Wednesday Wishlist Week 2

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 so, we’re back with our annual “Wednesday Wishlist” series. Over the seven Wednesday Wishlist editions we have done to date, our wishes were granted a total of 17 times. Will any more be granted in 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 Croatia and working through to Greece.

Eurovision 2022 Wishlist (Part Two)

Croatia: Meri Andraković

Antony: Meri is one of the newest artists within the Croatian music scene, rising to prominence on the talent show Zvjezdice. At only 21 years of age, she has already released a few singles, which have charted, and an album. Meri is also studying at The Academy of Arts and Culture at the University of Osijek where she aspires to be an actress. Her latest single, “Bilo Je Dobro” is proving to be a summer hit within Croatia, reaching the top ten in the local music charts.

Past wishes: Franka Batelic (wish granted), Luce, Lana JurcevicPetra Kovacevic, Damir Kedzo (wish granted), Mia Dimsic and Marko Kutlić

Cyprus: Ziynet Sali

Edd: In a time when many countries seem to be taking steps backwards politically, everyone could benefit from a message of unity. And what better way to build bridges than to have Cyprus – who have only ever been represented by Greek-Cypriot artists – send a Turkish-Cypriot from Northern Cyprus? To fit this role there’s one woman that crushes all competition: the one and only Ziynet Sali. Despite her career spanning two decades, Ziynet still drops out like it’s hot, giving us banger after banger after banger. And having songs with over 100 million views on YouTube, who could say no to that delicious Turkish diaspora vote?

Past wishes: Valando TryfonosKyriacos Georgiou, Nikolas Metaxas, Sophia Patsalides, Polina Christodoulou, Arcadian Child and Charis Savva

Czech Republic: Viktor Sheen

Oliver: Save for one less-than-fabulous result in 2021, there is real momentum with the Czech Republic at Eurovision. Prague is bustling with a huge talent pool of artists just waiting for a shot to take their music worldwide. And with the right song, Kazakhstan-born rapper Viktor Sheen could be the next to do it. The 27-year-old is a music machine. He’s already got six albums under his belt, each documenting the evolution of his signature musical style. Sheen’s most successful single “Až na měsíc” — a collaboration with fellow Czech musicians Calin, Hasan, Nik Tendo and Ivanoff — has racked up 26.5 million views on YouTube at the time of writing. It’s a gritty, part trap, part synth-pop rap track — a formula that has done wonders for the likes of US-based rapper Post Malone and Sanremo 2021 runner-up Fedez. Elsewhere, Sheen’s solo material is extremely raw and emotional. Check out his 2020 album Barvy. It’s intense, and perhaps rather explicit for Eurovision. But the same was once said about Måneskin.

Past wishes: VeronaVeronika Stýblová, Lenny, Mikolas Josef (wish granted), Emma Smetana, Tereza Mašková and Jordan Haj

Denmark: Lord Siva

Jordi: Brian Sivabalan – known as Lord Siva – is an Aalborg based hip-hop and R&B artist with Sri Lankan roots. He’s long recognized as one of the strongest names within the Danish music scene. He possesses a great stage presence and a distinguishable voice charged with lots of truth and versatility. Lord Siva proudly holds a nomination as Danish Artist of the Year 2020 and a number one hit on Spotify’s Top 50 Denmark with his song “Paris” – with which he collaborated with Danish producer Vera in 2019. Along with his song “Room for Love”, the success catapulted him into fame. He now has three studio albums and successful collaborations such as “Nobody’s Lover” with Clara (a.k.a 2019 New Danish Artist of the Year). “Solhverv (Solstice)” is one of his most recent releases, recognised as a summer hit, it demonstrates his flexibility with genre and his enthusiasm for recreating old sounds for new audiences. “Solhverv” is Lord Siva’s remix of Humørekspressen’s original version, now turned into a timeless 80s retro track that is irresistible from start to finish. The song has almost 19 million streams on Spotify and has featured on the Danish’s Apple’s Top Songs of 2020. Fyr & Flamme might have not succeeded in Eurovision, but Lord Siva is here to prove that he can deliver: going retro or going hip-hop.

