Yep folks, on Saturday 22nd November, it's time for the 6th Junior Eurovision Song Contest! It's something I never usually take much of an interest in, as I found the first year cringeworthy viewing. I haven't even heard many of the winning songs. However this year I've found myself having a listen to the 15 songs in contention to see if there were any (very well) hidden gems among them.

 

It was tough going to make it through all 15, but in case you're very bored and mildly curious, here they are along with my thoughts on the bunch.

 

Armenia

Oh dear not a good start! She obviously thinks alot of herself, especially with the wind machine, but there is nothing good about this! It is let down by poor production values at the NF, but that can't take all the blame. I hope diaspora voting isn't as prominant in JESC, because this doesn't deserve to come within spitting distance of the top ten. Does anybody remember Scary Lady from the Azerbaijan final? Surely she must be some relative!

 

Belarus

It actually started off very promisingly, and then the "na na na's" came in and it all started to get a bit chaotic. And it's all a bit too patriotic for my liking...it actually gives it a bit of a creepy quality...

 

Belgium

This is more like it!! I love it, although he reminds me of Richard Fleeshman somehow...could be a bit annoying. The song is great and it's ages since I've heard Flemish at Eurovision. Surely if people who actually like pop music are watching this should finish high up?? But it's no guaruntee. He's nicked Perrelli's special effect though.

 

Bulgaria

I wouldn't say she has a very manly voice. It's just very old to come out of the mouth of such a young girl. She deserves a better song. It doesn't really know what type of song it's meant to be, and it a bit hard on the ears at times. I'd give bonus points for live backing vocals, but it does all sound like a bit of a mess.

 

Cyprus

I see they've recycled the set from the Cypriot ESC national final this year! It's not a bad tune; it's a very teenager-ish song, without being unbearably squeaky and twee. However their vocals are ropey and my goodness they are worryingly skinny!

 

FYR Macedonia

With different lyrics this could be a genuine ESC song and do well. Very contemporary in a good way; the kind of thing I hope we'll be seeing more of in the real ESC and while it's not among my favourites I can see why this would be a deserving winner. It's a slick performance as well with polished choreography.

 

Georgia

OK this is bizarre. Did this win a national competition to get this far?! Was there really a handful of songs less worthy than this?? I can't quite find the words, but I thought it was strange before I even realised the title was "Bzz" which was just the icing on the cake. If you can't bring yourself to watch the JESC or any of the songs, make an exception for this one.

 

Greece

I tuned out of this one to be honest. It's not the most interesting song is it. Thumbs up for the live backing vocals again, but the vocals in general are very ropey. This song would need something very special to stand out and it has nothing. Most likely contender for last place out of the ones I've seen so far.

 

Lithuania

I quite like this one. It's cute. The song is light and frothy in the style of many Danish Eurovision entries, and I like how they've resisted the temptation to build it up and keep it nice and simple. The girl's voice is annoying though and it's very wrong for the song. Can't see this denting the scoreboard but it's charming.

 

Malta

Is this Fabrizio Jnr?? He certainly has the eyebrows!! I suppose it's unfair to compare Hold On Be Strong, which sounds like it was written by a 10 year old to this, which actually was written by a ten year old, but I have to admit it's pretty bad, and not just the lyrics. He'll get a few "cutesy" votes but next to nothing for the actual song.

 

Netherlands

Quite similar to a few other 60s style songs in the competition, but this is the most sophisticated out of that batch, and the singer definitely has the most stage presence and professionalism out of the acts on offer. Like Belgium, unfortunely this runs the risk of not doing much on the scoreboard, even though it deserves to.

 

Romania

The rules of the Junior contest state that recorded backing vocals are allowed, but in this one I find it hilarious how obvious it is!! I hate myself for saying this, but I really like it against every fibre of my being. It's insanely catchy and if the vocals are decent (and maybe even if they aren't) then it's a challenger.

 

Russia

I'm not crazy about this song, but it could win because it's quite a sweet offering from a (ok slightly strange looking) boy with a sweet voice, nice enough presentation, and hey. It's Russia. So why not. I'm distracted by the fact he sounds like Julia from Tatu though!!

 

Serbia

Hmm it's a bit dull I think. Again she seems like a competant singer and performer, but somehow I don't think that would be enough. Strange seeing this type of song from Serbia though, who I'm so used to seeing go down the ethnic ballads route at the ESC.

 

Ukraine

How badly does that girl need a slap? It's just too much! It's not a competition to see how many gimmicks can you fit into three minutes!! This will come alot higher than it deserves. It's got too much of a structure to contend with Georgia for the bizarre title, but it is a distant, albeit comfortable 2nd.

 

So my favourites would have to be Belgium, and infuriatingly Romania. I could count the songs I like on one hand though.

 

I'd say the top three will be Russia, Romania (vocal permitting) and Macedonia in some order or another.

 

So what are the views on these?

 

Does anybody intend to tune in?

Edited October 8, 200816 yr by Peter30

This show for spoilt brats whose parents are living their dreams through their kids still exists? :shudder: