Off-season is tough for Eurovision fans. The PED (Post Eurovision Depression) cloud is just beginning to lift, but the contest is still the guts of a year away. The nearest national final is in December and the junior equivalent won’t be for months.
Despite the sunshine, summer can be bleak. It would be easy to mope until November, but the wiwibloggs team has a better plan. It’s time to dream!
For the next few Wednesdays our correspondents from across the world will bring you their ultimate wishlist for Israel 2019. And as this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.
To make sure that no one gets left out, we’ll be going through countries in alphabetical order, so this week we’re starting with Albania and working through to Bulgaria.
Albania: Anxhela Peristeri
Erdi: She is one of Albania’s best known singer songwriters. And like so many artists from the country, Anxhela Peristeri has Festivali i Kenges experience, taking part in the 40th edition in 2001. Yet, despite enjoying an award-winning music career, Anxhela went on hiatus in 2007. Thankfully, her retirement proved to be temporary and she returned in 2014. Besides her one foray into FiK, Anxhela has also competed in Kenga Magjike and Top Fest. She won last year’s edition of the former, beating out Albania’s Eurovision 2015 representative Elhaida Dani. Earlier this summer, she published an Italian reworking of her winning song “E Cmendur”. This new version was entitled “Insanely In Love” and became a duet with Kastriot Tusha. Outside of Albania, Anxhela is also somewhat known in Greece, where she went after completing her studies in Tirana. While there, she entered the local edition of The X Factor.
Past wishes: Bleona, Bebe Rexha, Era Istrefi, and Elvana
Andorra: Marta Knight
Luis: Born near Barcelona, 19 year-old Marta Knight moved to Andorra at a young age. And it’s in the tiny principality where she has developed her music career. She’s the girl next door, your friend who learnt how to play the guitar and you’ve always thought she should become a star. Marta serves moody pop and folk tracks, delivering them with maturity in her smooth and slightly raspy voice. Her first EP Peterloo Heroes is proof of that. Think of her as Andorra’s answer to Molly Sterling (Ireland 2015). This rising star could bring Andorra their most suitable representative ever: why would a tiny landlocked country in the mountains go for an over the top show? When you visit Andorra, the feelings you get are serenity, simplicity and cosiness. And that’s exactly what Marta conveys through her music.
Past wishes: Patxi Leiva, Madretomasa, Nami, and Lluís Cartes
Armenia: Iskuhi Hovhannisyan
Antranig: After debuting in 2006, Armenia recorded five consecutive top ten finishes at Eurovision. But, despite the memorable efforts of Aram MP3 and Iveta Mukuchyan, their results this decade have been less than stellar. In 2018, Armenia failed to qualify for the grand final for only the second time. If Armenia want to find fresh success, they need to return to what they do best — good old Armenian folk-dance-pop. With the creation of the Depi Evratesil national final, Armenia have a huge pool of talent to draw upon in search of securing its first win — from the likes of Egine in 2017 to Asmik Shiroyan and Tamar Kaprelian in 2018. However, there are plenty of smaller names in the Armenian music industry capable of delivering a respectable result. One such individual is Iskuhi Hovhannisyan, who came fourth on the first season of The Voice of Armenia in 2012-13. With fierce vocals and plenty of sass, she could be starting a fuego in Israel. Her 2016 single “Hima Herte Imna” (It’s My Turn Now) demonstrates her repertoire well and would be a great way to change the formula for Armenia at Eurovision.
Past wishes: Iveta Mukuchyan (wish granted), Christine Pepelyan, Lilit Hovhannisyan, and Srbuk
Australia: Anthony Callea
Sebastian: Australia’s recent entries in Eurovision have taught Australia an important lesson — a strong vocal gets you to the top. Someone who could give Dami Im a run for her money (vocally-speaking) is veteran and Idol alumni Anthony Callea. Australians and Italian-Australians have been singing his praises since 2004 with good reason (as did we in 2015). He holds several music records under his belt, with his cover of “The Prayer” being the fastest ever selling single in Australian music history. Let’s not fool ourselves — Anthony doesn’t boast the same recent chart success of previous Eurovision alumni like Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy. But he’s on their music label, and his current Australian tour is getting rave reviews as he covers number one songs from the Australian music charts. Pair the singer with a carefully crafted Zeljko Joksimovic-esque ballad and Australia might just have their prayers answered.
Past wishes: Delta Goodrem, The Veronicas, and Tkay Maidza
Austria: Poptracker and ArianA
Patrick: It was the big summer hit of 2017. And 12 months on, Austria is still in love with ArianA and Poptracker’s “Hold”. The song charted in the Ö3 Austria Charts for weeks. Peaking at number two, it turned everyone’s summer into a rhythmic adventure. Ariana Schirasi-Fard is a trained stage singer and well known for playing roles in musicals like Mama Mia and West Side Story. Originally, ArianA was only recruited by Martin, one half of Poptracker, to do a demo version of “Hold”. But in the end, the demo became the single. And ArianA isn’t just a demo-singer anymore. After the success of Cesár Sampson this year, another Poptracker and ArianA collab would be the perfect entry to keep up Austria’s streak. Poptracker proved it already, when working together with Nathan Trent on his single “Won’t Let You Go”.
