Every weekday, between now and the contest in May, the team from wiwibloggs will round up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2021. We trawl through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. In today’s Daily Digest, James Newman unveils his team for Rotterdam, Lesley Roy introduces her backing vocalists and Dadi Karaoke has arrived. But first…
Eurovision news: 5 May
Blind Channel begin documentary series of their journey to Eurovision
Blind Channel are taking fans behind the scenes of their journey to Eurovision 2021 with a new documentary series. There will be six videos in total that give an insight into what the Finnish band have been up to since winning UMK 2021 in February. The first episode, uploaded today, shows just how busy Blind Channel have been over the past few months with constant interviews and rehearsals (while also recording a new single). The band go into detail about the pressure this has put on them and how it has negatively affected their physical and mental health at times. However, as Joonas notes at the end, they’re still pumped to be making history and topping the charts. The documentary is in Finnish, but English subtitles are available. (Jonathan)
Hooverphonic hope to be the dark horses of 2021
As we’ve mentioned in a previous digest, the Belgian city of Sint-Niklaas is celebrating Hooverphonic’s 25th anniversary with a special exhibition dedicated to the group. It will run from 8 May to 6 June, and ahead of its launch the trio told VRT that they hope to become this year’s dark horse. Next to that, Alex Callier spoke of his hope that the Flemish entry will for once be more successful than the Walloon efforts in recent year. (Renske)
Manizha says Eurovision performance is “more dynamic, more positive”
Russia’s songstress Manizha told Russian television guide Teleprogramma that we are to expect a different performance than the one we saw in Russia’s national final. One of the previously announced new elements contains a dress made out of pieces of fabric from different regions of Russia. Adding to that, Manizha told Teleprogramma: “We are not complicating it, but we will make it more dynamic, more positive. There will be new elements in my performance that have taken my breath way. We overcame different technical difficulties and now we are preparing for the flight to the contest.” (Renske)
Dadi Karaoke is here
Their Think About Aliens mobile game is still fresh off the digital press, but Daði og Gagnamagnið already have a new game ready to go — “Dadi Karaoke”. The new app will let players join Daði and sing along while collecting points when they hit the right note. The game is made in collaboration with the creator of the award-winning music learning app for children, Mussila. All of the group’s biggest songs are featured — “10 Years”, “Think About Things” and “Is This Love”. Dadi Karaoke is available on the App Store and Google Play.
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“Set Me Free” at the Wiwi Jam
She’s been set free thanks to her stunning ESC revamp. And now Israel’s Eden Alene is headed to the Wiwi Jam at Hone concert. On May 19 the Israeli star will shake things up on our YouTube channel, bringing her undeniable presence and fierce sense of style. She will also hit the highest note in Eurovision Pre Party history!
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The moon is acoustic
Latvia’s Samanta Tīna has become the latest Eurovision 2021 star to go acoustic. “The Moon Is Rising” singer is joined by Haralds Stenclavs on piano. Tālis Timrots oversees the mix. In the video description, Samanta explains the song’s message: “This song is about powerful and admirable women, about every single woman. I invite not to be afraid of ourselves and of being different. My song invites women to make a crown with their hands and put it on the head to be the ruler of life: to love and believe in ourselves. Then we will be loved by the people around us. I believe that such an attitude changes the way people treat you, but it is not enough – for this reason, the most important line in my song is: if you have something to say, say it to my face! Let’s accept and love ourselves, let’s be proud of what God has given to us, let’s accept our differences and stand for equality!”.
James Newman’s on-stage team revealed
James Newman is finishing off his final rehearsals in the UK before flying to Rotterdam. The BBC Eurovision Twitter account shared a picture from the latest rehearsal and revealed that James will be joined by four male backup performers on the Rotterdam Ahoy arena stage – Israel, Shaun, Yves and Alex. Many fans have been hoping that the British singer will be joined by some dancing brass players, much like in the music video for “Embers”. Although no specific details were given on exactly what the four men would be doing alongside James, the tweet does finish with a trumpet emoji… 🎺 (Jonathan)
?? It’s Team UK’s final rehearsals before heading to Rotterdam!??
