#Susanne Georgi

[useless-catalanfacts]

Why does Andorra not participate in Eurovision anymore?

Andorra participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, but it has never come back since.

-

What happened?

In 2004, ATV (Andorra’s public TV channel) sent Marta Roure, who sang in the Catalan language for the first time in Eurovision history. Catalan is the native language of Andorra, but also of the rest of the Catalan Countries: Catalonia, the Valencian Country and la Franja in the state of Spain; Northern Catalonia in the state of France, and the city of l’Alguer in Italy. ATV didn’t have enough money to send a participant alone, but Andorra wanted to take part in the contest and to promote their language (Catalan) and culture.

For these reasons, they decided to partner with TV3, the public TV channel of Catalonia. This makes sense, given that it’s part of the same nation, with the same language, and Catalonia has a bigger population and a music industry that’s a bit more developed, and TV3 has more money than ATV because of its population and size. The contest to choose who would be sent was made in collaboration between ATV and TV3 and aired simultaneously in both TV channels.

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Spain’s threat to not air Andorra’s song

When TVE (the Spanish TV) saw that Andorra was working with Catalonia and one of Andorra’s purposes for participating in ESC was to promote Andorra’s language (Catalan), the director board of TVE threatened that they would not air Andorra’s performance because they considered it was a way for Catalan people to be present in Eurovision, which they didn’t think should be allowed. Basically, TVE would air the whole contest as usual, but cut to commercials when Andorra performed as if they did not exist.

After negotiations, the directors of TVE did not change their mind, but for unrelated reasons the director was changed in April 2004. The new directors didn’t care as much about Andorra’s participation and they decided to air the whole festival.

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Andorra’s results and TVE’s meddling

Andorra’s songs never did well in the classifications, they never had enough votes to pass to the final. The change arrived in 2009, the song chosen was “Get a life / La teva decisió” by the Andorran-Danish singer Susanne Georgi. After its release before Eurovision, the song was a success in Andorra and in the state of Spain. The hopes were high for the song receiving many votes!

But, last minute, TVE (Spain’s TV) decided to not air live the Eurovision semi-final where Andorra was taking part. TVE decided to record the semi-final and air it on a different day. This means that Spanish citizens (including most Catalan people), who could have voted for Andorra, had no way to watch the semi-final and, as a result, they could not vote.

Once again, Andorra didn’t get to the final. And this was when they thought they had a chance with a successful song! After this, Andorra has never come back to the song contest. The fact that they never qualified for the final, Spain’s continuous meddling, and the high economic cost of participating in ESC (which is very difficult to afford for a microstate’s TV) grew even more difficult with the economical crisis that was starting in all the continent.

However, Andorra has always maintained that they would like to come back to ESC.

Andorra has been the only country to sing in the Catalan language in ESC. Even though most Catalan-speaking territories are under Spanish rule and about 10,000,000 Catalan speakers live in the state of Spain, Spain has never sent a song in Catalan. In fact, when they chose the Catalan singer Joan Manuel Serrat in 1968, he said he would sing the song (called “La, la, la”) in Catalan. Then, the Spanish TV decided to take him out of the contest because they would only allow songs in Spanish. The song was given to the Spanish singer Masiel, who sang the same song in Spanish and won the Eurovision Song Contest 1968. Spain has never sent a single song in one of the languages of the territories its state occupies, even when some like Catalan and Galician have millions of speakers, and Basque has hundreds of thousands.

[eurovision-facts]

Eurovision Fact #754:

Susanne Georgi's song "La Teva Decisió (Get A Life)," which represented Andorra in 2009, had lyrics written by five different people, with its Catalan lyrics written only by one individual, Josep Roca Vila.

[Source]

Participants of Moscow 2009: Susanne Georgi, Eurovision.tv.

[insanityclause]

EXCLUSIVE: One year ago we told you that a second season of John le Carré adaptation The Night Manager was quietly being developed under the codename Steelworks.

Now, Deadline can reveal that the BBC and new co-pro partner Amazon have gone big on a supercharged two-season order of the thriller, with Tom Hiddleston returning to lead, Hugh Laurie coming back as EP and with a new director in I Hate Suzie’s Georgi Banks-Davies. A third season has also been greenlit. David Farr returns as writer and Stephen Garrett is showrunner.

The Night Manager Season 2 will begin filming later this year and will pick up with Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine eight years after the explosive finale of Season 1, going beyond the original book, which was written by the celebrated British writer in 1993. Additional plot details are being kept under wraps and there is not yet confirmation as to whether EP Laurie’s Richard Roper, who was last seen in the back of a paddy wagon driven by arms buyers who were not best pleased with him, will return to star. Hiddleston will also EP and will discuss in more depth on tonight’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Produced by The Ink Factory in association with Character 7, Demarest Films and 127 Wall, and in co-production with Spanish partner Nostromo Pictures, The Night Manager Season 2 was sold to Amazon by Fifth Season. The first was co-produced with AMC.

