wednesday wishlist eurovision christine queens alma lukas graham

Even if we do know the venue for 2018, off-season is still tough for Eurovision fans. 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 for months. 

Despite the sunshine, summer can be bleak. It would be easy to mope until November, but the wiwibloggs team has a better plan. It’s time to dream!

For the next few Wednesdays our correspondents from across the world will be bringing you their ultimate wishlist for Lisbon 2018. And as this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.

To make sure that no one gets left out, we’ll be going through countries in alphabetical order, so this week we’re starting with Croatia and working through to Greece.

Croatia: Petra Kovacevic

Antranig: Since returning in 2016, Croatia has taken a kitchen sink approach to Eurovision — from daring costume changes to outrageous vocalists. Despite the variety, neither Nina nor Jacques managed to break into the top ten. Perhaps it’s time to go back to basics. Petra Kovacevic would be the perfect artist for the job. She has the attitude, the voice and the body needed to leave a big impression on the Eurovision stage. Her 2014 single “Buka, Galama” shows off her talents best.

Past wishes: Franka BatelicLuce and Lana Jurcevic

Cyprus: Sophia Patsalides

Bernardo: She represented Cyprus at Junior Eurovision back in 2014, placing ninth with  “I pio omorfi mera” (The Most Wonderful Day). And by the end of 2017, Cypriot teen sensation Sophia Patsalides will celebrate her 17th birthday, making her more than eligible to charm us on the adult Eurovision stage. She possesses a deep powerful voice yet she can hit those high notes with ease — gurl has vocal range and control. She’s spoiled us with covers of Adele and Ariana Grande, but we’re thirsty for some original material, ideally of the three minute bop variety.

Past wishes: Valando TryfonosKyriacos Georgiou and Nikolas Metaxas

Czech Republic: Mikolas Josef

Mikhail: Last November, we reported that Mikolas Josef had applied to sing for the Czech Republic in Kyiv. But for some unknown reason, he wasn’t even considered by the broadcaster’s expert jury. Nevertheless, the hype surrounding him is real. His music follows all the latest trends and wouldn’t seem out of place on Justin Bieber record. Additionally, Mikolas is also a skilled break dancer and acrobat. And that’s before we even get to discussing how hot the guy is! He’s already got the desire, along with the all important “fan favourite” tag, so surely it’s a question of when he goes to Eurovision rather than if.

Past wishes: VeronaVeronika Stýblová and Lenny

Denmark: Lukas Graham

Mike: It’s the country with a reputation for sending safe formulaic pop music to Eurovision. But Denmark has so much more to offer. Take for instance Lukas Graham, the band responsible for the hugely popular “7 Years”. The melancholic ballad struck a chord globally, and even nabbed a Grammy nomination for the group. Their followup single “You’re Not There” is in a similar vein. Sad and dark, it’s not something we’d immediately associate with Denmark at the song contest. But why should the land of Emmelie de Forest always send the same generic tunes? Lukas Graham may be too big for Eurovision, but they’d definitely take the Scandi-nation back onto the right side of the final scoreboard.

Past wishes: Ida CorrStine Bramsen and Turboweekend & Oh Land

Estonia: Jana Kask

Raphael: Whether their song was too dated or too cheesy, Koite Tomme & Laura’s next-to-last jury ranking at Eurovision 2017 ensured that “Verona” ended up lost in the second semi-final. And despite this surprise elimination, one takeaway that Koite & Laura — and even Juri Pootsman — made clear is that Estonia would do well to send acts firmly planted in the 2010s. Jana Kask has the modern flare to make it big at Eurovision. In 2008, she won Eesti otsib superstaari, becoming the youngest victor of any Idol series worldwide at 16. She’s been releasing albums and singles nonstop ever since. Her style combines electronic pop with powerful, balladic vocals, and based on her high-production music videos, there’s no question — girl can perform!

