gooddelta

A bit like hits in the streaming era. 20 weeks in the low top 75 is better for your YTD position than peaking in the top 10 but disappearing in a few weeks. As I've had four DNQs this year my chances of a respectable placing are non-existent, but on the plus side I feel no pressure to maintain anything and if I slip up again then 41st or 48th makes no difference to me. Coming up to the end of the year is when some countries I would imagine will start to play it safer to maximise their YTD placing. Although I would caution people to think again about what they consider is safe because the competition is so hot these days. 'Playing it safe' can easily mean something gets forgotten or overlooked for being samey and is an accidental DNQ. A very interesting battle going on at the top between two pop countries, I couldn't call which way that will go as both are so consistent.

1996 is one of my favourite 90s years in Eurovision so nice to see lots of entries from there ranking highly. I was quite into Croatia in 2002 and 2003. Loved the moody Everything I Want, which was like a Britney album track done by a Shania Twain meets Sharon Corr kind of figure, one of only 7 songs I enjoyed in a very weak year. And then Više Nisam Tvoja again was very Britney/Cheiron and a little dated by 2003 but I always liked it. Moja Štikla is wonderful, I've always loved it and wanted it to come top 10 in 2006, and thought it would.

Bronzil seem to be trending that way. I also wouldn't put it past The Spodic Empire, Zanmatony, or a quick victory from New Helvetica.

Got the CD and vinyl today, had to have both for my favourite album from them. What's A Girl To Do is great although surely samples the production of this Lisa Stansfield cover from 2005 that got to No.34. I bought this and thought it would be massive like Lola's Theme, which interestingly the new write-up in Tangled Up compares What's A Girl To Do to. If it's not a sample then that is a close coincidence.

Carel Brorderman has confirmed my 4th place so I'm happy.

I figured that was the case when I saw it wasn’t order of receipt so certainly wasn’t expecting to hold on when I checked in halfway and was on top. But nothing wrong with some reveal engineering when the result is obvious early on. The drought counter will have to wait for its grand return when/if I ever manage to find a winner again 😄

