Last year, y’all decided that Georgian warrior Nina Sublatti had the best music video at Eurovision 2015. And now the time has come for you to crown a winner for 2016. It’s not so much about the music. You need to consider the cinematography, the visual concept, the execution and production values, as well as the singers’ ability to act. So who will it be?
As is the case every year, there isn’t an official music video for every entry. Some will land after the poll is published, but don’t fret: we will add them to the count as soon as they’re released. Until then, let’s meet the current contenders. Note, we are not including videos where live performances have just been dubbed over with studio audio.
Who has the best music video at Eurovision 2016?
Albania: Eneda Tarifa – “Fairytale”
Known for her sass and sense of humour, Eneda Tarifa raised quite a few eyebrows upon the release of her official “Fairytale” video. Serving us some serious Red Riding Hood realness, is the visual concept a hit or a miss for you?
Armenia: Iveta Mukuchyan – “LoveWave”
Armenia’s Iveta Muckuchyan is going all out, recruiting Sweden’s answer to Brad Pitt for an edgy extravaganza that is a feast for the eyes as for the ears. Are you ready to dive into her “LoveWave”?
Australia: Dami Im – “Sound Of Silence”
Back for a second bite of the Eurovision apple, Australia are sending the amazing Dami Im to Stockholm. The beautifully shot video sees her joined by a sexy male dancer. He does his thing while she shares her story and looks gorgeous in a selection of stunning dresses.
Austria: ZOË – “Loin d’ici”
Replicating her national selection stage show, Zoë ‘s video is a colourful fantasy. Her dreamy vocals and cute song match the visuals, and we’re hoping for more of the same in Stockholm. But what do you think?
Azerbaijan: Samra – “Miracle”
The Azeri goddess plays to her strengths in the official “Miracle” video. Dressed in a little black dress and standing in front of a microphone in the middle of a stark room, Samra doesn’t resort to any gimmicks. She lets the music take the spotlight instead. Smart!
Belgium: Laura Tesoro – “What’s The Pressure”
Employing a dance troupe with a slick choreography, our verdict was that Laura elevated her song with the video. This gives us hope for Belgium’s staging in Stockholm as well. But what do you think? Did Laura hit it?
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Deen & Dalal feat. Ana Rucner & Jala – “Ljubav je”
Apart from the awesome foursome, the official video of “Ljubav je” features the picturesque Ostrozac Castle. Complimenting the song, the cinematic video showcases the beauty of the Bosnian landscape and makes us want to visit the country, stat!
Bulgaria: Poli Genova – “If Love Was A Crime”
What happens when a photographer falls in love with a star? The video “If Love Was A Crime” tells that story and, in an unexpected turn of events, the paparazzo is Poli. The Bulgarian returnee likes to challenge the status quo — and we love her for that!
Croatia: Nina Kraljic – “Lighthouse”
In the official video for “Lighthouse”, there’s no lighthouse in sight. But Nina isn’t one to take things literally. Beaming down from the sky, the actual lighthouse is her space goddess, putting a smile on Earth Nina’s face. Will she guide her to victory in Stockholm?
Cyprus: Minus One – “Alter Ego”
IVAN is not the only one who is employing wolf trainers. Minus One’s alter ego is also a wolf, as evidenced in the edgy video for Cyprus’ song. Apart from the wolf and a mean-looking lady, the band is beautifully shot in cinematic detail, and the director made use of some bad ass editing skills. We love!
Czech Republic: Gabriela Guncikova – “I Stand”
Despite not standing much in her video, Gabriela compliments her power ballad with some unique and unforgettable imagery, starting from the sweeping drone shot at the beginning. Arguably the best Czech song at Eurovision, could this also be their best music video?
Estonia: Jüri Pootsmann with “Play”
Jüri’s video for “Play” is as dark and looming as his song. Despite his boyish charm and gif-able face, the singer manages to look like an Estonian Bond, and just as serious. We’re digging the colour schemes in this, as well as Jüri’s sexy stares. We hit “play” again and again!
