All posts by Andy Mikheev

2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Junior Eurovision – 22 November schedule

21 November 2017 Andy Mikheev Leave a comment

Tomorrow 22 November the second 8 countries rehearse – it is alphabetical and they start with ITALY
09H00 – 09H30 – dressing room at venue
09h30 – 09h35 – health and safety briefing
09h40 – 09h55 – in ear monitors set up
10h00 – 10h40 – 1st rehearsal – contestants full dress hair and make up
10h50 – 11h10 – viewing room
11h15 – 11h45 – web GPB interview, www.junioreurovision.tv social media interview
11h50 – 12h10 – make up consultation and made up touch for postcard shooting
12h10 – 12h40 – postcard shooting

It is the same run of events for the other 7 and so we will just mention their rehearsal time
MALTA – 10h40 – 11h20
POLAND – 11h20 – 12h00
PORTUGAL – 12h00 – 12h40
then is the lunch break and after that more countries
RUSSIA – 13h40 – 14h20
SERBIA – 14h20 – 15h00
THE NETHERLANDS – 15h00 – 1h40
UKRAINE – 15h40 – 16h20

Melodifestival

ESC Covers at Melodifestivalen 2017 – Part II

16 March 2017 Andy Mikheev Leave a comment

Guest editor, Dennis Flores from the United States of America, has had the opportunity to attend the Final of Melodifestivalen 2017, the Swedish selection for its Eurovision 2017 entry.

In a special three-part series, Dennis will be reporting from Friends Arena in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

With Robin Bengtsson being crowned as Sweden’s champion, in this second installment, we look back at all 28 competing entries and Dennis provides his thoughts on which songs would be the most interesting to hear a cover version in another language.

In order to help pick out the best entries, Dennis has decided to pick five songs out of all competing songs from this year’s edition of Melodifestivalen. He has chosen one song from each of the Semi-Finals and one more as a wildcard.

Semi-Final 1: “Hold On” by Nano

This song was revealed to be the Swedish public’s favourite song that competed in the Final. The mixture of different genres and gradual build-up and gospel-inspired elements make the song uplifting and strong. The song’s lyrics are simple enough that it could be easily translated into other languages and not have the meaning of the song vary.

Semi-Final 2: “I Don’t Give A” by Lisa Ajax

I believe the edited/non-explicit version of this song makes this contemporary mid-tempo pop song more approachable and radio-friendly. This song would be best paired with an artist who performs with a little attitude and flair and would most likely appeal to a young audience.

Semi-Final 3: “Crucified” Bella & Filippa

Having both singers singing in unison throughout the song’s entirety creates a magical effect for this country pop duet. With simple lyrics and a universal theme about falling in love, this song could easily be covered in numerous languages while appealing to a broad and diverse audience.

Semi-Final 4: “As I Lay Me Down” by Wiktoria

Another fan favourite, this upbeat country pop song, would appeal to a large audience as well. Lyrically, this would be more complex than the other songs as there are a lot of lines of text. However, it definitely remains a candidate for a cover song as it has proven its popularity with an audience, and has progression and variation between verses and chorus.

Wild Card: “Amare” by Adrijana

I think this R&B mid-tempo song would be unique to hear in another language. Being in Swedish, yet having simple lyrics, this song could be adjusted to be performed to fit any language. Stepping away from the typical Swedish pop beat, this could be the perfect song for an artist looking for a more urban sound.

Hunks of Swedish 2017 selection

ESC Covers at Melodifestivalen 2017: PART I

11 March 2017 Andy Mikheev Leave a comment

PART I: The Hunks of Melodifestivalen

ESC Covers says “Välkommen tillbaka” as we return to Stockholm for the final of Melodifestivalen 2017, the Swedish selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Guest editor Dennis Flores from the United States of America will be reporting from Friends Arena in this four-part series.

In this first installment, we playfully focus on the Men of Mello.

