Junior Eurovision Favourites

Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 is set to take place in Poland’s Gliwice Arena on Sunday 24 November. A total of 19 countries will perform on the stage for the public and juries, all hoping to be crowned the winner at the end of the show.

But, before we settle down to watch the show, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — have been busy listening to all the competing entries. Now, it’s time for them to reveal who their favourites are before rehearsals begin on Tuesday 19 November.

Our twelve jurors hail from Australia, Ireland, India, the United States, Croatia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. Below, they’ll each list their top-five songs from this year’s Junior Eurovision entries and provide a short review of their favourite. Read on to find out who they’re rooting for.

Junior Eurovision 2019: Wiwi Jury Reviews

Antony

1. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”

This track is BANG-ING! “Superhero” has a real fresh and quality production behind it with an energetic and infectious beat. It also has the right amount of that punchy attitude from Viki and, together with the song, it allows for it to be appreciated by both children and adults. The lyrics flow quite well between Polish and English. Although there are many songs that raise environmental issues, this song allows the message to be quite impactful to the listener.

2. Serbia: Darija Vračević – “Podigni Glas (Raise Your Voice)”
3. North Macedonia: Mila Moskov – “Fire”
4. Australia: Jordan Anthony – “We Will Rise”
5. Russia: Tatyana Mezhentseva and Deberel Oorzhak – “A Time for Us”

Esma

1. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi” 

It must be said that this edition of JESC can be compared to a battlefield. The level is so high, and all kids will share their joy in Gliwice! They deserve love and appreciation for their performances. But, after thinking long and hard, I chose France. This year, France is sending a Bim Bam Bop to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Carla’s song “Bim Bam Toi” is catchy and uplifting, and I am living for it! Carla proved her talent in The Voice Kids France, and she will impress everyone both vocally and visually on the Junior Eurovision stage. Bonne chance en Pologne!

2. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
3. The Netherlands: Matheu – “Dans Met Jou”
4. Australia: Jordan Anthony – “We Will Rise”
5. Kazakhstan: Yerzhan Maxim – “Armanyńnan qalma”

Indranil

1. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”

Get ready for a pop of colour in your dream closet, because Armenia’s Karina Ignatayan is here to give you the wings and change your life. The 13-year-old is proud to represent her country, which has been one of the most successful in Junior Eurovision history, placing in the top three seven times since its 2007 debut. “Colours of Your Dream” transcends the genre with its catchy west-Asian flair, while Karina’s vocal range gives some professional singers a run for their money. Needless to say Karina could be the next Iveta Mukuchyan. Go get that crown Armenia!

2. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”
3. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
4. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
5. Serbia: Darija Vračević – “Podigni Glas (Raise Your Voice)”

Jonathan

1. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”

Junior Eurovision is always a hard contest to predict because 9- to 14-year-olds have a wide range of musical tastes, and finding a song/performance that balances all of that (and the jury requirements) is difficult. But, since their return in 2018, France really seem to have cracked the code. “Bim Bam Toi” has an infectious chorus that would get anyone of any age dancing along, yet it still feels geared towards a younger audience. That’s in part thanks to Carla’s fun and cheeky personality, which is on full display in the music video. The change in dynamics from verse to chorus draws the listener in within the first 30 seconds, which is just what you need for those hearing the songs for the first time on the day of the contest. Overall, another great effort from France.

2. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
3. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
4. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
5. Albania: Isea Çili – “Mikja ime fëmijëri”

Mario

1. Kazakhstan: Yerzhan Maksim – “Armanynnan Qalma”

It’s been a very hard task to narrow it all down to five songs only, but my top podium place goes out to Kazakhstan. “Armanynnam Qalma” puts the local instruments to great use while not sounding too serious or boring for younger audiences to enjoy. I listen to it and can imagine a Disney character boating down the river surrounded by animals and woods while his or her friends are waiting by the campfire with marshmallows. Yerzhan is a seasoned performer and makes the otherwise-tough Kazakh language sound so smooth here. This is a local Disney song done right indeed!

