaster of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest has started a campaign #MyEurovisionIdea where fans all over the world can send in their ideas and the best ones will be used in the show!

How you can help:

1. Think of an idea for the ultimate interval act for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest
2. Share your idea on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram - and use the hashtag #MyEurovisionIdea
3. Remember that your status on Facebook to be public, and your privacy settings must be set to public on Instagram, so DR can see your suggestion
4. The most amazing ideas become reality on TV in May 2014!

You can send in your ideas till the 31st of January. You can also read how it works exactly on JoinUs.dk.

Looking for great ideas

"We believe that there are a lot of creative forces out among viewers throughout Europe and those we would like to leave a voice. Therefore, we now call on all those who have ideas and opinions about how one of the numbers in the show should look like to send in their proposals," says DR’s Show Producer, Jan Lagermand Lundme.
"It can be anything under the sun! A proposal for wild costumes or a crazy set design. An artist who creates something really special or a reunion with old or new Eurovision Song Contest stars. Small and big ideas that we can put together the most amazing number," he explains.
All ideas will be checked by DR's creative team and will be made happen if possible, Lundme adds: "We have the energy, spirit and desire to make it all happen. There can of course be good ideas that are not possible to put into practice but come and try to challenge us!"
The next Eurovision Song Contest will be held on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May on Copenhagen, Denmark.

Watch LIVE: Ukrainian national final

 

Kyiv, Ukraine - It has almost become a tradition to hold the national final in Ukraine in the midday. So today, the Ukrainian national selection with 20 finalists kicks off at 11:15 CET in Kyiv. Follow this exciting show with us here on eurovision.tv!

There is a nice mix of rock and pop songs as well as ballads in the Ukrainian national final, in different languages: English, Ukrainian and Russian. 13 female artists and 7 male artists will fight for the honour to represent Ukraine in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Among them there are young and talented singers who just stand at the beginning of their musical career and some already well known names.
Some of participants have already some Eurovision experience. Roman Polonsky tried his luck in the Russian and Ukrainian national qualifying rounds in 2005. Volodymyr Tkachenko participated in the pre-rounds in 2006, 2010 and 2011. Shanis performed in the Ukrainian national final in 2011.
Here is the line-up of the Ukrainian contestants. You can listen to their entries recorded in the pre-selection.

1. Duet Anna-Maria - 5 Stars Hotel
2. Roman Polonskij - Wanted Dead Or Alive
3. ULI RUD - Tswetok (Flower)
4. Marietta - It's My Life
5. Stas Shurins - Why
6. Anatoli Shparyov - Waiting For You
7. Nataliya Valevska - Love Makes You Beautiful
8. Lissa Wassabi - No Fear
9. Volodymyr Tkachenko - Buty Tam De Ty (To Be Where You Are)
10. Shanis - Moya Dusha (My Soul)
11. Victoria Petryk - Love Is Lord
12. Evgen Litvinkovych - Strelyanaya Ptitsa (Wounded Bird)
13. Band NeAngely - Courageous
14. Illaria - I’m Alive
15. Tetyana Shyrko - Let Go
16. Tania BerQ - Believe Me
17. Maria Yaremchuk - Tick-Tock
18. Victor Romanchenko - Na Krayu Propasti (On The Brink Of The Abyss)
19. Anna Hodorkovska - Yesli Yest Lyubov (If There Is Love)
20. Denis Lyubimov - Love

The charming Zlata Ognevich who participated in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö is expected in today's show as a guest. The Ukrainian singer Matias and Kamalia will come to support the participants. Sofia Tarasova who took part in the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest will sing in the interval act. The hosts are Timur Miroshnychenko and Tetyana Terehova.
The winner in the Ukrainian national selection will be chosen by a join decision of a professional jury and the sms-voting public. Only one sms is allowed from every mobile phone. Mass media can also give their voice for their favourites in an extra voting.

Watch with us the Ukrainian national final!
 

Who are you supporting in the Ukrainian national final? Tell us below!

Estonia reveals 20 Eurovision hopefuls

Urban Symphony's leading vocalist Sandra Nurmsalu staged a fairy tale back in 2009.

Tallinn, Estonia - Estonian broadcaster, ERR, has revealed the participants of their national selection for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Many stars have decided to return for the next edition of Eesti Laul.

In today's daily roundup show, Ringvaade, the Executive Producer of Eesti Laul, Heidy Purga released the list of the qualifiers.

