Eurovision 5 May

Every weekday, between now and the contest in May, the team from wiwibloggs will round up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2021. We trawl through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. In today’s Daily Digest, James Newman unveils his team for Rotterdam, Lesley Roy introduces her backing vocalists and Dadi Karaoke has arrived. But first…

Eurovision news: 5 May

Blind Channel begin documentary series of their journey to Eurovision

Blind Channel are taking fans behind the scenes of their journey to Eurovision 2021 with a new documentary series. There will be six videos in total that give an insight into what the Finnish band have been up to since winning UMK 2021 in February. The first episode, uploaded today, shows just how busy Blind Channel have been over the past few months with constant interviews and rehearsals (while also recording a new single). The band go into detail about the pressure this has put on them and how it has negatively affected their physical and mental health at times. However, as Joonas notes at the end, they’re still pumped to be making history and topping the charts. The documentary is in Finnish, but English subtitles are available. (Jonathan)

Hooverphonic hope to be the dark horses of 2021

As we’ve mentioned in a previous digest, the Belgian city of Sint-Niklaas is celebrating Hooverphonic’s 25th anniversary with a special exhibition dedicated to the group. It will run from 8 May to 6 June, and ahead of its launch the trio told VRT that they hope to become this year’s dark horse. Next to that, Alex Callier spoke of his hope that the Flemish entry will for once be more successful than the Walloon efforts in recent year. (Renske)

Manizha says Eurovision performance is “more dynamic, more positive”

Russia’s songstress Manizha told Russian television guide Teleprogramma that we are to expect a different performance than the one we saw in Russia’s national final. One of the previously announced new elements contains a dress made out of pieces of fabric from different regions of Russia. Adding to that, Manizha told Teleprogramma: “We are not complicating it, but we will make it more dynamic, more positive. There will be new elements in my performance that have taken my breath way. We overcame different technical difficulties and now we are preparing for the flight to the contest.” (Renske)

Dadi Karaoke is here

Their Think About Aliens mobile game is still fresh off the digital press, but Daði og Gagnamagnið already have a new game ready to go — “Dadi Karaoke”. The new app will let players join Daði and sing along while collecting points when they hit the right note. The game is made in collaboration with the creator of the award-winning music learning app for children, Mussila. All of the group’s biggest songs are featured —  “10 Years”, “Think About Things” and “Is This Love”. Dadi Karaoke is available on the App Store and Google Play.

 

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“Set Me Free” at the Wiwi Jam

She’s been set free thanks to her stunning ESC revamp. And now Israel’s Eden Alene is headed to the Wiwi Jam at Hone concert. On May 19 the Israeli star will shake things up on our YouTube channel, bringing her undeniable presence and fierce sense of style. She will also hit the highest note in Eurovision Pre Party history!

 

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The moon is acoustic

Latvia’s Samanta Tīna has become the latest Eurovision 2021 star to go acoustic. “The Moon Is Rising” singer is joined by Haralds Stenclavs on piano. Tālis Timrots oversees the mix. In the video description, Samanta explains the song’s message: “This song is about powerful and admirable women, about every single woman. I invite not to be afraid of ourselves and of being different. My song invites women to make a crown with their hands and put it on the head to be the ruler of life: to love and believe in ourselves. Then we will be loved by the people around us. I believe that such an attitude changes the way people treat you, but it is not enough – for this reason, the most important line in my song is: if you have something to say, say it to my face! Let’s accept and love ourselves, let’s be proud of what God has given to us, let’s accept our differences and stand for equality!”.

James Newman’s on-stage team revealed

James Newman is finishing off his final rehearsals in the UK before flying to Rotterdam. The BBC Eurovision Twitter account shared a picture from the latest rehearsal and revealed that James will be joined by four male backup performers on the Rotterdam Ahoy arena stage – Israel, Shaun, Yves and Alex. Many fans have been hoping that the British singer will be joined by some dancing brass players, much like in the music video for “Embers”. Although no specific details were given on exactly what the four men would be doing alongside James, the tweet does finish with a trumpet emoji… 🎺 (Jonathan)

Lesley Roy names her backing vocalists

We know that Lesley Roy will be alone on stage. However, she has confirmed on her Instagram stories that she will be joined just off-stage by two backing vocalists — Philip Strand and Emelie Eriksson. The names should be familiar to “Maps” fans as both Philip and Emelie were part of the songwriting team.