Past wishes: Ida CorrStine Bramsen, Turboweekend & Oh LandLukas GrahamMalte Ebert, Medina and Mekdes

Estonia: I Wear* Experiment

Lauren: Mixing elements of synth-pop, soul and rock, Eesti Laul 2016 alumni I Wear* Experiment offer a sound beyond what we’re used to hearing at Eurovision. And if a hard rock song managed to win the contest this year, countries should feel freer sending just that next year. Last month, the trio released “Hunger”, their first single in over a year, and its powerful yet soothing sound feels like it would fit right in at Eurovision 2022. Perhaps their 2016 entry “Patience”, which placed fifth in the national selection, was just ahead of its time.

Past wishes: Jaan LehepuuLiis LemsaluIirisJana KaskCityflash & Laura-Ly, Nublu and Beatrice

Finland: Antti Tuisku

Katie: UMK 2021 proved to be a triumph as Finland achieved its best result at Eurovision since Lordi took the title home in 2006. So, could the man who hosted the show, Antti Tuisku, be the one to score Finland its second Eurovision victory in 2022? Antti Tuisku is a household name in Finland, with a career spanning almost a decade and over 300,000 record sales under his belt. The pandemic hasn’t slowed him down either, as Antti released his EP Master Workout in 2021, which hit the top spot on the Finnish charts. His latest single from the EP, “Kipee”, is an example of the electro-pop perfection with an atmospheric chorus that could land Finland firmly on the left-hand side of the scoreboard. Furthermore, as Eurovision 2021 saw three non-English songs take the podium positions, 2022 could be the year that Antti brings Finnish-language diva realness to Italy.

Past wishes: Laura NärhiAnna AbreuNiila, Alma, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish and JVG

France: Heuss L’enfoiré

Jonathan: I’m going to throw a slight curveball compared to the usual French wishlist entries. Whilst France can do no wrong with a classic chanson or a catchy pop song, in reality, the country’s contemporary music industry is dominated by much more urban sounds – hip hop, rap, R&B, trap, afrobeat – and often from artists who have roots in former French colonies. Step forward Heuss L’enfoiré, a rapper of Algerian descent who has rocketed onto the scene in recent years. Whilst rap/R&B has had mixed results at Eurovision, Heuss L’enfoiré often brings in a house/dance vibe to his music that would help deliver an engaging performance and keep the party spirit of the contest. See for instance, “Mal à la tête”, “Khapta”, “Moulaga”, “Aristocrate” and “Ne reviens pas” – his megahit with Gradur that spent nine weeks at the top of the French singles chart. As Duncan Laurence said at Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez, “Eurovision needs an urban revolution”. The modern multi-cultural France, and Heuss L’enfoiré in particular, has the ingredients to deliver just that.

Past wishes: Mylène FarmerAmel BentBrigitte, Christine & the Queens, Maître Gims, Indila and Kendji Girac

Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze

Twenty-four-year-old Nutsa is no stranger to talent shows. She won New Wave in 2014, took part on Georgian Dancing With The Stars and competed on The Voice of Turkey. However, Eurovision fans will probably know her best for finishing second in Georgia’s 2017 national final with the ballad “White Horses Run”. Since then, Nutsa has released her debut album 22 and numerous music videos. In 2020, she participated in the Russian version of All Together Now, coming second. Afterwards, one of the show’s judges Sergey Lazarev took her under his wing and helped her release “Девочка хотела любить”. In 2021, she came back for an all stars version of same programme. She released “Net” soon after. She didn’t let the dust settle on her Russian adventure before she was off to Albania for Kenga Magjike 2021. She won the international artist category with “We Are One”.

