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Iceland Always an interesting Eurovision nation in my book. In the past the Icelandics
have sent ravishing beauties, moody & mysterious types, and even a
bloke with a taste for public ononism. |
Ireland The self-proclaimed "Home of "Eurovision", the Irish, not unlike the Americans, clearly lack a sense of irony. If I was to get pettily serious about this, it is in fact the UK who have on average the most points per contest as well as the highest placing per contest. But I won't, so instead I'll say well done to the Oirish for their record 7 wins in relatively few appearances. And without any sarcasm, may I take this opportunity to also thank them for giving the world the creative force of Michael Flately & his Riverdaaance. |
Ich Troje Earnest alert. The main “message” song of 2003, which meant
little to me as it’s was in Polish, but I could tell because the
video was grainy, dark, and full of people shaking fists while carrying
placards. Predicting points from Zucchero fans, and little else, imagine
my surprise to see an engaging performance on the night by the pink-haired
one and his ice maiden. "No Borders" finished a respectable
7th. |
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Israel "Surely Israel aren't a Eurovision nation"
I hear you cry. Well just because they aren't in Europe doesn't stop them
from assailing eardrums every year. Just wait for Australia to have a
go. |
Imaani Imaani was the lead vocals to the Tru Faith feat Dub Conspiracys 2000
hit "Freak Like Me" later a hit for the Sugababes. Oh, and she
was in the Eurovision in 1998. IMHO this was one of the best songs ever
to come from this venerable establishment. She was beaten by the bloke
in the dress, in what was truly a result of satan over saint, of dirt
over purity, of fun over sobriety. etc. |
Ines "You're Seventeen only Once in a Lifetime". Ines was the sixth Estonian entrant, and went to Stockholm in 2000 as quite a big favourite. She didn't live up to her promise, and while Estonia bounced back to undeserved success the following year, Ines went onto fail at pre-selections up and down the length of Northern Europe. Fate can be fickle. At least she can always be content with the fact that she was only fourth once in a lifetime |
Ira Losco Little known fact alert - Ira Losco's outfit was made by a two Maltese
designers at "Hot Couture" on Malta. it was made specifically
for Ira. As for what was inside the dress, she came second with a breezy
demeanour, a handful of moondust, and a powerful stride. Twee, silly,
slightly risque, and badly rhymed, "Seventh Wonder" was a gem,
which came second. Another near miis for Malta, and the best. |
Italy Italy’s turbulent Eurovision history is not unlike that of adolescence. A big spurt of successful growth around the 12yr old mark, then bad moods, falling outs, and latterly experimentation, before dropping out all together in a fit of pique. Fans expect them to appear from their bedroom soon, and join the land of the Eurovision living once more, considerably more mature, and maybe up for a fight despite their nature. |
Ivan Mikulic Ivan did well really. A Balkan uni-browed Chris De Burgh sang a very
dull song in 2004...the easy listening of the contest (if anything Eurosong
can be categorised as easy listening). It's virtually impossible to hold
a strong opinion on this one. The type of song that gets some grannies
salivating, and everyone else snoring & retching in turns. |
Ivan & Delfin Ivan & Delfin have appeared on the Polish version of Blind Date. I'm guessing they would have had to do the choosing to get the free holiday. The song was a gypsy tinged barn dancing type of thing, which failed to rouse on any level. I'm a bit afraid of being too harsh, or Ivan & Delfin may cast a thousand curses on my Eurosong family. And I wouldn't want that. The traveller in me should like this, but the traveller in me balked by the time the chorus arrived. By the time of the final, Ivan was back in Warsaw sipping bison grass vodka. |