Meet the @Jamesnewmanuk on-stage team: Israel, Shaun, Yves and Alex??#Eurovision | @Eurovision | #ESC2021 pic.twitter.com/tRH3GIIele
— BBC Eurovision?? (@bbceurovision) May 5, 2021
Lesley Roy names her backing vocalists
We know that Lesley Roy will be alone on stage. However, she has confirmed on her Instagram stories that she will be joined just off-stage by two backing vocalists — Philip Strand and Emelie Eriksson. The names should be familiar to “Maps” fans as both Philip and Emelie were part of the songwriting team.
Meanwhile, the Irish Embassy in the Netherlands has announced a special online event with Lesley. Described as a 30-minute “fireside chat and song”, fans have until 7 May to register their interest.
The Eurovision Song Contest is approaching! ?
In cooperation with @INBA_Live we are delighted to host a Fireside Chat and Song with @lesleyroyreal, Ireland’s Eurovision hopeful ???
The 30 minute event will start at 19:30 on Weds 12 May. Register by 7 May at [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/vH8XZAMpbP
— Embassy of Ireland in The Netherlands (@IrelandinNL) May 5, 2021
The Roop meet the Lithuanian Prime Minister
Before heading off to Rotterdam, The Roop have had a meeting with Ingrida Šimonytė, the Prime Minister of Lithuania. She wished them well and said “Spread the yellow wave virus and promote the name of Lithuania. I sincerely wish you to win this year, because you are worth the victory.”. Ingirda also commented through her Twitter account and hoped everyone would discoteque with The Roop when they participate in the first semi-final on May 18th. (Jonathan)
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Additional contributions from Jonathan, Renske and William
What do you think of the acoustic “The Moon Is Rising”? Can Hooverphonic be dark horses? Let us know in the comments.
Ireland is going to do so well in the GrandFinal! So excited to see Lesley’s performances
The one year backing tracks are allowed and Ireland still send backing vocalists. Ireland have never been good at measuring backing vocals. I’m nervous now.
She said on an interview she’ll have two live backing vocalists and one pre recorded backing vocalist. Lesley appears to be taking a lot more control this year than other Irish acts and she’s more familiar with sound mixing and live staging so she’ll probably do a better job than other years with that. Although outside of jedward 2011 Ireland hasnt done that bad a job at all on sound mixing onstage. 2015 was very well done.
As stated already, Lesley knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s taken full control of Ireland’s entry this year and she’s got tonnes of experience in this.
She’s got this.
“My song invites women to make a crown with their hands and put it on the head to be the ruler of life.” — LMAO, Samanta Tina is so extra
She’s trying to make that a thing and it’s just ….not lol
Last update of the eurojury results, tomorrow the last 5 countries will vote so after 44 countries that have voted out of 49 a clear top 5 is appearing: Malta : 35 tops ( 16 tops 3 / 19 tops 10 ) Switzerland : 28 tops ( 14 tops 3 / 14 tops 10 ) France : 28 tops ( 14 tops 3 / 14 tops 10 ) Iceland : 26 tops ( 11 tops 3 / 15 tops 10 ) Israël : 27 tops ( 10 tops 3 / 17 tops 10 ) With 5 countries remaining to vote… Read more »
Thanks for the update
You’re welcome man! I follow the eurojury very carefully so I share this here for those who are interested 😉
Do you know when will the full results be pubbliche?
Yeah of course, now 46 countries have voted, at 5 pm this afternoon we will have the votes of the last 3 countries and tomorrow during all the day we will have the reveal of the points.
Israel is a surprise! Historically, has this poll proven to be more accurate than other fan polls?
I think Belgium just might make it to the final, where they’ll get annihilated.
It doesn’t matter to me how well they do (I don’t really care who wins). It’s still going on my playlist anyway!
I am almost 100% sure they will go through, but I fear there’s a possibility televoting will indeed destroy them 🙁
Let’s hope they will nail the staging and get an amazing public score and a top 5 with juries!
