Each summer, after the Eurovision Song Contest, the international Eurovision fab club OGAE organises its Second Chance Contest for those quality songs that competed in the national finals, but didn’t make it to Eurovision. It’s a chance to honour the artists who might not have triumphed at home, but still deserve recognition for the work they did. It also helps prolong the Eurovision atmosphere just a little bit longer.
OGAE — the Organisation Générale des Amateurs de l’Eurovision, or General Organisation of Eurovision Fans — has been hosting the event since 1987, when the first Second Chance Contest took place in Huizen, The Netherlands. Previous winners include Måns Zelmerlöw, Carola, Alcazar, Anna Oxa, David Bisbal and Nek, among other artists. Good company, indeed!
Last year Poland’s Margaret won the contest with “Cool Me Down” — her on-trend number which had a distinct sense of Caribbean cool. As a result of her victory Poland’s OGAE club hosts the event this year.
The 2017 event features representatives from twenty-two nations that staged national finals. Each of these acts was chosen by their country’s OGAE club. In some instances the clubs chose the runner-up from their national final, as with Kerli in Estonia and Zühlke in Finland. But other clubs have chosen acts that didn’t place second, including Sweden, who went with Mariette over Nano, and Italy, who went with Paola Turci over Fiorella Mannoia.
All registered members of OGAE can cast their votes between now and the 15th of July 2017. The results of the voting will be announced in early September in Warsaw, Poland.
As you bite your nails in anticipation, why not vote in our unofficial poll below? You can vote for as many acts as you’d like, but you can only vote one time. Be sure to click the box next to each act you want to support before pressing submit.
Who do you think should win the OGAE Second Chance Contest 2017? Start voting now!
OGAE Second Chance Contest 2017 playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkH6h4Il8effq6vSxSKPPRu1-tLRLYjHn
BQL <3 <3 <3 <3
In regard to who should win this, I think two questions should be considered. One) Would the song have obtained a far better result than NF winner? Two) Is the song of noticeably superior quality to the NF winner?
So, I voted for Ukraine|Tayanna (which would of been a perfect ‘Host Country’ song), Iceland|Daði Freyr (definitely more impactful and special than Paper), and Slovenia|BQL (this I feel is obvious; major televote winner, previously successful songwriters, not the Ben Stiller-movie joke song they actually sent that no one liked).
Considering this criteria, I’d say this songs would probably do better:
1. Estonia (Top 5)
2. Ukraine (Top 15)
3. Slovenia (Top 15)
4. Malta (Top 20)
5. Iceland (Top 20)
6. Spain (Top 20)
7. Lithuania (NQ, but around 12th)
I prefer Hoszu Idok, but eighth spot of Origo is really hard to top. Just like A Million Years is better than I Can’t Go On, but wouldn’t finish higher than 5th.
This is the best choice that we (Hungary) send Gabi to the Second Chance Contest. I hope she will achieve a good result for us! 🙂
My top 3 so far: 1. Slovenia (Absolutely the most robbed song of all. BQL would have given Slovenia a spot in the grand final.) 2. Sweden (Although I prefer Wiktoria, Jon Henrik or Loreen to be their representative, I am totally fine with Mariette. As much as I would like to support Sweden, they have won too many times, so I am giving Slovenia a bigger chance to win.) 3. Estonia (Just how… This song is so perfect for Eurovision…) My other alternative entries (because I am not so satisfied with this year’s lineup): 1. Denmark: “Northern Lights” (Because… Read more »
Finland, being Finland, stumbles again (I’m Finnish). Based on this clip https://youtu.be/2tw4dRpFZS8 and some others, I would have vouched for Emma and Circle of Light. But my musical ears are far from perfect 🙂
I am sorry, but this list of songs rarely represents the best of the NF-season. Most of the songs are typical “fan choices”….unoriginal euroballads (Ukraine – awful song!), banal schlagers (Sweden) or dancepop. Few original and innovative songs. In the different NFs there were many great songs with originality and quality. Rock, indie, ethno, electronica, etc….but those styles are hardly representeed here. My favourite is Albania. A great, modern electropop / rnbsong. A bit different, compared to the usual music styles. Great song from italy too. SOme songs I think are great from the NFs Portugal: Genta bestail Slovenia: Ni… Read more »
You’re probably thinking Rasmus Rändvee’s “This Love”, 3rd at Eesti Laul. He would have been my Estonian pick for the OGAE 2nd-Chance Contest. He quite probably would have had less of a problem qualifying in Kyiv, especially considering that there was only one rock song there (from Ukraine), and his would have been the second.
