The national final season for Eurovision 2021 has come to an end. Each country across Europe has now selected their entry for this year’s contest, and that means we have to say goodbye to all the songs that didn’t quite manage to win over the public. But before we do so, it’s time to celebrate them one last time with our annual countdown of Team Wiwi’s top national final songs.
As usual, the team from wiwibloggs have voted for their favourite songs that competed in the national finals for Eurovision 2021. Note these are our favourite songs, not songs we think should have gone to Eurovision.
After reviewing the well over 100 songs that were entered into this year’s national finals, we finally settled on our top 50. And now we’re ready to share it with y’all. We’ll publish ten entries each day over the coming week.
Which song will enter our Hall of Fame?
Let the countdown continue!
Team Wiwi’s top national final songs of Eurovision 2021: 40 to 31
40. KiiM – “My Lonely Voice” (Melodi Grand Prix)
KiiM made his way to the grand final of Melodi Grand Prix after emerging victorious from the duels of semi-final four. “My Lonely Voice” showcased his spectacular vocal talent, with KiiM delivering a dramatic and emotional performance. The staging was relatively paired back (apart from that guy playing with some strings), which allowed KiiM to remain the focus and connect with viewers at home.
39. Eden Alene – “La La Love” (HaShir Shelanu L’Eurovizion)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Eden Alene is one of the greatest singers Israel has to offer. Last year the level of the national final fit her capabilities, but this time the best song is a 5/10. “La La Love” is far from Ivi Adamou’s level. It’s quite basic but it’s fun and it puts a smile on your face. More importantly, it puts a smile on Eden Alene’s face. (Lauren)
Previous top national final songs: “Rakata” (#7 in 2020), “Roots” (#9 in 2020)
38. ToMa – “Ocean of Love” (Dora)
ToMa flooded the Dora stage with his “Ocean of Love”. Flanked by four backing dancers, the Croatian singer brought a funky and soulful entry to the competition. There was plenty of life on stage and ToMa even threw in a few of his own dance moves. Not just a catchy song, ToMa also gave us some good advice for handwashing during (and after) the Covid-19 pandemic: “Wash it away with water, wash it away with love”.
37. Big Daddy Karsten – “Smile” (Melodi Grand Prix)
Rapper Big Daddy Karsten progressed to the gold duel of Melodi Grand Prix semi-final three. Unfortunately, he missed out on spot in the final, loosing out to Emmy. Nevertheless, his rendition of “Smile” certainly did put a number of such expressions on people’s faces. Proud to be an openly gay rapper, Big Daddy Karsten filled his performance with rainbows, lollipops and high-heeled backing dancers – colourful, sweet and joyous.
36. Pony X – “Amour Fou” (Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez)
What the Wiwi Jury said: In the studio version, “Amour four” is dope. PONY X take full advantage of the new Eurovision rules and make use of samples to good effect. The song plays homage to the “pony” dance of the 1960s, creating a modern electro-soul song packed full of irresistibly catchy hooks. (Robyn)
35. Mia Negovetić – “She’s Like A Dream” (Dora)
Mia Negovetić came into Dora 2021 as a favourite after finishing second in 2020 (only loosing on a tie-break). This year, Mia picked up another podium finish and placed third. Delivering the upbeat bop “She’s Like A Dream”, the Croatian star owned the stage despite being the only person on it for much of the performance. Mia shined bright – and not just because of her sparkly outfit.
34. Gram-Of-Fun – “Lost In A Dance” (Eesti Laul)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Gram-Of-Fun has delivered a perfect slice of pop. “Lost in a Dance” draws on current trends for 80s pop, but goes deeper than just throwing in some synths. The song is expertly structured, taking the listener on a journey and convincingly setting the scene for actually getting lost in a dance. With Eesti Laul 2016 super-finalist Kristel Aaslaid on vocals, Gram-Of-Fun are sure to bring something special to their semi-final. (Robyn)
33. Anton Ewald – “New Religion” (Melodifestivalen)
Appearing in Melodifestivalen for the third time, Anton Ewald proved that he still had all the same charisma and dancing talent that he first showcased in 2013 and 2014 (and the same backing dancers). Anton brought many fans onboard for his “New Religion” and advanced direkt till final from semi-final two. There were lasers aplenty in addition to the slick choreography, all of which made the performance a visual feast for the eyes.
32. Jüri Pootsmann – “Magus Melanhoolia” (Eesti Laul)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Two minutes is more than enough for Jüri Pootsmann to bring the best Eesti Laul entry in a few years. It’s a simple but deliciously crafted entry, with powerful vocals in the chorus but soft tones during the verses. Clever staging with eye-catching camera work elevate what would otherwise be just another Spotify-friendly tune into a contender. (Luis)
31. Jorn – “Faith Bloody Faith” (Melodi Grand Prix)
Jorn brought the rock to Melodi Grand Prix this year with “Faith Bloody Faith”. The Norwegian star initially lost out to Blåsemafian feat. Hazel in the first round of semi-final one. However, he was later voted as the public’s wildcard in the second chance contest, which gave Jorn a ticket to the grand final where he made it to the final four. Fire, guitars, drums and fireworks – Jorn made sure to heat up the chilly Norwegian nights with this full-force entry.