Finland: Sandhja – “Sing It Away”
Sandhja may have surprised many at Finland’s national selection UMK by winning the whole thing, and she might surprise them again with this video. With high production values, energy, colour, and a blinged out horse, Sadhja reminds us to never discount the outsider.
France: Amir – “J’ai cherché”
In this video, a girl who enjoys boxing and a boy who enjoys ballet dancing are following their dreams up to the top, undeterred by the social pressures to conform. That’s an inspiring story, if there ever was one. Amir should change his name to Amour, ’cause we freaking love the guy.
Georgia: Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz – “Midnight Gold”
The video that accompanies the revamp of “Midnight Gold” is as alternative as the song. On one hand, we have the mad scientist squad playing with different gadgets in a lab, while in another scenario the rockers are performing in a shadowy room under the strange gaze of a blonde lady. Make of it what you can!
Germany: Jamie-Lee Kriewitz – “Ghost”
Released months before Jamie-Lee actually won the German national selection, her video for “Ghost” reveals the singer performing the song with her band in a studio. True to her image, she wears a colourful outfit, but chooses not too accessorize, with the exception of a couple of oversized rings — her idea of keeping it simple.
Greece: Argo – “Utopian Land”
Taking its inspiration from Woodkid’s book on music video directing, the video for “Utopian Land” is a black-and white studio affair where a topless man keeps running, while soldiers in sexy boots hold hands and dance together. We approve this message!
Ireland: Nicky Byrne – “Sunlight”
Yes, it’s a lyric video, but we couldn’t shut Nicky Byrne out. Especially not after the Westlife singer fought so hard not to squint with so much light in his eyes! (Also yes, because he’s so handsome and oh so nice.)
Israel: Hovi Star – “Made of Stars”
After beautifully revamping his song, Hovi complimented it with a gorgeously shot video. While he told us that filming with drones so close to his face was terrifying, the final effect is stunning. Thank you for showing us Tel Aviv, Hovi!
Italy: Francesca Michielin – “No Degree of Separation”
Despite her bubbly persona, Francesca employed her most serious serious stares for the video of “No Degree of Separation”, and it works. It’s a happy love song, but gurl gives it gravitas by not resorting to smiles. Artsy, poignant, and oh so Italian! Love. It.
Latvia: Justs – “Heartbeat”
Our Latvian bae is imprisoned and he’s trying to escape! Maybe that’s why Justs came so late to the party? Let’s hope his fans haven’t wasted their votes on somebody else!
Lithuania: Donny Montell – “I’ve Been Waiting For This Night”
In the video, Donny follows, courts, and eventually wins over a beautiful blonde on a crazy night out. The club shots are especially beautifully filmed in slo-mo. The pair is sexy as hell, their chemistry is electrifying, and the entire package slays.
FYR Macedonia: Kaliopi – “Dona”
Wistfully walking through an empty theatre, Kaliopi gives us the sads before taking to the stage and giving us diva. She keeps it simple fashion-wise with a black blouse and pant ensemble, letting her amazing voice and song steal the limelight. FYR Macedonia is bringing back Kaliopi and class to Eurovision.
Malta: Ira Losco – “Walk On Water”
Ira’s beauty is not only matched by her voice and her song, but also by the spectacular landscapes in the video, not to mention the fabulous dresses that compliment the singer’s statuesque figure. Upon release, “Walk On Water” took the fandom, the odds and the contest by storm, thanks in no small part to this dreamy video. #WOW indeed.
Moldova: Lidia Isac – “Falling Stars”
The video for “Falling Stars”, which has just been released, sees the Moldovan singer courted by an astronaut whom she follows to Cosmos (a hotel in Chisinau), only to find out that he actually looks like a galaxy. Don’t you hate when this happens?
Montenegro: Highway – “The Real Thing”
Highway keep it close to the message of the song with a video focusing on the band playing while a sexy girl steals the show with her angry dance moves. It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but maybe that’s just us?