And I agree; that of all the national contests I watched this year (SWE, FIN, MLT, HUN, DEN, NOR, EST and U.K.), Hungary was definitely head and shoulders above the rest. If it were not for the judges or producers attempting to railroad one act or another (bookies’ favorite Gabi Tóth forced to sing first in the final, and relegated to 5th), or overhype another (Gina Kanizsa getting way more love from the judges, when she was one of two finalists who got 5s–out of a max. of 10–from the televoters), this contest would have been even better.
Mariette and Kerli are my absolute favourites from this year, they would be in my
Eurovision 2017 top 3 if they were there.
Malta should win. In my opinion this so-called “Contest” is nothing but a fraud, and should be namens “Sweden’s Second Chance Contest”. The number of Swedish victories is a joke.
I’d like to add Lithuania, Malta and Slovenia. I’m wondering why the OGAE Finland didn’t nominate Emma.
Outstanding songs are Iceland and Poland and maybe Estonia . All three would have done better at ESC compared to ones actually sent
Kerli.. this isnt my favorite song of hers, however she is an extremely talented, passionate performer, and a very genuine person. I have had the honor of spending time with her on several occasions, she stays true to herself in both her art and her personality.
From this list, I would pick Estonia or Hungary to win, although my hands down winner from the non-qualifying songs from the national final season was Contigo by Mirela (an absolute shame that she was not chosen both by the Objetivo juries and now OGAE Spain too!). I would have preferred if the OGAE clubs chose these artists instead: 1. Belarus: Napoli 2. Georgia: Brandon Stone & Eteri Beriashvili 3. Iceland: Aron Brink 4. Italy: Ermal Meta 5. Latvia: Miks Dukurs 6. Lithuania: Paula 7. Malta: Franklin Calleja 8. Norway: Ammunition 9. Poland: Paulla 10. Portugal: Celina da Piedade 11.… Read more »
I didn’t like COntigo. Glad it didn’t win. I think it sounded like a typical Swedish schlager actually…which just “pretended” to be latino.
But I agree with some songs in your list. Esp. “Wrecking Crew” from Norway. I initially hoped they would win their selection. As they had the only rock song. But Jowst was probably best for them
If either Franklin or Janice had been at ESC, Malta would have surely qualified. Olivia would have made it more interesting for the U.K., if they had put together a stage presentation appropriate for her and the song. Ammunition (NOR) and Rasmus (EST) would have added 2 to a contest void of rock songs if it hadn’t been for hosts Ukraine and O. Torvald. Aleksander’s lyrical flow is why JOWST finished in the top 10. If your head isn’t completely in the game, you could get as tongue-tied trying to recite those lyrics as Emma got lost in her lyrical… Read more »
Romania, Switzerland and Moldova held national finals, too. Where are their runner-up representatives? Geo
My moneys on UK, Spain, Sweden and Estonia
Paola Turci??? How? Sabotage!
Thank god none of these songs made it to Eurovision
My top is something like this (only the songs I like):
1. Slovenia – BQL
2. Portugal – Pedro Gonçalves
3. Belarus – Nuteki
—————————————–
4. Hungary – Gabi Toth
5. Estonia – Kerli
6. Lithuania – Greta Zazza
Being an OGAE contest, the winner is obvious: a diva.
It would be a hard choice for me, whoever they made it easier for me. Zhulke from Finland instead of Emma (I prefer Circle of light), Mamas boy from Norway instead of First step in faith (I like both, but I prefer first step in faith), Million years instead of Statements (I still listen to it. Just amazing), Like I love you instead of Like a wolf (Like a wolf is a masterpiece), And Germany picking Wildlife from Axel instead of Levinas Wildlife. Then it’s down to 3 for me. Carmell, Kerli or Tayanna. I like LeKlein too, but I… Read more »
Kerli <3
Tayanna for sure. Also Greta Zazza and Demy were good
Thank God the rock song won over the euroballad in Ukraine!
This contest needed a rock song. There have been at least 3 rock songs in each of the last 4 ESCs. If O. Torvald had lost at their national contest, there would have been none this year. When was the last time an ESC had no rock?
Once more, I think O.Torvald would have done better if they had a lead vocalist with a more authoritative voice. Yevhen’s didn’t really fit this song.
I agree with you! ESC definately needed a rock song. Should be at least 5-8 of them every year
Hungary definitely! Hungary is one of my favorite eurovision countries, and 2017 was the first year since Hungary joined the contest where I flat out didn’t like the song. Hoss?u Idök on the other hand is an amazing song. Hungary is usually in my top 10, but this year they were my 40th out of 42. Hoss?u Idök would undoubtedly be in my top 10 and maybe even top 5!