2. Spain: Melani Garcia – “Marte”
3. Poland: Wiktoria Gabor – “Superhero”
4. Albania: Isea Cili – “Mikja Ime Femijeri”
5. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”

Natalie

1. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”

Junior Eurovision, like Eurovision, is stronger and more competitive now than it has ever been. And, in my opinion, this year is easily the strongest and most poignant ever. So many great songs, and many with Greta-like powerful environmental messages. Of these, Spain rises to the top for me. The poperatic component, the compelling message, the incredible production, and the energy from Melani are simply amazing. I know that popera isn’t exactly Junior Eurovision’s thing and I’m not sure it’s a clear winner, but it’s the one of many that has me the most excited this year.

2. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
3. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”
4. Belarus: Liza Misnikova – “Pepelny (Ashen)”
5. Albania: Isea Çili – “Mikja ime fëmijëri”

Pablo

1. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”

France does it yet again! Mixing Parisian Pretty with bulletproof French upbeat pop, “Bim Bam Toi” is an explosion of enjoyment that appeals to everyone. The music box slow verses compliment the big brass moments perfectly, and the strong circus-meets-club concept shines through. France should be very proud of the route they have taken for JESC, which I’m sure will yield a victory soon enough.

2. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
3. North Macedonia: Mila Moskov – “Fire”
4. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
5. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”

Padraig

1. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”

France is not here to play. It’s here to slay! After last year’s glorious comeback, the Gauls have not just maintained the momentum, they’ve upped the ante. “Bim Bam Toi” is a slick dollop of pop goodness. It’s innately catchy, while Carla herself boasts an infectiously joyous energy that many of her adult counterparts could only dream of. Some, I call them fun-sponges, have bemoaned the lack of lyrical depth. Bah… if one can’t let go and “bim bam boum” at JESC then all hope is lost. The entry is modern, yet also harkens back to early France Gall – one of Eurovision’s most iconic winners. Ahead of rehearsals, I can’t see a top-five scenario that doesn’t feature France.

2. Serbia: Darija Vračević – “Podigni Glas (Raise Your Voice)”
3. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
4. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
5. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”

Robyn

1. Georgia: Giorgi Rostiashvili – “We Need Love”

This song delights me. The vocal harmonies give the song a warm depth and Giorgi’s playful vocals glide over the top. This is yacht rock for the Black Sea, smooth grooves for a sunny day. And when the JESC 2019 lineup is full of earnest ballads about needing to save the planet, sometimes it’s just nice to have a really pleasant jam to chill out to before you get back to saving the world.

2. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
3. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”
4. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
5. Ukraine: Sophia Ivanko – “The Spirit of Music”

Sebastian

1. North Macedonia: Mila Moskov – “Fire”

Who could’ve thought such a power ballad could’ve come out of such a small package? Mila’s entry “Fire” is easily one of the most polished acts to come out of Junior Eurovision in recent years, and is of itself the whole package – a simple theme, a talented singer and lyrics that are equally impactful but don’t sound beyond the singer’s years. There’s a depth to Mila’s voice that screams well beyond her years, and no doubt this is a spark for North Macedonia for years to come.

2. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
3. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
4. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
5. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”

Tom

1. Ireland: Anna Kearney – “Banshee”

This could be the highest standard of Junior Eurovision ever. To narrow the songs down to just a top five was extremely difficult but nevertheless, after MUCH deliberation I have put Ireland on top this year. For me, it came down to what stuck in my head all day, every day and this beautiful, ethereal Celtic song won over my heart. It is magical. Though I really appreciated many of the songs about climate change and protecting the world (there were quite a few) nothing for me topped young Anna Kearney’s spellbinding tale about a Banshee. For those who don’t know what a Banshee is, it is a female spirit in Irish mythology who heralds the death of a family member, usually by wailing and shrieking. Not your usual Eurovision fare. But I love it and it has a great chance of gaining Ireland’s first Junior Eurovision win!

