Azerbaijan 2019: Chingiz

Here is "Truth", the song that will represent Azerbaijan this year:

What is happening this year with the hot guys? Damn! I was expecting a better song tbh, I find it a bit soulless, I have no interest in listening to it again but it might come to live on stage.

Azerbaijan 2018: Aisel

Here is the song that will represent Azerbaijan this year: X my heart

I think she is a really good artist, but why did she pick this lame song? Im so disappointed!

Eurovision 2017: And the winner is...

PORTUGAL!

YES! YES! YES! THANK YOU, EUROPE!

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest was very special this year, I still cant believe that Portugal won both the Juries and the televoting but thats what happens when an entry is that magical. Im so happy for all the portuguese fans, they deserve this victory so much and I cannot wait to see what Portugal is going to prepare for next year.

Luisa and Salvador gave us another beautiful moment on stage, what a lovely way to close the show.

BIG SHOUT-OUTS TO:

BLANCHE

Im so proud of her! <3 Cannot wait to get more music from her!

FRANCESCO GABBANI

DIHAJ

JOCI PÁPAI

NAVIBAND

I gotta say thanks to the escxtra team for giving me another amazing esc experience and thanks to Ukraine for those 3 good shows! Next stop: PORTUGAL!

Photos: Andres Putting

Eurovision 2017 - Semifinal 1: The Results

Hello Europe! Here are my comments about the results from the 1st Semifinal:

Let's start with a shout out to one of the countries that didnt qualify:

Finland: Norma John - Blackbird

I dont get how this brilliant act didnt qualify, Leena & Lasse did a beautiful job on stage and they will be missed on saturday. 

10. Greece: Demy - This is love

She is beautiful but this is not love but just a mediocre entry, she deserved so much better than a 2006 Cascada wannabe song.

09. Australia: Isaiah - Dont come easy

I like Isaiah but last night wasnt his night and I dont get how this qualified.

08. Poland: Kasia Mós - Flashlight

Im not a fan of this song but I liked Kasia's performance.

07. Moldova: Sunstroke project - Hey mamma!

Fun performance!

06. Sweden: Robin Bengtsson - I cant go on

I still think this whole act is too stiff.

05. Belgium: Blanche - City lights

Love the song and Blanche, but I would have liked a better staging though.

04. Armenia

Lovely staging and she is a great singer but I still dont love the song.

03. Cyprus: Hovig - Gravity

Pretty nice performance.

02. Azerbaijan: DiHaj - Skeletons

I loved every single thing about this performance! BAD BOY! Go DiHaj! 

01. Portugal: Salvador Sobral - Amar pelos dois

One word: WINNER!
This was just magical and I really hope this song made you all feel the same things I felt during those 3 minutes he was on stage. GO PORTUGAL! GO SALVADOR!

Photos: Andres Putting

Azerbaijan 2017: DiHaj

Here is the song that is going to represent Azerbaijan in may: Skeletons by Dihaj

I really like this song, I think Dihaj is probably one of the most interesting acts that Azerbaijan have chosen to represent them and I cant wait to see her on stage. Good luck!

Azerbaijan 2016: Samra

Photo: Kate Kondratieva

Here is the song that is going to represent Azerbaijan in may: Miracle

Pretty cool song, maybe a bit generic but I like it. I have watched some videos of her singing live and I wonder "Will it take a miracle for her to perform it well in a live performance?" I guess we will find out in May.

Azerbaijan 2015: Elnur Huseynov

Photo: Magnus Ragnvid

Elnur represented Azerbaijan in 2008 with "Day after day" and he is back this year, here is his song:

Beautiful song! This is going to get a great result in may!

Rehearsals 2014: Day 4

My favorite rehearsals from Day 4 were Hungary, Latvia, Armenia, The Netherland, Sweden, Iceland and Estonia. Here are some pictures from the press conferences:

Rehearsals 2014: Day 4 - Azerbaijan

Time for Azerbaijan! Here is their rehearsal:

This is very good!

Rehearsals 2014: Day 1 - Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan-Time, here is the 30secs video of their rehearsal:

I liked it! Its a very nice song and its great to know they are doing a simple performance cause thats what this entry needed!

 Photos: Andres Putting (EBU)
Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Azerbaijan 2014: Dilara Kazimova

Dilara won Böyük Səhnə and is going to represent Azerbaijan in Eurovision with this song "Start a fire":

Nice song! I think she would have been great with a dance song cause she is really good but this is a very solid entry! Its not one of my favorites but i think she will get a good result in May!

Here are the lyrics of "Start a fire" by Dilara Kazimova:

Someone's selling garden roses down the square

People gathering by to breathe the morning air

But no one sees the bitter cold and shivering empty hands

A school girl running by and trying to beat the bell

People dropping, tossing coins in wishing wells

But no one cares for dreams that don't fit into our world

Maybe nightfall darkens skies

And maybe teardrops stain our eyes

But may the slightest light start a fire

A soldier in the hands of a forgotten mess

Digging out the burning bullets in his chest

So eager, bold and noble - printing footsteps on this earth

Maybe nightfall darkens skies

Maybe teardrops stain our eyes

But may the slightest light start a fire

Start a fire

But may the slightest light start a fire

Rehearsals 2013: Day 6 - Azerbaijan

This is so good! Theres nothing else to say! Great job Azerbaijan!

Photos: Sander Hesterman (EBU)