Wednesday Wishlist 3

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 Hungary and working through to Malta.

Eurovision 2022 Wishlist (Part Three)

Hungary: Nemazalány

Katie: Nemazalány is one of Hungary’s brightest rising stars, who could bring Hungary back into Eurovision with a fresh, urban flavour, igniting a much-needed and long-overdue Hungarian renaissance at the contest. The 23-year-old is most famous for her duets with fellow female artists. She’s released several singles with Lil G, including “Petőfi Sándor” which has racked up almost 34 million views on YouTube. The pandemic hasn’t slowed Nemazalány down either, as her single with Sofi, “Üres Szívek”, released in January 2021, is on its way to reaching 20 million YouTube views. Perhaps Nemazalány wouldn’t be on the Eurovision stage alone, so that Hungary could treat us to a moment of Béyonce and Gaga-style fabulosity? It goes without saying, campy, diva-esque content from Hungary is something the world is waiting to see.

Past wishes: Linda KirályFreddie (wish granted), Margaret Island, Wellhello, Paddy And The Rats, Cloud 9+ and Hien

Iceland: Aron Can

Calvin: The Icelandic music scene may be relatively small, but it showcases a huge variety of different artists. As Iceland isn’t afraid of bringing this diversity to Eurovision, a streaming-friendly rap sound would surely be the next logical step. Aron Can ticks all the boxes. The singer with Turkish roots started his career in 2016 with the release of his mixtape Þekkir stráginn. He was only 16 at the time. Several songs left a mark on the local music landscape. Musically, his style can be located somewhere along the lines of Young Thug and Travis Scott often with a The Weeknd-like electronic beat. Some people even argue that he introduced trap hip hop to Iceland and see him as a pioneer. His career is a success story. He’s published several albums, with the latest coming earlier this year. He was nominated for several Icelandic Music Awards, performed together with the Black Eyed Peas in 2019 and rules large parts of the Spotify charts in Iceland. Aron Can would be a great contrast after two years of the happy and bright sounding Daði Freyr.

Past wishes: Retro StefsonOf Monsters And MenSoffía Björg, Ólafur Arnalds, Moses Hightower, BRÍET and Hjaltalín

Ireland: Picture This

Padraig: Almost from the moment of their 2015 launch, Picture This have been one of Ireland’s most in-demand acts. They are Ryan Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff and Cliff Deane. Together they’re responsible for three albums (including two chart-toppers), a slew of hit singles and multiple sell-out gigs and tours. They’ve also developed a sizeable cult following beyond Irish shores including in the UK and US. In fact, the foursome recently recorded a special performance for The Late Late Show with James Corden from inside Croke Park — Ireland’s biggest stadium. As Måneskin just proved, Eurovision can now offer the potential to take an already popular act to superstardom. And if their recent comments are anything to go by, they might actually consider giving the song contest a go.

Past wishes: HozierSinead O’ConnorLisa HanniganNadine Coyle, LYRA, Dermot Kennedy and Soulé

Israel: Ninet Tayeb

Lauren: You know how the stereotypical Brit reacts to a poor Eurovision result by saying they “could send Adele and still lose”? Ninet Tayeb to us Israelis is a lot like Adele to them. It’s so much of an obvious choice that it’s almost crazy that she never represent us. And yet, I don’t feel unoriginal wishing for her to represent the Middle Eastern nation – in Eurovision, she would be a very creative choice. We’ve seen some rock music in recent years, but not so many fierce femmes. On the 2020 wishlist, I wished for Scardust – a very heavy metal female-led band. I’m hereby toning down the aggressiveness — it doesn’t have to be too heavy. Accessible hard rock would do the trick just fine. And Ninet’s live performance abilities are it.