The lucky qualifiers

• Tanja - Amazing - Written by Timo Vendt & Tatjana Mihhailova
• Sofia Rubina - City Lights - Priit Juurmann, Sofia Rubina
• Maltised - Elu - Jakko Maltis
• MiaMee - Fearful Heart - Liina Saar, Liisi Koikson
• The Titles - Flame - Rasmus Lill, Markus Rafael Nylund
• Sandra Nurmsalu - Kui Tuuled Pöörduvad - Sven Lõhmus
• August Hunt - Kus On EXIT? - August Hunt
• Norman Salumäe - Search - Norman Salumäe
• Traffic - Für Elise - Stig Rästa, Silver Laas
• Brigita Murutar - Laule Täis Taevakaar - Rainer Michelson, Feliks Kütt
• Lauri Pihlap - Lootus - Lauri Pihlap (watch)
• VÖÖRAD - Maailm On Hull - Priit Uustulnd, Meiko Umal
• Super Hot Cosmos Blues Band - Maybe-Maybe - Mati Sütt, Janno Reim (watch)
• Nion - Muud Pole Vaja - Karl Kanter, Keit Triisa, Marilyn Jurman (watch)
• Wilhelm - Resignal - Lauri Kadalipp (listen)
• Nimmerschmidt - Sandra - Fredy Schmidt, Andero Nimmer, Merilyn Merisalu (listen)
• Maiken - Siin Või Sealpool Maad - Kadri Koppel
• State of Zoe - Solina - Anneliis Kits, Sander Mölder
• Kõrsikud - Tule Ja Jää - Kõrsikud
• Lenna - Supernoova - Mihkel Raud (watch)

Stars return

Stars return to Estonian Selection

Check out the Full gallery

Out of this year's qualifiers, Sandra Nurmsalu and Lenna have already experience from the Eurovision Song Contest as singers. The first having represented Estonia in 2009 with Rändajad and Lenna carrying the Swiss flag in 2005 with Vanilla Ninja's Cool Vibes. The author of Sandra's song, Sven Lõhmus, has also written three songs that have competed for Estonia - Suntribe's Let's Get Loud (2005), Sandra Nurmsalu's Rändajad (2009) and Getter Jaani's Rockefeller Street (2011).

Lauri Pihlap was a member of 2XL who won the Eurovision Song Contest the last time it was held in Denmark, in 2001 with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton's Everybody.

Sofia Rubina, August Hunt, Norman Salumäe, Tanja Mihhailova, Traffic, Liisi Koikson and Kõrsikud have all taken part previously in the Estonian national selection but have not managed to win it yet. Kadri Koppel has also taken part in the previous Estonian selection format, Eurolaul and is the vocal coach of Ott Lepland who finished sixth at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

Runaway success

The jury who picked the qualifiers included Maarja-Liis Ilus (represented Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996 and 1997), Janek Murd (musician), Erik Morna (Radio 2’s Head of Music), Siim Nestor (music critic), Kaupo Karelson (producer), Valner Valme (music critic), Tauno Aints (composer), Ingrid Kohtla (music editor), Owe Petersell (Editor in Chief of Radio Elmar), Toomas Punas (Programme Director of Radio Sky+), Kostja Tsõbulevski (musician).

This year's show will be held on the 14th, 21st of February with the final on the 1st of March.

Last year Estonia's Birgit Õigemeel finished 20th with her song Et Uus Saaks alguse.

 

This year a record breaking number of 188 songs were sent in to the organisers by the deadline. The format of Eesti Laul has been a runaway success with Estonia qualifying for the Final of the contest four times in the last five years.

 

 

Emmelie de Forest (Denmark 2013) performing at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013

 

 

 

Emmelie de Forest won the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest for Denmark with the song "Only Teardrops". On the first of December, she performed her song at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine.

 

 

 

Zlata Ognevich (Ukraine 2013) performs at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013

 

 

 

Zlata Ognevich represented Ukraine in Malmo, Sweden with the song Gravity. On the first of December she co-hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. There she had a performance including "Gravity"

 

 

About Zlata Ognevich

Zlata Ognevich is a very beloved celebrity in Ukraine. She is no stranger in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her first attempt was in 2010 where she finished fifth in the Ukrainian national final. Last year, Zlata took part in the Ukrainian national selection with her unique entry The Kukushka but came second. This year, Zlata will have the honour to sing for her country in Malmö. She is looking forward to new experiences, new acquaintances, new emotions and feelings!

Malta wins Junior Eurovision 2013!

Gaia is the winner!

 

TopicsGaia CauchiNews 2013Junior EurovisionWinner

 

Kyiv, Ukraine - In the last few minutes, Gaia has won the 2013 Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Malta!
Читать по-русски | Читати українською

The Maltese song, "The Start", was performed by Gaia Gauchi and won with 130 points. Receiving the second prize was Ukraine's Sofia Tarasova, whilst Ilya Volkov from Belarus took third place.
The final scoreboard is as follows:
130 Malta
121 Ukraine
108 Belarus
106 Russia
091 Georgia
069 Armenia
066 Azerbaijan
059 The Netherlands
046 Sweden
042 San Marino
041 Moldova
019 FYR Macedonia

Sirusho feat. Sakis Rouvas - See

 

 

 

Official video of See by Sirusho and Sakis Rouvas.

About Sakis Rouvas

After twenty top-selling CDs & DVDs, fifteen awards in leading Music Awards categories and two films, Sakis Rouvas is undoubtedly the ultimate pop star in Greece with great international appeal.

