Over the past few weeks, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — have been rating all of the Junior Eurovision 2015 songs to determine our favourite entry. Tears were shed. Friendships ended. And that was just in our jury room!
Our jury for this edition consisted of 21 jurors who hail from Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We are truly international, y’all! Each juror assessed each song independently, and then awarded each song a score from 0 to 10. Before calculating the Wiwi Jury verdict, we dropped the highest and lowest scores to reduce potential bias and outliers.
Below you can watch a video that presents our results in reverse order. You can scroll down to see the final rankings along with the average score and some of our comments. Click on the song title to read our review and watch our video reactions.
Wiwi Jury: Our Top 17
1. Malta – Destiny Chukunyere with ‘Not My Soul’
The best: (William, 10/10) Young Destiny serves Aretha Franklin realness from the very first note. The song is well-paced, builds from verse to verse, and gives Destiny plenty of space to fill it with her enormous vocals and range. It hints at black spirituals from the American South and funky jives straight outta Motown. Yet this remains accessible to kids. They can’t take Destiny’s soul, and honey, they can’t take her voice either! My favourite song of the year.
The worst: (Robyn, 8/10) Destiny was one of the first JESC acts to be confirmed, but Malta took their time choosing the song. It’s no surprise that “Not My Soul” sounds handcrafted for Destiny, taking full advantage of her rich, soulful voice. The song pays homage to Motown classics (there are echoes of Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need To Get By”), but it never sounds like a pastiche. Destiny owns it.
Score: 9.18/10
2. Australia – Bella Paige with ‘My Girls’
The best: (Josh, 10/10) BELLA! YES! Excuse my incredibly biased opinion, but I do think that this is the best song in the contest this year. A powerful voice, a lovely message and Delta Goodrem’s lyrics. Who could want more than that? Some of my fellow bloggers believe this song is too mature for the junior contest. Sorry, but who are kids listening to these days? Taylor Swift, Jessie J, Little Mix, etc. They don’t want no child, child! They want a star that kids can aspire to be. Bella Paige, you are a star!
The worst: (Deban, 6/10) Yes, I get the Tina Arena-esque big power belter. However, instead of ferrying me along the shore, it leaves me at the harbour. Although it’s Australia’s debut entry, the production is considerably out of date. When Goodrem started her career as a child, she sang mature-flavoured songs that wowed the nation. Unfortunately, that was 13 years ago! Bella Paige deserves to present herself like the fun-loving 13 year old I’m certain she is.
Score: 8.89/10
3. Slovenia – Lina Kuduzovic with ‘Prva Ljubezen’
The best: (Bernardo, 10/10) This just screams Junior Eurovision perfection to me. Her vocals are really on point and I’m sure it’ll catch the attention of older viewers and jury members. That said, it still has a nice JESC vibe to it: that Disney princess instrumental is definitely going to catch young girls’ attention – and hopefully their votes. I wish the chorus were stronger, but nevertheless this is perhaps my favorite entry this year.
The worst: (Deban, 6.5/10)
My girl can SING! But “First Love” isn’t that memorable. The arrangement gives a good peek of what a dance version may have sounded like. Unfortunately, the final product retains its ballgown flavour. Lina Kuduzovic can deliver vocal magic on anything. Her team could’ve worked on a better song.
Score: 8.74/10
4. Ukraine – Anna Trincher with ‘Pochny Z Sebe’
The best: (Angus, 10/10) Anna is just something else. Her track is serving Lana Del Rey, Gwen Stefani, Fergie realness and she oozes maturity beyond her years. In a kids contest that’s an equal advantage and disadvantage, but I like the finished result. She should smash into the Top 5 with this but televotes might end up holding it back. I think it rocks, so she gets top marks from me.
The worst: (Robyn, 7/10) This reminds me of Portugal’s entry in ESC 2015 — but way better. It has a cool rock vibe and Anna has great rock chick style. If the national final is anything to go by, this song will have super dramatic staging and generally be amazing.
Score: 8.55/10
5. Serbia – Lena Stamenkovic with ‘Lenina Pesma’
The best: (Mario, 10/10) Just when you think Serbia won’t ever find someone as good as Bojana – bam! — the mini Bojana arrives! Serbia is in it to win it with this Balkan power ballad. “Lenina pesma” puts all our emotions on display – from sadness to hope – in less than 3 minutes. Whether deliberate or not, the lyrics relate to today’s migration crisis, and that is what makes this song even more special (and heart-breaking) to me as a speaker of Serbian. What a nice way to conclude Serbia’s year at Eurovision events!
The worst: (Angus, 8/10) Ooooohhhh this is ruul soulful. It is not big on heavy instrumental pulls and instead lets the vocals float above a soft backing. It is a brave play by Belgrade and it pays off.
Score: 8.08/10
6. Armenia – Mika with ‘Love’
The best: (William, 10/10) I’m in love with “Love” and it’s only a matter of time before Europe is too. This song builds from the first note to the last and my only criticism is that I want Mika to sing for six minutes instead of three! Fun, funky, fabulous — this is the closest thing to perfect in this year’s contest.
