Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

We talk with Belgium's Mustii ahead of the PrePartyES in Madrid. Interviewer: Cinan http://instagram.com/cinansdl

Our reaction to the Semi-Final 2 running order of Eurovision 2024. We discuss producers' decision to open the show with Malta's Sarah Bonnici and to close with The Netherlands' Joost Klein. We discuss who the running order helps and hurts and make some predictions about which countries will overshadow which countries. Eurovision 2024 semi-final 2 running order 1. 🇲🇹 Malta 2. 🇦🇱 Albania 3. 🇬🇷 Greece 4. 🇨🇭 Switzerland 5. 🇨🇿 Czechia * 🇫🇷 France 6. 🇦🇹 Austria 7. 🇩🇰 Denmark 8. 🇦🇲 Armenia 9. 🇱🇻 Latvia * 🇪🇸 Spain 10. 🇸🇲 San Marino 11. 🇬🇪 Georgia 12. 🇧🇪 Belgium 13. 🇪🇪 Estonia * 🇮🇹 Italy 14. 🇮🇱 Israel 15. 🇳🇴 Norway 16. 🇳🇱 Netherlands

The Eurovision 2024 semi-final 1 running order has been revealed. Cyprus' Silia Kapsis performs first, while Luxembourg's Tali sings last. We react to the running order and analyse who the order of performance helps and hurts. 1. 🇨🇾 Cyprus 2. 🇷🇸 Serbia 3. 🇱🇹 Lithuania 4. 🇮🇪 Ireland * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 5. 🇺🇦 Ukraine 6. 🇵🇱 Poland 7. 🇭🇷 Croatia 8. 🇮🇸 Iceland * 🇩🇪 Germany 9. 🇸🇮 Slovenia 10. 🇫🇮 Finland 11. 🇲🇩 Moldova * 🇸🇪 Sweden 12. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 13. 🇦🇺 Australia 14. 🇵🇹 Portugal 15. 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

Joost Klein's parents died when he was very young. With "Europapa," the Netherland's Eurovision 2024 song, Joost pays homage to them and the journey he's been on. In our second English-language interview with the Dutch rapper, we discuss his song's Spotify and YouTube success; the meaning of the song, the symbolism of the burning photo and house, and what Joost thinks his parents would think about the video. Interview by https://instagram.com/williamleeadams You can order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

Kaleen — Austria's Eurovision 2024 singer — has just released "We Will Rave." The techno-inspired 90s dance track comes with a super sexy music video, which was filmed in Los Angeles. In the video we see an empowered woman who is in total control of the men around her. Kaleen tells us about the music video, the story she portrays and how it relates to her personal story. She also explains how the song has changed since the leak of the demo version. Among other things, she fine-tuned it with camera angles and Eurovision staging in mind.

Joost Klein has shared Europapa — The Netherlands’ Eurovision 2024 song. William and Deban react to the official music video, discuss the moving backstory and ask whether he can qualify to the final. 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Joost explains the meaning of Europapa 01:40 Reaction 15:53 Can The Netherlands qualify for the final? 17:10 Reader comments and reaction

Silia Kapsis will sing Liar for Cyprus at Eurovision 2024. We watch her official music video and react. How far can the 17-year-old from Australia go? We discuss her choreography, semi-final and more... 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Reaction 04:08 Analysis 10:49 Reader comments

Switzerland has revealed its Eurovision 2024 act. The non-binary singer Nemo will perform “The Code”. We react to the official music video. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Reaction 04:42 Suzanne's lyrics analysis and being non-binary 08:03 William's analysis 11:47 Costumes and potential staging 12:15 Switzerland takes a risk 14:15 Suzanne on rabbit ears symbolism and identity 18:05 Will Switzerland qualify from Semi-Final 2 to the final?

We spoke to Teya Dora moments after she won Pesma za Evroviziju 2024 and got the right to represent her country Serbia at this year's Eurovision.

Our Cinan speaks with Serbia's Pesma za Evroviziju and Eurovision 2022 star Konstrakta in Belgrade ahead of the semi-finals. Learn all about "Novo, bolje" now!

