Eurovision 2019 9 April

Every day between now and the grand final in May, the team from wiwibloggs will be rounding up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2019. We’ve trawled through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. This is the Daily Digest for Tuesday 9 April — (and Sunday and Monday too).

Darude defends Madonna’s Eurovision appearance

Shortly after we tweeted that Madonna had been confirmed as the interval act for Eurovision 2019, the shade brigade took to Twitter to explain why she was a horrible choice for the interval. Among the common gripes? That she’ll steal the limelight from contestants and leave them feeling lesser during what should have been their moment. Well, Finland’s Darude isn’t having any of it. Replying to a comment that described her as “an unnecessary distraction”, the “Sandstorm” hitmaker argued in a series of Tweets that she’ll actually be doing everyone a favour. (William)

Rehearsals in Stockholm

Last month Sasha Jean Baptiste came to her, now Tamta is off to Sweden. The Cypriot rep is currently in Stockholm for an intense round of rehearsals. She’s working on both choreography and vocals. And as this clip shows, “Replay” writer and producer Alex P is keeping an eye on proceeedings. (Padraig)

Back in Sweden

Let the intensive rehearsal program begin #TeamCy #TeamReplay

Posted by CYBC: Eurovision Cyprus on Sunday, April 7, 2019

Roko in concert with Marija Šerifović

On Friday night, Roko joined the Eurovision 2007 winner Marija Šerifović for the Zagreb leg of her latest tour. He sang his Eurovision song, but not the Dora version. This rendition was fully in Croatian and called “Heroj”. The performance further fueled rumours that this could be the version destined for Tel Aviv. Unphased by his starry company, Roko delivered an exceptional performance while Marija cheered him on via her Instagram stories. (Antony)

Publika u Ciboni pjevala? u glas Heroj s Rokom. Šerifovic molila za Heroja. Roko Blaževi?, Marija Serifovic, JACQUES HOUDEK, Moj HRT, Eurovision Song Contest,Eurovision Song Serbia,

Posted by Eurosong HRT on Saturday, April 6, 2019

The dream dancer

By Monday, Roko was back focusing on Eurovision 2019 with the announcement of his backing dancer for Tel Aviv. He will be joined on stage by Endi Schrotter, who Croatian TV bills as “one of the biggest millennium teenage stars”. Eurovision followers will know him best for his appearance in the music video for Jacques Houdek’s “My Friend” remix. (Padraig)

London calling

Most Eurovision 2019 stars won’t be landing in London for another few days, but Australia’s Kate Miller-Heidke has already been and gone. The “lightning-fast” promo trip took in a visit to BBC Radio 6 Music studios and an interview for the broadcaster’s Eurovision podcast. (Padraig)

Conan Osíris delivers another take on “Telemóveis”

Portugal’s Eurovision star recently performed “Telemóveis” at a Lisbon night club, and as always, it was unlike any of his previous live performances. The instrumentation had been given a slightly more Middle-Eastern sound, and Conan kept things easterly by delivering the opening line in Hebrew. Conan channelled Conchita by wearing his hair long and a black kimono-style robe. He was accompanied by his usual dancer, who delivered more avant-garde moves. (Robyn)

This shoot is bananas

John Lundvik might have skipped Amsterdam, but he certainly wasn’t taking any time off. The Melfest winner was in Tel Aviv to record his postcard. And the shoot was bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S! It took 12 hours and involved rollerskating in intense heat. And yes, it all took place on the city’s Banana Beach. This pizza-shaped hat may or may not have made the final cut. (Padraig)

Bilal live in Lyon

He sensationally withdrew from Saturday’s Eurovision in Concert at quite short notice. Instead of flying to the Dutch capital, he kept things domestic and travelled to France’s third-biggest city Lyon. He was there as part of the NRJ Music Tour, along with British pop star George Ezra and Destination Eurovision alums Lautner. The bewigged singer performed “Roi” to an adoring crowd. His new singles “Fais beleck” and “Jaloux” also got an outing. (Padraig)

Nevena: From Amsterdam to Tel Aviv

She has a busy May ahead of her – as we learned this weekend – but that doesn’t mean she’s taking it easy in April. And fresh from slaying the stage at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam, Nevena Bozovic has touched down in Tel Aviv to shoot her postcard. The star shared a message for fans in dressed-down glam on Serbian broadcaster RTS’ official Twitter page. (Angus)

Behind the truth

The flow of BTS clips for this year’s crop of Eurovision music videos continues. The latest to climb aboard the bandwagon is Azerbaijan’s Chingiz. While we don’t learn much, it is fascinating to see how they created such a rich world using such a small space. (Padraig)

Eliot does Beyoncé

The Belgian representative had a busy week of live performances. But after three renditions of “Wake Up”, and before Eurovision in Concert, Eliot got to stretch his artistic muscles by tackling some Beyoncé. Listen below to “Crazy In Love” as you’ve never heard it before. (Padraig)

Hatari inspire future generations

In Iceland, Eurovision is considered a family gathering. And this year will be no exception. Now, some might deem Hatari to be inappropriate for youngsters. But that’s certainly not the case in the land of ice and fire. These three boys recreated the trio’s Söngvakeppnin 2019 winning performance, proving that “Hatrið mun sigra” really is for all ages. Just look at those moves y’all! (Steinunn)

Additional contributions from William, Robyn, Antony, Angus and Steinunn.

