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 Cyprus and listen to the Greek songstress Eleni Foureira and her song “Fuego” (Fire). Were we feeling her heat? Read on to find out!
Eleni Foureira – “Fuego”
“Fuego” reviews
Angus: If Lisbon burns down in a cataclysmic inferno in May, you can bet your Euros Eleni Foureira lit the match! Homegirl has hit it out of the park with her Mediterranean dance ditty “Fuego”. Cyprus may have been burned the last time they sent a woman to Eurovision, but the time before that Ivi Adamou stormed the scoreboard and (live vocal dependent) Eleni should light up the stage this time around too. This song sizzles and anyone who thinks otherwise should prepare to get burned.
Score: 7/10
Bernardo: She has the eyes of a lioness and she is ready to get me. This was the pop banger I needed for my treadmill workout every single day. I’m a bit conservative about how this will play live since we’re yet to see Miss Foureira being sassy with a microphone. The good thing about “Fuego” is that you can clearly identify it from being from that region of Europe. It’s mainstream yet it has a traditional touch I like.
Score: 6.5/10
Deban: A pop banger that sets your shoes on FIRE! “Fuego” is one of the few tracks that doesn’t need to be remixed for the dance-floor. It is club-ready, and the perfect launchpad for the fearless Eleni Foureira. Arresting, beautiful and unashamedly sexy, Eleni hooks you in and OWNS every frame. She sings, she dances and sashays whilst plugging bananas and collagen supplements. Others have arrived to compete. However, she is here to party and to make her mark —I love her!
Score: 8/10
Padraig: Much of the discussion around “Fuego” has focused on Eleni’s vocal ability — or potential lack of. Well, iconic finalists Eleftheria Eleftheriou, Ivi Adamou and Samra Rahimli all say hi. Because let’s face it, we’re not here for Eleni’s vocals. “Fuego” is an unashamed bop. And unlike other uptempo rivals such as Australia, it has no airs and graces about being anything more than it is. Great big dirty dance numbers sung by pop princesses are always welcome at Eurovision, especially in a year filled with dirges. And once Eleni doesn’t sound like a cat in heat, all should be fine.
Score: 8/10
Steinunn: I can understand why people would like this song, it‘s fun and sexy sung by a sultry singer and has most of the elements to make a good banger. But I‘m just so sick of this kind of song. Eleni sure is beautiful, but for some reason, I feel like she‘s just another one of the extremely good-looking ones that can hold a note but not much more than that and distract you from that fact with her sultriness. Hope she will prove me wrong in Lisbon when we get see her live, but for now “Fuego” is far away from lighting any fires within me.
Score: 4.5/10
Sebastian: Eleni brings out la pasión, la calor and la ‘feather boas’ in “Fuego”. Serving some Iveta Mukuchyan-inspired sex appeal, “Fuego” is the sultry pop banger that brings life to a ballad-skewed Eurovision. The song also plays to the visually-stunning Eleni’s strengths – substituting heavy and demanding vocals with an instrumental pre-chorus that oozes absolute class. While staging will make or break this in Lisbon, no doubt this will be the radio hit of the upcoming European summer. Let it burn bright, goddess!
Score: 10/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Anthony: 5/10
Antranig: 10/10
Bogdan: 5/10
Chris: 6.5/10
Cinan: 9.5/10
Jonathan: 9/10
Jordi: 8/10
Jovana: 6/10
Kristin: 7/10
Luis: 8/10
Renske: 7.5/10
Robyn: 8.5/10
Ron: 9/10
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 4.5 and a high of 10.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.61/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
I love love looooove Fuego because it is so catchy and doesn’t sound too “Eurovision-y”. It sounds like a read radio hit! And I loved the live performance, F-I-E-R-C-E! I mean yeah, it’s obvious that she’s doing a Beyoncé Shakira hybrid kinda show but who cares. I truly hope Cyprus wins because, hot damn, this is a slayer! O yeah o yeah o yeahhhh!
oh typos, should’ve been *real not read…
In my top 3.
Classic ethno/pop/dance, no surprises here… but so, so very effective and infectious. And, surprisingly, kind of classy.
I love it and hope she can deliver (in which case it could do very well). And if she can’t, well, it will till have a life on my playlist! 🙂
GO GO GO Cyprus!
Fuego! Foureira can’t wait to see you burning that stage!!
12 points from Europe to Cyprus
“Like a cat in heat”….I might love this song in a guilty pleasure kind of way but I love Padraig’s sass even more!
Actually, that comment was so rude and tasteless.
Eleni WILL GO pretty fine…I see top 10 coming…she will really burn this stage…she CAN do it…
8.5/10
Guess which song is going to be this year’s flop
So you are saying that Portugal (a poor country) should help other poor countries be less poor? Lol We did not win the lottery, we are just hosting esc after years of bad results and of those, a lot we did not deserve. At most, you should all be paying us for the trauma and disconsideration of 50+ years. Lol
this is a good dance bop similar to La La Love, and i can see this qualifying very easy
juries will love it, televoters will love it
8.5/10
Normally I won’t comment on songs I don’t like, but this is an exception… it’s so bloody obvious here that when this song was created, they wanted to put the main focus on the singer’s sex appeal first and then construct the song based on that. I can understand that this genre is something that can be well received, and has been in the past, but I’m not on board with this idea at all. This type of songs just drains me of all my energy and I’m just getting exhausted after listening to this. Ugh… I fear Cyprus will… Read more »
Let’s be honest: We’re not here for a vocal juggling act, we are here for a banging show and we are going to GET IT. Eleni Foureira was on everyone’s wishlist at a point, and I’m so glad she found a way to fulfill her dream. Fuego is an Eurovision-version of Eleni. More tropical and sultry and less of a bang-bang as we know her of (similar situation of Dihaj last year), but by no means a lesser performance. The laidback nature of the song can help her towards keeping the tune in the show without any strain on voice… Read more »
Foureira is the ultimate diva of Eurovision. I’m still gagging after a quick research about her in Youtube. 100% faith on her, Eleni is the definition of FUEGO.
The end of Netta’s pure victory streak. Guessing the OGAE fans aren’t as receptive to Estonia as the rest of their countrymen are…
Pretty good song.
Definitely a Qualifier.
7,5 / 10
I’m not a big fan of this type of dated dancing diva entries. I hate Mirela’s “Contigo” last year. There isn’t much more to say, I don’t like it and I won’t like. I find Eleni the typical “cheap” diva, who needs some back vocalist to pull these songs out. Maybe I’m wrong and she slays, but I’m imagining another vocal atrocity like Azerbaijan in 2016 (Samra – Miracle). I don’t know what to think about this one, people seem to like it too much, but I think Cyprus’ qualification will depend a lot on the live performance. Cyprus is… Read more »
Not exactly reinventing the wheel here are they? I think it is the best example of a female pop song this year. Best comparison is Imri from last year. I would expect it to open the final and have similar staging. Don’t think the vocal performance is going to be TOO important here really.
I experimented some similar issues some days ago. I tried to comment, but my posts won’t appear.
That page for the Macedonian entry too. Hot mess over there.
I have been waiting for this!
Can’t disagree with those dark horses. Maybe I don’t see Finland with as much of a chance as the others.
If I were to push the dark horses a bit, I may include Lithuania and Albania but a lot would have to happen in order for them to have a chance of winning.
Believe in Foureira.
step 1: Go to YoutTube
step 2: Search her name
step 3: Enjoy
GO GO GO Cyprus !!!
Fuego my fav by far
The BOP
6.5/10
10/10 MY WINNER!! An amazing summer banger that could be heard in London, Lisbon and Limassol! This is a real dark horse. Lots of comments are Eleni’s questionable vocals which I don’t get as we haven’t heard this live yet?? With a mastermind behind the staging and a great slot in the running order, this is 100% qualifying! This could really surprise in Lisbon because the jury might actually appreciate it’s mainstream, radio-friendly characteristics and this could even be top 3 with the televote in the semi final! COME ON CYPRUS!
Foureira is that you?
4/10.
That’s why you are Solo….
5/10 Average
For Boring people like you is 5/10 of course! For the rest is a winning song!
Go Cyprus!! We love you Foureira! x
This is the ONE entry that keeps me from predicting SF 1. I have No idea If She can sing live, ive never heard. This entry is super catchy and could bring great staging but Im scared of her vocals. Either This or Finland Will qualify, Azerbaijan and croatia are chanceless because of them.
