And so the end is nigh… This week will unfortunately mark the end of the national final season for 2017, and hopefully(!) we should have all 43 entries for Kiev by the end of the next seven days!
With 18 entries still to find though, it promises to be a hectic week!
Here’s what’s coming up – that we know of…
?? Monday 6th March – Greece – Demy’s National Final
Greece kicks things off tonight from 21:00 CET with the long-anticipated three song selection to decide which entry Demy will sing in Kiev!
The three songs chosen to fight for the right to be Greece’s song are;
- Angels
- When the Morning Comes Around
- This Is Love
This Is Love had already leaked into the internet and rumours began that the song could be disqualified from the selection as a result, but it seems unlikely with a video produced and no backup seemingly in place.
70% of the vote will be decided by telrvoting, with 30% coming from juries representing the Greek diaspora communities in various countries; Belgium, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Armenia, Italy, Australia, Austria and the host country Ukraine. Can the novel approach help the Greeks find their second winner of Eurovision?
?? Tuesday 7th March – Australia – Artist announcement
As has become the case for their last two (and therefore first two) entries, Australia has been biding their time with the announcement of their hopeful for Kiev. With the rumour mill once again in overdrive and with some big names surely in the mix, which act will SBS present to us in the early hours on Tuesday, and will it be third time lucky with an Australian victory in May? We might just find out the answer on Tuesday – live from 07:30 CET!
?? Wednesday 8th March – Belgium – Song presentation
Yet another song presentation takes place on Wednesday, and once again the Belgian broadcaster RTBF has selected their artist early and revealing their song late. Such a tactic worked with their selection of Loïc Nottet in 2015 so fingers crossed that Blanche will produce another fantastic entry from Belgium this year.
?? Thursday 9th March – Israel – “I Feel Alive” presentation
Imri Ziv makes the transition from backing vocalist to main star in 2017 and it seems that Israel will be bringing the party once again to Eurovision, if this clip is anything to go by;
Thursday is the official release date of the song; so we will soon know if Israel are heading for a third successive final!
?? Friday 10th March – Montenegro – “Space” presentation
Slavko Kalezić has been one of the most intriguing and most talked about entrants in this year’s contest without the song even being revealed – so no doubt that the hype may reach fever pitch as we approach the reveal of “Space” on Friday; Montenegro’s entry for Kiev. The Balkan nation has certainly made a name for itself in recent years with some alternative and iconic performances, so can this be the case in 2017?
?? Saturday 11th March – Iceland – Söngvakeppnin 2017 Final
Now that we have reached the final stage of Iceland’s Söngvakeppnin selection, it seems that most of the Icelandic has been ditched in an attempt to win over the hearts and minds of the viewing public and, eventually, Europe.
Seven songs made it to the final, and they are;
- Arnar Jónsson & Rakel Pálsdótir – Again
- Rúnar Eff Rúnarsson – Make Your Way Back Home
- Aron Hames Emilsson – Tonight
- Daði Freyr Pétursson – Is This Love?
- Svala Björgvinsdóttir – Paper
- Aron Brink – Hypnotised
- Hildurr – Bammbaramm
?? Saturday 11th March – Lithuania – Eurovizijos Atranka 2017 Final
After more than two months of shows, spamming almost the entire national final season, Lithuania has finally reached the final stage of their selection for Kiev. Six acts remain, and with the returning artists out of the competition, it’s fair game for a new Lithuanian star! Find out who has what it takes to win the whole damn thing on Saturday!
- Paula – Let U Go
- Aistė Pilvelytė – I’m Like A Wolf
- Kotryna Juodzevičiūtė – Love Shadow
- Fusedmarc – Rain of Revolution
- Gabrielius Vagelis – Feel Myself Free
- Greta Zazza – Like I Love You
?? Saturday 11th March – Norway – Melodi Grand Prix 2017
Norway have kept it relatively low-key in recent years with just the one final, and in an aim to maintain a high quality national final, 10 songs of all different styles will take part in Melodi Grand Prix 2017. Most recognisable of the artists is Åge Sten Nilsen, the lead singer of Norway’s last entrants in Kiev, WigWam. Can he become the third artist this year to return to Kiev for their country?
- Anima Sewali – Mesterverk
- Ammunition – Wrecking Crew
- Elin & The Woods – First Step In Faith (Oadjebasvuhtii)
- Ella – Mama’s Boy
- In Fusion – Nothing Ever Knocked Us Over
- Jenny Augusta – I Go Where You Go
- Jowst ft. Aleksander Walmann – Grab The Moment
- Kristian Valen – You & I
- Rune Rudberg Band – Run Run Away
- Ulrikke – Places
?? Saturday 11th March – Sweden – Melodifestivalen 2017 Final
It’s the big one – perhaps the one most people reading this only care about! With last week providing plenty of drama the final may be wide open, although a few now-big names in Melfest lore will be hoping it is finally their year.
- Ace Wilder – Wild Child
- Boris René – Her Kiss
- Lisa Ajax – I Don’t Give A
- Robin Bengtsson – I Can’t Go On
- Jon Henrik Fjällgren ft. Aninia – En värld full av strider (Eatneme gusnie jeenh dåaroeh)
- Anton Hagman – Kiss You Goodbye
- Mariette – A Million Years
- FO&O – Gotta Thing About You
- Nano – Hold On
- Wiktoria – As I Lay Me Down
- Benjamin Ingrosso – Good Lovin’
- Owe Thörnqvist – Boogieman Blues
Once again the international juries and televoting will help to decide who gets the ultimate accolade of representing Sweden at the contest. Win number seven beckons for the Nordic nation, could it be their third victory of the decade in Kiev?
Which show will #YOU be watching? Share your thoughts with us!