Netherlands: Douwe Bob – “Slow Down”
Cool, calm, collected, Douwe Bob prescribes us a chill pill in this smart and simple video. The devilishly handsome singer takes shelter from the rain in a bar together with his bandmates and shows us his idea of a good old Dutch time. Are you down?
Norway: Agnete – “Icebreaker”
Serving Arctic realness, Agnete bravely faces the snowy landscape to belt out her edgy song, while her dancer busts her moves in an ice hotel. We’re left shivering with delight and wondering if this is a preview for Norway’s staging in Stockholm. What do y’all think?
Poland: Michal Szpak – “Color of Your Life”
Featuring some seriously spectacular Polish vistas as well as Michal’s handsome face and flawless hair, the video for “Color Of Your Life” enriches the melody. The sweeping drone shots are particularly fabulous, and that tower is the stuff of fairytales. (Take note, Albania.)
Russia: Sergey Lazarev – “You Are the Only One”
Money talks! Undoubtedly one of the most expensive and technologically sophisticated videos, “You Are The Only One” ticks all the right boxes. The LED room is jaw-dropping, Sergey’s smile is on point, and Miss Russia Vladislava Evtushenko is the cherry on top of a fabulous Eurovision cake. Yum!
Slovenia: ManuElla – “Blue and Red”
Showing off her fashion credentials, ManuElla serves us a series of costume changes as we see her set herself free from the man who did her wrong. She portrays a successful pop star filming a music video with cast and crew hovering around her. She works it in a trailer and in a garage and hits her angles every time. We love this vision and need her to make it a reality!
Spain: Barei – “Say Yay!”
Barei went all the way to Stockholm to shoot her video. That’s dedication, y’all! The video features various people (including the singer) dancing in the streets, at the subway and in tunnels, and its slick and modern production is only matched by the song. Are you dancing along?
Sweden: Frans – “If I Were Sorry”
The unassuming winner of Melodifestivalen keeps it stark and simple in his video, which tells the story of, ahem, a guy who is not sorry that his girl is hurting. Frans is an excellent actor, displaying a whole range of emotions while alone and a flawless blank stare while in the presence of his ex. We feel sorry for her!
Switzerland: Rykka – “The Last Of Our Kind”
While technically a lyric video, Rykka channels her inner Sia in this. With just her white-haired head on a black background, the one-shot vid is striking and adds new poignancy to her song.
United Kingdom: Joe and Jake – “You’re Not Alone”
While not terribly original, the video for “You’re Not Alone” gives off an amazing energy, especially on the last chorus, when the singers are joined onstage by countless young people dancing and celebrating. Major FOMO!
So there you have it! Head to the poll and do your thing. You can tick as many choices as you want, but don’t forget to hit the “Vote” button at the end. We will announce the results ahead of the Grand Final on 14 May. Start voting now!
[polldaddy poll=9399060]After voting, feel free to defend your choice below!
Michal Szpak-“Color of your life”-Poland!!!
Armenia certainly
@Mushroom: And who says there is a new concept in any video?
Of course, there isn’t a new concept in every video – and the Sergey’s video shows us this fact. 🙂
So, who of us is “stupid”? 🙂
@from the Internet
You are stupid. I can find to any of the listed video clips a similar one. So what? We should call all of them plagiarized. And who says there is a new concept in any video? There are hundreds of such videos some of them dating back to 90’s. If your logic is applied, Irma has stolen the concept from Beyonce, Beyonce from someone else… one word: stupid
Spain is overrated.
Armenia #1
@Allen – Yeah, I see some similarities. Not enough to call it a copy, but as you said, inspiration is certainly visible.
You can add Latvia. Justs just published his video.
