Eurovision 2013 takes shape for the culmination of European popular musical art in Malmo. Estonia and Finland, Russia and Ukraine, all the way to Armenia and down to Croatia, here’s some more of the talent Europe has to offer the world.
Armenia’s Gor Sujyan
I often wonder how many very bright stars we would all see if every place in the world had the resources and publicity Germany, the US, even Russia has? This artist is, without a doubt, deserving of being at Eurovision. Listen to Lonely Planet.
Austria’s Natália Kelly
Watching Natalia perform this song the casual observer would register no surprise to later see and hear the artist in New York City or LA, just as easily as Malmo or Vienna. The girl has game. Watch this.
Belarus’ Alyona Lanskaya
If there’s a female artist headed to Malmo who can pull off a Lady Gaga feat, it’s this lady. You check out Rhythm Of Love. Okay, a bit more leather and movement to be Gaga.
Belgium’s Roberto Bellarosa
If this super talented artist had a better song to sing, there should be no doubt he would place much higher in the ultimate Malmo event to come. We think the song is weak when compared to come others.
Croatia’s Mižerja
The selection of this ensemble reveals two things about Croatia. First, Croatian’s hate to lose. Secondly, there’s a lot of talent in that small Balkans paradise. You tell me. Listen carefully to Klapa S Mora, this is what Eurovision was originally about.
Cyprus’ Despina Olympiou
This year at Malmo the world will see maybe the contest’s best selection of artists of both male and female persuasions. Beautiful faces and voices may end up being the theme, after all. Along with this thought, listen to Despina perform An Me Thimasai.
Estonia’s Rolf Roosalu
Winning the final of Eesti Laul 2013 at the Nokia Concert Hall in Tallinn, Rolf Roosalu brings a classic vocal “With U” to this year’s Eurovision in Malmo. We leave it to you to discern his chances. Apparently his sixth time at the Estonia competition was the charm.
Finland’s Krista Siegfrids
A bit of Lady Gaga, a bit of Abba, and a hint of just about every female pop artist of the last 20 years is something bystanders may take notice of from the voice of Finland. Krista’s Marry Me will assuredly get her a few proposals, if not the overall Eurovision crown.
Greece’s Koza Mostra & Agathonas Iakovidis
Listening to this performance one has to wonder if being broke has not sent Greece into a sort of Zorba-like philosophy of WTF? Who could blame them, really? I find this fascinating song “Alcohol is Free” the most creative of the performances so far actually. Your thoughts?
Hungary’s András Kállay-Saunders
If Eurovision winners just had to be original and cool, even a little retro just to win, this jazzy artist would be a top contender. Listen to My Baby.
Latvia’s PeR
Latvia Rap? Well sort of. PeR is an energetic lot, but expect their fans to be the biggest beacon of enthusiasm at Malmo. Our opinions don’t matter more than yours, what do you think of “Here We Go”?
Lithuania’s Andrius Pojavis
Andrius is a bit Bowie-like in voice and presence. Whether or not the singer songwriter can woo the crowd at Malmo and online though? You decide.
Macedonia’s Esma Redzepova & Vlatko Lozanoski
The combination of talent exhibited by the legendary Esma and dynamic upstart Vlatko Lozanoski has to be in contention as the “sleeper” of this Malmo edition of Eurovision. But you are the judges.
Malta’s Gianluca Bezzina
A little big of James Taylor mixed with Phil Collins, well at least a lot of talent is evident in the sweet little song Tomorrow by Gianluca. If there is a criticism, the song could be a bit too much jungly.
The Netherlands’ Anouk
When she puts out a decent version of the song Birds for us to show you, we’ll show it. Not sure what is up in the Netherlands.
Russia’s Dina Garipova
If raw talent and voice had anything to do with Eurovision, there would be little need for the competition in Malmo, this wonderful artist would win hands down. Add to this the hopeful inspirational from Russia’s unsung (so far) gem. A prodogy who graduated from the legendary Zolotoy mikrofon, Garipova is, I must say, the biggest surprise our study of this year’s contest. Given the composition of this work, her pure talent, and Russia’s more recent emergence on the entertainment scene, anyone who watches this video has to consider…. “What If” ….
San Marino’s Valentina Monetta
When there is a video available we will provide you with.
Switzerland’s Heilsarmee
The Swiss national winners Heilsarmee offer up You and Me a la Abba except a tad more mundane. But that’s just our view, what about you?
Ukraine’s Zlata Ognevich
Almost as pleasantly surprising as Russia’s selection, Ukraine has a sure fire star for the Malmo event. Take a listen to another fabulous voice with Gravity.
There’s more of this year’s Eurovision contestants. We have already profiled many here on Argo, and will complete the roundup as selections are made and videos appear. For now, let us know your early favorites.