The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews - Episodes Tagged with “Belgium”

Episode 277: Nice

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As we wrap up our 8th season and Eurovision's 69th (nice) edition, we take a rapid fire tour of the Contest up to this point while trying to find something nice or interesting to say about each year. Content warning: goofiness.

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Eurovision Podcast Podcrawl

What is the Eurovision Podcrawl? It's where the Eurovision podcast community picks a topic ("a year when a country first hosted Eurovision") and we all publish our episodes in our own styles. At the end of an episode, we'll point to the podcast with the next episode, and so on, through the summer! Here's the crawl:

ESC Insight: France 1959
Wind Machine Podcast: Austria 1967
The EuroWhat? Podcast: Yugoslavia 1990
Niall Points: Latvia 2003
12 Points from America: Belgium 1987
That Eurovision Site: Denmark 1964
Douze Points: Azerbaijan 2012 (week of September 8)

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Episode 276: Lingua Franca

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The Grand Final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest featured 21 songs with non-English lyrics, the most to appear since the language rule was abolished in 1999. In this episode, we'll explore the history of the language rule and why language diversity has returned to the Contest.

Lingua Franca Summary

The introduction of the Language Rule at Eurovision (4:17)
The End of the Language Rule (17:17)
What may be contributing to language diversity at Eurovision? (27:29)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

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Eurovision Podcast Podcrawl

ESC Insight: France 1959
Wind Machine Podcast: Austria 1967
The EuroWhat? Podcast: Yugoslavia 1990
Niall Points: Latvia 2003
12 Points from America: Belgium 1987
That Eurovision Site: Denmark 1964 (week of August 25)
Douze Points: Azerbaijan 2012 (week of September 8)

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Episode 268: Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Eurovision Week for 2025 is upon us as well as the 37 artists gathered in Basel. We get caught up on the news leading up to this week before discussing the rehearsals and our predictions for who will advance to Saturday's Grand Final.

Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final Preview Summary

Lumo stuns in Basel debut (0:48)
Eurovision Artist Support Measures (2:38)
Ongoing Issues: Flag Policy 2025 and Israel's Participation (6:01)
Semi-Final Format Changes (10:48)
Where to watch Eurovision 2025 (16:13)
Eurovision Semi-Final 1 Predictions (POTENTIAL SPOILERS) (18:27)
Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Predictions (POTENTIAL SPOILERS) (32:24)

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Basel 2025

Keep up with Eurovision selection season on our Basel 2025 page! We have a calendar with links to livestreams, details about entries as their selected, plus our Spotify playlists with every song we can find that is trying to get the Eurovision stage.

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Episode 261: Evolution

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We kick off our 2025 Eurovision Review Season with #EurovisionSky poster Ted Van Houten to discuss the entries from Albania, Slovenia, Belgium, Ukraine, and Poland.

About Ted

Ted is a transportation planner in Washington, DC. As someone who loves European geopolitics, obscure pop music, and being a homosexual, Ted was destined to be a Eurovision fan as soon as he found out about it. Other than Eurovision, Ted enjoys trivia competitions (both online and at his local bar), tennis, reality television, and making puns on Bluesky that get less likes than he wishes they would.

Evolution Summary

🇦🇱 Albania - Shkodra Elektronike - "Zjerm" (5:00)
🇸🇮 Slovenia - Klemen - "How Much Time Do We Have Left?" (10:28)
🇧🇪 Belgium - Red Sebastian - "Strobe Lights" (17:08)
🇺🇦 Ukraine - Ziferblat - "Bird of Pray" (23:38)
🇵🇱 Poland - Justyna - "Gaja" (28:07)
Final Thoughts (36:49)

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Basel 2025

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Special Guest: Ted Van Houten.

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Episode 254: Super

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Eurovision started to get structure this week thanks to the semi-final allocation draw, the first wave of ticket sales, and selections from Greece, Slovenia, Belgium, and Spain. Sweden kicked off Melfest, Lithuania got competitive, and Latvia picked finalists. This was the easy Super Saturday...

Super Summary

Eurovision Semi-Final Allocation and Ticket Sales (1:18)
Artist Announcements: Austria's JJ and France's Louane (8:45)
Klavdia's "Asteromata" wins Greece's national final (11:16)
Slovenia: Klemen wins EMA with "How Much Time Do We Have Left?" (15:50)
Red Sebastian and "Strobe Lights" win Belgium's Eurosong (21:57)
"Esa Diva": Melody wins Spain's Benidorm Fest (25:04)
Sweden's Melfest 2025 Begins (30:04)
Latvia's Supernova Semi-Final (35:44)
Lithuania's Eurovizija.LT Heat 4 (40:45)
San Marino Names ALLLL the Semi-Finalists (43:57)
Coming up: Super Saturday 2 (46:03)

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Basel 2025

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Recreating ALL Eurovision Winners (2000-2025) | The Ultimate Eurovision Challenge by Klemen Slakonja - YouTube

Episode 253: Vox Lux

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Luxembourg selected their Eurovision representative at the end of a surprisingly busy week. Moldova has withdrawn, several countries released potential songs, and Finland's UMK faces a significant shakeup.