Will the Swedish public choose their winner based on looks? As with Eurovision, the entire package of an entry is what decides the winner: the song, the staging, and the look of the artist(s). Sometimes the public is smitten by the good looks.

The Men of Mello Final 2017 are (A) Boris René, (B) Robin Bengtsson, (C) Jon Henrik Fjällgren, (D) Anton Hagman, (E) FO&O (Felix, Oscar, and Omar), (D) Nano, (E) Benjamin Ingrosso, and (F) Owe Thörnqvist.

Dennis’ picks:

3rd Place: Benjamin Ingrosso

Benjamin Ingrosso has that friendly, guy next door look. Watching him on stage, he comes off a bit goofy with his suave dancing.

2nd Place: Anton Hagman

Anton Hagman also has that guy next door look, but with his performance he has that sad, puppy-dog eyes, which surely is trying to play to the audience, after all he did beat Eurovision winner and fan favourite Loreen!

1st Place: Robin Bengtsson

Absolutely without any doubt, Robin is the clear winner here. His icy blue eyes are piercing to the camera. With multiple close-ups and directly staring deep into the viewers at home, he can hypnotize you with his whole performance.

2015 Eurovision Song Contest

Alex Larke – “Shine On” review

5 January 2017 Andy Mikheev 1 Comment

Alex Larke, the male half of Electro Velvet is back with a new single, which is exclusively guest reviewed for ESCCovers by Mike Duncan of ESCKAZ:

“Debut single, a new haircut and a video filmed in part in some sun kissed location in Greece. His little sister Anna has a cameo at the start of the video with a delightful little bundle who I think is Alex’s and Tamara’s little peanut….cute, very cute….

Anyway onto the music. Well first a confession, I am a sucker for big strings and old style retro electronic organ so was kinda hooked right from the start. Then up pops Alex, sporting aforementioned new hair do, filling the screen with his big muff and grabbing attention. Then he sings. At first I did a bit of a double take, who is this? Where is the deep crooner from Electro Velvet, who is this (almost) falsetto geezer giving it large into the camera?? Yep, it’s him. This is a completely different style from those that know Alex from Eurovision but I kinda like it. Like I said always a sucker for big strings and a organ or two thrown in…..

I am reminded of Ocean Colour Scene from back in the 90’s and Alex’s putting on the “I’m Noel Gallagher and you better believe it” act simply adds to the whole 90’s Britpop vibe. Like I said I’m a sucker for all that….just add some more drums and a guitar riff here and there and I’m back in 1996 trying to style out a Paul Weller look and not succeeding.

Alex has moved on from his Eurovision foray a few years back, I hope he continues in this vein, much more suited to his style and voice than the flippy-flappy EV single….just needs to add in some edgy drums please and keep doing this…..well done (7.5/10)”

Alex Larke releases his debut single, ‘Shine On’ of EP ‘Disposable Love’, on February 3rd 2017. Available from all good digital retailers and streaming sites like Amazon

Alex Larke represented the UK at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, as part of Electro Velvet. More on his official site: larkemusic.com

Uncategorized

Junior Eurovision 2016 Schedule

13 November 2016 Andy Mikheev Leave a comment

As ESCCovers team is getting ready for the departure to Malta for Junior Eurovision 2016, we publish the rehearsal and other event schedule for it:

MONDAY 14/11

18:30-22:30 Opening Ceremony / Red Carpet

——————————————-

TUESDAY 15/11

40 minute rehearsals:

10:00-10:40 Italy
10:40-11:20 Ireland
11:20-12:00 Cyprus
12:00-12:40 The Netherlands
Break
13:40-14:20 Israel
14:20-15:00 Macedonia
15:00-15:40 Malta
15:40-16:20 Poland

Postcards Filming:

08:45-11:30 Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, Australia
12:00-13:15 Russia, Ukraine, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria

Leisure activities:

Cirk La Putyka circus (Czech Republic)

09:00-11:00 Russia, Ukraine, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria
11:45-13:15 Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, Australia

Optional Hop On Hop Off Tour:

