Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

Has Olly confirmed for Eurovision 2025? No, not yet. But here's our reaction to the Sanremo 2025 winner's "Balorda nostalgia" — potentially Italy's ESC 2025 song. Would this make the Top 10 at Eurovision? We review its chances.

00:01 Introduction

01:23 "Balorda nostalgia" lyrics

02:15 Reaction

05:26 Review & Analysis

11:16 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

France has confirmed that Louane will sing for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. In her first English-language interview since the announcement, the “Avenir” hitmaker teases her entry, which she compares to the a screaming face emoji because it’s so surprising. Louane’s parents passed away when she was a teenager. She tells us how that influenced her thinking when deciding whether to participate in Eurovision. She also offers advice for others coping with the loss of loved ones. From winning a César Award for Most Promising Actress to topping the French charts to winning fans on The Voice of France, Louane has a storied career already. But she sees Eurovision as a way to honour her mother, who dreamed of seeing Louane in the song contest. She’ll reveal her song on March 15 inside Stade de France during the closing match of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Let’s do this!

William and Lucy react to the full results of Ireland's Eurosong 2025. EMMY ("Laika Party") won the national jury and televote to finish in first place ahead of runner-up Samantha Mumba ("My Way"), who won the international jury vote.

00:44 EMMY - Laika Party

07:19 Samantha Mumba - My Way

10:34 Bobbi Arlo - Powerplay

14:10 Reylta - Fire

16:58 Niyl - Growth

20:09 ADGY - Run Into The Night

Featuring:

Lucy: http://instagram.com/lucyeasurtee

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Will Malta's Eurovision 2025 song "KANT" be disqualified — or make changes — over its provocative lyrics? We discuss the world play at the heart of the controversy and ask whether the EBU should make Miriana Conte change the lyrics.

We react to Klavdia's live performance of “Asteromata” at Ethnikós Telikós 2025 — Greece's national selection for Eurovision. William and Deban review her voice, staging and song. Can Greece make the Eurovision final?

Our reaction to Melody and "Esa Diva" — Spain's Eurovision 2025 song and the winner of RTVE's Benidorm Fest 2025. Melody's live performance and staging showcase a "more is more" attitude. We review whether the staging, dancers, choreography, key changes and dynamic story cohere — and whether it needs to be tidied before the grand final. Is this a slay or Eurovision cliché? Watch our reaction to find out.

00:01 Introduction

01:41 Reaction

04:45 Analysis

15:20 Readers' comments

Our reaction to Red Sebastian and his Eurovision song "Strobe Lights" — the winner of Belgium's Eurosong 2025 national final. We discuss whether the live performance lives up to the betting odds hype; Red Sebastian's vocals and choreography; and whether this song can qualify or even win the Eurovision Song Contest.

00:01 Introduction

01:18 Reaction

04:15 Analysis

14:59 Readers' comments (from wiwibloggs.com)

Our reaction to Klemen Slakonja and his song "How Much Time Do We Have Left," the winner of Slovenia's EMA 2025 national selection for Eurovision. We discuss the song's meaning and lyrics: Klemen's wife lives with an auto-immune disorder and the song celebrates his love and her perseverance. We review the staging, whether the song's meaning comes through clearly enough, and how an emotional ballad might do in the semi-finals. William was a jury member in Slovenia and explains how he voted and why. What do you think about the EMA Evrovizija 2025 results?

00:01 Introduction

01:07 Reaction

04:07 Analysis

14:08 Readers' comments

The Eurovision 2025 semi-final allocation draw has taken place in Basel, Switzerland. Which countries sing in which semi-final — and in the first half or second half? We review the draw and react to what what it might mean.

00:26 Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 1 countries

FIRST HALF Sweden Ukraine Slovenia Iceland Estonia Poland Portugal

SECOND HALF Netherlands Azerbaijan Albania San Marino Belgium Cyprus Croatia Norway

Also voting in the first semi-final… Switzerland Italy Spain

13:10 Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 2 countries

FIRST HALF Austria Lithuania Armenia Montenegro Greece Ireland Australia Latvia

SECOND HALF Czechia Israel Malta Finland Denmark Luxembourg Georgia Serbia

Also voting in the second semi-final… Germany France United Kingdom

Who should win Greece's Eurovision 2025 national selection? Deban, Georgia and William named their Top 3 favourites in the Greek song contest.

