EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM – Since 2008 oikotimes.com asks a Eurostar to comment either the participating songs for either senior or junior Eurovision Song Contest. This year we asked our own colleague, Mikey Fearn from the United Kingdom to give us a “British” review of the 2013 Junior Eurovision entries
YOU CAN WATCH THE PARTICIPATING ENTRIES HERE
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Armenia: Monika Avanesyan hopes to win Europe over with her sweet sensation in the “Choco Factory” … This song is an upbeat offering from Armenia and the violin adds a quality touch to the performance, but overall a bit too repetitive in my mind to win the votes.
Azerbaijan: Rustam Karimov is hoping to add another “string” of success to Azerbaijan’s Eurovision bid with his energetic song “Me and My Guitar”. The song is a mix of Azeri and English and is extremely well performed. This talented 10 year old is a definite contender to lift the trophy in Kiev.
Belarus: Ilya Volkov appears in the JESC for the second consecutive year after being a backing dancer for Egor last year in Amsterdam. This year Ilya performs the very catchy song “Poy so Mnoy” which is instant to the mind, has a good electrical beat going on and if the vocal from Ilya becomes stronger, then Belarus could do very well indeed.
FYR Macedonia: Barbara Popović is hoping to “drum” up success for FYR Macedonia with her entry “Ohrid I Muzika”. Barbara’s vocals are strong and the beating of the drums give a very positive feel to this song. I think FYR Macedonia could do well this year, but it’s not a winner in my opinion.
Georgia: The Smile Shop sing “Give me your smile” which sounds like a theme tune for a children’s television series. An enthusiastic performance from the 6 singers within the group who will be hoping to convert smiles into votes in Kiev. I can’t see this one winning though.
Malta: After a 2 year break from JESC, Malta return this year and have chosen Gaia Cauchi to represent them with the song “The Start”. This is my personal favourite, a power ballad which builds more and more throughout the song, very strong vocal ability and range with a professional approach. Although a ballad has never won the JESC, I have a sneaky feeling that this may well be the first. Good luck Malta.
Moldova: Moldova’s fourth attempt to win the JESC trophy lies in the vocal ability of Rafael Bobeica. Rafael is 11 years old and will perform “Cum sa Fim” (How to be). I think the key is too high for Raphael in this song and although it’s a pleasant melody, I can’t see it impressing Europe.
Russia: Dayana Kirillova sings “Dream on” for Russia. A very powerful and anthemic song that could well do more than make Russia “Dream” of a second victory in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. This is definitely a contender for the top spot.
San Marino: The honour of being the first representative in the JESC for San Marino goes to Michele Perniola who will sing the song “O-o-O Sole Intorno a me” … In my opinion it’s a “Ooooooh NO” moment but this song may well gain a few votes for simply being completely different to the other songs this year.
Sweden: Sweden have yet to win the JESC and this year it falls to Elias Elfström to win over the hearts of Europe with his song “Det är dit vi ska” (That’s where we’re going). Sadly this is not a great vocal performance and in my opinion the music over shadows the voice. I think Sweden will struggle to gain votes this year.
The Netherlands: Having participated every year since the beginning of the JESC back in 2003 and only winning on one occasion so far, this year The Netherlands pin their hopes on a “two of the same duo” .. TWINS! Mylène & Rosanne sing “Double Me” which is a bouncy and catchy song, full of life, created around a cheer leading theme setting .. Let’s hope this leads them to a “cheerful” victory and not the dreaded “nil” point.
Ukraine: Host nation Ukraine, put their faith in Sofia Tarasova and the song “We are one” to give them their second victory, but unfortunately in my opinion the song goes nowhere and weak vocals give an overall unmemorable song. I think Ukraine will struggle to get the votes this year.