Past wishes: Andreas Gabalier, Hannah, Denise Beiler, and Anna F
Azerbaijan: Manana
Chris: After their first non-qualification, Azerbaijan could look towards an experienced hand for their future participation. And there’s not many people with more experience than Manana. Born in Georgia, Manana moved to Azerbaijan in 1999 and has made a huge name for herself in the country. She’s won countless awards over her career, and also took a starring role as a judge on The Voice Azerbaijan — where she coached Azerbaijan’s 2016 entrant, Samra. More importantly for Eurovision, Manana’s music has evolved constantly throughout the years; she’d certainly be well suited to whatever style she wanted to throw at the contest.
Past wishes: Emin, Aygun Kazimova, Latifa Soyuoz, and Vugarixx
Belarus: IOWA
Mikhail: They’re a band that started off in Belarus, but it was too small for them. So IOWA set their sights on somewhere bigger — Russia. They went on to have huge success reaching the top spot in the Russian charts and winning many regional music awards, including New Wave in 2012. Their music is simple but memorable. A current electronic sound mixed with guitar. Their tracks tell stories based on the band’s own experiences, but everyone can relate to them. All their songs are insanely hummable — “Ulibaysya”, “Mama“, “Prostaya Pesnya“, “Marshrutka” and “Byot Bit” — and they are definitely capable of taking Belarus to Eurovision victory.
Past wishes: Nuteki, Vintage, Shuma, and Max Korzh
Belgium: Emma Bale
Padraig: As any Eurovision fan worth their salt knows, the French-language broadcaster RTBF will pick Belgium’s entry for 2019. And if the network’s recent form is anything to go by, they’ll pick a young up-and-coming former Voice singer with indie leanings. Step forward Emma Bale. Aged just 18, Emma ticks all these boxes and more. She first found fame aged 15 with her cover of Kodaline’s “All I Want”. In the short few years since then, she’s matured into a multi-layered artist with a sound that belies her age. She’s reached the top of the charts with “Run” and “Fortune Cookie”, while “Worth It” and “Curaçao” also cracked the top 30. Her most recent single “Cut Loose” landed in May. But there’s one hitch… Emma is from Flanders. Maybe 2020 might be a more realistic possibility?
Past wishes: Stromae, Gabriel Rios, Lost Frequencies, and Lea Rue
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Armin Malikić
Jovana: Armin Malikić first made a name for himself back in 2013 when he auditioned for the series one of The X Factor Adria. His audition with James Morrison’s “Wonderful World” remains one of the most memorable from the show. Armin did not proceed to the live shows as a solo act, instead reaching the final as a member of the short-lived boy band Doktori. He has since released several solo singles, which have been well-received. With his vocal abilities, onstage presence and with a good song, Armin could be the next Mikolas Josef.
Past wishes: Neda Ukraden, Magdalena Bogic, Dubioza Kolektiv, and Amel Curcic
Bulgaria: Nadia
Cinan: Bulgaria has become one of the most successful countries in the competition, consistently sending quality songs since 2016. After three years of success, maybe it’s time for a victory? This could become a possibility if they send Nadia — a former vocalist with Deep Zone Project, Bulgaria’s Eurovision 2008 act. Born in the seaside resort of Varna, Nadia studied at the local music school. In 2008, while participating in the music reality show called Sing With Me, she met DesiSlava (a famous Bulgarian pop-folk singer and Eurovision Bulgaria 2012 finalist) and started working with her. Her first single was called “Virtual Game“. She joined Deep Zone Project in 2011. She spent four years with the group, making hits such as “Made For Loving You”, “Niama Ne“, “Zig-Zag“, and “I Love My DJ“. She re-started her solo career in 2016 with “Samo Teb” (Only You). A year ago, she took part in the country’s most popular music show Your Face Sounds Familiar. Her take on Loreen’s “Euphoria” (Eurovision 2012 winner song) became one of the most memorable performances from the entire series
Past wishes: Preslava, Mihaela Fileva, Gery-Nikol, and Mihaela Marinova
What do y’all think? Have we chosen the best of the best? Or would you have chosen differently? As always, let us know below.
Emma Bale is flemish and not interested
There wishlists are usually just a “look what my music taste is” jerk offs. While this list has more diversity in music than 90% of the other wish lists it would still be one hella boring Eurovision.
Lilit Hovhannisyan can shake things up for Armenia. She’s got the same quality and charm, as Sirusho and Iveta Mukuchyan. She will be a strong contender. However, it will be down to the song which she may choose for Depi Evratesil.