Vox Lux Summary

🫢 Shakeups: Moldova out; Finland's UMK DQ's One Morning Left (1:15)
🇱🇺 Luxembourg chooses Laura Thorn's "La Poupée Monte Le Son" (4:55)
🎧 Song Drops: Portugal, Ukraine, Ireland, Norway, Belgium (14:59)
🇱🇹 Lithuania's Eurovizija.LT Tiebreaker (20:00)
🤹 This Week: Semi-Final Allocation, Tickets, Super Saturday 1 of 3 (25:14)

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Basel 2025

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Episode 252: Process

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

It's another hopping Eurovision 2025 setup week with another wave of potential songs, information about Basel, the ESC hosts, ticket sales, plus auditions and previews from Moldova and Belgium.

Process Summary

📢 Announcements: Mascots, ArenaPlus, and the Eurovision Hosts (1:03)
🎟️ Next in Logistics: Semi-Final Allocation and Eurovision Tickets (3:44)
💿 National Final Songs and Artists: Poland, Norway, Ukraine, Iceland (6:17)
🇲🇩 Moldova Etapa Nationala Auditions (11:30)
🇱🇹 Lithuania's Eurovizija.LT Second Heat (13:24)
🇧🇪 Belgium's Eurosong Preview: LEEZ, Le Manou, Lenn, Grace (14:43)
🗓️ Coming Up: Songs from Portugal, Slovenia, and Serbia plus the Luxembourg Song Contest (20:07)

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Basel 2025

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Episode 251: Wading

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

We ease into the waters of the Eurovision TV season, thanks to the first heat of Lithuania's Eurovizija.LT. We also check in on the candidate song drops for the processes happening in Finland, Malta, Croatia, and Greece.

Wading Summary

Finland Announces 7 Acts for UMK (2:05)
Malta, Croatia, and Greece Drop Their National Final Songs (6:46)
Lithuania's Eurovizija.LT Begins (12:56)
This week: Moldova Auditions; Acts from Poland, Norway, Iceland; Belgium TV; Eurovision Hosts (21:27)

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Episode 249: Pew Pew Pew

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

As we head into 2025, we jump back 25 years to watch the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest. How has the competition, fashion, and pop music changed in the last quarter-century(!)?

Pew Pew Pew Summary

🗓️ In the Year 2000... (3:17)
⛳️ Part I: Israel, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Estonia, France, Romania (7:07)
🎤 Part II: Malta, Norway, Russia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland (17:30)
🪽 Part III: Spain, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Sweden, FYR Macedonia (27:49)
🌟 Part IV: Finland, Latvia, Turkey, Ireland, Austria (41:34)
🔢 Part V: The Results (51:12)

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Episode 248: Three-Card Montesong

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

As we rush to get out of 2024 we're getting details from just about every country participating in Eurovision 2025. We recap last month's Montesong from Montenegro, learn a bit about Czechia's artist, and start adding all the dates to our calendar.

Three-Card Montesong Summary

😾 Is anyone still mad at the EBU? (1:30)
🇲🇪 Montenegro returns with Montesong... and shenanigans (7:48)
🇨🇿 Czechia selects ANDONXS for Basxl (17:34)
🇪🇺 What's Happening in the EU (Eurowhat Universe) (20:00)
🌊 All the National Selections (22:34)
🎅🏼 Through the holidays: Albania's Festivali i Kenges and the ESC250 (44:25)

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Episode 235: Calm

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We check in on Eurovision headlines from June 2024 including budget discussions, host city where/when, and which countries have already expressed interest in the 2025 Contest.

Calm Summary

Eurovision Ratings Omnibus 2024 (1:04)
Host City When? Host City Where? (3:26)
Is Everyone Still Mad at the EBU? (6:11)
Patreon: "I Am: Celine Dion" (8:47)
2025 Country Count: 13 (9:37)
National Selection Updates: Italy, Belgium, Albania (17:37)

Cover photo by Luis Cortés on Unsplash

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Malmö 2024

Stay up to date on everything happening in the leadup to the Eurovision Song Contest on our page dedicated to Malmö 2024. You can keep tabs on the countries, artists, and songs, set your laundry folding schedule with our EuroWhat's On calendar, and futz with your Spotify algorithm with our Selection Season playlist!

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Episode 230: Designated Perceived Nudity Corner

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It's Eurovision Week! After we get caught up on Contest news, we make our predictions on which acts will advance to Saturday's Grand Final. Will there be heartbreak in Malmö?

Designated Perceived Nudity Corner Summary

Eurovision News: Peacock, Producer's Choice, Flags (1:19)
Eurovision Semi-Final 1 Predictions (13:01)
Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Predictions (25:52)

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Malmö 2024

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Episode 227: CVS Bangerz

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Audio engineer and Never Post host Mike Rugnetta joins us for a Eurovision crash course. We discuss this year's entries from Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, San Marino, and Switzerland, as well as the overwhelming schedule for Eurovision rehearsals and the finer points of grocery store playlists.

