My 2020 Vision, A Pif Paf Wishlist: Part 2

On Saturday I listed my desires for some of the countries participating (and hopefully participating 🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬) in this year’s Contest. Now it’s time to have a gander at what I want to see and hear from a few more nations in Rotterdam.

GEORGIA 🇬🇪

Look back to your last qualifier. In the last three years we’ve seen discount Bond theme, classy but niche Ethno Jazz Band & Gravelly McShoutyface. You’ve got to back to Nika Kocharov in Stockholm to find their last qualifier. If we could have a similar style of song and presentation you’re definitely going to grab the attention of jurors and voters. And you’ll get 12 points from the UK jury again!

GERMANY 🇩🇪

Sack off the National Final. Internally select Avantasia. Win the Contest. Jobs’s a goodun.

GREECE 🇬🇷

Hard to know exactly what I want from Greece to be honest. Last year they brought exactly the kind of atmospheric pop anthem that I’m an absolute sucker for and yet, they didn’t make the top 20. Not since the heady days of Alcohol is Free have they managed to record a top 10 finish. However, trying to revert to the style of their more successful 00s entries probably wouldn’t work these days. Whatever you bring, get David Sneddon to write it again, that way us Scots claim it as our own if it wins.

HUNGARY 🇭🇺

Given I’ve already asked for two rock entries from the first three countries listed here, demanding the return of AWS may be a little much. So instead I would ask for you to revamp A Dal. The sway of jury over public vote is all off, giving the four strong panel far too much power up until the superfinal. New decade, chance for a new approach from Hungary.

ICELAND 🇮🇸

1. Sing your song

2. Bide your time

3. Don’t let the capitalism grind you down.

IRELAND 🇮🇪

Take a risk and commit to it. What have you got to lose?

ISRAEL 🇮🇱

It’s not often I’ll extol the virtue of a country sending something middle of the road but that’s what I’m doing now. Just send something safe that ensures KAN won’t have to organise it again.

ITALY 🇮🇹

Just you keep doing what you’re doing. We’ve all become accustomed to the high quality Italy can produce in Sanremo. Regular top ten finishes & consistent use of the native language? No complaints from me.

KAZAKHSTAN 🇰🇿

I know….why the hell not? Let the Junior Eurovision competitors step up to the senior Contest. We saw in the live auditions for Belarus last year what Kazakh singer Bidash could do. If they get a shot at the full thing it’s obvious to me who they should send

LATVIA 🇱🇻

Give it Aminata. Otherwise you might as well make alternative arrangements for something to do on May 16th.

LITHUANIA 🇱🇹

In 2018 Lithuania took everyone by surprise with a delicate ballad, beautifully sung and staged for full emotive effect. Last year they could’ve done something very similar but they passed on the opportunity. Monika Marija had two songs that could’ve easily qualified for the final in Tel Aviv. Give her free reign and let the Continent hear just what a stunning voice she has.

MALTA 🇲🇹

X Factor Malta did a great job in finding the first Maltese act to make the final in three years. A better running order placing may have even helped Michela break the top 10. They may not have to stray too far to finally find their first winner. Perhaps it’s time to fulfill their…Destiny.

MOLDOVA 🇲🇩

Do what you do best, have a bit of fun! When Moldova bring the party they do well. Sunstroke Project and DoReDos won many fans in 2017 & 18 with their delightfully fun and upbeat songs matched with memorable presentations. Then in Tel Aviv they bring a song we’ve heard a thousand times before with a presentation we’ve definitely seen before. See if you can get the guys who did the wine song last year and let them do whatever they want. Please.

MONTENEGRO 🇲🇪

Slavko.

NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱

Just you lads and lassies focus on hosting the thing. That’s all we ask.

Actually… if you can, please get Dutch McDonalds to bring back the the Stroopwafel McFlurry. I will pour thousands into your economy for those bad boys alone.

That’s it for today, keep an eye our later in the week for my final requests.