Past wishes: Jaan LehepuuLiis Lemsalu and Iiris

Finland: ALMA

Kristin: Finland, like its neighbours in Iceland, hasn’t been particularly successful at Eurovision in the past three years. But hopefully that will change, because the Finnish music industry is literally bursting with talent. One of those talents is Alma Sofia Miettinen or simply ALMA — not to be confused with the French chanteuse Alma. The colourful singer first garnered attention when competing on Finnish Idol in 2013. Despite only placing fifth, ALMA caught the eye of one of the judges, Sini Sabotage. By 2016, things were moving quickly. ALMA signed a record deal with Universal in Germany, and released her first major single “Dye My Hair” soon after. ALMA is nowhere near done and maybe, just maybe, with a song like her latest work “Chasing Highs”, she is Finland’s ticket out of the semi-finals.

Past wishes: Laura NärhiAnna Abreu and Niila

France: Christine and the Queens

Padraig: She’s a self-professed purveyor of freakpop. And despite the stage name, Christine and the Queens is just one woman. Much like Florence’s Machine and Marina’s Diamonds, Christine’s Queens are a fluid concept, inspired by drag queens she worked with in London. She’s been releasing music since 2012, but it wasn’t until last summer that she truly became a known name outside her native France. “Tilted” — the English version of her eponymous single “Christine” — proved to be a phenomenon. Charting right across Europe, the track brought both popular appeal and critical acclaim. She’s got the alternative quirkiness of Sebastien Tellier, the sophistication of Patricia Kaas and the youthful vigour of Amir and Alma. Plus her stage shows are mesmerisingly brilliant. Eurovision needs her!

Past wishes: Mylène FarmerAmel Bent and Brigitte

Georgia: Salio

Rezo: Known simply as Salio to her fans, Salome Korkotashvii is a Georgian pop, soul and R&B singer-songwriter. She’s enjoyed major success in recent times, first stemming from her appearance at the country’s Black Jazz Festival. There she was spotted by producer Quint Davis, who invited her to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in America. Salio’s gone from strength to strength ever since, both at home and in the US. “Wayside” is taken from her debut EP Lost World, and something of its ilk would most certainly guarantee a Georgian return to the Eurovision grand final.

Past wishes: Katie MeluaBERA and Nini

Germany: Mogli

Florian: Mogli is a relatively new face to the German music industry. Her debut album Bird landed in 2015, the same year she featured on the soundtrack for the movie Pedal The World. She released her most recent LP Wanderer earlier this year. The 14-track record presents an alternative style and sound, which is reflected in her music videos. Mogli is unique, yet fits the “NDR formula” of sending up-and-coming female singers. And her work is different enough that it wouldn’t get lost. “Road Holes” is one of the best songs to come out of Germany lately, and another effort like that would take the 2010 winning country back to its glory days.

Past wishes: Mandy CapristoOonagh and Glasperlenspiel

Greece: Nikos Ikonomopoulos

Adriana: After presenting us beautiful English songs over the last decade or so, it’s time for Greece to change its strategy. Nikos Ikonomopoulos was a fisherman and waiter before stepping into the limelight, after winning Dream Show – the Music 2 back in 2006. After nine studio albums, the modern laika singer has just released O Haraktiras. With a song about failed romance, the Greek lyrics may not be understood by most but the harmony sure is. Just like this year’s winner, 33 year old Nikos has the power to make us feel something. If the Greeks decide to take him to Portugal in 2018, he would certainly be a fan favourite.

Past wishes: Eleni FoureiraTamta and Kings

What do y’all think? Have we chosen the best of the best? Or would you have chosen differently? As always, let us know below.

Next Week: Hungary to Malta >>

<< Last week: Albania to Bulgaria

CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS WEDNESDAY WISHLISTS.