We react to Olly Alexander's Eurovision 2024 song "Dizzy." The BBC released the official music video on 1 March. The song was produced by Dua Lipa's producer Danny L Harle. Can Olly win Eurovision for the UK? We discuss. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Reaction 03:42 Analysis and prediction 13:53 Reader comments

Lithuania's Eurovision 2024 singer is Silvester Belt with the song "Luktelk". He shared his first reaction with our Rezo Mamsikashvili backstage at Eurovizija.LT in Vilnius moments after this win.  Featuring: Rezo - http://instagram.com/rezomamsikashvili

It was close, but in the end it was bookmakers' and Wiwibloggs poll favourite Saba who got the victory in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 in Denmark. She reacts to her win in our on-stage interview.

Greece’s Marina Satti has chosen her Eurovision 2024 song (reportedly called "Zari" or Dice in English). But what can we expect? In our interview she describes the song’s feelings and main theme. She wants to move beyond Greek stereotypes to present something contemporary and global. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We chat with Dons — Latvia's Eurovision 2024 singer — after his win in the Supernova 2024 national final with "Hollow". He talks about the meaning of the song, Eurovision 2024 staging and much more. Will he include Latvian lyrics? What's the meaning of his song? Will he change his staging? Listen to find out... Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

So how will Silia Kapsis stage "Liar" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024? The Australian-born singer tells our Deban Aderemi all about it in Nicosia. The teen star has just finished dance rehearsals in Los Angeles and has just finished shooting the music video. We get the tea.

Nebulossa is the winner of Benidorm Fest 2024 with "Zorra"! We react to their live performance from the final. Can Spain win Eurovision 2024 in Malmö? We discuss their odds, their lyrics and more. Featuring: Freddy - http://instagram.com/freddyt234 William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

It’s been one year since Luke Black announced himself to Serbia and won Pesma za Evroviziju. His iconic ‘Hello’ could rival Adele or Lionel Richie but it wasn’t always plain sailing for the Eurovision 2023 artist. After winning Serbia’s national selection Luke faced a huge backlash from Serbian celebrities who branded him everything from the devil incarnate to not being "Serbian enough." “I think there was like a lot of misconception about the visual, actually. That was the first thing. And I think, you know, like a male artist having a pop choreo and being kind of dramatic” Luke told us. Most difficult of all, however, was confronting national tragedy while in the public eye. In the latest episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision?" we’ll delve into the behind-the-scenes drama for the Serbian delegation in 2023. From the applause that abruptly turned to criticism to navigating the complexities of national identity, Luke Black's Eurovision experience was a rollercoaster of emotions. Featuring: Freddy - http://instagram.com/freddyt234 William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

One hour before Georgia publicly revealed her as its Eurovision 2024 artist, Nutsa Buzaladze sat down with our William Lee Adams to spill the beans on her potential song, stage plans and more. The American Idol and The Voice of Turkey alum had only gotten the news 24 hours earlier, so was still processing the news. Featuring: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Raiven is headed to Eurovision 2024 with her song "Veronika". But can Slovenia's singer qualify for the final — and climb higher? We share our reaction and analysis.

Producers behind Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu always knew that “Cha Cha Cha” singer Käärijä would be different.    "He had no filter in a very charming sort of way," says Matti Myllyaho, the show’s producer, when asked about their first meeting. "He walked in basically shirtless underneath his jacket. It was a chilly September day, and it was like 9 a.m., and, you know, a corporate broadcaster office in Helsinki, and we're like, oh, this guy is interesting." In this episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision?" We delve into the story of how Finland, a nation that thinks of itself as an underdog in the contest, almost snatched the prize from under Sweden’s nose at Eurovision 2024. Kiro, co-writer of “Cha Cha Cha”, tells us about its origins as “Mr Cha Cha”. And Matti describes the immense pressure that fell on Käärijä.  He also shares some of the plans for UMK 2024.

Baby Lasagna — real name Marko Purišić — tells us about his Dora 2024 song "Rim Tim Tagi Dim." Among other things, he explains what it was like getting a last-minute call to replace Zsa Zsa, how the song relates to emigration from Croatia, his love of cats, staging plans and much, much more.   With: Baby Lasagna: https://www.instagram.com/the_baby_lasagna_/ William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Hours before the final of Festivali i Këngës 62 -- Albania's national selection for Eurovision 2024 -- we spoke with eventual winner Besa Kokëdhima. She told our Erdi Tejeci about her song "Zemrën n’dorë".

