Wednesday Wishlist Shirley Bassey Maan Dan Balan Ylvis

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 Moldova and working through to Russia.

Moldova: Dan Balan

Barnabas: He is one of the biggest pop acts to ever emerge from Moldova. In 2009, Dan Balan became the first Moldovan ever to be nominated for a Grammy, as a co-writer on Rihanna and T. I.’s “Live Your Life”. But the rest of Europe probably knows him best as the man behind O-Zone and their worldwide hit “Dragostea Din Tei”. Not only was he a founder and member of the group, he also wrote and produced many of their songs. On his latest single “Allegro Ventigo” —  which has already racked up more than 32 million views — he serves slick summer pop with Latin vibes. Moldova was close to the win with its quirky dance number in 2017. Could their hottest act snatch the crown?

Past wishes: Ionel IstratiNicoleta Nuca, Irina Rimes and Carla’s Dreams

Monaco: Shirley Bassey

Robyn: It doesn’t seem right that Dame Shirley Bassey hasn’t already done Eurovision, but it’s a notable omission in her already impressive CV. Dame Shirl has lived in the Mediterranean principality for decades and is far and away their most talented diva. She’s recently spoken out about being horrified by today’s pop stars, so it’s obviously time for the Welsh diva to show them how it’s done.

Past wishes: Vlad ScalaJosh Stanley, Beyoncé and Brod’ Earth

Montenegro: Šako Polumenta

Padraig: Donald Trump might consider the nation to be “very aggressive” but gentle ballads seem to be Montenegro’s forte. Anytime they’ve qualified for the final, it’s been with the genre’s heavy hitters. And when it comes to hits, they don’t come much bigger than Šako Polumenta. Born in the north of the country, the 57-year-old is a huge name right across the Former Yugoslav region. With more than a dozen albums to his name, Šako continues to turn out the hits. His latest effort from May has already amassed more than eight million views. If Montenegro could convert these views to votes, they’d be well on their way to a record result.

Past wishes: Dado PolumentaAnita Popovic, Jovana Mustur and Milena Vucic

Morocco: Bouchra

Antranig: If you’re looking for some French-Morrocan-Italian realness, look no further than Bouchra. Born in Tiznit, Morocco, she grew up in Livorno, Italy. Singing in Arabic, English, French and Italian, she provides something for everybody. Her 2016 single “Blanc ou Noir” was arguably her best work but a look through her music shows that she can slay in any tongue. Morocco haven’t competed at Eurovision since 1980 and Bouchra would make for a memorable return, potentially taking advantage of some friendly votes from France and Italy. Her music would be right at home on the Eurovision stage and she could also be a contender for Eurovision’s Next Top Model. Morocco returning to the contest may seem unlikely but Bouchra would be a phenomenal choice if they do come back. If not, perhaps she can try her luck representing Italy or France instead.

Past wishes: French MontanaSaad Lamjarred, Oum and Samia Tawil

Netherlands: Maan

Sebastian: Maan de Steenwinkel, known professionally as Maan, has over the last three years developed an artistic style that puts her beyond the ballads and big voice that won the The Voice of Holland in 2015. In the contest, she impressed with covers of songs by Beyoncé and Alicia Keys. More recently, she’s gone from amazing vocalist to pure artiste. Her recent hit “Spijt” (meaning “Regret” in English) has amassed over 2 million views on YouTube with an easy-Indie sound that captures Maan’s dulcet tones beautifully. She’s also soon to release her EP, collaborating with top Dutch producers and Eurovision alumni Anouk. Not only can she sing, she’s also a confident dancer — her dancing cover of Sia’s “The Greatest” cements her as just that. Keep an eye and an ear out for Maan — because man, she’s going places.

Past wishes: Lisa LoisDotan, OG3NE (wish granted) and Jody Bernal

Norway: Ylvis

Kristín: Damn right, I’m picking Ylvis! After an amazing streak through the past few years — dreamy melodies, strong electro-pop and a sizzling duet — Norway has proven itself to be a force au nature at Eurovision with four top ten placing in five years. But why not turn it up a notch and bring in everything mentioned above as well as wacky sense of humour tied together in a brotherly bond? Meet Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, one of Norway’s most successful comedy duos ever. They’ve been active since the beginning of the millennium, and are currently the hosts of the popular talk show I kveld med Ylvis. You may recall when they broke the internet in 2013 with their general wondering of what exactly the fox says. Some say it’s annoying, others (me) say that it’s a joke — lighten up, people!

