Poland's Eurovision 2021 singer Rafał Brzozowski chats with us about his song "The Ride". He says that he came across the song while working on his forthcoming album, which will celebrate his 10th year in the music industry as a solo performer. "I love the sound of retro and 80s, and the Weeknd or Dua Lipa, so I tried to call all of my friends." Among them was the Swedish songwriter Thomas Karlsson, who happened to have "The Ride" (demoed by co-writer Clara Rubensson). Later, when TVP put out a request to a select few artists for an energetic song, Rafał took his chance. "They called me back in two days and said, 'We love this song and The Ride is the one!'" Rafał says the song, which is about perseverance and picking yourself up, is weirdly reflective of his current situation following his split with Anną Tarnowską — his fiancé of eight years — despite being written by someone else with their own story. "It was not on purpose to write a song for me, but now I can say the song was waiting for me. For sure. 100%."

We also discuss the music video, which was filmed at the Neon Museum, located in Warsaw; his first live performance of the song on The Voice Kids of Poland; what it's like hosting Koło Fortuny (Wheel of Fortune) and Jaka to melodia? (Name That Tune); and his time as a wrestler (and why he chose music and entertainment instead).

Interviewer William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

The Wiwi Jury reviews North Macedonia's Eurovision 2021 entry "Here I Stand" by Vasil. Will he make it through the semi-finals and stand tall in the grand final on Saturday 22 May? Wiwiblogger Kristín thinks so, and writes: 

"I like this song. It's a cliché á la mode song but yet there is something charming and true about it. Vasil's genuine sincerity shines through and that definitely gives an otherwise plain song a much needed boost. It's about raw emotions, and that alone should be the main centrepiece on the Eurovision stage. Vasil is a diamond and must be protected at any cost. With any other singer, this would fall flat, butt Vasil brings that extra kick to the table."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/30/wiwi-jury-north-macedonia-vasil-here-i-stand/263595/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams​ Suzanne - https://www.instagram.com/suzadams1/​ Lucy - https://www.instagram.com/lucyeapercy/

The Black Mamba will sing "Love Is On My Side" for Portugal at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. But is love on their side enough to make it through to the grand final on Saturday 22 May? The Wiwi Jury discuss. In his review, wiwiblogger Josh writes: 

"This song has a good consistent groove that maintains its mood all the way through, and the lyrics feel deeply personal. Lead singer Pedro has the X factor — his unique voice and eccentric style are ear- and eye-catching. I think it has the opportunity to do better than many think it will."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/30/wiwi-jury-portugal-the-black-mamba-love-is-on-my-side/263598/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

Fyr & Flamme will represent Denmark at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam with their song "Øve os på hinanden". But will they sashay their way into the grand final? The Wiwi Jury dicusss Jesper and Laurits' chances of Eurovision victory. Wiwiblogger Pablo writes:

"On a landscape full of singers evoking the eighties into a modern age, Fyr & Flamme unapologetically bring every single aspect of the music scene of the period to today: the good, the kitsch, the garish. Coupled with amazing lyrics and a solid Italo-disco beat, this is authentic, creative and a big risk for a country that usually plays it safe. 'Øve os på hinanden” is a very welcome addition to the lineup and a bold, stark and colourful reminder of where current musical trends originated."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/29/wiwi-jury-denmark-fyr-flamme-ove-os-pa-hinanden/263580/ 

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features: 

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

The Wiwi Jury review Slovenia's Eurovision 2021 entry "Amen" by Ana Soklic. Will she find the light and shine through in the grand final? Wiwiblogger Julian writes: 

"Oh Lord, what a voice. We already knew Ana’s big voice and her range but 'Amen' definitely shows her voice at the next level! The song builds beautifully into a big chorus and a gospel choir supports her, elevating the song even more. Do not underestimate Ana!"