CVS Bangerz Summary

Welcome, Mike Rugnetta! (0:43)
🇪🇪 Estonia - 5MIINUST x Puuluup - “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi” 💊 (8:51)
🇩🇰 Denmark - SABA - "Sand" 🏜️ (19:04)
🇧🇪 Belgium - Mustii - "Before the Party's Over" 🎊 (30:20)
🇸🇲 San Marino - Megara - "11:11" 👩‍🎤 (38:43)
🇨🇭 Switzerland - Nemo - "The Code" 🧩 (47:43)
Final Thoughts (and Questions) (58:19)

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Malmö 2024

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Special Guest: Mike Rugnetta.

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Episode 220: Go Tiffany

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

In a relatively quiet week in Eurovision land we check out Belgium's selection from Mustii, recap Una Voce per San Marino, and say meow to Baby Lasagna. We also check in with Sweden's Melodifestivalen, Iceland's Songvakeppnin, and the first semi for Portugal's Festival da Canção.

Go Tiffany Summary

Belgium releases Mustii's "Before the Party's Over" (1:23)
Spain's Megara wins Una Voce per San Marino with "11:11" (4:35)
"Rim Tim Dagi Dim" by Baby Lasagna dominates Dora (11:13)
Melfest Heat 4 (18:05)
Songvakeppnin Semi 2 (22:40)
Festival da Canção 60 Begins (26:49)
Coming up: Serbia's Pesma za Euroviziju and internal selections (28:58)

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Malmö 2024

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Episode 219: Conversion

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

5 Eurovision national finals took place this past weekend with mixed results. Well, results that were mixed weirdly due to jury/televote score conversions. We discuss Germany, Estonia, Moldova, Lithuania, and Denmark, plus Poland's internal selection.

Conversion Summary

Isaak is "Always on the Run" for Germany (1:00)
Eesti Laul Grand Final (5:44)
Natalia Barbu represents Moldova again with "In the Middle" (10:12)
Saba wins Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with "Sand" (14:11)
"Luktelk" and Silvester Belt win Eurovizija.lt (18:52)
Poland selects Luna and "The Tower" (23:59)
Sweden's Melfest Heat 3 (27:21)
Iceland's Songvakeppnin Begins (31:58)
Una Voce Per San Marino reveals big artists (34:52)
This week: Belgium's entry from Mustii, Croatia's Dora, Portugal's Festival da Canção (40:05)

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Malmö 2024

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Episode 214: Floodgates

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The search for the next Eurovision winner began officially this week, with Moldova holding auditions, Norway kicking off NRK MGP, and Lithuania launching its new process Eurovizija.lt. Georgia announced their artist, and everybody had to issue a press release the week that Mike is home alone 😱

Floodgates Summary

Georgia announces Nutsa for Malmö (1:33)
Video links for The Draw, Semis, and Grand Final are live (3:44)
Cyprus and Belgium release some song details (4:31)
Songs revealed for Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Latvia (5:48)
Moldova's Etapa Nationala Auditions (11:40)
Norway's NRK MGP 2024 Begins (13:15)
Lithuania launches Eurovizija.lt (16:28)
This week: Slovenia, Estonia, Austria, Germany, and Portugal (19:26)

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Malmö 2024

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Be part of the chorus of Mustii's song which will represent Belgium at Eurovision 2024 - rtbf.be

Episode 205: Efficiency

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We get caught up on September 2023 Eurovision Headlines, of which there are a surprising amount. We already have an artist, details on multiple selection processes, and more than 2 dozen countries ready to party in Malmö, Sweden.

Efficiency Summary

Belgium selects Mustii (1:02)
Christer Bjorkman and Per Blankens join the production team (3:07)
The EBU debates AI (6:53)
Show Business: Patreon and the Great American Pop Culture Quiz (9:16)
National Selections: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Malta, Cyprus, Ukraine, Germany (10:21)
2023 Streaming Stats (18:12)
Cosa sta facendo Maneskin: VMA Bingo Edition (20:26)

Photo by Mattias Diesel on Unsplash

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Episode 195: Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Fri, 12 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Will Finland "Cha Cha Cha" to victory? Will Sweden's Loreen get a "Tattoo" to celebrate a win? Could Ukraine's "Heart of Steel" beat the competition? We recap the Eurovision 2023 Semi-Finals and make our picks for what we think will happen at the Grand Final in Liverpool.

Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Preview Summary

Semi-Final 1 Recap (2:11)
Semi-Final 2 Recap (10:06)
Grand Final Preview (18:40)

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Keep tabs on everything happening with Eurovision 2023 on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

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Episode 194: Internet People

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Ben and Mike met up in person to make their picks on what they think will qualify from the Eurovision 2023 semi-finals. Then we saw rehearsals. Experience both the before and after as we make our best guesses for Tuesday and Thursday.

Internet People Summary

Making predictions: pre-rehearsals (2:00)
Semi-Final 1 Predictions (4:57)
Semi-Final 2 Predictions (10:57)
SPOILER WARNING: Making Adjustments (20:34)
Semi-Final 1 Prediction Adjustments (20:49)
Semi-Final 2 Prediction Adjustments (28:14)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

Keep tabs on everything happening with Eurovision 2023 on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

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Episode 190: Starter Pack

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We welcome back Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart to chat about the first chunk of Eurovision 2023's second semi-final, which has almost too much variety in what the Contest has to offer.

