#euovision

(aka i review the 2021 eurovision top 10)

aka no one will read this

Greece- Stefania "Last Dance"

This surprised me! I didn’t expect it to do this well- I mean im obviously really happy for Greece as this is their best result in a while, but honestly I would switch it out of the top ten with Bulgaria in a heartbeat- Bulgaria’s song was so much more heartfelt and personal. The staging for this seemed like it was meant to be for supergirl instead, which annoyed me. Honestly I think the greenscreen may have not been worth it, it didn’t do much for me and I didn’t think it even looked that great (u could see the shadows of the people and at one point I saw a human hand a la cats (2019) which took me out of it instantly) but at the same time I think its why its in the top ten.

Russia- Manizha "Russian Woman"

When this comes on I am a Russian woman, briefly. I love this. Its so spunky and I cant help but dance. The staging was perfection and I cry when she drops to her knees and sings to the Russian women. I also loved how Russia was a bit more genuine this year- I was sick of mass produced pop songs from them and I love when the songs have heart and actually mean something to the artist. In conclusion, this was very deserved and I hope to see more like this from Russia- it’ll be on loop for a while.

Lithuania- The Roop "Discoteque"

It feels okay to dance alone, dance alone, dance alone- aka my biggest lockdown mood. Lol. Anyways im gonna admit something here. I think it is no secret that on fire probably would have done better than this, maybe might have surpassed LT united and this is certainly a weaker effort from the roop. In the same vein, this grew off me as the season went on, going from my 6th to my 20th. But I see the appeal and I see how this did well, and I am not complaining- this top ten was very well deserved. I think Lithuania should be very proud of them.

Malta- Destiny "Je me casse"

In the same vein as Lithuania, this grew off me. Fast. I loved it at first but the more I listened to it, the less shiny it was. And I will take to my grave they should have staged this more with a roaring 20s vibe, kinda like Still In Love With You from 2015. However, it’s placing in the top ten was not a shock, we all expected it to do well and it was deserved. And while it did do well, I think it actually flopped a little (like we expected more from it and that it would end higher) especially since it was third in the odds to win the whole damn thing. I would believe this not ending top five might be one of the biggest shocks this Eurovision, but in a way, seventh also feels high enough. Lets be real, I never had pegged this to win, not even with the sponsored ads that haunted my dreams nightly. In the end, I was over it.

Finland- Blind Channel "Dark Side"

Ahh yes. Finland. We know you and love you and I am so proud of you. Your best result since Lordi and it could not be more well deserved. This song is everything, to the point where I had to stop listening to this in public because I nearly gave someone the middle figure at uni. From the moment this won UMK I knew this would stand out. I knew the people would love it. I knew this would do well. Even when you were the last to qualify and I was on the edge of my seat, I secretly knew. I will very much join whatever you had advertised on your palms- I am very intrigued and the dark side seemed captivating. Finland, rock is what you do best. Rock on!

Ukraine- Go_A "Shum" (Шум)

Up next we have one of the most unique songs this year- and what I would like to call an acquired taste. I loved every second of this, I loved how it stayed true to Ukraine and showed off their culture. I love that it was a native language song. I love that it was a bop, I love that it makes me wanna spin around in long dresses and join in whatever they’re doing. The intense build up to the long note at the end its perfectly paced and gives me chills. Honestly at first I was worried for the revamp but I think it was the right choice in the end, this one takes what already was strong and makes it stronger, ultimately. This isn’t a song this is an experience! Ukraine I beg! Do more like this!

Iceland- Daði og Gagnamagnið "10 Years"

Everything about this, I like! While never as beloved as Think About Things, I think this was a good follow up- it didn’t try and become what it wasn’t, it didn’t copy TAT and honestly, it had the same charm- all the things people loved about TAT was there without being a copy. I love Dadi’s awkward energy, I love the way that radiated in the performance (the awkwardly late pyro at the end a highlight) and I love how wholesome it was. The choir gives me chills, and I am not just saying that because I submitted my voice (technically I can say I came fourth at Eurovision). All around, I like.

Switzerland- Gjon's Tears "Tout l'Univers"

Objectively the weaker French language ballad of 2021. While everyone thought the choreography was going to put people off and look bad, I actually think it looked okay, and I respect Gjon for taking the risk and going for that instead of a piano. It certainly wasn’t jarring of as off-putting as people thought it might be- I actually think it elevated the song if anything. It worked. Honestly this proved that ballads don’t always having to be standing still. As for the song, in my opinion it’s defs the weaker French language song this year for me but that doesn’t mean it’s a weak entry- it’s a good song and I enjoy it a lot. I might even ascend when listening to it if I am in the headspace. I still think it is a commendable effort from Switzerland and a very strong entry that they should be proud of.

(i also thought it would be as predictable as the 2021 mol if it won, so that added into it)

France- Barbara Pravi "Voilà"

Barbara, you had my heart from the moment you won your national final. This isn’t a song, it is an experience- from the first note to the last breath. The staging was beautiful and suited the song so well, the simplicity of it all being the key- I loved how the focus was on Barbara and Barbara only (although I didn’t like the swaying camera shots). Every time the climax of the song was hit I got chills. I sobbed to this during the final uttering- she has to win, she has to win- over and over. Just the emotion alone put into this made it deserving of the win. Alas, it was not meant to be. But it would have been deserving. France, you should be proud of this (and it was so deserving of the artistic and press awards).

also i know its the Frenchest France has ever Franced but there was no effiel tower so... i could have been more french 

Italy- Måneskin "Zitti e buoni"

Invincible - Carola

Sweden have been around in Eurovision almost from the beginning and have appeared in each song contest final except for protests (1970 and 1976) or non qualification (2010). They have been a well performing country with 6 wins across their Eurovision journey. Their great success was when the free language rule came about in 1999 and Swedish was not seen again.

Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 countdown: 12 days left!