Do you agree with Darude? Can you lip sync as well as Icelandic children? Let us know in the comments.

Follow all our Daily Digests for Eurovision 2019.

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Veta
Veta
5 years ago

Actually, Marija even predicted success for him on Esc…

Kev'
Kev'
5 years ago

Conan!

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
5 years ago

oh my god. that little boy in the background pretending to be Einar is killing me lmao

James
James
5 years ago

for some reason every clip shown is after their true piece, so i cant see Hatari. (btw it starts in the paragraph about Bilal) (UPDATE: ITS FIXED)

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
5 years ago

If Croatia sticks with this simple performance in Croatian it will do really well. The jury will love it. He has a great voice.

Alaska
Alaska
5 years ago

Conan! <3 <3 <3

Eyal
Eyal
5 years ago

Tamta is from Georgia, she lives in Greece, she’s representing Cyprus in a contest in Israel and she’s doing rehearsals in Sweden.

My head is spinning (; LOL

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

Don’t want to go full-on cheerleader but….stunning acoustic version of Kruna.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbiiddr9Kro

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
5 years ago

Nobody’s talking about it but Eliot completely slayed with this cover of Beyonce’s song! Perhaps he will surprise in May. Sad he doesn’t have a better song :/

Francis
Francis
5 years ago

Hatari and Conan are both so different from all the others…I hope they do well because they really deserve it for thinking out of the box.
Dare to Dream, Dare to Dare !!!

Kev'
Kev'
5 years ago
Reply to  Francis

Love Conan as well

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago

Go Darude, respect for you defending Madonna against all hate

Matija
Matija
5 years ago

Roko’s dancer Endi is really a great dancer, the guy goes to the Academy of Contemporary Art and I think the performance will be really good. With that, Roko is an excellent vocal! Good job Croatia!

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago

Have you heard the news from Sweden? Charlotte Perrelli will be in the commentary booth for SVT this year, alongside Edward af Sillén. Amazing way of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the victory of “Take Me to Your Heaven” at Jerusalem in 1999!

Zornaddie
Zornaddie
5 years ago

Sweden having food in their postcard once again 🙂

Brooklyn
Brooklyn
5 years ago
Reply to  Zornaddie

I mean they won my vote once again! LOL

Pancake
Pancake
5 years ago

Darude has a point, though. I mean, she’s not even competing! Beside, this is good publicity to have Eurovision going global considering there’s going to be an Asian edition.

Loin dici
Loin dici
5 years ago

Now that Chingiz released the acoustic version of ‘Truth’ composed by himself… It should’ve been that acoustic way, isn’t it? 🙁

aroncido
aroncido
5 years ago

How can these kids be so cute while singing about hatred?

Otis
Otis
5 years ago

If you want you can see another video of Duska Katerine singing that for me is really really better. I think that her voice is soo unique that if videos arent in good quality can really sound more strange than it really is. She did mistakes but i think that were only 2-3 voice mistakes really. In this video is more near and sound really clear. I think that they underestimated her voice my friends and i was sooo sad cause i love her and her voice sooo much!!! you can watch it and write opinion if you want. i… Read more »

Anders U
Anders U
5 years ago

Am I the only one wondering whether Eliot could do a sleek and touching version of ‘City Lights’?

Matija
Matija
5 years ago

Roko was really great, the best concert, his live performance was amazing!!!!!

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago

Fighting capitalism while wearing a nike sweatshirt lol…

Icelandforthewin
Icelandforthewin
5 years ago

Wow! Those kids from Iceland are super talented, congrats!!! How could you memorise all those lyrics haha

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

Portugal is slowly fading in betting odds, it will flop and become Finland 2018 at the best.

Madonna’s performance will elevate Eurovision but also her status as she hasn’t been relevant since 4 Minutes.

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

You mean Cyprus 2018. Who cares of betting odds before the real things begin in may.

Ioa Ioa
Ioa Ioa
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

@Nicolas
Im so tired of your hate speech. Enough is enough!!!

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  Ioa Ioa

You should explain where you see hate on that comment ????????

Anael
Anael
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Just don’t be afraid of the charismatic Conan who will run. Don’t speek too early you will certainly be surprised. Even if you don’t like the song it doesn’t mean others don’t like as well. Actually many people love it and many more will because it is a masterpiece, a uniqueness art that grows each day on us. I am from France and I will vote for Portugal!