43 Comments
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Broder
6 years ago

FOXOS for Germay pls <3

Niels
Niels
6 years ago

I would feel bad for Denmark if they would send them

Frisian ESC (jr)
Frisian ESC (jr)
6 years ago

I would really love it if tokio hotel would represent germany.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

That would be GREAT if Sophia Patsalides represents Cyprus in Portugal. Who knows? Cyprus may even crave a victory! 😀

Blaise
Blaise
6 years ago

Petra Kovacevic? wiwibloggs,you’re a joke

fenerbahce1907
fenerbahce1907
6 years ago

My wish for Turkey is https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yJpJCZYTL74
Check it out

Dennis
Dennis
6 years ago

Rochelle Perts or Eva Simons for The Netherlands 🙂

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Mia Dimsic for Croatia please. Her sound is so fresh and original but still Eurovision friendly.

Viktor
Viktor
6 years ago

At least, Mia is more famous then Petra lol

American Eurofan
American Eurofan
6 years ago

This is what it’s about! My musical library has grown so much from just looking on places like youtube and Spotify for music from different countries. It’s opened my eyes to cultures and music that are just fantastic! So in that regard, thanks for sharing the music!

Aria
Aria
6 years ago

What I don’t understand is why your name i Spelt so weirdly when it would have been so much easier to get it right if it were written as Porridge? No? 😮

Aria
Aria
6 years ago

Paw-ridge is how I pronounce Porridge

Paw-rig is what seems to be the pronunciation of your name!! Isn’t it?

Chunky Pete
Chunky Pete
6 years ago

Interesting list. What’s the general consensus- do we want more established stars or promising new comers? Or a nice health mix?
I know so far Freddie (HUN ’16) and the San Marino lad from 2015 are both granted wishes, how do we feel on them looking back?
(Minor quibble but you use the word ‘y’all’ too much, a bit more variety would be appreciated)

Kermit
Kermit
6 years ago

More “distinct” music styles: indie, metal, rock, country, ethno, jazz etc

Original songs – not cheap songs mass produced for ESC

MY wish!

Loll
Loll
6 years ago
Reply to  Kermit

Yes and more rap and d’n’b too

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
6 years ago

So far not many wishes got granted, so maybe turn it around and say which artists you don’t want, and they send them 😛

Khm
Khm
6 years ago

Petra Kova?evi?? Somebody needs to check its hearing.

Mathew
Mathew
6 years ago

Bring back the ethnic touches!! Eurovision was definitely at its best with turbo-folk and laika gracing the stage – and with the new modern edge the contest has gained in past years, it could either really stand out or be turned into something extremely contemporary – just look at Poli Genova!

ReiRei
ReiRei
6 years ago

Germany better send a male artist for once. Wincent Weiss, Max Giesinger, Mark Forster, etc…

There’s proof they don’t do bad in the contest, if done right!

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  ReiRei

Love all 3!

bella
bella
6 years ago

My wishlist:
Albania:Kejsi Tola again
Belgium:Stromae
Denmark:Anja Nissen again
Estonia:Juri Pootsman again
France:Amir again or Claudio Capeo or Indila or Zaz.
Germany:Vanessa Mai or Helene Fischer or Boss Hoss
Hungary:Andres Kallay Sanders again
Iceland:Jonsi again
Latvia:Aminata again
Norway:Rybak again or Marcus and Martinus or Adelen
Sweden:Mans again or Eric Saade again or Aninia or Jon Henrik Fjalgren or Icona pop
Bulgaria:Darina Yotova
Spain:Alvaro Soler

bella
bella
6 years ago
Reply to  bella

Greece:Tamta or Melisses or Vangelis Kakouriotis or Stereo Soul or Thomai Apergi.

brunowskii
brunowskii
6 years ago

I would love to see Anna Abreu for Finland (specially being in Portugal) and Glasperlenspiel for Germany (they are really in need of a substantial entry)

1wxrld.com
1wxrld.com
6 years ago

For Greece I think they could not go wrong with Giorgos Tsalikis. On our site http://www.1wxrld.com we have featured him on our Top 100 for at least a dozen songs now.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Croatia: I hope to see Nina Kraljic again (and win it!);
Czech Rep.: Slza;
Finland: Jannika B;
France: Claudio Capeo;
Greece: Kostas Martakis;
Germany: Mark Forster;
Estonia: Ott Lepland (every year ^^).
Not sure about Cyprus, Denmark and Georgia.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Same for Nina and Croatia!!

