A healthy dose of fangirling: ESC version!

Today, I am going to talk about...THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST!

Imaginary person that doesn't exist: "Wait...no books?"

Me: "No books."

IPTDE: "But...you can't do that! This is a book blog!"

Me: ...

*INSERT EUROVISION INTRO* .... tu-tu-tu-tu-du-tu-tuuu-tu-du...tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-du-tu-tu-tu-tu-du...tu-tu-tu-tu-du-tu-tuuu-tu-du...tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tuuuu-tu-duuu...

(If you don't get it, click here)

Back in 2009, the year that Mr. Fairytale (Alexander Rybak) won, I fell in love with the Eurovision Song Contest. Ever since, I've been longing to go, so when Duncan won in 2019 all my dreams became reality. (HAHAHAH. No. Something called Co- Nope, I am not going to say it. I am not going to speak the WORD THAT SHALL NOT BE SPOKEN. I don't feel hate, I just feel sorry! (For myself...and Duncan...and the people from Australia and Iceland. Okay, I'll really stop now.) No misery, only love.)

So... let's move on to nicer things and talk favourites! I think there are a lot of great songs this year, and even though none of them are as perfect as Arcade (#teamduncan), I see many potential winners. So, for the first time since '09, I have absolutely no idea who is going win!

I don't think I'll even be able to create a top 5, but I can tell you who my 5 favourites are (so far and in random order):

1. Bulgaria, growing up is getting old - VICTORIA Wow this song! I love how it is 100% about the music (Music first.). No fuss, but a modest decor, simple clothing and a beautiful woman with a perfect song. Also, (sadly) the lyrics are 100% relatable (and beautifully written), and I am a sucker for that.

Closing every door, wanna be alone Lonely is a way that I survive Sick of wanting more, sitting on the floor Wondering where all my feelings go

Nervous system's aching Growing up is getting old Anxiety is draining Getting up is growing old

Don't get it There's an ocean of emotion that I'm carrying inside I am cautious 'Cause I've never understood how so much can fit in little me

2. Portugal, Love Is On My Side - The Black Mamba

This song. My goodness. I am not even going to say anything, just listen and you'll get it.

Left home when I was only sweet 16 Chasing blind love and a bunch of broken dreams Don't know how I thought I'd be a queen I could do anything And somehow I end up here, I don't know why I still believe that

Love is on my side (x3) Maybe not tonight

3. Spain, Voy a quedarme - Blas Cantó

I think this is probably the most underrated song this year. The lyrics are beautiful, so is his voice (and so is he ;)). I love it.

Sé que hay muchos como yo, con tanto que ofrecer Pero juro que este amor nadie lo podrá vencer Y aunque nuestro baile diera un paso marcha atrás No te preocupes, yo contigo siempre bailaré

I know there are many like me, with so much to offer But I swear that this love no one can beat And even if our dance took a step backwards Don't worry, I will always dance with you

(Blame Google if the translation isn't accurate.)

4. Norway, Fallen Angel - TIX

If you dare to make fun of this angel, I will hunt you down and... okay, I won't do that. But, honestly, this song is so much more than a cliché heartbreak- and unrequited love song and it pisses me off when I read some people's comments (I also read a lot of amazing messages, so I know he's getting a lot of love too). You should read his story before you judge. Better yet, just listen to the song, because it is great, with or without prejudices.

Here in the dark inside the hole in my heart I'm fighting all of my demons tryna tear me apart And I'm still not sure what you ever saw in me

No, I'm a, I'm a fallen angel And no matter where my heart is There's no way I'll ever Reach up to Heaven To you

5. Italy, ZITTI E BUONI - Måneskin

Not a big fan of their clothing, but I LOVE everything else!!

Parla la gente purtroppo

Parla non sa di che cosa parla

Tu portami dove sto a galla

Che qui mi manca l’aria

Ma sono fuori di testa ma diverso da loro

E tu sei fuori di testa ma diversa da loro

Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro (x2)

Noi siamo diversi da loro

People are talking unfortunately

They talk, they don’t know what they are talking about

Take me where I am floating

I’m short of air here

But I’m out of my mind but different from them

And you’re out of your mind but different from them

We’re out of our minds but different from them (x2)

We’re different from them

(Again, blame Google for any mistakes)

Other songs you should check out: Switzerland, Tout L'universe - Gjon's Tears (I really wanted to add this one to my 5 favs, but I already had 5 so...UGH.) Sweden, Voices - Tusse The Netherlands, Birth Of A New Age - Jeangu Macrooy

France, Voilà - Barbara Pravi Iceland, 10 Years - Daði og Gagnamagnið

Okay, that were my 10 favs (for now, it might change tomorrow)! I hope you enjoyed this. If not, I very much did, so it was worth it anyway :)

Have fun watching the Grand Final tomorrow, and let me know who your favourites are, I would love to hear all about it!!

Be kind & do good.

Love,

Annabel