15:00-17:30 All delegations

Euroclub (Excelsior Hotel):

19:30-21:30

——————————————-

WEDNESDAY 16/11

40 minute rehearsals:

10:00-10:40 Russia
10:40-11:20 Ukraine
11:20-12:00 Albania
12:00-12:40 Belarus
Break
13:40-14:20 Bulgaria
15:00-15:40 Georgia
15:40-16:20 Serbia
16:20-17:00 Australia

Postcards Filming:

08:45-11:30 Macedonia, Israel, Ireland, Italy
12:00-13:15 The Netherlands, Cyprus, Poland, Malta

Leisure activities:

Cirk La Putyka circus (Czech Republic):

09:00-11:00 The Netherlands, Cyprus, Poland, Malta
11:45-13:15 Macedonia, Israel, Ireland, Italy

Optional Underwater Safari:

15:00-17:30 All delegations

Euroclub (Excelsior Hotel):

19:30-21:30

——————————————-

THURSDAY 17/11

30 minute rehearsals:

10:00-10:30 Poland
10:30-11:00 Malta
11:00-11:30 Macedonia
11:30-12:00 Israel
Break
13:00-13:30 The Netherlands
13:30-14:00 Cyprus
14:00-14:30 Ireland
14:30-15:00 Italy
Break
16:45-18:15 Opening act and Common Song

20 minute press-conferences:

11:35-11:55 Poland
12:05-12:25 Malta
12:45-13:05 Macedonia
13:05-13:25 Israel
Break
14:35-14:55 The Netherlands
15:05-15:25 Cyprus
15:35-15:55 Ireland
16:05-16:25 Italy

Leisure activities:

Esplora interactive Science Center:

09:00-11:30 Russia, Albania, Australia, Armenia, Bulgaria
12:00-14:30 Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia

Aquarium:

09:00-11:00 Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia
12:00-14:00 Russia, Albania, Australia, Armenia, Bulgaria

Optional Hop On Hop Off Tour:

15:00-17:30 All delegations

Euroclub (Excelsior Hotel):

19:30-21:30

——————————————-

FRIDAY 18/11

30 minute rehearsals:

10:00-10:30 Australia
10:30-11:00 Serbia
11:00-11:30 Georgia
11:30-12:00 Armenia
Break
13:00-13:30 Bulgaria
13:30-14:00 Belarus
14:00-14:30 Albania
14:30-15:00 Ukraine
15:00-15:30 Russia
Break
17:30-18:30 Opening act and Common Song
Break
19:30-21:00 Spokesperson rehearsal

20 minute press-conferences:

11:35-11:55 Australia
12:05-12:25 Serbia
12:45-13:05 Georgia
13:05-13:25 Armenia
Break
14:35-14:55 Bulgaria
15:05-15:25 Belarus
15:35-15:55 Albania
16:05-16:25 Ukraine
16:35-16:55 Russia
17:00-18:00 EBU & PBS

Leisure activities:

Esplora interactive Science Center:

09:00-11:30 Poland, Cyprus, Israel, Macedonia
12:00-14:30 The Netherlands, Malta, Italy, Ireland

Aquarium:

09:00-11:00 The Netherlands, Malta, Italy, Ireland
12:00-14:00 Poland, Cyprus, Israel, Macedonia

Optional Underwater Safari:

15:00-17:30 All delegations

Euroclub (Excelsior Hotel):

19:30-21:30

——————————————-

SATURDAY 19/11

08:30-09:30 Spokespersons rehearsal
10:00-12:30 1st Dress Rehearsal with Spokespersons
13:00-14:00 Press-conference: Host & Special guests
16:00-18:30 2nd Dress Rehearsal with Spokespersons

——————————————-

SUNDAY 20/11

08:30-11:30 Stand by rehearsal with stand-ins
14:00-15:30 Red Carpet
16:00-18:30 Live show
19:30-20:00 Winner’s Press-conference

Uncategorized

Category: Best Album Cover by a Male Artist

5 November 2015 Andy Mikheev 2 Comments

Every visitor of the site is invited to vote on “Best Album Cover by a Male Artist” category in “OGAE Rest of the world Awards 2015”

OGAE R O W members have 2 votes, it can be twice for the same cover or you can pick two different ones. Other Eurovision fans or fans of the actual artists have just one vote.