As they should
I think another ‘Czechia 2016’ incident is not out of the table though
Has anyone else registered for the song and talk with Lesley?
I’m not sure why registering is necessary. It can only stop people from joining in, one click is what people like.
Do it on YouTube, not Zoom.
I’m with you, Jonas — I didn’t organise the thing. The purpose of this particular thread was just to ask if anyone else will be tuning in…
Aren’t you the Irish ambassador? My answer is that I will not be registering, but hope to see it later if it appears on YouTube.
Not at the moment. Thanks for answering the question 😛
Shame I won’t see you round the fire…
Really want Ireland and Belgium in the final. They’re being slept on.
Ireland yes, Belgium no.
Both yes. They’re so different to a lot of the other songs this year, especially in semi 1 I feel.
We’re destined for at least one or two shocks in SF1.
Lesley will sing her guts out and I believe her that the staging will be good. Ireland will qualify.
Fingers crossed.
For me it’s the opposite way. Ireland will be a shock NQ, although I want it so bad to go through, it’s my 5th in the SF. I really believe Lesley won’t live up to fans expectations. On the other hand, Gejke will give a classy performance and Sennek got like 70 jury and 20 televotinf points with a lackluster presentation and no voting allies (except Lithuania, it looks like Baltic Countries love Belgium music, also Blanche and Loic…), so Hooverphonic are going to get at least 90 points from juries and like 40 from the public. 130 points is… Read more »
I think Belgium and Denmark will be dark horses. I see both countries in TOP 13 in final. Many don t see this countries in final.
Does anyone know if it is possible to watch stand in rehearsal?
It was in 2019
No but sometimes material leaks. We’ll get footage of the real rehearsals in 2 days already though.
The UK hate needs to stop.
Wait, ANOTHER VIDEO GAME!?
To the App Store we go!
I’m a bit worried about Manizha changing her performance (especially since I put some money on her winning the thing). I really loved the one in Russia, it was pretty much perfect. “More positive” staging is not quite what I expect from that entry.
Russia is in my top 3 so I am also afraid what “more positive” may mean for the ESC performance. The primary charm lies in Manizha’s cheeky, sassy badassery and there is no need to lay on the female empowerment message any thicker. And dear god, please keep the boilersuit!
I hope Hooverphonic will be right, cuz’they’re really standing out and their song is excellent. Not bland and sincerely unpretentious.
I like Hooverphonic so much. I hope their hoping will come true, cuz’ they’re really standing out.
Curious as to who they are 😉
Slovenia could surprise if the juries give her high marks for sure. Reminds me of Albania 2018, everyone had it written out but he qualified quite comfortably if I remember
Manizha better keep these 4 backing vocalists cause they are incredible. I would be thrilled to see her being a surprise winner and silence the hate against her
it would be great to see how russian nationalists change their opinion about Manizha from “a disgusting tajik-girl who insults our culture” to “our Russian beauty who brought us victory”.
Unfortunately, this is an impossible scenario
I think the idea is “Yellow virus” vs Corona virus. As in something positive for once in a while! I am sure nobody meant infecting and getting people ill haha
Latvia is my new favorite entry
I was hoping Lesley would use prerecorded backing vocals…
So happy for James, i am so excited for the UK this year!!
Hooverphonic can be the dark horse IF they nail the staging like Netherlands did in 2014. Otherwise, they will flop.
I was hoping that Lesley would use them too. Ireland has never had great backing vocalists they are always over singing the main singer. Now I’m just worried it’ll just sound tacky.
The photo from the UK staging rehearsal looks so cringey and tacky. What a letdown.
James looks kindof ridiculous in that outfit, even though I’m sure he won’t be styled like that on the night, I wonder why they even shared that photo. All-black tracksuit, gold chain, gold rings, and a backwards baseball cap…really!?
No, it sounds completely unmemorable!
and yeah I had the same thought about the “just four backing singers” reveal…like, wow, what an awesome spetacle it will be.
Oh, I actually quite like Belgium 2016! I thought they did a really good job of the stage performance, bringing the song to life.