HEY!! When does Wiwibloggs start their next Wiwivision contest? 🙂
I feel that if Kelli would have gone to Eurovision she would have placed top 10 easily. And I honestly think Mariette would have finished higher then Robin did, so I am certainly tossing my support behind them
I think Kerli would’ve stayed in the semis and Mariette gone Top 10.
Same 🙂
I agree…I was really angry when they chose ther banal schlager instead. But justice came at least…Estonia bombed and stayed in the semis 🙂 Rightfully so
BQL, Mariette and Tayanna! All 3 were absolutely great!
I didn’t expect Paola Turci for Italy! I would prefer Fiorella Mannoia or Ermal Meta! Anyway!
Hungary. Like, there is NO competition.
If Sweden’s mediocre and meaningless song wins, then I’m calling bs on this “competition”.
Sweden wins almost every year. So, be prepared. It’s gonna be Estonia or Sweden (but I dislike both).
Kerli got the jury vote at Eesti Laul for 2nd; so, there was little question she was going to get the OGAE nod. But if it were up to me, I would have gone with Rasmus Randvee.
For Sweden, it should have been Nano or Loreen. But again, if OGAE had picked Loreen, it would have been GAME OVER.
And yes, Gabi got a raw deal at A Dal. The showdown was supposed to be between her and Joci.
I don’t expect Kerli to go far, her song is mediocre and it’s not like her fanbase is that wide. If they vote based on the music, Hosszu idok should be a runaway winner because it’s a song with a modern production and with a strong Hungarian flavor.
Also, the competition is really weak… Ukraine, Sweden, Lithuania and Hungary are literally the only countries with listenable entries.
How do you mean her fan base isnt wide? as in numbers or globally? I know factually her fans are globally placed and she has, I belive, more than half a million followers on her facebook alone.
It’s not Europe voting but the OGAE members. They all know Kerli. Outside the ESC bubble, Kerli is worldwide known among dance club charts and nightclubs parties. She’s not very mainstream as many people in Estonia think (but she is a huge star there).
I don’t know why OGAE Sweden picked Mariette again. But I do support OGAE Spain going with LeKlein instead of Mirela. The song is just better, never mind the ridiculous lyrics. Greta Zazza is a good choice for Lithuania as well.
How did Norway get Mama’s boy and not Wrecking Crew or Keep the First Step in Faith? WTF?
All these three are great, I won’t complain 🙂
Wrecking Crew is a masterpiece indeed.
Aye! I would have chosen those two over anyone else from Norway.
Bad choices.
OGAE Estonia, Hungary, Ukraine, Albania, Slovenia and Latvia made the right choices.
Ulrikke for Norway
Loreen for Sweden (should have won Eurovision)
MIRELA FOR SPAIN (HOW DID THEY SKIP HER!!!)
Nino Basharuli- Lileo for Georgia (Love that song)
Emaa for Finland (she was that the fan-fave, remeber?)
Brooke for Malta (another fan-fave)
Sada Vidoo for Denmark
Anastasiya Sheverenko- We’ll be toghether or Napoli for Belarus (Great live)
Aron Hannes- Tonight for Iceland
I didn’t really follow the other selections but WHAT was wrong with OGAE this year? XD
You won’t get an argument from me with your choices. Unfortunately, if they had chosen Loreen for Sweden (and who decides which songs are entered into the OGAE 2nd-Chance contests, anyway?), everybody else–including my pick, Gabi from Hungary–can pack up and go home.
If not Loreen, I would have gone right to the MF 2nd place finisher, Nano.
I would have chosen Nano too.
Win or lose, both Nano and Loreen should have made music videos.
Mariette or Carmell….Carmell would have been a better choice for Poland.
I agree so much. But there wasn’t much to do. Polish televoters gave her first place, but the jury trashed her. National final in Poland is corrupted though. Second place was horrible.
TAYANNA I still love you!
How is it not Ammunition for norway, or Jon Henrik for sweden ?? This OGAE members seem to have really bad taste only picking “diva” atrocious choices.
Thank goodness OGAE Spain went with LeKlein. At least we have a shot in this one
How is Latvia last? People’s tastes these days…
The obvious winner of this poll isn’t even mentioned!!
Undoubtedly, Mirela and “Contigo” should be here and not Leklein
I don’t understand why she is being shafted for a 2nd time?