Starter Pack Summary

Denmark - Reiley - "Breaking My Heart" (1:55)
Armenia - Brunette - "Future Lover" (10:40)
Romania - Theodor Andrei - "D.G.T. (Off And On)" (19:41)
Estonia - ALIKA - "Bridge" (26:35)
Belgium - Gustaph - "Because of You" (31:32)
Cyprus - Andrew Lambrou - "Break a Broken Heart" (38:33)
Final Thoughts (43:21)

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Keep tabs on everything happening with Eurovision 2023 on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

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Special Guest: Andy Dehnart.

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Episode 178: Eurosongs

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Ryan Brazell stops by to discuss the first big weekend of Eurovision 2023 selection season. Belgium makes its pick, France announced their artist, and many processes have started to take shape.

Eurosongs Summary

Belgium's Eurosong picks Gustaph's "Because of You" (3:48)
France Goes Internal and Chooses La Zarra (11:12)
Johnny Rotten Could Represent Ireland (13:12)
Estonia's Eesti Laul Semi-Finals (15:56)
Malta's MESC Has Begun (18:13)
Norway's MGP Holds its First Semi-Final (21:27)
Coming Up: Finland's UMK Entries, Denmark and Portugal Song Drops, Lithuania's Pabandom is Naujo (27:14)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

Keep tabs on everything happening with selection season for Eurovision 2023 including a calendar and playlists on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

Over on Patreon, we have a slew of bonus episodes featuring the American Song Contest, the Eurovision AV Club, and deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics. Thank you for your support!

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Episode 177: Amuse-Bouche

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The Eurovision menu includes a buffet of options as more countries drop tracks and announce their selection season plans. We take one last taste test of the appetizers as we await the start of heats and semi-finals.

Amuse-Bouche Summary

Latvia announces Supernova 2023 details (1:22)
This week in TV: Estonia's Eesti Laul, Malta's MESC, Belgium's Eurosong, Norway's NRK MGP (2:55)
"Will Israel Be at Eurovision?" 2023 Edition (14:01)
Yellow Studio will do the Eurovision Stage Design (16:28)

Cover image by NoName_13 from Pixabay

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

Keep tabs on everything happening with selection season for Eurovision 2023 including a calendar and playlists on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

Over on Patreon, we have a slew of bonus episodes featuring the American Song Contest, the Eurovision AV Club, and deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics. Thank you for your support!

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 176: Nunca Secondary

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

2023 actually started a couple weeks ago in Eurovisionland, with Ukraine and Albania making their selections for Liverpool. We also check in with the ESC Top 250 results, which had some major surprises this year.

Nunca Secondary Summary

🇺🇦 Ukraine's VidBir selects TVORCHI's "Heart of Steel" (1:58)
🇦🇱 Albina and Familja Kelmendi win Albania's Festivali i Këngës with "Duje" (7:32)
🇪🇸 Chanel's "SloMo" wins the ESC Top 250 (11:21)
🇳🇴 🇧🇪 🇬🇷 Coming up: NRK MGP and Belgium's Eurosong songs drop; Greece formed a committee (19:37)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

Keep tabs on everything happening with selection season for Eurovision 2023 including a calendar and playlists on our website at eurowhat.com/2023

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email, reach out on Twitter @eurowhat, or give us a toot on Mastodon.

Over on Patreon, we have a slew of bonus episodes featuring the American Song Contest, the Eurovision AV Club, and deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics. Thank you for your support!

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

Links:

Episode 172: Selection Season

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Eurovision Selection Season draws nigh with more than half of the countries competing in 2023 airing some form of music competition. This is our guide to having the best Super Saturday experience.

Selection Season Summary

The Netherlands announce Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper (1:10)
No American Song Contest on NBC's mid-season schedule (2:41)
Selection Processes: Belgium, Romania, Estonia, Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal (4:55)
Fan votes: Aussievision's Top 100 NFC and the ESC Top 250 (11:02)
Що робить Kalush Orchestra? MTV EMA edition (16:55)
How to get the most out of Eurovision Selection Season (19:16)

Cover photo by Nabil Saleh on Unsplash

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. You can find a service to subscribe to the show here.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Become a Patron! Patrons get access to our bonus podcast Just ASCing Questions.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 165: Lugano

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

How did the first Eurovision Song Contest telecast come about in 1956? We talk about coronations, cattle calls, and continental broadcasting in this week's episode.

Lugano Summary

Host city when? Bid Process Edition (1:21)
Snap Status (2:55)
Cosa Sta Facendo Måneskin: VMAs Edition (3:54)
Hooverphonic for Brussels Airlines (6:40)
History of Eurovision: 1930 Onward (10:34)
The European Television Season (14:53)
The Birth of Eurovision (18:29)
Eurovision History as Broadcasting History (24:32)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. You can find a service to subscribe to the show here.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Become a Patron! Patrons get access to our bonus podcast Just ASCing Questions.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 161: Trivial Pursuits

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Professional TV quiz writer Alex McMillan joins us to talk about how to write tantalizing Eurovision trivia. We also learn about some of the differences between UK and US game show writing.

