The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessional — reviewed the songs from Eurovision 2017 way back in March. We based our reviews on studio versions and television performances — but a lot happened in April and sometimes it was enough to make us change our minds.
Earlier this month, most Eurovision stars performed at one of the five pre-parties in Riga, London, Amsterdam Tel Aviv and Madrid. For many, it gave them a chance to perform their song in front of an enthusiastic live audience and to start to get a feel for their song.
And some of us noticed that songs we had previously not been so keen on with the studio version, had suddenly come to life when performed live.
So we’ve taken the chance to revisit some of these songs and give a new jury review and score. This doesn’t affect the overall Wiwi Jury score — those are still locked in and final — but it’s just a nice way of giving a shout out to songs that have grown on us.
Armenia: Artsvik – “Fly with me”
Kristin: Okay, okay, I admit that I was ruthless when first scoring Artsvik and “Fly with me”. I was probably in a bad mood that day, and for that, I am sorry. I originally thought of this to be the 2017 anti climax. We were waiting and waiting and then we waited some more for Armenia to release their entry. I got all hyped and then..well, nothing. So I dismissed Artsvik with an average score. But she just wasn´t taking it and kept on hammering, with this unique Björk-esque folky pop production, with a hint of Madonna´s “Frozen” until I was sold. Good job Artsvik! You have me convinced.
Original score: 5.5/10
Revised score: 8/10
Bulgaria: Kristian Kostov – “Beautiful Mess”
Antony: The maturity and wholesomeness of Kristian’s voice is truly remarkable for kid of his age. The song itself is contemporary and quality but also is stirring evoking emotion aided by ethnic sounds. The staging sounds promising (with the appointment of Sacha Jean Baptist) and therefore due to all of this, this song deserves a higher score.
Original score: 6/10
Revised score: 8/10
Forrest: On hearing the studio version, I found “Beautiful Mess” completely impenetrable and immediately forgettable. It was clearly offering a contemporary sound with competent vocals, but the second the song ended I could not remember a thing. That is something I consider to be a cardinal sin when it comes to Eurovision songs; if the song isn’t memorable, it’s dead in the water. But during the course of the pre-parties, Kristian has made me remember this song. His live vocals are amazingly delicate, yet strong, and he is able to own the stage with a captivatingly powerful performance. I’m still not confident this could win it all, but it will very likely give Bulgaria it’s second top 5 finish in as many years.
Original score: 5/10
Revised score: 8/10
Finland: Norma John – “Blackbird”
Antranig: I’ve always had an appreciation for “Blackbird” as one of the more enjoyable ballads of 2017. It came to life after seeing it live and my 7 on the UMK jury became an 8 on the Eurovision 2017 jury. However, the more I listen to it, the more I realise how amazing it truly is. It stirs emotion and compels the listener with controlled vocals and beautiful lyrics. It touches me in a way that few songs do. My only 10/10 score on the Wiwi Jury this year was for Azerbaijan but if I could go back, I would have two perfect scores.
Original score: 8/10
Revised score: 10/10
France: Alma – “Requiem”
Robyn: My original score was based on the studio version, and I’d probably still be tempted to score it that low. But it’s the live version where “Requiem” — and Alma — really comes alive. The pre-party tour gave Alma a chance to get comfortable with the song, and the result is that she now brings so much more to it than the studio version. It flows and it’s full of Parisian sass. All going well, this will get even better in Kyiv. J’aime ça!
Original score: 6/10
Revised score: 8/10
Ireland: Brendan Murray – “Dying to Try”
Kristin: Originally, I had Brendan above the middle for a strong 7. The song caught me at first listen, and I thought it was one of the better ballads this year. But suddenly, I found myself singing the chorus over and over in my head, and “Dying to try” just got better every time. I desperately want Ireland back to the finals and in top ten at least, and Brendan has shown us just how good he really is! Whatever happens in Kiev, this is by far in MY top five and I just can’t get enough. Every inch of my heart is truly Celtic this year.
Original score: 7/10
Revised score: 9.5/10
Robyn: I originally dismissed this as Ireland making a cynical attempt at a “Eurovision song”. But they haven’t played it safe. In a competition full of modern electro pop and dramatic ballads, it takes guts to enter a ’90s throwback. As we’ve seen in the pre-party season, Brendan can deliver fragility, strength and emotion, and captivate audiences. If Ireland gets the staging right (and they seem to be on the right track), this should be what gets Ireland back in the grand final. Lighters in the air, y’all!
Original score: 4/10
Revised score: 7/10
Latvia: Triana Park – “Line”
Antony: Line is an uplifting and energetic song that keeps you excited until the very last note. It is evident that Triana Park are committed to delivering a strong stage performance (as seen in Riga pre party). With that in consideration and the fact they are performing last in their semi final, I am confident Latvia will do well this year.
Original score: 5/10
Revised score: 7/10
Poland: Kasia Mos – “Flashlight”
Luis: I probably was too harsh with Kasia at first. Understand me, she was selected when all songs we had were ballads and this was just another one. Also, it’s a lyrical mess and that’s a huge no for me. However, I was totally passing by the fact that Kasia Mos is a vocal powerhouse and she has a great stage presence. I’ve also grown to like the melody, specially the dramatic ending. In the end, Kasia is still singing about nothing in particular, but a little bit of padding never killed anyone.