2. Australia: Jordan Anthony – “We Will Rise”
3. Kazakhstan: Yerzhan Maxim – “Armanyńnan qalma”
4. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
5. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”

William

1. North Macedonia: Mila Moskov – “Fire”

This song is all about balance: it manages to tick off countless boxes without alienating those on the other side. It’s got Balkan flavour but a pan-European touch; it’s radio-friendly but won’t feel out of place on stage; and it’s inspiring for kids, but equally moving for adults. A song so pure and delivered with this much conviction doesn’t need too many bells and whistles on stage — just turn down the lights and then crank it up with a digital fire at the climax. Unlike some of this year’s other entries, the transition from verse to chorus, from Macedonian to English is so smooth and fluid. An organic entry with just enough flash to be worthy of a top-flight finish.

2. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
3. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”
4. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
5. The Netherlands: Matheu – “Dans Met Jou”

Junior Eurovision 2019: Wiwi Jury Results

If each Wiwi Juror were to award 12, 10, 8, 7 and 6 points to their top five, the overall top five would be:

  1. Poland: Viki Gabor – “Superhero”
  2. France: Carla – “Bim Bam Toi”
  3. Spain: Melani García – “Marte”
  4. Armenia: Karina Ignatyan – “Colours of Your Dream”
  5. North Macedonia: Mila Moskov – “Fire”

What do you make of the thoughts of our Wiwi Jury? Do you agree? Who are your favourites before rehearsals start? Let us know in the comments below

Read the lyrics of the Junior Eurovision 2019 songs here

Follow all our Junior Eurovision News here

52 Comments
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titas
titas
4 years ago

i feel like banshee could surprise potentially

Ben
Ben
4 years ago

Team Serbia!

Harvey Dolan
Harvey Dolan
4 years ago

1 Armenia
2 North Macedonia
3 France
4 Poland
5 Ireland

Porsteinn
Porsteinn
4 years ago

I’m Team France too! Bim Bam BOOOOOOM!!!!

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago

So…I’m not european and I’ve never watched JESC so I don’t really know anything about it. Just how popular is it? And who is the target demographic? Is most of the viewing audience made up of preteens and teens?

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

France all the way! And please EBU, next year no more voting for your own country…

Sarah
Sarah
4 years ago

I agree on the results. these five songs are the clear standouts: Poland, France, Spain, North Macedonia and Armenia. But there is also other strong songs like Albania, Netherlands, Australia, even Belarus.

I can see Poland winning the televoting (by a landslide), and Spain winning the jury (by a landslide), and France placing second in both and winning the whole thing, pulling a Jamala.

It’s a very exciting competition this year!

Bram Wammes
Bram Wammes
4 years ago

#TeamAlbania Yo go gurlll

Teddie
Teddie
4 years ago

This lineup is outrageously strong. So strong actually that many cool songs are flying under the radar. Albania, for instance, whose track has probably the coolest chorus melody in the whole contest.

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
4 years ago

Honestly, I think this is a very strong year. I have a feeling it will be Poland vs France again, but I could also see Spain, North Macedonia, Malta, or Armenia taking the crown. I think Ireland or Serbia could be a dark horse too. My current top 19 (I only dislike a few of these and love a ton, so it’s hard to rank them): 1. Spain 2. Poland 3. Ireland 4. France 5. Serbia 6. Armenia 7. Albania 8. Ukraine 9. North Macedonia 10. Malta 11. Netherlands 12. Kazakhstan 13. Belarus 14. Wales 15. Italy 16. Australia 17.… Read more »

Harvey Dolan
Harvey Dolan
4 years ago

Yes yes yes. Georgia last. And Ireland ( my home ) at the top

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

I KNEW Robyn was going with Georgia, just knew it!

Toffeenix
Toffeenix
4 years ago

I guess Poland’s great if you like autotune.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Toffeenix

She sang this song live a few times so first listen, then talk

Sam
Sam
4 years ago

1 – Poland
2 – The Netherlands
3 – Ireland
4 – North Macedonia
5 – Spain

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

Just like every Eurovision year: the year started weak but ended up amazing with plenty of favourites and a big fight for the crown. I think it’s between France Spain and Poland but alongside them my faves are The Netherlands Ukraine North Macedonia Albania Serbia Armenia Australia and Italy.

Yssy
Yssy
4 years ago

I mean Armenia was the first song that was known. How is that starting weak?