Trivial Pursuits Summary

News: Russia suspended (for realsies), Kalush Orchestra sells trophy, Cyprus using All Together Now (1:21)
Eurovision Learned League 1DS (4:43)
Welcome, Alex McMillan! (7:22)
How does one become a quiz show writer? (12:18)
How do you distill a body of knowledge into something manageable? (18:01)
Differences in UK Quiz Writing and US Quiz Writing (26:25)
What is the distinction between Trivia and Minutia? (31:49)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. You can find a service to subscribe to the show here.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Become a Patron! Patrons get access to our bonus podcast Just ASCing Questions.

Cover Photo: Sean Benesh on Unsplash

Special Guest: Alex McMillan.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 157: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ — Eurovision 2022 Grand Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Fri, 13 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

We started Eurovision Week with 35 semi-finalists. 20 have moved on to join the Big 5 in Saturday's Grand Final. We take stock of our predictions from last episode and make our picks for who will win Eurovision 2022.

¯_(ツ)/¯ Eurovision 2022 Grand Final Preview Summary

Eurovision Semi-Final 1 (2:27)
Eurovision Semi-Final 2 (12:34)
Eurovision Grand Final Preview (24:37)
Who will win Eurovision 2022? (31:42)

Eurovision 2022 Review Series

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

Episode 156: Bubblicious - Eurovision 2022 Semi-Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Sun, 08 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We make our picks for who we think will advance from this week's Eurovision Semi-Finals. These predictions were made before rehearsals, but surely they're still accurate?

Bubblicious Summary

Eurovision Week 2022 (1:42)
Our Semi-Final 1 Picks (6:55)
Our Semi-Final 2 Picks (19:56)

Eurovision 2022 Review Series

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

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Episode 154: Himbo

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Ned Raggett returns to discuss that last six entries of the second semi-final for Eurovision 2022. Will one of the boys with emotions be able to overtake Sweden’s melancholy? (No. The answer is no.)

Himbo Summary

Romania - WRS - "Llámame" (2:56)
Poland - Ochman - "River" (9:21)
Montenegro - Vladana - "Breathe" (17:03)
Belgium - Jérémie Makiese - "Miss You" (22:45)
Sweden - Cornelia Jakobs - "Hold Me Closer" (28:05)
Czech Republic - We Are Domi - "Lights Off" (36:08)

Eurovision 2022 Review Series

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Special Guest: Ned Raggett.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 148: One More Google

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In the last week of Eurovision Selection Season, we have a manageable number of internal selections to process and ease into the sunset with chill vibes from three national finals.

One More Google Summary

Tuesday: Switzerland (2:02)
Wednesday: Georgia and Cyprus (4:52)
Thursday: Belgium, United Kingdom, and Greece (10:44)
Friday: Austria (22:57)
Saturday: Sweden's Melfest, Iceland's Songvakeppnin, and Portugal's Festival da Cancao (27:18)
Coming up this week: Israel, Malta, Azerbaijan, Armenia (40:41)

Spotify Playlists

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

Episode 131: Viña del Mar

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500

We continue our series of music competitions with Eurovision connections by visiting Chile's Viña del Mar International Song Festival.

Viña del Mar Summary

Eurovision Again: 1968 (1:07)
Belgium Selects (3:29)
What is the Viña del Mar Festival? (6:41)
El Monstruo (16:16)
Xuxa vs El Monstruo (19:56)
Enrique Iglesias and Paolo Meneguzzi vs El Monstruo (31:20)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

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Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 130: Quale Città?

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:15:00 -0500

As we wait for the Eurovision 2022 host city announce, we take a look at the five cities hoping to stage the event for Italy.

Quale Città? Summary

News: ABBA, Dunkin Radio, Belgium, Eesti Laul, Melfest (3:17)
Italian City Thunderdome (12:13)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. When you subscribe, please rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other Eurovision fans find us.

Want to support the show? Join our Patreon! Listener support has helped with getting episode transcriptions and refreshing our website.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or find us on Twitter @eurowhat.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 123: Live on Tape

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Bre Booker joins us to discuss the pre-recorded Live on Tape performances from the 2021 Eurovision Song Celebration YouTube specials.

Live on Tape Summary

News Desk (2:48)
Welcome, Bre Booker! (8:14)
American Song Contest Submissions Open (11:10)
Eurovision Song Celebration Live on Tape Performances (14:11)
Would Eurovision Plan D have worked? (34:07)

Episode 121: Eurovision 2021 Grand Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Fri, 21 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

33 songs competed on the Eurovision stage Tuesday and Thursday but only 20 advanced to the 2021 Grand Final. Who will win the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam?

Eurovision 2021 Grand Final Preview Summary

Discovering Peacock will be carrying Eurovision
Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest in the US?
First Semi-Final (3:22)
Second Semi-Final (7:23)
Grand Final Thoughts (13:38)

Episode 120: Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final Preview

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Sun, 16 May 2021 23:00:00 -0500

The Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final Spectacular is here! We make our picks for the 20 songs we think will qualify for the Grand Final in Rotterdam.

Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final Preview Summary

News
- The American Song Contest
- Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest in the US?
- Rehearsals: Covid Incidents (No Spoilers)
Semi-Final 1 Predictions (6:36)
Semi-Final 2 Predictions (15:25)

Episode 114: Satan’s Glowup

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Ned Raggett joins us to discuss the heaven and hell aspects of Eurovision Semi-Final 1. Who knew that 2021 would be Satan's pop culture year?

Satan's Glowup Summary

Welcome back, Ned Raggett!
- @nedraggett | By the Bywater | Ned's Patreon | Bandcamp Daily

Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final 1 Part 2
- Slovenia - Ana Soklic - "Amen" (2:54)
  - "Verjamem" at the 2012 Eurovision Semi-Final (YouTube)
- Sweden - Tusse - "Voices" (9:59)
  - Black Widow trailer (YouTube)
- Cyprus - Elena Tsagrinou - "El Diablo" (17:46)
  - Tacos El Diablo (Oxnard, California)
- Norway - TIX - "Fallen Angel" (23:58)
  - Hit Parade: Bat Out of Hell Edition (Slate)
- Croatia - Albina "Tick-Tock" (30:25)
  - D-Side "Pushing Me Out" (YouTube)
- Belgium - Hooverphonic - "The Wrong Place" (35:37)
  - The Progressive Underground's Primer to Trip-Hop (WDET)

Episode 110: Oops! All Songs!

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Oops! Everyone looked at the calendar and realized Eurovision entries are due next week! We give a first listen to 25% of the 2021 field.

Oops! All Songs! Summary

Songs Dropping All Over Thursday and Friday
- Belgium is "The Wrong Place" for Hooverphonic (1:57)
- Remember Romania's Roxen? She has "Amnesia" (5:13)
- The Netherlands gives "Birth of a New Age" from Jeangu Macrooy (8:02)
- Philipp Kirkorov, in association with Philipp Kirkorov and the Dream Team, presents Philipp Kirkorov's "Sugar" by Moldova's Natalia Gordienko (a Philipp Kirkorov production) (10:39)
- Australia's Montaigne sees in "Technicolour" (19:11)
- Serbia goes "Loco Loco" for Hurricane (22:04)

Super Saturday 2: The Revenge!
- Uku Suviste is "The Lucky One" to win Estonia Eesti Laul (25:48)
- Denmark goes retro with Fyr Og Flamme's "Øve Os På Hinanden" (29:32)
- The Black Mamba's "Love is on My Side" wins Portugal's Festival da Canção (33:57)
- Italy's Sanremo rocks out with Måneskin's "Zitti e Buoni" (36:39)

MOAR SONGS
- Flo Rida joins Senhit for San Marino's "Adrenalina" (42:32)
- Russia's surprise national final picks Manizha's "Russian Woman" (46:20)

Next week: Sweden's Melfest final and Oops! Even more songs! (51:33)

Episode 98: Let’s Talk Turkey

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 11:00:00 -0600

Turkey was last at Eurovision in 2012. We wanted to take this opportunity to comb through its history at the Contest and gobble up any information we could find.

Let's Talk Turkey Summary

Corrections: Stupid Sexy Flanders Edition
News (3:15)
- Belgium's Hooverphonic changes its lineup
- Ben Dolic won't return to represent Germany
- Albania's Festivali i Këngës releases 26 songs and its (tentative) schedule
- Israel hops online to choose Eden Alene's song
- Estonia announces the 24 entries for next year's Eesti Laul
Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest
- Debut (13:17)
- 1980s (22:41)
- 1990s (28:39)
- Every Way That I Can and beyond (34:07)

Episode 94: Double Trouble

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500

Ben flies solo again with another audio essay, this time looking into performers who made double, triple, and even quadruple visits to the Eurovision stage.

Double Trouble Summary

Eurovision, Again? (0:55)

Defining a "Lead Artist" (2:00)

Golden Boy (3:17)

The Four-Timers Club (4:25)

Three is a Magic Number (9:04)

CAROLA (11:00)

Close Close Close, but No Cigar (13:07)

Second Time's the Charm (15:36)

Glow-Ups (17:33)

The Direct Opposite of a Glow-Up (20:50)

Failure to Launch (24:58)

Keep That Same Energy (25:56)

What's Another Year? (26:50)

Episode 93: Rotterdam, Ahoy! Take 2

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500

Rotterdam gets to take a mulligan on 2020 as we look ahead to how preparations for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest begin to take shape.

Rotterdam, Ahoy! Take 2 Episode Summary

Mailbag and Eurovision in the Wild (2:13)
- Eurovision at the DNC
- The Crossword: Friday, August 21 in the New Yorker
- Animal Crossing Fashion by Nitro Gnome
- "Zenit" by ONUKA in Just Dance 2021

Where are we with countries and artists for next year? (18:35)
- Senhit's Freaky Trip to Rotterdam: "Ding a Dong"
- Ben's NRKMGP Presentation

How is Rotterdam planning for Eurovision 2021? (27:43)
- With COVID, how is the 2021 edition of Eurovision Organized? (RTS)

Episode 91: A Brief History of the EBU

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0500

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) turns 70 this year! How did the EBU come into being? We dive into telecommunications history and evolution to find out.

