10 Years Of Junior Eurovision, who was your favourite?
It has been an amazing ten years (and 11 contests) for the Junior Eurovision franchise, with so many talented young people representing their countries. Not to mention ten very deserving winners! But the burning question is, do you feel the right winner was chosen? Who were your favourites from each year? And will your favourite win in 2014?
I have decided to compose a list of my favourite NON-WINNING from each of the 11 contests. This is a matter of opinion, because each of the entries were special and if you would like to see my complete list of winners and my opinions they can be found in a previous blog of mine.
HOWEVER, don't fret! I wanted to personally address Gaia Cauchi's win from the 2013 contest (I did not forget her in the collage!) I was rooting for Gaia to win the contest this year, as not only did I feel Malta deserved a win- but Gaia was by far the strongest vocalist the contest has seen in a long time! 'The Start' was also a very will put together piece and everything just fit together: costume, hair, choreography (or lack off) and of course overall musical and vocal ability. A very clear cut professional performance and Gaia truly represents what the competition is all about; Showing the kind hearted, gracious and grateful talent of todays youth. Congratulations Gaia and her team, Roll on Malta 2014!
Anyway! On with My personal (non-winning) Favourites of the Junior Eurovision Song Contests!
2003- Tom Morley: United Kingdom!
Placed: 3rd.
Whenever I think of the first ever Junior Eurovision song contest, I always find myself humming this tune! All the way back in 2003, Tom sung 'My Song For The World'. A beautiful ballad with a very strong vocal! Coming from the United Kingdom myself I feel as if I can safely say that out of our three entries, although we placed higher in 2004, that Tom and his song was the strongest we ever entered into the contest. The lyrics had a deep meaning and really connected to everyone, regardless of the language barrier! Also, this song has a special place in my heart because it always makes me giggle how the stylists chose to dress him like a Landlord (The male boss of a pub!) But then again, that was the style in England in 2003! Although he only placed third, Tom without a doubt stood out compared to some of the other songs!
2004- Thomas Pontier: France!
Placed: 3rd.
Speak French? It doesn't matter if you don't, because this song really is one of my favourites of all time within the contests. Its catchy, fun and reminds me of a circus I once visited in France when I was younger. Thomas was just himself on stage, there was no funny business. It was just him, his moves, his song and the audience. Although I do not speak much French myself, 'Si on voulait bien' (translated to 'If we really wanted to' in English) was definitely one to remember for me and for everyone as, as far as I am aware, it is Frances only entry to date. You could really feel the story from Thomas' facial expressions and gestures. The song however, doesn't compared to Maria Isabel's wining song (as it was my favourite song ever growing up), but I do love the song and I hope France return to the competition soon!
2005-Malin Reitan: Norway!
Placed: 3rd.
(Another 3rd place entry!) Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! I was around the same age as Malin when the 2005 contest took place and I remember being so jealous of the backing dancers and their gymnastics! The song 'Sommer og skolefri' ('Summer and School Free' in English) stood out to me because of Malin and the dancers age and the choice of colours worn by the whole ensemble. I loved it, and is still find myself humming the song when I least expect it! A very well deserved 3rd place in my opinion!
2006- Dani Fernandez: Spain!
Placed: 4th.
I will be brutally honest. 2006 was a pretty poor contest song wise. Russia obviously stood out because it was a new style and they were twins. But when it came to choosing my other favourite it came down to this one. Basically because it is catchy and I love the Spanish language. The staging was pretty interesting too with a one of the stronger vocals we've seen from Spain. Not to mention the class in the costume, compared to some of the awful ones from 2006. I enjoy it, but as I said, 2006 was not a stand out contest to me.
2007: Lisa, Amy and Shelley: The Netherlands!
Placed: 11th.
I honestly had no idea that this placed 11th. 11th! Really Europe? Lisa, Amy and Shelley are by far the best vocal group and trio EVER in the history of Junior Eurovision. They sing, they dance and the perform with such a passion that it is infectious watching them. The Netherlands really hit the nail on the head with this one, especially compared to some of the other contestants they have dished out over the years! The song 'Adem in, adem uit' (Breathe in, Breathe out') is so catchy and ahh I just love it! I also love the girls, to this day they are still a trio and have produced some truly amazing material (that a strongly suggest you listen to!) This song was put in the shadows abit because they were the home entry as the 2007 contest was held in Amsterdam. But I don't care, in my mind the girls would have made far better winners than the Belarus entry, no matter how catchy it is! Keep up the good work girls!