Armenia
My top 15: 1. NORWAY – when I watch it, I feel Scandinavian climate. I love Scandinavia, I love this song, I love Norway <3 2. ARMENIA – Very original video to fit the song. 3. LITHUANIA – This video combined with the text of the song, really moves me <3 4. MALTA – It's video and this song makes me smile. Ira looks beautiful here. 5. POLAND – My Country. Maybe this song is boring, but the video is wonderful. Beautiful landscapes. I am proud of this video, because I live in this area <3 6. ISRAEL – Beautiful… Read more »
Russia inspired their video in this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gljXoIJF0s
@Colin “the Russian guy knows how to make things visually interesting.”
Yes, the Russian guys know how totaly to steal the creative idea from somebody’s video – “Irma – Save Me [OFFICIAL] – Live video mapping & dance performance”. 🙂
Slovenia released their video just today in the official eurovision youtube channel, are you going to add it here? I thought it was really cool and well madehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K4h4AzLFgU
You said you were including Ireland but then you didn’t
Go France from Italia
I believe that Georgian video is terribly underrated here. Just because people don’t like the song, it’s overlooked, but it’s definitely one of the most creative ones this year.
@Fransen
I know that Francesca’s song is not about virtuality, but I thought that the video uses that metaphor to show it. In the video she has something alike 3D glasses, people act almost mathematically synchronized and part of the scenery is animated. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s how I got the video. Just like Croatia’s song is not about space and yet the lighthouse in the song in used through metaphors in the video.
Omg ..all of them.Now I really fill Eurovision is coming .
Armenia, Malta and Australia
A few good ones.
Malta and Croatia stick out.
I´ll let Russia have the victory in this category, but that´s all they can have. No overall victory for them. Don´t want blood money to organize the event in 2017.
For me Spain and France: the videos show how to live, enjoy and share together.
What about Ireland’s video?
israel- hovi star, best video and best vocal!!
I liked Ira’s music video, so i voted Malta, because of all the beautiful dresses and you immediately see some story from the song in the video, i like the dancer and i love it even more that he’ll be joining Ira on stage
and they reached 3 million views
my second place would be Croatia, a bit weird but in a very good way, you also see some story in the video, about a spaceship with aliens i guess finding their way home with use of a lighthouse 🙂 that’s dope
First of all, I’m not into technology music videos, I like to see people around, things happening between them, smiles or cries, but human action. Always people over artificial images.
It could be the spanish one, has quite the whole package. Diversity and sense of unity (come together) located in many places around the world, energized, modern touch and also some mental tricks in it.
France and The Netherlands also have good ones.
@Colin I personally think the meaning of Italy’s video is different from what you said. If you carefully read the Italian lyrics, you’ll notice there is no reference to the virtual world or whether it helps us connect or separate each other even more. Francesca’s song is based on the theory of the six degrees of separation, according to which everyone and everything is only six or fewer connections away from each other. She often explained, when being interviewed, that we all go in the same direction, we’re all people with fears, hopes, dreams. So there’s no reason for barriers… Read more »
@Darren
You always welcome, i’m sure you will enjoy Israel very much 🙂
Norway because it has a cultural aspect with clothing that is from Sami cultur and the place is Agnete’s home. The video matches the song’s Message. It is just Perfect 🙂 Who can tell from the video that Agnete is realy sick, she had the flu when they recorded the video, but she is still amazing 🙂 Standing ovation for her.
For me Israel and Armenia have the best music videos! We usually don’t watch video clips like this every day. They are really creative, fresh and interesting. Although this poll’s leading kind of videos I’ve already seen. Hovi’s and Iveta’s songs like match to the video clips which is amazing))) like them both
I have some personal ranking here, too, which are as popular as the votes of the people here. But at the same time I want to give Eneda Tarifa and Sandhja some props. They are underrated once again. Althought they have a story like theme, I commend their effort for showing lots of unique visual elements from their videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdJpvYSNQTY
Above you can see Sweden’s pre-show panel shout out Amir as the winner!! Wiktoria (member of the swedish jury this year) said that this is her ultimate favorite. Like I already called a long time ago, Sweden will give 12 points to France both with juries and in televoting 😉 One of Sweden’s biggest radio stations even played the song tonight right after the show was aired. GO AMIR!
