Wednesday Wishlist Moldova to San Marino

It’s that time of year again when we ponder and dream about which artists would be fantastic picks for their countries at Eurovision. And while the 2020 off-season is different than all the ones that have come before, we’re still running our annual “Wednesday Wishlist” series.

Of course, many broadcasters have already selected their 2021 representatives, so consider these lists more as a chance to discover new music rather than 2021 hopes — we’re not proposing for any singers to be replaced.

Who knows, perhaps some of the wishlist names will have a free schedule come 2022?

As this is all fantasy, we’ll also be taking a look at absentee countries, both long and short term. Because in our ideal contest everyone comes to the party.

To make sure that no one gets left out, we’ll be going through countries in alphabetical order, so this week we’re starting with Moldova and working through to Russia.

Eurovision 2021 Wishlist (Part Four)

Moldova: Vanotek

Lucy: Moldova has some incredible modern artists. And it would be incredible to see something different from them, such as the pop/EDM producer Vanotek. Born in Ungheni, Moldova, he moved to Romania to study music at Octav Băncilă Art School. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, earning himself an MTV European Music Award nomination in 2016 and chart success in Romania and Russia. He was also a favourite in Romania’s Selecția Națională 2016, finsishing second behind Ovidiu Anton. One of his more recent successes is “Love Is Gone”. It hit number 12 in Russia — a massive achievement! I’d love to see him go to Eurovision Darude-style, featuring another act (maybe regular collaborator Minelli).

Past wishes: Ionel IstratiNicoleta NucaIrina RimesCarla’s Dreams, Dan Balan and Alternosfera

Monaco: David Zincke

Edd: In the case of a Monegasque Eurovision return, David Zincke offers both quality and creativity. He originally hails from the UK, but now lives in the French Riviera and spends extensive time in the Principality with his band The Sons of Guns. He and the group specialise in folky blues numbers, and have been featured by BBC music. They also played with Joss Stone on the Monaco stop of her worldwide tour. You could expect a stripped back but beautiful production at Eurovision, which could just lead to a Common Linnets style success.

Past wishes: Vlad ScalaJosh Stanley, Beyoncé, Brod’ EarthShirley Bassey and Olivia Dorato

Montenegro: Senidah

Mario: Montenegro has given us space suits, braids, pyros, Balkan ballads and more. Another act who might give us something to remember is Senidah. This Slovenian born and based R&B-rap star was born to Montenegrin parents. She was discovered thanks to her sister who uploaded a video of her to YouTube. She soon joined the band Muff. They tried to represent Slovenia at Eurovision 2014 with “Let Me Be (Myself)”. Senidah worked on her material simultaneously. She had a massive hit in 2018 with “Slađana”. It has over 52 million YouTube views and has spent 124 weeks in the charts. As a testament to her pan-Balkan fame, she won the prestiguous ex-Yu MAC awards in 2019 and 2020 in three categories – authenticity, trap number of the year for “Misici” and hip-hop rap number for “Slađana”.

Past wishes: Dado PolumentaAnita PopovicJovana MusturMilena Vucic, Šako Polumenta and Deni Bonestaj

Morocco: Malca

Pablo: If Morocco wanted the coolest return on the market, they’d look to Malca, a young French-Moroccan singer. He describes himself in three words: pop, Arab, futuristic. His songs have a chilled quality and his voice harks of some retro influences, like Phil Colins. But that’s all brought to the 21st century with amazing production flavored with Moroccan spice. And we all know pop and ethnic are an explosive mix in the Eurovision stage. Combine that with the synth and disco trend and Morocco would have itself a winning package.

Past wishes: French MontanaSaad LamjarredOumSamia TawilBouchra and Echbiy

Netherlands: Naaz

Esma: Naaz is a 22-year-old singer, songwriter and producer from Rotterdam with Kurdish roots. Her unique voice immediately grabs your attention. Naaz’s debut EP Bits of Naaz’ enjoyed massive success with millions of streams on streaming platforms. Her music is minimalist pop made with natural sounds supplemented by her beautiful vocals. Naaz is seen as a promising talent by many, and even Duncan Laurence named her as one of his favourites!

