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 take 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 Hungary and working through to Malta.
Hungary: Paddy And The Rats
Barnabas: Hungary always treats us to some musical diversity. And Miskolc-based band Paddy And The Rats would definitely bring yet more fresh flavour to the contest with their Celtic punk sound. Paddy O’Reilly & Co. mix violin, bagpipes, accordion, mandolin and Irish whistles with the punk rock genre made famous by acts like Green Day. Formed in 2008, the six-piece band gained popularity two years later with their debut album Rats On Board. It was voted the second best Celtic punk album of 2010, while they became the most downloaded Hungarian band on iTunes. Their songs are mostly sailor and pirate themed, and their repertoire ranges from pub party anthems to soulful ballads to punk bangers. In 2017, they released their fifth album Riot City Outlaws, on which they worked with Grammy-winning producer Cameron Webb. Then in January this year, they signed with Napalm Records, one of the foremost rock/metal recording companies in Europe. The Eurovision grand final awaits, lads!
Past wishes: Linda Király, Freddie (wish granted), Margaret Island and Wellhello
Iceland: Moses Hightower
Steinunn: Iceland’s track record hasn’t been that impressive in recent years. But as the island’s music scene is pretty much a smörgåsbord of musicians, there really shouldn’t be any difficulty getting out of that Eurovision slump. Moses Hightower is one of the courses on that smörgåsbord and the band has been making its mark on the Icelandic music scene for some time now. The group’s mixture of soul, R&B, pop and jazz creates a uniquely fresh sound. We’ve gotten a taste of all these musical genres at Eurovision before, pop being the dominant one, but we’ve never had the pleasure of hearing them all in one package. And that’s why Moses Hightower might be just the right act for Iceland to send to Eurovision. The band sings mainly in Icelandic which boosts my wish for this band — we haven’t had the pleasure of hearing Icelandic since 2013. And yes, the band is actually named after the super tall and super strong character from the Police Academy franchise, which makes them extra cool.
Past wishes: Retro Stefson, Of Monsters And Men, Soffía Björg and Ólafur Arnalds
Ireland: LYRA
Padraig: She’s been bubbling under for the last year or two, and it seems like only a matter of time before LYRA hits the mainstream. And while she might not be a household name just yet, most of Ireland will already be familiar with her track “Emerald”. It’s been featured on TV dramas such as the Irish-made Striking Out and the American hit series Teen Wolf. She’s also performed the song on chat shows and during the Irish edition of Dancing With The Stars, while in recent months it has become the soundtrack to Guiness’ latest advertising campaign. Ireland has struggled to convey its “Irishness” at modern Eurovision, often veering into the twee or camp. There would be no such problems with LYRA. Simultaneously modern and old-world, the up-and-coming star would bring something that only Ireland could bring. And she’d also save us from the conveyor belt of earnest male soloists.
Past wishes: Hozier, Sinead O’Connor, Lisa Hannigan and Nadine Coyle
Israel: Ori Ben Ari
Chris: We all know at this point that being the home nation’s act is mostly a poisoned chalice at Eurovision. So why shouldn’t Israel use that lack of expectation to change up their recent successful formula? Ori Ben Ari is an upcoming singer-songwriter, who recently scored a considerable hit with his latest single “Lifamim”. On the track, he blends traditional Hebrew and laces it with modern references to things like Instagram. He also introduces different sounds to what you’d expect: “Lifamim” is Eastern-inspired, whilst his 2017 release “Basof Haparparim Metim” is more akin to Western-pop. There’s obvious meaning and a cleverness to his work, and he could very well inspire a new sound for Israel at Eurovision.
Past wishes: Eden Ben Zaken, The Young Professionals, Roni Dalumi and Static & Ben El Tavori
Italy: Måneskin
Pablo: Listen clear now baby! It’s no secret Italy has a pretty wide array of iconic established artists, but we’re going to focus on rising stars. Måneskin found success in the latest edition of Italy’s X Factor. Unlike Francesca Michielin and Marco Mengoni before them, this four-piece band didn’t win but that hasn’t stopped them. Their latest singles, “Chosen” and “Morirò da re”, have gathered a lot of views. But it’s their style that seals the deal. Their stirring performances and risqué sense of fashion would make even the most eclectic Eurovision act blush. Combine that with Damiano’s glam rock voice and retro-yet-contemporary melodies and you have a winning formula. Italy has sent fun, poignancy and class to the contest. When it’s time to send something risky, don’t look any further.
