The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we head to 2017 hosts Ukraine and the pop idol Melovin with his song “Under the Ladder”. Did we want to avoid walking under his ladder? Read on to find out!
Melovin – “Under the Ladder”
“Under the Ladder” reviews
Antranig: Melovin is easily one of the best performers of Eurovision 2018. “Under the Ladder” has a sexy quality to the verses which goes somewhat missing in the chorus. The national final staging was quite grand and Melovin needs to make this explode in Lisbon. While I am a big fan of this song and a huge fan of Melovin, part of me is a bit disappointed because I think he has the voice, look and personality to win Eurovision but he doesn’t have the winning song.
Score: 7/10
Chris: In the words of RuPaul, Melovin brings a whole heap of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to “Under the Ladder”. His distinctive look might be offputting to some — certainly, it’s hard to imagine some juries appreciating it — but it’s also going to sell him to a wider audience. If he can nail the pronunciation issues that dogged him at Vidbir, then there’s a real chance he could be taking us back to Ukraine sooner rather than later.
Score: 8.5/10
Cinan: I just don’t feel this song that much. “Under the Ladder” is an OK song, but I don’t think it will be particularly successful at Eurovision. I loved the staging in the Ukraine national final — that was amazing. If they deliver something similar in Lisbon, it could be a real showstopper. Maybe after few listens I will like the song more.
Score: 5/10
Deban: Excellent verses, a weak pre-chorus, an abysmal hook, and then back to a lame refrain — “Under The Ladder” is all over the place! While most songs grow stronger as they build to the bridge, the situation here is almost in reverse order. Melovin is charismatic enough to win viewers over, but it is difficult to hide the fact that his song deteriorates as it plods along.
Score: 5/10
Robyn: Once the substantial noise from the Ukraine national final died down, it became clear that “Under the Ladder” was a great pop tune. Melovin is an experienced performer and he can deliver a bold performance with confidence. Even though the lyrics may not always be clear, Melovin delivers the song with such swagger that it doesn’t really matter. But one note: Ukraine really needs to ditch the burning fake piano before Lisbon.
Score: 8.5/10
Sebastian: With his head-turning look, Melovin brings an entire package to the stage which, with better enunciation, would elevate the act. There are times where it feels a bit like a hot mess (think Georgia 2012’s Anri Jokhadze), but the appeal is there. Forget “Under the Ladder”, think more ‘under the radar’ for a potential top end finish.
Score: 6.5/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Angus: 7.5/10
Anthony: 7.5/10
Bernardo: 6/10
Bogdan: 6.5/10
Jonathan: 7.5/10
Jordi: 7.5/10
Jovana: 8/10
Kristin: 8/10
Luis: 8.5/10
Padraig: 8/10
Renske: 9/10
Ron: 8/10
Steinunn: 7.5/10
William: 8.5/10
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 5 and a high of 9.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.47/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
I love melovin and his song. Under the ladder has a great lyrics but hard to understand the meaning for many people I think. There are not many artist that are so young and still so good!! And he is very energetic in stage and not only the fire is not but he is too! 10/10
Sadly, I think his pronunciation hasn’t improved. It still sounded a lot like gibberish yesterday. That’s a deal breaker tbh.
This is ok. I like it but don’t love it. It’s a little messy.
Also, I feel like he’s trying too hard to be “an artiste” and ends up a little camp instead. Not impressed by the staging as some people were… and found the live vocal middeling to be honest.
But it’s Ukraine so they’ll probably bring it on the night. They always bring their A-game.
And one more thing… Not sure if people write their rewiews based only on this live video… Because there is revamp version on internet platforms, it slightly differs from this live, in fact someone didn’t know)
Can you give the link to the revamped version, please, thanks in advance.
I really like this song, it’s on my playlist all the time, it grabs you from the first sound, don’t mind the pronunciation, but he should improve it. And there’s gonna be music video in a few days… Can’t wait to see!! And live in Amsterdam, of course) Mel, you rock, good luck in May and happy birthday!!))
Ukraine had one of the best selections of this year’s Eurovision season, we got give them props to that (even if that selection almost bankrupted the TV channel XD). So there was a lot to choose from. Honestly, I definitely preferred Tayanna with “Lelya”, a sultry and dancey song performed entirely in Ukrainian which such an amazing choreography. In the end, we got Melovin. I’m honestly not a fan of male singers with fandoms of hormonal teen girls that spam the Wiwi polls. But, I guess I’ll have to take an exception with the Ukrainian pop idol. “Under the Ladder”… Read more »
Will try to keep this short.
