Monica Sandu ‘24
Co-Executive Editor
It’s that time of year again! Europe’s greatest popstars dust off their rhinestone-studded ballgowns for the single greatest show of all time: the Eurovision Song Contest.
Every year, countries that are part of the European Broadcast Union[1] select an original song to represent them in a worldwide battle of the bands. There are two semi-finals and a grand finale. Voting is done through each country’s jury and by viewers. Twelve, ten, and eight points are awarded by the juries to the country’s top three choices, respectively. Viewers also vote by text, which converts into points. Neither juries nor viewers can vote for their own country. The winner then hosts the competition the following year.[2]
Because it’s no longer socially acceptable for me to pester my friends, I will share my thoughts with all of you. For the sake of space, I couldn’t review every song, but I’d recommend giving them all a listen. Eurovision 2022 will be held in Turin, Italy on May 10, 12, and 14.
My Winners:
Twelve Points to Moldova – Trenulețul[3] by Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov
A high-energy, Balkan folk-pop melody, it’s about the train between Chișinău, capital of Moldova, and Bucharest, capital of Romania, calling back to pre-World War II times when they were one country.
Ten Points to Ukraine – Stefania by Kalush Orchestra
This song about a child watching their mother grow older combines a traditional lullaby with rap and flute solos. A celebration of Ukraine’s culture with a modern twist, this is what makes Eurovision, Eurovision.
Eight Points to Australia – Not the Same by Sheldon Riley
An intimate piece based on the singer’s own life, this power ballad pairs beautiful solo vocals with a raw look at the experiences of children with Asperger’s.
Honorable Mentions:
Belgium – Miss You by Jérémie Makiese
Powerful vocals and an epic choir; a break-up song has a presence of its own.
Cyprus – Ela by Andromache
A love song interspersing English verses with a Greek chorus inspired by traditional Cypriot music.
Denmark – The Show by REDDI
2000s vibes in the best way.
Estonia – Hope by Stefan
The best Wild West song from the Baltics, perfect to play while I ride my horse into town at high noon.
France – Fulenn[4] by Alvan & Ahez
An intense techno song about a woman who rejects social norms by dancing around a bonfire, contrasting a haunting Breton folk melody with an excellent club beat. My fourth-place favorite!
Georgia – Lock Me In by Circus Mircus
A wholly unique progressive funk-rock sound with nonsensical lyrics and an “I was just abducted by aliens” vibe.
Iceland – Með hækkandi sól[5] by Sigga, Beta, and Elín
Charming and fairytale-like, showcasing calming trio vocals and a sweet melody.
Israel – I.M by Michael Ben David
An empowering song about pride and rising above all the haters, with a funky beat and a feel-good melody.
Lithuania – Sentimentai[6] by Monika Liu
A classy song that pairs well with a glass of wine in a fancy penthouse lounge.
Montenegro – Breathe by Vladana
A goosebump-inducing anthem about grief and recovery.
Norway – Give that Wolf a Banana by Subwoolfer
An unexpectedly fun, replayable tune with unique syncopation and a great beat; the kind of crazy you can only get at Eurovision.
Serbia – In Corpore Sano[7] by Konstrakta
Experimental pop meets body horror, focused on our obsession with keeping the body healthy but neglecting the mind.
Slovenia – Disko[8] by LPS
A smooth, quirky party song with 70s vibes, performed by a group who met in their high school music room like a real-life DCOM.
Switzerland – Boys Do Cry by Marius Bear
A beautiful song that wouldn’t be out of place in a Pixar movie. A simple but heart-wrenching story about male vulnerability.
Other Participants:
Albania – Sekret[9] by Ronela Hajati
Armenia –Snap by Rosa Linn
Austria – Halo by LUM!X feat. Pia Maria
Azerbaijan –Fade to Black by Nadir Rustamli
Bulgaria – Intention by Intelligent Music Project
Croatia – Guilty Pleasure by Mia Dimšić
Czech Republic – Lights Off by We Are Domi
Finland – Jezebel by The Rasmus
Greece – Die Together by Amanda Tenfjord
Ireland – That’s Rich by Brooke
Italy – Brividi[10] by Mahmood & Blanco
Malta – I Am What I Am by Emma Muscat
The Netherlands - De Diepte[11] by S10
North Macedonia – Circles by Andrea
Poland – River by Ochman
Portugal – saudade, saudade[12] by MARO
Romania – Llámame[13] by WRS
San Marino – Stripper by Achille Lauro
Spain – SloMo by Chanel
Sweden – Hold Me Closer by Cornelia Jakobs
United Kingdom – SPACE MAN by Sam Ryder
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ms7mn@virginia.edu
[1] Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Luxembourg, Morocco, Slovakia, and Turkey have previously participated but chose not to this year. Russia was banned from participating over its invasion of Ukraine.
[2] https://eurovision.tv/about/how-it-works
[3] The Train
[4] Spark
[5] Rising Sun
[6] Sentiments
[7] In a Healthy Body
[8] Disco
[9] Secret
[10] Chills
[11] The Depth
[12] Unique Portuguese word for ardent melancholy, longing, nostalgia, and grief
[13] Call Me