A Brief History of the EBU Summary

Topic Intro (1:53)
Dueling Telegraphs in 1843 (4:20)
What do you know about Napoleon III? (10:29)
The Radio Makes Waves (17:18)
The International Broadcasting Union and Proto-Eurovision (31:58)
Telecommunications Needs Post World War II and the Birth of the EBU (38:50)

Episode 86: Shine a Light

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 19 May 2020 11:00:00 -0500

The 2020 Eurovision Season comes to an end with Europe: Shine a Light. @dudepoints joins us to reminisce and set the record straight on the Riga Beaver.

Shine a Light Summary

Welcome, @dudepoints! (1:58)
The Riga Beaver and Kozmens (3:16)
Eurovision: The Saga of Fire Song announced by Netflix (12:01)
Eurovision 2020 Tribute Album drops (15:54)
Who "won" Eurovision 2020? (19:59)
Our 2021 Wishlist (42:23)
Europe: Shine a Light Epilogue (47:30)

Episode 77: Anarchy in the NRK

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 17:00:00 -0600

The Eurovision 2020 songlist has hit double digits after this past weekend as we encounter internal selections and national final results.

Anarchy in the NRK Summary

Armenia's Depi Evratesil (2:09)
Lithuania's Pabandom is Naujo Final (6:32)
Norway's NRK Melodi Grand Prix Final (11:27)
Sweden's Melodifestivalen Heat 3 (21:01)
Iceland's Songvakeppnin Semi-Final 2 (24:49)
France releases Tom Leeb's "The Best in Me" (31:07)
Belgium releases Hooverphonic's "Release Me" (35:35)
This Weekend Romania Songs, Portugal's Festival da Cancao, Slovenia's EMA, Ukraine's VidBir, and Poland's Szansa na Sukces (42:20)

Episode 63: Flags on the Play

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:00:00 -0500

Who knew that flags—symbols of national identity—could have political implications at the Eurovision Song Contest? Drink!

Flags on the Play Summary

News (1:48)
Flags at the Eurovision Song Contest (12:05)
Controversy 1: Israel 2000 (15:21)
Controversy 2: United Kingdom 2007 (23:49)
Controversy 3: Russia 2015 (33:17)
Controversy 4: Armenia 2016 (40:10)
Controversy 5: Iceland 2019 (43:49)

The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here.

Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social.

Join the EuroWhat AV Club!

If you would like to help financially support the show, we are hosting the EuroWhat AV Club over on Patreon! We have a slew of bonus episodes with deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics.

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

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Episode 45: Eurovision 2019 Semi-Final 1 Part 2: “Oof”

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:00:00 -0500

We finish the first half of the first Eurovision semi-final discussing Poland, Serbia, and Slovenia. Then Australia and Belgium kick off our second half coverage.

Eurovision 2019 Semi-Final 1 Part 2: “Oof” Summary

News Desk: Score presentation, "Douze Points", security, and photo apps (1:46)
Poland - Tulia - "Fire of Love (Pali się)" (10:01)
Serbia - Nevena Božović - "Kruna" (18:53)
Slovenia - Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl - "Sebi" (22:29)
Australia - Kate Miller-Heidke - "Zero Gravity" (26:17)
Belgium - Eliot - "Wake Up" (30:01)
Overview (34:24)

Episode 41: Loose Ends

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:00:00 -0600

The loose ends of Eurovision national final season started wrapping up this past weekend, with seven songs selected, one country confirming withdrawal, and tickets... well...

Loose Ends Summary

Ukraine confirms withdrawal (1:54)
Tickets are on sale... until they're not. Surprise! (3:27)
Belgium asks Eliot to "Wake Up" (4:28)
Looking at Finland's "Look Away" (6:33)
HATARI (9:54)
Can Moldova "Stay" on track? (15:04)
Norway ~~Greenbaum's~~ "Spirit in the Sky" (17:47)
Portugal's "Telemóveis" splits the room (20:54)
Georgia Idol or Georgia Idle? (24:13)
Serbia's "Kruna" (26:49)
Coming up: The Last Week of Selection Season! (29:22)

Episode 40: YIKES

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 18:00:00 -0600

Eurovision ticket prices? Yikes. Lithuania Marathon finale shenanigans? Yikes. Ukraine's Vidbir Inquisition? YIKES. It's been a week, y'all.

YIKES Summary

Eurovision ticket prices announced (1:25)
France not a fan of Duz Pua (3:42)
Ben and Mike are 23rd cousins twice removed (5:55)
Germany chooses S!sters' "Sister" (7:14)
Hungary's Joci Pápai returns to Eurovision with “Az Én Apám” (11:04)
Ukraine was A THING (13:08)
Denmark's Leonora changes the tone with "Love is Forever" (22:07)
How Many People in Lithuania? Jurijus "Run with the Lions" (28:31)
Melfest Checkin (33:19)
This week: Finland, Georgia, Iceland, Moldova, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Belgium, North Macedonia (34:54)

Episode 35: Molasses Flood

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:00:00 -0600

A flood of Eurovision updates this week, including Spain's selection and artists from Belgium, Netherlands, and San Marino.