Sakis Rouvas - ultimate pop-star

Sakis Rouvas was born in Corfu. Since 1996, he has the largest fan club, with thousands of members from all parts of the world.
In 1997, Sakis along with Turkish Burak Kut threw a binational concert on the Green Line in Cyprus, for which he won the Ipekci International Award for Understanding and Cooperation.
In 2002, Sakis released his album in France, followed by an unforgettable concert in the legendary Olympia!
In the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest, Sakis with “Shake It” gets the third place, but everyone considers him as a winner too thanks to his striking performance.
He performs at the Closing Ceremony in the Olympic Games in Athens. He also records a duet with Philip Kirkorov in Greek and Russian becoming a huge hit and appeared as a guest in three international concerts given by the leading Greek artist Nana Mouskouri, impressing the audience and critics.
In 2005, Sakis won the World Music Award for World's Best-Selling Greek Artist.
In 2006, Sakis and Maria Menounos were the hosts of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Athens. Everyone is talking about his flawless presentation and his remarkable singing performances.
Open to new challenges, Sakis accepted the invitation of the Greek broadcaster ERT to represent Greece in this year's Europe's favorite TV-show, saying that the contest was one of the most important and exciting moments of his career, which he wanted to experience again.

 

About Sirusho

Sirusho was born in 1987 in Yerevan, Armenia. She was raised in a family comprised of a father who is an accomplished actor and director, and her mother a well-known and respected singer. She has been singing all of her life and first performed on stage at the age of seven. Since then she blossomed into being one of the most popular and loved singers in Armenia.

Sirusho has toured in many countries and has spread the Armenian pop and folk music in, Canada, USA, Syria, Iran, France, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Jordan, Egypt, etc. For the past four years, she has consecutively been awarded as 'Best female Artist' in Armenia (2005), 'Best female artist' in Russia (2006) (among the Armenian population) and' Best female Artist' in USA (2007) (among the Armenian population) and in the Armenian Golden Star Awards she received the award of best female artist in 2007. Her Sheram album has been recognized as the 'Best album of the year' in Armenia (2005).
In addition, she has also been awarded for her videos. Her songs have always been on top of the charts. She has released three albums throughout her career (Sirusho in 2000, Sheram in 2005 and Hima in 2007). She recorded her first pop album when she was thirteen. Her second album comprised Armenian folk songs, which was recognized as the 'Best album of the Year' in 2007. Her third album conveyed her own music and lyrics in Armenian and English. She also has been known to write songs for many other Armenian artists. She will be the first female and the third participant to ever represent Armenia in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade.

 

Poland returns to Eurovision after two-year break

TVP

Geneva, Switzerland -

Polish broadcaster TVP confirmed on its website to re-join the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014, after a two-year break. The announcement comes just weeks after Portuguese broadcaster RTP announced its come-back next year in Copenhagen, and on the day that broadcast management from all over Europe gathers in Geneva for the 71st EBU General Assembly.

"We've had a long, but constructive dialogue with our Polish colleagues," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). "I'm very happy the hard work paid off, and that TVP returns with a renewed energy," he adds.
TVP's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is a strong message to Europe and Poland's 38 million citizens, twenty years after the country joined the contest for the first time. Edyta Górniak's To nie ja! finished 2nd, making it Poland's most successful participation to date.

READ MORE: Poland's history at the Eurovision Song Contest
The EBU will continue its talks with broadcasters who announced not to participate in 2014, focusing on the possibility to return for the 60th anniversary of the contest in 2015. In the speculations leading up to the official list of participants, traditionally to be released in early January, a lot has been said about one country in particular; Greece. Earlier this year, the Greek government dismantled public broadcaster ERT, a new and fully operational public broadcaster has yet to go on air. "One thing is for sure; we are determined to make sure that Greece is represented in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest," says Jon Ola Sand, hinting at the efforts being made behind the scenes.
With today's announcement, the slogan for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest just gets an extra dimension - #JoinUs!

Poland was represented by Magdalena Tul at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, with the song Jestem. Have a look!
 

Meanwhile, Polish media are full of buzz about the country's return to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Top 5 reasons to watch Junior Eurovision tomorrow

Ruslana will be in it! Photo: NTU

Kyiv, Ukraine - This is the week of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, as the whole world knows. Are you still trying to persuade people to watch it with you? We got your back - here’s top 5 reasons to watch the show!

On Saturday at 19:00 CET, the world's foremost youth song contest will be broadcast live from Kyiv, Ukraine. Artists from twelve countries are set to take the stage in front of a live audience and millions of viewers around the world.
We're sure you'll be one of them too but we'd love it if you could enjoy it with some friends. In case you've had trouble convincing them, here's the top 5 reasons to give them and they'll be with you in no time!

1. It’s closest you can get to Eurovision at this time of the year

The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest is still more than 5 months away, so what better way to cure your pre-Eurovision Longing than watch something this close to the contest and hear the famous 12 points?

2. It has Emmelie

Emmelie de Forest, the ruling queen of the Eurovision Song Contest, is set to perform during the event in Kyiv. And naturally, wherever Emmelie is performing, you should be watching!