8/10
She cannot sing live she always performs playback trust me I have seen her numerous time in Athens
I should have known… But sorry guys this is way overrated. I don’t hate it but I don’t like it either it’s just a 5 for me.
How wonderful the joys of free speech and of free expression concerning people’s preferences of songs. Long may it last! Which is why I much take small issue with a comment made in the review of Aongus. Whilst many fans’ comments on this forum in general can sometimes border on attacks for criticising a song someone likes/dislikes, I do find it surprising a remember of the Wiwi team would imply that anyone who doesn’t get this Cypriot song will be burnt, i.e. their opinion is wrong and his is right. Just thought it should be mentioned. That said, I enjoy… Read more »
I do understand your concern Iosa, especially if English isn’t your first language. I’m sure Angus was kidding and speaking in jest. It’s hard to get though for those who don’t grow up speaking English as their first language, as informal banter is harder to understand – I’m sure I’d suffer with Romanian jokes or Hungarian quips.
Ah maybe that’s it! Many thanks for your kind reply! Enjoy Eurovision season!!!!
Cyprus is underrated every year. This year they should win, finally.
Last year it was pretty bad and they still qualified.
Speaking of Eleftheria, Ivi and Samra: there will also be another girl at the side of the stage who will provide the main vocals as Eleni might be out of breath to deliver an accurate vocal performance. We have seen this already at the artists mentioned above…
Who told you that someone else will provide the *main* vocals? She’ll have 4 women dancers on stage with her, and 1 *backing* vocalist off stage. Of course this song requires some extra help in delivering it perfectly, but definitely not when it comes to main vocals. Get your facts straight people!
Robyn, really? I didn’t know that but I now that in recent editions the delegations tend to hide the backing vocalists. I wanted to add Gina G to the list above but the phenomenon of hidden singers could already be seen in 1983 for the UK!
That means they could have the “backing” on stage anyway like i mentioned it in my first comment
I’m so sad Purple Mask is not doing reviews anymore 🙁 I’ve always enjoyed his reviews and loved how he gave additional information about each song’s tempo, key, influences, stuff which I can’t find anywhere else. I really miss you Mask, I was looking forward to your review of Cyprus, and other songs as well. I can’t believe you quit because of some bully telling you that your reviews were not good. I was a loyal reader of your reviews and I have to say that you know a lot of stuff about music. Without you, I’d never know, for… Read more »
You’ll get used it. For all I know, you could be the same “bully” just trying to lure me back – that’s the problem with unverified profiles. I can’t trust anyone.
Just in case you’re genuine, thank you for the support.
Something new: “Fuego” might be partly based on ancient folk music. Specifically medieval music. Although the suggestion of a pagan rite might be a step too far. 😀
I like dancing to this one.
I understand that one must be careful online, but I have a feeling Axel just wanted to show you his support (hope I’m right). You know you can count on mine, probably other people, like Sabrina’s and Weißbrot’s too, if you ever decide to continue. The truth is, I learned some stuff about music from you. I know what I like, but on more occasions, you were able to musically explain why I like it. You know – tempo, keys, coda… stuff I know very little about, but it was fun listening about it. Again, stay well and all the… Read more »
I’m 100% supportive to whatever decision Purple Mask takes about the reviews. I would love to keep reading them. I learned a lot from them, especially because they bring a knowledge that’s completely out of my scope. And Mask always has been very patient to explain me when I asked about particular details. On the other hand I also respect if he thinks he shouldn’t post them if he’s not having any joy by doing that. Unfortunately I’ve been on this same position, I guess I know how he feels. In both cases, I really think we should do our… Read more »
If you’re not comfortable with posting your Reviews anymore, I guess we can’t do anything about it. Just know that I (and others too, obviously) really enjoyed your Reviews and I hope you’ll maybe post Reviews next year again. People like Aaron always have Things to hate on, no matter what. Just enjoy Eurovision and don’t let anybody bring you down!!! <3
You have my support too regarding your reviews.