New director Banks-Davies, a BAFTA-nominee who takes over from Susanne Bier, has credits including I Hate Suzie, Garfield and upcoming Netflix series Kaos.

The Night Manager Season 1 was a huge success, watched by millions and winning multiple BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes including best actor for Hiddleston. Also starring Tom Hollander, Olivia Colman and Elizabeth Debicki, it followed Pine – who ran a luxury hotel in Cairo – as he attempted to infiltrate the inner circle of Roper’s crime syndicate after being hired by Foreign Office task force manager Angela Burr.

The first season was commissioned more than 10 years ago and the show has since been remade in India, lapping the UK version by swiftly having a Season 2 greenlit for Disney+ Hotstar in May last year.

Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, le Carré’s sons who run The Ink Factory, said Season 1 proved “a landmark moment for the golden era of television – uniting on-screen and behind-the-camera talent at the top of their game – and an audience reception which was beyond our wildest imagining.”

They added: “Revisiting the story of Pine also means going beyond the events of John le Carré’s original work: that is a decision we have not taken lightly, but his compelling characters and the vision David has for their next chapter were irresistible.”

Amazon MGM Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders said: “We are elated to bring additional seasons of The Night Manager to our Prime Video customers. The combination of terrific source material, the wonderful team at The Ink Factory, a great writer in David Farr, an award-winning director in Georgi Banks-Davies, as well as the talented cast truly make the series the full package.”

Hiddleston said: “The first series of The Night Manager was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I have ever worked on. The depth, range and complexity of Jonathan Pine was, and remains, a thrilling prospect.”

BBC content boss Charlotte Moore added: “After years of fervent speculation I’m incredibly excited to confirm that The Night Manager is returning to the BBC for two more series.”

The Night Manager series two is created and executive produced by Farr, based on the characters created by le Carré. Additional executive producers include Garrett for Character 7, Banks-Davies, Laurie and Hiddleston; Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang for 127 Wall; Stephen and Simon Cornwell, Michele Wolkoff, and Tessa Inkelaar for The Ink Factory; Adrián Guerra for Nostromo Pictures; William D. Johnson for Demarest Films, Nick Cornwell, Susanne Bier, Chris Rice for Fifth Season and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC.

[uhlikzsuzsanna]

The BBC and Prime Video have announced further cast joining Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager, which was recently announced to return for two new series. Made by the award-winning London and LA-based independent studio The Ink Factory (The Pigeon Tunnel, The Little Drummer Girl) in association with Character 7, Demarest Films and 127 Wall, and in co-production with Spanish partner Nostromo Pictures, series two will star Diego Calva (Babylon, Narcos: Mexico) and Emmy Award nominee Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six) alongside Indira Varma (Obsession, Obi-Wan Kenobi), Paul Chahidi (Wicked Little Letters, The Serpent Queen), and Hayley Squires (Adult Material, Beau Is Afraid).

The new series of The Night Manager will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and, outside of the UK, globally on Prime Video, in a deal negotiated by FIFTH SEASON, which is handling global distribution of the series.

Inspired by the characters in John le Carré’s best-selling novel, the upcoming second series will once again be written by show creator David Farr and will be helmed by BAFTA winning director Georgi Banks-Davies (I Hate Suzie, Paper Girls). Tom Hiddleston (Loki, The Essex Serpent) reprises his celebrated role as Jonathan Pine, eight years after the explosive finale of series one.

Series two director Georgi Banks-Davies says: “I wrote my dream list of actors to join The Night Manager, and I can’t quite believe that I am now welcoming that list of talent to the show. What an incredible cast joining the brilliant Tom Hiddleston for this next chapter… I cannot wait to get them in front of the camera now and see the magic come to life.”

The acclaimed first series of The Night Manager was nominated for more than 30 awards and won multiple BAFTAs, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes – including Best Actor for Tom Hiddleston. Commissioned by the BBC, in the UK it was watched by more than 10 million viewers, making it one of 2016’s most watched TV shows.

The Night Manager series two is created and executive produced by David Farr, based on the characters created by John le Carré. Further executive producers include lead non-writing EP Stephen Garrett for Character 7, Georgi Banks-Davies, Hugh Laurie, and Tom Hiddleston; Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang for 127 Wall; Stephen and Simon Cornwell, Michele Wolkoff, and Tessa Inkelaar for The Ink Factory; Adrián Guerra for Nostromo Pictures; William D. Johnson for Demarest Films, Nick Cornwell, Susanne Bier, Chris Rice for FIFTH SEASON and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC. The series is produced by The Ink Factory in association with Character 7, Demarest Films and 127 Wall, and in co-production with Nostromo Pictures.

The Night Manager series one is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

[aijamisespava]

One Final ESC 2023 Thought: Favorite Songs From Each Country (participating AND non-participating)!

AAAAA I'M SO SORRY FOR DISAPPEARING OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH FOR A WHILE! I just...never got around to my finale before we get to some fun Junior Eurovision 2023/Eurovision 2024 stuff! So here is my finale: Where I share my favorite songs from each country in Eurovision from 2009 to the present.