 

 

3. It’s hosted by Zlata

Yes, the very same Zlata who brought us the magnificent Gravity at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and finished third. She’ll do it together with Timur Miroshnychenko who also hosted the Junior contest back in 2009.

 

4. It has Ruslana

The wild wild winner of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul, Ruslana, is set to perform with a children’s choir too! We’re sure it’ll be one amazing performance, don’t you?

 

5. You’ll see amazing upcoming European talent

The past ten years, amazing talent has been seen on the stage of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and this year will not be an exception. Twelve of the best young stars are set to take the stage to show what they’ve got!

Check last year’s winner Anastasiya Petryk!

 

Bonus: It’ll be an amazing show produced by an international team

Yes, this years contest is the work of a very international team. Starting with the Executive Producer from Ukraine, Victoria Romanova, to the Estonian Director Marek Miil, the script writer from the UK, Alex Worrall and the Greek stage designer Elias Ledakis, it has input from all over Europe.

The 11th Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast from Kyiv, Ukraine at 19.00 CET this Saturday. If it’s not on your TV, you can watch it live on JuniorEurovision.tv!

 

Tickets for Eurovision on sale today, Final sold out

Tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 are on sale now!

 

Copenhagen, Denmark - The very first tickets to the three live shows and six dress rehearsals of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest are on sale NOW at Billetlugen.dk. First tickets for all the shows of the Final were sold out but more are to come in January. GET THEM NOW!

UPDATE: By 12:15 all first tickets for the shows of the Final are sold out You can still get them for the Semi-Finals.
UPDATE: By 11:15 all first tickets for the Grand Final are sold out. More tickets are available for other shows and for all shows on the 31st of January. You can sign up for the waiting list at Billetlugen.dk/eurovision (check under links for 'VenteListe').
UPDATE: By 10:00 more than 10,000 people had queued up for the ticket sales.
The next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to the tickets for the three live shows on those dates, it is possible to buy tickets to the so-called 'jury shows', during which juries in all participating countries determine their vote.
Tickets for the afternoon family rehearsals are going on sale as well. Due to their timing, they’re well-suited for families with children.
Prices of the tickets will start at approximately 14 euros and can only be bought through Billetlugen.dk, the official ticket handler.
READ MORE: Frequently asked questions on ticket sales

More tickets to follow

On Friday, one-third of all tickets will go on sale. More are to come after additional details of the shows are put in place. Next batch is to be on sale on the 31st of January and more to follow in April. Each time new tickets are released, tickets will be available in all categories and for all shows.
It has already been determined that Sweden will compete in the first Semi-Final, and Norway in the second. The remaining participating countries’ placements in the Semi-Finals will be drawn in January.
READ MORE: Sweden and Norway drawn into Semi-Finals
"We look forward to welcoming everyone, and for as many as possible to join us in Copenhagen. We wish to bring people together across national borders and give everyone a joint experience that will be talked about for years to come. With a total of nine shows there will be ample opportunity to follow the contest, participate in the festivities and experience the show live," says Pernille Gaardbo, Executive Producer of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of host broadcaster DR.

Copenhagen welcomes all the fans

Copenhagen is the host city of the contest next year and is looking forward to receiving both fans and guests all over the world.
"We’re hard at work on preparing Copenhagen for the festivities and for all the people that will come to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest. Copenhagen thinks big and embraces diversity, and the Copenhageners are looking forward to showing off their city. Everyone is welcome, and Copenhagen has much to offer. There will be an array of events around the city, where all fans of the contest have the opportunity to meet and join in the party," says Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Frank Jensen.
Denmark’s public broadcaster DR got the right to host the contest when they won Europe’s favourite TV show this May with Emmelie de Forest’s Only Teardrops.

Junior 2013 tickets on sale today!

The tickets for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday have also gone on sale - read about it on the official website.

First sneak peek of Eurovision 2014 graphics

Part of the show graphics for Copenhagen. Copyright: DR/EBU

Copenhagen, Denmark - Today, the very first sneak peek of the TV graphics of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest was revealed by DR, the Host Broadcaster.

"It is not the finished theme art, but a preview of the graphics that includes some of the important elements that we work with," explains the Show Producer at DR, Jan Lagermand Lundme.
"The idea is that the graphic to support our slogan # JoinUs. And this slogan with a hashtag in front is at the centre of the graphics, which has red, blue and purple elements and has a diamond-like shape." he adds.
Every year, the Host Broadcaster of the Eurovision Song Contest is encouraged by the EBU to come up with a theme art specific for the events, in addition to the official Eurovision Song Contest.

What do you think of the graphics?

Malta reveals first phase participants

Malta reveals first phase participants

Gianluca who represented Malta in 2013

Valletta, Malta - TVM in Malta have announced details of the 70 entries which have reached the first phase of the contest to represent Malta in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. A record number of 210 songs were submitted in total, and these have now been reduced down to 70 for the first phase. Only 20 of them though will make it through to the televised semi-final stage.

