Through an internal selection process, Austria chose “Halo” by LUM!X feat. Pia Maria. Austria will be competing in the first semi-final. https://media.giphy.com/media/J0WEPqnEpVGYqLlZiX/giphy.gif Ursula’s Thoughts: I really like this upbeat dance song that is reminiscent of 2012. I love the song’s high energy. The music video does a fantastic job of combining the modern electronic dance … Continue reading Austria’s “Halo”

One of the last countries to announce their entry, Azerbaijan chose Nadir Rüstəmli’s “Fade to Black.” Azerbaijan will compete in the second semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: I really like the instrumentation of this song with the big orchestra sound that reminds of Downton Abbey’s opening sequence. I can’t get over the line “It hurts so fast” … Continue reading Azerbaijan’s “Fade to Black”

Belgium chose Jérémie Makiese’s “Miss You” to represent them at Eurovision this year. Makiese was the winner of Belgium’s 2021 season of The Voice. Belgium will compete in the second semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: The music video for this entry is fantastic. It is clear Jérémie is a very talented singer. While “Miss You” is not … Continue reading Belgium’s “Miss You”

Through an internal selection process, Bulgaria chose “Intention” by Intelligent Music Project. Why this song is called “Intention” and not “Safety Zone” remains to be seen. This group contains a number of seasoned professionals, some of which have participated in Eurovision previously. Bulgaria will be performing in the first semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: This song is … Continue reading Bulgaria’s “Intention”

Through a national final selection, Croatia chose “Guilty Pleasure” by Mia Dimšić. She sings about her guilty pleasure, which is apparently cheating on her husband. Odd choice, Croatia. Croatia will compete in the first semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: A song that continually finds an unwelcome space in my head. Very catchy, but I still don’t think … Continue reading Croatia’s “Guilty Pleasure”

Through an internal selection process, Cyprus chose “Ela” by Andromache.  Cyprus will perform in the second semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: Of the female soloist entries, I think Andromache’s “Ela” compels me the most. I like the song and the music video. We will have to see about the staging. Christa’s Thoughts: I love the song and … Continue reading Cyprus’s “Ela”

In a very early national final held December 2021, the Czech Republic chose We Are Domi and their song “Lights Off.” The Czech Republic will be the final performance in semi-final two. Ursula’s Thoughts: I like this song! It has grown on me as I have listened to it these past few months. It has … Continue reading Czech Republic’s “Lights Off”

Through a national final, Denmark chose Reddi’s song “The Show.”  Denmark competes in the first semi-final. Ursula’s Thoughts: For a group with such a fantastic vibe, it’s a shame the song is so bad. The only part of the song I enjoy is the transition from piano ballad to rock song. Denmark, with one of … Continue reading Denmark’s “The Show”

Through a national selection process, Estonia chose the Western themed “Hope” by Stefan. Stefan commits fully to the Western theme in the song’s twangy sound set to a music video in an arid desert (in contrast to Estonia’s maritime, wet, moderate forests) featuring horses, guns, cowboy hats and an onstage duel that happened during his … Continue reading Estonia’s “Hope”

Remaining consistent with their image, Finland chose the rock song “Jezebel” by The Rasmus through a national selection. Finland is known for consistently sending rock and heavy metal entries to Eurovision. The most famous example being Lordi with “Hard Rock Hallelujah.” In 2006, Finland won Eurovision with Lordi's "Hard Rock Hallelujah" Finland performs in the … Continue reading Finland’s “Jezebel”