Our Pedestal reaction. We watch Aiko's live performance of her Eurovision 2024 song for Czechia from ESCZ. Then we discuss how a revamp might improve her chances at the song contest.

It’s been twenty years since Ukraine joined the Eurovision Song Contest. Today they're known as one of the most successful countries in the contest with three wins and a 100% qualification record.  But two decades ago it was a different story. In this episode we chart their course into the contest (with Oleksandr Ponomariov's "Hasta la Vista") and onto their first win (with Ruslana's "Wild Dances") just a year later.  Ahead of Eurovision 2003, a group of young and inexperienced Ukrainians convinced the broadcaster to join the contest. We hear from Vasyl Myroshnychenko, one of those early team members who is now Ukraine's ambassador to Australia. He recounts the broadcaster's many hurdles, which included major debts to the EBU. He also describes the strategic vision that helped Ruslana win Eurovision 2004. We also hear from Philip Vella, the Maltese composer who wrote Ira Losco's "Seventh Wonder". He was drafted in to write Oleksandr Ponomariov's Eurovision 2003 song....only to have it replaced at the last minute. Philip gives us an exclusive listen of the song Ukraine had originally planned to send. He travelled with Ukraine's team to their debut contest anyway and recounts his experiences.  Featuring: Freddy: https://instagram.com/freddyt234 William: https://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Our 30-minute reaction video to the news Olly Alexander, previously of Years and Years, will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024. We discuss the announcement on Strictly Come Dancing, his discography, his collab with Dua Lipa producer Danny L Harle, his mysterious reveal video and much much more. Featuring (in order of appearance): William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Lucy - http://instagram.com/lucyeasurtee Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban Cinan - http://instagram.com/cinansdl Jonathan - http://instagram.com/jonathanlvautrey Katie - http://instagram.com/katie.lou.wilson

Raiven will sing for Slovenia at Eurovision 2024. She gives her first English-language interview to us to discuss her song "Veronika", her staging, EMA and more. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Joost Klein will sing for the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024. He gave us his first English-language interview about his selection just hours after the announcement.  Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen, chair of the Dutch selection committee, said: “Following a careful and multi-phase process, the selection committee ultimately opted for Joost Klein. There were a lot of entries from a wide range of genres, but in our view his had the most hit potential. In the song, you hear his familiar mix of party and nostalgia. With his enormous creativity, we think Joost can put on a great show in a totally original way, and that the Netherlands and Europe are in for a positive surprise. We’re really looking forward to working with him.” Joost Klein said: “Taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream come true. I used to watch it together with my parents, glued to the screen, year after year. It’s an honor to represent the Netherlands, and I’m committed to giving my all for the best possible outcome.”   Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We react to the Junior Eurovision 2023 winner, jury results and online vote live after the show. We review the full show and share our readers comments.

Junior Eurovision 2023 online voting opens Friday November 24. Before rehearsals, we compiled our individual JESC 2023 Top 16 and can now share the Top 3 of several of our jury members. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Suzanne - http://instagram.com/SuzAdams1 Ruxandra - http://instagram.com/RuxyArt Jonathan - http://instagram.com/jonathanlvautrey

Our reaction to Slimane's live performance of "Mon Amour" — France's song for Eurovision 2024. Slimane is one of France's biggest pop stars, so expectations are high. Can he win? We watch and react. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

We chat with Eurovision 2024 France star Slimane just moments after the announcement that he'll sing "Mon Amour" in Malmö. He reveals that his song is a "love letter to Europe" and explains how love is the driving force behind his music. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Who is Marina Satti? Well, Greece's Eurovision 2024 is a huge star on the alternative scene and she blends traditional Greek, Balkan, and Anatolian sounds with modern production. Our William reacts to Greek broadcaster ERT's choice. Her record label Minos EMI is staging an open call for songs. Read more on our web site: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/10/24/greece-chooses-marina-satti-for-eurovision-2024/278106/

