Tooji is a model and Eurovision star

The Wiwi Jury—a panel of music unprofessionals—has deliberated, and we can now offer our review of Norway’s Eurovision 2012 entry “Stay.” Brace yourself Tooji!

Wiwi: Melodi Grand Prix was Tooji’s first foray into live music—and it really shows. He struggles to hit the high notes, and I frequently get the impression he isn’t singing but just talking really, really loudly. Also, the opening bars of this song sound strangely familiar (and somewhat derivative). But wHaTEveR! Wiwi likes it anyway. Eurovision is much more than a song contest, and this act has plenty to make up for its musical shortcomings. I love the choreography and staging during the bridge (it’s almost as hot as the bridge of Greece’s 2010 act from Giorgos Alkaios and friends). This song may not be a contender to win Eurovision, but Tooji is definitely a contender to win our annual search for Eurovision’s Next Top Male Model. Dude is HOT. He obviously has really strong thighs. Do you see how he is supporting himself during the thrust-and-squat sequences. Douze points for that! We’re behind you, gurl! See you in the final!

Score: 6.5/10

Vebooboo: Norway is on a mission to prove that its people ain’t all white, and what better way to do it than to send an older version of Sweden’s heartthrob Eric Saade in the form of Tooji. Tooji’s voice isn’t exactly the best, especially on the high notes, but his upbeat pop song is modern and will definitely appeal to all the teen voters out there. And word on the street is that more and more of them are voting every year, so don’t be surprised to see this song make it to the final. I just hope they utilise the stage a bit more and bring out some props. And rip off Tooji’s shirt.

Score: 7

Meows Kitty: The model-turned-pop-star Tooji is not a talented singer but damn he is sooo fine!!! This song was brought to us by the same team who were behind Eric Saade’s ‘Popular’ last year, which came third in the final. I think this one is going to be quite a contender in the 2012 Eurovision with its stomping beats, strong bassline, somewhat ethnic sounds, and a pretty polished dance routine. It may even prove more popular than “Popular”!

Score: 7.5/10

Deban: If truth be told, my favourite Norwegian entry from this year’s pre-selection was Reidun Sæther with “High On Love.” Sadly, and with much regret, that’s now history. Tooji will be in Baku belting out ‘Stay’ instead. A cracking tune by all accounts. Although it wasn’t my first choice, I’m not disappointed it’s going ahead as Norway’s entry. Norwegian pre-selections have always been very competitive with many great songs. The sad thing is that the winning entry doesn’t always qualify for the final at Eurovision. Remember Stella Mwangi’s Haba Haba? A crowd favourite that somehow failed to impress the jury and tele-voters. Also, Norway’s homecoming anthem ‘My Heart is Yours’ by Didrik Solli-Tangen—that ended up finishing in the bottom pile? ESC is unpredictable! Hopefully Tooji won’t suffer the same fate. His submission is geared towards high points from Eurasia. The bassline of his song is very Turkish, and the catchy lyrics cast a wide Euro-appeal. Furthermore, his model looks and agile body infuses this song with added electricity.

Score: 6.5/10

The Wiwi Jury Verdict: 6.9/10

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Christian
11 years ago

He must rehearse a lot.It has not gotten better with time.

Victoria
Victoria
11 years ago

hey, check this out! 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMNHlkXvPZM

Neil
Neil
11 years ago

Handsome guy, with lots happening on stage, the words don’t seem to matter, there’s so much to grab your attention. Entertainment fairly good, song, not so memorable.

francisco
francisco
11 years ago

I quite like the song, i agree that the lyrics are silly and that his voice could be better, but he is very handsome and i like a lot the orientalisms in it, the fake Turkish-ness, the fake Arabic-ness, the fake-Latin-ness, and the dance routine is soo naughty and suggestive…not a winner, but fun to watch and i betcha something it is even more fun to dance…

Zolan
Zolan
11 years ago

Interesting and well constructed dance-pop. Tooji does an impressive job with it too, but he will need even stronger vocals – pitch and power – to hold up the changes and prevent it from deteriorating into a rambling chant. It’s a lot to ask in addition to dancing, but at least there’s time for him to practice and improve. I don’t care for the costumes or some of the ‘attitude’, but we can expect the choreography and staging to get an upgrade before May, too. It’s rather unsatisfactory at this stage, but the elements are there to make an impressive… Read more »

ct
ct
12 years ago

Very uncreative choice. This looks and sounds bland, he can’t deliver it and he surely ain’t a looker. May only be saved because of the general low quality this year.

Christian
12 years ago

To all of you in here
Give the man some time! He is probably rehearsing a lot now and let us see how well he will do in Baku
IMO some of the winners improves a lot. Even from a semi final to a final some act really get it together and I think this one could be a joker that no one would think of making it big in Baku

Deban
Deban
12 years ago

Nathan, wow!! Thanks for the education.
I still think Reidun Sæther’s “High On Love.” was the strongest entry in the Norweigian pre-election, hands down.

Nathan
Nathan
12 years ago

At Sean: it was thee creative choice by Norway (I am currently residing here and I voted many many times). When it came down to the last four, we had a 76 year old man singing country music, a ballad that would be sung at a dead grandmothers funeral, and Plumbo … singing about beer and Nintendo Wii.
Don’t ever make comments without all the information, because had one of the other three won, it would have been a serious tragedy!

Nathan
Nathan
12 years ago

I totally disagree with you four saying Tooji is a hottie. And don’t EVER insult Saade by comparing him against hairy chest- and breasted Tooji. Eurovision’s Next Top Model? Uh…. no… Wiwi – totally agree with you: high notes, not hit at all, but there was a MAJOR difference between Norwegian semifinal and the finale. Deban: Haba Haba was an annoying song. But did you hear how nasty it sounded on tv? It wasnt a surprise! The dance routine is what makes this performance awesome. Song lyrics are so damn simple but catchy. The only thing we should be wondering… Read more »

Richard
12 years ago

I was surprised to read the reviews by the wiwi bloggers – I thought they would be a lot more positive on this song…! I think Stay is a cracking song. It has energy, great chorus, a pause and a key change. It also sounds quite modern and I think is the perfect Eurovision song. It almost feels a bit of an Eric Saade rip-off but that too was an awesome song so I think Tooji will too do well in Eurovision, This should be a guaranteed qualifier (those who lament Stella Mwangi’s failure should listen to the live broadcast,… Read more »

Seán
12 years ago

It was a uncreative choice by Norway from a diverse national final, In my view it is a good studio song but should not be let to leave the studio.

But what do I know I was wrong about Eric Saade.