As the winter nights draw in, it can feel like the Eurovision off season is set to go on forever. Luckily, there are a number of fan contests that help us get through this time of year. The latest of these is the OGAE Video Contest 2019.
The OGAE Video Contest is a competition held annually since 2003 between the numerous OGAE branches around Europe. The contest aims to highlight the visual aspects of songs, namely their music videos, as well as promote national music and diversity. Previous winners have included Myléne Farmer, Stromae, Via Gra, Coldplay, LOBODA and Loïc Nottet.
Last year, Mikolas Josef claimed the victory for Czech Republic with his song “Me Gusta”. That makes it the first win for the country in this particular fan contest, and means OGAE Czech Republic have the honour of hosting the 2019 contest.
There are strict criteria in order for a song to be eligible to compete in the contest:
- The song must be original
- The song can’t have been released more than 12 months ago
- The artist must have some connection to the country they are representing
- The song must have an official music video
- The song can’t have competed at Eurovision, national finals or in any other OGAE contest
This year, 25 countries are taking part in the contest. Although the competition is open to any artist, as always, there’s a number of past Eurovision stars who have been selected to compete by their respective OGAE branch. This includes Eleni Foureira, Ira Losco, Anna Vissi, Mahmood, Loïc Nottet, Michael Schulte, Elena Risteska and Srbuk. Mikolas Josef is also back to compete once again, with OGAE Czech Republic hoping he can do the double.
There are a few national final stars that also make an appearance in the lineup. Most notably MARUV, who was selected by OGAE Ukraine, along with her Vidbir 2019 entry “Siren Song”. National final entries usually aren’t allowed to be selected, but the rule seems to have been waived for “Siren Song” since Ukraine didn’t end up competing at Eurovision 2019.
OGAE Video Contest 2019: Full Lineup
| 1. Estonia | Tommy Cash | “Little Molly” |
| 2. Greece | Eleni Foureira | “Tómame” |
| 3. United Kingdom | Jack Savoretti (ft. Mika) | “Youth and Love” |
| 4. Malta | Ira Losco | “Hey Now” |
| 5. Czech Republic | Mikolas Josef (ft. Fito Blanko & Frankie J) | “Acapella” |
| 6. Poland | Daria Zawiałow | “Szarówka” |
| 7. Cyprus | Anna Vissi & Yiota Yianna | “Ósoi agapáne den pethaínoune” |
| 8. Italy | Mahmood | “Barrio” |
| 9. Belgium | Loïc Nottet | “On Fire” |
| 10. Rest of the World (USA) | Panic! At The Disco | “High Hopes” |
| 11. Bulgaria | Alma | “Perfect” |
| 12. North Macedonia | Robert Bilbilov | “Cudni Mesta” |
| 13. Germany | Michael Schulte | “Never Let You Down” |
| 14. Serbia | Danijela Karić & Elena Risteska | “Srca se pogreše” |
| 15. Hungary | Lotfi Begi & Irie Maffia | “Friends” |
| 16. Russia | Leningrad | “i_$uss” |
| 17. Turkey | Mabel Matiz | “Comme Un Animal” |
| 18. Portugal | BLAYA (ft. Laton & No Maka) | “Só Love” |
| 19. Australia | PNAU (ft. Kira Divine & Marques Toliver) | “Soldi Gold” |
| 20. Latvia | Dons | “Lūdzu vēl neaizej” |
| 21. Croatia | Jelena Rozga | “Moje Proljece” |
| 22. Ukraine | MARUV | “Siren Song” |
| 23. Armenia | Srbuk | “Half a Goddess” |
| 24. France | Zazie | “Speed” |
| 25. Sweden | Avicii (ft. Chris Martin) | “Heaven” |
Which are your favourites in the OGAE Video Contest 2019?
The OGAE clubs now have until 1 December to vote for their favourites, and the results will be revealed before the end of the year.
In the meantime, you can tell us which videos you like in our Wiwi Poll. Watch all of the music videos here and then vote for you favourites below. You can vote for as many videos as you like, but you can only vote once — so make it count!
[crowdsignal poll=10452035]What do you think of the selections by each country? Which are your favourites and who did you vote for? Let us know in the comments below!
Vote for Mahmood all!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeaaaaaaaaah!
Vote for Mahmood!
Mahmood Ale ????
seems like Loïc is the only known Belgian singer.
Yeah, right? He should become King there. It’s long overdue.
There is also Angèle!
I don’t like Angèle
Mahmood all the way!
As a rule: Loïc. Always Loïc. But to be fair, I should listen to the rest, as well. There’s some interesting names there. But only Loïc is the gift that keeps on giving.
Loïc Nottet deserves the world,. He can sing, dance, act, he’s an animal on stage, he composes his music, co-writes the lyrics,, designs the clothes… Watch also his new short movie ‘Candy’, it’s awesome 🙂
Still think Srbuk should have chosen Half a Goddess as her entry 🙁
She “walked out” that song 🙁
Mahmood deserves the world so I voted for him without even checking out who else is competing
But if not Italy, then Ukraine or Belgium
Well Ukraine is obviously cheating
imagine having music from the ENTIRE world outside of europe to choose from n still pickin a basic payola! at the disco video….. armenia, italy n ukraine’s choices were too safe as well. voted for poland n turkey
You liked Mabel Matiz? He has a great style, doesn’t he? He serves quality Turkish music.
i thought he was very original, never heard of him before but glad i did now
He is one of the most original Turkish singers, you should check out his Turkish songs. 🙂
Loic’s videos are always so different and artistic. You can see how much effort he puts into these, and ”On fire” isn’t exception. Bravo Loic!