After learning that there was such a thing as the Molasses Flood 100 years ago AND that it was not at all funny, we pick up right where we left off in last week's episode. Or, more like 15 minutes after we signed off because Belgium announced Eliot Vassamillet as their artist.

Fast forward to this past weekend, and we were ankle deep in selection news. Spain's Miki won the Operacion Triunfo Eurovision Gala with "La Venda" and will be bringing the party to Tel Aviv. San Marino revealed that Serhat will represent them for the second time while the Netherlands have selected Duncan Laurence as their act for Eurovision 2019.

Then we get knee deep in the oncoming flood of selection shows this coming weekend. We highlight the frontrunners in France's Destination Eurovision before taking a peek at this weekend's schedule of events. It's just going to get busier moving forward—I hope you're ready!

Belgium selects their artist (1:44)
Spain chooses Miki's "La Venda" (3:05)
Serhat for San Marino (7:19)
Duncan Laurence (aka Duncan de Moor) for Netherlands (10:22)
France's Destination Eurovision Final Preview (13:13)
Elsewhere this weekend (23:34)

Support The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews

Episode 32: Spotify Wrapping Up 2018

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 02:00:00 -0600

As we wrap up 2018, we get ready for Albania's Eurovision selection process, check in with Spain, and see how Spotify puts us on blast.

First up, the 57th edition of Festivali i Këngës will begin Thursday with three days of competition to determine the first Eurovision entry for 2019! Will the new format of the competition lead to better results for the country in next year's Contest?

Meanwhile, Spain's selection process will reveal the 17 songs up for consideration in their selection process. It's a little convoluted, but perhaps this method will allow the country to move up the scoreboard in Tel Aviv?

Now that you can find the Eurowhat on Spotify, we take a look at our own usage to talk about what music we've been listening to in 2018. Yes—we do listen to non-Eurovision music... at least Ben does.

Have a happy holiday, a fantastic new year, and we'll see you in January!

Spotify Wrapping Up 2018 Summary

Albania's Festivali i Këngës (1:30)
Spain's Operacion Triunfo Selection (4:58)
Spot us on Spotify (7:07)
Wrapping Up 2018 (8:50)

Episode 11: First!

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 05:00:00 -0500

This week we begin our analysis of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in earnest. First up: the first half of the first semi-final! Which entries are locks for advancing to the Grand Final? Who might get help from the running order? Why is Staples playing Eurovision songs from 2016?

First! Summary

Eurovision Viewing Parties (3:50)
Why is Staples playing "Sunlight"? (5:20)
Analyzing the semi-final (9:36)

First Semi-Final Running Order

Azerbaijan - Aisel - X My Heart (9:36)
Iceland - Ari Olafsson - Our Choice (14:48)
Albania - Eugent Bushpepa - Mall (19:52)
Belgium - SENNEK - A Matter of Time (27:16)
Czech Republic - Mikolas Josef - Lie to Me (31:27)
Lithuania - Ieva Zasimauskaitė - When We're Old (37:44)
Israel - Netta - Toy (43:29)
Belarus - Alekseev - Forever (47:44)
Estonia - Elina Netšajeva - La Forza (52:22)
Bulgaria - Equinox - Bones (58:09)

Episode 8: Melfest Fest

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500

Eurovision's 2018 selection season is approaching the end, which means one thing: Sweden's Melfest! Well, two things: lots of internal selections coming through the pipeline. No matter how you count it, we're in the homestretch!

Melfest Fest Summary

Eurovision hodgepodge
Azerbaijan - Aisel - "X MyHeart" (5:44)
Portugal - Cláudia Pascoal - "O Jardim" (10:42)
Belgium - SENNEK - "A Matter of Time" (14:06)
Croatia - Franka - "Crazy" (19:30)
Australia - Jessica Mauboy - "#WeGotLove" (24:21)
Austria - Cesár Sampson - "Nobody But You" (29:25)
Ireland - Ryan O'Shaughnessy - "Together" (34:07)
Norway - Alexander Rybak - "That's How You Write a Song" (39:29)
Sweden - Benjamin Ingrosso - "Dance You Off" (49:46)

Episode 1: Welcome to 2018

The EuroWhat? Podcast — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

We're podcasting, y'all! Welcome to the EuroWhat?

In our opening episode of The EuroWhat? podcast, our Eurovision News and Entertainment Research Division Specialists introduce themselves to our listening audience before sharing their first impressions of Albania's entry.

Then the crew hopscotches around Europe (and Australia) to chat about the seven artists already announced from internal selections. Who do we like? Who are we concerned about? Will there be jazz?

Intro 0:00
Who are you? What are you doing here? 3:02
Albania First Impressions 11:02
Internally Selected Artists 23:02
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The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & Reviews - Episodes Tagged with “Belgium”

Episode 277: Nice

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Episode 268: Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final Preview

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Episode 261: Evolution

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Episode 230: Designated Perceived Nudity Corner

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Episode 205: Efficiency

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