The national final season for Eurovision 2021 has come to an end. Each country across Europe has now selected their entry for this year’s contest, and that means we have to say goodbye to all the songs that didn’t quite manage to win over the public. But before we do so, it’s time to celebrate them one last time with our annual countdown of Team Wiwi’s top national final songs.
As usual, the team from wiwibloggs have voted for their favourite songs that competed in the national finals for Eurovision 2021. Note these are our favourite songs, not songs we think should have gone to Eurovision.
After reviewing the well over 100 songs that were entered into this year’s national finals, we finally settled on our top 50. And now we’re ready to share it with y’all. We’ll publish ten songs each day over the coming week.
Which song will enter our Hall of Fame?
Let the countdown continue!
Team Wiwi’s top national final songs of Eurovision 2021: 30 to 21
30. Casanova – “Tutti” (Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez)
Casanova brought the upbeat song “Tutti” to France’s new national final for 2021. Delivering a performance characterised by the colour orange, Casanova’s spirit and charisma was evident throughout the entire three minutes. The French star ultimately finished a deserved second with the public vote and fourth overall.
29. Kaja Rode – “Feel Again” (Melodi Grand Prix)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Something about “Feel Again” is just so special, I’ve fallen in love with it within just a few listens. It starts off like a standard pop ballad, but goes on to develop into something entirely unique. The last minute of the song abuses the key-change concept in a bizarre and fantastic way, and Kaja Rode’s vocal delivery is phenomenal. (Lauren)
28. Philippine – “Bah non.” (Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez)
Philippine is a woman who knows how to put a man in his place. The French singer performed “Bah non.” at Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez. She brought bundles of sass that matched the song’s edgy pop sound and expertly commanded her back-up dancer around the stage (including throwing him off it). While Philippine sadly didn’t make it through to the second round of the show, the performance still left a lasting impression.
27. Danny Saucedo – “Dandi Dansa” (Melodifestivalen)
Returning for his fourth appearance at Melodifestivalen, Danny Saucedo’s main aim was to uplift viewers’ spirits and get everybody dancing. And that’s exactly what he did. “Dandi Dansa” was fun, upbeat and even had a bit of the macarena added into it for good measure. Spending most of the performance inside a room made of brown cardboard boxes, Danny proved that you can still have fun and smile even in the most beige of locations.
26. Blåsemafian feat. Hazel – “Let Loose” (Melodi Grand Prix)
Saxophones and trumpets were the instruments of the day for Blåsemafian. The musical trio, joined by vocalist Hazel, brought a funky and catchy song to Melodi Grand Prix 2021 that you couldn’t help but tap your foot along to. Blåsemafian’s “Let Loose” was a standout from early on in the contest – they won the first semi-final and went onto finish in the top four in the grand final.
25. Eden Alene – “Ue La La” (HaShir Shelanu L’Eurovizion)
What the Wiwi Jury said: It makes me want to dance! It’s a modern, club-ready track that is incredibly addictive and will keep the nightclub hot and sweaty all night. This will definitely snap up the younger demographic vote and nostalgic voters who miss the party scene. But let’s face it, that’s everyone at this point! If beats can be sexy, Eden has smashed it – excellent work. (Tom)
Previous top national final songs: “La La Love” (#39 in 2021), “Rakata” (#7 in 2020), “Roots” (#9 in 2020)
24. Madame – “Voce” (Sanremo)
Making her debut at Festival di Sanremo in 2021, Madame certainly left a good first impression. Her song “Voce” cut through some of the more traditional entries with its urban/hip-hop sound and the Italian star’s emotional performances. Finishing in a respectable eighth place overall, Madame didn’t go home empty handed and picked up the Lunezia Award for Best Music-literary Value as well as the “Sergio Bardotti” Award for Best Lyrics.
23. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?” (Pabandom iš Naujo!)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Funnily enough, only after the semi-final of Pabandom iš Naujo!, I discovered that Gebrasy is actually Audrius Petrauskas — who I remembered having great vocals. But back then, Gebrasy performed songs written by other writers that did not always suit him perfectly. “Where’d You Wanna Go?”, on the other hand, is his song from all perspectives. It was written by himself and showcases his musical talent and capability to tell a story. Even if this doesn’t win Pabandom iš Naujo!, Lithuania has a fine singer-songwriter in its back catalogue with Gebrasy. (Renske)
22. Annalisa – “Dieci” (Sanremo)
This was Annalisa’s fifth time competing at Sanremo and once again she brought a stellar entry to the line-up. “Dieci” was a beautiful ballad that showcased the Italian star’s stunning vocals and her ability to convey a song’s emotions to the viewing audience at home (even if you don’t speak Italian). Annalisa has consistently achieved commendable positions in the final ranking at Sanremo, and this didn’t change in 2021, with the singer placing seventh.
21. Era Rusi – “Zjarri im” (Festivali i Këngës)
What the Wiwi Jury said: Festivali i Këngës may take place at Christmastime, but Era Rusi is making it feel like we’re in a heatwave in July. “Zjarri im” is a BOP with capital letters. Fierce, insanely catchy and instantly memorable, this song has more grit than the other 25 combined. The studio version is ready to go and slay our lives in Rotterdam. (Luis)
Our top national final songs of Eurovision 2021 ranking is determined by independent votes from a panel of wiwibloggers. They are Oliver R, Tom, Oliver A, Antony, Natalie, Pablo, Cinan, Diego, Deban, Jordi, Antranig, Luis, Padraig, Josh, Sebastian, Robyn, Mario, Renske, William, Ron, Lauren and Jonathan.