Thank you for answering! And yes, I’m genuine. I just don’t regularly comment on Wiwibloggs, I only read the articles. I’ve written like 2 or 3 comments in the past year. That’s why I’m not known in the community. I’m not a troll and I have nothing to do with that bully. Everything I wrote is my honest opinion and I just want you to know that I liked your reviews. I’m not trying to “lure you back” or anything. As I said, this is your decision and I respect it. Wish you the best! 🙂
PM, I can’t believe you don’t post reviews anymore because of some stupid comments? But, if it is only your personal decision, I respect it. Anyway, my full support if you want to continue 🙂
Do not be afraid to post your reviews. There are some horrible people online but after a while you just learn to ignore it (Trust me, the amount of hate I got for liking Manel Navarro last year was insane!) Don’t be afraid to share your opinion. And to people who are being so mean to make someone so scared to post their opinion on something you should be ashamed of yourself. Freedom of Speech is a human right and that should also spread into the online world. Criticising someone for their opinion means you are trying to deprive them… Read more »
You liked manel Navarro! All the hate you got was probably deserved!! Never support corruption
It would have been different had you liked the song. But supporting corruption does deserve hatred
That is what I meant by saying I liked Manel Navarro. I like the song and I like him as an artist. I didn’t care about what went on behind the scenes. I am just here for the music. For liking someone’s music I don’t think I or anyone deserves hate…
I completely disagree with your stance Robyn. Sorry
I expected a better response from you considering you’re the most sensible wiwi member
Just because some person can’t handle criticism doesn’t mean people who critique them shouldn’t be welcomed on a public forum
Yeah, true. But it wasn’t just critism, the guy (Aaron, maybe a troll, who always Acts immature and childish and disrepects users on a daily Basis, as I experienced myself.) was hella rude! He didn’t just critisize, he did it in such a disrespectful and stupid way…
Anger and haste can get the better of people sometimes! Everyone involved should have reacted in a more mature way…
You should have rather responded with people should take criticism with a pinch of salt and not by saying criticising x person is not welcomed
*make and take
There must be limits and I appreciate that wiwibloggs has limits and expresses their values.
I think Purple its wrong on your part to call whoever said they disliked your comments a bully. That’s a very normal comment from a normal person who probably didn’t like reading your comments. They could have expressed it better! Yes
But see it’s your choice to stop posting and no one forced you to stop posting. So yeah. Its the same way you can react to that criticism better but chose not to
The thing is if someone doesn’t have the humanity to be respectful then their opinion is sort of worthless. Isn’t it?
Wiwi people support you, Purple Mask.
Hey, as I told you some days ago, I like your reviews. I don’t understand at all what you said in them, but I learn a lot. The hate can be irritating, just keep doing what you like and let the haters hate. As you see there some other people that like to read some profesional reviews like yours!
Test message…
Thank you all. Farewell and good luck.
I would not immediately skip this song on the CD but it doesn’t do much for me. It lacks originality. I find it quite a boring song despite the rythm. A song called Fire should not bring that sense. But to me it does. 4,5 out of 10
It starts promising but it unfolds to be yet another unoriginal pop-dance tune with all the usual fake-Latin cliches. I am just looking forward for her presentation life, because she really seems a Vulcan. 4/10
Her own director is also working on this performance, without him there wouldn’t have been a deal for Eleni to head to the Eurovision stage. So if SJB brings too much of a “dark” show he’ll definitely straighten it up. Plus she’s got a very famous Greek costume designer how has dressed Beyonce to name a few. It’s reported she’ll be wearing a Swarovski encrusted jumpsuit. So yes, Cyprus and Eleni are bringing their A game, they want to win so badly. Don’t think it’ll win on the Saturday but she’ll give it a good go.
She may want to have “total control” over the performance but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t get ideas from the artist themselves and the management team of the artist. Eleni is not an amateur, she’s got an army for a team so I’m sure they haven’t let SJB go wild on the performance or do something they wouldn’t want. I’m sure whatever they’ll be giving us in May it’ll be explosive on stage!