The worst: (Deban, 7/10) Perhaps one of my least favourite radio entries, but visually, this is a clear winner. Mika has got guts, gusto and bundles of energy. If the music video is a teaser of what we’ll see on stage, then “Love” is a contender for victory.
Score: 8/10
7. Albania – Mishela Rapo with ‘Dambaje’
The best: (William, 9/10) Sweet, catchy and memorable, this feel-good number reminds me of Shakira’s World Cup song “Waka, Waka”. Its charming Disney qualities will appeal to children, while the Bob Marley rhythms will remind many adult jury members of the freedom of their lost youth (and the mistakes they made on their honeymoon to the Carribbean). Mishela is a likeable character and I’m convinced this is one to watch.
The worst: (George, 6.5/10) Mishela serves up a distinctive voice and performance that made me stop and go, “Oh my god, what’s that?” This really grows on repeat listen, which will only help it during the voting recap.
Score: 7.66/10
8. Ireland – Aimee Banks with ‘Réalta na mara’
The best: (Jason, 9.5/10) To put it simply, I love this. I promise I’m not being biased as an Irishman: I just totally feel the magic of “Réalta na Mara”. Aimee’s vocals are enchanting, and the beautiful Irish language complements the mystical feel of the song. Why can’t our adult Eurovision entries be this classy?! TG4 has taken its JESC challenge seriously thus far, so I hope it delivers with staging in Sofia (please don’t ask RTE for advice). Aimee Banks – maith thú!
The worst: (Deban, 6.5/10) This folk number nods to Federica Falzon’s “Diamonds”. However, I find it equally disengaging. Full marks for Aimee’s crystal-clear vocals, and her commanding stage presence. But an entry shouldn’t just be all about vocal spectacle. I want to sing and dance along. Sadly, there are no hooks in this or a beat to keep me moving.
Score: 7.63/10
9. Belarus – Ruslan Aslanov with ‘Volshebtsvo’ (Magic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4auFKZuk6Ro
The best: (Edd, 8/10) The studio version went straight over my head. THEN I watched the live version. Wow! Whilst the melody isn’t so impressive, the visual performance certainly lives up to the title and the vocals just blow you away. Since 2011, the winner has been an underwhelming song sung by an incredible singer – I’d place my bets on Minsk in 2015.
The worst: (William, 5/10) Ruslan has an amazing voice and a fantastic haircut. And boy is he feeling his song. He sings with the pain of a widower or someone who has survived a humanitarian crisis. And that’s the problem: this is a kid’s contest, and I want something a bit more juvenile and endearing.
Score: 7.5/10
10. Bulgaria – Gabriela Yordanova & Ivan Stoyanov with ‘Colour of Hope’
The best: (Sinan, 10/10) Okay, it’s my country’s entry. Do you know how I feel when I’m listening to this? So relaxed and loving every part of my life and thinking of beautiful things from when I was a child. The lyrics are just great. I’m so happy that they included Ivan — it’s a welcome bonus! I’m 100% sure they will deliver an amazing performance on 21 November in Sofia!
The worst: (Robyn, 6/10) Both Gabriela and Ivan are very talented singers, each with their own strengths. But the song itself doesn’t seem the best choice to highlight their individual gifts. It has an old-fashioned Eurovision feel. I wish they’d had the opportunity to sing something more current.
Score: 7.42/10
11. Georgia – The Virus with ‘Gabede’ (Dare)
The best: (Robyn, 9/10) Georgia is getting the party started. “Gabede” is a fun, energetic song, combining a traditional rock ‘n’ roll number with modern electro-pop production. The lead singer of The Virus is a proper rock star — he has the swagger! This should be so much fun to see live.
The worst: (Deban, 5/10) Aptly named “The Virus”, this is a scream-fest tied into a melody. With hues of nursery rhyme and stadium-rock, this is misdemeanor at its most melodic. You’ll either love it or hate it.
Score: 7.26/10
12. The Netherlands – Shalisa with ‘Million Lights’
The best: (Angus, 9.5/10) The smoke. The lights. The piano. J’ADORE. The Netherlands have traded in last year’s clubland banger for a stripped back, electro-piano ballad — and it works! People were yelling hard for Katrina, but she was ratchet — Amsterdam have it downthis year and they can smash this on stage. Ballad werk honey, ballad werk.
The worst: (William, 4.5/10) Miss Shalisa Keys has a soulful voice and she seems to feel every single note of her song — just like her American soul counterpart. Unfortunately I think the song lacks the spark to match Shalisa’s talent. The Dutch language can at times sound harsh to foreigners, and this is particularly exposed on a dreamy ballad like this one. Regardless, Shalisa is a star in the making and I love the anthemic oh-oh-oh of the bridge. PS: Please no interperative dancing in Sofia!
