Thursday 28 August 2008

Denmark opens its Doors!


Whilst other Scandinavian broadcasters (namely Norway and Sweden) only allow their own nationals to submit entries for ESC, Denmark has decided that it will allow foreigners to submit songs for the Danish Melodi Grand Prix (scheduled to take place on 31st January).

However, there still needs to be some Danish input into their 2009 entry, as DR has decided that either the composers or the performers of the entries for DMGP 2009 have to be Danish.

Meanwhile, over in Norway, NRK will be keen to repeat the success of Maria Haukaas Storeng's high placing in this year's ESC for 2009. They seem to have found a recipe for success and we look forward to another great MGP season in Norway from January.

Thursday 21 August 2008

Baltic boycott in Moscow?


According to Estonian newspaper postimees the Estonian Culture Minister - Laine Jänese - has hinted that her country may boycott the ESC 2009 in Moscow as a result of Russia's actions in Georgia.

Furthermore, she wants to enlist the support of her Baltic neighbours - Latvia and Lithuania - in the boycott.

Estonian Television Chairman - Margus Allikmaa -wants to start a public debate on the issue before any plans for the national ESC selection - Eurolaul- is announced.

Time will tell if this gathers support!

Saturday 16 August 2008

Graham Norton ...next UK commentator?


Rumour has it that Irish comedian and TV host Graham Norton will be the BBC's replacement for Terry Woagn at next year's ESC.

The two men have quite a bit in common - they are both Irish, they are both popular tv presenters and they have both been involved with Eurovision - Norton being the host of last year's Eurovision Dance Contest, and also the host of this year's event in Glasgow.

Norton is known for his irreverant wit and obviously the BBC see this as an essential part of any Eurovision commentator's brief. Word has it that the BBC will be organising a "glitz and glam" national final next year with Norton at the helm!

Is this a new era for the UK at Eurovision? Time will tell!

Monday 11 August 2008

Wo-Gone! Terry leaves Eurovision!


UK Eurovision legend, Terry Wogan, has confirmed that he is stepping down as BBC commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest after 37 years!

According to The Daily Telegraph, Wogan said he was stepping down from the job, in an interview with UK TV guide Radio Times.

This will please some people, as they blame Terry for the low esteem that the contest is held in the UK. But, on the other hand, it was Wogan's commentary that consistently brought high viewing figures for ESC in the UK.

So, who will replace Terry....? Will it be Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross or even Eamonn Holmes...all have been rumoured? Who knows?

Tuesday 5 August 2008

Book a room with Donna and Joe!


Irish 2005 Eurovision entrants - Donna and Joe McCaul - have turned up on an Irish reality TV show - Failte Towers.

Fáilte Towers is a hotel run entirely by celebrities...and this week Donna and Joe are in charge!!

You can read all about it here.