Past wishes: Katie MeluaBERA, Nini, Salio, Nino Katamadze & Insight, Keti Topuria and Mgzavrebi

Germany: Katja Krasavice

Julian: Now this is a controversial one and but let me explain. Katja Krasavice probably isn’t that known outside of Germany. But in Germany, she definitely is one famous person! She started her career as an influencer on YouTube where she produced very controversial stuff about sexual topics. In 2017, she released her first song “Doggy” which reached #7 in the German charts. Two years later in 2019, she signed a contract with Warner Music and her two subsequent albums Boss Bitch and Eure Mami (Your Mama) both reached #1 on the album charts. In April this year, Katja even collaborated with Doja Cat and Saweetie, as well as German singer and rapper Elif. Katja combines rap with modern beats and party vibes – in the German language. Many people who know Katja Krasavice may think “no way this could turn out well at Eurovision”. Please think about Hatari and Maruv who both were among the fan favourites of their year. They were also controversial. And among other reasons, their sexual touch on stage helped them become acts which many people spoke about. Why should Germany not take that risk too?

Past wishes: Mandy CapristoOonaghGlasperlenspiel, Mogli, LEA, Nico Santos and Sarah Connor

Greece: Josephine

Padraig: She was born Jessica Josephine Wendel to a Lebanese mother and a Greek-German father. However, like Shakira, Beyoncé and Adele, she uses just a mononym — Josephine. Most Eurovision fans will know her best for her recent cover of “Mata Hari”, while more might recall her 2014 entry in the Greek national final — “Dancing Night”. However, neither song really reflects Josephine’s back catalogue as a whole. She’s enjoyed major success with her formula of fusing traditional ethnic sounds with modern dance beats and slick R&B rhythms. “Magia”, “Ego” and “Fimi” are among her biggest hits, all three charted in the top five. She has the star power and talent to keep Greece in the top ten. And if her home country passes her by, we know that Cyprus has her record label — Panik Records — on speed dial.

Past wishes: Eleni Foureira (wish granted for Cyprus), Tamta (wish granted for Cyprus), Kings, Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Marina Satti, Konstantinos Argiros and Vasiliki Ntanta

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

Check out our previous Wednesday Wishlists.

54 Comments
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Julia
Julia
3 years ago

That one you suggested for Germany is famous here? I think I have to move out, I have no idea who she is 😮

Sam Kay
Sam Kay
3 years ago

I want Georgia . to have a catchy song because
They always miss the final.And I always want them to go to the final

Last edited 3 years ago by Sam Kay
Leith
Leith
3 years ago

Aya Nakamura would be one of my top picks for France, and Evangelia for Greece.

Nikko
Nikko
3 years ago

Katja Krasavice for Germany is too controversial for the old-fashioned broadcaster NDR. Though, she would get points from Czechia as a Czech woman.

I would prefer Zoe Wees. She is the German Destiny and already a huge star. But I don’t like her attitude at all in interviews. Her mother tounge is German but in interviews she is talking with an American accent and partial in English. She has grand airs and graces.

Dom Dong
Dom Dong
3 years ago

I’m from Croatia and I’ve never heard of Meri or the mentioned song. And it’s not that I’m not listening our music

A.S
A.S
3 years ago

The so-called “Northern Cyprus” does not exist. It is the occupied parts of Cyprus since the illegal Turkish Invasion of 1974. By referring to the occupied parts of the Republic of Cyprus as “Northern Cyprus” you recognise it as an independent state which is wrong under the UN Security Council resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992). Therefore, by sending someone to represent Cyprus from the occupied parts would never happen. Please make sure you are aware of what you are posting as I have been following your blog for quite some time.

Last edited 3 years ago by A.S
Wright Blan
Wright Blan
3 years ago

I’m hoping Ouse gets selected for Iceland!

Ieva
Ieva
3 years ago

I love Hyperstress by I Wear* Experiment!

