Eurovision 2011: Ireland: Jedward

Ireland has chosen the twin brothers, Jedward, to sing Lipstick at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.

The song was selected through a 50/50 public/jury vote on February 11 as part of Ireland's Late, Late Show where the five finalists were presented. Jedward performed second in the line-up, and much of the publicity surrounding the Irish national selection put the duo as clear favourites to win.

The former UK X-Factor contestants first came into the spotlight on the reality show, and once they were voted off landed an Irish Number 1 and UK Number 2 single collaborating with One Hit Wonder, Vanilla Ice, on Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby).

Lipstick is what you might expect from Jedward: a lively, uptempo number with an instant hook. The performance is frantic and crazy and will, no doubt, either suck in the Eurovision audience or freak them out with their look and sound.

With a strong Europop beat, the song will undoubtedly garner lots of votes and see Ireland on stage on Final night. My prediction is that Jedward should secure a Top 5 placing.

So, what do you think of Ireland's song choice?

Eurovision 2011: The Netherlands: 3JS

The Netherlands has chosen the song Je vecht nooit alleen, sung by the band 3JS as its entry for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. The band has become immensely popular in its homeland, with its first three albums registering in the Dutch Top 10.

Following the Netherlands disastrous results in recent years, 3JS was picked as the country's representative last summer. After submitting several songs, Je vecht nooit alleen (You Will Never Fight Alone) was chosen from a 50/50 public/jury vote. It will be performed in the first half of the second semi-final.

Well, at last The Netherlands comes up with a contemporary sound instead of its recent dismal journeys into Eurovision hell. This actually sounds like a song that you could hear on the radio right now, and one that could easily grow over time.

While it is sung in Dutch (wondering whether there will be an English version?), it rolls along nicely in a slightly country/pop vein.

If there is any justice, 2011 should see The Netherlands back in the Final.

What are your thoughts about the Dutch entry?

Eurovision 2011: Albania: Aurela Gaçe

Aurela Gaçe will be singing the song for Albania at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. Called Kënga ime, translated as My Song, Ms Gaçe will be the first to present a song when she sings in the first half of the first semi-final on May 10.

Having heard Kënga ime  several times, I have to say I'm not hearing a natural hook, but it might be one of those songs which grows over time. It's possible she may sing it in English, but as yet, this has been undecided. Had I heard an English version, maybe the song would have made more of an impact.

As it is, if you like drama and a singer that verges on shouting, then you will probably go for this one. However, the song already has a slight disadvantage having been placed first in the semi-final running order.

Aurela Gace - Kenga ime - Eurovision Albania 2011

What do you think of Albania's song?

Eurovision 2011: Romania: Hotel FM

Hotel FM by EurovisionRomania (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Romania has selected its song for The Eurovision Song Contest 2011. It is called Change and will be performed by trio Hotel FM, led by British singer David Bryan.

The song has a very familiar feel to it, with Bryan singing of how he and others can change their worlds and the how dreams can be fulfilled. Sung in English, it takes the usual Eurovision route of repeating a catchy chorus throughout. Somehow, in its construction, it reminds me of the Danish entry from 2008: Simon Mathew with All Night Long.

All in all, it's not a bad song and it shouldn't have trouble getting to the Final. It will be performed in the second half of the second semi-final on May 12.

What are your thoughts about the Romanian entry?

Eurovision 2011: Switzerland: Anna Rossinelli

Switzerland is the first nation to decide upon its song for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The country has chosen In Love For A While, which will be sung by vocalist Anna Rossinelli. It will be performed in the first half of the first semi-final to be held on May 10.

The song is a jaunty number with a catchy rhythm, sung in English. Having seen the video, it appears that Switzerland may be trying for the "Lena" factor, with the song and Ms Rossinelli's appearance and demeanour somewhat reminiscent of last year's German winner.

Is it strong enough to reach the Final? Tough to tell without having heard many of its contenders, but I've a feeling that it is a little too lightweight to progress past the semi-final stage.

What do you think?