Which songs do you think should feature on the list? Are you surprised by our choices so far? Let us know in the comments.
Review our top 50 countdown so far here
Follow our top national final songs 2021 playlist on Spotify
I listen to Gram Of Fun, Leggerissima and Juliette Moraine the most.
Wow… yesterday it was Gram of Fun, today it is Gebrasy. I can’t be more dissapointed wiith this top tbh. My top 30-21: 30. Raylee – Heroes (6.75) – MGP 29. Patrik Jean – “Tears Run Dry” (6.75) – Melodisfestivalen 28. Therr Maitz – Future Is Bright (6.75) – Russia Decides 27. Aksel – Hurt (6.75) – UMK 26. NEEV – Dancing in the Stars (6.75) – Festival da Cançao 25. Ju?ri Pootsmann – Magus melanhoolia (6.75) – Eesti Laul 24. OSKR – Lie (6.75) – UMK 23. VICTORIA – Imaginary friend (6.75) 22. KiiM – My Lonely Voice (6.75)… Read more »
I am sorry but what is Madame doing in no 24? How absurd! She has to be way higher than this
the songs that deserve the top 10 (in no specific order):
1) saudade – karetus & romeu bairos
2) behöver inte dig idag – clara klingenström
3) magus melanhoolia – jüri pootsman
4) energy – kadri voorand
5) cuore amaro – gaia
6) little tot – dotter
7) volte-face – eu.clides
8) future is bright – therr maitz
9) lost in a dance – gram of fun
10) every minute – eric saade
saudade definitely not, all the rest totally agree!
Almost all of these songs are *at least* in my honorable mentions, if not higher. I already listed ToMa and Heleza in my last post. Three more of these will be somewhere in my top 20. 🙂
My top 30-21. I can say that I love all of these songs and have them all on my playlist: 30. Danny Saucedo: Dandi dansa (Sweden) – Fun, catchy, superbly staged. It would be a breath of fresh air for Sweden, while remaining top notch in production values. 29. Ermal Meta: Un milione di cose da dirti (Italy) – I am not surprised that this song won the juries in Sanremo. It’s very emotional and delivered with such conviction! 28. Arisa: Potevi fare di più (Italy) – Sentimental, well composed and introspective. It was among the songs I would personally be happy with as… Read more »
Great list Colin, eclectic is the word I would use and I like eclectic! One of these makes my top 10 but I won’t spoil the surprise! Also, I feel bad for Nina. I was very intrigued when the snippet came out, it was the one i was most looking forward to. But then the full songs came out and it didn’t even make my top 3 in Dora – and it has slipped ever seen and didn’t make my top 50 overall (although it is just outside). Unfortunately, I think she might be my biggest faller this year
I like that my taste is often eclectic when it comes to genres. Thanks, Kosey, I appreciate it and I really like your list too. 🙂
feel agian is masterpiece, its my fave song this season
Taste for Feel again, its my favorite song this season!
Madame deserved to be wayyyyy higher. That song is outstanding.
I agree, not only the song is a masterpiece as she gave a beautifull performance.
and her outfit ooh, gave me everything I wanted to see
Era Rusi was so cool, miss her performance. This would be fire at the Eurovision Song Contest with a choreography of Sacha Jaan Baptise!
Philippine, Era Rusi, Gebrasy… so many good ones here. I hope to see them someday on the Eurovision stage.
This is a more interesting mix of choices.Not necessarily songs that I like but I find them interesting!
Eric made my list, a little higher than you have him but not by too much. Otherwise, I think Malika is the most interesting of the acts that you have here. I really enjoyed her vocal performance also.
Zjarri Im being higher up than Voce physically hurts me.
they are both amazing
Different emotions. Both equally valid imo.
Voce should have been top 10 in this list in my opinion. It is One of my most played songs.
Annalisa was great in Sanremo, but she is bringing the same kind of song everytime.
Era rusi should have won in Albania.
Xhesika should’ve won’t FiK
Yes she was good too
Annalisa’s new album is really different from her usual music but she still sent the same type of song to Sanremo.
Voce is on my playlist and let’s just say it’s the one that gets the most plays, probably my favourite song out of any national selection ever- that’s a big deal bc I like a lotttt of songs. Voce is literally so beautiful and modern and madame is just an icon. This song definitely deserves even higher on this list but still pleased it made an appearance. I really really hope madame comes back to sanremo and gets justice by winning because she is destined for it
We are getting to songs that are on my regular playlists now: 21. Terence James – je t’emmenerai danser – bagpipes and kilts in a French-infused dance track you say? Take me to the club now! 22. Raylee – Hero – is that a flashback or a flash dance? I am a child sat in my living room watching Fame all over again. 23. Inis Nediri – Pendese – a chorus crammed full with drama and intensity 24. Voldermars Peterson – Never Fall for You Again – a sweet, self-depreciating yet empowering catchy little number. Endearing underdog territory. 25. Katerus… Read more »
Happy to see Terence, Raylee, Inis and Aksel high on your list. 🙂
Is it intentional that the NCT Remix is the version of Lost in a Dance that’s in the Spotify playlist?