For my next blog, I will be reviewing the entries from the Caucasus nations. All three nations have participated for less than 20 years, but all have delivered some unforgettable entries. Let’s see what they have in store for this year:
ARMENIA 🇦🇲
Performer: Ladaniva
Song: “Jako”
Of all the Caucasus nations, Armenia is the nation that has most included culture in their Eurovision entries. Some entries have included Armenians from other parts of the world. This year’s entry, the group Ladaniva, is originally from France and they mix mostly Balkan, Armenian and Malviya folklore. It’s obvious as the song “Jako” is possibly the most ethnic song Armenia has sent. This song really lets all of its energy out! It’s a song that I’ve been liking more with each listen.
ESC Chances: Have you noticed this year has had more entries with ethnic flare than most years?I know ethnic entries do well at Eurovision, but I also have noticed more Eurovision voters have been comfortable with ethnopop rather than entries closer to the more raw ethnic sounds. This song has a lot to like and it has be gaining in a lot of appeal and a lot of YouTube votes. I feel this has good chances of qualifying for the Grand Final. Its finish in the final is still a question.
AZERBAIJAN 🇦🇿
Performers: Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov
Song: “Özünlə apar”
Right now seems to be a new era for Azerbaijan at Eurovision. Instead of relying on Swedish, Dutch or Greek song writers as they did in the past, they’re now having their own talents do all the effort. This year’s entry, “Özünlə apar,” was written by the singer Fahree and four other Azerbaijani writers. This is Azerbaijan’s most ethnic entry since 2009’s “Always.” The song mixes Azerbaijani melodies and modern dance beats. Fahree also delivers a mix of pop vocals with ethnic wails. The song is quite mystic and I’m starting to like it more with each listen.
ESC Chances: There was a time Azerbaijan really wanted to excel at Eurovision. That explains why they hired those Swedish songwriters. That plan did work to excellence at first as it took them to five straight Top 5 finishes and winning in 2011, but that plan ran out starting in 2014. Doing things themselves should not be a barrier. Azerbaijan has the talent. The question is can they do it? They’re in a tight semifinal and the odds don’t look good right now. Mind you surprise results do happen at Eurovision.
GEORGIA 🇬🇪
Performer: Nutsa
Song: “Firefighter”
Many nations are looking to get their first win. Georgia is a nation that would be happy even if they finished higher than ninth: their best-ever finish! The last six Contests have been depressing with Georgia not qualifying for the Grand Final. This year they’re represented by Nutsa Buzaladze whose had an active career since she was 16. Her song is about saving a troubled relationship. It is one pop song that will get your attention. It’s loaded with energy and Nutsa’s vocal abilities really get heard a lot throughout the song.
ESC Chances: It’s obvious here Georgia has had it with not qualifying to the Grand Final. There used to be a time when Georgia had no problem qualifying. Nutsa looked poised to give Georgia its first Grand Final qualification since 2016. She has the song and the vocals, and she showed in the video she can dance. The right stageshow will be make-or-break. One thing about last year’s staging. Iru had a chance in qualifying but when it became as case of everything out at once and nothing to bring it home with, I think that’s how they lost it. Hopefully this year, the right staging and a dead-on show from Nutsa can end the curse.
And there you go. There’s my look at this year’s Eurovision entries from the Caucasus nations. All that’s remaining is one last blog. The excitement for the Contest sure is building, isn’t it?
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