News You Need to Know!!

On May 10th a joint press conference was held between EBU and NDR, that is, the European Broadcasting Union and the German television network. Mr. Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor of EBU took the opportunity to congratulate Dusseldorf organizers on what a fabulous job they have done so far, calling this year's Eurovision not only a TV show, but a "mega-event"! It is no exaggeration because Eurovision 2011 has won an international audience including viewers from Australia, Japan, and North America!!

Indeed, Eurovision 2011 is the biggest ever even though there are the same number of participating countries as last year (43 nations). This year the media attention has skyrocketed with an unprecedented 2,500 journalists having descended upon Dusseldorf to capture every exciting moment of Eurovision 2011. Not to be overlooked and cause for celebration is the return of Italy and San Marino to the contest after an absence of too many years!!

Thankfully, the broadcast of the 2nd Semi-Final went very well without any technical difficulties. It was unfortunate that there existed audio interruptions during the 1st Semi-Final which affected different countries in different ways. I only mention this as a prelude to congratulate the specialists and technicians who solved the problem and ensured that everything went smoothly from then on! Thank you ladies and gentlemen!

Sand explained that it was his goal of maintaining Eurovision Song Contest as a "world-class, cutting edge TV show", and intended to implement changes to enhance its international appeal. Most pressing was the need to control the rate of Eurovision's growth in order to accomodate smaller nations who might also wish to become hosts of future Eurovision events.

Mr. Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (EBU) held a press conference today congratulating the German hosts for the great success in organizing Eurovision 2011. Eurovision has grown and expanded in its fifty years, and has earned the title of "mega-event". It is not merely a trans-national TV show, but rather an international phenomenon that outshines its competitors around the world.

This year's Eurovision is not even over yet and has proven to be the biggest event ever! Though the same number of participants are competing this year as in the previous year, there has been an exponential increase in media attention. Some 2,500 journalists have descended upon Dusseldorf, Germany to document the dazzling events - on and off stage!

Most noteworthy is that San Marino, Italy, and Austria have made a comeback to Eurovision this year after an absence of several years, and whose presence has been noted and applauded.

There was a technical malfunction during the broadcast of the first Semi-Final which resulted in interruptions in audio transmission. Unfortunately, it had a direct affect on a number of countries. The problem occurred when the multichannel sound connections were not correctly transferred from the commentators boxes to the relevant interfaces.

Rest assured that the problem has been located and fixed. Moreover, to ensure that the remainder of Eurovision 2011 progresses without another glitch, a backup system has already been put into place. A stress test will be conducted before the second Semi-Final for each participating country to verify full functionality.

Interesting new development has been announced that the order in which various countries are announced will be changed! This will add to the anticipation and unpredictability of proceedings.

Smaller countries who also wish to host future Eurovision events have not been able to do so because their financial burden was to great to bear. This has come to the attention of Eurovision executives whose goals are to limit the growth and expansion of Eurovision but while maintaining its international appeal as a "world-class event".

A class act, and wonderful singer, she has great stage presence. Definitely, Las Vegas material. I hope she wins! Move over Celine Dion, here comes Magdelena Tul!

Haba Haba has got to be the single most popular song of the Eurovision Song Contest of 2011! Without a doubt, its hugely popular in cyberspace!! Love it! Love it! Love it!

She is a Powerhouse Singer with a great deal of passion in her songs, and in its interpretation.  Her music and performance left me spellbound.

Great Song! Great Band! Great Rock! This is the Best of Rock music! Fantastic!

What can one say about a singer who is a teenage "heart-throb"? The camera loves him, and so does every squealing teenage girl in the audience. One difference, though, Saade has loads of talent! In his video, he presents one of the most dynamic and original stage performances I have yet seen - the glass smashing incident is totally wild! Eric, you have nothing to worry about - you are definitely Popular!!

At first I thought the tall cone hats were far too bizzare for my taste, but listen to this band! They have amazing talent - music, lyrics, and stage presence. Loads of fun and simply unforgettable!! I like the unicycle act and the bursts of fire on stage and utter madness, mayhem and insanity! I am playing this song on my birthday!

She is loaded with talent, and performs her song with power and passion! She sings from the soul. A true artist!  Definitely a force to be reckoned with! 

Loucas Yiorkas does not disappoint and delivers a powerful, emotional performance on stage with Greek flair and panache.  Unfortunately he allows himself to be upstaged by Stereo Mike

whose rendition of rap (sung in English) leaves much to be desired.  I love rap when its performed well, but I ended up counting the seconds until Stereo Mike was finished with his little refrain. But thankfully, Loucas outshines his stage side-kick.

More twins at Eurovision! Is it a coincidence or is there a secret conspiracy!  These two young fellows have the kind of stage energy that can only be described as Atomic! Double that (pardon the pun) with a great song, and novelty hair - and you have a hit in the making! Mothers, lock up your daughters!! Jedward is dangerous!!

From the very moment the first note resonated from his lips, the audiences around the world (and I) were spellbound. His voice is truly a gift from God and his video is one of the most memorable among a slew of talented artists. Sheer Perfection - with classical features to match. The question is, can an operatic singer win a pop song contest?

There are so many other participants worthy of mention but it was impossible to include them all at this late juncture. Their omission is certainly not meant as an offense in any way. I have presented music videos of each of the 43 contestants, and provided links to where one may read more about each artist. I hope you have enjoyed them, and that you will log on and watch the semi-finals and finals!!