So, how is this going to work? I'm going alphabetically because it's easier to do it like that. I'm giving you my top 2 from each country, but not the placements. If you want those, they're on the Eurovision website (I will put the year down though). Now, let's get to it!

Albania: "World" by Lindita (2017)/"Ktheju Tokës" by Jonida Maliqi (2019)

Andorra: "La Teva Decisió (Get A Life)" by Susanne Georgi (2009)

Armenia: "Future Lover" by Brunette (2023)/"Not Alone" by Aram MP3 (2014)

Australia: "Promise" by Voyager (2023)/"Sound Of Silence" by Dami Im (2016)

Austria: "Who The Hell Is Edgar?" by Teya & Salena (2023)/"I Am Yours" by The MakeMakes (2015)

Azerbaijan: "Hold Me" by Farid Mammadov (2013)/"Fade To Black" by Nadir Rustalmi (2022)

Belarus: "Forever" by Alekseev (2018)/"Eyes That Never Lie" by Petr Elfimov (2009)

Belgium: "Rhythm Inside" by Loïc Nottet (2015)/"The Wrong Place" by Hooverphonic (2021)

Bosnia & Herzegovina: "Korake Ti Znam" by Maya Sar (2012)/"Ljubav Je" by Jalal & Deen/Ana Rucner/Jala (2016)

Bulgaria: "If Love Was A Crime"/"Na Inat" both by Poli Genova (2016 & 2011 respectively)

Croatia: "Guilty Pleasure" by Mia Dimsic (2022)/"Tick Tock" by Albina (2021)

Cyprus: "Alter Ego" by Minus-One (2016)/"El Diablo" by Elena Tsagrinou (2021)

Czechia: "Lights Off" by Domi (2022)/"My Sister's Crown" by Vesna (2023)

Denmark: Øve Os På Hinanden" by Fyr og Flamme (2021)/"Only Teardrops" by Emmelie de Forest (2013)

Estonia: "Goodbye To Yesterday" by Elina Born & Stig Rastä (2015)/"Rändajad" by Urban Symphony (2009)

Finland: "Something Better" by Softengine (2014)/"Jezebel" by The Rasmus (2022)

France: "L'enfer et moi" by Amandine Bourgeois (2013)/"Évidemment" by La Zarra (2023)

Georgia: "Warrior" by Nina Sublatti (2015)/"Echo" by Iru (2023)

Germany: "Taken By A Stranger" by Lena (2011)/"Ghost" by Jamie-Lee (2016)

Greece: "Die Together" by Amanda Tenfjord (2022)/"Aphrodisiac" by Eleftheria Eleftheriou (2012)

Hungary: "What About My Dreams?" by Kati Wolf (2011)/"Running" by Andra Kallay-Saunders (2014)

Iceland: "Hear Them Calling" by Greta Salome (2016)/"10 Years" by Daði Freyr (2021)

Ireland: "Playing With Numbers" by Molly Sterling (2015)/"That's Rich" by Brooke (2022)

Israel: "Same Heart" by Mei Finegold (2014)/"Rak Bishvilo" by Moran Mazor (2013)

Italy: "La Mia Città" by Emma (2014)/"ZITTI E BUONI" by Måneskin (2021)

Latvia: "Aijā" by Sudden Lights (2023)/"Love Injected" by Aminata (2015)

Lithuania: "Stay" by Monika Linkyte (2023)/"Discoteque" by The Roop (2021)

*can't wait to see Luxembourg next year!!!*

Malta: "This Is The Night" by Kurt Calleja (2012)/"Je Me Casse" by Destiny (2021)

Moldova: "O Mie" by Aliona Moon (2013)/"Run Away" by Sunstroke Project & Olia Tira (2010)

Montenegro: "Adio" by Knez (2015)/"Breathe" by Vladana (2022)

Netherlands: "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence (2019) *CONGRATS ON 1B SPOTIFY STREAMS!*/"De Diepte" by S10 (2022)

North Macedonia: "Crno I Belo" by Kaliopi (2012)/"Jas Ja Imam Silata" by Gjoko Taneski (2010)

Norway: "Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak (2009)/"Queen Of Kings" by Alessandra (2023)

Poland: "Flashlight" by Kasia Moś (2017)/"River" by Ochman (2022)

Portugal: "Amar Pelos Dois" by Salvador Sobral (2017)/"Vida Minha" by Filipa Sousa (2012)

Romania: "Playing With Fire" by Paula Seling & Ovi (2010)/"Amnesia" by Roxen (2021)

*I would like to look into which artists do NOT support the war before sharing my favorites for Russia*

San Marino: "Adrenalina" by Senhit & Flo Rida (2021)/"Stand By" by Senhit (2011) *yes...same artist 10 years apart*

Serbia: "Samo Mi Se Spava" by Luke Black (2023)/"Goodbye (Shelter)" by Sanja Vučić ZAA (2016)