Israel’s Noa Kirel won the Rest of World vote in the Eurovision 2023 final, followed by Finland’s Käärija and Armenia's Brunette. We also react to the RoW semi-final results, which you can see below. Israel won semi-final 1, while Albania's Albina and Familja Kelmendi won semi-final 2. Grand final vote – Rest of World 12 Israel 10 Finland 8 Armenia 7 Sweden 6 Albania 5 Ukraine 4 Norway 3 Croatia 2 Spain 1 France Semi-Final 1 vote — Rest of World 12 Israel 10 Finland 8 Latvia 7 Sweden 6 Portugal 5 Czechia 4 Moldova 3 Croatia 2 Serbia 1 Malta Semi-Final 2 vote — Rest of World 12 Albania 10 Armenia 8 Austria 7 Australia 6 Slovenia 5 Belgium 4 Lithuania 3 Iceland 2 Estonia 1 Georgia

Mae Muller — the UK’s Eurovision 2023 singer — told us about her debut album Sorry I’m Late during an Instagram live on September 26. She teased some of the music and lyrics and discussed the writing process ahead of its release on September 29.

Is North Macedonia returning to Eurovision in 2024? Well in its newly published budget for 2024, state broadcaster MRT indicates it plans to return to Eurovision in Malmö. We discuss the news — and review some of our favourite acts from the country's past.

Is Romania withdrawing from Eurovision in 2024? The deadline for countries to confirm their intent to participate at Eurovision 2024 was September 15. But if reporting from Romanian newspaper Libertatea has it right, Romania’s state broadcaster may not participate due to financial problems. We discuss the news and review our favourite acts from Romania. Read more: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/09/09/romania-eurovision-2024-participation-isnt-guaranteed-because-of-financial-trouble/277919/ You can check out William's audiobook here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

Is Eurovision too long and should it be shorter? We react to the news that Sweden's Christer Björkman will try to cut the length of the Eurovision 2024 television broadcast from Malmö. You can buy William's memoir "Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" on Amazon ( US link / UK link ). The audiobook will be out on September 26. Visit our web site and YouTube channel for more Eurovision news and reactions.

MUSTII — Belgium's Eurovision 2024 singer — will release his ESC song in February. The Drag Race Belgique judge already has two albums under his belt and hits like Blind, 21st Century Boy, Shame and Alien. We react to his selection and review his chances of success. Read more: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/08/30/belgium-chooses-mustii-drag-race-belgique-judge-for-eurovision-2024/277831/

Bigger juries, no pre-recorded vocals, a country winning for the first time — these are some of our readers' wishes for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. We discuss the changes and dreams we want to see become real. 01:03 More bobs 02:56 Rest of the World vote breakdown 04:44 Sara Jo or Jelena Karleusa to sing for Serbia 07:20 Let the juries save a semi-final wildcard 09:04 Get rid of pre-recorded vocals 11:34 Bring back the RANDOM order draw 14:17 A spectacular return from Luxembourg 14:52 Another awesome result for Finland 17:19 A first-time winner 20:00 Albania winning 21:30 EBU to end TikTok corporate partnership 22:03 Expand six-person rule to eight-person rule 23:23 Sweden sending a song in Swedish 24:45 Return of Erika Vikman Dotter and Elvana Gjata 25:50 Semi-Finals on Monday and Wednesday 26:37 Non-winning countries stepping up their games 29:17 A less rigged contest with more transparency and fairness 30:30 An expanded jury 31:35 Make the Eurovision grand final bigger...and shorter intervals   You can buy William's memoir "Wild Dances" below:   UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573 USA: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573

MÉLOVIN has had an eventful few months. But with his new single "Don't Need Your Love," he's fighting back and standing up to the haters. Ukraine's Eurovision 2018 singer also discusses his artistic music video, his message about believing in yourself and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also teases a potential run at Vidbir 2024 — Ukraine's national selection for Malmö. Thank you to Vasyl for the translation voiceovers!