You can vote until 1 December 2015 – send you votes to info@esccovers.com

NOMINEES:

1. André Venter – Die Man vir Jou (The Man for You)

2. Tiro – Pak My In Jou Tas (Pack Me In Your Suitcase)

3. Gerrie Pretorius – Bring die Liefde Terug (Bring the Love Back)

4. Nicholis Louw – So Rock Ons Die Wêreld Reg (This is the right way to rock the world)

5. Tobi Jooste – ‘n Man Se Hart (The Man’s Heart)

Uncategorized

Category: Best Album Cover by a Female Artist

5 November 2015 Andy Mikheev 3 Comments

Every visitor of the site is invited to vote on “Best Album Cover by a Female Artist” category in “OGAE Rest of the world Awards 2015”

OGAE R O W members have 2 votes, it can be twice for the same cover or you can pick two different ones. Other Eurovision fans or fans of the actual artists have just one vote.

You can vote until 1 December 2015 – send you votes to info@esccovers.com

NOMINEES:

1. Elizma Theron – Stilte & Storms (Silence & Storms)

2. Carike Keuzenkamp – 5 Dekades van Carike Keuzenkamp (5 Decades of)

3. Karlien van Jaarsveld – My Hartjie (My small heart)

4. Chrizaan – Belowe My (Promise Me)

5. Rinel Day – Dit staan in die Sterre (It is written in the Stars)

member letter

LETTER TO LUXEMBOURG – STEVE HUMPFREYES (Australia)

23 October 2015 Andy Mikheev 1 Comment

Dear RTL TV Luxembourg,

We would like to see you return to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in 2016.

After Italy’s successful return to the Eurovision stage in 2010, and in a short period of time Italy have produced two almost winners in the ESC competition in recent years. Now is the perfect time to bring back another classic country and blast from the past.
Luxembourg. Who in the past have been able to bring some amazing talent to the show from all over Europe. As one of the main french speaking countries when Eurovision was born way back in 1956.
Its clear to us many eurovision fans remember and adore Luxembourg’s entries from the past. So they want to see Luxembourg RTL back again.

Most certainly small countries have shown evidence of struggling to keep going in the Eurovision today. Mainly due to the low budgets and then there is always that big staging that seems to be more essential to success in ESC today.

We have good news for Luxembourg, and what EBU can do to help Luxembourg and other countries wanting to come back in Stockholm 2016.
We have the perfect solution, as its no secret EBU are keen to help out and include the mini state countries like Monaco San Marino. They are looking at making an exception for small countries with below a certain population they will now be able to have a joint Eurovision entry.
Doing this will advantage Luxembourg in the following ways:

(a) This will make those high costs half for a small country like Luxembourg.
(b) Euro-club parties can be shared as well by this duel entry policy.
(c) If Luxembourg and their partner country win ESC then they will have bids from both small countries to decide the following years host town or city.
(d) The small duel countries will have separated voting and do not have to share countries scoreboard votes at all.

Luxembourg is one of the historical Eurovision classics with a past 5 Eurovision winners as well as a back to back wins that is rare in today’s Eurovision back in 1972 and 1973.
Since 1956 through until 1993 -Luxembourg rarely missed ESC. In fact before Ireland’s Avalanche of winners in and during the 90s Luvembourg & France were the most successful competitor at Eurovision. So I think it’s important that they more than anyone else continue this tradition. Also we need a ole country to give the swedes a run for their money. (as the saying goes)

We hope this proposal will help bring Luxembourg and another small country back to Eurovision in 2016.