Our top national final songs of Eurovision 2021 ranking is determined by independent votes from a panel of wiwibloggers. They are Oliver R, Tom, Oliver A, Antony, Natalie, Pablo, Cinan, Diego, Deban, Jordi, Antranig, Luis, Padraig, Josh, Sebastian, Robyn, Mario, Renske, William, Ron, Lauren and Jonathan.
Which songs do you think should feature on the list? Are you surprised by our choices so far? Let us know in the comments.
Review our top 50 countdown so far here
Follow our top national final songs 2021 playlist on Spotify
Everything was good until I saw Gram of Fun #34. What…? My top from 40 to 31 (I’m countring Victoria’s songs, if not I won’t even have 40 songs I like): #40 Martyna Jezep?ikait? – Thank You Very Much (6.5) – Pabandom is naujo #39 Karetus & Romeu Bairos – Saudade (6.5) – Festival da Cançao #38 Philippine – Bah Non (6.5) – C’est vous qui décidez! #37 Era Rusi – Zjarri im (6.5) – FiK59 #36 Blåsemafian – Let Loose (6.5) – MGP #35 Bernarda – Colors (6.5) – Dora #34 mema. – Claro Como Água (6.5) – Festival… Read more »
I like Big Daddy Karsten very much. I would give Smile a much higher placing. Serious question – how many gay Eurovision songs have there been? I can’t think of any right now. Something you would know was about gay people from listening, not watching. Switzerland 2019 but He Got Me. Spain 2018 but two men or two women singing to each other. Some people actually complain about the contest being too gay…when it’s not gay at all.
Hmm not sure any of Eden’s songs would make it anywhere near my top 50.
This season I noticed a good number of songs we both like. Not necessarily with the same intensity or in the same order, but there are intersections. 😉
The national finals were really good this year, I don’t think I could pick a top 50 let alone rank them
My top 40-31: 40. Paul Rey: The Missing Piece (Sweden) – A sweet song, one of the better ones in Melfest. Last year, I liked his song even better, but this is quite good too. 39. The Mamas: In the Middle (Sweden) – Another tender, cozy offering from The Mamas. It perhaps lacks the big WOW moment, but their likability compensates for all. 38. Andrei Zevakin & Pluuto: Wingman (Estonia) – Chill, easygoing song with charismatic performers and a pretty neat staging. 37. The Cosmic Twins: Silver Bullet (Denmark) – Live vocals certainly needed polishing, but this is by far the best song in DMGP.… Read more »
Great list Colin! Eight of those also make it into my top 50! I am pleased to see that Klara made it onto your list. My taste often gets criticized for being a bit too cliched and basic and I was concerned that Klara’s effort would be categorized as such by many in the fandom, but it is actually a well done pop song which deserves some praise.
I agree. There is a lot to appreciate in a well executed mainstream pop. My top lists sometimes have several songs that could be described as safe, but they still have that ”it factor” and offer something fresh within the style. Klara was pretty good in Melfest and her 6th place finish despite the 2nd slot says it all.
Mostly these are songs that I don’t care for personally but you do have one of my absolute favourites in there and actually, I *really* did like the 80s version of Wingman much better than the version they competed with.
Klara is a bit of a surprise inclusion, I wouldn’t have guessed that one. And I just knew you’d have Raylee in there somewhere, too. 😉
Juri had significant chances to reach the final this time, not like in the 2016 when he was completely robbed
I think this was miles better than both Uku’s songs who are a 100% NQ again
Actually, so far, your list is a million times better than the Wiwi one….so I might just keep readying yours instead. 😉
Ghemon, Max and Willie are all in my top 25 of the season…as is Xhesika.
“Faith Bloody Faith” is on my play list all the time, surprised this masterpiece isn’t higher in the list.
Well, the chorus of “New Religion” is so incredibly catchy and Anton’s smile goes straight into my soul, that I can overlook some acoustic things in there 😉 I feel his “heartbeat play with mine” <3
You said you feel “still young” a few posts ago, so that fits ^^
Both Juri and Gram-of-Fun could gain a decent place in the Grand Final. And now we have Uku…
Nothing could stop the Estonian housewives from voting for Uku!
There’s always next year.
its true, they’ve chosen nq over possible top 10, again!
You *heard* Gram-Of-Fun, right?
Sure. They were not great but ok. Could be easily elevated.
Kinda living for the idea of Uku singing that now that you’ve released that image into my mind.
31. Katya and Daz – Give You Love – what emotion is more important than love? Sometimes life is very simple. 32. Kadiatou – One Touch – a great club track 33. Graciela – A Vida Sem Acontecer – I didn’t notice this for such a long time, but I’m so glad I found it eventually. Excellent 80s electronica vibe 34. Casanova – Tutti – a 3 minute slice of summery fun. 35. Coma Cose – Flamme negli occhi – relaxed and confident early 90s indie vibe, a purposeful bass line drives the song along to somewhere all together pleasant.… Read more »
The level of semi final 1 contenders in Norway : the two finalists ans the automatic qualifier singing that evening were in the final four.
Oehh Juri is 1 of my faves this year!!