HE IS AMAZING
My score is 10/10. The song is wonderful! Many people say that it is “Swedish stamping”, but I do not agree with it! It’s so unique, so original, you can’t stop listening! He is very much their appearance and behavior features of people, it attracts them like a magnet! Still many say, that the not winning. But who knows!? We don’t know how the whole of Europe will vote! I am sure that it will take a very high place and 100% will be remembered by all! And maybe bring the contest back to Ukraine, he can do it! We… Read more »
sorry for mistakes, guys
Thank You. You have just made my day.
I dont care about his lens, strange outfit, bad English or whatever people say/think he is doing wrong,he is talanted and charismatic performer/singer with fire and life, he is livining his song in every second, through his veins and breathing, the rest can be fixed easily, i really appreciate such artists on stage and knowing how young he is i admire him even more
My rank 9/10
one of the best staging performance this year if not the best actually,
watch and learn folks how to own the stage,lol, but seriously, he acts like a king on stage
not a winner (though who knows?) but top 5 for me !
Look at one of his first performances during X-Factor. Here he is only 18 years old but he really behaves as if he was always on the stage, very professional and artistic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slAX5n_Mbag
Meh… 5.5/10. Well staged at Vidbir but poor lyrics sung with poor diction all adds up to a rather weak package, while Finland, Australia and the UK show us there is nothing wrong with some unadulterated pop this just seems rather ”Noughties Japanese Idol” especially with the teens with banners during the Vidbir performance. Deban’s criticism was rather on point; the song isn’t anything special and paired with his awful attempt at looking edgy *.i.e. above* I can’t help but cringe slightly. Please tell him he looks much better without the contact lens.
Melovin’s confidence is his most obvious trait as a performer and he looks comfortable on the stage. I still have not heard a wow factor about his voice in any of his songs but he is certainly not a bad singer. This song was one of those that I thought was most in need of a revamp after the 43 song reveal. The chorus is too weak, especially the drum section. I don’t want to be harsh about this song but I don’t think it is quite finished yet.
Great! In my top10!
8,5 / 10
oh here is fan club of Mélovin, lmao!
his song is pop trash though with impressive staging, but he is sexy as hell so i might will vote for him lol
i’m with you folks, he is amazing , spectacular and so young to be such a professional performer, i just can’t… …his confidence and bold attitude is so appealing and sexy
i love this one the most ‘play this life’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUbZHxhNZJY
ok, this one is really nice song, though i can’t undertand half of words, lol, but i think i definetly will vote for these sexy lips:D
One of my favourite songs this year! Modern, powerful, I’m sure they will do a good job with the staging. I have no doubt about Melovin. He’s a charismatic artist and an amazing performer! He can work this.
8.5/10
oh her we go, finally my favorite boy this year on wiwi jury. fanboy here:) i think he is phenomenal teen artist with so much potential and breathtaking charisma, i couldn’t take my eyes of him and his performance and when it ended i was like ‘no! it’s too short i want more! ‘ lol i’ve listen few his others songs and i like his voice so much , his voice has so many intonations, tones and shades that i think he doesn’t realize himself what a gem he has ,lol , guess he needs time to learn how to… Read more »
yeah i like his cover of Conchita, i found just a short vid on youtube,someone posted it few days ago, but why it;s so short? why they didn’t let him sing whole song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=470mlp8ivWI
all six finalist were singing just a short part of previous winners songs
stb channel deleting all vids from the vidbir that been posted not in official channels so i think this vid will be gone soon too, i love his cover of Conchita but my favorite is ‘Unbroken’… i like his red hair there and his voice is flawless…
btw i’m not a native English speaker, is his pronunciation is good enough in this song or not, do you guys understand him? cos for me he sounds perfect lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er59-Sf1yvw
he looks like a porcelain doll with flawless skin in this clip… i envy lol
While I prefer Melovin’s last year entry “Wonder”, I think “Under The Ladder” has a more attractive performance to appeal the public. Melovin’s look as well as his confidence on stage are also some strong points for Ukraine. Overall, I enjoy this entry a lot. Not the “oh oh oh” parts though. I think the televote is going to boost Ukraine this year. It could also be a dark horse (a top 10 one, like Norway last year) if the jury likes him. So it could go either way, top 10 or middle table (if the juries don’t like him).… Read more »
I really liked it when it came out but it’s not in my top 10 anymore. However, it’s kind of a good thing for Eurovision right? ‘Cuz it’s all about the first impression.
Beautiful boy with passion and huge talent …love him from the first site…10/10
No matter how hard I try, I just can’t get into this song. I actually really dislike it and I cannot understand the hype about it.