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Yes……I want the same for Nina.

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago

My wish list

Albania: Era Istrefi
Belgium: Emma Bale
Croatia: Lines and Colour
Denmark: Sada Vidoo
Estonia: CARTOON or Kerli
France: Sasha
Germany: Alice Merton
Hungary: Chase
Iceland: Ásgeir
Latvia: Triana Park
Norway: Adelen
Sweden: Alice Svensson
United Kingdom: Holly Brewer

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

My Wishlist:

Albania – Dilan Reka
Bulgaria – Azis
Czech Republic – Mikolas Josef
Denmark – Ida Una
Estonia – Kerli
Finland – Mikael Saari
France – Christine and The Queens
Greece – Melisses
Hungary – Kallay-Saunders Band
Italy – Tiziano Ferro
Latvia – Markus Riva
Lithuania – Greta Zazza
Malta – Brooke
Moldova – Viorel Grecu
Poland – Margaret
Romania – M I H A I
Spain – Mirela
Sweden – Danny Saucedo
The Netherlands – Alain Clark
Ukraine – Max Barskih
United Kingdom – James Arthur

Simon
Simon
6 years ago

will you guys do Wiwivision this year? I am really looking forward to it.

_Peyton22
_Peyton22
6 years ago

Yay! I am really looking forward to it and hoping that GJan appears for a 3rd year in a row with Wild for Lithuania, I think this could be her year! Hopefully it wasn’t postponed for any bad reasons!

Music is the key
Music is the key
6 years ago

My wishlist – for ANY country!

MORE ROCK PLEASE 🙂

I love the rock songs in ESC! And ESC needs more rock in general. So let’s hope for lots of rock music in 2018. Many of us want that!

Chiara
Chiara
6 years ago

Stop stealing our Discordvision entries wiwibloggs!! ??

American Eurofan
American Eurofan
6 years ago

It’s an online song contest for the chat and voice platform Discord. A group of people who like the concept of online song contests got together and created a server on Discord to host their own version. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly immature in its membership, and while 3 editions have so far gone off to mixed success, there are plenty of other online song contests to view and enjoy that are both mature in their organization and membership and have sustained themselves for many years.

_Peyton22
_Peyton22
6 years ago

Very good to know! I can see from the fact that Chiara commented something like this that it has some immaturity.

Sam ESC
Sam ESC
6 years ago
Reply to  _Peyton22

For all those hating on Discordvision, I am the organiser and can I just say, that I put my blood sweat and tears into that contest so to say that it isn’t organised is bull. Secondly, immature it may be at times, but at least we know how to have fun unlike other contests. If it was such a bad contest then why would we get 57 people sign up in under 24 hours for edition 3. Just saying hunty…

American Eurofan
American Eurofan
6 years ago
Reply to  Sam ESC

All I’m saying is that the members are very immature, and there was no attempt to moderate them. No one wants to be lumped into an NSFW chat, especially when most of the members there are underage. Those things need to be moderated, no matter how much fun is happening.

Chiara
Chiara
6 years ago
Reply to  _Peyton22

Sorry for posting that comment but it was meant to be a JOKE!! Wiwibloggs didnt steal anything, I just thought it was funny that a few of their wishlist picks were used in DSC. Also calling it immature is an insult to the people who are organizing it and they’re doing an amazing job. Sorry for causing that drama. I hope you’re happy now

American Eurofan
American Eurofan
6 years ago
Reply to  Chiara

The organizers are fantastic and good people. That was never in question. My issue comes from the participants who were largely unmoderated. I distanced myself as soon as NSFW chats began to be posted in the communal chats. Not a welcome sight to see.