Multi-national submissions

Entries were received from not only Maltese composers, but also from composers from Sweden, Norway, Spain, Israel, Greece, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Ireland, USA, United Kingdom, Moldova, The Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.
Amongst the artists there are several familiar names including Miriam Christine who represented the country in 1996 and Fabrizio Faniello who was the Maltese entrant in 2001, whilst Daniel Testa represented the country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2008. There are also a number of artists who have competed in the Maltese finals before, as well as a number of newcomers to the contest.
There are familiar names also amongst the composers, Glen Vella, Gerard James Borg, Philip Vella, Stephen Rudden, Jonas Gladnikoff and Marc Paelinck.
You can find a full list of the songs, artists and composers on the website of TVM.
On Friday the 29th of November, the details will be announced on the television show Xarabank as to which 20 songs have qualified for the semi-final.

The Judging

Those 20 songs will be judged in a live television show on Friday 7th of February 2014, by six judges, and televoting will make up the votes of a seventh judge. 14 songs will then progress forward to the final. Artists however will only be allowed to perform one song in the final.
In the live final on Saturday 8th of February, the winning song will also be determined by the votes of six judges and televoting will make the votes of a seventh judge, In the event of a tie, the votes of the judges (therefore excluding televoting) will be used to ascertain the order of tied songs.
The winning song will go forward to represent Malta in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen.

History

Malta have yet to win Europe's Favourite TV show since their debut in 1971, though they have come close on several occasions, finishing as runners up in 2002 and 2005, and in third place in 1992 and 1998. Last year Gianluca finished in eighth place in the Grand Final with the song Tomorrow for the island nation.

Have you any early favourites from the artists announced?

Nodi and Sophie touring Europe

 

Tbilisi, Georgia - Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani have gained a lot of news fans due to their performance at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. After several concerts in Georgia, they are therefore now going on a short tour around Europe, where they will perform in France, Luxembourg and Germany.

Sophie Gelovani and Nodi Tatishvili represented Georgia with Waterfall in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. With their heartwarming performance, they won the hearts of many Europeans, and thus sailed to the Final.
Now the duo is going on a short concert tour through Europe, where they will sing as a part of the Georgian Show, directed by Lasha Oniani. The first concert will take place in Luxembourg on December 3rd.
The next stop of their tour will be Paris, where they will enter the stage of the Alhambra theatre. On December 7th, they will perform in the German city of Neuss - you can already purchase tickets online.

Will you visit one of Nodi & Sophie's concerts?

 

Malta announce details of 2014 selection

Gianluca Malta's representative in 2013.

 

Valletta, Malta - PBS the Maltese broadcaster responsible for the nation's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, have published the regulations for the selection of their entry for 2014. 20 songs will be initially performed in a qualifying round on a live television show early next year, with 14 of them going through to the national final.

Authors and composers, who can be of any nationality, have until the end of October to submit their entries to PBS in Malta. The artist(s) however have to be of Maltese nationality or hold dual citizenship. One exception is Gianluca Bezzina (pictured), who as winner of the 2013 contest in Malta is not permitted to defend his title.
At the end of November, the 20 songs that have been selected will be announced. Any artist can perform up to two songs in this qualifying round of the competition.

The Judging

The songs will be judged in a live television show, in January or February 2014, by six judges, and televoting will make up the votes of a seventh judge. 14 songs will then progress forward to the final. Artists however will only be allowed to perform one song in the final.
In the live final, the winning song will also be determined by the votes of six judges and televoting will make the votes of a seventh judge, In the event of a tie, the votes of the judges (therefore excluding televoting) will be used to ascertain the order of tied songs.
The winning song will go forward to represent Malta in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen.

History

Malta have yet to win Europe's Favourite TV show since their debut in 1971, though they have come close on several occasions, finishing as runners up in 2002 and 2005, and in third place in 1992 and 1998. Last year Gianluca finished in eighth place in the Grand Final with the song Tomorrow for the island nation.

What has been your favourite entry from Malta?

 

Eurovisión 2001 (retransmisión TVE)

 

Eurovisión 2001 (retransmisión TVE) 

Emisión el 12 de Mayo de 2001, del 45º Festival de Eurovisión desde Copenhague (Dinamarca). Los comentarios de José Luis Uribarri, en el que se suponía sería su último eurofestival.

Eurovision 2000 (Retransmisión TVE)

Eurovision 2000 (Retransmisión TVE)

Festival de Eurovisión 2000 desde Estocolmo (Suecia). Comentarios de José Luis Uribarri.

Emmelie de Forest to perform at Junior 2013

Emmelie de Forest.

About Zlata Ognevich

Zlata Ognevich is a very beloved celebrity in Ukraine. She is no stranger in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her first attempt was in 2010 where she finished fifth in the Ukrainian national final. Last year, Zlata took part in the Ukrainian national selection with her unique entry The Kukushka but came second. This year, Zlata will have the honour to sing for her country in Malmö. She is looking forward to new experiences, new acquaintances, new emotions and feelings!
View full profile

 

Kyiv, Ukraine - The winner of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, Emmelie de Forest will be star guest at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine on 30 November.