Yudhistira Mahasena
3 years ago

For Denmark, my most favorite Nordic country in Eurovision, the options are endless. They are full of talented singers, musicians, and even bands. However, I can think of five, as mentioned in my previous comment: Michael Learns to Rock, Hedegaard, Volbeat, Rasmus Seebach, or Oh My Girl. I didn’t know MLTR was a Danish band until recently, when I listened to “Paint my love” – an indirect adaptation of Denmark’s 1996 entry “Kun med dig” by Dorthe Andersen and Martin Loft, which was composed by their main vocalist, Jascha Richter. So I would love seeing them compose an original song… Read more »

cornflower
cornflower
3 years ago

My personal wishlist for a few countries:
Latvia: Tobu (producer) ft some singer
Estonia: Andrei Zevakin in collaboration with someone
Finland: Robin Packalen
Sweden: Lisa Ajax & Klockrent
Norway: Emmy

Peppa Pig ?
Peppa Pig ?
3 years ago

I feel like Denmark could get a really good result with Ea Kaya. She has some contemporary pop songs which are suitable for Eurovision

Andi
Andi
3 years ago

lol, Katja Krasavice is the LAST person I want to represent Germany xD Didn’t know that today’s april fool’s day. Never laughed so hard, thanks for these funny minutes. Serious talking now: I would like to have Xavier Darcy for Germany. The rest of these countries from above: Croatia: Éric Vidovic Cyprus: Eleni Foureira (she was great) Czech Republic: Barbora Mochow, Karell, Olga Lounova, or Pam Rabbit. Or Gabriela Guncikova again. Denmark: Jasmin Rose feat. Roxor Loops or Kenny Duerlund Estonia: Ivo Linna!!! <3 or Gram-of-Fun Finland: Erika Vikman France: Oh soooo many from this year’s pre seleciton: Casanova, Andriamad,… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Andi
Sam Kay
Sam Kay
3 years ago
Reply to  Andi

You mean the Xavier center in Malden manor

Nikko
Nikko
3 years ago

Can someone explain why it would be impossible to send a Turkish-Cypriot artist?

hey
hey
3 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Because Turkey can’t let the island alone. Turk-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots would definitale want a united island, or at least the youngest genereations of both. Also, Turkish Cyprous isn’t recognised as an indvidual country from, pretty much, everyoune on this planet. So, they can’t take place alone, and the relationships with the other country are bad because of Turkey.

VaSta
VaSta
3 years ago

Dear Wiwi, please get more informed about Cyprus’ political status after the turkish invasion in 74. There is not a chance about a north-cyprus contentant, actually north cyprus doesnt exist. RIK is the legal and official broadcaster, it is greek and under no circumstances could propose a non-greek cypriot arist since the existence of turks in cyprus is till now illegal.

Apollo
Apollo
3 years ago
Reply to  VaSta

This comment surprised me as the majority of young Cypriots want a united Cyprus. The elder generations obviously still hold a grudge as they lived through conflicts and political turmoil. Hopefully, a Turkish Cypriot can represent a united Cyprus in the future – and their ethnic background won’t even be questioned!

Ella
Ella
3 years ago

Too bad Antti Tuisku has repeatedly stated in the past that he thinks Eurovision is cringe and that he’d never do it.

Harry_Rey
Harry_Rey
3 years ago

I personally would love for Lena to return to Eurovision. I know, she’s an established artist now, but it would be a really nice comeback and who knows, maybe she will be a female Johnny Logan! Alternative choices could be Zoe Wees or Michael Schulte, i would be really happy with them too

Red X
Red X
3 years ago

my wishlist for 2022:
Croatia: Damir Kedzo
Cyprus: Josephine (or for Greece) or NAPOLI (since she lives in Northern Cyprus)
Czech Republic: We All Poop
Denmark: Ben and Tan
Estonia: Kerli
Finland: Aksel
France: Tom Leeb (with a better song)
Georgia: Cira
Germany: Ben Dolic (or for Slovenia) or Andreas Kümmert
Greece: Evangelia (or for Cyprus)