Although it will never come true, my wishlist would be as follows:
Albania – Elina Duni & Rob Luft
Austria – Albin Julius
Australia – Megan Washington
Belgium – An Pierlé
Azerbaijan: Rauf
Albania: LYNX
Australia: Meg Mac
Why do all and I mean ALL new Bulgarian pop girls look and sound like lame Gery-Nikol wannabes? Just send the original one at this point lmao
No. Australia needs to mix things up. They should not send the standard Pop Singer. Instead try a change of genre. How about the RnB feels of someone like William Singe or the Indie mainstay Lisa Mitchell?
You’re right. Aussie shouldn’t be keeping it safe. They need to take more risks.
Belgium needs to either send Stan Van Samang to Eurovision, or at least have him write its song entry. His song “Little Moon Rises” was the best song I heard all of last year. It felt like something straight that could have been on REM’s “Automatic for the People” album, which is very high praise.
He recorded the song with the lead singer of K’s Choice, but this version he performed with Blanche last year is drop dead perfect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAJiz6NkV-k
https://youtu.be/oAJiz6NkV-k
Emma Bale has already said she doesn’t want to do Eurovision
Rauf -40′ for Azerbaijan. He knows how to entertain audience and his entire career is dedicated to the mainstream music.
yes, he’s great.
On board with NADIA, Armin, Emma, and Marta!
my top 4 from this list:
Armenia: Iskuhi Hovhannisyan
Andorra: Marta Knight
Belarus: IOWA
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Armin Maliki?
my wishlist:
Albania – Besa
Armenia – Lilit Hovhannisyan
Australia – Sia ??
Belarua – so many… ill go with Nyusha or Nuteki
Belgium – Billie Bentein
Bosnia – Kristina Denic
Out of curiosity, do you rule out past ESC participants in the wishlist?
Yes. We restrict it to non-Eurovision artists. That way we get the opportunity to discover some new music from outside the bubble.
Albania : Arilena ara
Armenia: Asmik Shiroyan
Australia: The veronicas
Azerbaijan: Aisel with her own song
Bulgaria: Gery-Nikol
My picks for Eurovision 2019
Albania – Butrint Imeri
Armenia – Asmik Shiroyan
Australia – Sam Perry
Austria – Rose May Alaba
Azerbaijan – DiHaj
Belarus – Angelika Pushnova
Belgium – Alice On The Roof
Bulgaria – Kristian Kostov
I would love seeing Rose May Alaba at Eurovision!
I’ve just been doing some research on Bulgarian music a few day ago, and discovered quite a few gems! How about Bears And Hunters, Hayes & Y or JEREMY? ? 🙂
I would love seeing JEREMY? representing my country but I am afraid they might end like AWS (Hungary 2018) or even worse. 🙁
I believe if your country keeps on with its way to search whole plans rather than just songs, it’s unlikely to fall off top 20 – and I also think that with an emotional kind of rock song, like Hope from JEREMY? – which gives me chills and has a nice nostalgic feeling to it – another great placing is executable.
(But I must add that it’s not a custom for songs that I like to have a good placing, and usually 5-6 songs of my top 10 remain in the semis xd)
Been looking forward to this starting up again! If I was to swap Emma Bale out for a Wallonian of a similar nature, I’d go with Charlotte. She’s only got a few songs out but they’re all dreamy wonders, especially Ta Peau (https://youtu.be/8-Q6muSWT6E) Looking forward to seeing the rest of the list. If I was to make one suggestion for the other countries, it’d be MNEK for the UK. He’s been songwriting and producing for a while and collaborated with the likes of BTS, Stormzy and Zara Larsson. What I really love however is the stuff he’s been dropping from… Read more »
Bosnia already confirmed non participation
Did you even read the article?
“And as this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.”
TVR just revealed the Cerbul De Aur 2018 (Golden Deer 2018) participants! Its not the full list but there are Eurovision singers and NF participants among
Inis Zeziri (Albania Fik 57)
Amalyia Margaryan (Armenia Depi Evratesil 2018)
Ryan O’Shaugnessy (Ireland 2018)
Lidia Isac (Moldova 2016)
Ovidiu Anton (Romania 2016)
Dora Gaitanovici (Romania NF 2018)
Tiziana Camelin (Romania NF 2018)
Sebastian Schmidt (San Marino 1in360)
Giannis (John) Karagiannis, Cyprus 2015, will take part as well.
Oh I forgot about him.
Here’s my wish list:
* Albania: Mishela Rapo
* Armenia: Lidushik
* Australia: Bella Paige
* Austria: Lisa Aberer
* Azerbaijan: Suada Alakbarova or Dilara Kazimova
* Belgium: Blanche AGAIN!!! 😀
* Belarus: Ruslan Aslanov
* Bulgaria: Tiffany Todorova
Didn’t Andorra and Bosnia and Herzegovina already confirm they weren’t returning in 2019? Are you gonna do Turkey and Slovakia too? Cuz they also said they’re not coming back.
As stated at the very top of the article:
“And as this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.”
So yes, we’ll have Turkey and Slovakia, along with Morocco and Monaco too.
My mistake! I missed that part.