The Slovenian pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest is always quite the spectacle in my opinion although in recent years, despite the high quality in their finals, the public has gone for something utterly wrong which not only made Europeans grimace but made also nationals look away at times. Hopefully that will change this evening as a new crop of artists take to the stage with their entries.

All of the entries are in Slovenian and will most probably stay that way unless something extraordinaty happens. The show is set to be broadcasted on RTV SLO 1 with a webcast being transmitted through the official Eurovision Song Contest website. The top two of the evening will go into a super-final and will be chosen through a Jury made up of Darja Svajger (1995/1999), Severina (Croatia 2006) and celebrity Mojca Mavec. Following this stage the decision is in the hands of the public through televoting.

Participants

Rock Partyzani - Time for revolution (Aleš Klinar)
Tabu - Moje luči (Tomaž Trup, Iztok Melanšek)
Nina Pušlar - Bilo lepi bi (Martin Štibernik, Dejan Radičevič)
Maja Keuc - Vanilija (Matjaž Vlašič, Urša Vlašič)
Feliks Langus - Disco raj (Matej Mršnik, Anže Langus, Alen Steržaj)
Leeloojamais - Slovenka (Leeloojamais , Sašo Pipič)
April - Ladadidej (Raay, Erika Mager,Franci Tepina)
Sylvain, Mike Vale feat. Hannah Mancini - Ti si tisti (Hannah Mancini, Mike Vale, Anze Palka)
Time to time - Pravi čas (Time to Time)
Omar Naber - Bistvo skrito je očem (Omar Naber, Jure Golobič, Eva Breznikar)

The Show (Part 1)

The male host dressed in a smart black suit is currently within quite the venue here in Slovenia. He is currently introducing the three judges, all of whom are experts within the industry, two of which have been to the Eurovision Song Contest with the other one being a media personality. They will be commenting after each song as well so it will be quite interesting for people who understand the language.

Running Order

01. Rock Partyzani - Time for revolution (Aleš Klinar)

Well, here we go and this has become one my favourites for the evening due to the fact that it is really kitsch looking as if something coming out of the movie Anastasia. The language even sounds like Russian. The act on stage are all clad in Military attire giving the song more meaning. The vocals are good and the extremely funny choreography is doing wonders for me. The female voice midway through the song is really strong and it adds that extra flavour the song needed. The added flags are also a nice touch and I must say that this is a contender for victory this evening. Well done, great start.

02. Tabu - Moje luči (Tomaž Trup, Iztok Melanšek)

The comments are actually quite quick and the fact that the postcards are missing also works well. The main singer is on stage now and looks as if something coming out of hell, with all due respect that is because she is portraying an image. She is joined on stage by a band, the whole setting actually reminds me of the performance that Claudia Faniello gave in Malta during the 2011 Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Movie In My Mind'. The vocals are strong and this is completely different. The performance is strong but I just cannot imagine this song in the Eurovision Song Contest.

03. Nina Pušlar - Bilo lepi bi (Martin Štibernik, Dejan Radičevič)

Last years' runner-up returns to the stage for some more fun actually. I adored last years' entry 'Dez' and I must also note that this is one of the strongest songs this evening. She is joined on stage by two backing singers, one on each side as well as two drum-kits. The pop/rock feel is more influenced by the former and that is why, the song is much more pleasant than the one before it. She is looking very well at the camera as she managed to get the attention of the viewers. The climax is catchy and powerful and works very well within the typical Eurovision sphere. A strong performance from Nina and a possible winner this evening.

04. Maja Keuc - Vanilija (Matjaž Vlašič, Urša Vlašič)

Many fans have rated this entry as their favourite this evening and I must say that she wins the wardrobe department. She is joined on stage by two backing singers and two backing dancers. The music starts out in the genre of a typical ballad but it quickly develops differently. The people are enjoying this because in the minor instrumental in the beginning they shouted like crazy. The choreography is very interesting and works well. The singer is singing very well, had some minor issues but tweaked them instantly. During the middle refrain, the wind machine is in full speed and she belts out the song in a perfect, melancholic type of way. The singer oozes sex appeal, can it live up to it's expectations? The best thus far.