Meanwhile, the Irish Embassy in the Netherlands has announced a special online event with Lesley. Described as a 30-minute “fireside chat and song”, fans have until 7 May to register their interest.

The Roop meet the Lithuanian Prime Minister

Before heading off to Rotterdam, The Roop have had a meeting with Ingrida Šimonytė, the Prime Minister of Lithuania. She wished them well and said “Spread the yellow wave virus and promote the name of Lithuania. I sincerely wish you to win this year, because you are worth the victory.”. Ingirda also commented through her Twitter account and hoped everyone would discoteque with The Roop when they participate in the first semi-final on May 18th. (Jonathan)

 

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Additional contributions from Jonathan, Renske and William

What do you think of the acoustic “The Moon Is Rising”? Can Hooverphonic be dark horses? Let us know in the comments.

Read more Daily Digests for Eurovision 2021.

49 Comments
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Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago

Ireland is going to do so well in the GrandFinal! So excited to see Lesley’s performances

Europotato
Europotato
3 years ago

The one year backing tracks are allowed and Ireland still send backing vocalists. Ireland have never been good at measuring backing vocals. I’m nervous now.

Liv
Liv
3 years ago
Reply to  Europotato

She said on an interview she’ll have two live backing vocalists and one pre recorded backing vocalist. Lesley appears to be taking a lot more control this year than other Irish acts and she’s more familiar with sound mixing and live staging so she’ll probably do a better job than other years with that. Although outside of jedward 2011 Ireland hasnt done that bad a job at all on sound mixing onstage. 2015 was very well done.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Europotato

As stated already, Lesley knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s taken full control of Ireland’s entry this year and she’s got tonnes of experience in this.
She’s got this.

abenteuer
abenteuer
3 years ago

My song invites women to make a crown with their hands and put it on the head to be the ruler of life.” — LMAO, Samanta Tina is so extra

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  abenteuer

She’s trying to make that a thing and it’s just ….not lol

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago

Last update of the eurojury results, tomorrow the last 5 countries will vote so after 44 countries that have voted out of 49 a clear top 5 is appearing: Malta : 35 tops ( 16 tops 3 / 19 tops 10 ) Switzerland : 28 tops ( 14 tops 3 / 14 tops 10 ) France : 28 tops ( 14 tops 3 / 14 tops 10 ) Iceland : 26 tops ( 11 tops 3 / 15 tops 10 ) Israël : 27 tops ( 10 tops 3 / 17 tops 10 ) With 5 countries remaining to vote… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Esc addict
Giolo
Giolo
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Thanks for the update

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

You’re welcome man! I follow the eurojury very carefully so I share this here for those who are interested 😉

Giolo
Giolo
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Do you know when will the full results be pubbliche?

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

Yeah of course, now 46 countries have voted, at 5 pm this afternoon we will have the votes of the last 3 countries and tomorrow during all the day we will have the reveal of the points.

Marc
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Israel is a surprise! Historically, has this poll proven to be more accurate than other fan polls?

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
3 years ago

I think Belgium just might make it to the final, where they’ll get annihilated.

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
3 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Pastor

It doesn’t matter to me how well they do (I don’t really care who wins). It’s still going on my playlist anyway!

Giolo
Giolo
3 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Pastor

I am almost 100% sure they will go through, but I fear there’s a possibility televoting will indeed destroy them 🙁

Let’s hope they will nail the staging and get an amazing public score and a top 5 with juries!

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Pastor

As they should

I think another ‘Czechia 2016’ incident is not out of the table though

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Has anyone else registered for the song and talk with Lesley?

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

I’m not sure why registering is necessary. It can only stop people from joining in, one click is what people like.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Do it on YouTube, not Zoom.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I’m with you, Jonas — I didn’t organise the thing. The purpose of this particular thread was just to ask if anyone else will be tuning in…

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Aren’t you the Irish ambassador? My answer is that I will not be registering, but hope to see it later if it appears on YouTube.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Not at the moment. Thanks for answering the question 😛

Shame I won’t see you round the fire…

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Really want Ireland and Belgium in the final. They’re being slept on.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Ireland yes, Belgium no.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Both yes. They’re so different to a lot of the other songs this year, especially in semi 1 I feel.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

We’re destined for at least one or two shocks in SF1.

