A Christmas Turkey

We already have the Albanian song, and within the next few hours we'll be able to see what Turkey has lined up for us.

The Turks have already chosen Hadise to sing for them, and tonight, probably just before midnight (UK time) after a 6 and a half hour TV show(!), we'll get to hear the song Hadise will sing in Moscow. The Eurovision season has well and truly begun!

Bye Bye Belgrade! Mornin' Moscow!

As 2008 draws to an end, let's take a quick look back at the songs of Eurovision 2008!



The Eurovision Express continues its journey in 2009....next stop Moscow!

No 'nonsense' from Webber

In an interview for the UK TV listing magazine, Radio Times, Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of the UK Eurovision entry for 2009, has made it clear that his song will not be a 'silly nonsense song'. Asked if this means there will be no boom-bang-a-bangs, the Lord said, 'Sadly no'.

This comes as welcome news here at Eurovision Express. Don't get us wrong - we love traditional uptempo Eurovision songs as much as the next fan, but Scooch's disastrous result in 2007 clearly shows that it's time for the UK to enter something of quality.

The UK begins its quest to restore its Eurovision pride on 3 January with Your Country Needs You. We're looking forward to seeing just what ALW has got up his sleeve.

Part of the interview with Lloyd Webber can be read here.

Merry Christmas from Charlotte and Tommy

It's Christmas Day! So after you've stuffed yourself with turkey and all the trimmings or whatever your particular Christmas fare, sit back and enjoy Charlotte Perelli and Tommy Körberg's rendition of "O Holy Night" in Swedish!

God Jul/Merry Christmas from Eurovision Express!

And they're off...!! Albania out of the traps first!

So Eurovision 2009 has officially kicked off with the first song chosen for Moscow. As usual, it's Albania who are first to put their hat in the ring. Their selection is an uptempo song called Më Merr Në Ëndërr by the very lovely Kejsi Tola . The song is over 4 minutes long, but then this isn't unusual for an Albanian entry, they always shave a minute or so off it before the previews.

The song is written by the same team that produced the excellent 2004 Albanian Entry - The Image of You - and indeed Kejsi shot to fame in the same talent show as 2004 singer Anjeza Sahini. Më Merr Në Ëndërr (Take me in your dreams) has a very Turkish feel about it and is a good old Euro stomper, but it will need a better presentation if it is to get Albania into the final in Moscow. It's early days, so they have plenty of time to work on the presentation, but overall, Albania have given us a very good start to the season!

From McDonalds to Moscow?

If the rumours are true, Ireland may be sending its most famous Eurovision son to Moscow! According to an Irish newspaper, RTE is in discussions with triple-Eurovision winner Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987 as performer, and 1992 as writer) to represent his country at the 2009 ESC.

Could Ireland be hoping that the Logan magic will help their flagging Eurovision fortunes? Eurovision ain't what it used to be in the 80's, so Johnny could have his work cut out to get a good result, if RTE choose him that is!

Having said that ,it would be great to see "Mr. Eurovision" back in the contest and not flogging a McDonalds Eurosaver menu!

It's a Renault....How Divine!

The French song from ESC 2008 - Divine - is now featuring in a Renault advert in the UK. Next stop - the UK charts!

Just what the doctor ordered?

The 12 songs vying to represent Finland at next year's Eurovision can be heard here. Eurovision Express has had a good listen, and has a couple of favourites including Sani's Doctor Doctor (below)



We also like Waldo's People's Lose Control - we're not massive fans of rap (unless it comes in the form of Kool Kaj of Denmark 1997 fame...) but this is a pretty decent entry. Judge for yourself below by watching the official video.



What we are grateful for is that Finland seems to have ditched hard rock this year. Hooray!

Terry Wogan Steps Down, and Graham Norton Steps Up

As reported here, broadcasting legend Terry Wogan has now officially stepped down as the UK's Eurovision commentator.

After three decades of association with the Contest, Terry will now be replaced by fellow Irishman, Graham Norton, who having hosted 2 Eurovision Dance Contests, will also front the new UK selection programme, Your Country Needs You.

Fans' opinions on Terry Wogan have always been split, but there's no denying he's given us plenty of great comments over the years, from 'Big Hand For The Little Lady' (referring to numerous Eurovision participants) to (after Alla Pugacheva's performance in 1997) 'If the Late Great Dick Emery hadn't passed on, I'd have my doubts'...

Looking to the future, let's hope that the UK can put its recent string of dismal results behind it, and find a trace of its former Eurovision glory.