A complete snub and adding insult to injury!!???
AMEN! Completely agree.
Contigo is so overrated. Typical schlager. “Do It For Your lover” was better.
~ My 12 points go to Georgia
~ My 10 points go to Lithuania
~ My 8 points go to Hungary
~ My 7 points go to Ukraine
~ My 6 points go to Slovenia
~ My 5 points go to Poland
~ My 4 points go to Greece
~ My 3 points go to Spain
~ My 2 points go to Sweden
~ My 1 point go to Denmark
____________
11) Albania
12) Finland
13) Latvia
14) Estonia
15) Portugal
16) Italy
17) Malta
18) United Kingdom
19) Belarus
20) Germany
21) Norway
22) Iceland
Is the real Mario back?
That’s a very dull line up. Really bad.
Too many Diva Choices.
Ridiculous how Italy didn’t go for Ermal Meta’s masterpiece or Fiorella Manoia. Or Michele Bravi.
That said Paola Turci is good.
Ogae Sweden went for the obvious boring choice as always.
Nano won the televote. Also you had Wiktoria or Jon Henrik.. even Loreen was better xd.
Ukraine the same.. they went for the her diva. Melovin was awesome and he won televote.
Slovenia would be such a cool winner. Heart of gold was so fresh.
Also Iceland made a brilliant choice with “Is this love”.
I haven’t checked, but I would guess wiwi’s poll of second choices was formed from wiwi’s national final review rankings.
just checked that I was wrong, pardon. (that’s actual OGAE pick).
Have to say, OGAE has messed up hardly this year.
The word “diva” leaves a bad flavour in my mouth when it comes to ESC too…..I agree.
Favourites:
Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden and UK.
Kerli, Greta Zazza, BQL, Gabi Tòth, Mariette, Tayanna, Paola Turci : these acts should’ve won their NF and the contest would be a lot more harder (I love Jocí, Laura & Koit and Robin as well) 🙂
Originally I was hoping for Loreen’s Statements to be featured in the OGAE Contest (which in my opinion is the best song of the year), but in this case I have to say Carmell’s Faces was the only other memorable song to me. I remember it being my favorite song of the Polish National Final (until Kasias vocals convinced me otherwise).
All the other Songs I didnt like as much as the one’s chosen to compete in Eurovision (unless, again, Sweden, what the heck?).
Kerliiiiiiiii
BQL and Greta Zaza should have won their respective national finals
Estonia and Hungary. Either would definitely be in my top ten. Also UK, but they’ve picked the best one anyway.
I think Holly would have done better than Lucie did in the contest.
Me, too!
Possibly, but unlikely. Lucie did amazing for UK standards. She is the first act since 2011 to avoid bottom 10. Maybe, just maybe, Holly would enter top 14. It’s a great song. But so is Lucie’s, with fans and odds alike putting it high. It is arguably the best received ballad apart from Bulgaria (and if you would consider Portugal a ballad).
Estonia or Lithuania should win!
This year, many countries made mistakes in their national selections. From these, Sweden, Estonia, Ukraine, UK, Hungary and Malta are my favorites.
Looking at the votes so far Mariette should win.
I voted Greece and Italy. But why Paola?
Ermal is my very favourite.
I also enjoyed Hungary and Slovenia.
I voted for Ukraine, Denmark, Estonia, Malta, Slovenia and Albania. I don’t get the hype over Mariette, it’s so generic
Mariette is a great singer, but her song got a chorus that killed whole build up and used arrangement.
Voted for Georgia, Iceland, Belarus (just enjoyed that as well as official representers), Slovenia, and accidently for Malta (she was a sweet non-qualifier).
Favorites:
Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, U.K.
Good luck to them! Also hoping for a good result for our TOTOVA 🙂
I don’t know how I managed to miss Iceland from this list, it is one of favorite songs this year.
Hadn’t Switzerland made a national final as well?
I was wondering the same and it has an OGAE Club too!!
Iceland clearly has this in the bag
I hope so.
Since there is no live performance element (see Margaret last year), I imagine Kerli wins, however.
Why Paola Turci for Italy? I like her song, but should have been Ermal Meta.
It’s clear that will be Kerli or Mariette, probably Kerli.
They didn’t even give a second chance to Mirela lol
I would have gone for Elodie personally, but Ermal, Sergio or Michele would have been good as well.
Me too, but she was only 8th in the Grand Final. Last year they picked Patty Pravo instead of Lorenzo Fragola or Giovanni/Deborah, who were much better choices for an event similar to Eurovision.