After a worldwide online audition process, a songwriting camp, two heats and a studio revamp of the songs, San Marino‘s inaugural national selection 1 in 360 will finally reach its final tomorrow evening.
The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has followed each act from across the globe, and will be judging based on the final studio cuts of each song. Due to time restraints, we’re running a mini-Wiwi Jury — taking inspiration from our juries for Albania, Italy and Spain — and are listing our top five picks with a review of our favourite song.
Much like the contenders for 1 in 360, our jurors are also global, coming from Australia, Bulgaria, Hungary, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom. What did the jury members think of San Marino’s inaugural national final? Read below to find out!
Antranig
1. Camilla North – “Yo no soy tu chica”
San Marino has a lot to offer in this selection and truthfully, they could do quite well with most of the songs on offer. Camilla North stands out as my favourite because her song is packed with so much sass. We might have heard a bit too much Spanish in this year’s national final season but Camilla serves up small doses of Spanish with large doses of attitude. This is absolutely amazing and could be the best dance song of Eurovision 2018.
2. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
3. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
4. Emma Sandström – “Diamonds”
5. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
Barnabas
1. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
Even though some people have been writing off the Sanmarinese national selection, it definitely came up with some quality entries. And yes, “Out of the Twilight” is the best it can offer. Sara always provides stellar vocals and this song suits her the best. She delivers the power ballad with passion, and when the drums, strings and the heavy guitars kick in, I immediately feel the Evanescence vibes coming through. If the production team changes the synth drums to acoustic ones and put in edgier guitars, the song would have a good rock-hard punch. If chosen, Sara will bring the microstate its best result at Eurovision! Avanti, San Marino!
2. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
3. Giovanni Montalbano – “Per quello che mi dai”
4. Franklin Calleja – “Stay”
5. Tinashe Makura – “Free Yourself”
Cinan
1. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
Alright, maybe I’m the one who thinks that San Marino’s national selection has more good songs than Melodifestivalen this year. And of course, this one can surely make history Eurovision history for San Marino with a top ten finish. The song is very well produced, and I really love the intro and the orchestral parts. I’m absolutely convinced that Sara will have no problem performing this live. I really hope this song will represent San Marino, because as I said, it will make history.
2. IROL feat. Basti – “Sorry”
3. Emma Sandström – “Diamonds”
4. Judah Gavra – “Stay”
5. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
Edd
1. Tinashe Makura – “Free Yourself”
If there’s ever been one opportunity to bring reggae to Eurovision, this is the one! The simple but optimistic lyrics and melody, uplifting and instrumentally-varied backing track, along with Tinashe’s smooth, knicker-melting vocals all come together to make a wonderfully authentic-feeling package. If San Marino isn’t going to bother sending someone from their own country, at least make it an opportunity for someone from outside Europe to bring some variety in a contest of seemingly endless ballads.
2. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
3. Giovanni Montalbano – “Per quello che mi dai”
4. Franklin Calleja – “Stay”
5. Sebastian Schmidt – “Stay”
Jonathan
1. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
Considering San Marino’s Eurovision history, this was a surprisingly good selection and a number of the songs have the potential to be one of the country’s best ever entries. Many have put the national final down as a two-horse race between Sara and Jenifer. However, while “Until the Morning Light” runs out of ideas two minutes in, “Out of the Twilight” builds nicely throughout and to a very powerful climax. If San Marino is able to give this song a reasonable stage production within their budget, then this is not only their best chance of returning to the grand final but the best opportunity they’ve ever had to climb up the scoreboard a bit.
2. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
3. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
4. Camilla North – “Yo no soy tu chica”
5. IROL feat. Sebastian Schmidt – “Sorry”
Luis
1. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
Jenifer’s entry is somehow reminiscent of Lorde’s “Green Light”, which is one of the best songs of 2017. While the verses are not especially exciting, the chorus lifts this song a lot. The only problem — although it is shared by all the entries in 1 in 360 — is that the connection between Jenifer and the song is not quite there. Hopefully, she’ll be allowed to work more on the song and perform it live before Lisbon, in case she represents San Marino.
2. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
3. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
4. IROL feat. Sebastian Schmidt – “Sorry”
5. Tinashe Makura – “Free Yourself”
Natalie
1. Emma Sandström – “Diamonds”
Rakas, this is great! I loved “Circle of Light”, even after Emma’s lacklustre performance at UMK, and I seem assured to be a Emma fan for much longer. The song is mystical, enchanting, uplifting, and held together spectacularly with Emma’s beautiful silvery vocals. Who knew that ethnic Nordic instruments could be so captivating even in a happy Eurodance song? It’s got so many great elements, and surely anyone with a heart wants to see Emma on a Eurovision stage.
2. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
3. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
4. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
5. Judah Gavra – “Stay”
Robyn
1. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
The version with IROL MC doing the guest rap wasn’t working and it’s so much better with Jenifer picking up vocal duty. Jessika and Jenifer have transformed “Who We Are” into a girl power anthem, complete with a rap break that owes something to Mel B’s iconic rap in the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”. 1 In 360 has been a wild ride and San Marino could happily send a sensible pop track. Or they could let loose and have some fun with Jess and Jeni.
2. Emma Sandström – “Diamonds”
3. IROL feat. Sebastian Schmidt – “Sorry”
4. Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
5. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
Sebastian
1. Jessika feat. Jenifer Brening – “Who We Are”
https://youtu.be/eUQSoqy_mrw
Even though my heart broke upon hearing the news that IROL left this collaboration, the addition of Jenifer Brening is a good remedy. But the strength of this song lies in Jessika — she knows who she is, and she delivers a flawless performance full of attitude and sass. Her raspy vocal register really shines in “Who We Are”, and it’s one of the new songs in 1 in 360 that really feels made for the performer. Girl power to Lisbon, please!
2. IROL feat. Sebastian Schmidt – “Sorry”
3. Camilla North – “Yo no soy tu chica”
4. Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
5. Giovanni Montalbano – “Per quello che mi dai”
So do you agree with our jury? Which is your favourite entry in San Marino’s 1 in 360? Which do you think would make the best Eurovision song for San Marino? Let us know in the comments below!
I’ve paid so little attention to 1 in 360, this is the first time I’ve listened to the songs or singers. ‘Until the Morning’ Light is the standout for me, would gladly vote for it in the semi final.
I hope they don’t pick Irol, and then send him next year with a much better song.
Part of the problem is that Irol can’t perform on his own at ESC, because he doesn’t sing. This goes back to the ESC song criteria, which are quite boring, but basically he would have to share the role with someone who could sing under present rules. Unless I am mistaken? Can a rap artist alone go to Eurovision now without a supporting singer?
(“Euro Neuro” had to be borderline, right?)
You can rap only too at eurovision. See Austria in 2012, Trackshittaz (last place in semi final) with “Woki mit deim popo”…
Thanks for that example. I’ll look into it.
Jessika got funded today as well, congratulations 🙂 This is the interim status for public voting at the moment: SARA DE BLUE – 8000 (achieved on 2018-02-24) – 12 Pts GIOVANNI MONTALBANO – 8000 (achieved on 2018-03-01) – 12 Pts JENNIFER BRENNING – 8000 (achieved on 2018-03-01) – 12 Pts CAMILLA NORTH – 8000 (achieved on 2018-03-02) – 12 Pts JESSIKA – 8000 (achieved on 2018-03-02) – 12 Pts FRANKLIN CALLEJA – 768 – 5 Pts BASTI – 644 – 4 Pts TINASHE MAKURA – 366 – 3 Pts EMMA SANDSTRÖM – 284 – 2 Pts JUDAH GAVRA – 288… Read more »
Sorry, the Points for Emma and Judah are not correct:
JUDAH GAVRA – 288 – 2 Pts
EMMA SANDSTRÖM – 284 – 1 Pts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6dqK7PhAKU I wonder if this is Cyprus’ ESC 2018 song.
According to Wikipedia, the song is indeed to be released today. There is a good chance that’s it. Also, according to Wikipedia, Waylon has already chosen his Eurovision entry in Outlaw in em. Both information are to be taken with a grain of salt as of now.
I’ve never took an interest in what San Marino send before but this year, I hope it will choose the very best among these entries and rank among the top 10 in the Eurovision final. I really want San Marino to do well. I also hope it won’t abandon 1in360 in 2019 because this is the first step to unthinkable winning.
Winner will be , who have much money.
It’s almost the same with every televoting procedure…it’s ridiculous to criticize crowdfunding but accept a televoting…
Yeah, i agree that also televoting is quite similar when it comes to money (if not limited one vote/number). However, i think the voting system itself is too different compared to televoting, too “complex”. In televoting you just call/sms, but in my understanding this requires registration and there’s too much legal talking something about royalty things. I’m feeling a general person would hesitate to give a “vote” because not understanding what this all is about.
And I don’t like the procedure – The artist should have al least some roots in the country it represents. But for political reasons I would accept the song from Africa..
I would love to see the reggae song in the Lisbon competition. Wonderful uplifting song and I think Europe should have a little Africa in it! Free yourself and vote for it! One day I understood brotherhood 😉
My opinions on 1in360 entries:
Favourite song: “Until The Morning Light”
Favourite singer: Sara De Blue (by miles)
Surprisingly good entry: “Yo no soy tu chica”, Camilla North
Biggest let down: Diamonds (sorry Emma, I love you but not the song.)