Past wishes: Lisa LoisDotanOG3NE (wish granted), Jody Bernal, Maan and Danny Vera

Norway: Emily Blue

Åri: It recently came to my attention that Emily Blue, easily my favourite musician nowadays, is Norwegian-American. And, honestly, that’s amazing — because I can’t think of anyone more suited for Eurovision. She’s an LGBT artist, an absolute live performance beast, she’s drop-dead gorgeous, and her ever-changing genre-defying music would totally speak to all sub-fandoms. She’s made of the same material as Eurovision winners. Norway will select its representative for Eurovision 2021 via Melodi Grand Prix (whose rules doesn’t specify that the artist has to be presently living in Norway), and Emily could be a fantastic addition to the line-up. Her musical brilliance is hard to describe with words. She hasn’t fully had her breakthrough yet, perhaps a live performance in front of 200 million people would help?

Past wishes: Astrid SmeplassAlejandro FuentesJulie BerganSigrid, Ylvis and Honningbarna

Poland: Margaret

Tom: Margaret was a huge favourite in Poland’s Krajowe Eliminacje 2016 with “Cool Me Down”. Unfortunately for her, Michał Szpak took the Polish ticket. The urban-pop singer then took part in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen twice. In 2018, the 29-year-old succeeded in getting to the Melfest final, finishing seventh place with “In My Cabana”. Her second attempt, “Tempo”, wasn’t quite as successful. However, Margaret has since returned to her roots. Her fourth album Gaja Hornby is entirely in Polish. It is even nominated to win a Fryderyk award – the Polish Grammys — for best pop album.

Past wishes: Sylwia GrzeszczakSarsaBrodkaDawid Podsiadlo, Natalia Nykiel and Golec uOrkiestra

Portugal: Murta

Oliver A: The Portuguese renaissance has been kind to us. The country consistently delivers quality, introducing Eurovision fans to new, young home-grown talent. If you want more of this, look no further than Murta. In 2016, Murta’s raspy vocals and soulful energies helped him reach the final of The Voice Portugal, where he was eventually named runner up. Every track from his debut album D’art vida sounds like it could win Festival da Canção by a landslide. But Portugal would do especially well to send something like “Porquê”. It’s a mid-tempo, soul hip-hop fusion track, featuring trap beats and some gorgeous vocal flourishes with those moody undertones that tend to do very well at Eurovision – think Mahmood, Kristian Kostov and Duncan Laurence. This type of music is also very radio-friendly and would likely score well with both the juries and televote.

Past wishes: KikaAmor ElectroDiogo PiçarraCarolina Deslandes, David Carreira and Dino D’Santiago

Romania: Dirty Shirt

Barnabas: Dirty Shirt is an eight-piece band hailing from Maramures, Transylvania. They label their musical style as “Crossover Folkcore Metal”. This means that their sound cultivates elements from various genres, including Romanian folklore, alternative metal, funk, ska and electro. Active since 1995, the group is a well known act on the European metal scene, performing at the gigantic Wacken Open Air festival on several occasions. They are also multilingual with songs in English, Romanian, French, Hungarian and Serbian. With their energetic live shows and one of a kind sound, Dirty Shirt would definitely be one of the boldest choices seen from Romania since “Yodel It!”. The act would definitely stand out!

Past wishes: AntoniaAlina EremiaDeliaMihai Chitu, Moonlight Breakfast and Mario Fresh

Russia: Andro

Katie: Mother Russia: the country that gave us Philipp Kirorov, Sergey Lazarev and Dima Bilan (can we count Alexander Lemtov too?). I would love to see an up-and-coming Russian male take to the Eurovision stage once more, though maybe not on an ice rink. R&B artist Andro’s style may not be described as typical Eurovision music, but Russia has always been a country unafraid to push boundaries, and has usually been successful doing so! Andro is behind the popular track “X.O”, a collaboration with Kazakh artist The Limba. Imagine a laid back track by The Weeknd but make it Russian. Chances are you might have heard it, as it has already racked up 30 million views on YouTube and has been making waves on TikTok.

Past wishes: Natasha KorolevaSergey Lazarev (wish granted twice), Egor Kreed, MakSim, Pelageya and LITTLE BIG (wish granted)

What do you think of our choices? Who would you choose? Let us know in the comments.

Check out our previous Wednesday Wishlists.