Past wishes: Raffaella Carrà, Malika Ayane, Tiziano Ferro and Fabio Rovazzi
Latvia: Kautkaili (formerly Du Duo)
Lucy: Indie-pop with a chilled edge is what is being served by Kautkaili — formerly known as Du Duo until they debuted under their new name at Latvia’s Positivus Festival in Salacgrīva last week. Lead singer Kristīne Pāže started the project solo, however instrumentalists Didzis Bordo and Kaspars Vizulis joined later on to create lounge-style works. Kristīne is currently heading up Latvian charts on a duet with fellow compatriot Ansis, on a similar themed track called “Zemes Stunda”. It showcases her soaring vocals, proving she could create magic at Eurovision. Whilst this isn’t a typical genre for Eurovision, recent editions have shown that something out of the norm can be top five, and even win.
Past wishes: Fox Lima, Carnival Youth, Masha and PYØR
Lithuania: Beatrich
Lukas: Beatričė Pundžiūtė — who goes by her stage name Beatrich — is still a new voice on the Lithuanian music scene. But she’s already achieved so much since her debut in 2017. Signed to Warner Music, Beatrich has released several hits which have remained in the Lithuanian music charts for quite some time. She’s already getting industry recognition, winning two awards at the M.A.M.A.s — Lithuanian biggest music award ceremony. She took home the gongs for Breakthrough Star of the Year and Song of the Year for “Superstar”. If Beatrich were to enter the national selection in Lithuania she would definitely be the fan favourite to win it all. With Beatrich, Lithuania could easily get its best result so far and maybe its first victory.
Past wishes: Jurga Seduikyte, Simonna, Alina Orlova and Moniqué
Luxembourg: Austinn
Robyn: The Grand Duchy has taken a pass at Eurovision since 1993, but should they ever decide to make a comeback, there is no shortage of local talent. Amid all the classical ensembles and jazz combos, it turns out that Luxembourg also has a really solid indie rock scene. Austinn delivers strong indie pop/rock, mixing American and Britpop influences to create their own sound. Their recent single “Olivia” shows a knack for catchy pop hooks, lush layers of pop perfection and a hearty chorus. And — just like all good Eurovision songwriters — they know that shorter is better.
Past wishes: Angel At My Table, Natas Loves You, Seed To Tree and When ‘Airy Met Fairy
FYR Macedonia: Menil Velioski
Antony: It’s fair to say FYR Macedonia has had a bit of bad luck at Eurovision — the last two years alone have given us great radio hits yet they failed to qualify on both occasions. It might be a good idea to change strategy and send young folk singer Menil Velioski. Menil rose to fame in the Balkan region by participating in the Serbian show Neki Novi Klinci. He has a strong and bold voice, quite advanced for his age. This combined with Balkan music (like in the below music video) could be just what FYR Macedonia needs to return to the Eurovision final.
Past wishes: Natasa Malinkova, Rennata, Tatijana Stefanovska and Viktorija Loba
Malta: The New Victorians
Patrick: Malta is having a little bit of a crisis lately at Eurovision, so for 2019 the inaugural season of X Factor Malta will decide. But for the purposes of this wishlist, I’ve put the show to one side as I send The New Victorians instead. Sisters Philippa and Bettina Cassar form the contemporary duo which took the Maltese music industry by storm with their 2015 debut album Seeker Seeker. Their indie-pop influenced sound creates haunting musical pieces where classical instrumentation meets technological beats. Their latest song “Lie Liar” is all over the radio and is full of summery flair. They’ve performed at practically every major festival and concert on the island — recently opening for international superstar Anastacia. Listen up Malta, The New Victorians are ready to slay and could surely bring you some long-awaited Eurovision glory.
Past wishes: Kevin Borg, Lauren Aquilina, Raquela and The Travellers
What do you think? Have we chosen the best of the best? Or would you have chosen differently? As always, let us know below.
Italy- Tiziano Ferro, Lorenzo Fragola, The Kolors
Greece- Tamta, Kostas Martakis
Germany- Tom Beck
That’s my wishlist
Latvia: Madara! She should make another song like this year in NF and we have a winner!