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://admin5.podbean.com/wiwibloggs/episodes/form

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Jonathan - https://www.instagram.com/jonathanvautrey​ Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl

Let the church say "Amen"! Vincent Bueno will sing for Austria at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. But will he make it all the way to the grand final on Saturday 22 March? The Wiwi Jury discuss. In her review, wiwiblogger Kristín says: 

"'Amen' takes a little while to sink in, but once it does, there is no going back. Vincent brought a straight-up dance banger last year, but now he’s calmer and perhaps a little more sincere.  It’s a mesmerising song, jam-packed with soul and emotions and deserves much more love from the masses."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/28/wiwi-jury-austria-vincent-bueno-amen/263572/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Suzanne - https://www.instagram.com/suzadams1/​ Oliver - https://www.instagram.com/reviloadams​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl​

The Wiwi Jury reviews Ireland's Eurovision 2021 entry "Maps" by Lesley Roy. Will she find her way into the grand final on 22 May, or will Lesley Roy be making her way back home? The Wiwi Jury discuss. Wiwiblogger Oliver had this to say:

"Lesley Roy showcases layers upon layers of emotional depth here. Even with its distinct Irish sound, “Maps” has a universal appeal. Forging your own path, connecting to your roots and finding strength in weakness — these themes will resonate with audiences around the world. The rich selection of instrumentation contrasts with the light raspy tones of Lesley’s vocal as she cuts through the orchestral textures to maintain that signature pop-punk feel we all fell in love with last year. A burst of serotonin and a truly joyous listen, this is a superb entry from Ireland."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/28/wiwi-jury-ireland-lesley-roy-maps/263588/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - http://twitter.com/willyleeadams Lucy - http://twitter.com/JeMappellePercyCinan - http://twitter.com/cinansdl Padraig - http://twitter.com/JustPadraig

Uku Suviste will sing for Estonia at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. The question is, will he be "The Lucky One" and make it all the way to the grand final on 22 May? The Wiwi Jury discuss. Wiwiblogger Renske had this to say: 

"'The Lucky One' connotes a type of fight song. For once, it’s about a man who notices that his lover is perhaps not truly trustworthy, showing a moment of vulnerability. Surrounded by an addictive drumbeat, Uku Suviste delivers his best song yet. A New Wave bronze medalist and a The Voice of Russia semi-finalist, Uku stays one of the stronger male vocalists this year."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/26/wiwi-jury-estonia-uku-suviste-the-lucky-one/263581/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - http://twitter.com/willyleeadamsJonathan - http://twitter.com/JonathanVautreyOliver - http://twitter.com/AlphaOliver_Cinan - http://twitter.com/cinansdl

Blas Cantó will sing "Voy a quedarme" for Spain at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. Will he bring his country its first Eurovision victory since the 1960s? The Wiwi Jury dicuss. Wiwiblogger Deban writes: 

"The Spanish singer vocally navigates between octaves, whilst conveying deep emotions of love, sorrow and loss. Although he sings in his native tongue, he touches on themes that resonate beyond borders. On first listen, this is heartwarming. On repeat spins, the complexities unfurl —he sounds good, and looks good too."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/25/wiwi-jury-spain-blas-canto-voy-a-quedarme/263604/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Deban - http://instagram.com/deban_deban​ Diego - https://www.instagram.com/diegopinpa/​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl/​

Elena Tsagrinou will sing "El Diablo" for Cyprus at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam. Is she headed to the grand final on 22 May? The Wiwi Jury discuss. Wiwiblogger Pablo writes:

"Cyprus has returned to their roots of female dance tracks! While 'El Diablo' might not be reinventing anything new, what it excels at is the replay factor. This track lends itself to plenty of re-listens without getting stale. Between its addictive lines and creepy-but-edgy spectral children’s choir bridge, it really presents itself as greater than the actual sum of its parts. A good result is possible if that confidence is exploited to its maximum potential."

You can read our full review on the wiwibloggs website: https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/04/25/wiwi-jury-cyprus-elena-tsagrinou-el-diablo/263578/

This episode of the wiwibloggs podcast features:

William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams​ Lucy - http://twitter.com/jemappellepercy​ Cinan - https://www.instagram.com/cinansdl/​ Padraig - https://www.instagram.com/justpadraig/