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05. Feliks Langus - Disco raj (Matej Mršnik, Anže Langus, Alen Steržaj)

Well, as the title suggests, there is a lot of disco within this song and that is what makes it special actually. The song has a Bee Gees type of feel and that is definitely not a bad thing because it adds some retro. The main singer is joined on stage by a drummer, a bassist and also two backing vocals. Oh, I quite like this again and I guess this years' final is strong once more. The choreography in the middle of the song with the guitar players jumping forward doing the same steps looks incredible and then when the backing come forward to sing with the main singer, it all looks very Mika and very Austin Powers like. A dark horse? Maybe!

06. Leeloojamais - Slovenka (Leeloojamais , Sašo Pipič)

Somewhat of a nationalistic type of feel to this song at least in the lyrics. Ohh, I am impressed that this song is actually very current mixing the typical vision that Rihanna has been trying to transmit with Rude Boy, in fact, it might be a rip-off at certain points. The band on stage is doing a good job but what is particularly impressive is the voice of the backing vocal actually and this is because it is impressive acting as the perfect second voice. The vocals of the main singer are strong and work well. I do not know what Europe will make of this, but I am growing to like it as it goes along. Some r'n'b with slight touches of pop would not be out of place in my opinion.

07. April - Ladadidej (Raay, Erika Mager,Franci Tepina)

Every country has to have their own local version of Lady Gaga because otherwise the world would get boring. She did show herself as such during the preview show and she is doing so this evening whilst wearing a golden type of dress with brown leggings. The song which features three genres in the form of Pop, Dance and Techno works well but I believe that it would only do so within this language. She is joined on stage by two dancers mid-way through the song. This woman definitely knows how to impress and uses her voice to the max as more people come onto the stage. A pulsating bass line and a great beat to get it going. A definite contender for victory.

08. Sylvain, Mike feat. Mancini - Ti si tisti (Hannah Mancini, Mike Vale, Anze Palka)

Sex appeal fail at it's very best. One of the three performers, most presumably Sylvain takes centre stage in an impressive blue dress with hints of black but fails to note her make-up but anyways. The song itself is good but nothing too impressive not too mention that it is not amazing because it is copied from somewhere yet I cannot remember. It is probably a track taken up from a popular group from the late eighties (80's). The vocals are strong but this is a 'song' contest at the end of the day and therefore, nothing too impressive.

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09. Time to time - Pravi čas (Time to Time)

A swank feeling to this entry with it's main protagonists all clad in a black suits. People doing main vocals, others playing the piano and also backing vocals give the song a lot of character and charm. Many people have been arguing that they are missing the typical Balkan ballad feel and I believe that they have found it here. This song is well performed by two young chaps and another older type of man. The feel of the countries' traditional music is felt very strong and I just cannot move this out of the way because it could also be a dark horse. The crowd which has been very supportive are loving this entry and I must say that it might just top my list as well or just very close to it. Very well performed!

10. Omar Naber - Bistvo skrito je očem (Omar Naber, Jure Golobič, Eva Breznikar)

He is introduced to the crowd as the veteran and by far he is actually. Having represented the country at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Stop', he is trying to represent his nation for a second time following in the steps of Darja Svajger who is in the panel this evening. The song is very poppish featuring a rock feel at times within the chorus. An impressive vocal performance and the lighting works well with the overall well it transmits on camera. The band that joins him is doing a great job with regards to vocals. The bridge is the most beautiful part and he shows how much he would like to do this again. He does stand a very good chance and the people would not mind especially him being one of the bigger stars in the industry. WOW at the end note which he transmits! I can see the people in Dusseldorf, jumping along to this one.

The Show (Part 2)

The entries for the evening have just finished and therefore we are now set for some interval acts. It seems like there has been an error made and the host is doing his best to hide it and move on actually. Darja is shocked as Mojca and Severina laugh hard. All are giving individual general comments now.

A recap of this evenings' songs is now on as the Jury will be making their respective choices. Well last years' song is currently being played to a choreography prepared by this dance school. Females follow the males and then the males and the females interact with each other. WOW, this is polished!

The recap stopped in the middle last time so this time, they are continuing it from where it left off.Hearing the songs once more, I have to say that this national selection is one of the best this year. Many thanks to the production team with the host thanking them team. Darja holds the result and they give it to each other, many of the dancers transport it like they did at a part Eurovision and the super-finalists are:

• April
  
• Maja Keuc

There is a second performance but the voting numbers are now up. People will have two different styles to vote for. They were two of the best songs this evening but this was quite a difficult choice in my opinion. First to take to the stage is April.