Liam
Liam
4 years ago

1. Albania
2. Poland
3. Malta
4. Ireland
5. France
6. Ukraine
7. Wales
8. North Macedonia
9. Spain
—end of my favourite songs—
10. The Netherlands
11. Serbia
12. Belarus
13. Kazakhstan
14. Italy
15. Russia
16. Australia
17. Armenia
18. Portugal
19. Georgia

Teddie
Teddie
4 years ago
Reply to  Liam

Hell yeah, the Albanian song is phenomenal!

Efraim
Efraim
4 years ago

Alright, so I’ve made a scoreboard to see who’s the jury’s overall favorite using the Lucky 7 scoring system (7,5,3,2,1) and the results are in:
1. Poland – 46
2. France – 44
3. Spain – 26
4. Armenia – 23
5. North Macedonia – 20
6. Kazakhstan – 11
7. Serbia – 11
8. Australia – 9
9. Georgia – 7
10. Ireland – 7
11. Netherlands – 4
12. Albania – 4
13. Belarus – 2
14. Russia – 1
15. Ukraine – 1
No points: Italy, Malta, Portugal and Wales

Fionn
Fionn
4 years ago

My top 5
1:Albania
2: North Macedonia
3: Ireland
4: Malta
5: Spain

Dawid
Dawid
4 years ago

Sucks to be from Poland. She would have to end up dead last to make you happy. Literally everyone hopes she’ll flop just because they don’t like this dumb voting system. Remember that you’re hating 12 years old girl too. Sad thing is that I know bunch of people who love the idea of voting on themself, so she’ll do well for sure unless juries massacre her with 0 points or something.

tl;dr Don’t hate whole country for dumb rules and dumb people who take advantage of them

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

I hope the polish people vote fait but i doubt it. last yeat they didnt vote fair. All poles voted for Poland…..

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

Seriously?! How do you know such a thing? Show evidence! Roksana got overall 150 k votes. It’s not much taking into consideration that she was one of the favourites to win from the beginning and plenty of people from all over the world voted for her. So stop complaining because she deserved to win. And as you can see this year polish contestant is also one of the favourites. And it’s because the song is REALLY GOOD!! Don’t be jealous. It’s only a kids’song competition.

Vanuatu
Vanuatu
4 years ago
Reply to  Kinga

Poland’s jury gave 0 points to France in 2018. And france lost the contest by 2 points….

Milan
Milan
4 years ago
Reply to  Vanuatu

Well if that’s true (I don’t remember but I suppose it is), then it’s another big smear on Poland’s victory.

ESCN
ESCN
4 years ago
Reply to  Vanuatu

we have won by 12 points

Dawid
Dawid
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

That’s exactly what I’m talking about. I feel that even if she does well, I’m not allowed to be happy because of that. People like Rasmus will always be there to make Poland look like ESC enemy. I mean, if Poland does well its because of people voting. If Poland does bad then its amazing and no questions should be asked. Voting system is the problem. Don’t give them opportunity to abuse it and they won’t do that.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

I totally agree. Rasmus instead of complaining on Wiwibloggs make an official complain to EBU about voting system. I will gladly join you and sign any petition you make.

Vanuatu
Vanuatu
4 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

For me Poland deserves 0 points but basically because she doesnt act as a child. She is closer to Eleni Foureira and an esc’s song that to a child or a JESC’s song. 12 years old and full of make up, and acting as a grown up. Unappropieate and disgusting in this kind of competititon (a child’s one), if you ask me.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Vanuatu

You judge het by her look?! For some people Conchita was disgusting because of her look but she won. It’s a SONG competition!!! And besides unfortunately most of the girls wear mske up.

Yssy
Yssy
4 years ago
Reply to  Kinga

I agree that the voting system sucks and I’m a bit disappointed that Poland didn’t decide to tell EBU for these changes but not surprise since they are hosting and want to take advantage of the current rules which is perfectly legal but not really a good thing. I like Poland and I’m still deciding whether or not to vote for them because I don’t think they will need it considering how big fanbase and hype up their fans are (even more than Spanish fans which really says something). I want to give that vote to another country that may… Read more »

Torniiopo
Torniiopo
4 years ago

Australia is underrated here. My favourite!

