I may be a tad late on this one but this week it feels like the 2024 Eurovision season got properly underway. I just can’t find myself getting too invested in the Eurovision bubble in December. It’s like watching The Muppets’ Christmas Carol in August. Actually, that’s a bad analogy…I absolutely already do that.
Yes, I know we had our first song in November. And I know we’ve had two national finals already. And I know even the UK got going with Olly Alexander popping himself through Claudia’s sparkly danglers live on BBC One. It may have been a season that’s gone big early doors, but it’s one that has really ramped up in the last week. And thus far…what a season it’s shaping up to be.
The week started with the unveiling of a typically strong Melodi Grand Prix line up in Norway. Although we have a few familiar faces in Margaret Berger and Keiino, I don’t see a repeat win in 2024. For those of us who enjoy the louder side of life, Gothminister offers something fun ol’ stomper and Mistra offers some miserable death based rock opera epic. Again though, neither of these are making it to Malmö.
If we’re calling it now I’m saying Norway will either be sending a spooky forest come to life in form of Gåte or a lass called Norwich with a dude dressed as a giant AI robot. You can’t say Norway ain’t offering their fair share of variety.
Speaking of variety, this week also saw the reveal of the entries for Ireland’s Eurosong. I know…who’d have thunk it eh? The Late Late Show have eschewed the usual musical equivalent of six plain chicken breasts, heading out the door with Ryan Turbidy. Now we have Patrick Kielty, a varied lineup and the year’s supply of peanut butter. Some things don’t need changing.
Ailsha’s Go Tobann would be a worthy winner of Ireland’s Eurovision place. Hearing the Irish language would be a welcome addition to the lineup in May. However, Bambie Thug’s Doomsday Blue feels like the obvious choice to shake things up for Ireland at Eurovision. In the words of Bambie themself, it’s “alt witchy verses…killer screams, pop choruses, a jazzy middle-eight, before ending in a metallic roar of electro and heavy guitars”
SIGN. ME. UP.
The same can not be said for our returning heroes Luxembourg. Imagine waiting three decades to come back only to present the aural equivalent of Salt ‘n’ Shake crisps without the salt added. Luxembourg we were rooting for you, we were all rooting for you.
I’m not even putting the GIF in here, but you know the one.
Another line up unveiled this week that came from our 2022 winners Ukraine. They don’t even know how to disappoint. Nazva’s Slavic English is sure to raise a smile, Nahaba’s Glasss is reminiscent of a certain early 00s duo and Yagody feel like they could be natural successor to the iconic Go_A in a few years’ time. However, I do think in contrast to Norway, we will see it come down to the two big names in Vidbir.
Jerry Heil has been knocking at Eurovision’s door for a few years. Now, teaming up with Alyona Alyona for Teresa & Maria she’s got her best chance yet. This is a hauntingly beautiful song that will surely be a “moment” on the live stage. However, 2018 winner Melovin returns with a full on, out and out roof raising, rabble rousing BAN. GER. Given this is a country ravaged by war this already remarkable line up just feels all the more special. Ukraine just know what they’re doing.
It’s been a busy week so far and with the start of Norway and Lithuania’s selections this weekend alongside the infamous Moldovan audition livestream, it’s only going to get busier. Strap yourself in for the ride folks!
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