Miquel
Miquel
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

In your house maybe. In my house (Barcelona) 20 votes to Portugal BB

Hugo
Hugo
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Justo because he is not going to the pre Esc parties and he is not going every club around Europe, it doesn’t mean he will not be a potential winner. “Fading in betting odds”…Fortunately! We saw, in the other years, the higher ranks in the betting odds are the first to be boycotted by the national juries.

Bernard
Bernard
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

So many people concerned about betting odds….why don´t we all vote now and forget about THE CONTEST??? I really miss the time when ESC was about THE CONTEST and NOT THE ODDS!!! This is becoming very annoying now…

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I 100% agree. Downvoters should chill out.

Raoul
Raoul
5 years ago

I’m moving to iceland to raise my kids there.

Aline Van Rossem
Aline Van Rossem
5 years ago

Very nice rubric, wiwibloggs! I just realised that Eliot has actually a very beautiful singing voice. I hope everything will go well for him in Tel Aviv!

Anita
Anita
5 years ago

Wow Eliot!

Swedena9
Swedena9
5 years ago

Roko is so talented, wow

pastel de nata
pastel de nata
5 years ago

Those Icelandic kids are great at rolle play. 😀

123
123
5 years ago

easy…Marija is not an a-hole and a bully like you are 😉

Patrick
Patrick
5 years ago

Sorry Croatia! But no….. Great voice though!

John
John
5 years ago

Can you please ask Roko when you interview him, why they decided to call their song “The Dream”, when it’s “Hero” in Croatian?

Defender123
Defender123
5 years ago
Reply to  John

Czu the English version in Croatian would seem more silly…

Nick
Nick
5 years ago

Roko and hot dancer should be interesting lol
Conan is a god! adore him:)

Guys is there the list of artists who will be in London pre party this weekend?
I only know Duncan, Mahmood, Michael and Sarah are in, but who else?

Margaret
Margaret
5 years ago
Reply to  Nick

Victor Crone, Darude with Sebastian Rejman and our Tulia also will be in London

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
5 years ago

Roko brilliantly performance…wow!
And dancer…. ok… this might be interested…

Conan… love it!

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago

I would love to see Hatari sing something from the Icelandic folklore with traditional dresses. They are so cute

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Iceland, if you’d ever like to come back to Junior Eurovision, you know who to call.

Lilja
Lilja
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Well since we’ve never competed we can’t be back hahah. I’d love it if we competed in JESC tho

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago
Reply to  Lilja

Ah, true – my bad! I always wondered why Scandinavian nations were so unwilling to take part in JESC.

uribe
uribe
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Child Labour

Lola
Lola
5 years ago

Conan Osiris is delivering amazing performances one after the other and is getting ignored by the ESC fan base

Elsa
Elsa
5 years ago
Reply to  Lola

When was ESC fan base driven by music quality?

Ioa Ioa
Ioa Ioa
5 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

Since when that song is “quality”?
Grow up.

Kev'
Kev'
5 years ago
Reply to  Ioa Ioa

Actually the song is growing up in lot of people. We must not have the same definition of quality

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
5 years ago
Reply to  Lola

Being in a lot of people’s top 10 is being ignored now?

INAMOO
INAMOO
5 years ago

Anyone saw Liamoo’s reply towards John Lundvik’s Instagram pic? Very hilarious.

Rob
Rob
5 years ago

Wow… so Daily Digest still exists! 😀 Keep it up, and don’t ever let it go through your fingers again, , because I love it! 😀

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  Rob

Ester is the best this year! will the big drums be on stage?

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  Alon I srael

Don’t forget that Romania’s best place ever was with drums involved (2005). i will surely watch what you proposed!
This song will remain with me much long time after the eurovision..
thanks for your detailed answer!

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago

A dancer with Roko ? How on hell this song needs a dancer on stage ?

INAMOO
INAMOO
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

It becomes more and more terrible. Like Belgium 2014.

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
5 years ago
Reply to  INAMOO

Belgium 2014 was great. Those dancers doing the chicken dance made it stand out.

Makis
Makis
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

best answer in years.

Luis
Luis
5 years ago

Conan is like a chameleon always changing his appearance … impressive!

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  Luis

Chame Chameleon
yalla yalla yalla la la la

Christopher
Christopher
5 years ago
Reply to  Luis

If only he could change how bad his song sounds.

Kev'
Kev'
5 years ago
Reply to  Christopher

Christopher for you maybe not for lot of people who really appreciate this pure song

Rita
Rita
5 years ago

No matter how Conan’s gonna sing…….He will not qualify

enrique
enrique
5 years ago
Reply to  Rita

Indeed 🙁

Alex
Alex
5 years ago
Reply to  Rita

He will qualify.

Elsa
Elsa
5 years ago
Reply to  Rita

Better one Conan in semi-final than all the rest in the final.

Anael
Anael
5 years ago
Reply to  Rita

Rita my dear… We’ll see my dear 😉

Bob
Bob
5 years ago
Reply to  Rita

Oh please…live and let live.