GREEK FINALISTS Andy Nicolas – “Lost my Way” Barbz – “Sirens” Evangelia – “Vále” Nafsika – “Unhurt me” Dinamiss (Ελένη και Μαρια Ντίνα) – “Odyssey” Θάνος Λάμπρου – “Free Love” RIKKI – “Elevator (Up and Down)” Κωνσταντίνος Χριστοφόρου feat Κώστας Καραφώτης – “Παράδεισος” Georgina Kalais feat Γιάννης Βλασσερός – “High Road” Xannova Xan (Κάλλη Γεωργέλλη) – “Play It” Klavdia – “Αστερομάτα” Κώστας Αγέρης – “Γη Μου”

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

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Georgia: http://instagram.com/georgia_efthymiadou

We met Dora 2025 star Marko Bošnjak in Zagreb and chatted about his entry, Eurovision and more! What do you think about "Poison Cake"?

Let's react to Shkodra Elektronike's live performance of "Zjerm" during the Festivali i Këngës 63 final in Albania. The electro pop duo will sing for Albania at Eurovision 2025. I discuss how they are 100% true to Albanian culture and their roots — and how the authenticity and lack of artifice make them stand out.

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadam

Let's react to Shkodra Elektronike's live performance of "Zjerm" during the Festivali i Këngës 63 final in Albania. The electro pop duo will sing for Albania at Eurovision 2025. Unfortunately, RTSH blocked the performance video, so I can only show photographs. I discuss how they are 100% true to Albanian culture and their roots — and how the authenticity and lack of artifice make them stand out.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Festivali i Këngës 63 Artistic Director, Elhaida Dani — the Albanian singer, actress, and composer who has taken #FIK63 to the next level! Elhaida shares her insights into selecting the 30 acts and songs for the competition, introducing game-changing diaspora voting, and her ongoing mission to showcase Albanian talent globally. A Eurovision fan favorite, Elhaida placed 17th at Eurovision 2015 with her iconic song "I'm Alive." She also made history as the winner of X Factor Italia. Could we see her on the Eurovision stage again? Elhaida opens up about her dreams of returning to Eurovision and her commitment to continually improving Festivali i Këngës.

Electropop duo Shkodra Elektronike — Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji — lit up the stage with their fiery song "Zjerm" during Semi-Final 1 of Festivali i Këngës 63 (#FEST63). In this interview with Wiwibloggs, they share their unique perspective on competing in FiK. Kolë reveals he isn’t familiar with Eurovision or other national song contests, while Beatriçe says she’s already thrilled just to be part of this iconic Albanian festival. The duo also dive into the importance of showcasing their Shkodër, North Albanian dialect and culture through their music.

Our Simon met up with the two-time Eurovision winner Loreen to talk about how everything has been since winning in Liverpool, her upcoming tour and if she is going to try and emulate Johnny Logan's feat and win Eurovision as a songwriter as well.

The interview took place at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest in Amsterdam.

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

The Eurovision 2024 public vote winner Baby Lasagna looks back at his experience in Malmö, how life has changed for the Croatian sensation and if getting married to his now wife was more scary than standing on stage at Eurovision in front of 180 million people!

The interview took place at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest in Amsterdam.

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

🎤 In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Adam Pavlovčin, known as ADONXS, the rising star representing Czechia at Eurovision 2025. The first queer winner of SuperStar Czech-Slovakia, Adam opens up about his "uncompromising, cheeky, and cinematic" Eurovision song — perfect for dancing and impossible to put in a box.

🌍 Adam also shares the inspiring journey that took him from studying music in London (while juggling five jobs!) to becoming a symbol of inclusivity and equal rights in the music industry back home.

💡 From Eurovision dreams to breaking barriers, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Hit play to learn more about ADONXS and his bold vision for music and representation.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive Eurovision content.

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

Elvana Gjata stuns us yet again at Festivali i Këngës 63 with her fiery entry "Karnaval"! 🎭✨ Could this be the song to bring Albania to the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final? 🎤

In this reaction, we break down her full-length studio cut, compare it to her unforgettable "Me Tana", and highlight her historic achievement as the first Albanian artist to perform in a sold-out domestic stadium.

We also discuss:

👉 How Karnaval might resonate with Eurovision audiences and juries

👉 The Albanian jury's potential reaction to her bold choice of Spanish lyrics

👉 Whether the new 50/50 jury-televote rule hurts her chances of winning FiK 63

👉 Her potential to secure to qualify from the semi-finals and secure Albania’s place in the Grand Final at Eurovision

Mello 2025 singer Greczula (real name Kristofer Greczula) says that the planet Saturn features in his song Believe Me — and may appear in his staging. He co-wrote the song with Amanda Nordelius and John Russel. Greczula is in Heat 3 in Västerås on 15 February.

The current lineup of Dolly Style — the Japanese-styled Swedish girl group — tell our Tobias that even if their members change, the group remains the same. In our English-language interview, they discuss their song "YIHAA!" and competing in Heat 3 in Västerås on 15 February.

