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 Thursday the 2nd of May.
Sergey Lazarev lip syncs for his life
Ahead of flying out to Tel Aviv, Sergey Lazarev stopped by the Russian late night talk show Evening Urgant. In addition to performing his Eurovision entry “Scream”, the Russian star joined the show’s host Ivan Urgant for a Eurovision-themed lip sync challenge. Ivan tackled impressions of Lordi and Conchita Wurst, while Sergey did his best version of Alexander Rybak and Dima Bilan. And who knows — maybe in a year’s time, Sergey’s successor will be lip syncing along to “Scream”! (Robyn)
Luca Hänni reveals team for Tel Aviv
Switzerland’s Luca Hänni will be joined in Tel Aviv by a team ready to take all necessary steps. Not only does he have the help of creative director Sacha Jean-Baptiste, he’s taking more talented people to Israel! Hannah Levitt-Collins and Keisha von Arnold are two of the dancers, while David Lei Brandt and Daniel Asamoah are both dancers and backing vocalists. In addition to that, Greg G Curtis also does backing vocals. India Rischo is the assistant choreographer and dance coach. Switzerland is ready for Tel Aviv! (Florian)
Who supports Luca Hänni on stage in Tel Aviv? ?? Here you can find all information ??https://t.co/41uNVzY4cH…#Switzerland #Schweiz #Suisse #Svizzera #Eurovision #ESC2019 #srfESC #SRF #TelAviv2019 #DareToDream #LucaHaenni #SheGotMe @haenni__luca @SRF @Eurovision ?? pic.twitter.com/Jr2QlblyIF
— SRF ESC (@srfesc) April 30, 2019
Azerbaijan’s Chingiz gives two new takes on “Truth”
He’s a man of many talents. While learning so many new musical instruments, Chingiz still finds time to rehearse for his Eurovision performance — and under any circumstances. In what appears to be a hotel room, he effortlessly dances along with his entry “Truth”. If this is any hint of what we’re to expect in Tel Aviv, then he’s one to watch! (Florian)
Chingiz also took to Instagram to share a performance of him singing his Eurovision entry with the five backing vocalists that will join him in Tel Aviv. They include Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2019 contestant Leelo, Melodifestivalen 2012 contestant Sara Linea, Peter Simpson (who worked with Austria’s Cesar Sampson in 2018), plus Patrick Jean and Cedric Hammar. Nailing those harmonies, the rehearsals definitely seem to have paid off. (Jonathan)
Serbian broadcaster releases special version of “Kruna”
Serbian broadcaster RTS has released a special version of the Serbian song for Eurovision 2019. The version is called “Eternal Light” and is performed in English. This version is a collaboration between Nevena and the RTS Symphony Orchestra. (Jacintha)
Just before Tel Aviv, we're sharing a special version of "Kruna". ? The English version is called "Eternal Light" & it's performed by Nevena Božovi? and RTS Symphony Orchestra! What's your first impression? ?@Eurovision @kaneurovision https://t.co/QAXkachlqX
— RTS | Serbia ESC (@SerbiaESC) April 30, 2019
Darude announces new single “Hide”, to be released May 6
Finland’s Darude has has announced new music on Twitter. His new single is called “Hide” and is a collaboration with Finnish trance/house producer Audioventura and Australian singer/songwriter/producer JVMIE. The single will be released May 6 and is available for presave now. (Jacintha)
Who's ready for some new music? My collab with Audioventura and JVMIE is coming out 06 May on Magik Muzik – HIDE! ????
Presave it: https://t.co/95SrNhyHhH pic.twitter.com/2ZhLeFqiro
— Darude (@Darudevil) April 30, 2019
Joci Pápai reveals details for Eurovision staging
Hungary’s Joci Pápai has given a press conference in Budapest and revealed more details about his Eurovision staging. He confirmed that he will be alone on stage. Two backing vocalists will be part of the performance, but they will be offstage. His two backing vocalists are Petra Katona and Ferenc Feng Ya Ou. (Jacintha)
Srbuk congratulates local Eurovision trip winners
Srbuk offered congratulations to the winners of an Armenian competition, where six fans were won tickets to Eurovision 2019. Srbuk drew the winners in a special broadcast, ensuring that Expo Tel Aviv will have six more Srbuk fans. (Robyn)
Miki looks forward to OT concert Pamplona on Friday
Many Eurovision stars are shifting their focus to Tel Aviv, but Spain’s Miki has one last appointment in his Spanish diary. On Friday he’ll be performing at a concert in Pamplona, along with his fellow contestants from Operación Triunfo 2018. The concert will effectively be Miki’s last send-off before he heads to Tel Aviv. (Robyn)
John Lundvik thanks his fans for their support
Sweden’s star John Lundvik is busy preparing for his big performance on the Eurovision stage. As preparation is key, he’s hitting the gym to stay in shape. Yet he finds a moment to bring across a message thanking all his supporters for the lovely messages he’s receiving every day. Truly a new Eurovision legend! (Florian)
Kate Miller-Heidke attends APRA Music Awards 2019
Australia’s Kate Miller-Heidke attended last night’s APRA Music Awards 2019 in Melbourne, the prestigious annual Australian songwriting awards. The “Zero Gravity” singer had the honour of being music director/curator for the 2019 show. The evening also featured Australian national final runners-up (and points spokespeople) Electric Fields, who covered Song of the Year nominee (and eventual winner) Amy Shark’s “I Said Hi”. (Florian)
Why nobody posts about Tamara’s acoustic version of Proud, or the other two videos she posted on her YouTube account. I think her song has a really good msg that needs to be spread and shared! ?
I usually prefer songs in native languages but English version of Kruna is better. Also, i feel like 3 minut rule is destroying potential of many good songs
You haven’t mentioned the amazing photoshoot that RTP made with Conan and that it even got a video on Esc channel, but here, nothing . It was far more relevant than some other articles, in my opinion.
At this point, I just want Chingiz to sit on my face. That’s all.
I want to sit on his face. I am a woman
Chingiz was on a local talk show again. He said he was highly surprised by the number of gay fans he got through Eurovision. He was shocked by the amazing feedback he got for his shirtless dancing video by his gay fans from all over the world. He revealed a few important details about his stage performance. He said that he won’t be moving much on the stage, that’s why he’s trying to focus on his vocals and make it better than perfect. He also said he wants to include the Mugham part (traditional Azeri music) on the stage (just… Read more »
We all hope for a peaceful resolution. Europe needs to be strong and united. But being involved in a political conflict doesn’t mean people of these two countries don’t deserve to enjoy the contest. Only 7 years ago Azerbaijan hosted the show and did a good job with it. Yes, Armenia chose to stay out instead of helping the first sparkles of the peace. But I’m sure if Armenia did compete in 2012, it would speed up the peace process. So if Chingiz deserves to get the trophy, let him have it. After all it’s still a music contest, and… Read more »
Wow he was on national TV talking about how shocked he was by the gay fans thirsting over the shirtless video? Who you fooling bruh 😀 lmaoo you workin harder than devil 😀
It’s already on Youtube dude. Just search it.
Chingiz
Baku 2020. Chingiz gonna win
Tbh agree (in my perioooodT voice)
I don’t think that’s on purpose! I just think that there is more info out there from some of the artist compared to others!
Baku 2020
As an artist who is competing at this year’s Eurovision, they have the full right to write about Chingiz’s video.
Yes, writing about him dancing to his own song may not be the most important thing, but don’t act like it was the only thing they wrote about him. They’ve also referred to the unplugged version.
Plus, is it bad to write about funny things as well? Do they always have to inform about serious topics?
You missed the point.