Score: 7.26/10
13. San Marino – Kamilla Ismailova with ‘Mirror’
The best: (Angus, 9/10) This sounds like a Hilary Duff track from the early 00s and I love it. “Mirror” instantly snags in your head with that hook and nobody in this year’s field embraces dramatic balladry as well. You go San Marino!
The worst: (Robyn, 6/10) I like the dynamics of this song — the minimalist introduction (think “Royals”, “Rhythm Inside”) which bursts into a lush chorus. Kamilla has the tough task of having to sing in two languages, neither of which are her mother tongue, but she’s obviously putting in the hard work there. The song is a little bit bleak at times, but it has a mysterious charm. It will be interesting to see how this comes off live.
Score: 7.16/10
14. Italy – Chiara & Martina Scarpari with ‘Viva’
The best: (Sopon, 8.5/10) ABBA might have broken up years ago, but these two girls are channeling Agnetha and Anni-Frid. The song sounds much older than either Chiara or Martina, but they make the most of it. More importantly, their vocals are fine-tuned and easy to listen to, making this one of the strongest entries in the field.
The worst: (Diego, 6.5/10) Open it up with a soft strum of the guitar and kick it with the chorus! That’s the strategy that so lovingly announces the arrival of “Viva”! This early 90’s up-tempo chorus is pure easy listening, and it’s certainly not something you come across every day in 2015. I just wish their voices were more prominent in the arrangement, as they seem to be buried by the melody. Voices are key, y’all. Even so, le gemelle will surely prove me wrong and slay on the big stage with powerful vocals and their happy tune. Buona fortuna, ragazze!
Score: 6.79/10
15. Russia – Mikhail Smirnov with ‘Mechta’
The best: (Deban, 9.5/10) “Mechta” drums up a quiet storm and it captivates you from the very beginning. Mikhail’s performance exudes the right balance of confidence, vulnerability and maturity and lifts this dreamy pop number to the heavens. I’m fairly certain that in years to come Master Smirnov will cross over to the mother contest.
The worst: (Robyn, 5/10) Mikhail is a little star. He has great stage presence and I’m already imagining him representing Russia at ESC in 10 years. As a song “Mechta” isn’t especially captivating, but Mikhail works with it and delivers a good performance.
Score: 6.76/10
16. Montenegro – Jana Mirkovic with ‘Oluja’
The best: (Mario, 7.5/10) “Oluja” flashes back to Yugoslav pop music of 80s and 90s — and that ain’t a bad thing! Although the lyrics are a tad creepy for my taste, the musical background and overall arrangement take me to that happy place. Bring the guy in her video with her, fill the long instrumental break with some funky moves and you’re ready to go!
The worst: (Rezo, 5/10) In a field of relatively strong entries, standing out is very important. This fails to do that and will likely be forgotten during voting. I think Jana is a great artist, but the song just doesn’t catch my attention.
Score: 6.5/10
17. FYR Macedonia – Ivana and Magdalena with ‘Pletenka’
The best: (Renske, 7/10) The song starts off unsure and very 80s, but when the chorus comes Ivana & Magdalena really throw a party. I love the child-friendly nature of this. Although the choice of two inexperienced girls could be a risk, it could also be an adventure! I’m ready for the ride.
The worst: (Deban, 6/10) Good effort, but after a minute, I’ve peaked on the sugar-rush effect. It’s very girly in delivery, and borders on sounding like a folk tune for cartoon heroes. However, “Pletenka” deserves credit for being danceable and catchy. Well done!
Come on Armenia 6 th,really? A lot of countries are underrated and overrated
My top 3:
1) Armenia
2) San-Marino
3) Australia
San Marino 13th?!
This is by far a top 5 song in my opinion, one of the few songs which I love.
Malta 1st is.. awfully overrated. Slovenia is my winner personally.
Russia is also very underrated, and Albania as my last.
This only shows that the jury likes the reworked tunes from the west, as Malta is so similar to Cee Lo Green’s song, Australia is Alicia Key’s song, and Slovenia’s is JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late” – even sung in a similar way.
So it shows the taste is toward professional U.S. composition, but redone for Eurovision/Junior Eurovision.
Hope you got it right this time for Malta, fingers crossed as last year wiwibloggs placed Diamonds 16th, (last) and Federica Falzon proved you wrong since she placed 4th
I don t think that Malta wili be the winner.
They wili be in TOP 5 thanks to juries voting not televote
My prediction for TOP 5 with juries
1. Australia (overrated in score like Sweden 2015 in adult Eurovision)
2. Armenia
3. Malta ( like Australia)
4. The Netherlands
5. Italy (thanks to juries )
TOP 5 with televote
1. Armenia
2. Georgia
3. Australia
4. Albania
5. Serbia
I think combined TOP 5 wili be like
1. Australia (thanks to juries)
2. Armenia
3. Georgia
4. Malta
5. Italy or Russia
Russia is really underrated. Why? O.o
My favorite too. 🙂 But Kaliopiland are a close second – sad to see them in last.
I am very curious about Russias placing in in the combined results, because Misha is 15th in the Jury and in the poll is Russia currently fighting with Malta for the win