Swedish singer Angelino tells us about his Mello 2025 song “Teardrops.” He says it's big on emotion and comes with incredible production. It was written by a Melfest all-star team that includes Jimmy ”Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Tusse Chiza

In our English-language interview, NeonoeN — Montenegro's Eurovision 2025 act — tell us about the message behind their song "Clickbait." In short, it's about how technology controls us rather than us controlling it. Along with that comes problematic issues like trolling and social media addiction. Three of the band members — — tell us about their potential revamp, how they might incorporate English alongside the Montenegrin lyrics, and the struggles of being a rock 'n roll musician in a small country. We discuss....

00:39 Meet the NeonoeN band members

02:16 How do you pronounce NeonoeN?

04:05 The band were surprised to win Montesong 2024

06:18 What is the meaning of the song "Clickbait"?

09:29 NeonoeN react to the negative comments

11:24 NeonoeN hope to fix camera angles for Basel

13:43 The band explain their staging — a "symbolic picture of the average man" dealing with technology

19:09 Deban asks, "Is "Clickbait" clickbait itself?"

21:02 Will NeonoeN revamp "Clickbait"?

22:17 Will they sing in Montenegrin or English or both in Basel?

23:07 Why has the group changed members so frequently?

25:28 The difficulties of working as a musician in Montenegro

27:25 What are the band members' second jobs?

29:00 Listen to their songs "Dječak sa vjetrom u kosi" and "Dok ne udahnem te" (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ViG8N83ZcnoTikTyPHeOe)

31:00 Will NeonoeN sing at the London Eurovision Party 2025?

33:00 What do they want their new fans to know about them?

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

Former Melodifestivalen presenter and Idol singer Linnea Henriksson will compete in Heat 1 of Mello 2025 in Luleå on 1 February. Her song “Den känslan” translates in English as "That feeling." She co-wrote her song with David Lindgren Zacharias and Sebastian Atas.

Melodifestivalen 2025 marks Malou Prytz' return to the music scene after stepping away to study law. She says that her Mello entry "24K Gold" is "a powerful song" that will feature a lot of gold and glitter on stage. She says it's uptempo pop — and much more mature than her earlier entries.

William and Deban react to all 20 song snippets in Supernova 2025 — Latvia's national selection for Eurovision. They discuss...

01:55 Adelina - "Electric Love"

02:50 Chris Noah - "Romance Isn't Dead"

05:14 Citi Zeni - "Ramtai"

06:55 Emilja - "Heartbeat"

08:30 Greta - "Monster"

10:15 Julianna - "Something in the Water"

11:38 Justs - "Fit Right"

12:49 Theo Ludwig - "Ligo"

14:18 Toms Kalderauskis - "Domaju, Tu Nac"

15:20 Katrina Gupalo - "Scarlett Challenger"

16:47 Kobra - "Zelts"

17:55 Bel Tempo X Legzdina - "The Water"

18:50 Luka - "Stronger"

19:48 Markus Riva - "Bigger Than This"

22:10 Marta - "Lovable"

23:05 Palu - "Delusional"

24:02 Ruta Duduma - "Chemical"

24:58 Sinergija - "Bound By the Light"

27:11 Tautumeitas - "Bur Man Laimi"

28:05 Tepat - "Sadzejot"

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Klara Hammarström will sing “On and On and On” in Heat 2 of Melodifestivalen 2025 in Gothenburg on February 8. She says she co-wrote the song — alongside songwriters Cazzi Opeia, Thomas G:son and others — with the intention of winning Sweden's Eurovision selection. She says the "running lady" emoji gives her strength and speed...feelings that her pop banger will convey.

Our first reaction to the song "Clickbait" from NeonoeN — winners of Montenegro's Eurovision 2025 selection Montesong 2024.

Swedish metal rock band Scarlet are back at Melodifestivalen 2025 with the song “Sweet ‘N Psycho.” In our English-language interview, they say the song will give you the power to make a change.

Måns Zelmerlöw won Eurovision with "Heroes." But he says his Melodifestivalen 2025 song "Revolution" is even better. His three-year-old son loves the anthemic banger. You can hear the song during Heat 4 of Mello 2025 in Malmö on 22 February.

Our reaction to the 16 finalists in Montesong 2024 — Montenegro's Eurovision 2025 national selection. We listen and react to these songs....

01:35 ANASTASIJA KOPROLČEC - Kraj

05:14 BARYAK - Dva Srca

07:21 BEND "9" - Stop War

08:44 DOLCE HERA - Repeat

10:11 ĐURĐA - To Ljubav Je

14:29 GLUMCI BEND - San

16:04 ISAK ŠABANOVIĆ - Ljeto, Ljeto, Ljeto

18:17 KEJT - Obala Raja

21:30 LUKA RADOVIĆ - Kada Dođe Maj

24:26 MILENA VUČIĆ - Škorpija

26:33 NEMANJA PETROVIĆ - Među Zvijezdama

29:10 NEONOEN- Clickbait

32:23 NINA ŽIŽIĆ - Dobro Došli

38:47 TAMARA ŽIVKOVIĆ - Poguban Let

42:54 TINA DŽANKIĆ - Nova

44:25 VERICA ČULJKOVIĆ - Čuješ Li

Theo Evan will sing for Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Our William reacts to the internal selection of Theo Evan — a graduate of Berklee College of Music — whose singles include The Wall, Dark Side, and Save me from Myself. Theo Evans will release his Eurovision 2025 song at a later date. But for now we can react to his back catalogue, which we are loving.