41 Comments
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Solfrid Holte Johansen
Solfrid Holte Johansen
3 years ago

Norway: NorthKid, Dagny

Sirius
Sirius
3 years ago

Cream Soda would be a good choice from Russia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Snj1Pt-Hs

Veta
Veta
3 years ago

Holy cow…. Dirty Shirt is freaking amazing, why does Barnabas have the best taste in music from Wiwibloggers like… always??

Last edited 3 years ago by Veta
Bette Davis
Bette Davis
3 years ago

I think atm Senidah is a bit “above” Eurovision, considering her pan-Balkan stardom. However, it would be soooooo cool!

Peter M
Peter M
3 years ago

I’d love to have Irina Rimes for Moldova. Jo would be great for Romania……or bring back Ilinca. Her new song is so good and she has really shown that she’s more than just “The Yodelling Girl”

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
3 years ago

Montenegro and Morocco’s choices would perhaps make more sense for Slovenia and France

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
3 years ago

I’m shocked at how unimaginative the choice for Poland is

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Tajikistan

Better unimaginative than hilarious like last time

Gino
Gino
3 years ago

Samira bensaid should represent morocco again, she became one of moroccos biggest stars and is still releasing bops.

Katie Wilson
Editor
3 years ago

Great! 😀

TheDr Mistery
TheDr Mistery
3 years ago

Margaret won’t do it. She stated that she was persuaded by someone trusted to submit “Cool Me Down” and she won’t ever do it again. She entered Melodifestivalen purely to promote herself and her music. You can spare yourself wishing and hoping because she doesn’t want to do it – plain and simple.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  TheDr Mistery

I’m pretty sure I’ve heard she’s been selected internally in 2016 but then CEO of TVP changed and insited on preselections. She didn’t win after she was basically promised she’s gonna sing in ESC (ESC in Sweden what’s even more important to her) so no wonder she’s against it now

Last edited 3 years ago by Dawid
crno srce
crno srce
3 years ago

I love love love love love Senidah, but I feel like she’s too good for eurovision. Maybe a song like miši?i would work, but her other (slower) songs are too special in some kinda way.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

that’s what everyone said about Duncan Laurence, so

#pioneer
#pioneer
3 years ago

For Poland I’d rather stick with Alicja (but she should be given a much better song!) or choose Sanah, Mateusz Ziolko, Nick Sinckler, Mery Spolsky, Marek Kaliszuk with some “Swedish styled” uptempo pop song (he can write his own songs, but he could do nicely also with sth like Swedish entry from 2017), C-Bool (but he also needs a good live singer), Gromee again (but he needs a better singer to sing a song), or – if one really had to choose from disco polo – Daj To Glosniej or Masters (maybe there are some other options but these two… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by #pioneer
Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
3 years ago

Hmm, 2Mashi it’s normal for me, they started their career in 2016, they are known for songs such as “Mama, I Dance” and “Barefoot”

Last edited 3 years ago by Hyunwoo
Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I like Emily Blue, Murta and Naaz. And I still guess we’ll see Margaret getting the ticket someday. It would be interesting if Russia picked someone like Andro, I miss the days they took more risks on Eurovision. Though Little Big was already a welcome change of pace.

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I remember Andro also he is an artist of the label RAAVA Music, in the RAAVA Music label, there are artists such as (JONY, Elman, and Gafur). He is also known from other songs as Madame with JONY, and Moon Flame.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Someday maybe but nowhere soon. She doesn’t seem to be in good terms with current broadcaster (like majority of “bigger” artists here btw).

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

I wasn’t aware that she has a problem with the broadcaster. By the way, this is a subject that we don’t discuss much (especially since most the info about it is unofficial), but having friends in the right places (or enemies in the wrong ones…) can make or ruin the dreams of an Eurovision hopeful.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

That’s why Alicja makes perfect sense. She’s not star or anything, she’s barely recognizable singer who “owes” her whole career to broadcaster.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

I like her, but yeah, it’s easy for some broadcasters to pick someone that won’t be in the position to demand to be part of the decisions. When they’re surrounded by talented people, it may work. But the risk we’ll see a final product that looks empty is big.

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago

No disrespect to her as she is a good artist, but you couldn’t find anything more imaginative for Poland? I’d love to see someone like Grzegorz Hyzy or Mateus Ziolko represent Poland at some point.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Pineaple

They’re alright but the fact that Hyzy would be on wishlist and Margaret still isn’t there would be weird af if you ask me

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
3 years ago

“Dirty Shirt is an eight-piece band”
This is why I think the “rule of 6 people in stage” should be increased to eight. At least, after the COVID-19 nightmare ends (if it ever ends).