Past wishes: Eden Ben ZakenThe Young ProfessionalsRoni DalumiStatic & Ben El Tavori, Ori Ben Ari, Scardust and Lilly Wood and the Prick

Italy: M¥SS KETA

Pablo: The time to kick the habit for safe host entries is well overdue. With a guaranteed spot in the final and no added pressure, one can take the task with a mixture of laissez-faire and pizazz. And when M¥SS KETA enters on the track, the party begins at last. An anonymously mysterious yet captivating character, the lady with the mask and glasses is all the rage in her homeland. Everything KETA does is to the extreme — a marriage of clever and addictive, all in celebration of the outré and absurd, and with Italian media in the palm of her hand, conquering Eurovision would be a walk in the park. Plus, those who choose to stan her in an homage via disguise will find the win-win situation of keeping themselves safe and protected in a crowd.

Past wishes: Raffaella Carrà,Malika Ayane,Tiziano Ferro,Fabio Rovazzi, Måneskin, (wish granted), Young Kali and Takagi & Ketra

Latvia: Bermudu divstūris

Jordi: Latvian duo – Marats Ogļezņevs and Emīls Balceris – won’t leave you, or anybody, indifferent. Under the name, The Bermuda Triangle, and the stage names Biceps (Marats) and Triceps (Emīls), the band has claimed many fans with their humorous lyrics and addictive rhythms. The band was created to offer something different to the modern songs “with four chords” that dominate the radio stations. Bermudu divstūris rise to fame has seen them earn millions of views on YouTube, millions of Spotify streams and four Annual Latvian Music Recording Awards, including Song of the Year 2020 and 2018, and Best Hip Hop or Dance Music Album in 2015. With two studio records in their repertoire, the Latvian pair keep leaving their fans dazed as new singles are released. Among their recent releases, “Rododendri (Rhododendron)” is an exciting and different offering with proper Latvian essence. No party of Bermudu divstūris is not loud enough, and surely, they are more than ready to follow in Triana Park’s footsteps and bring the much-missed party to the grand final.

Past wishes: Fox LimaCarnival Youth,MashaPYØR, Kautkaili, Instrumenti and Astro’n’out

Lithuania: Jazzu

Tom: Jazzu is an artist that’s made for the Eurovision stage. This girl isn’t a wannabe, she has a serious singing background. She started singing jazz music when she was 13 and went on to perform at multiple jazz projects in Lithuania and abroad. After finishing music school, she moved to London to continue her music career and her big break came when she met music producer Leon Somov and became involved with electronic music. Together, they went on to win multiple M.A.M.A awards – Lithuanian Music Awards. Including five gongs for Best Band and two for Best Album. Now she is owning it solo. Smashing out tracks both in English and Lithuanian and in so many different genres and styles – she can do it all! Her excellent recent single “Vasara” sees Jazzu dipping back into her jazzy roots. But for Eurovision, I would love her to perform something akin to her upbeat electronic pop track “Keep it to Myself” which is a collab with another brilliant Lithuanian artist Jovani. Have a listen! Jazzu has the voice, the versatility to sing any style of song at the contest and just look at her, she is just so cool!

Past wishes: Jurga SeduikyteSimonnaAlina OrlovaMoniqué, Beatrich, SEL and Jessica Shy

Luxembourg: Francis of Delirium

Robyn: Francis of Delirium is a rock duo fronted by the super talented rock chick Jana Bahrich. The group’s official bio describes their sound as a combination of  “90’s grunge and millennial DIY” — and that’s a good way to put it. Francis of Delirium serves up a fresh take on pop-rock, like an edgier version of the rock-infused pop that acts like Olivia Rodrigo and Willow have been serving up lately. Francis of Delirium’s 2020 single “Quit F***ing Around” serves loads of attitude and comes complete with a power chorus, just right for a Eurovision audience to shout along with. But it’s not all snarly rock — Lana can get emotional, as seen on a recent heartfelt orchestral performance of “I Think I’m Losing”. When Luxembourg decide to make a Eurovision comeback, Francis of Delirium is well poised to represent them.

Past wishes: Angel At My TableNatas Loves You, Seed To TreeWhen ‘Airy Met Fairy, Austinn, Alex Uhlmann and EDSUN

North Macedonia: LARA

Luis: LARA (Lara Ivanova) is one of North Macedonia’s rising stars. She serves some very slick and finely produced mid-tempo tracks, enriched with her deep voice. She’s a relatively new artist, but her catalogue goes from English titled ethno ballads to urban pop. Her song “Nekogas ke pomine” already has already over 670,000 views on YouTube. It features a glossy music video shot around the streets of Skopje. After a streak of established artists, maybe it’s time for North Macedonia to try with a teen pop princess.