Xu Quan
Xu Quan
4 years ago
Reply to  Torniiopo

Yes, yes and yes! They all say that it’s basic and ‘conveyor belt’ production but in fact it’s quality material and one of my most-listened JESC 2019 songs along with Ukraine and France

sav001
sav001
4 years ago
Reply to  Torniiopo

Agree. Australia, Poland and France are my top 3. With North Macedonia a close 4th.

DanMarino
DanMarino
4 years ago

Ireland is so underrated I’m so happy it’s someone number 1 rather than usual favourites

Teddie
Teddie
4 years ago
Reply to  DanMarino

Unexpectedly underrated, considering the originality of its theme and quality of production.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

My top 5: 1) France, 2) Albania, 3) Ukraine, 4) Ireland, 5) Armenia.

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

Unless Carla pulls off an Eleni , I don’t see juries letting her win !

Who is Indranil ? I read his name and went :
Aami Bangla jaani na

Conor K
Conor K
4 years ago

My top 5:
1. Georgia
2. Australia
3. Kazakhstan
4. Netherlands
5. Russia

Africavision
Africavision
4 years ago

My current (and rather unpopular lol) top 19:
1. Ireland
2. Kazakhstan
3. Italy
4. Russia
5. Belarus
—————————
6. Armenia
7. Poland
8. North Macedonia
9. Wales
10. France
11. Spain
12. Portugal
13. Georgia
14. Netherlands
15. Serbia
16. Albania
17. Ukraine
18. Australia
19. Malta

Iva
Iva
4 years ago

MILA MOSKOV (MACEDONIA) INJURY KNEE….:'(

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

my ranking is:
1. france (catchy song with personality n charisma)
2. netherlands (super bop)
3. belarus (bop)
4. serbia (catchy)
5. ukraine (an artisté)
6. poland (bop but tryin too hard)
7. albania (nostalgically beautiful)
8. ireland (dramatic)
9. malta (cute but always the same formula)
10. wales (same song as last year… middle of the road)
11. spain (shouty af)
12. macedonia (unremarkable but i like her style)
13. italy (too repetitive)
14. armenia (noisy)
15. australia (cliché’d)
16. kazakhstan (uninspiring)
17. portugal (soporific)
18. russia (did the guy swallow a razor or)
19. georgia (flat out unlistenable)

Teddie
Teddie
4 years ago

Being Russian, I approve of this comment (he probably did)

Harvey Dolan
Harvey Dolan
4 years ago

Yes whole heartedly agree with the Georgia statement

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago

Everybody is doing Malta dirty again, watch them shock everyone like last year with another top 5

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Wiwi Jury’s ranking (with points 1-5)
1. POL 39p.
2. FRA 35p.
3. SPA 22p.
4. ARM 16p.
4. NMC 16p.
6. KAZ 9p.
6. SER 9p.
8. ALB 8p.
8. AUS 8p.
10. GEO 5p.
10. IRE 5p.
12. NET 4p.
13. BLR 2p.
14. RUS 1p.
14. UKR 1p.
16. ITA 0p.
16. MLT 0p.
16. POR 0p.
16. WAL 0p.

PP77
PP77
4 years ago

What you think, who will dissapoint with live vocal at stage. I think Spain, Kazakhstan will sound more better live then audio, and Armenia,Serbia… will be sound better in video than live.

Yssy
Yssy
4 years ago
Reply to  PP77

Armenia already had a live for the national final. It sounded equally as good as the video

PP77
PP77
4 years ago

My TOP
1.France
2.Poland
3.Kazakhstan
4.Serbia
5.Georgia
6.Russia
….
19.Wales

My predictions
1.Poland (again thanks from televote from own country, for me better song than winner last year)
2.France
3.Spain
4.Georgia (thanks to juries)
5.Russia (thanks to televote)
6.Australia (thanks to juries)
7.Malta (same as Georgia,Australia)
8.Armenia
9.Kazakhstan
10.North Macedonia
11.Italy
12.Serbia
….
18.Ireland
19.Wales

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

whew the universal acclaim for france…. i can’t wait to vote for miss carla lazzari <3

Guest
Guest
4 years ago

Malta’s entry is so underrated