Rontvian update after 187 finals: 1. République d'Áskorza 664 (+1) 2. Altyr Muunilinst 624 3. Aeroche 606 (+18) 4. Hendinia 490 5. Danæviia 472 6. Cor Lupus 434 7. FARC 421 8. Summericia 419 9. New Lexico 378 (+8) 10. Kluminican Republic 370 11. Bøtanikkä 357 (+9) 12. Fljótavík 351 (+6) 13. Quintessa 317 14. Ojnoj 290 15. Séyetana 290 16. Ramrynia 286 17. Jadakissnia 266 (+15) 18. Land of DW 251 (+5) 19. Greenfroze 248 20. Kathaldazia 239 21. Tartford 234 22. Numayania 231 23. Qärenfanghoney 227 24. Lookylion 226 25. Zanmatony 218 (+10) 26. Terra Avium 215 27. Hushkanukia 209 28. Skall 208 (+11) 29. Espen 198 30. Unovia 197 31. Dobago 193 32. Cumulonimbia 188 33. Trifoski 182 (+4) 34. Persephonia 181 35. St. Burbia 176 36. Yehesi 175 37. Elëdan 174 38. (The Actual Republic of) Bellamia 173 39. Jupiterdonia 168 (+2) 40. #00274E 168 41. Vülkyria 158 42. Bhangra 156 43. Helgon 156 44. Kylienips 156 45. Thelonia 151 46. Singerpurear 147 47. D'yermak'er 145 48. Cadelicia 143 49. Daehun 139 50. Oslol 137 51. Lotunia 136 52. Caerfyrddia 128 53. Sovarasma/Why So Sirius 123 54. Wholune 122 55. Mdiče 120 56. Tinnmark 119 57. Utopia 114 58. Mulgracia 114 59. Harmonica 109 60. The Spodic Empire 107 (+7) 61. N DNTN 107 62. Suedeonia 105 63. Ultraviolenceland 104 64. Aelandor 102 65. East Rukahavian 100 66. Rolloland 98 67. United States of Jack 97 68. Neliönoir 93 69. Herzebania 90 70. Aquafina 88 71. Beaverdonia 85 72. Pupok 83 73. Scotland 2 82 74. Kyriatine/Baleghde 81 75. Holland-Oats 80 76. POPHub 79 77. Xanaga 76 78. Bronzil 73 (+12) 79. Torchwood 71 80. Eastovka/A-Konohagakure 70 81. Bignia-Zaragovina 70 82. Batidas 69 83. Niceland 68 84. Sangria 67 85. Angelicland 65 86. PRoJ 64 87. Republic of Adonia 63 88. Pestolia 61 89. Isconia 59 90. Ben's Sanctuary 58 91. Aesthetica 56 92. B.a.N.G 56 93. Deandria 53 94. N-Lazone 52 95. Ajanaeda 50 96. Dalisska 49 97. Kingdom of Shadow 49 98. Sandebörg 48 99. Yuxhaaq 48 100. Herbilore 45 (+13) 101. Avalonia 45 102. Medhelnia 45 103. Taahino 43 104. Kingdom of Horanius 43 105. Florina 43 106. Nonsuch 43 107. Quotosibb 42 108. Zechonia 42 109. Ingermanlandia 41 110. Cheiron 40 111. Triangledonia 40 112. Desbuanda 39 113. Scherzland 38 114. Flynnonda 38 115. FNT Nickodonia 36 116. Land of Jack 36 117. Sandénia 34 118. Lorikeet 31 119. Simondly 29 120. Buzzjack Mountain 28 121. Sergeistan 27 122. Lotopialand 26 123. M.K.L. 25 124. Juranabaijan 24 125. Abeltesfayeton 24 126. Yobnedorica 21 127. Cowtermont 21 128. Triodopolis 21 129. Rivandia 20 130. UnoShake 20 131. Freidland 19 132. Varakë 19 133. Ethanola 19 134. Tapatilandia 19 135. Pagasa 17 136. Macromia 17 137. Brechtoria 17 138. Greenland 17 139. New Helvetica 16 (+3) 140. Azure 16 141. Järkangel 16 142. Liechenstaan 15 143. Cascadia 14 144. Alteria 13 145. Joedonia 13 146. Mothertopia 13 147. Hinterlandia 13 148. Euphoriffith 12 149. Farahtyn 12 150. Umiiruka 12 151. Bokia 11 152. Frandoot 11 153. Phlumptopia 11 154. Zaminton 11 155. Ennea 10 156. Britmasu 10 157. Conoria 9 158. Arcodesia 9 159. Fervorosia 9 160. New Caprica 9 161. Faztickle 8 162. Frahliso 8 163. Jayrusalem 8 164. Lievant 8 165. Palmyra 8 166. Tyronosaurusland 8 167. Astoria 7 168. PoisonVine Bay 7 169. Aprogonia 6 170. Jamora 6 171. New Alba 6 172. Priceville 6 173. Budtar 5 174. Jukianië 5 175. Enty 3 176. Spila 3 177. Camdonia 2 178. Inner Massivia 2 179. Llewandia 2 180. ChrIseland 1 A song that feels almost tailor made for me was unlikely to miss out on a gold medal, and indeed it doesn’t as we give Aeroche full support for their Bluetooth back of the bus throwback anthem, as they become the third country to break the 600 points barrier! Jadakissnia’s brilliant alt earworm from Bulgaria takes our silver medal while Herbilore continue to score lots of Rontvian points, with another lovely and underrated entry that was right up our street, and their second medal from us in succession. Bronzil’s sumptuous ballad and a second brilliant entry in a row from host Skall completes our top five this month. Elsewhere we were very impressed by the chillout piece from Zanmatony, the strong pop runner-up from Bøtanikkä and good pop from New Lexico, and darkwave from The Spodic Empire. After two contests, New Helvetica have scored Rontvian points on both outings. Our all-time leaders République d'Áskorza remain out in front after scoring another point here, but there are signs of Aeroche closing in recently.

It’s about damn time! Well done Iz, it wasn’t far out of my votes but didn’t need them, it was indeed something of a landslide in the end. Thanks Harve for a great contest very well hosted. Sorry I couldn’t see it all unfold live as it was so well done. For anyone struggling with DNQs, Iz turned a semi last place last month to a big win and I was the other semi last place last month. With that in mind, I’m absolutely elated with fourth place. Such a nice thing to get after a triple DNQ, and I just love this song. I immediately had to confirm it the moment I heard it. Thanks to Brer, Julian and AllStar for golds and all the other lovely medals and points, I did see and appreciate each one a lot. Great pop song from Addy in second too there, and delighted to see Aeroche top five, that was generally so underpredicted (but RontBet had it 6th, and got the winner correct and Addy top three).

Wow! Thanks so much to the voters so far ❤️🍄 Great to see so many songs I love up there too.

Mack would have voted Seyetana too as does every contest. I think it will be close actually and not a runaway, but let’s see. I would still expect them to win though. I’ll try and catch up at points as got a six hour drive this evening but sending hype to my faves, some of which are very low in the odds.