Lesley will sing her guts out and I believe her that the staging will be good. Ireland will qualify.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Fingers crossed.

Giolo
Giolo
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

For me it’s the opposite way. Ireland will be a shock NQ, although I want it so bad to go through, it’s my 5th in the SF. I really believe Lesley won’t live up to fans expectations. On the other hand, Gejke will give a classy performance and Sennek got like 70 jury and 20 televotinf points with a lackluster presentation and no voting allies (except Lithuania, it looks like Baltic Countries love Belgium music, also Blanche and Loic…), so Hooverphonic are going to get at least 90 points from juries and like 40 from the public. 130 points is… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Giolo
PP77
PP77
3 years ago

I think Belgium and Denmark will be dark horses. I see both countries in TOP 13 in final. Many don t see this countries in final.

Tommy
Tommy
3 years ago

Does anyone know if it is possible to watch stand in rehearsal?

Candy
Candy
3 years ago
Reply to  Tommy

It was in 2019

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Tommy

No but sometimes material leaks. We’ll get footage of the real rehearsals in 2 days already though.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
3 years ago

The UK hate needs to stop.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Wait, ANOTHER VIDEO GAME!?

To the App Store we go!

Samo
Samo
3 years ago

I’m a bit worried about Manizha changing her performance (especially since I put some money on her winning the thing). I really loved the one in Russia, it was pretty much perfect. “More positive” staging is not quite what I expect from that entry.

abenteuer
abenteuer
3 years ago
Reply to  Samo

Russia is in my top 3 so I am also afraid what “more positive” may mean for the ESC performance. The primary charm lies in Manizha’s cheeky, sassy badassery and there is no need to lay on the female empowerment message any thicker. And dear god, please keep the boilersuit!

Eugenie
Eugenie
3 years ago

I hope Hooverphonic will be right, cuz’they’re really standing out and their song is excellent. Not bland and sincerely unpretentious.

Eugenie
Eugenie
3 years ago

I like Hooverphonic so much. I hope their hoping will come true, cuz’ they’re really standing out.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Curious as to who they are 😉

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Slovenia could surprise if the juries give her high marks for sure. Reminds me of Albania 2018, everyone had it written out but he qualified quite comfortably if I remember

Jack
Jack
3 years ago

Manizha better keep these 4 backing vocalists cause they are incredible. I would be thrilled to see her being a surprise winner and silence the hate against her

Ratik
Ratik
3 years ago
Reply to  Jack

it would be great to see how russian nationalists change their opinion about Manizha from “a disgusting tajik-girl who insults our culture” to “our Russian beauty who brought us victory”.
Unfortunately, this is an impossible scenario

Julie
Julie
3 years ago

I think the idea is “Yellow virus” vs Corona virus. As in something positive for once in a while! I am sure nobody meant infecting and getting people ill haha

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago

Latvia is my new favorite entry

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I was hoping Lesley would use prerecorded backing vocals…

So happy for James, i am so excited for the UK this year!!

Hooverphonic can be the dark horse IF they nail the staging like Netherlands did in 2014. Otherwise, they will flop.

Europotato
Europotato
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I was hoping that Lesley would use them too. Ireland has never had great backing vocalists they are always over singing the main singer. Now I’m just worried it’ll just sound tacky.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

The photo from the UK staging rehearsal looks so cringey and tacky. What a letdown.

James looks kindof ridiculous in that outfit, even though I’m sure he won’t be styled like that on the night, I wonder why they even shared that photo. All-black tracksuit, gold chain, gold rings, and a backwards baseball cap…really!?

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

No, it sounds completely unmemorable!

and yeah I had the same thought about the “just four backing singers” reveal…like, wow, what an awesome spetacle it will be.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Oh, I actually quite like Belgium 2016! I thought they did a really good job of the stage performance, bringing the song to life.