Past wishes: Natasa MalinkovaRennataTatijana StefanovskaViktorija Loba, Menil Velioski, Bobi Andonov and FJØRA

Malta: GAIA

Patrick: Malta might have just sent Junior Eurovision winner Destiny to Eurovision, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot repeat history another time. Gaia Cauchi won the junior competition back in 2013 and boy, has the sweet girl turned into a breath-taking woman. Since her victory, the now 18-year-old has never stopped and continues to make herself an even bigger name in the Maltese music scene. Gaia ventured outside of her home country when she took part on X Factor UK in 2018. She reached judges’ houses. Recently, the young starlet revealed that she’s signed with the US-based label Kobalt Music x Prolific Songs, and that she’s working on a five or six song EP that should be released in the coming months. That sure is exciting when you consider her latest releases like “Why Should I?” or “Message” scream pop heaven. Gaia has everything a Eurovision success needs: talent, style, edge and surely a voice that is instantly recognisable. Grace us with your presence Gaia, we will welcome you to the big stage with open arms.

Past wishes: Kevin BorgLauren Aquilina, RaquelaThe Travellers, The New Victorians, Red Electrick and Veronica Rotin

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

Check out our previous Wednesday Wishlists.

29 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Phillybear
Phillybear
2 years ago

No. Nine isn’t for eurovision. Maybe as a songwriter. I love her. Always a fan since her and shiri start at a star is born tv show.
I know israeli fan will say what? No way.
Ninet as a singer in character is heavy for eurovision. Btw, love the song above.

Hrvatska
Hrvatska
2 years ago

I have the impression that Lara can be considered in 2022, because she and someone from her music producers rated ESC songs as a juror.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
2 years ago

Is it too late for GusGus (Iceland) to get in on the action?

Ieva
Ieva
2 years ago
Reply to  CookyMonzta

Haha, Daniel Agust probably would not want to return after his first result

Kuga
Kuga
2 years ago

Iceland: Klara Elias (she sings too beautiful), i’ve listened Aron before but not convinced at 100% XD

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
2 years ago

I have all sorts of ideas for Italy (although, admittedly, some of them would never be chosen):

  1. Max Gazzè
  2. Daniele Silvestri
  3. Levante
  4. Malika Ayane
  5. Arisa
  6. Neffa
  7. Paola Turci
  8. Ilaria Porceddu

Let me know who you would like to see. Make sure to let me know what you think of my choices.

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
2 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Pastor

I should point out that Gazzè, Silvestri, Ayane, and Arisa are perennial candidates, and Porceddu hasn’t participated since 2013 (and probably won’t do so anytime soon). Of the people I mentioned, Levante has the best chance of being chosen for Eurovision.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
2 years ago

Miss Keta for Italy? That’s crazy! Miss Keta is not a singer. She talks in her songs. I don’t know who voted for her, but surely it’s not someone who has a deep musical knowledge.

Ashton
Ashton
2 years ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

‘deep musical knowledge’ girl get out with your elitism and let people enjoy music

Gino
Gino
2 years ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Rap exists

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
2 years ago

My Eurovision 2022 Wishlist
Hungary – Kaukázus (Band from A Dal (2021))
Iceland – Magni Ásgeirsson
Ireland – Brendan Murray
Israel – Roni Dalumi
Italy – Casadilego (Elisa Coclite)
Latvia – Laura Rizzoto
Lithuania – Gebrasy
Malta – Veronica Rotin
North Macedonia – Mina Blažev 

Last edited 2 years ago by Hyunwoo
Pancake
Pancake
2 years ago

My Eurovision Song Contest 2022 Wishlist (H-M)

Hungary – Yesyes
Iceland – Birgir
Ireland – Dermot Kennedy
Israel – Zohora
Italy – Irama
Latvia – Oskars Deigelis
Lithuania – Monique
Malta – The Travellers

Lara
Lara
2 years ago
Reply to  Pancake

I really want the travellers to participate for eurovision 2022 because there music is amazing!