Titanium is awesome, hit No.1 in my chart in its initial release, and I always hoped it would get a full single push as it felt like it had so much more to give, and that it did. Amazing production, melody, lyrics, vocal from Sia (who I had followed, bought all albums by and loved since loving Destiny in 2001 - wasn't that fussed on Taken For Granted in 2000). Don't You Worry Child is also fantastic - so euphoric, a worthy top two. Thanks for running a great countdown that has been fascinating to read @RabbitFurCoat . Here is my rank: All-time favourites David Guetta Feat. Sia - Titanium Gotye Feat. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know Swedish House Mafia Feat. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child Great Psy - Gangnam Style Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe Cover Drive - Twilight Sam and the Womp – Bom Bom Labrinth Feat. Emeli Sande - Beneath Your Beautiful Maroon 5 Feat. Wiz Khalifa - Payphone Cheryl - Call My Name fun. Feat. Janelle Monae – We Are Young Florence + The Machine – Spectrum (Say My Name) (Calvin Harris Remix) Robbie Williams - Candy Little Mix - Wings Olly Murs Feat. Flo Rida - Troublemaker Coldplay - Paradise Good The Justice Collective – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother Rihanna - Diamonds Calvin Harris Feat. Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing Gabrielle Aplin - The Power Of Love One Direction - Little Things The Script, Will.I.Am - Hall Of Fame Jessie J - Domino Rudimental Feat. John Newman - Feel The Love DJ Fresh Feat. Rita Ora – Hot Right Now Ok Katy Perry - Part Of Me Rita Ora - How We Do (Party) Tulisa - Young Rita Ora Feat. Tinie Tempah - R.I.P. Flo Rida - Good Feeling Wiley & Djo Feat. Ms. D - Heatwave Ne-Yo - Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself) Gary Barlow & The Commonwealth Band - Sing James Arthur - Impossible will.i.am; Eva Simons - This Is Love Awful Chris Brown - Turn Up the Music Solid year for No.1s, I think 20 of these made my top 100 of the year.

Sunshine Anderson again I'm afraid.

Also voted, I found this a pretty strong final as I had a lot of commiserations even despite losing a few faves in the semis. In agreement that there were a fair few growers.

Final odds from RontBet: Winner contenders 2/1 Séyetana // Portraits Of Tracy - Caught In A Jam 4/1 Kathaldazia // Dev Lemons - eat the pavement 4/1 Bøtanikkä // Natalie Jane - dance til i die 6/1 Neliönoir // Sophia Stel - Molly In The Club 7/1 Fljótavík // Cain Culto - a plague, a pestilence Top 10 contenders 10/1 Bronzil // Isabel LaRosa - Her Face 10/1 Aeroche // EV - Thierry Henry (Modeā Remix) 10/1 FSR Rontvia // HENGE - Mushroom One 12/1 Skall // Domenique Dumont - Visages Visages 12/1 POPHub // EVAN GIIA - AS WE DANCE 12/1 Jadakissnia // tlen - patnik 12/1 Terra Avium // The Haunted Youth - falling to pieces 14/1 The Spodic Empire // waist - bravado 14/1 République d'Áskorza // Ambre Vallet - Ambre 14/1 Hendinia // La Beba - SANTUARIO CLUB 15/1 Cor Lupus // Wolf Cutt & Muki - STARSEED 15/1 East Rukahavian // Chayla Hope - Love In Lo-Fi Just listing a selection as I'm not really sure at all beyond that. Sure quite a few I've not mentioned will end up being top 10 hits.

Here's the Colour Girl song @Jade

Love this, it’s right up my street, I’d have checked it sooner if I knew it was spoken word. Quite a bold pivot for Troye. So summery and dreamy.

It's all in the threads on here I think! I didn't get to the final listenthrough either. As a caveat however, Yehesi were heavily hyped and talked about last month and finished outside the top 30. So could just be loud hype from a few voices.

Was going to say the hype and trending suggests a one-horse race currently in the form of Séyetana. Not even dark horse, just runaway favourite. And it's about time. I'll try and do some lengthier odds after I listen to the final again. I'm happy to be in the conversation of doing well after the last three contests <3

I bought Taio's album off the back of I Can Be so not in a hurry to vote that out. Although I'm sure it will go this round anyway. I love the strings on it and it's always in my head whereas Sunshine Anderson... is not.

We Are Young was in my top 50 of the year, I do enjoy it a lot. I like the verses more than the chorus myself, but that is anthemic. It's funny that for a year so known for 'club bangers' some of the very biggest hits ended up being quite alternative slow burners in the end. The top two left are both 10/10 songs for me.

Sunshine Anderson for me too, I don't mind it but enjoy the other five.

Tricky for me here as there's one song I love, one I really like and four others on the same 'good' level. Going for Bloc Party as isn't their most essential release for me.

I considered a different Suzanne Vega song - No Cheap Thrill, but was conscious that while I love it, it could blend in, which I don’t think my actual entry will (whether it is liked remains to be seen!). Also No Cheap Thrill did creep into the top 40. I also thought about Jewel, but prefer some of her album tracks from her 2000 and 2003 albums than 90s album tracks. Foolish Games was a big US hit (weekly and end of year chart No.2 in 1997). No idea why it either wasn’t released or didn’t chat in the UK but Jewel has always been underappreciated here. Down So Long was my favourite from her, which got to No.38 only - my first ever personal chart No.1! And of course thought about my favourite Sarah McLachlan but she’s been used a few times in song contests of late so passed on her. Quite surprised Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins didn’t show up. 90s Shakira crossed my mind too, but the best songs have hundreds of millions of streams.

Poor Alessandro and Elton, for the fact I'd never play it over the original, as nice as it is.

Babyshambles as I love the Taio track.