Most risky entry: “Who we are”
Who will probably ACTUALLY win: Giovanni Montalbano – “Per quello che mi dai”
I think Diamonds could be better. Giovanni and his cheating shouldn’t win on principal!
I would’ve expect IROL to probably win since he Sammarinese
Me too, except for the following problems:
1. The show never let him perform on his own, due to ESC rules.
2. He has no apparent huge “sponsors”,
3. The way he pulled out of performing “Who we are” was disrespectful to his co-artist (Jessica) in the eyes of the fans.
wut???
I was posting about Irol.
“Until the Morning Light”, “Out of the Twilight” or Judah’s version of “Stay”.
None of these songs is good enough to qualify. BUT they are decent, and that is a good thing for them and us(fans). And why do fans have this obssesion with Emma, I like her, but is she really something special, I mean she didn’t wrote “Circle of Light”, which is I belive the reason why a lot of people are hyped about her. And Diamonds is just super generic song, quite soulless, not bad, but would never made the final.
She did not write “Circle of Light” but she certainly killed the song for all eternity. Credit where credit is due.
Sara shouldn’t win
We don’t need another average ballad in Portugal
Nina Sublatti speaks the truth.
She kill the song live for all eternity. Credit where credit is due. 🙂
11 performers, 8 songs and one odd NF. I am not sure I will even make the list on this one, since everything changed overnight (Jessika feat. Irol, for example) and the same song is performed three times. Anyway, Jessika is someone I passionately root for since her MESC days, and Out of the Twilight/Stay are my favorite songs. Good luck to San Marino!
How on earth can anybody set Sara on the last place, even in a top 5 of this selection? :-/ Ok i have to accept that 🙂
Sara please, take it all!
Sara is the only one that I like enough to care.
I think the sentence “we’ve heard too much spanish this years” is unfortunate and doesn’t really belong there. We’ve always heard “too much English” for every country in the last 20 years.
Anyway, I think it will be between Diamonds and Out of the Twilight
Definitely an interesting selection of songs this year! I’m actually impressed, well done San Marino!
My top 3:
1) Sara de Blue – “Out of the Twilight”
2) Camilla North – “Yo no soy tu chica”
3) Jenifer Brening – “Until the Morning Light”
I’d love to see one of these go to Lisbon, they’d definitely give San Marino their best result! ?
My top 3 are Until the Morning Light, Free Yourself and Diamonds. Overall the selection isn’t great, but it definitely isn’t a disaster – but now I’m talking only about the quality of the songs and singers, not the organisation which is frankly confusing and favouring those with rich sponsors.
Sara de Blue – Out of the Twilight!
This will become my winner if she wins the selection
And I totally agree that San Marino has better songs this yeat than Sweden
I just hope the results will be as each deserve
With San Marino even getting a top 10 and Sweden staying in the semi finals…
Diamonds for the win! Emma deserves it…but it’s a rigged national final so I hope Sara de Blue goes and flops in Lisbon. Emma is a European treasure and cannot be allowed to win such a crap selection. Like, logically, what if every act got fully funded does that mean every act gets 12 points? So, it’s down to the juries to decipher like it’s so flawed.
maybe if they stand Renaida this wouldn’t be an issue tbh
*stanned
The only thing rigged here is your comment and existence. How much did you get paid to write such a pathetic comment? Sara de Blue is the clear favorite to win based on the comments of ESC fans. You’re just a jealous dumb [PROFANITY REMOVED] who couldn’t accept the truth, lmao.
Calling out disrespect here.
Don’t do it, please.
I don’t think my comment was disrespectful! Sorry if it was, I mean a bit harsh tbf.
Purple Mask, I also apologise for some of my previous comments towards you x
@Aaron, I was calling out Shanfa Chai, not you. Don’t worry. We’re fine.
@Shanfa Chai: N.B. Using starred words doesn’t cover up the disrespect. I thought I would make that clear.
Any favs from 1in360?
Yeah, I’m gonna post a new thread above for that. 😉
tbh how much I was paid to write this comment is none of your concern. if you support Sasha the shoe then go ahead, keep her company in the semi finals xoxoxo
As if Emma had the chance to qualify from the bloodbath that is Semi-Final 2. LOL
Nothing interesting about Diamonds. With Emma’s live vocal, she would drown among other more outstanding entries.
I actually wouldn’t be surprised with Sara de Blue’s non-qualification. It’s SAN MARINO afterall. At least with her live vocal, the chances are bigger.
Emma can just go back to her singing courses. LOL