THEO EVAN | CYPRUS EUROVISION 2025 SINGER

00:24 Who is Theo Evan?

02:16 Theo Evan's debut single "The Wall"

04:35 The Wall lyrics

05:05 "Save Me From Myself" choreography video

06:30 "Dark Side" lyrics

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

These sixteen songs did not make it to Eurovision 2024. However, they are loved by OGAE Eurovision fan club members and are now competing for a consolation prize. Before The OGAE Second Chance Contest 2024 results come out, William and Deban pick their top 3 songs that did not make it to Eurovision.

OGAE SECOND CHANCE CONTEST 2024:

🇸🇪 Sweden: Jacqline – “Effortless”

🇷🇸 Serbia: Konstrakta – “Novo, bolje”

🇪🇸 Spain: Angy Fernandez – “Sé quien soy”

🇳🇴 Norway: KEiiNO – “Damdiggida”

🇸🇲 San Marino (OGAE Rest of the World): Loredana – “Pazza”

🇭🇷 Croatia: MARCELA – “Gasoline”

🇩🇪​​ Germany: Ryk – “Oh Boy”

🇺🇦 Ukraine: Ziferblat – “Place I Call Home”

🇫🇮 Finland: Sara Siipola – “Paskana”

🇨🇿 Czechia: MYDY – “Red Flag Parade”

🇮🇹 Italy: Annalisa – “Sinceramente”

🇲🇹 Malta: ERBA’ – “Sirena”

🇱🇹 Lithuania: Shower – “Impossible”

🇵🇹 Portugal: João Borsh – “…Pelas costuras”

🇩🇰 Denmark: Basim – “Johnny”

🇪🇪 Estonia: OLLIE – “My Friend”

⚫ Music (during the Pinterest segment): I'll meet you there by Sapajou Download: https://bit.ly/2TgcRjz ⚫

Vote for your favourite on our web site: https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/07/26/who-should-win-the-ogae-second-chance-contest-2024/282069/

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

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Disqualified Eurovision 2024 act Joost Klein from The Netherlands will not face charged for a “backstage incident” that led to a police investigation in Sweden. That’s the news coming out of Malmö after senior prosecutor Fredrik Jonsson dropped the case.

You’ll remember that the EBU disqualified Joost on the day of the grand final “following threatening behaviour directed at a female member of the production crew."

We review statements from most of the key players in the Eurovision drama, including Joost Klein, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, the European broadcasting Union and more...

00:30 Why was Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision?

01:00 What did The Netherlands say about the disqualification?

01:38 Why did Swedish police drop the case against Joost Klein?

03:15 How has Joost Klein responded to the Swedish police decision?

04:00 What did the EBU say about the police decision?

07:00 Why did the EBU act so quickly to disqualify Joost?

09:23 What has the Dutch broadcaster said about the news?

10:30 What does Cornald Maas think?

11:20 Fans react to the news — demanding Joost return to Eurovision in 2025 and that the Netherlands withdraw, among other things

We’re just hours away from crowning the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. But one of the more controversial acts in its home country is not a firebrand pop princess but a middle aged couple singing under the moniker 'Nebulossa'. Their electro-pop anthem 'Zorra' has caused a stir in Spain as it attempts to reclaim the word ‘Vixen,’ often used as a slur to mean something like ‘bitch’ or ‘slut.’ "'Zorra' is partly autobiographical; it reflects women’s experiences of feeling marginalized and underestimated. Nebulossa’s María "Mery" Bas told Wiwibloggs, 'We decided to craft this song as a form of therapy.' 

The use of the word though (47 times throughout the 3-minute song), has even divided Spain’s feminist movement, with some arguing it’s a powerful reclamation of the word, while others say it's derogatory.

'The problem is that this song is going to represent the country, and it's going to say, Europe, hey, guys came to Spain because there is plenty of sex. And this sex is related to prostitution, wherein many women are being exploited,' Eva Neila Ausín of Spain’s Feminist Movement of Madrid Group explained to the What Really Happened podcast. The Feminist Movement of Madrid caused controversy in Spain following a public row with Spain's main feminist movement, the 8M Commission, over its support for trans rights legislation. 