Daniel
Daniel
2 years ago
Reply to  Pancake

Monique for Lithuania yes !!

Apollo
Apollo
2 years ago

NO MORE MEN HOLDING GUITARS REPRESENTING IRELAND!

Ireland has so many amazing artists, yet we’re hoping they bring men holding guitars? I can already taste the non-qualification. Check out Spotify’s playlist ‘A Breath of Fresh Eire’, it showcases young Irish artists. The range of music genres in that playlist is INSANE, I honestly think Ireland has one of the strongest (and coolest) music scenes in Europe for such a small country. Picking a Eurovision entry based on vocals or being well known is not enough – to win Eurovision you NEED to be unique, and Picture This is not unique.

fionn
fionn
2 years ago
Reply to  Apollo

i totally agree!!! a breath of fresh éire is a great playlist and it has so many amazing modern artists. i think ireland should send some rap and just go for it. ireland has an amazing rap scene!

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Would love to see Lea Hart, Lyra, Denise Chaila, Picture This or Inhaler represent Ireland at Eurovision.
I love Dermot Kennedy too when he comes with an uptempo song, but otherwise he’s not unlike the singer/songwriter persona we’ve been sending previously

fionn
fionn
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

inhaler or denise chaila my top choices!

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Would love to see Lea Hart, Lyra, Denise Chaila, Picture This or Inhaler represent Ireland at Eurovision.
I love Dermot Kennedy too when he comes with an uptempo song, but otherwise he’s not unlike the singer/songwriter persona we’ve been sending previously

Yudhistira Mahasena
2 years ago

Mine is:

  • Hungary: Leander Kills
  • Iceland: Sigur Ros or Astro
  • Ireland: Picture This or Kodaline
  • Israel: Eden Hason
  • Italy: Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti, or Sabrina Carpenter
  • Latvia: Carnival Youth
  • Lithuania: Twosome or Gebrasy
  • Macedonia, North: Mina Blazev
  • Malta: Gaia Cauchi
Azaad
Azaad
2 years ago

What connection does Sabrina Carpenter have to Italy?

Anton
Anton
2 years ago

Italy has way better artists than old 50-years-old people that song the same song by 20 years

Konopeletchky
Konopeletchky
2 years ago

Good look trying to make appear Laura Pausini in Sanremo, then Eurovision. It would be sweet to see her in 2022 tho.

Idksmth
Idksmth
2 years ago

Actually the members of Bermudu Divst?ris are the same as Musiqq who represented Latvia in 2011 but as Bermudu Divst?ris they do more of “novelty hip-hop stuff” but as Musiqq they do slower and more serious stuff.

Euro Fan
Euro Fan
2 years ago

I hope Iceland will sent something unique again and achieve their first win for a chance

Apollo
Apollo
2 years ago
Reply to  Euro Fan

Iceland constantly brings quirky, edgy and unique acts. It’s a winning formula and it’s only a matter of time before it awards them their first victory.

Bird Lover
Bird Lover
2 years ago
Reply to  Apollo

it isnt a winning formula. The way for iceland after dadi is only down. Quirky and edgy is more of an in the moment thing and never a winning act. entries that people thought edgy and “in the moment” would win were belgium 2004, 2006, ukraine 2007, sweden 2011, Moldova 2017 and so many more. You NEVER want to be the edgy, quirky act: people will just see you as the novelty of the year, whereas the entry that looks and sounds like a winning act is the one they’ll vote for. The roop is quirky egdy, yodel it was… Read more »

Mirko
Mirko
2 years ago

Yes, all i want for this year’s Sanremo is to have Myss Keta fighting for her chance to represents us at Eurovision!
I can definitely see us winning two years in a row!

Chessguy99
2 years ago
Reply to  Mirko

Probably only happen if Amadeus returns as Sanremo director. I hear he will only do his third one if guaranteed an audience will be allowed again. I doubt if a new director is chosen, they’d push for the newer/edgier acts.