Summary Luxembourg 5 Winners 1961- 1983:

Jean-Claude Pascal – “Nous les amoureux”
France Gall – “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”
Vicky Leandros – “Après toi”
Anne-Marie David – “Tu te reconnaîtras”
Corinne Hermès – “Si la vie est cadeau”

member letter

LETTER TO PORTUGAL – NATHAN MOUNTFORD (Australia)

23 October 2015 Andy Mikheev Leave a comment

To the Head Of TV Entertainment RTP,

Why?

48 times and counting. What’s another year?

People of the world are sick of visiting cold countries! 2017 is the year for sunshine and sardines!

I love the idea of a refresh – RESET, REFRESH and surprise us, NOW. Like a Portuguese tart! It has a lot of history but is always fresh, so eat it while it’s hot.

Listen to your people – a Crowdfunding campaign? Who does that – people who love their country, their music and their Eurovision.

I visited Lisbon in 2015 and I want more. I make a pledge to visit Portugal every year that I attend Eurovision. Eurovision has broadened my geographic knowledge and made me want to visit different places including Portugal. Which BTW reminded me of Australia (and I love my country).

Katia Averia has put her hand up. Say YES. Ask her brother to chip in some money! If not, go to any Fado bar. Pick one of your many fantastic singers (so many to choose from, maybe your the lucky country).

Get Nando’s (famous in various countries for Peri Peri sauce and Portuguese Chicken) to sponsor the entrant. I’m sure they’ll have some great ideas to create a fantastic social, advertising and media campaign (look them up on Wikipedia).

Use the world’s biggest free resource, the internet. Get some tips from Switzerland and find an International star to sing for you. Hint: Australia is desperate to go again (perhaps under the title of Portugal)!

Quero Ser Tua ‘went off’ at the Euro Fan Café’ in Vienna. People are listening. Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh. Remember when Russia won in 2008? All I heard was “it’s Russia’s time to win”. Well, last year in Vienna I heard a lot of “it’s Portugal’s time to win”! I can’t say you will win but I predict if a country in your region does, tourists will be lining up at your door.

To be serious though…

…This is a great opportunity that not every country in the world has. I’m from Australia. We have been lucky enough to participate once (most likely). One time. And so many others will never have the chance. But Portugal does. I would love to showcase our talent every year. And it’s not just about the talent; it’s about so many things:

Tradition. Pride. Competition. Showcasing. Celebrating. Peace.
But most importantly, although we have our differences, we can come together as a united people and enjoy a moment together – a moment that can change your life forever.

Think of all the people with sad faces right now. Then think of all the people with smiles on their faces when you agree to reinstate your participation. Even people from Australia!

Don’t give up.

Points/results

Points for 5 TASKS

16 October 2015 Andy Mikheev 2 Comments

We will reflect them in POINTS TABLE shortly. Please contact us if you think we have missed your points for the 5 TASKS.

aj poncin – 30
alexandru badea – 10
andre durham – 30
andrew bayley – 10
andrew scott – 30
andrew wortham – 30
anthony zanker – 30
belinda conn – 20
bernando ordas – 20
beth hackney – 30
camilo gomez – 30
christopher cobb – 15
darren tompsett – 30
david robichaud – 5
david thielen – 30
dean cheley – 30
dimitri karagianides – 30
edward till – 30
eloise sowden -30
emily smith – 30
eric andersson – 30
fred medeiros – 30
gavin a-rainey – 15
hien djie – 5
ian lambert – 10
james hare – 30
jason watkins – 30
johnny kollin – 30
jose luise abaya – 15
julia foskey – 30
kyle woods – 30
len whitney – 30
luc spencer gardner – 30
luis chong – 20
lukman uleng – 5
michael muniz – 5
michaela sowden – 20
nathan mountford – 30
niall drennan – 15
nicolas saurez – 20
roger a-rainey – 30
ronny addamo – 30
sascha stolp – 30
scott parsons – 20
shirley thielen – 15
steve humpfries – 10
stuart d’addona – 30
tricia flores – 10

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs