Off season is a strange time of year for a Eurovision fan. The PED (Post Eurovision Depression) cloud is just beginning to lift, but the contest is still the guts of a year away, the nearest national final is in December, and the junior equivalent won’t be on for ages. Even wiwivision is over! Despite the sunshine, the summer months can be bleak. It would be easy to mope until November, but the wiwibloggs team have a better plan. We’ve decided to dream.

For the next few Wednesdays our correspondents from across the world will be bringing you their ultimate wishlist for Stockholm 2016. And as this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our dream contest everyone comes to the party! To make sure that no one gets left out, we’ll be working through countries in alphabetical order, so this week we’re starting with Albania and working through to Bulgaria.

Albania: Bebe Rexha

Jason: Albania finally jumped into the 21st century this year with Elhaida Dani and “I’m Alive” (which is still my jam) and although the final result was disappointing, this entry represented a massive leap in the right direction. Continuing this trend for fresh, radio-friendly Albanian entries would be Bebe Rexha, the American singer/songwriter of Albanian ancestry. Bebe has penned tracks for Madonna and Selena Gomez, as well as Eminem and Rihanna’s worldwide number one “The Monster”. She’s featured on Cash Cash’s “Take Me Home” and David Guetta’s “Hey Mama”. This girl has some serious musical connections! With her distinctive voice (think Cher Lloyd and Marina Diamandis) and pop-rock-electronica sound, Bebe is very current and very different to Albania’s often out-dated selections.

Last time we chose: Bleona

Andorra: Madretomasa

Luis: Andorra haven’t been around since 2009, but we’re eagerly awaiting their comeback. To lessen the longing, here’s a proposal for the tiny microstate: Madretomasa. They are a garage band with a very American sound who can transport you to an endless road along Route 66. Guitars and melancholic voices, their style is way more laidback than anything Andorra has given us before. Remember the only band Andorra ever sent, Anonymous, got them their best result. So, why not send another one?

Last time we chose: Patxi Leiva

Armenia: Christine Pepelyan

Josh: Christine Pepelyan is serving severe Armenian realness up in this gig, y’all. She is an award winning singer with a huge following on social media. And now she has another accolade to add to her name – the Armenian representative for wiwivision 2015. Christine oozes romance and sexiness. Her voice sounds like the pearly gates from above have opened and the heavenly choirs sing. Someone pass the Harissa with a side of Christine Pepelyan because it’s time to eat it up!

Last time we chose: Iveta Mukuchyan

Australia: Delta Goodrem

Josh: Now I realise that Australia may never return to the contest again, but after the success of Guy Sebastian‘s efforts this year, I’m clinging onto every hope that we may be invited back next year. If you are after an artist that perfectly encompasses the Australian spirit, look no further than Delta Goodrem. Apart from being a very talented singer-songwriter, she is the highest-selling Australian artist of all time, has fought a battle with cancer, overcome public heartbreak, is a coach on The Voice Australia and she is stunningly beautiful. Need I say more?

Last time we chose: N/A

Austria: Hannah

Patrick: After this year’s mishap, maybe Austria needs the help of a strong woman? Perhaps a warrior? Step forward Hannah. She started her career in 2013 with her debut album peaking at number eight in the charts. The folk rock’n’roller is popular for both her crazy style and the language of her songs – she sings in the Tyrolean dialect. Hannah is a fresh face and her music is known across the country. Hannah for Austria – I think that could work very well!

Last time we chose: Andreas Gabalier

Azerbaijan: Aygun Kazimova

Zakaria: This sexy 44 years old singer is the ultimate queen of pop in Azerbaijan! She’s considered one of the founders of the modern Azeri pop scene and is amongst the country’s biggest stars. Her musical career has spanned four decades, she’s released at least seven albums containing many hit singles. She even sang the official anthem of the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in Azerbaijan. Besides that, Aygun is renowned for her energetic live performances and eccentric music videos… Don’t you think it’s time for her to do Eurovision?

Last time we chose: Emin

Belarus: Vintage

Francheska: Belarus could seriously benefit from a polished act. Its recent entries, even if memorable, haven’t exactly been seamlessly executed. Vintage (or, phonetically, “Vintazh”) would be an interesting answer. With high production values and a heavy electronica influence, this group could whoop some major butt in Sweden. While the ethnic taste and violins are very well-liked, sometimes they’re just a tad too prevalent, and Vintage could bring a truly modern sound to Eurovision.

Last time we chose: Nuteki

Edit: Turns out Vintage are Russian and not Belarussian. Francheska also likes Bianca, who she selected for wiwivision. And Bianca is from Belarus. Apologies for the mix-up.

Belgium: Gabriel Rios

Padraig: In Vienna, Belgium showed us that sending an act that’s a little left-field can pay dividends. Obviously it would be silly to send a Loic clone to Sweden, but Gabriel Rios would fit the bill perfectly. His music is heavily focused on guitar and vocals, think James Morrison or Passenger except edgier. Now we know that formula can get a respectable result at Eurovision (hi Tom Dice). But sprinkle it with some electro beats and you’ve got a magical concoction that could actually win. Take a listen to “Gold”, Rios’ biggest hit, if you don’t believe me.

Last time we chose: Stromae

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Magdalena Bogic

Mario: Bosnia & Herzegovinia’s way to Eurovision may be blocked by some pretty inconvenient obstacles, but whenever the country feels ready to #JoinUs, they should bring Magdalena Bogic. She rose to fame after competing in the 2015 edition of X Factor Adria. Her audition performance of “Molitva” (below) wowed everyone – from the judges, including her mentor Zeljko Joksimovic, to regional and international audiences. Marija Serifovic even praised her publicly. Magdalena may not have won the show (another Bosnian did), but hey, fifth place isn’t bad. She has yet to release any of her own material, but if chosen internally, it’d be very interesting (and a bit risky, dare we say) to see what the state broadcaster has in store for her. Knowing the successful history of B&H in the contest, we wouldn’t be worried at all.

Last time we chose: Neda Ukraden

https://youtu.be/-C_JHFXKyEU

Bulgaria: Mihaela Fileva

Sinan: Mihaela Fileva is a household name in Bulgaria, having first rose to fame on the 2011 series of The X Factor. Despite not winning, she’s gone on to have a slew of chart hits, including number one single “Opasno Blizki”. The lady is no stranger to international contests, and has been winning them since she was a child. Bulgaria have been missing from Eurovision in recent years, and there’s no better person than Mihaela to bring them back with a bang.

Last time we chose: Preslava

What do y’all think? Have we chosen the best of the best? Or would y’all have chosen differently? As always let us know below. And check back next Wednesday to read our choices for Croatia through to Greece.

For all our previous Wednesday Wishlists click here.

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Vladimir RussiaESC
Vladimir RussiaESC
8 years ago

Aygun Kazimova Azerbaijani Pop Singer & Pop Diva

Dilek
Dilek
8 years ago

azerbaycandan aygün kazimovaya deste?iz

JLO Azerbaijan
JLO Azerbaijan
8 years ago

AYGUN KAZ?MOVA – eurovision 2016

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago

Albania : Rita Ora : poison
Armenia : Tamar Kaprelian : New day
Australia : Dami Im : Gladiator
Austria : Yanou ft. Falco Luneau : 25 lightyears away
Azerbaijan : Emin : Falling
Belarus : Julia Parashuta : Most wanted
Belgium : Stromae : Papaoutoui
Bosnia Herzegovina : Emina Jahovic : Da mogu
Bulgaria : Dj Doncho & Alexandra Raeva ft. Marci Sax : Just dance
Those are my choices 😀

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
8 years ago

I know I’m late for the party here, but…

…@D, Jesper, EF0912: Belgium should absolutely send Selah Sue next year. Like Belgium’s young guns before her, she will almost certainly bring in big points. “Alone” certainly would have been capable of scoring over 200.

Pavel
Pavel
8 years ago

Kristina Svetlichnaya again not from Belarus. She is from Russia.
I am sure that in Belarus this year will be a bright new name.

beccaboo1212
8 years ago

Albania – Bebe Rexha (if only Albania decided to do an internal selection for 2016). Andorra – Gisele (she hasn’t been around since 2008!! 😮 ) Armenia – Monica Avanesyan (she’s 16 now, she’ll be 17 by the time next ESC season comes 🙂 ) Australia – Sia, Vance Joy, Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, or Delta Goodrem (what else?) Austria – Natália Kelly, AGAIN! (in hopes of bringing Austria to the final in Stockholm, that is; Natália will be 21 by then 😀 ) Azerbaijan – Aygun Kazimova or Karen (they could record a duet!) Belarus – Kristina Svetlichnaya (Belarus… Read more »

Aygun Kazimova fan
Aygun Kazimova fan
8 years ago

Azerbaijan and Caucasus pop singer – MY HEART – AYGUN KAZIMOVA

Xeyal Azerbeyli
Xeyal Azerbeyli
8 years ago

Aygun Kazimova Azerbaijani Pop Singer & Pop Diva Aygun Kazimova is considered the creator of modern Azerbaijani music. Aygun Kazimova Diva’s nickname. Aygun Kazimova fought in the Karabakh war. Russia’s capital in 2006, she gave a concert in Moscow. In 2007, “Tofig B?hramov” stadium “Öps?n” gave the concert is . 2002 and 2006 “Best Model Queen” brand license “Best Model of Azerbaijan” organized the competition. Her “Hayat Ona Guzel” iTunes single most listened Turkey also took part in the Top50 in 39 th. Aygun Kazimova in 2012. “The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012” read the anthem of the… Read more »

Tom
Tom
8 years ago

Why for Belgium, my country not Emma Bale!
She is such a young and tallentful girl!!!!!

2015
2015
8 years ago

BEBE REXHA!!!!!!

She can win the whole thing!!!

The only song thats better than Don’t stop believing from Mariette is BeBe’s song!!!

Mark
Mark
8 years ago

Delta Goodrem sucks. I’d prefer Sia or the Veronicas or just anyone else. Delta would be so boring and only get zero points.

EF0912
EF0912
8 years ago

My Picks:
Albania: Era Istrefi
Armenia: Tamar Kaprelian as a soloist
Australia: Dami Im
Austria: BFF
Azerbaijan: Eldar Gasimov as a soloist (I dont really know any Azerbaijani Singers)
Belarus: MILKI
Belgium: Netsky (Selah Sue would be a fantastic choice as well)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Magdalena is a great choice
Bulgaria: Zhana

Racal
Racal
8 years ago

Stromae for Belgium would crush his competitors, and in French!

Lena
Lena
8 years ago

Reincarnation beautiful Armenian group. Their songs are very betaiful. Also I want Narek Vardanyan or Iveta or Sirusho. Albanian singer wwas cool. And I want Elnur from Azerbaijan

The Troubles Of Being An Alaskan ESC Addict
The Troubles Of Being An Alaskan ESC Addict
8 years ago

Here’s who I think should represent those respective countries:
Albania: Enca
Andorra: meh I’ll keep te better Spanish somgs for Spain
Armenia: Athena Manoukian
Australia: Sia
Austria: Sunrise16
Azerbaijan: Karen
Belarus: FrendY
Belgium: I want Loïc back ofc but Billie is a choice too
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Caylana
Bulgaria: Galena

Fatima
Fatima
8 years ago

Attention Mario!
I would like to see Fikret Storaro representing Bulgaria.
In fact, I would just like to see Fikret Storaro at every opportunity

Esmeralda
Esmeralda
8 years ago

I’d like to see Stromae for Beligum. He would definitely open a whole new chapter in Eurovision history.

Jesper
Jesper
8 years ago

Really wanna see Selah Sue for Belgium, I’d vote for her as much as I can

Otna
Otna
8 years ago

I want queen Iveta Mukuchyan for Armenia (or get Sirusho back if you wanna make me realllllllly happy). Tamar Kaprelian as a solo artist (with a much better song than Genealogy) could go a long way too! <3

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
8 years ago

Where is Kristiana Krasteva? Undeserved last palce at JESC, i wanna see her slay! 🙂

Calum Macleod
Calum Macleod
8 years ago

Magdalena or Mihaela would be great.

D
D
8 years ago

Some of my suggestions:
Albania: Era Istrefi or Arilena, Bebe would be great too though I love her music it’s just less realistic she’d compete
Armenia: Lilit Hovhannisyan
Belgium: Selah Sue
Bosnia: Completely agree with Magdalena

Minor correction though. Vintage is Russian not Belarusian.They don’t sing in Belarusian either and all members of the group are from Russia.

#MarioVision
#MarioVision
8 years ago

@ Oh and kinda excuse me & give me a break about the emoticons smiley faces..
I like to use plenty of them in my comments as you can see.. 🙂
And i tend to lose the actual account order of how many ones i post on each text of mine sometimes.. hehe.. 🙂
My comments would be so boring at least without any emoticons faces in them.. 🙂

#MarioVision
#MarioVision
8 years ago

Well where are the guys?? 😛 They are ALL girls.. We need more guys please.. 🙂 Preferably to be hot hunk babes <3 🙂 —————————— I actually have one in my mind now 🙂 His name is Vahe Margaryan <3 🙂 {he shares the same name with Vahe of Geneaology that represented Armenia in Vienna's Eurovision 🙂 } He is 19 years old & he won last year Armenia's XFactor talent show 🙂 He is hella HOT hunk baby! <3 😉 Lets hope that this armenian sweet babe from proud Hayastan will represent Armenia in a future edition of our… Read more »

Emy
Emy
8 years ago

I also liked for belgium selah sue or oscar and the wolf