With regards to Zorra, the debate has become so intense that even Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez weighed in. 'It seems to me that feminism is not only fair but also fun; this type of provocation necessarily has to come from culture,' he told Spain’s La Sexta.

 It hasn’t fazed the band much. ‘The criticism has been minimal compared to the overwhelming positive reception we’ve received. Nebulossa’s Mark Dasousa told us. 

In this episode of “What Really Happened at Eurovision?” We delve into the story of how a middle aged couple from coastal Spain exposed an existential fracture in Spain’s feminist movement and what it says about where the country is culturally today.

We talk with Belgium's Mustii ahead of the PrePartyES in Madrid.

Interviewer: Cinan http://instagram.com/cinansdl

Our reaction to the Semi-Final 2 running order of Eurovision 2024. We discuss producers' decision to open the show with Malta's Sarah Bonnici and to close with The Netherlands' Joost Klein. We discuss who the running order helps and hurts and make some predictions about which countries will overshadow which countries.

Eurovision 2024 semi-final 2 running order

1. 🇲🇹 Malta

2. 🇦🇱 Albania

3. 🇬🇷 Greece

4. 🇨🇭 Switzerland

5. 🇨🇿 Czechia

* 🇫🇷 France

6. 🇦🇹 Austria

7. 🇩🇰 Denmark

8. 🇦🇲 Armenia

9. 🇱🇻 Latvia

* 🇪🇸 Spain

10. 🇸🇲 San Marino

11. 🇬🇪 Georgia

12. 🇧🇪 Belgium

13. 🇪🇪 Estonia

* 🇮🇹 Italy

14. 🇮🇱 Israel

15. 🇳🇴 Norway

16. 🇳🇱 Netherlands

The Eurovision 2024 semi-final 1 running order has been revealed. Cyprus' Silia Kapsis performs first, while Luxembourg's Tali sings last. We react to the running order and analyse who the order of performance helps and hurts.

1. 🇨🇾 Cyprus

2. 🇷🇸 Serbia

3. 🇱🇹 Lithuania

4. 🇮🇪 Ireland

* 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5. 🇺🇦 Ukraine

6. 🇵🇱 Poland

7. 🇭🇷 Croatia

8. 🇮🇸 Iceland

* 🇩🇪 Germany

9. 🇸🇮 Slovenia

10. 🇫🇮 Finland

11. 🇲🇩 Moldova

* 🇸🇪 Sweden

12. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan

13. 🇦🇺 Australia

14. 🇵🇹 Portugal

15. 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

Joost Klein's parents died when he was very young. With "Europapa," the Netherland's Eurovision 2024 song, Joost pays homage to them and the journey he's been on. In our second English-language interview with the Dutch rapper, we discuss his song's Spotify and YouTube success; the meaning of the song, the symbolism of the burning photo and house, and what Joost thinks his parents would think about the video.

Interview by https://instagram.com/williamleeadams

You can order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

Kaleen — Austria's Eurovision 2024 singer — has just released "We Will Rave." The techno-inspired 90s dance track comes with a super sexy music video, which was filmed in Los Angeles. In the video we see an empowered woman who is in total control of the men around her. Kaleen tells us about the music video, the story she portrays and how it relates to her personal story. She also explains how the song has changed since the leak of the demo version. Among other things, she fine-tuned it with camera angles and Eurovision staging in mind.

Joost Klein has shared Europapa — The Netherlands’ Eurovision 2024 song. William and Deban react to the official music video, discuss the moving backstory and ask whether he can qualify to the final.

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Joost explains the meaning of Europapa

01:40 Reaction

15:53 Can The Netherlands qualify for the final?

17:10 Reader comments and reaction

Silia Kapsis will sing Liar for Cyprus at Eurovision 2024. We watch her official music video and react. How far can the 17-year-old from Australia go? We discuss her choreography, semi-final and more...

00:00 Introduction

01:17 Reaction

04:08 Analysis

10:49 Reader comments

Switzerland has revealed its Eurovision 2024 act. The non-binary singer Nemo will perform “The Code”. We react to the official music video.

00:00 Introduction

01:12 Reaction

04:42 Suzanne's lyrics analysis and being non-binary

08:03 William's analysis

11:47 Costumes and potential staging

12:15 Switzerland takes a risk

14:15 Suzanne on rabbit ears symbolism and identity

18:05 Will Switzerland qualify from Semi-Final 2 to the final?

We spoke to Teya Dora moments after she won Pesma za Evroviziju 2024 and got the right to represent her country Serbia at this year's Eurovision.

Our Cinan speaks with Serbia's Pesma za Evroviziju and Eurovision 2022 star Konstrakta in Belgrade ahead of the semi-finals. Learn all about "Novo, bolje" now!