Lithuania: Paula – I still think the original version of 1-2-3- from NF could have won or be at least in Top 10 of ESC, was shocked and disappointed that Ieva won, I hope she makes an even better song next year
Israel: Lola Marsh
Hungary: Mrs. Columbo or Gabi Tóth
Italy: Tiziano Ferro
Ultimo for Italy
I don’t agree that Malta are in “crisis” with Eurovision . They’ve just been unlucky and are trying something different next year. They should send Janice Mangion, no-brainer.
Of course FYR Macedonia (or is it “Northern Macedonia” now) have a huge star in Menil Velioski. His voice is sophisticated, and people won’t expect it from a teenager.
Stephanie Rainey should represent Ireland. She has had a few hits here in Ireland like “Question mark” and “100 like me” both amazing songs btw.
Ania bukstein for israel
I say yes to all of them but Macedonia, a big NO for it. What make you think that entry could do well? It’s very similar to Montenegro’s 2018 “Inje”. It was really boring and we know how it ended.
a big NO to it*
PD: Btw, where’s the edit button?
NOT Måneskin, please. That’s such a cringe act! Doesn’t represent Italy at all.
Polegend: Who would you send from Italy?
Guys, this is not a drill. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
Ukraine has confirmed that, despite their financial problems, will be travelling to Minsk and will participate in Junior Eurovision 2018!
This brings the total number of participants to 20!
I wish Israel would send: A-WA, Balkan Beat Box, Marina Maximillian or Yuval Dayan.
But it’s not going to happen, because of the national selection method.
Iceland should send Ouse to Eurovision. He’s an EMD artist and producer who’s getting to be really well known in the Fortnite community because of his association with top Fortnite streamer Dakotaz. Ouse recorded the intro and outro music used in Dakotaz’s YouTube videos. I asked Ouse a day or two or ago while he was streaming Fortnite on Twitch if he would be interested in representing Iceland in Eurovision, and he said he was. It would be awesome if he was involved somehow as a performer, composer, or producer. Here’s a link to one of his more recent songs.… Read more »
I want ALEKSEEV back (under Ukrainian flag) with a song like this –> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnmrL5T5yQs
my wishlist:
Ireland – The Script or Hozier
Iceland – Samaris
Israel – Shiri Maimon
Italy – Gaia Gozzi or Lorenzo Fragola
Kazakhstan – Luina & Big Som
Kosovo – Rita Ora or Leonora Jakupi
Luxembourg – Nyvinne or When ‘Airy Met Fairy
Latvia – Katrina Cirule
Lithuania – Beatrich
I want Sigur Ros for Iceland. Their songs would bring something new to Eurovision and the lead singer has an amazing voice. I think if it were them for Iceland, they would be guaranteed to go to the final. The link below is to one of my favourite songs by them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmD-9_ZifB8
Raffaella Carrà ?
A 75 year old in the competition would indeed be iconic… especially since she has the energy of a teenager!
Ultimo is my choice for Italy in 2019. He gives me winner vibes.
I’d love to see Emma Muscat for Malta!
IRE: Laura Izibor! She’ll be 32 by May, and has been away for too long.
ITA: Nek.
MLT: Janice Mangion (most definitely, and with a Maltese-language song), Chris Grech or Red Electrick.
MKD: Jana Burceska, but only with another dance tune and a stage setup that actually fits the song.
ISL: GUSGUS!!
That’s an interesting list. My favorites are Maneskin and Kautkaili. I guess it’s not a coincidence that Italy and Latvia have been between my favorites countries in Eurovision lately.
Linda Kiraly during her glorious days would have been a good representative from Hungary.
Aye!
i wish israel would send static and ben el honestly
My picks for Eurovision 2019 (part 3)
Hungary – Yesyes
Iceland – Aron Hannes
Ireland – Hare Squead
Israel – Nathan Goshen
Italy – Tying Tiffany (but I think it’s unlikely since she sings in English)
Latvia – Markus Riva
Lithuania – Kotryna
FYROMacedonia – Jana Burceska
Malta – Adian
Omg I was just thinking Måneskin for Italy. I don’t normally listen to rock, but for some reason I love their music and style. It would be huge risk and different. They probably won’t go represent, but hey, a girl can dream, right?
Una Healy for Ireland 2019!
Israel should send Noa Kirel even tho she probably won’t do it
israel Chen Aharoni Nofar Salman