2008: Daniel Testa- Malta!
Placed: 4th.
I really really love this. It is just so fitting for Daniels voice and presence. Not to mention, that I have had a crush on him since the song (shh! Don't tell him!) The piece was so very different compared to the other entries in 2008. It was unfortunate timing though, as Bzekbi were truly one of a kind and nobody has/had seen anything like them! It was a classy, fun and appropriate song for Daniels age and for the competition in general. I liked the fact he had a lone dancer, it was done very cleverly and did not attract a lot of attention of Daniel. I would also like to mention it pained me that Daniel was not Malta's entry for Copenhagen this year, I will admit I watched the whole national selection and nearly cried when he was not selected, as it was a surprise to find out he is still singing! Maybe we will see him perform in Malta this year? I know I am not the only one who would like to see that...
2009: Laura Omloop- Belguim!
Placed: 4th.
Yodelo! I was obsessed with this in 2009. I remember watching the national selection on a repeat and hearing Laura's song and skipping to the end to see if she won! The whole arena was singing along to this one! It was also the clear favourite to win and, even though it did not, it still feels like a winner. 'Zo verliefd (Yodelo)' Or 'So in love (Yodel)' had everyone wishing they could yodel. (Speaking of which I have tried and it is impossible!) Also the use of yellow and white really made the staging stand out along with the dancing, daisies and the swing at the beginning! Ralf Mackenbach just happened to be Europe's cup of tea in 2009, with a catchy song, but there should be no hard feelings for Belgium because they are always a winner with this song!
2010: Sasha Lanzin and Liza Drozd- Russia!
Placed: 2nd.
Now I really wanted to mention Georgia here, but there was one main reason I didn't. The Russians put out a great performance, it was catchy and the costumes and performance were so strong! The Russians really excel in this style of music and I can't help be wish I understood Russian whenever they produce such strong Jazz/Swing music like this song! The duo really performed the song, showing all their personality and the relationship between the two of them. It really ticked all the Junior Eurovision songs. But, imagine being so young and thinking you were the winner, until you have the joy pulled from underneath you! Don't get me wrong, I loved the Armenian song, but just imagine how crushed the Russians were! Such a strong performance that I thoroughly enjoyed! I just hope that Sasha and Liza kept on singing and performing to the standard they did in 2010! You did Russia proud!
2011: Erik Rapp- Sweden!
Placed: 9th.
Yet another under appreciated song. It's about time that the Swedish showed us some of their male talent! Erik Rapp represented the 'grown up' aspect of the Junior Eurovision song contest. I also feel that this upped the game for the quality and standard of the music, as it stood out for these things. Much like Loren did in the 2012 Eurovision song contest. The whole performance was very professional, and a lot more mature than the other songs in 2011. The subtle choreography was just perfect and fitting! Not to mention the maturity in the costumes and the actual performers. I loved this song so much that I actually went away and translated the Lyrics to 'Faller' into English ('Falling'!) Although I didn't need to, because the Swedish released an English version/video of the song. Thank you Sweden for your entry in 2011, I hope to see Erik in the Eurovision Song contest soon!
2012: Kids.il- Israel!
Placed: 8th.
I loved this group! It was definitely a shame that Israel did not return to the 2013 contest, because they got off to such an amazing start! I loved the pink and black costumes and the use of opera as a replacement for the dub-step aspect of the song! The difference in looks between the members of the group really assisted with the message of 'Let the music win!' as it showed that it doesn't matter what you look like or where your from (use of different languages within the song) that the music will win it all! The group strongly represented what the Song contest is about! Again, I love this and I hope they all keep up their singing because they are so talented.
2013: Sofia Tarasova- Ukraine!
Placed: 2nd.
'We are one' in agreeing that this was a very popular entry in the 2013 contest! This is proven due to the fact she did place second, although vocally she is not as strong as Gaia or Anastasia Petryk. The fact she saw alone on the stage and still kept full attention on her at all times was mesmerising to watch! The use of lasers within the performance really added impact and was just cool. The use of white in the costume and the natural beauty of Sofia herself just made for an amazing, all round performance. I love this, it was stand out and stood strong! I see good things in Sofia's future and hopefully an entry in the Eurovision song contest!
I'm sure you will not all agree with me, so as ever I would love to hear your favourites! Leave me a comment and let me know who you loved!
Moreover, I PROMISE to post more regularly in the 2014 contest, as I was not as good as I should have been in the 2013 contest for various personal reasons! So stay tuned for all things Junior Eurovision!