The 20 year old Danish singer was propelled to international stardom six months ago with her performance of Only Teardrops at the Final in Malmö, Sweden.
De Forest said she was thrilled by the invitation and looked forward to performing on stage and meeting the twelve young contestants who will represent their home countries.
"In a little over two weeks, the world will change for three super talented entrants," she said. "I wish them the best luck for one extraordinary night of entertainment."
The Contest, which is open to contestants aged between ten and 15, will also feature performances from last year’s winner Anastasiya Petryk, co-host and this year's Eurovision Song Contest participant Zlata Ognevich, and the 2004 winner Ruslana.
EBU Head of TV Bettina Brinkmann says that interest in the coproduction, hosted by Ukrainian public broadcaster and EBU Member NTU, has been immense.
"There's a lot of buzz around the format changes we've made this year," said Ms Brinkmann. "As well as creating awards for first, second and third prize winners, the children will conduct their own draw for the running order. News that the winner will be given the opportunity to appear at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen is also generating immense excitement as far away as Australia.”
The two hour contest will be broadcast from the National Palace of Arts Ukraine and will be available to participating broadcasters live or via online media streams.

 

Eurovision Supervisor addresses concerns on Russia

 

Geneva, Switzerland - In an interview with host broadcaster, DR, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, has responded to concerns surrounding the implementation of Russia’s new laws against so-called ”homosexual propaganda” and how they could affect the competition if again held in Russia.

The Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest has sent an official letter to Russia’s two largest TV channels. Here they asked questions about whether the country’s much debated laws on "non-traditional sexual relations" will have an impact if Russia again should win the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
”From our side, this is completely undramatic”, explains Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand.
”We have been asked by several of our member states and by journalists and fans, whether the new laws could affect the Eurovision Song Contest. That is why we have been in dialogue with the two Russian TV companies that are members of the EBU”, he says in an interview with Danish broadcaster, DR.
”There is no reason to believe that we cannot organise the Eurovision Song Contest in Russia”, he affirms.

It's up to the individual countries to decide

According to the German magazine Stern, a Swedish member of the Reference Group has raised doubts about whether Sweden would participate if Russia wins again. However, this has not been confirmed as the official position of Swedish broadcaster, SVT, Jon Ola Sand informs.
”Every year there is a discussion about who will take part in the competition and it is naturally up to each individual broadcaster to decide”, he says.
Russia hosted a very successful edition of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2009, when Norway took home the victory with Alexander Rybak's megahit Fairytale.

Jon Ola Sand: “Ensuring that as many countries as possible take part is a high priority”

Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand in Malmö.

 

Geneva, Switzerland - Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, spoke to Host Broadcaster DR about the participants for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, and the importance of having as many as possible in the competition.

Just one week before the first deadline for signing up to next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, the European Broadcasting Union is full of confidence.
"Ensuring that as many countries as possible take part in Copenhagen is of a high priority for us", says Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand.
"There is still a lot of support for the Eurovision Song Contest all over Europe, even though some of the participating countries are considering whether to take part”.

Greece granted an extended deadline

At the moment, the EBU is in negotiations with Greece after the government closed the country’s national broadcaster, ERT, in the summer. The interim Greek broadcaster has not yet been admitted to the European Broadcasting Union, which is a prerequisite for being able to send a participant to the Eurovision Song Contest.
"We are in close contact and we would really like to have the Greeks take part. I hope that we will find a solution, but this is not in place as yet”, says Jon Ola Sand.
"We have given them an extended deadline beyond the 22nd of November, which is the sign-up deadline”, he reveals.

Cyprus and Croatia are out – Portugal is back

The financial crisis and austerity measures imposed on national TV budgets have meant that several countries have had to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest.
Cyprus and Croatia have decided not to participate but Portugal is making a comeback after taking a break in 2013.
"We are aware of the economic challenges that several of our members face. Unfortunately, we cannot reduce the participation fee for some countries, as then we would have increase it for the others. However, we are trying to find various other solutions”, says Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand.

Türkvision not seen as a competitor

In 2013, Turkey did not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest and has instead started its own competition called Türkvision.
"The EBU does not have a patent for organising music competitions. We do not see Türkvision as any competition to Eurovision but we will keep an eye to see how it develops”, says Jon Ola Sand.
It has been suggested that it was dissatisfaction with the rules, which give the juries half of the votes, and ensure the so-called "Big 5" (France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and Germany) a place in the Grand Final, that have caused Turkey to withdraw.
"We have read the reports in the press but Turkish broadcaster, TRT, has never provided the EBU with an explanation. We would like to get in contact with them and do everything we can so that they will participate again. Turkey is an important country for the contest; always well-prepared and sending good participants and songs”.
The initial deadline for confirming participation for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest is set for the 22nd of November. The competition will take part on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May at the B&W-Hallerne on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen, Denmark, following Emmelie de Forest's victory in Malmö earlier this year.

France brings the public selection back

France made internal selections for the past six editions.

 

 

Paris, France - For the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, France Télévisions will revert to the public selection after six years of internal choices. Like in the European competition, it will be the public and a panel of experts that will have the final say on who will represent France in Copenhagen.

