Rob's Eurovision 2015 Predictions: Who'll take home the title?

So we've seen Producer Jonny's predictions, and now it's my attempt at predicting the top five positions in Eurovision 2015. I predicted the top 5 last year, so here's hoping I can match that this year!

The Eurovision Trophy

I'll be heading to Vienna for the competition in just a few days time, and these are the songs which I'm really excited about.

(This took me ages! Honorable mentions to Estonia and Belarus, both of whom came very close to my top five.)

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NO.5: Albania: Elhaida Dani "I'm Alive"

A country which always sits to the left of the leader board finally deserves that recognition. Elhaida Dani was a hugely popular winner of the Voice in Italy, and proves her worth with a stunning vocal performance. If Suus can achieve 5th place, then 'I'm Alive' really could be the dark horse of this year's contest.

NO.4: Norway: Morland & Deborah Scarlett "A Monster Like Me"

In a sea of duets in 2015 Morland and Deborah Scarlett produce the stand out performance. This pair have chemistry than Electro Velvet can only dream of, with the staging echoing some aspects of the Common Linnets performance last year. Sure to be well supported by the western European nations I wouldn't be surprised it tops the 200 point mark.

NO.3: Azerbaijan: Elnur Huseynov "Hour of the Wolf"

Elnur returns to Eurovision after a 7 year break and his comeback is definitely something special. It's impossible to compare 'Hour of the Wolf' to Elnur's previous attempt at Eurovision glory, but it isn't inconceivable that we could be heading back to Baku once again. A favourite with the hardcore Eurovision fans he is guaranteed big points from the Eastern nations.

NO.2: Italy: Il Volo "Grande Amore"

There is something very adorable about Il Volo. Three hot young Italians was always going to get the hearts of Eurovision fans across the continent racing, but the emotion of Grande Amore is something very hard to forget. I can already imagine the reaction in the hall when they hit that powerful final note. These guys will run Mans very close.

NO.1: Sweden: Mans Zelmerlow "Heroes"

I have always loved Mans Zelmerlow, and his entry for Eurovision this year is simply magnificent. Sounding like an Avicii/David Guetta hybrid the song wouldn't sound out of place in the UK charts and I'm sure this is the start of a very successful career for Mans outside of Scandinavia. I've said this and been wrong before, but I can't see any way this won't win come 23rd May.



So there you go, there are my predictions and I'd love to know what you think of them. Drop me a tweet on @theeuro_trip.

As we speak I'm busy packing my bag for Vienna, and you can come with me too! Make sure you follow @theeuro_trip on both Twitter and Instagram for live coverage from the Austrian capital.

Danke,

Rob

Producer Jonny's Not So Expert Guide to Eurovision #2: Who's Actually Going to Win?

So, as Rob’s continually reminded me, in a Christmas morning-esque excitement, Eurovision is not far away!

On the evening of Saturday 23 May, millions of us will flock to our TV screens to watch a fabulous festivity of colour, sequins, dance – an explosion of musical loveliness.

Now whether you agree with me on that previous statement, or not, Eurovision does take over the country. Everyone likes a good punt, so you never know, you might see a financial return on being forced to watch the contest.

I’m by no means an expert, but here are my top 5 to watch in this year’s sing-off…

NO. 5: Italy: Il Volo - “Grand Amore”

Charming, classy men (oops) with charming, classy voices, this is an excellent entry from the Italians. It’s so nice to hear a song in the native language, with the Italian lyrics enhancing the dramatic nature of the orchestral piano, drums and synths arrangement. Operatic, rock, yet poppy sound that’s make it stick in the mind.

A definite outsider with a good chance of succeeding, will the boys charm their way to the title?

NO. 4: Denmark: Anti Social Media - “The Way You Are”

The sheer irony of the band’s name makes this laughable – this track is poppy, annoyingly catchy and typical Denmark Eurovision style. It’ll get people talking on social media across the continent.

I’ll give the Danes this – it’s nice, cheery and happy, almost reminiscent of a rocked happy clappy song you’d find at the end of a kids TV show. I’m not the biggest fan, but it’s just smells of Eurovision success, just not the top prize (hopefully!).

