Eurovision recap (8): National finals

Finland – The first participant in a National Final for the Eurovision Song Contest is now known! The “Tango-King” of Seinajöki will be one of the participants of this year’s Eurosviut, just like last year. Marko Maunuksela won the competition. He started his career as a musical singer. His song for the National Final has of course not been revealed yet.

Spain – Jimmy Jump stroke again! This year he disturbed the Spanish presentation at the Eurovision Song Contest, which is why Daniel Diges could repeat his performance. Now Jimmy Jump ran onto the field during the World Cup Final in South Africa and tried to “steal” the famous Cup. Spain had more luck this time tough, as they won the Final against the Netherlands! ¡Felicitaciones España!

Ukraine – The Ukrainian television will hold castings all over the country this August to find candidates for the National Final. August 21st 50 artists will have been chosen to go to a second round. In September TV-shows with all the 50 chosen artists will be broadcast. In October 20 finalits will be chosen and the National Final will follow. Newcomers and experienced artists are explicitly welcome to participate.

Sweden – SVT, the Swedish television channel responsible for the Eurovision Song Contest will change the rules of the popular Melodienfestivalen, their National Final. From the songs submitted to SVT only 15 will be chosen for the competition (till now 28). 15 more songs will receive wildcards endowed by the channel. “Before we only had 4 wildcards, now we can be much more active” said Christer Björkman. Additionally there will be 2 wildcards for songs submitted online.

United Kingdom – The BBC has official confirmed their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, saying that they are currently discussing several ideas for a National Final. After the last place this year the BBC is expected to find a new way of choosing their entrant. The last two years prominent songwriters (Andrew Loyd Webber, Pete Waterman) had been invited to write a song. While Webber was rather successful, Watermans “That sounds good to me” came last.

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