Will listen to it a few more times, but I don’t believe it will get any better…
I can’t say anything wrong about this song. This song is flawless. I’ve been binge listening to it for months now. The beginning draws you in, the lyrics whimsical but they fit the vibe of their song, it’s an absolute banger on the chorus… Melovin absolutely stepped up from Wonder, and no brainer why he won with a larger margin than in 2017. The stage show is incredible, and he just exudes coolness. This will do really well and people are sleeping on it. This is Ukraine at its best. Crazy, edgy, cool. And his style is on point. Carry… Read more »
One of the worse songs this year. Tick-tock was the last song from Ukraine what I loved.
worst
I loved the “would totally go clothes-shopping with him!”. I want to join you guys! Not that I would like he picking clothes to me (I’m not that cool!), but it must be fun to do that with him.
That’s a deal! Let’s make it happens. 🙂
handsome and talented artist , his performance is literally burning the stage, i like his attitude and his charisma is indisputable, but i think he needs change his outfit a bit, the shirt looks like from my granny closet lol
8.5\10
I agree) Melovin, don’t wear this shirt, this black shirt was better… https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgzf2Y9DU_c/?taken-by=melovin_greece
Sorry for my English, I’m from Poland)
I read that Melovin does not have a producer, and his professional team consists of teenagers. Why do you write that he is a Ukrainian the pop idol?) No one knows him. Alekseev is a pop star, he has a million fans in all Russian-speaking countries.But not MELOVIN.
Melovin:
His face, charisma and voice – 10/10
Song: 5/10. (I think the reason is that there is no producer)
So if I look past the dodgy diction, this is a damn good song. I still would’ve liked to have Tayanna over this, but this is a damn good effort. The song has a real floor stomper vibe, especially in the chorus, and I think it’s great as a show closer. It has a lot of power and energy, as well as a great hook. Plus Melovin is phenomenal live, not just vocally, but he has a lot of charisma and delivers the song with a whole lot of conviction. The lyrics are also delightfully pessimistic, and actually work quite… Read more »
I think this is deep. Not sure everyone gets the conundrums embedded in the lyrics. Also, the composition is very sophisticated. 8.5/10
To me this is the best of the teen bait acts this year. I hope to see him at the final.
So this song does nothing to me, completely not in my taste. Too ‘eurovisiony’, too teathrical. The performance also is a bit too much for me. But hey, everyone has a different taste.
The song is very uninteresting, not like the singer, terrible. My score is 2/10.
why my reply to Lorenzo looks like a random comment and where Lorenzo’ comment about Melovin disappeared ? lol
yeah I’ve been refreshing to see my comment…
they probably removed it, but why?
since when it’s banned here talk about presumed sexuality of the artists? in respectful way of course.
as i remember its been tons of comments on this board already about Melovin’ being gay\not gay guessing wth? lol
pretty sexy guy with good song and stunning stage presence ,what not to like?
sure viewers will love him and he will end up much higher than many people think, good luck Ukraine:)
8\10
5,5/10. This is not my taste. But good luck : )
It’s a 10/10 for me! It’s by far the best song for me this year. It might be the best eurovision song I’ve ever heard (just my opinion :)), which is very hard because I loved heroes in 2015! I also love the look he has going on. (Lets just say I might be fangirlen a bit)
From all we’ve seen on stage, this stays as my favorite. Truly entertaining.
So, Go Ukraine!!
Where Is Purple’s review?
Burned by fire and turned to ashes.
That felt good actually.
@Rigged: You know how I feel about Mélovin in real life anyhow. 😉
@OFF TOPIC – OGAE Poll INTERNATIONAL for the ESC 2018: OGAE HUNGARY has voted: 1 point goes to Austria? 2 points go to France? 3 points go to Ukraine? 4 points go to Czech Republic? 5 points go to Belarus? 6 points go to Italy? 7 points go to Greece? 8 points go to Finland? 10 points go to …. Estonia? And 12 points go to …..Israel OGAE IRELAND has voted: 1 point goes to Estonia? 2 points go to Germany? 3 points go to Cyprus? 4 points go to Czech Republic 5 points go to Bulgaria ?6 points go… Read more »
Sorry for my miss above – here again: @OFF TOPIC – OGAE Poll INTERNATIONAL for the ESC 2018: OGAE HUNGARY has voted: 1 point goes to Austria 2 points go to France 3 points go to Ukraine 4 points go to Czech Republic 5 points go to Belarus 6 points go to Italy 7 points go to Greece 8 points go to Finland 10 points go to …. Estonia And 12 points go to …..Israel OGAE IRELAND has voted: 1 point goes to Estonia 2 points go to Germany 3 points go to Cyprus 4 points go to Czech Republic… Read more »
anybody knows when he release his clip on ‘under the ladder’ song? i heard from people its on current week but can’t find any confirmation , as i understand it’s gonna be revamped version of the song, with better English (i hope) and more upbeat music (that’s what i’ve read lol) do wiwi folks know more?
my score 8.5\10
top 10 in GF
Please, follow Melovin on Facebook and Instagram 🙂 all news and updates are there 😉 p.s. rumor has it by his Ukranian fans that video will be released at the end of April. Most probably it will happen just before the Ukranian delegation leaves for Lisbon for first rehearsals for the semi-final.