We react to Olly Alexander's Eurovision 2024 song "Dizzy." The BBC released the official music video on 1 March. The song was produced by Dua Lipa's producer Danny L Harle. Can Olly win Eurovision for the UK? We discuss.

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Reaction

03:42 Analysis and prediction

13:53 Reader comments

Lithuania's Eurovision 2024 singer is Silvester Belt with the song "Luktelk". He shared his first reaction with our Rezo Mamsikashvili backstage at Eurovizija.LT in Vilnius moments after this win. 

Featuring: Rezo - http://instagram.com/rezomamsikashvili

It was close, but in the end it was bookmakers' and Wiwibloggs poll favourite Saba who got the victory in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 in Denmark. She reacts to her win in our on-stage interview. 

Greece’s Marina Satti has chosen her Eurovision 2024 song (reportedly called "Zari" or Dice in English). But what can we expect? In our interview she describes the song’s feelings and main theme. She wants to move beyond Greek stereotypes to present something contemporary and global.

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

We chat with Dons — Latvia's Eurovision 2024 singer — after his win in the Supernova 2024 national final with "Hollow". He talks about the meaning of the song, Eurovision 2024 staging and much more. Will he include Latvian lyrics? What's the meaning of his song? Will he change his staging? Listen to find out...

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

So how will Silia Kapsis stage "Liar" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024? The Australian-born singer tells our Deban Aderemi all about it in Nicosia. The teen star has just finished dance rehearsals in Los Angeles and has just finished shooting the music video. We get the tea. 

Nebulossa is the winner of Benidorm Fest 2024 with "Zorra"! We react to their live performance from the final. Can Spain win Eurovision 2024 in Malmö? We discuss their odds, their lyrics and more.

Featuring:

Freddy - http://instagram.com/freddyt234

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

It’s been one year since Luke Black announced himself to Serbia and won Pesma za Evroviziju. His iconic ‘Hello’ could rival Adele or Lionel Richie but it wasn’t always plain sailing for the Eurovision 2023 artist. After winning Serbia’s national selection Luke faced a huge backlash from Serbian celebrities who branded him everything from the devil incarnate to not being "Serbian enough."

“I think there was like a lot of misconception about the visual, actually. That was the first thing. And I think, you know, like a male artist having a pop choreo and being kind of dramatic” Luke told us.

Most difficult of all, however, was confronting national tragedy while in the public eye. In the latest episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision?" we’ll delve into the behind-the-scenes drama for the Serbian delegation in 2023. From the applause that abruptly turned to criticism to navigating the complexities of national identity, Luke Black's Eurovision experience was a rollercoaster of emotions.

Featuring: Freddy - http://instagram.com/freddyt234

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

One hour before Georgia publicly revealed her as its Eurovision 2024 artist, Nutsa Buzaladze sat down with our William Lee Adams to spill the beans on her potential song, stage plans and more. The American Idol and The Voice of Turkey alum had only gotten the news 24 hours earlier, so was still processing the news.

Featuring: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Raiven is headed to Eurovision 2024 with her song "Veronika". But can Slovenia's singer qualify for the final — and climb higher? We share our reaction and analysis.

Producers behind Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu always knew that “Cha Cha Cha” singer Käärijä would be different. 

"He had no filter in a very charming sort of way," says Matti Myllyaho, the show’s producer, when asked about their first meeting. "He walked in basically shirtless underneath his jacket. It was a chilly September day, and it was like 9 a.m., and, you know, a corporate broadcaster office in Helsinki, and we're like, oh, this guy is interesting."

In this episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision?" We delve into the story of how Finland, a nation that thinks of itself as an underdog in the contest, almost snatched the prize from under Sweden’s nose at Eurovision 2024. Kiro, co-writer of “Cha Cha Cha”, tells us about its origins as “Mr Cha Cha”. And Matti describes the immense pressure that fell on Käärijä.  He also shares some of the plans for UMK 2024.

Baby Lasagna — real name Marko Purišić — tells us about his Dora 2024 song "Rim Tim Tagi Dim." Among other things, he explains what it was like getting a last-minute call to replace Zsa Zsa, how the song relates to emigration from Croatia, his love of cats, staging plans and much, much more.

With:

Baby Lasagna: https://www.instagram.com/the_baby_lasagna_/

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Hours before the final of Festivali i Këngës 62 -- Albania's national selection for Eurovision 2024 -- we spoke with eventual winner Besa Kokëdhima. She told our Erdi Tejeci about her song "Zemrën n’dorë".

Our Pedestal reaction. We watch Aiko's live performance of her Eurovision 2024 song for Czechia from ESCZ. Then we discuss how a revamp might improve her chances at the song contest. 

It’s been twenty years since Ukraine joined the Eurovision Song Contest. Today they're known as one of the most successful countries in the contest with three wins and a 100% qualification record. 

