The 2015 “Expert” Panel

The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back once again reviewing all Eurovision songs and rank them accordingly.

You are probably asking yourself on how we pick our panel and the criteria. We looked at people from all walks of life to bring together a unique group of panelists with a wide range in taste. They all bring different skills and tastes to the table so who are they?

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Arie – The Professional Musician
Daniel – The Noob
Katja – The Schlager Queen
Mike – The Smart One
Olivia – The Journalist

You can read more about them HERE

Disclaimer: While we picked, what we perceived individuals with a wide range in taste, it is subjective to a certain degree so just enjoy their thoughts and if you don’t agree, feel free to post your comments below.

The Host Nation is up next. Austria won the contest in 2014, when Conchita won over the hearts of Europe (and the World) and now we’re going to Vienna. The title defenders are The Makemakes with their song I am Yours. Does it have what it takes to keep the title in Austria? Let’s see what our Panel thinks.

Katja – The Schlager Queen
Hmmm. I’ve heard this one before somewhere. No, not with Coldplay. This is a bit Robbie Williams, during the era when he was working with Guy Chambers. It’s a decent entry but considering the draw and the buzz right now, I don’t think the host country will set the scoreboard on fire in the Final. But it’s absolutely and entry they shouldn’t be ashamed of.
Points: 6/10

Olivia – The Journalist
YES – Austria. You did good! This is exactly where the music market is right now. A retro-bearded man with a quaker hat, playing the grand piano in the style of James Bay, is such a pleasant surprise. This scores big in terms of musicality. It’s a sophisticated song with a beautiful progression. And I would say it could really resonate with The Beatles generation. If this is truly a song contest, then this deserves to do well. It’s bringing the music back! His vocal range is impressive – beautiful falsetto. Also – the final chorus gives me shivers.
Points: 7/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
I’m delighted with Austria’s host entry. I like how it sounds like something Elton John could’ve written – despite the song not being groundbreaking it’s something we don’t usually get to hear at Eurovision. The lead singer’s live performance is great as well. It probably wasn’t the smartest move of a usually upbeat pop/rock band to go with a ballad in a year like this but I still believe it can make an impact if they get the staging right.
Points: 8/10

Mike – The Smart One
The semiotician in me was glad to see that the Austrian lead singer again has a beard, if not quite as full as last year. This year’s selection is a jazz/soul solo in a vaguely Motown mold and could have been sung by a female singer, with different lyrics. This is definitely a song of seduction and anticipated satisfaction with appropriate lyrics and is quite masculine. The lead singer has a very well suited voice for the song. While his vocal quality might be a bit too lyrical, the occasional rasp and growl do fit and his pitch is spot on. Falsetto a bit too pretty perhaps.
Points: 8/10

Daniel – The Noob
When I heard this song for the first time I was lying in my bed. That was not a good idea because I nearly fell asleep. Following this, I had no great expectations because I am not one for the typical “I love you so much that it hurts”-piano guy. However the chorus woke me up for the simple reason that it reveals his beautiful voice. That is a far cry away from saying I do like this song. He may have a magnificent voice but I still think this song is quite tiring. It is a good but rather mediocre entry.Points: 5/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
Well, I guess Austria just REALLY wants us all back year, because I love this song! It’s like Adam Levine and Elton John had a secret love child, and he’s singing us a rousing love ballad. Emotionally intense, lyrically sophisticated, and musically intriguing, this song has all the makings of a winner. Perhaps this flowing melody deserves a better bridge? I could do with a touch more theatre, but then, when can’t I?
Points: 9/10

Overall: 43 Points

A fantastic score for Austria. Is this an Omen?!?! Can they do it again? The panel, for the most part, was quite generous with the points and guess what? The Makemakes are their new favorite. Let’s have a look, shall we?

Let’s have a look at the current ranking (Click on the Country for the full review):