Last edited 3 years ago by Red X
Red X
Red X
3 years ago
Reply to  Red X

*forgot to mention Sandro for Greece/Cyprus/Germany and Athena Manoukian for Greece/Cyprus if she don’t represent Armenia.

esc1234
esc1234
3 years ago
Reply to  Red X

Sandro repressing Greece or Cyprus is even beyond science fiction

Lema
Lema
3 years ago

I am from Germany and I have no idea either, who Katja Krasavice is ?

Last edited 3 years ago by Lema
Eugenie
Eugenie
3 years ago

You made a pretty strange take on Germany. Of course, it all comes down to personal taste, but I think Germanish music is not that bad. What I’d like to see:

1). Something from Deutsch Harte. For example, Megahertz.

2). Raw synth-pop with heavy industrial influences.

Jo.
Jo.
3 years ago

some of these are REALLY a choice

Lucky
Lucky
3 years ago

Like many others, I prefer Evangelia for Greece, a rising name with genuine passion to mix Greek elements to her pop songs. Personally I like her style more than Josephine’s; it’s way softer and very distinctive, so it won’t live under Fuego’s shadow.

As much as I want her, I will understand if she’s ended up not coming this year. She just started her music career recently and probably will look for enough stage experiences first before going to ESC.

Alvaro
Alvaro
3 years ago

From Finland, I’d wish Haloo! Helsinki represented them. Their interval act at UMK2021 was just marvelous and they have a number of pretty good songs in Finnish.

Vera
Vera
3 years ago

I wish the videos were of a live performance (if available). Some are so auto-tuned that it’s hard to hear the actual singing capabilities of the artist. While I don’t think there is anything wrong with auto-tune in general, for Eurovision it is relevant to know how someone sounds without it.

Rasmus Bording Irlind
Rasmus Bording Irlind
3 years ago

as a danish person, i’d like to see ericka jane try her luck at dmgp

Yudhistira Mahasena
3 years ago

Who’s Ericka Jane? She’s a new name for me.

Hrvatska
Hrvatska
3 years ago

I love the Croatian music market, if you look closely you will find some musical gems I have a long list of my favorite artists of this country to describe who I would like for Eurovision but I will mention that the band Silente is extraordinary

and also among my types is Matija Cvek Zsa Zsa Indira and Mia dimsic and Marko Kutlic Lu jakelic Nika Turkovic

and here’s a nice silente piece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9smqYC7dy8

Last edited 3 years ago by Hrvatska
yeahyeahfire
yeahyeahfire
3 years ago

There is no way cyprus will send a turkish-cypriot to eurovision. Until the island unites (doesnt have a turkish-greek side) it is impossible. This year’s song just had the word devil and so many people stood against it, imagine what would happen if a turk represented them.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  yeahyeahfire

True. But people can still dream.

Last edited 3 years ago by Azaad
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson
3 years ago

Given that Eurovision is not meant to be political, I don’t think it is right to try to insert oneself into the political issue with Northern Cyprus without fully understanding it. It is not a simply issue of advocating for unity by having a Turkish Cypriot artist, as if Cyprus has been doing something wrong all of these years. the turkish military has been illegally occupying the north part of the island since 1974, and thousands of Greek cypriots have lost their homes to illegal settlers from mainland turkey (similar to how Israel is making illegal settlements in Palestine). There… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Andrew Johnson
filipko54
filipko54
3 years ago

omg if Viktor Sheen represented Czech Republic I’d be so happy, however I think he wouldn’t be interested