Eurovision 2023 was filled with jury and televote surprises...and other shocking moments. We review our Top Eurovision Crimes DO NOT SCROLL DOWN unless you want to see spoilers and timestamps. . . . . . . You can order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573 1:30 Georgia not qualifying from Semi-Final 2. 5:43 Austria's low televote score at The Grand Final. 8:27 Malta finishing dead last in Semi-Final 1. 13:12 No Press Centre before the dress rehearsals. 16:52 Norway's low jury score at The Grand Final. 18:58 Latvia not qualifying from Semi-Final 1. 22:09 Spain finishing last in the televote with just 5 points. 27:17 Bad sound mixing. 32:29 Each national jury consists of just 5 people. 37:14 Questioning the integrity of Sweden's victory. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban Video Editor: Ron - https://www.youtube.com/ronkesc

So why is Malmö hosting Eurovision 2024 instead of Stockholm or Gothenburg? We react to the host city news from Sweden's state broadcaster.   Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Eurovision 1998 winner Dana International has a lot to celebrate. 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of her Eurovision win in Birmingham. It also saw the debut of her reality series "Dana Kama," which ended its run on Yes TV on May 7. She tells our William Lee Adams about the difficulties of filming a reality series, recounts the difficult road to Eurovision (including backlash from Orthodox religious figures), shares her thoughts on her Eurovision 2011 song "Ding Dong" and more.

Before even landing at Eurovision in Birmingham, Israel’s Dana International had to stare down her critics: The Orthodox community at home wanted the transgender singer banned from the contest. Conservative politicians called her an abomination, but European viewers embraced her — naming her their winner in the first contest that mandated televoting. To mark the 25th anniversary of her win, this episode looks at queerness on the Eurovision stage and how the contest reflects a radical shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people across Europe. Long before gay marriage was legalized and transgender rights were encoded in law anywhere on the continent, the contest was already celebrating marginalized voices. “My victory proves God is on my side,” she said after her surprise win. “Try to accept me — I am what I am.”

Our reaction to the Eurovision 2023 Semi-Final 2 results and qualifiers. QUALIFIERS 🇦🇱 Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi 🇨🇾 Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou — “Break a Broken Heart” 🇪🇪 Estonia: Alika — “Bridges” 🇧🇪 Belgium: Gustaph — “Because of You” 🇦🇹 Austria: Teya & Salena — “Who the Hell is Edgar?” 🇱🇹 Lithuania: Monika Linkyte — “Stay” 🇵🇱 Poland: Blanka — “Solo” 🇦🇺 Australia: Voyager — “Promise” 🇦🇲 Armenia: Brunette — “Future Lover” 🇸🇮 Slovenia: Joker Out — “Carpe Diem” Non-Qualifiers 🇩🇰 Denmark: Reiley — “Breaking My Heart” 🇬🇪 Georgia: Iru — “Echo” 🇬🇷 Greece: Victor Vernicos — “What They Say” 🇮🇸 Iceland: Diljá — “Power” 🇷🇴 Romania: Theodor Andrei — “D. G. T. (Off and on)” 🇸🇲 San Marino: Piqued Jacks — “Like An Animal”

We filmed our reaction to the Eurovision 2023 Semi Final 1 qualifiers.

Käärijä — Finland's Eurovision 2023 act — speaks with our William after his second rehearsal inside our LUSH Liverpool Lounge. He talks about his staging, "Cha Cha Cha" and more.

Blanka — Poland's Eurovision 2023 act — speaks with our William after her first rehearsal inside our LUSH Liverpool Lounge. She talks about her staging, that dance break, "Solo" and more.   Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

The Busker — Malta's Eurovision 2023 band — speak with our William after their first rehearsal inside our LUSH Liverpool Lounge. The group talk about their staging, that car, "Do You Wanna Dance (Our Own Party)" and more. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Who will qualify from Semi-Final 2 of Eurovision 2023? We predict the Top 10 who will advance out the sixteen acts that will compete at the second Semi-Final on May 11th. The Semi-Final 2 countries are: Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania, Lithuania and Australia.