Slovakia: "Horehronie" by Kristina Pelakova (2010)/"Don't Close Your Eyes" by Max Jason Mai (2012)

Slovenia: "Carpe Diem" by Joker Out (2023)/"No One" by Maja Keuc (2011)

Spain: "Quedate Conmigo" by Pastora Soler (2012)/"Dancing In The Rain" by Ruth Lorenzo (2014)

Sweden: "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw (2015)/"Popular" by Eric Saade (2011)

Switzerland: "Tout l'univers"/"Répondez-moi" both by Gjon's Tears (2021 & 2020 respectively)

Turkey: "We Could Be The Same" by maNga (2010)/"Dum Tek Tek" by Hadise (2009)

Ukraine: "Under The Ladder" by Mélovin (2018)/"Time" by O. Torvald (2017)

United Kingdom: "I Wrote A Song" by Mae Muller (2023)/"Never Give Up On You" by Lucie Jones (2017)

Thank you so much for joining me this year! Looking forward to the new year of Eurovision stuff!

[irkimatsu]

Hello, I would like to ask a question about Eurovision. Are there any artists from previous competitions that you particularly liked ? What did you continue to listen to ? :)

When it comes to artists I discovered because of Eurovision and kept up with, my big one (ha) is Little Big. Oh my god I love Little Big. It is a crime that Eurovision 2020 never happened, because "Uno" is wonderful, and they have so much other good stuff - "Rock Paper Scissors", "Go Bananas", "Hypnodancer", "Suck My Dick 2020"... they're so much fun, I love them to pieces. I also spent some time with a Sergey Lazarev best-of after the 2016 contest - now I wanna listen to that again. I remember really liking "In My Lonely Life" and "Take It Off". (Wasn't too keen on "Scream", though. It's... fine.) I also really, really need to listen to more KeiiNO and Go_A, I love what little I've heard from both but haven't properly sat down with their discographies yet.

There's also plenty of Eurovision competitors I loved before I started following the contest, including Vanilla Ninja, t.A.t.U, and Scooch. (Yes, I said Scooch. Fight me, I love my bubblegum.) And Cascada and ABBA, of course, who doesn't love Cascada and ABBA? When it comes to competitors who are members of groups I listen to, you've got Susanne Georgi (Me & My) and Daz Sampson (Bus Stop, among other things). I have rhythm games to thank for a lot of these - you don't grow up obsessed with DDR in the early-to-mid 2000's, then all of a sudden start apologizing for Me & My and Bus Stop. Not happening. Kick The Can, man. (The Eurovision version of "Teenage Life" is so annoying, though, and technically shouldn't have even been allowed to enter the contest because the Spacekats version was posted as a free online download about a year prior. I wouldn't call that version good, exactly, but it's hilariously cheesy, and that's what I go to Daz Sampson for. There's your fun little trivia for the day!)

[scarletarosa]

I love your taste in almost everything and I have huge trust in it. Mind suggesting some good music?🥰

Oh you are asking me a very good question that I will go overboard with. So here is my very long list of music recommendations:

(I put links for the ones I had easily on-hand)

Songs for feeling strange and otherworldly:

Darken Her Horse - Austra

Carrion Flowers - Chelsea Wolfe

T - Iamamiwhoami

Changelings - Gazelle Twin

Lullaby - The Cure

La Sonadora - Enya

16 Psyche - Chelsea Wolfe

The Crossing - Hagalaz Runedance

Pale On Pale - Chelsea Wolfe

Shapeshifter - Elephant

Two Planets - Bat for Lashes

Vessel - Zola Jesus

The Other - Aythis

The Wolf - Fever Ray

Krataia Asterode - Daemonia Nymphe

Trollabundin - Eivor

If I Had A Heart - Fever Ray

The Ghost Woman and the Hunter - Lacuna Coil

Blue - A Perfect Circle

Insects - Susanne Sundfor

Sur l’ocean couleur de fer - Alcest

Havens - Alcest 

Father Father - Susanne Sundfor

Nowhere - The Birthday Massacre

Dominant - Emilie Autumn

Cry Little Sister - Marilyn Manson

A Smaller God - Darling Violetta

Grot - St. Vincent

Virgin - Perfume Tree

Open Again - Thom Yorke

Songs that embody power:

Mein Teil - Rammstein

March of Mephisto - Kamelot

Demon Dance - Julian Winding

Sex Metal Barbie - In This Moment

Ready To Blow - KMFDM

A Little Wicked - Valerie Broussard

Forbidden City - Tina Guo

Romanticide - Nightwish

Rule The World - Kamelot

The Zodiac - Kamelot

Battle Ready - Otep

Eternal Night - Tina Guo

Rev. 22-20 - Puscifer

Undertaker - Puscifer

Professional Killer - KMFDM

The Passion and the Opera - Nightwish

I Want To Fuck You To Death - Huntress

Confrontation - Otep

Nothing Stands in Our Way - Lacuna Coil

Survive - Lacuna Coil

Murder - Within Temptation

New American Century - KMFDM

Army of Me - Pixie Killz

Indestructible - Disturbed

Warrior - Disturbed

Sexual Music:

Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge

Closer - Nine Inch Nails

Adrenalize - In This Moment

Magdalena - A Perfect Circle

Violator - Son of Rust

Sea of Sin - Depeche Mode

You Spin Me Round - Dope

Body Electric - Lana Del Rey

Behind the Wheel - Depeche Mode

Blue Monday - Health

Symphonic Metal:

The Passion and the Opera - Nightwish

March of Mephisto - Kamelot

The Heart of Everything - Within Temptation

RavenLight - Kamelot

The Other Side - Sirenia

My Mind’s Eye - Sirenia

While Your Lips Are Still Red - Nightwish

Sleepwalker - Nightwish

Sanctus Espiritus - Within Temptation

Instrumental, Classical, and Opera:

Ai! Laurië Lantar - The Tolkien Ensemble

Havens - Alcest

Evenstar - Howard Shore

Extravaganza - Charlie Mole

Forbidden City - Tina Guo

Lacrimosa - Mozart

Scheherazade - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov 

Music of Medieval England

Ancient Civilizations Music

Italian Medieval Dances

Lana Del Rey (Medieval Style) 

Queen of the Night - Mozart

Empire of Angels - Thomas Bergersen

Elven Oratory - Lind Erebos

Evergreen - Two Steps From Hell

Venus - Gustav Holst

Reverie - Ivan Torrent

Time - Hans Zimmer

Etc.:

Christian Woman - Type O Negative

Rev 22-20 - Pucsifer

A Little Wicked - Valerie Broussard

Follow Me Down - The Pretty Reckless

Sick Like Me - In This Moment

Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby -Cigarettes After Sex

Extreme Ways - Moby

Counting Bodies Like Sheep - A Perfect Circle

Six Shooter - Coyote Kisses

Darkest of Hearts - Black River Delta

Serpent’s Embrace - Agathodaimon

Whisper - Evanescence 

Blue Dress - Depeche Mode

Unmade - Thom Yorke

Suspirium - Thom Yorke

As the World Falls Down - David Bowie

Forsaken - David Draiman

Djin - Mashrou’ Leila

Halo - Depeche Mode

Analyse - Thom Yorke

Gravity of Love - Enigma

Confide in Me - Miss Sammy J

All Over Again - Georgi Kay

Crystalline - The Midnight

Vampires - The Midnight

Jason - The Midnight

Sega Genesis - Trevor Something

I Won’t Tell You - Lacuna Coil

Putting Out Fire - David Bowie

Der Kommisar - After the Fire

Swamped - Lacuna Coil

The Politics of Dancing - Re-Flex

My Favourite Game - The Cardigans 

Runaljod - Wardruna

New Divide - Linkin Park

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring

Passive - A Perfect Circle

[hedonistbyheart]

Okay, in light of new events, I'm modifying my wishes for a Susanne CLarke-esque tma ending to be: Jon goes back to his post-unknowing coma in order to reset the world and is then forever doomed to only exist in his statement-givers' nightmares (which, awfully, includes both Martin and Georgie).

[dorfgefluester-nord-elm]

Team “Sammeln”

Die Geschichte unseres Dorfes - inspiriert durch gesammelte Requisiten im Dorf (Renzo, Susanne)

Aus Vielem wird Eins - Skulpturen aus Fundstücken (Katja, Bhzad)

Renzo Solórzano, Hildesheim

Susanne Wiszinski, Frellstedt

Katja Georgi, Süpplingenburg

Bhzad Abdi, Frellstedt

[mexicaneurolover]

Eurovision 2009 my top 42

Hello, and welcome to another episode of this ESC top series, and I go back to May 12, 14 and 16, 2009, when the 54th edition of the contest was held in Moscow, Russia, after Dima Bilan’s victory in Belgrade last year. 42 countries took part, while San Marino withdrew and Georgia was disqualified because of a breach of the contest rules, Slovakia returned to the contest after their last showing in 1998. This year is known as the one when the juries returned, making 50% of the final score together with the televote, this year it was only implemented on the final, but in next years they were introduced on the semis as well. The contest was won by Norway and Alexander Rybak with the song Fairytale, making this their 3rd win overall and also he set a record number of points and a record for the most 12 points, so it was a very smashing victory. Also the stage was so stunning and big, I love that stage so much. And now, let’s review the songs!

1st Place: NORWAY/Alexander Rybak-Fairytale (Real Placing: 1st-387 points)

This guy has one of my favorite songs of all time, and it’s timeless, the music is so pretty, the lyrics resume my love life and he’s so cute, the performance is a truly fairytale and after many listens throughout the years, I never get tired of it. 