If a band goes to the Contest, it should go with all the members. Nobody should be left behind. Remember Koza Mostra (Greece 2013), they are six members and one had to leave his place for Agathonas Iakovidis. I don’t think it is fair.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
3 years ago

Margaret <3 Have been waiting for years for her to represent Poland with a modern uptempo-bop!

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
3 years ago

I wanna say as long as Mother Russia doesn’t keep on sending Mr Phil, it’ll be fine, but he’ll just buy a permanent Eurovision ticket in Moldova, so do whatever you want, Russia. haha

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

yep true, but Moldova could also be a much better ESC country without him.

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Proven by their impressive 3rd place in 2017.

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago

Moldova: Irina Rimes, Carine, Cleopatra Stratan, Valeria Pasa, Diana Rotaru, Catarina Sandu Monaco: Lyna Mahyem, Coeur De Pirate, Marie Mai, Nilusi, Louane, Vitaa Morocco: Faouzia, R3HAB Netherlands: Naaz, Rachel Traets, Davina Michelle, Emma Heesters, Ralf Mackenbach, Mylene & Rosanne, Matheu Hinzen, FOURCE, 4LIFE, Sterre, Kymora Norway: Julie Bergan, Adelen, Raylee, Magnus Bokn, Emil Solli Tangen, Oda Loves You, Hege Bjerk, Jaeger, Geirmund, Lisa Borud, Kristin Husoy, Rein Alexander, Akuvi Poland: Margaret, Roksana Wegiel, Sandra Czuraj, Sanah, Sylwia Grzeszczak, Lake Malawi Portugal: Blasted Mechanism, Barbara Tinoco, David Carreira, Blaya Romania: G Girls, INNA, Alexandra Stan, Minelli, Alina Eremia, Bella Santiago Russia:… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by ESC SSS
Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC SSS

You’re literally just listing most of the names that appear in Misja Eurowizija’s “who should represent [insert country here] at Eurovision” videos haha XD

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago
Reply to  Pineaple

Haha, how funny is that LOL.

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC SSS

One more thing:

Montenegro: Zoi

jason
jason
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC SSS

I’m pretty sure Zoi is Serbian

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago
Reply to  jason

Yes I know, maybe Serbian is Montenegro’s second language since majority of Montenegro’s people are mostly Serbian.

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC SSS

Additional artists: Andorra: Zazo X Gxurmet, Fuel Fandango Armenia: LEVON, Karina Ignatyan Australia: Celina Sharma, Vera Blue, Isabella Clarke Belarus: Monkey Tops, Maria Zhilina, Maria Ermakova, Shurma Croatia: Lana Jurcevic (La Lana) Cyprus: Konnie Metaxa, Melina Marki, Paola Estonia: Meriam Bosa, Emily J, Elysa, Kerli Germany: Oonagh, Eule, GEZZA, Emily Roberts, Daya Greece: Iasonas Mandilas, Evangelia, Nevve, Aero Chord Georgia: Mariam Chachkhiani, Zarina Tilidze Iceland: Ayia, Eivor Israel: Roni Dalumi, Maya Buskila Italy: Rancore, Jon Bellion Malta: Ela Moldova: Lerika Netherlands: Dotan North Macedonia: Kanita Suma Norway: Aurora Poland: Viki Gabor, Kayah Portugal: Luisa Sonza, Meta, Deejay Telio Romania: Otilia,… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by ESC SSS
Solfrid Holte Johansen
Solfrid Holte Johansen
3 years ago

NORWAY: Chris Holsten or Ingebjørg Bratland.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

If I had to pick one act:
Moldova: Valeria Stoica
Montenegro: Senidah
Monaco: Pomme
Morocco: Faouzia
the Netherlands: Davina Michelle
Norway: Astrid S
Poland: The Dumplings
Portugal: Diogo Picarra
Romania: Antonia
Russia: Zivert

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

For me Zivert, good, i hope she will represent Russia in the Eurovision 2021!

#pioneer
#pioneer
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

The Dumplings had recently went on hiatus (not that they disbanded!) and both members started their solo careers…

ESC SSS
ESC SSS
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Poland is supposed to be Sandra Czuraj and Montenegro is supposed to be Zoi.