Louka
Louka
3 years ago

Bold pick for France. I share Duncan analysis and we have a lot to offer in this area. The main question would be which kind of artists to carry that? Should the spotlight be more on the text, the voice or the attitude? There are rap entries which are genius but doesn’t translate well on stage. On the other hand, performances from some of these at live TV shows are really “too much” and feel forced and artificial (Hello Aya Nakamura 😉 ). So what seems essential is to find a good compromise between all of this. Suzane, Pomme, Lonespi,… Read more »

Louka
Louka
3 years ago
Reply to  Louka

NB : Oh and so you know, her performance comes from “Les Victoires de la Musique” which were held in La Seine Musicale (JESC 2021) so you can get your idea of all the technical and artistic possibilities the place as to offer for December.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Louka

Lous and the yakuza also performed at Sanremo! She’d be a great internal pick for Belgium

123
123
3 years ago

Meri Andrakovic? Yikes.
Sorry, but that’s one of the lamest possible choices. 🙁

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
3 years ago

My Eurovision 2022 Wishlist
Croatia – Manntra (Band)
Cyprus – Josephine Wendel
Czech Republic – Jan Bendig
Denmark – Nikoline Steen Kristensen
Estonia – Jaagup Tuisk
Finland – Mikael Saari
France – Marghe Davico
Georgia – Levan Kbilashvili
Germany – Juan Geck
Greece – Vangelis Kakouriotis

Last edited 3 years ago by Hyunwoo
pasi
pasi
3 years ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Juan would be sooo amazing for us.

Ixuxu
Ixuxu
3 years ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Jan Bendig is terrible live

Branko86
Branko86
3 years ago

Katja Krasavice??? Are you *** serious??? What did you smoke?

Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Branko86

Literally one of the most disliked singers in Germany xD + not to talk about her live singing capabilities.

For real if Germany wants to go for something in german once they should select LEA ( very talented german singer songwriter or something like rammstein.

Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

+ Niko Santos would off course be perfect for eurovision!

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Branko86

idk her but friend zone is kind of a bop im ngl

Pancake
Pancake
3 years ago

My Eurovision Song Contest 2022 wishlist C-G

Croatia – Damir Kedzo
Cyprus – Sandro
Czech Republic – Lenny
Denmark – Ben and Tan
Estonia – CARTOON
Finland – Lxandra
France – Requin Chagrin
Georgia – Lizi Japaridze
Germany – Au/Ra
Greece – Nikos Vertis

Yudhistira Mahasena
3 years ago

Mine is:

  • Croatia: Bernarda Brunovic
  • Cyprus: Theodora Rafti (the first ever Cypriot representative in Junior Eurovision and she is now an opera singer)
  • Czechia: Lucie Vondrá?ková
  • Denmark: Michael Learns to Rock, Hedegaard, Volbeat, Rasmus Seebach, or Oh My Girl
  • Estonia: Sissi or Grete Paia
  • Finland: Korpiklaani
  • France: David Guetta or Black M
  • Georgia: Tornike Kipiani (again)
  • Germany: Jendrik (again), Kim Petras, or Rammstein
  • Greece: Chloe Sofia Boleti (the Greek representative in Junior Eurovision 2006)
pasi
pasi
3 years ago

not Jendrik again… NEVER AGAIN. One time was enough for him.

Andi
Andi
3 years ago
Reply to  pasi

Nothing to add here. 😀

Fabio
Fabio
3 years ago

We had enough of Tornike Kipiani, I think. Two bad songs in a row, who needs a third one?

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Fabio

take me as I am was fantastic. you was…………..there.

Frisian esc
3 years ago

CYBC had beef this year with the christian protesters in front of their headquarters. Sending a Turkish Cypriot could be seen by some people as a validation of northern Cyprus and i’m pretty sure we’d get this year’s drama times a hundred. It’s a sensitive subject and people would react.

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
3 years ago

Antigoni would also be an excellent pick for Cyprus.

And as a silly suggestion, Jevisaurus for Finland, even if it’s just for the laughs.

Last edited 3 years ago by Iván el Conquistador