2nd Place: FRANCE/Patricia Kaas-Et si’l fallait le faire (Real Placing: 8th-107 points) 

This is such a masterpiece, her voice is so wonderful, I’m in love with it and her pronunciation, the music is like something out of a French movie, and it’s stunning, the performance is perfect and she’s such a classy singer. A lot of passion and feeling in this song, 

3rd Place: ICELAND/Yohanna-Is it true? (Real Placing: 2nd-218 points)

Well, this song is so heartbreaking because of the lyrics, her voice is so good, the performance is cute with that dress and the background, the music is so pretty and it’s a very enjoyable song, such a precious ballad and Yohanna is so beautiful as well. This in 2010 would’ve been better, sadly, that’s just a fairytale, and she was beaten by a fairytale as well. 

4th Place: UNITED KINGDOM/Jade Ewen-It’s my time (Real Placing: 5th-173 points) 

A magical ballad out of a Broadway musical, her voice is simply angelic, the music is stunning, beautiful, the staging is gorgeous, she’s beautiful and it’s the best UK entry of the decade for me. This has a very nice building and it finished with class and elegance. Simply beautiful. 

5th Place: AZERBAIJAN/AySel & Arash-Always (Real Placing: 3rd-207 points)

This is what I call an Azerbaijani song, this mends the damage they did to myself last year, this song is catchy, modern, dancy, it’s such a perfect song and it has ethnic sounds as well. They sing nice, the performance is so wonderful and I’m in love with it. 

6th Place: ESTONIA/Urban Symphony-Rändajad (Real Placing: 6th-129 points)

This is one of the songs I use to concentrate before my studies, the music is so magical, her voice is so beautiful and calm, it’s like a fairy, the staging is pretty and wow, I always feel out of this dimension with this song, it’s so relaxing as well. It’s one of the best Estonian entries in the world. 

7th Place: SWEDEN/Malena Ernman-La voix (Real Placing: 21st-33 points)

LA VOIIIIIIIIIIX, this lady is such a charming person, her smile is pretty and the song is so good, it’s one of my fave songs from Sweden of the late 00′s and her voice is such a delight to listen. The music is so schlager and that’s what makes me love it. Her dress is so beautiful and yeah, Sweden was underrated that year. 

8th Place: TURKEY/Hadise-Düm tek tek (Real Placing: 4th-177 points)

Wow, this song has an ethnic style to it and Hadise is such a perfect singer, also she’s stunning, the performance is everything and the düm tek tek part is very catchy and I enjoy it so much, I loved it since the first time I heard it and wow, it’s charming. 

9th Place: SPAIN/Soraya Arnelas-La noche es para mí (Real Placing: 24th-23 points)

Oh come on, this song is very good and finished second last, the music is enchanting, her voice is good, wish I could say the same to the backing singers, but it’s a nice song, the lyrics are good, and the performance is okay, surely this is a very catchy song. 

10th Place: ARMENIA/Inga & Anush-Jan jan (Real Placing: 10th-92 points)

Armenia again serving quality, this entry has a lot of ethnic sounds, the dancing is perfect, they sing so well together and this feels like something out of the desert, the staging is so clever and effective and it’s such a lovely song, JAN JAN 

11th Place: GREECE/Sakis Rouvas-This is our night (Real Placing: 7th-120 points)

Again the Greek god is back, and with an amazing song as his last attempt in 2004, not the result he wanted but this song is so good, I love the music because it’s very modern for the time and the performance was so good and epic. 

12th Place: ISRAEL/Noa & Mira Awad-There must be another way (Real Placing: 16th-53 points) 

A very powerful song with a deep meaning, these ladies surely have nice harmonies and the music is so beautiful, also ARABIC AGAIN IN ESC, it’s so nice. I enjoy so much the bridge before the last part, it’s simply stunning. 

13th Place: PORTUGAL/Flor-de-lis-Todas as ruas do amor (Real Placing: 15th-57 points) 

A cheerful and happy song, also the stage is so colorful and beautiful, her voice is calm and sweet and that makes the song so enjoyable, the music is so stunning and it’s one of the most calm songs ever. 

14th Place: MALTA/Chiara-What if we (Real Placing: 22nd-31 points)

Aww Chiara is back for a third time, and even if I think this is her weakest song, it has a lot of beauty and the music is so perfect and good, her voice is, as always, stunning and out of this world and she’s the only one that can fill a big stage with only a beautiful voice.  

15th Place: MONTENEGRO/Andrea Demirović-Just get out of my life (Real Placing: 11th SF1-44 points) 

Why this failed to qualify, the music is so good, her voice is amazing and the performance is simple but charming and effective, I always dance to this one and IMO one of the best Montenegrin entries on the contest. 

16th Place: BELARUS/Petr Elfimov-Eyes that never lie (Real Placing: 13th SF1-25 points) 

Another epic and nice rock song, his voice is so cool and the music is so powerful and inspiring, the performance is amazing and full of lights, also THAT STEADICAM SHOT IS EPIC AND PERFECT. It’s one of my favorite songs that year and IMO this deserved the final, but there were many amazing songs. 