But Ylvis don’t just dress up in fox costumes. They are also pretty good musicians. Soon after their foxy success, they released an album with ten songs they’d written in the past, including the all time masterpiece “Stonehenge” and the ever so romantic dub step anthem “Someone Like Me”. But if Ylvis would consider Eurovision as another platform, they might enter with something like their ode to the Norwegian humanitarian leader and political scientist Jan Egeland. Or not. Whatever floats their boat. Those two can make any music style work. Ylvis to Eurovision!

Past wishes: Astrid SmeplassAlejandro Fuentes, Julie Bergan and Sigrid

Poland: Natalia Nykiel

Cinan: When I was searching for artists that I think should represent Poland at Eurovision next year, I was looking for someone exactly like Natalia Nykiel. Her music style is one of my favourites — electric pop. One of her two albums — Lupus Electro — is certified Gold in Poland, while several of her singles have achieved Diamond status. Natalia was nominated at the Best Polish Act category at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards. I only found her a few days ago, but I’ve already become a bona fide fan. Maybe she is the next one to represent Poland? Why not?

Past wishes: Sylwia GrzeszczakSarsa, Brodka and Dawid Podsiadlo

Portugal: David Carreira

Jordi: From winning Eurovision 2017 with record points to this year’s last place in the final, Portugal is serving proper rollercoaster vibes. But in order to see the Iberian nation keeping spreading its fire, let me introduce you to David Carreira — a 27-year-old multi-talented Portuguese artist born in France. From modelling to acting to singing, David simply has it all! And that also includes a number one album which was actually his debut “N1”. Singing in Portugese, French and English, his styles go from pop to R&B with a true international sound that can deliver the modern flare Portugal seems to lack. With several singles, five albums and millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube, David truly rocks the music scene in Portugal — and worldwid. His songs go from tender ballads to upbeat hits to dancefloor bangers, as with “Domino”. One of his latest offerings “Já Ñao Te Sinto” mixes pleasantly contemporary soul and R&B with mucho gusto. The overall composition is electrifying, serving proper darkness and intriguing beats. Plus, the sensuality in his tone is worth mentioning. Without a doubt, it’s a “Yassssss Portugal”!

Past wishes: KikaAmor Electro, Diogo Piçarra and Carolina Deslandes

Romania: Moonlight Breakfast

Pablo: Romania is the birthplace of many a great pop act. But not many, if any at all, bring exactly what Moonlight Breakfast offers. Self-described as “an urban, rough style mix of Soul, Electro, Beat, Nu-Jazz and Swing”, their doo-wop sounds are decidedly very now, and the electro-swing genre deserves more time in the Eurovision spotlight. Lead singer Christie’s innocent voice brings a depth and a very natural factor to the mix, ready to please professional jurors and the public alike. Romania has never been afraid to make the audience dance and have a good time, but this act would do so in a way not done before. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, after their first ever non-qualification, this country needs some musical nourishment.

Past wishes: AntoniaAlina Eremia, Delia and Mihai Chitu

Russia: Pelageya

Mikhail: It’s been a long time since we had something truly Russian at the contest. The country’s culture is immense, yet we often hear them taking inspiration from abroad. But Pelageya could come in and change that. She is one of the most well known and influential folk singers in Russia, even serving as a judge on the local edition of The Voice. Her live performances are captivating. It is unbelievable the amount of energy one single individual can exude on stage. She puts her all into her performances and she doesn’t need any fancy special effects — her soul is all it takes. Pelageya’s music is typically folk with rock elements. She can sing some playful uptempo songs like “Vishnya Belosnezhnaya” or “Kazak“, but also touching ballads like “Ptashechka”. Pelageya would be an amazing representative for Russia.

Past wishes: Natasha KorolevaSergey Lazarev (wish granted), Egor Kreed and MakSim

What do you think? Have we chosen the best of the best? Or would you have chosen differently? As always, let us know below.

NEXT WEEK: San Marino to United Kingdom >>

<< LAST WEEK: Hungary to Malta

CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS WEDNESDAY WISHLISTS.

