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Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Eurovision? I love it like Christmas despite what people say
Stockholm 2000 was the first Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) I remember watching and getting hooked on for the madness, melodies and mishaps. As a child, the contest quickly became a highlight of the year for me. Fast forward 16 years, as I stood in the same arena almost to the day, partying with the masses for Stockholm 2016. Although I was a trainee journalist at the time, this had nothing to do with work, but more so me finding my own feet in a foreign country at the helm of the world's largest live music event by myself. See just a mere nine years ago, Eurovision felt more accessible to me as a long-time fan, but since then ticket prices have soared, and even members of the fan network OGAE have struggled to secure seats via its ballot. Hotel prices skyrocketed to thousands of pounds and last year in Malmo, Sweden, political unrest left many feeling unsafe and on edge. So, here's the thing: has the contest that everyone loves to hate actually converted more mainstream TV viewers into Europop lovers in recent years? Quite possibly so. And is that a bad thing? Absolutely not! The power of Eurovision (wait for the cheese) is to bring people together, to create unforgettable moments and put an annual time capsule of music back in the spotlight. This not only stands for past winners; but those who fell at the hurdles of the semi-finals (Denmark's Lighthouse X - Soldiers of Love, 2016) those who made a triumphant return for their country after several years (Ireland's Niamh Kavanagh – It's For You, 2010) and the purely iconic (Sweden's Charlotte Perrelli – Hero, 2008). As for the UK, we try, that's for sure. Big up Sam Ryder, who not only restored our Eurovision reputation but led us to Liverpool 2023 – and what an amazing experience the city offered ESC fans from across the globe. Overall, the UK is largely the laughingstock of the competition; and in the week leading up to the final it's hard not to come across someone who gives the 'well we always do rubbish anyway' speech. But that hasn't always been the case. Taking political voting out of it for one minute, I think we need to take a leaf out of the Swede's book. Their pre-selection for the competition, called Melodifestivalen, is now almost as well-recognised as Eurovision itself. The likes of Loreen and Mans Zelmerlöw have turned Eurovision songs into chart-topping hits in the UK, turning the tide on what was once seen as a formal song competition in front of an audience of suited and booted professionals at Brighton Dome. Recommended reading: Who are Remember Monday members? UK's Eurovision act What prize does the Eurovision winner get at the end? Who are the Eurovision Big 5 and why they automatically qualify? But the special part of all of this is that Eurovision continues to create memories every year. The flashbacks of enjoying Eurovision with loved ones who have now passed away, having a tipple and picking up your phone to vote for a song from a country you've never heard of before (oops) or dressing up as Conchita Wurst. Really, Eurovision is like Christmas, minus the turkey on our plate, but instead with Dustin the Turkey on our screens.
Powys County Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Irish Eurovision Song Contest fans are 'heartbroken' by the country's act, Norwegian singer Emmy Kristiansen, failing to make the final – which will see the UK, Israel and Sweden compete among others. Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, an Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights.d disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) The country has not placed high in recent years, with the last win coming in 1996 when Eimear Quinn's The Voice took the trophy. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Eurovison director Martin Green, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said that the organisers 'tightened up security', at the St. Jakobshalle arena after Raphael's rehearsal was disrupted by protesters, appearing to hold up large Palestinian flags. Mr Green added 'most of the people when asked to leave, because they were disrupting the production' did so, and he is 'pleased' to say that the live broadcast show was full of 'respectful' audiences, while speaking at a press briefing on Friday. 'We are on the verge of proving to the world that this is an event where people can come together, (and) agree to disagree,' he also said. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Leader Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, and disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
North Wales Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, and disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Irish Eurovision Song Contest fans are 'heartbroken' by the country's act, Norwegian singer Emmy Kristiansen, failing to make the final – which will see the UK, Israel and Sweden compete among others. Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, and disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) The country has not placed high in recent years, with the last win coming in 1996 when Eimear Quinn's The Voice took the trophy. Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