Politics, war and the Eurovision Song Contest. Long before Russia invaded Ukraine, conflict already coloured the competition.  Stars like Loreen, Käärijä and Måneskin were lucky enough to compete in peace. But Fazla - Bosnia & Herzogovina's 1993 singer - risked his life just to get to the contest.  Fazla recounts his harrowing journey out of the siege of Sarajevo to reach Ireland. ______ Wiwibloggs is proud to announce a new podcast - that goes into the political history of the contest — from the fall of the Iron Curtain to the present — as an arena for cultural diplomacy and the branding of a nation. Beneath the glitz and glamour, what proxy wars are playing out? And what do they tell us about where Europe is today? In this series, William and Freddy will explore those themes with some very exciting guests telling us their stories first-hand. From running through sniper fire to religious backlash - ‘What Really Happened at Eurovision’ will offer a tell all experience. Get it wherever you get your podcasts.   Featuring, Freddy: http://instagram.com/freddyt234  William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We asked our readers to name the best Automatic Qualifier at Eurovision 2023. The results of that poll are below in the link. But in this video Deban and William choose their personal picks. https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/03/30/poll-which-best-big-5-country-at-eurovision-2023/276652/

Who will qualify from Semi-Final 1 of Eurovision 2023? We predict the Top 10 who will advance out the fifteen acts that will compete at the first Semi-Final on May 9th. The Semi-Final 1 countries are: Norway, Malta, Serbia, Latvia, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Netherlands and Finland. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban Video Editor: Ron - https://www.youtube.com/ronkesc You can pre-order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here: UK: Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/wild-dances/william-lee-adams/9781662601576 USA: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-dances-william-lee-adams/1142079191?ean=9781662601576 https://bookshop.org/p/books/wild-dances-my-queer-and-curious-journey-to-eurovision-william-lee-adams/18753125?ean=9781662601576

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 stars Lord Of The Lost from Germany ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. She speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more!

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star La Zarra from France ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. She speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more!

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star Brunette from Armenia ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. She speaks about the meaning of her song, raps for us and more! Featuring: William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star Käärijä from Finland ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. He speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more!   Featuring: William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star La Zarra from France before the Pre Party Es 2023 in Madrid. She speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more! Featuring: Katie - https://www.instagram.com/katie.lou.wilson/

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 stars Voyager from Australia before the Pre Party Es 2023 in Madrid. They speak about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more! Featuring: Antranig - https://www.instagram.com/ant_shok/

Latvia vs Lithuania vs Estonia — which Baltic country has the best song at Eurovision 2023? We choose our Top 3 among Alika's "Bridges", Sudden Lights' "Aijā" and Monika Linkytė's "Stay". Who is your favourite Baltic entry in Eurovision 2022? Vote in our poll: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/03/28/pol... Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star Mae Muller from the United Kingdom before the Pre Party Es 2023 in Madrid. She speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more! Featuring: Katie - https://www.instagram.com/katie.lou.wilson/

We chat with the Eurovision 2023 star Loreen from Sweden before the Pre Party Es 2023 in Madrid. She speaks about adventuring through the song contest pre-parties and more! Featuring: Luis - https://www.instagram.com/luisgfuster/

Victor Vernicos will sing "What They Say" during Semi-Final 2 of Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. Greece's new star tells us about his Danish-Greek roots, filming his music video, his love of cinnamon rolls and much more. We spoke on 30 March. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Video Editor: Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

We chat with Mae Muller from the United Kingdom on the Blue Carpet during Barcelona Eurovision Party 2023 in Spain. Featuring: Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

We chat with Joker Out from Slovenia on the Blue Carpet during Barcelona Eurovision Party 2023 in Spain. Featuring: Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

We chat with TVORCHI from Ukraine on the Blue Carpet during Barcelona Eurovision Party 2023 in Spain. Featuring: Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

We chat with Mimicat from Portugal on the Blue Carpet during Barcelona Eurovision Party 2023 in Spain. Featuring: Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

Can Iru win Eurovision 2023 with "Echo"? Will it be easy to qualify from Semi-Final 2? We watch and react to Georgia's singer and song.   Featuring: Deban - https://www.instagram.com/deban_deban/ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

Our reaction to to Mimicats song, “Ai Coração”, which will represent Portugal at Eurovision 2023. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