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Oleido
Oleido
5 years ago

As a portuguese, i wouldn’t mind David Carreira as a producer, he can make good pop songs. As a singer and performer? I don’t think he’d do well…his voice live is like Benjamin Ingrossos, weak and fragile…he would need strong backing vocals. He can speak french, it would be different to send a song in french and portuguese. I’d welcome him as a songwriter/producer.

suri
suri
5 years ago

The only choice for Morocco would be Saad Lambjarred. He’s the biggest star there and he would bring a BOP #CASABLANCA

suri
suri
5 years ago

NORWAY: TINASHE (SHE’S HALF NORWEGIAN)
ROMANIA: INNA
POLAND: JOJO (POLISH DESCENT)
NETHERLANDS: JIM VAN DER ZEE
PORTUGAL: APRIL IVY

eurofan
eurofan
5 years ago

Barbara Bandeera for Portugal for sure. I loved herrr

ovelha
ovelha
5 years ago

what an awful “suggestion” for Portugal. Even Zé Amaro would be miles better… so many great artists (many of them mentioned below by miguel) in this country can do much better than that guy (that is only known for being son of my Dad’s favourite pimba-mantic singer Tony Carreira). Meh.

noone
noone
5 years ago

Margaret for Poland obviuosly or something cool and indie like Julia Marcell (check out her Matrioszka video, it’s amazing!). I would love to se Sigrid for Norway, but she’s too famous now to take part.

Eurovisionfan12
Eurovisionfan12
5 years ago

Moldova: Irina Rimes
Monaco: Naya
Montenegro: Enisa
Morocco: R3HAB
Netherlands: Maan (agree)
Norway: Ylva Olaisen
Poland: Sylwia Grzeszczak
Portugal: Diogo Piçarra
Romania: Delia
Russia: Klava Koka

Pancake
Pancake
5 years ago

My picks for Eurovision 2019 (part 4)
Moldova – Lidia Isaac
Montenegro – Nina Zizic
Netherlands – Anuka
Norway – Mr Little Jeans
Poland – Isabel Otrebus
Portugal – Neev
Romania – Serena
Russia – MANIZHA

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Shirley Bassey for the UK, s’il vous plaît.
(“Right now.”)

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

Romania should internally select Feli.

isis
isis
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

she will become a mom soon so she has others priorities.. plus after what happened at the press conference after the final of national selection i dont think that she will want again to go to eurovision

fugu
fugu
5 years ago

I have actually been binging on Ylvis (and Raske Menn) lately. They did sorta do Eurovision in that they had a musical number that made fun of Eurovision tropes – way back in the early 2000s.

And their talk show ended in 2016.

I suggest you watch their newest epic “Stories from Norway” – a series of short musicals about various real-life Norwegian scandals. Ylvis at their most diverse and most brilliant.

Juan Cena
Juan Cena
5 years ago

If Normandie isn’t on the wish list for Sweden next week, you’re doing it wrong.

Miguel
Miguel
5 years ago

my top 3 from this list:
Moldova: Dan Balan
Norway: Ylvis
Romania: Moonlight Breakfast

my wishlist:
Moldova – Ioana Ignat
Norway – Margaret Berger or Aurora Aksnes
Poland – Ewa Farna
Portugal – Amor Electro or HMB
Romania – Alexandra Stan
Russia – Sergey Lazarev or Leningrad

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

Romania better internally select Moonlight Breakfast in 2019

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

Moonlight Breakfast would be awesome. Really enjoyed it. I won’t say that I would like to see someone like David Carreira representing Portugal, but I think it’s important to have people like him on the selection process. RTP is doing a great job with Festival da Canção, but they need more diversity on the lineup. This would be good even or the “slower acts”, that would have more room to shine, without being overly compared with similar acts in the same competition.

Sanne
Sanne
5 years ago

Maan :’) Please no.

UGH
UGH
5 years ago

David Carreira for Portugal? Can´t Relate…
This article is embarrassing and culturally insensitive: ‘Portugese’; ‘Já Ñao Te Sinto’ and ‘mucho gusto’ – was that even an attempt at portuguese?

Do better!

Sry
Sry
5 years ago

Ylvis from Norway? Seriously? Norway should send Alan Walker with good live singer (no Poland 2018)

Lloyd
Lloyd
5 years ago

For Portugal, if love Fernando Daniel

beccaboo1212
5 years ago

My wish list:

Moldova: Lerika
Montenegro: Lejla Vulic
Netherlands: Shalisa van der Laan
Norway: Malin Reitan
Poland: Alicja Rega
Portugal: Kiki
Romania: Noni Razvan Ene or Alexandra Ruge
Russia: Katya Ryabova

BTW, my candidates for Romania are in this video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPb34gLeXk

#pioneer
#pioneer
5 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Alicja (for Poland) isn’t “old enough” yet to go, but I think Olivia Wieczorek is 😀

Zolipop
Zolipop
5 years ago

The Romanian one is great, now I want them too!

milkyy
milkyy
5 years ago

Natalia Nykiel unfortunately have said that she is not interested in Eurovision but I’m also hoping for her in the near future, she would be amazing

LydV
LydV
5 years ago

Yes! Ylvis for Norway has been my dream for a long time xD