Kyiv 2013- 11th Junior Eurovision Song Conest.

We've had piano playing, flamenco, tutus, singing twins, parkour, songs in the language of a bee, tap dancing, story's coming to life, costumes as sweet as candy and not to mention dry ice and exceptional vocals. What is to come? Next stop...Kyiv!

Kyiv is the Capital of the Ukraine and has hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest once before in 2009, Where Ralf Makenbach (Netherlands) took the prize with his song 'Click Clack'.







This year brings strong attention to the capital, as it is not only hosting the contest, but is also home to last years winner Anastasiya Petryk. Anastasiya won the contest last year in Amsterdam (Netherlands) with her song 'Nebo' translating to 'The Sky' in English. The performance seriously stood out against the other 'cookie cut' Eurovision songs. The song had almost a dark aspect to it. Along with the dry ice, strobe lighting, simple staging and costume and extraordinary vocals the performance was a clear winner. Anastaysia was awarded 183 poins, which was 35 points ahead of 2nd place (Georgia).



I personally felt Anastaysia's performance was closely linked with Loreen's 'Euphoria' performance at the 2012 Eurovision song contest in Baku (Azerbaijan). Both stood out, but both included a different staging and choreography to the other contestants. Loreen's choreography had almost a martial arts feel to it, and it was as if she truly was fighting off everyone else's opinions on her and her lover, that she was actually moving 'up'! Where as Anastaysia made very sharp movements and poses, making the audience intrigued into what she was singing about. This also allowed the audience to focus on the vocal, rather than the over the top staging which is typically expected in the contest.

 So what is expected of this years competition? Well there has been a slight change to the rules. This year, the top three contestants will be in the focus, not just the first place winner. The executive Supervisor of the contest, Vladislav Yakovlev described this as "A way to acknowledge the enormous range of talent that our young performers possess." I think this will be a good so that you have more of a chance for your favourite to be recognised. But I do feel this may take away from the original drive to win first place. But this will work out for the competitors feeling a larger sense of accomplishment for all of their efforts in the contest. (What is your opinion on this matter? Drop a comment I would love to hear from you!)

At this time, only four constants and three songs have been released. Russia, Ukraine and Sweden have released contestants and songs. Georgia has only released the contestants. However National selections are underway in Belgium, the Netherlands, Belarus and other countries. Individual reviews of  all the contestants will be posted sometime in the near future, hopefully upon release.

The Date of the contest has been set as, November 30th 2013. I feel this contest will be one to watch. I am mostly looking foreword to seeing the songs, choreography, costumes, hair, make-up and overall staging of all the contestants. As when it comes to Eurovision, its about the overall package on stage.

Tell me your opinions! Are you excited to see the competition? Already got a guess at which country may pull out all of the stops? Drop a comment! I'd love to hear from you all!