The Semi-Final 1 running order for Eurovision 2023 is set! We react to the order of acts, which you can see in full below. Norway: Alessandra – “Queen of Kings” Malta: The Busker – “Dance (Our Own Party)” Serbia: Luke Black – ”Samo mi se spava” Latvia: Sudden Lights – “Aijā” Portugal: Mimicat – “Ai Coração” Ireland: Wild Youth – “We Are One” Croatia: Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!” Switzerland: Remo Forrer – “Watergun” Israel: Noa Kirel – “Unicorn” Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – “Soarele și Luna” Sweden: Loreen – “Tattoo” Azerbaijan: TuralTuranX – “Tell Me More” Czechia: Vesna – “My Sisters Crown” Netherlands: Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – “Burning Daylight” Finland: Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha” You can pre-order William's Eurovision memoir "WILD DANCES: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision" here:   Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Dances-Curious-Journey-Eurovision/dp/1662601573   WHSmith: https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/wild-dances-a-memoir-of-love-loss-and-the-eurovision-song-contest/williamlee-adams/hardback/9781662601576.html

Our reaction to to Brunette's song, “Future Lover”, which will represent Armenia at Eurovision 2023. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban

After winning Vidbir 2023, TVORCHI have released a revamped Eurovision version of their song "Heart of Steel". William reacts to the revamp and talks with TVORCHI about their creative process behind the changes, their plans for Liverpool, and what it means to be representing their country as both the defending Eurovision winner and a nation at war.

Reacting to Cha Cha Cha — Käärijä's Eurovision 2023 song for Finland. William, who was the spokesperson for the UK jury, also discusses the overall results and asks whether Finland can qualify from Semi-Final 1 and even win Eurovision in Liverpool. You can pre-order William's Eurovision memoir here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720260/wild-dances-by-william-lee-adams/

Marcus & Martinus will sing "Air" during Heat 3 of Melodifestivalen 2023 in Lidköping. They chat with our Simon all about their entry and more. Featuring: Simon - https://www.instagram.com/simonfalkdk/

Melanie Wehbe will sing "For the Show" in Heat 3 of Melodifestivalen 2023. She co-wrote the song with David Lindgren Zacharias and Herman Gardarfve. Melanie discusses Sweden's Eurovision selection, Deltävling 3 in Lidköping and more! Featuring: Ruxandra - http://instagram.com/ruxyart

Laurell will sing "Sober" during Heat 3 of Melodifestivalen 2023 in Lidköping. She chats with our Lucy all about her entry and more. Featuring: Lucy - https://www.instagram.com/lucyeasurtee/

We spoke with Denmark's Eurovision 2023 singer Reiley the afternoon after he won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with his entry "Breaking My Heart" . He will sing in the Second Semi-Final in Liverpool.

We chat with Eurovision 2023 stars Joker Out from Slovenia, shortly after they presented their song contest entry "Carpe Diem" . They will sing in the Second Semi-Final in Liverpool.   Interviewer: William http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

It's confirmed: Ben Adams and Gaute Ormåsen are, in fact, Subwoolfer. The Norwegian singers (who sang "Give That Wolf A Banana" at Eurovision 2022) spoke with our Simon shortly after the final of Melodi Grand Prix 2023 in Trondheim. Interviewer: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

The Eurovision 2023 slogan is United by Music. We react to the theme, logo and graphic artwork — a series of hearts that impact the other. We also discuss the meaning behind the ECG electrocardiogram, which was made by two creative agencies: Superunion in the UK and Starlight in Ukraine. Are you loving the BBC and Liverpool's visuals?

Maria Sur will participate in Heat 2 of Melodifestivalen 2023 with her song "Never Give Up". We speak with her about her experience competing on The Voice of Ukraine, performing in Avicii Arena arena at a benefit concert for Ukraine, and how she fled her home in Zaporizhzhia early in the war to live in Sweden.   Interviewer: William - https://instagram.com/williamleeadams

The Eurovision 2023 semi-final allocation draw took place in Liverpool on 31 January. We react to the news of which countries sing and vote in which semi-final.   See the full allocation results: https://wiwibloggs.com/2023/01/31/live-discussion-eurovision-2023-semi-final-allocation-draw/275002/

Our reaction to the Eurovision 2023 stage design by Julio Himede, his team at Yellow Studio and the BBC. Are you loving the Liverpool stage which will go up inside M&S Bank Arena? Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Bernardo - http://instagram.com/bernardotpereira

Ulrikke Brandstorp advanced from the first semi-final of Melodi Grand Prix 2023 with her song "Honestly" and will compete in the grand final on 4 February. We talk to Ulrikke about her journey since winning MGP in 2020 and her decision to compete again this year, her experience in semi-final 1 , and the meaning behind "Honestly". She is NOT using Auto-Tune.