I love Barei. She should win this year.
@OR I might take you up on the offer sometime hahaha yeah Ireland is a beautiful place and Dublin is nice city
Darren im 32 🙂 i can be your mothet really 🙂 but u can come to israel whatever u want i can show u israel ofcourse:) no i heard from a friend that Ireland is very beautiful place 🙂
@OR I’m 23 🙂 you??
No I’ve actually never been to Israel but actually I always wanted to visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, they look like nice cities 🙂 have you ever been to Ireland?
Darren
Yes i agree with u , but i think it will olways involved politics as well mainly becouse of the blocking states that olways voting to their neighbors evev if their neighbors song is awful….:) any way come visit in tel aviv , have u ever been? How old are u?
@OR Hahaha yeah, I noticed that you where a massive Hovi fan haha 🙂 Yeah there is alot of commentators on this site who can be quite homophobic, antisemitic, anti-Russian etc etc thats all wrong and completely against the culture of the Eurovision, its supposed to be about all the European countries coming together in healthy competition through music, showcasing their culture, music etc politics should be left outside the arena, but sadly, it always finds a way in.
I voted for Czech Republic. I’m not a visual arts expert, but I just love the art if that video. Other videos that really work for me this year are France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
As for videos that I dislike the most: probably Switzerland was the most disappointing. But at least Switzerland made something. I haven’t seen one from Latvia yet…
@Darren thanks i wish that both Ireland and Israel will make it to the final and even if they wont so its really not the end of the world 🙂 its funny because i remember as well my first eurovision in 1998 and of course in 1999 when it took place in Israel and from then i watched on and of , and last year i watched and really liked some of the songs, and in this year i have a free time at the moment so i start reading this blog for the first time and comment to people… Read more »
@OR I’ve watched the Eurovision since I was a child, the first contest I remember was Oslo 1996, the year Ireland won for the last time 🙁 I also remember Israel wining in 1998 with Diva. But I have watched Eurovision every year since 2006. What about you??
I’m sure Hovi will qualify, I have a feeling that he will, it seems he has many fans and the incident in Moscow drew a lot of attention to him.
@Darren
i like both of them, i hope hovi will make it to the final though its going to be hard… so are you a fan of the eurovision for a long time?
@OR that version is better I think, I prefer it. That should have been the version to go to Eurovision I think
@Darren
HHHHHHHH so u are modest like me 🙂
yes she is great, there are a lot of good singers in israel, but in israel the eurovision is not as popular as in Europe so the poplar israeli singers dont want to go to the eurovision…. so the singer who wins the Israeli american idol get to go…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbzbEvKHQ5Q
this is other version of made of star in a middle east style …its the singer that win the 2 place … do u like that version?
@OR wow!!! I am stunned! She is incredible!!! I love the video as well its so contemporary! If she goes to Eurovision I will definitely vote for her! 🙂 hahaha I do not know if I’m pretty or not haha in too humble to say I gues haha
@Darren
so i guess u are pretty too 🙂 i was told that i look like her but i am modest , i’m not telling about my self that kind of things 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55DxXgNU3Ns this is the singer that i wish represent israel next year, what do u think about her? i love her voice . she remind me lena del ray a little bit
Georgia easily. This is not even a fair competition because Midnight Gold is hands down one of the best songs to ever appear in this pop fest…
@OR well, us Irish have a bit of a reputation for that haha ah you look like Andrea Corr? She’s very pretty 🙂
@Darren
Yes i love dreams , in fact i love all of their songs and i know all of their songs for 15 years or more 🙂 and they are so pretty family , are all the Irish are beautiful like them ? 🙂 🙂 once someone told me that i look like their main singer with the black hair 🙂
@OR you are probably right, I’d love to see them represent Ireland, or else Imelda May, check her out of you don’t know her, she is so talented