As we wait for the results of the OGAE Second Chance Song Contest and anticipation builds for the 2019 national selection season, there’s no reason to twiddle our thumbs. Instead, we can all throws ourselves into yet another song contest — the OGAE Song Contest 2018, whose list of participants was recently announced.

The OGAE Song Contest is an annual event organized by OGAE — the Organisation Générale des Amateurs de l’Eurovision, or General Organisation of Eurovision Fans —  in which the members of OGAE compete with an original song released in their countries. The song has to have been released in the last twelve months and sung in one of the country’s national languages. This year OGAE Australia is hosting the contest after Dami Im took the title last year with “Fighting for Love”. Get it, gurl!

The voting for the 33rd edition is now open and will close on the 13th of October. The official results of the OGAE Song Contest will be revealed on 27 October.

The first ever OGAE Song Contest took place in 1986 and has been an annual event ever since. Previous winners include Mylène FarmerLaura PausiniElena PaparizouColdplayAdeleNina ZilliPastora Soler and Indila.

France and Spain have had the most victories so far with six each.

Familiar faces

This year’s edition features plenty of familiar faces from the world of Eurovision. Chief among them is Eurovision 2017 winner Salvador Sobral, who Portugal is fielding with “Mano a Mano” — which you’ll recognise from the Eurovision 2018 interval in Lisbon.

Greece may have repeatedly turned down Eleni Foureira for Eurovision, but the country’s OGAE club is all about her and have submitted her song “Vasilissa”, which, appropriately enough, translates as “Queen”.

Also in the race are 2018 acts Franka from Croatia and Lea Sirk from Slovenia; 2017 act Joci Pápai from Hungary; 2014 butter churning diva Cleo from Poland; and perennial Melfest contenders Samir & Viktor from Sweden.

Elsewhere, France is fielding a song from Destination Eurovision judge Christophe Willem, while Turkey has opted for Turkish dream contestant Aynur Adin. The UK has gone for the Steps — the 00s dance group who recently called on Saara Aalto open their UK tour.

OGAE Song Contest 2018: The songs

OGAE Song Contest 2018: Unofficial poll

[polldaddy poll=”10112624″]
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Patty
Patty
5 years ago

I need somebody Emma Muscat

Oola
Oola
5 years ago

Eurovision alums should not represent in OGAE

Julia
Julia
5 years ago

Only Ukraine
I really like this song

Nameless
Nameless
5 years ago

Hey wiwibloggs, it would be wonderful if you could make a video expressing your opinions about all of these OGAE Song Contest 2018 songs. Would a video like that be possible?

Joseph
Joseph
5 years ago

I love the Spanish entry. And (shock horror) i’m not Spanish!!

Fredrik
Fredrik
5 years ago

I see the spanish eurofans are voting on their own country like crazy again…. In these polls you always have to take away Spain and Greece 40% of the votes then its valid :). Those 2 always vote for their own ALWAYS.

KESC
KESC
5 years ago

Lol, there are so many better Turkish songs than Bana Ask ver. Btw, the title has the same meaning as “O daj mi ljubovta” 😀

It would be better if Turkey was represented by Simge with Ben Bazen.

Connie
Connie
5 years ago

I need somebody by Emma Muscat.
I love it??

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago
Reply to  Connie

Emma Muscat was a contestant of an italian talent show called Amici

Elena
Elena
5 years ago

I hate these polls. Best never wins. Australia is ahead of others, way ahead.

Queen Netta
Queen Netta
5 years ago

I can’t help But cry When I hear Mano A Mano it is SO haunting and melancholy!

ESCFan2009 (male, 22, German)
ESCFan2009 (male, 22, German)
5 years ago

Troye Sivan! OMG, he is an icon for young LGBTs like me <3 <3 <3 Great choice, Australia!!!

Daan
Daan
5 years ago

I love him!!!! Selbst when blue neighborhood weitaus besser ist als bloom! Und ohne sein coming out wäre meins vielleicht nie passiert 🙂

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Yea too bad we all know him, I wish they’d send someone local/less known, it’d be more fair.

Nameless
Nameless
5 years ago

Finland’s Tornado is best! Everyone listen to it.

Rianna
Rianna
5 years ago
Reply to  Nameless

Yaas! This Finnish Queen slays! Much better than Saara Aalto’s screaming. This is modern, fresh and sensual.

Teemu VanHanen
Teemu VanHanen
5 years ago
Reply to  Nameless

Kiitos erittäin paljon ! (Thank You very very much) !!

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

I Need Somebody by Emma Muscat is BOP.

Sreya
Sreya
5 years ago

Vasilissa is the best song and Eleni Foureira is the best person

Janro
Janro
5 years ago

Spain and Greece winning a poll… well isn’t that surprising 😛

Ferry
Ferry
5 years ago

I love Andorra’s!!!

Marc
Marc
5 years ago
Reply to  Ferry

It’s been a big radio Hit here in Andorra and Catalonia this year 🙂