The selection of the artist that will represent France at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest Final in Copenhagen on the 10th of May will be made in several steps:
- At the end of this month a "listening committee" composed of 14 people will meet. The jury will be made up of music industry professionals, representatives of France Télévisions and their partner France Bleu. As a public representation they will be joined this year by a viewer and a Eurovision fan. Their task is to select the best three entries among those proposed from record labels, publishers and producers.
- On Sunday the 26th of January at 17:00 CET, Natasha St-Pier will feature a special edition of her Sunday show Les Chansons D'Abord dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest. The three songs selected by the committee will be presented and voted on by the viewers and a panel of professionals, each accounting for 50% of the total vote.
- Recaps of the participating songs to appeal for the vote will be broadcast daily on France 3 and france3.fr for four weeks starting from the 26th of January and ending on the 23rd of February.
- The winner will be revealed on France 3 by Natasha St-Pier in Les Chansons D'Abord on Sunday the 2nd of March 2014 at 17:00 CET.
Natasha St-Pier placed 4th representing France at the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest, coincidentally in Copenhagen. She will also join Cyril Féraud at the commentary booth in Copenhagen for the Final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.

Do you agree with the new French format?

 

Eurovisión 1992 (retransmisión TVE)

Eurovisión 1992 (retransmisión TVE) 

Emisión del Festival de Eurovisión de 1992, celebrado el 9 de Mayo de dicho año en Malmö (Suecia). Comentarios de José Luis Uribarri, que volvía a retransmitir para TVE el Eurofestival tras haberlo realizado en los años 1969, 1974 y 1976. También fue la última vez que el Festival de Eurovisión se emitió en LA2.

Eurovisión 1991 (Retransmisión TVE)

Eurovisión 1991 (retransmisión TVE) 

Celebrado el 4 de Mayo en la mítica Cinecittá romana, la RAI organizó el Festival de Eurovisión 1991. Para La2 de TVE lo comentó el periodista musical Tomás Fernando Flores.

Dutch entrant to be revealed on 25th of November

Anouk on stage in Malmö.

Hilversum, the Netherlands -
Broadcaster TROS has today announced that the Dutch entry for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be revealed on Monday the 25th of November. Now the speculation begins!

This year in Malmö, the Netherlands achieved something they have not managed since 2004 - to qualify for the Grand Final. This was thanks to Anouk, whose soulful ballad Birds helped her - not only into the Grand Final - but also to a very respectable 9th place with 114 points.
Many argue that this has helped to breathe new life into the Netherlands' passion for Europe's favourite TV show; something that was said to have dissipated after many years of poor results.
Now, broadcaster TROS are looking for their next big thing and with today's announcement that the Dutch entry will be revealed on the 25th of November, speculation is rife:
According to some sources, award winning Ilse DeLange, a revered Dutch country singer, has been lined up by TROS to represent the Netherlands in Copenhagen in May. She has many hits to her name including the singles So Incredible and Miracle, which reached number one in the Dutch Top 100 and Top 40 charts respectively. In a couple of weeks we will see if this rumour is true.
Stay tuned to Eurovision.tv to find out who the Dutch representative will be.
The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May at B&W Hallerne on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Who do you think should represent the Netherlands in Copenhagen?

 

Albania: Dates and line-up for national selection confirmed

Frederik Ndoci represented Albania in 2007.

 

Tirana, Albania - Festivali i Këngës, which has been held annually since 1962, will again serve as the Albanian national selection for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, with the final taking place on December 28th. The list of participants features two familiar faces who already stood on the Eurovision stage once - check out the full line-up here on Eurovision.tv!

Festivali i Këngës has a long tradition in Albania. Over 50 years, this annual celebration of music and arts has survived throughout political changes and turmoils. Since 2004, the winners of this competition have each year gained the right to represent their home country in the Eurovision Song Contest, and this year will be no exception.
On December 26th and 27th, two semi-finals will be held in the Palace of Congress in Tirana, with the best acts proceeding to the final, on December 28th, when the winner and thus the Albanian Eurovision representative will be picked.
Until October 22nd, songs could be submitted for the festival. Now the 16 acts competing in the semi-finals have been announced:

1. Ti mungon (You’re missing) - Marjeta Billo
2. Zemërimi i një nate (One night’s anger) - Herciana Matmuja
3. Jeta në orën 4 (Life at 4 o’clock) - Orges Toce
4. Jam larg (I'm far away) - Besiana Mehmeti and Shkodran Tolaj
5. Grua (Wife) - Sajmir Braho
6. Nuk e di (I don’t know) - Renis Gjoka
7. Natë e pare (First night) - Venera Lumani and Lindi Islami
8. Një ditë shprese (One hopeful day) - Frederik Ndoci
9. Në zemër (In the heart) - Rezarta Smaja
10. Mikja ime (My friend) - Blerina Braka
11. Me ty (With you) - Klodian Kacani
12. Kur qielli qan (When the sky cries) - Xhejn & Enxhi Kumrija
13. Kthehu (Come back) - Luiz Ejlli
14. Princesha (The Princess) - Lynx
15. Vetëm për ty (Only for you) - Saviana Verdha and Edmond Mancaku
16. Ëndërrat janë ëndërra (Dreams are dreams) - Xhejsi Jorgaqi

Later on, a draw will determine the running order of the shows. The line-up features two well-known faces to Eurovision fans: Luiz Ejlli represented Albania in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with Zjarr E Ftohtë, and Frederik Ndoci entered in 2007 with Hear My Plea.