Our reaction to Gustaph's "Because of You" — 🇧🇪 Belgium's Eurovision 2023 song. Gustaph won Belgian Eurosong 2023 by finishing second with the televote and third with the jury. Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

We spoke to Gustaph who won Eurosong 2023 and got the right to represent his country Belgium at this year's Eurovision. Featuring: Renske - https://www.instagram.com/rensketalitha/ Diego - https://www.instagram.com/diegopinpa/

Elsie Bay will sing "Love You In A Dream" in Semi-Final 2 of Norway's Melodi Grand Prix 2023. She tells our William about the songwriting process, her staging plans, her musical influences and how she's in this to win this. Featuring: Elsie Bay - https://twitter.com/iamElsieBay William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Eurosong 2023 judge NikkieTutorials discusses Belgium's national selection for Eurovision. We met the queen of makeup in Brussels ahead of the final. Featuring: Renske - https://www.instagram.com/rensketalitha/ Diego - https://www.instagram.com/diegopinpa/

Our Dayana had a quick chat with the 7 finalists in Finland's Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2023. The UMK 2023 songs are being revealed one per weekday until 20 January. They’re set to be released at 00:00 EET on the dates listed below: Keira — “No Business On The Dancefloor” (Thursday 12 January) Benjamin — “Hoida mut” (Friday 13 January) Robin Packalen — “Girls Like You” (Monday 16 January) Lxandra — “Something To Lose” (Tuesday 17 January) Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha” (Wednesday 18 January) KUUMAA — “Ylivoimainen” (Thursday 19 January) Portion Boys — “Samaa taivasta katsotaan” (Friday 20 January)

Our reaction to “Honestly” — Ulrikke’s song for Melodi Grand Prix 2023 in Norway. Can this win and compete at Eurovision in Liverpool? 00:30 Background to the song 02:25 Reacting to "Honestly" Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

Ulrikke Brandstorp will sing "Honestly" in Semi-Final 1 of Melodi Grand Prix 2023 — Norway's Eurovision selection. We spoke with her at the NRK press launch, where they revealed all 21 acts.   Featuring: Anne - http://twitter.com/anne.vik

🇺🇦 We react to Ukraine's Eurovision 2023 national selection. The show was held in an underground bomb shelter — normally a metro station. We review Tvorchi's win with "Heart of Steel", jury winner Krut and third-place finisher Jerry Heil.

Prior to Ukraine's Eurovision selection, our Deban listened to the studio cut of TVORCHI's "Heart of Steel." This was his live reaction.

We listened to Jerry Heil's "When God Shut The Door" ahead of Vidbir 2023 — Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision.

We listen to KRUTЬ's “Kolyskova” / "Колискова" (Lullaby) — one of the ten finalists in Ukraine's Eurovision 2023 selection Vidbir.

Oleh Psiuk, the frontman of Kalush Orchestra, speaks with our Tom during their concert at the Electric Brixton in London. They discuss Vidbir 2023 (Ukraine's Eurovision selection for Liverpool), meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger and more.

🇧🇪 Reacting to all 14 song snippets in Belgium Eurosong 2023 — its national selection for Eurovision. Seven artists sing two songs each. They are... The Starlings – “Oceanside”, “Rollercoaster” Loredana – “I Dream in Colours”, “You Lift Me Up” Gustaph – “Because of You”, “The Nail” Hunter Falls – “Home”, “Ooh La La” Ameerah – “The Carnival”, “Armageddon” Chérine – “Ca m’ennuie pas”, “Mon étoile” gala dragot – “emotion ollie”, “t‘inquiète” You can pre-order William's memoir WILD DANCES here: https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/wild-dances-9781662601576/?fbclid=IwAR02HWhaOlTx4ap6DRh8dUOhOKUeriuDedy7UZeFRAB28F6hotVr4GuFpIw   Featuring: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Moments after France's Lissandro won Junior Eurovision 2022 with "Oh, maman," William held an hour-long livestream on YouTube. He discusses the jury vote, public vote and over result with our YouTube followers and shares their comments.