NO. 3: Sweden: Måns Zelmerlöw “HEROES”

Year on year, Sweden always deliver when it matters, and this track is no exception.

Mixing the wild west twangy guitar and dense dance beat at the start, into a catchy, familiar tap your foot to the beat techno track, I’m a big fan of Heroes. This’ll appeal to those in the middle – an occasional fan of the traditional ballad, just sped up with a 4/4 to the floor foundation.

This sounds like the modern ballad, hitting the Eurovision contest strong, and I like it! Top 3 for me.

NO. 2: Russia: Polina Gagarina “Million Voices”

Russia’s never been popular politically, but with previous history with a number of European countries and allegations of block voting for the former Soviet state, their acts have always performed decently in the contest.

This song is an anthem, hypocritically not possible in the actual country (oops), for freedom, unity and speaking out for justice. Could this be a battle cry to show Russia’s strength, or secret cry of protest? Either way its catchy, and should do well.

NO. 1: Australia: Guy Sebastian "Tonight Again"

Now, I know, this is a controversial choice, THEY’RE NOT EVEN IN EUROPE.

But, the Aussies are joining us for this year’s contest, and I have to say I’m a massive fan of the track! The mix of big drums, sax in the back and soulful/swing style makes it stick in my mind. Incredibly catchy with an unknown sense of ‘cool’ about it – not something we usually find in a Eurovision track (c’mon lets be honest with ourselves!).

They go and steal The Ashes and now they might, just MIGHT, win Eurovision. Nice return on a bet made on these lot I’d imagine!

STAY TUNED TO THE EURO TRIP

So those are my tips, but as with every race, some random outsider may pop up and steal the show. Could it be Electric Velvet for the UK? Probably not. I’d hope for a top 10 finish, mind.

Here at Euro Trip HQ we can’t wait for the contest, and we’re delighted to be bringing you exclusive access to the heart of Eurovision from the heart of Vienna, in the days leading up to Europe’s musical bout.

We’ll be releasing more details, but have a look out on Twitter, blogs and beyond as Rob (and his lovely girlfriend Emma) bring you lots of Eurovision loveliness from Austria.

Jonny

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Is Europe better at spotting hit music than the UK?

With Omi's Cheerleader making its way to the top of the UK chart yesterday, it is clear that European music is having more of an impact on the music scene of our nation than ever before. But is the UK slow to spot an emerging #1 hit?

While Omi himself may have been born and raised in Jamaica, it was Denmark which first sent him to the top of their charts in January of this year (as heard on the European Music Chart). The surrounding Scandinavian nations soon followed suit, showing that in some cases, the UK is actually a long way behind other countries when it comes to spotting a chart hit.

Omi is the current UK #1 with 'Cheerleader'

Take a further look at this Sunday's Official Chart and you will see a number of other tracks, previously featured on the Euro Trip, which are only just making waves across the UK. Kygo's wonderfully summery 'Firestone' was a chart topper in Norway over three months ago, while AronChupa's mind puzzling 'I'm an Albatroz' has been huge in Europe for weeks now.

You only have to look at two massive summer anthems from last year to exemplify my point. Remember Mr Probz's 'Waves' and Nico and Vinz' massive track 'Am I Wrong?'. Both originated in the Netherlands and Norway respectively.

As the European mainland continues to have more of an influence on the UK music chart, I thought I'd have a go at predicting the next songs which will soon be making their way across the channel and making it big on our shores.

Kygo ft. Parson James - Stole the Show

The follow up to 'Firestone' Kygo has collaborated with the stunning vocals of American singer Parson James. The track entered the UK chart at #49 this week, and will continue to rise as Kygo's reputation looks set to increase.

Klingande - Riva

This is better than Jubel! There you go, I said it. With the weather getting warmer and the evenings getting longer, this track is the perfect accompaniment to relax to in the summer sun. Give this one a couple of plays and you'll fall in love with it.

Mans Zelmerlow - Heroes

Yes, I know it's from Eurovision. 'Heroes' looks set to take the continent by storm should it win Eurovision 2015 as expected. The track has a wonderfully modern feel to it, channeling both Avicii and David Guetta's recent work. Mans is a huge superstar in Sweden, and I have a feeling we'll be cheering his name over the next few months.