What do you think about the Albanian plans?

Ireland reveal their five mentors for 2014 for The Late Late Show

Logo for The Late Late Show.

 

Dublin, Ireland - RTÉ has decided to retain the same mentoring procedure that it has used since 2011 for next year's Eurovision Song Contest and has appointed five new Eurosong 2014 mentors in their search to bring Ireland a record eighth victory in Europe's Favourite Tv Show.

The Eurosong 2014 mentors are: Aslan guitarist Billy McGuinness; singer and songwriter Hazel Kaneswaran; RTÉ 2fm presenter and Kerbdog frontman Cormac Battle; band manager Valerie Roe and tour manager Mark Murphy.
RTÉ says that in the coming months the mentors "will source songs and singers who, in their view, should compete to best represent the country" at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen next May.

Dates and deadlines

Mentors must submit details of their act and song to RTÉ by Friday the 3rd of January, 2014 and recorded versions of the song should be submitted to RTÉ by Monday 3rd of February, 2014.
Details of the five acts and songs will be announced in the New Year and the mentors' five chosen songs will be performed for the first time by their acts on The Late Late Show Eurosong 2014 on Friday the 28th of February.
The winner will once again be decided by a combination of public vote and regional juries.
RTÉ Eurovision Co-ordinator Michael Kealy said: "RTÉ wanted to again offer the Irish public a say in deciding who Ireland's Eurovision entry should be. We felt the last year's mentoring process was successful in delivering five strong acts which could represent Ireland. The five mentors this year represent a wide range of experience and talent and the songs and acts they choose will deliver a very thrilling and energetic Eurosong final in February.”

Quotes from the five mentors:

Billy McGuinness: "Normally I wouldn't have had the time to be involved as a mentor for Eurovision, but with Aslan on a break I feel I can commit myself to finding a great song and singer to represent Ireland."
Hazel Kaneswaran: "I am really looking forward to mentoring my act for the Eurosong. I've always loved the Eurovision Song contest ever since I fell in love with Johnny Logan as a young child! Every year the Eurovision winner is different, so it's hard to know what the public want but I'll give it my best shot."
Cormac Battle: "I thought they were joking when they asked me to be a mentor for Eurosong 2014 but on reflection I have been heavily involved in the music making process for a long time albeit in a different sphere - so why not? A brilliant song is a brilliant song no matter what. And this is one of the most exciting and challenging projects I have ever taken on. I am in it to win it."
Valerie Roe: "Music is my first love and my vision for Ireland this year is to go back to our roots with a powerful song and an exceptional singer with strong production and the inimitable artistic style that Ireland is famed for worldwide."
Mark Murphy: "I got involved to find a great song and singer to represent Ireland. I feel there is so much musical talent out there that it's the right time to get involved and find the perfect song for Eurovision."
Ireland has won the contest no fewer than seven times, and in recent years has qualified for the Grand Final every year since 2010. In 2013 they finished in 26th place in the Grand Final with the song Only Love Survives sung by Ryan Dolan.

Is the mentor system the best way for Ireland to select their entry for 2014?

The Ukrainian way to Copenhagen

The Ukrainian way to Copenhagen

Zlata Ognevich, the Ukrainian representative in Malmö.

Kyiv, Ukraine -
Earlier today, NTU, the national television broadcaster in Ukraine, announced the beginning of the application period in their country. The deadline for submissions is December, 6th. The national selection is scheduled for December, 21st – the best way for a lot of Eurovision fans to spend a cold winter day watching their favourite show!

According to the rules published on the official web site of NTU, the applicants are allowed to send the lyrics of their entries in different languages. All candidates who apply till December, 6th, will have a chance to perform in front of an expert jury. The jury will internally choose the best 20 participants who will go to the Ukrainian national final.
The Ukrainian national selection is planned to take place on December, 21st. An artist or a group who will represent Ukraine in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be chosen by a join decision of a professional jury and the televoting public. And of course, this much awaited musical show will be broadcast for all Ukrainian fans on the NTU Channel One.
If you are interested in participating in the Ukrainian national selection, try your luck and send your application form to the following address: National Television Company of Ukraine, Melnykova str. 42, 04119 Kyiv, Ukraine.

In the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, Zlata Ognevich sang her magical song Gravity and took her well-deserved third place in the Grand Final.

Who do you want to see among the candidates in the Ukrainian national selection? Tell us below!

Eurovisión 1995 (Retransmisión TVE)

Retransmisión casi íntegra del Festival de Eurovisión 1995 celebrado el 9 de Mayo de ese año en Dublín.
Comentarios a cargo de José Luis Uribarri.
Todos los derechos pertenecen a TVE.