And by the way I havent see to put at the web the lyrics from latvia, el que entinde entiende
I shouldn’t like this. I really shouldn’t. This song it’s incredibly generic and impersonal and there’s barely any substance to it. And yet, I simply cannot stop listening to it. This is probably the song that I have listened to the most since it came out, and I just take a moment whenever it comes on, cus this is SUCH a jam. So, through this review, I’m going to try and break down a bit why it works, despite the fact that it shouldn’t. I wanna say on a side note though, Eleni is a queen. Some of her other… Read more »
Let me be honest here. When the song was out, it was a let down, as there was much anticipation and I expected sth exceptional from Eleni. I had some trouble with the generic lyrics and the “yeah yeah” all the time. However, the more I hear it, the more I like it. It has grown on me. It has become sth like a guilty pleasure. It’s a good song, it’s up-beat, it fits Eleni’s style. There are parts when she can work the stage and gives us some good moves. It will make people dance along. It’s a clear… Read more »
This is the style of song that dominated the Eurovision Song Contest around 2005, which, in my opinion, was actually a great era. So I feel like wanting to give “Fuego” some credit for nostalgic reasons, even though I think there were quite a few entries back in the days that were more “on point”. Honestly, I have to admit that there are a few things about the Cypriot entry that bother me. There’s too much random “Ah yeah ah yeah”, the overuse of autotune feels dated (not in a nostalgic kind of way but more in a “let’s meet… Read more »
In the Diva overkill in semifinal 1, she might be one of the odd one out, just because Fuego is nothing special and can easily be forgotten even when performing last.
This Albanian chick cannot sing for the world
really?? and how do you know that?
Reggaeton. Barf.
LOL
I saw a comment on a YT top that said that this is “fast food music in the best way” which I totally agree with.
These are my potential winners 🙂
1. Israel … Netta the only one to loose so far
2. France … Madame Monsieur with a big top chance particular this year 2018
3. Cyprus … Eleni will certainly be one of the biggest surprises once on stage
in Lisbon and CHOREOGRAPHY by Sacha Jean Baptiste !
These are my potential “Dark Horses” depending on live vocals and staging :-
4. Australia … watch out for Creative Director by Sacha Jean Baptiste !
5. Greece
6. Czech Republic
7. Finland
8. Sweden
9. Finland
10. Austria
9. Bulgaria
Eugene I agree about Cyprus, for my eyes the performing artist ELINA is 100 % pure Sex, all that said combined with a very well composed uptempo dancing track I think that CYPRUS betting odds of 100/1 are much too high compared to some other countries this year. Let’s have a try for Top10 or even Top5 in the final with odds of 6/1 and 11/1.
I’m looking forward to her live performance.
This will be a memorable Eurovision moment this year.
The prefornance better be memorable to make us forget she can’t sing
I like it, but 7.61????? NO WAY.
So far from all these wiwi reviews Azerbaijan and Cyprus are Top2? Seriously? WTF.
You mean FYROM and not Azerbaijan maybe?
Knowing many of them have affinity towards solo female diva uptempo numbers, it actually doesn’t surprise me at all. Expect Australia and Finland to score very high too.
Cyprus is their new top, but FYR Macedonia, Ukraine and The Netherlands all rank ahead of Azerbaijan, which is at 5th place right now.
ELENI I SPECT FROM YOU A LOT O FUEGO IN LISBON.
IM SURE THAT IF YOU GET GOOD SEXI DANCERS TOGETHER WITH YOU AND FUEGO YOU COUL BE A BLACK HORSE.
GOOD LUCK
Since we all remember Iveta pretty well, I guess she’ll end up being the unit of measurement for Eleni’s sucess. I don’t think she has what it takes to get a good result on the final, but qualifying from the semi is very possible.
Both are boring Beyonce wannabes from ”Crazy in love” era
I liked Iveta. But yeah, if we compare them to Beyoncé, then they’re lost. 😛
Of course, this Beyonce fan says – bow down b**es! 😀 (jeez, I really like that song, along with “Formation” :P)
I like that this entry isn’t a dull snoozefest. The beat is catchy, the lyrics are funny and pineapple is my favorite fruit.
The lack of words in the chorus give eleni a great opportunity to show her performing skills.
However in order to set the stage on fire she needs to have a good vocal performance too. The running order sets her up for a fantastic finish if she can sing.
A 8/10.
That is the problem she can’t sing.She is more a dancer and performer.She NEVER performs live on tv.I have heard her in a night club in Athens and it was a disaster.I am afraid her live will be atrocious!I believe that she will show some leg or some pyrotechnics to attract voters.
Listening to someone singing in a night club does not really represent their vocal abilities Giannis…She is so talented. Go Fuego!!!
CYP
Wiwi jury: 7.61(1st/23)
Modified score: 9.06(1st/23)
Total:16.67(1st/23)