But two decades ago it was a different story. In this episode we chart their course into the contest (with Oleksandr Ponomariov's "Hasta la Vista") and onto their first win (with Ruslana's "Wild Dances") just a year later. 

Ahead of Eurovision 2003, a group of young and inexperienced Ukrainians convinced the broadcaster to join the contest. We hear from Vasyl Myroshnychenko, one of those early team members who is now Ukraine's ambassador to Australia. He recounts the broadcaster's many hurdles, which included major debts to the EBU. He also describes the strategic vision that helped Ruslana win Eurovision 2004.

We also hear from Philip Vella, the Maltese composer who wrote Ira Losco's "Seventh Wonder". He was drafted in to write Oleksandr Ponomariov's Eurovision 2003 song....only to have it replaced at the last minute. Philip gives us an exclusive listen of the song Ukraine had originally planned to send. He travelled with Ukraine's team to their debut contest anyway and recounts his experiences. 

Featuring:

Freddy: https://instagram.com/freddyt234

William: https://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Our 30-minute reaction video to the news Olly Alexander, previously of Years and Years, will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024. We discuss the announcement on Strictly Come Dancing, his discography, his collab with Dua Lipa producer Danny L Harle, his mysterious reveal video and much much more.

Featuring (in order of appearance):

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Lucy - http://instagram.com/lucyeasurtee

Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Cinan - http://instagram.com/cinansdl

Jonathan - http://instagram.com/jonathanlvautrey

Katie - http://instagram.com/katie.lou.wilson

Raiven will sing for Slovenia at Eurovision 2024. She gives her first English-language interview to us to discuss her song "Veronika", her staging, EMA and more.

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

Joost Klein will sing for the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024. He gave us his first English-language interview about his selection just hours after the announcement. 

Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen, chair of the Dutch selection committee, said: “Following a careful and multi-phase process, the selection committee ultimately opted for Joost Klein. There were a lot of entries from a wide range of genres, but in our view his had the most hit potential. In the song, you hear his familiar mix of party and nostalgia. With his enormous creativity, we think Joost can put on a great show in a totally original way, and that the Netherlands and Europe are in for a positive surprise. We’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Joost Klein said: “Taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream come true. I used to watch it together with my parents, glued to the screen, year after year. It’s an honor to represent the Netherlands, and I’m committed to giving my all for the best possible outcome.”

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

We react to the Junior Eurovision 2023 winner, jury results and online vote live after the show. We review the full show and share our readers comments.

Junior Eurovision 2023 online voting opens Friday November 24. Before rehearsals, we compiled our individual JESC 2023 Top 16 and can now share the Top 3 of several of our jury members.

Featuring:

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Suzanne - http://instagram.com/SuzAdams1

Ruxandra - http://instagram.com/RuxyArt

Jonathan - http://instagram.com/jonathanlvautrey

Our reaction to Slimane's live performance of "Mon Amour" — France's song for Eurovision 2024. Slimane is one of France's biggest pop stars, so expectations are high. Can he win? We watch and react.

Featuring:

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

We chat with Eurovision 2024 France star Slimane just moments after the announcement that he'll sing "Mon Amour" in Malmö. He reveals that his song is a "love letter to Europe" and explains how love is the driving force behind his music.

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

Who is Marina Satti? Well, Greece's Eurovision 2024 is a huge star on the alternative scene and she blends traditional Greek, Balkan, and Anatolian sounds with modern production. Our William reacts to Greek broadcaster ERT's choice. Her record label Minos EMI is staging an open call for songs.

Read more on our web site: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/10/24/greece-chooses-marina-satti-for-eurovision-2024/278106/

Israel’s Noa Kirel won the Rest of World vote in the Eurovision 2023 final, followed by Finland’s Käärija and Armenia's Brunette. We also react to the RoW semi-final results, which you can see below. Israel won semi-final 1, while Albania's Albina and Familja Kelmendi won semi-final 2.

Grand final vote – Rest of World

12 Israel

10 Finland

8 Armenia

7 Sweden

6 Albania

5 Ukraine

4 Norway

3 Croatia

2 Spain

1 France

Semi-Final 1 vote — Rest of World

12 Israel

10 Finland

8 Latvia

7 Sweden

6 Portugal

5 Czechia

4 Moldova

3 Croatia

2 Serbia

1 Malta

Semi-Final 2 vote — Rest of World

12 Albania

10 Armenia

8 Austria

7 Australia

6 Slovenia

5 Belgium

4 Lithuania

3 Iceland

2 Estonia

1 Georgia

Mae Muller — the UK’s Eurovision 2023 singer — told us about her debut album Sorry I’m Late during an Instagram live on September 26. She teased some of the music and lyrics and discussed the writing process ahead of its release on September 29.