This kid rock the stage for sure lol
didnt know he was so young, he looks older, probably because of his dark vampiric look, though i like his appearance and attitude, he definitely stands out,his performance is very impressive, and he has that pretty smooth face…oh i’m an old creeper lol
His look 10/10
His song 7.5/10
Fantastic! It really drags me in more and more with every minute. I love the part between singing and playing the piano, and playing the piano itself (well, I guess instrumentalists always have extra points from me :D). Not cutting-edge, but very pleasant!
8/10
For two years in a row now, Ukraine has broken the tradition of sending female vocal exercises to Eurovision and it’s still refreshing change. For me, this is probably one of the best Ukrainian songs in years! So much better than their most recent winner too. I expect this, like all Ukrainian entries to qualify with ease and I’ve a strong feeling will finish pretty high in the final too. Song wise, it’s really good, I’ve yet to see Melovin perform this life. Although I like this, there’s I still “something” missing and I don’t know what. Will score high… Read more »
9.5/10 I love this song so much. It’s catchy, it’s up tempo, and it’s all around amazing. His distinctive look adds to the performance. I do like how the song drops to the piano “middle 8″/Bridge; it keeps the song fresh. He will get the last 0.5 when the pronunciation is cleaned up. I think this will be a hit with juries. Definitely a qualifier possible winner of Semi 2.
oh come on people! he is only 20 years old guy who write his music and stage his performances himself and unlike of Alekseev has no money, no contracts with big music labels, no rich producer to get a good promotion , maybe his lens looks a bit childish but it doesn’t matter cos he has talent, charisma and energy that so many mature artists don\t have, he is fresh and adorable young artist with tons of potential and charm , gonna vote for him!
8\10
I didn’t know about that. Very interesting information and it makes it even much better for me. He is performs one of the best entries this year – a great performer and I really like the song. There are performers that need 65.000 Euro dresses to get there song through. I prefer an artist like Melovin any time.
Oh, not concentrated enough, so again:
I didn’t know about that. Very interesting information and it makes it even much better for me. He performs one of the best entries this year – a great performer and I really like the song. There are performers that need 65.000 Euro dresses to get their song through. I prefer an artist like Melovin any time.
I wonder how much his staging at Vidbir cost then…
Staging was paid by the broadcaster for all participants, however in his case he was his own stage director and ideas were his. He is a hardworking young man and deserves lots of respect. I think he will do great in a long run.
4.5/10
Melovin has incredible stage presence and I’m sure he’ll be amazing in Lisbon. I love this song. It’s unique without sounding too weird. Many people think the bridge is awkward but I think it really works. He does need to work on his English but I’m sure he’ll be able to make it work by the time he performs. The staging was amazing so I hope he can bring something similar.
I love this entry so much. After first listening I already sing that oh-oh-oh part along. I think he has amazing voice. I listened this song so much, that I checked his other songs too and just love. Unbroken is amazing song too! I just got new artist to root for, yeah thank you Ukraine for choosing him to reprsent you!
I will give it now 7,5/10 it’s because of pronunciation. If he improves that, then 9/10
My winner of this year!
Melovin is a real performer and his performance at vidbir was amazing (in my opinion at least)
His pronunciation doesn’t bother me at all but I still think he should improve it
The song is very well produced and really catchy and his voice is just great
He will surely grab the attention with his look, even though it can be a bit creepy for some people I guess
He’s getting my full support, can’t wait for his esc performance
Good luck from Germany!
Hi bunny
My impressions:
-The singer is off key. He was off most of the time, and that will be a problem.
-He may not do well live. See above.
-Different entry compared to most entries before 2017. I preferred O. Torvald.
-Nothing innovative in it, though.
-Backing singers are drowned out. I could barely hear them. Get rid of them or increase their volume a bit.
Honestly speaking, it was rather forgettable. He’ll need incredible staging, but I agree with the removal of the piano on fire. We can’t let that become a liability