01. April - Ladadidej (Raay, Erika Mager,Franci Tepina)

In the first round, the song was performed at position number seven. Lady Gaga had a very good influence on the jury it seems because according to the host they also pointed this out within their comments. The song which features three different genres including pop, dance and techno. The overall performance works well on television and the singer seems to be favourite with the fact that she has made it to this stage. The jury does not have a say in this phase but still giving their option.

02. Maja Keuc - Vanilija (Matjaž Vlašič, Urša Vlašič)

The second super-finalist is none other than the fan-favourite Maja Keuc who sings a traditional type of ballad which does work very well because of it's rock influences. The main singer is dressed in a stunning black gown yet again and is joined by two backing dancers and two backing singers. I do not know what the people are likely to go for although the Balkan pop/rock song is very much missing from the competition this year. An impressive second try this evening and the song is much stronger this time round.

The Show (Part 3)

When you have an international guest judge, make sure that you ask him to perform and in fact that is what Severina is doing. She is performing the song 'Moja Stickla' which she represented Croatia with back in 2006 achieving a mid-table placing. Quite an interesting look for her actually. The host is now performing a funny version of her entry. He called Darja Svajger to the stage kicking of her 1995 entry but then she starts performing herself. What an amazing artist, a great song and all of this live. The host is now singing some funny tracks and he is a really funny man even though I am not understanding the language. Now he is seriously performing.  Both entrants are now on the stage ready o receive the verdict.

Malta's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has a huge fan base amongst the crowds even including those who state that they do not follow it yet end up commenting on certain aspects at the end of the day, but there is another side to the Maltese music scene and that is the one of radio airplay on Bay 98.7FM which is the radio station which entices the best of modern local music. One of their latest additions to the play-list is none other than the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest representative.

Earlier this week, Thea Garrett was interviewed by Disc Jockey Nathan D who was also a part of our Expert Opinion panel for the 2011 Malta Eurovision Song Contest here on ESCflashmalta. What is even more surprising is the fact that one of the song which she premiered at this years' local selection entitled 'Frontline' has managed to do what many others just dream of doing and that is to enter the charts on this station as presented by the same aforementioned Disc Jockey last night during the show 'Malta's Top 10 with Nathan D'.

The song has managed to enter the charts at position number eight (8) and this actually makes Thea Garrett one of the few artists to have represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest and also make such charts. We have good intel that she is the third following Chris & Moira (1994) and Ira Losco (2002). In an interview which Thea gave to the Malta's biggest and most popular newspaper, The Times of Malta, she stated that "“Eurovision is a very big part of me, and I’m still interested in being part of it. Of course, when I do participate again, I’ll know what to watch out for.”

Such a statement is quite bold in my opinion and everyone should await Thea Garrett's return to the Eurovision stage because she will be presenting herself in a different manner if the single 'Frontline' is anything to go by actually. The U-Turn she has made regarding a possible return is quite amazing and I must say that with the love that the Maltese have shown this true artist, she will surely win the festival once more and go back to redeem what should have been a positive result.

Source: Bay Radio, TImes of Malta

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Latvia has decided. After quite a good final with a number of very nice guest performances at the end apart from a good crop of songs, the group Musiqq won the national final with 'Angel in disguise' before favourite Lauris Reiniks with 'Banjo Laura'.

After hearing all 11 songs 3 songs were selected and it was pretty clear the battle would be made between Musiqq and Lauris. In the end Musiqq won the battle with their uptempo song 'Angel in disguise' which is not bad but it's still to wait if this tune will be strong enough to go the finals of the Eurovison Songcontest. Latvia will perform in the second semifinal of the Eurovision songcontest on thurday 12th May,

Source: LTV

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Unfortunately, the national final which we could not cover this evening came in the form of Denmark actually with no web-cast available from any corner of Europe but the broadcaster, DR, promised that this will change as from next year. Anyways, the level of the production and the songs was quite high according to our sources which saw the group 'A Friend In London' win the selection with the song "New Tomorrow".

The group was the second favourite with the bookmakers but it was the main favourite with the people with many predicting that it would end up as the winner. We have no clue on the official results except the fact that the runner-up was the seventeen (17) year old lady Anne Noa with the song "Sleepless" co-written by John Gordon who also co-wrote the song Satellite for Lena Meyer-Landrut in last years' Eurovision Song Contest.

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