Original score: 3.5/10
Revised score: 6.5/10
What do you think? Do you feel differently towards any songs? Share your thoughts below!
The songs that moved up for me were ones touched on in the video.
I think Netherlands, Hungary and Norway are improving based on live performance.
Switzerland and Belgium are falling down my list, as is Serbia to an extent.
No second thoughts from me, I believe to my first impression, what is said, it is said 😀
I’ve changed my mind about some songs! I’ve heard them a couple of times!
Actually, my biggest growers are FYROM and Ireland!
“Dance alone” is stuck in my head! I really enjoy listening to the song!
As for “Dying to try”, I really find it very sweet now! And Brendan has a great voice at his age!
PORTUGAL
That’s the one shoutout I was expecting. Amar Pelos Dois was the song most unfairly judged.
Australia and Bulgaria>>>>>>>>>Ireland(sick of these Westlife rejects that are so dated and boring)
You are right about Spain. People in Europe do NOT know about the Eurodrama about Mirela and Do it For your Lover is one of the most radio friendly songs this year. It has been really sad to see Manel taking all that hate from the fans (TVE is the one to blame, not Manel) as if he were some kind of chikichiki or joke act. I wish him all the best and I honestly think that Spain can make a top 15 easily with this happy song, in a year of a lot of dark and sad songs. I… Read more »
The revised scores are higher because they have grown on you (as you say in the article). It is important to take into account that for most of the people that will watch Eurovision and vote it will be the first time they listen to the songs, so don’t be surprised when some of them get a worse placing than “deserved”.
True! The first reaction actually counts!
Most people will watch the contest just for this night! They don’t know the songs, the artists, anything!
But @William Lee Adams is so into this subject (Eurovision) and they’ve heard the songs hundreds of times, so it’s normal some songs have grown on them!
The first reaction excluded the live and the staging… These can definitely make or break an above average song. I expect a lot more reshuffling with the ranking before the final, and then again at the final…
Portugal is the best!!
sorry but ireland really sucks
People like it so it obviously, just because you don’t doesn’t mean it sucks….
Spain should definetly not be a pass. I wonder how you could give that song a 5. (facepalm)
Ireland is TOO high! :O It won’t qualify
I think Serbia, Portugal (!!), Switzerland and Iceland should be higher on your scores….
Really disapointed with some of your “journalists”.. anyway, Portugal??
You always do the same 🙁
Where’s PORTUGAL!? Omfg wiwibloggs are you kidding?
These are individuals changing their scores — not the overall scores. Many of us gave Portugal 9 or higher — so no need to change! <3
Thank you for all your love William! <3
I like you but you should really sack Antranig. He’s a bad member of the group with his miserable typical zeros. I think that posture it’s unacceptable and presumptous!
I really want Ireland to do well. I love his voice. Just not because it’s unique but it’s very breathtaking. I can listen to it for hours. I don’t know about the song but I feel it’s always underrated just because it’s a ballad. For me it’s so much more than that.
Portugal????
I’ll keep it brief. Some songs I changed my mind about like Armenia, Slovenia, Finland (still won’t make the final but I can see why people love it), Ireland (my inner Westlife fan of my teen years just loves it), and *shock* Azerbaijan (being a bit prejudiced about the country and not focused on the song).
Also, I would bump Bulgaria up as a perfect 10 and Estonia as a solid 9 (the Italian version and the Modern Talking remix did it for me).
uk needs it’s score changed a little bit.
Often we all have second thoughts based on live performances or simple effect of time. Some of my second thoughts: Greece – original score: 6/10, now: 7.5/10 Yes, it’s cheesy and generic, but I admire how they combined two genres with the trasnsition being very smooth and natural. Demy has a great charisma and I expect a great show. Romania – original score: 5/10 (at national semi-final), now: 8/10 I found this too messy and all over the place, but now I find some great harmony there and it’s really joyful and authentic. Interestingly, some less popular songs, like Malta… Read more »
Nice for Alma.
Portugal?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3094687/portugal-eurovision-song-contest-2017-entry-salvador-sobral/
Well, I guess Antranig should review his score for the Portuguese song…
Giving a 0, is both unfair and irrealistic given the quality of the songs provided this year 😉
For me it’s also 0. I just hate that song.
There’s a minor mistake at the first sentence, it’s supposed to be “music unprofessionals”
I think that’s Robyn’s cheeky way of demonstrating how unprofessional Wiwi is supposed to be, by including a deliberate mistake. 😀
please wiwi jury’s have another listen at Yodel It, cause many people i’ve read on YouTube who gave this a second, third, fourth listen now love it, from previously hating it 🙂
Ireland’s song is like clear water from a spring. Anyone who didn’t get it from the beginning should not have a second chance.
I absolutely agree, there’s such beauty in this song and Brendan’s voice is beyond anything else in this year’s contest – he’s on another level.
Thank you! I’m tired of juries that can’t see/hear beauty, they are just looking for radio friendly/meaning noise. When a song is remixed in order to become radio friendly, that song is turned into 100% noise.
Why radio can’t broadcast beauty anymore? Why must be fast and noisy?
Reminder to everyone who’s reading this, that the last batch of tickets to Eurovision 2017 just went on sale, if you haven’t bought it yet and want to, then be quick about it.
https://www.concert.ua/en/events/eurovision
thanks for your post! finally got my tickets for the Grand Final!