17th Place: MOLDOVA/Nelly Ciobanu-Hora din Moldova (Real Placing: 14th-69 points) 

SUCH AN ENERGETIC SONG AND I LOVE IT, her voice is such a pleasant trip, the performance is happy and catchy and the music is perfect, one of my favorite Moldovan songs ever. This makes me want to go to Moldova and dance there. 

18th Place: ROMANIA/Elena-The Balkan girls (Real Placing: 19th-40 points)

Wow, this song is so nice, it has a fresh feeling to it and the music has nice elements, also she has a nice voice, it’s a very cute song and I love the Balkan girls.  

19th Place: FINLAND/Waldo’s People-Lose control (Real Placing: 25th-22 points/last) 

Why this finished last? I love this song so much, but maybe I love more the studio version, the performance here is so cool and I love the projections. Their voices are good but not the best, but the music is so epic and I like it. An undeserved last place. 

20th Place: CROATIA/Igor Cukrov & Andrea-Lijepa tena (Real Placing: 18th-45 points)

Hey Igor... I mean, this is a very lovely song, the music is so charming and he has a very nice voice, also Andrea is a very talented singer and I’m so amazed by this song, at first I thought it was boring but now I like it, such a nice entry. 

21st Place: ALBANIA/Kejsi Tola-Carry me in your dreams (Real Placing: 17th-48 points) 

The music here is one of the best things ever from Albania, I enjoy it so much, her voice is so special and the performance is quite weird but I like it, I’m hypnotized by that bridge and also, I feel so guilty because this is very low on my top. 

22nd Place: UKRAINE/Svetlana Loboda-Be my valentine (Real Placing: 12th-76 points)

SVETLANA <3 she’s so stunning, the music is so nice, it’s so powerful and memorable, also her voice is so good and the performance is quite weird because there were many things happening at the same time, still, I like this song and it’s one of the entries that I always remember from this year. 

23rd Place: GERMANY/Alex Swings, Oscar Sings-Miss Kiss Kiss Bang (Real Placing: 20th-35 points)  

One of my guiltiest pleasures ever, this entry has everything, a nice singer, the performance is so pretty and cool, the music has a mix of classic elements and modern touches and Oscar is cute. I don’t know why but I can’t stay still while listening to this song. 

24th Place: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA/Regina-Bistra voda (Real Placing: 9th-106 points)

THE INTRO OMG <3 it’s so good, the music is so relaxing and beautiful, his voice is so amazing and it’s a very nice entry, love the Balkan elements and everything here blends perfectly. I’m so mesmerized by this song, and I feel so bad because of putting this so low. 

25th Place: ANDORRA/Susanne Georgi-La teva decisió (Get a life) (Real Placing: 15th SF1-8 points)   

This song is so good, the music is charming, her voice is very nice and the whole package is so pleasant to hear, I’m so happy because of this song, it’s so nostalgic as well and sadly this is the last Andorran song to date, which is a shame because they were very good. 

26th Place: CYPRUS/Christina Metaxa-Firefly (Real Placing: 14th SF2-32 points) 

Another lovely and cute ballad, she’s so beautiful and cute, the music is subtle and the performance is beautiful, her voice could’ve been better and the last part it’s so epic, I love this song as well. 

27th Place: POLAND/Lidia Kopania-I don’t wanna leave (Real Placing: 12th SF2-43 points) 

A lovely ballad, her voice is so stunning, as well as the performance, the music is so cool and wow, I’m in love with her, this is a beautiful song and I’m in love with this song as well. 

28th Place: SLOVENIA/Quartissimo feat. Martina-Love symphony (Real Placing: 16th SF2-14 points) 

The music here is so cute and lovely, which makes the 80% of the song and I like it, maybe her voice was a bit off key here, and it’s very sad because it could’ve lifted this song to the sky, overall this entry is very enjoyable and I can imagine it being played live instead of a backing track. 

29th Place: RUSSIA/Anastasiya Prikhodko-Mamo (Real Placing: 11th-91 points)

WHAT A VOICE DOES SHE HAS, the music is so deep and the meaning of the song is very sad but I like it, the performance is quite creepy but it’s effective, I can’t place it higher because I like more other 28 songs. Also Ukranian on a Russian song... interesting. 

30th Place: DENMARK/Niels Brinck-Believe again (Real Placing: 13th-74 points)   

This entry isn’t bad, but I’m not so fond of it, also this reminds me of another song, his voice is quite good and the music is nice, sadly I can’t connect with it and it’s a bit flat though. 

31st Place: SERBIA/Marko Kon and Milaan-Cipela (Real Placing: 10th SF2-60 points)  

Oh this is such an interesting song, his voice is so deep but enjoyable, the music is lovely and catchy, also the performance is so colorful and cool, it’s one of my guilty pleasures ever. 

32nd Place: SWITZERLAND/Lovebugs-The highest heights (Real Placing: 14th SF1-15 points)  

This is a very lovely song, the music is cool, but the voice of the lead singer could’ve been better, also the staging is stunning, it’s one of the songs I can’t decide properly which place will it be on my top, I like it. 