Is North Macedonia returning to Eurovision in 2024? Well in its newly published budget for 2024, state broadcaster MRT indicates it plans to return to Eurovision in Malmö. We discuss the news — and review some of our favourite acts from the country's past.

Is Romania withdrawing from Eurovision in 2024? The deadline for countries to confirm their intent to participate at Eurovision 2024 was September 15. But if reporting from Romanian newspaper Libertatea has it right, Romania’s state broadcaster may not participate due to financial problems. We discuss the news and review our favourite acts from Romania.

Read more: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/09/09/romania-eurovision-2024-participation-isnt-guaranteed-because-of-financial-trouble/277919/

You can check out William's audiobook here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

Is Eurovision too long and should it be shorter? We react to the news that Sweden's Christer Björkman will try to cut the length of the Eurovision 2024 television broadcast from Malmö.

You can buy William's memoir "Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" on Amazon ( US link / UK link ). The audiobook will be out on September 26.

Visit our web site and YouTube channel for more Eurovision news and reactions.

MUSTII — Belgium's Eurovision 2024 singer — will release his ESC song in February. The Drag Race Belgique judge already has two albums under his belt and hits like Blind, 21st Century Boy, Shame and Alien. We react to his selection and review his chances of success.

Read more: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/08/30/belgium-chooses-mustii-drag-race-belgique-judge-for-eurovision-2024/277831/

Bigger juries, no pre-recorded vocals, a country winning for the first time — these are some of our readers' wishes for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. We discuss the changes and dreams we want to see become real.

01:03 More bobs

02:56 Rest of the World vote breakdown

04:44 Sara Jo or Jelena Karleusa to sing for Serbia

07:20 Let the juries save a semi-final wildcard

09:04 Get rid of pre-recorded vocals

11:34 Bring back the RANDOM order draw

14:17 A spectacular return from Luxembourg

14:52 Another awesome result for Finland

17:19 A first-time winner

20:00 Albania winning

21:30 EBU to end TikTok corporate partnership

22:03 Expand six-person rule to eight-person rule

23:23 Sweden sending a song in Swedish

24:45 Return of Erika Vikman Dotter and Elvana Gjata

25:50 Semi-Finals on Monday and Wednesday

26:37 Non-winning countries stepping up their games

29:17 A less rigged contest with more transparency and fairness

30:30 An expanded jury

31:35 Make the Eurovision grand final bigger...and shorter intervals

You can buy William's memoir "Wild Dances" below:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

USA: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

MÉLOVIN has had an eventful few months. But with his new single "Don't Need Your Love," he's fighting back and standing up to the haters. Ukraine's Eurovision 2018 singer also discusses his artistic music video, his message about believing in yourself and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also teases a potential run at Vidbir 2024 — Ukraine's national selection for Malmö. Thank you to Vasyl for the translation voiceovers!

Eurovision 2023 was filled with jury and televote surprises...and other shocking moments. We review our Top Eurovision Crimes

DO NOT SCROLL DOWN unless you want to see spoilers and timestamps. . . . . . .

You can order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

1:30 Georgia not qualifying from Semi-Final 2.

5:43 Austria's low televote score at The Grand Final.

8:27 Malta finishing dead last in Semi-Final 1.

13:12 No Press Centre before the dress rehearsals.

16:52 Norway's low jury score at The Grand Final.

18:58 Latvia not qualifying from Semi-Final 1.

22:09 Spain finishing last in the televote with just 5 points.

27:17 Bad sound mixing.

32:29 Each national jury consists of just 5 people.

37:14 Questioning the integrity of Sweden's victory.

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

Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Video Editor: Ron - https://www.youtube.com/ronkesc

So why is Malmö hosting Eurovision 2024 instead of Stockholm or Gothenburg? We react to the host city news from Sweden's state broadcaster.

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

Eurovision 1998 winner Dana International has a lot to celebrate. 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of her Eurovision win in Birmingham. It also saw the debut of her reality series "Dana Kama," which ended its run on Yes TV on May 7. She tells our William Lee Adams about the difficulties of filming a reality series, recounts the difficult road to Eurovision (including backlash from Orthodox religious figures), shares her thoughts on her Eurovision 2011 song "Ding Dong" and more.

Before even landing at Eurovision in Birmingham, Israel’s Dana International had to stare down her critics: The Orthodox community at home wanted the transgender singer banned from the contest. Conservative politicians called her an abomination, but European viewers embraced her — naming her their winner in the first contest that mandated televoting.

To mark the 25th anniversary of her win, this episode looks at queerness on the Eurovision stage and how the contest reflects a radical shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people across Europe. Long before gay marriage was legalized and transgender rights were encoded in law anywhere on the continent, the contest was already celebrating marginalized voices.

“My victory proves God is on my side,” she said after her surprise win. “Try to accept me — I am what I am.”