33rd Place: IRELAND/Sinéad Mulvey and Black Daisy-Et cetera (Real Placing: 11th SF2-52 points)

Awwww pure nostalgia, this song is like the music I heard those years, her voice is good and the music is so perfect, but still I struggle to remember this song at all. 

34th Place: HUNGARY/Zoli Ádok-Dance with me (Real Placing: 15th SF2-16 points)

Oh of course I’ll dance with you.. ehem... well this song is interesting, the disco sounds are nice but his voice could’ve been better, also that outfit it’s quite hideous, not one of Hungary’s best attempts ever.  

35th Place: FYR MACEDONIA/Next Time-Nešto što kje ostane (Real Placing: 10th SF1-45 points)

This is a very decent song, but I can’t remember it instantly, I love the music and the voice of the lead singer is good, still, I think this needed a better hook. A nice average rock song. 

36th Place: THE NETHERLANDS/The Toppers-Shine (Real Placing: 17th SF2-11 points)

A entry with potential ruined by a mediocre beat and the performance isn’t very good.They could’ve been better. The only thing I remember about this one is the DJ behind because it’s adorable. The rest... meh.  

37th Place: LITHUANIA/Sasha Son-Love (Real Placing: 23rd-23 points)  

I see why this is a nice song, the music is lovely and the verses are good, but the chorus ruins this song, also it’s a bit boring after many listens and that makes me feel sad about this one. 

38th Place: CZECH REPUBLIC/Gipsy.cz-Aven romale (Real Placing: 18th SF1-0 points/last)

This entry is funny? The music is interesting and the staging is very good, sadly I’m missing something in this one and turns annoying after a while into it, his clothes are lovely, I want that costume so badly. 

39th Place: LATVIA/Intars Busulis-Probka (Real Placing: 19th SF2-7 points/last)

This performance is the proof you need to never drink energy drinks before hitting the stage, the music is interesting and the chorus is very good, but the verses ruin this and overall makes this entry messy and weird. 

40th Place: SLOVAKIA/Kamil Mikulčík and Nela Pocisková-Let’ tmou (Real Placing: 18th SF2-8 points) 

A sad return for Slovakia, the music is charming, but I’m not fond of her voice so much because I think it’s a bit annoying and screamish, also I think that the chorus has a messy melody and progression, that doesn’t match the verses. 

41st Place: BELGIUM/Copycat-Copycat (Real Placing: 17th SF1-1 point)

Oh an Elvis tribute, but sadly this is a bit bad actually, the music is quite good but this didn’t work on stage, because it felt empty and cheap, his voice is nice, but I can’t put this entry higher. 

42nd Place: BULGARIA/Krassimir Avramov-Illusion (Real Placing: 16th SF1-7 points)

Oh this song is a complete mess from top to bottom, the voices are very bad, the music sounds a bit cheap and the staging is so weird, I always want to forget this song because it’s very bad, nothing here connects with me. 

[rankinphoto]

💀🌼 Georgie Hobday 🌼💀 📷 SOUP Magazine , 2013 💁 Susanne Lichteneggerr 🎨 Andrew Gallimore

[insanityclause]

Mama Mia to the new photos. I don´t really remember Tom in any role with a gun except Kong and Wallander? Not even in TNM. But TNM2 does seem a bit more action-based already. I am more and more curious every day how different it will be. Susanne Bier had a very specific directing style that won´t be repeated here, of course

He literally had guns in the first season... episodes 4 & 5 specifically.

Also, Only Lovers Left Alive, I Saw The Light & Thor: Ragnarok.

Georgi Banks-Davies directed 5 episodes of KAOS on Netflix, if you want an idea of her style. It actually, weirdly, has a kind of similar vibe in terms of cinematography, at least in the first episode. I could see this style working well with Barcelona/Medellin/London plus any other locations.

[theniftycat]

Characters from The Man from U.N.C.L.E. that were Russian or coded as such.

1. Illya Kuryakin

2. Laslo Kurasov and Vladeck. The Strigas Affair. Their names aren’t Russian, but Laslo Kurasov is clearly based on Khruschev based on the shoe scene. Also, Madame Kurasov was played by Narda Onyx whose parents escaped Russia before she was born.

And Leonard Nimoy is of Ukrainian Jewish ancestry, so, he’s also linked with Russia. Werner Klemperer (Laslo Kurasov) and Susanne Kramer (Mr. Smith) were both born in Germany and then there’s also amazing Woodrow Parfrey who played a text book Russian spy, but we’ll never know his real name.

3. Madame Sophia Grushenka. The See-Paris-and-Die Affair. She actually speaks some very good Russian (mostly cursing in it). Played by Miriam Goldina who was born in Russia.

4. Mister Kutuzov. The Cherry Blossom Affair. Woodrow Parfrey again. Very different from his previous (as well as his next) appearance in the show, but it’s yet another Russian spy.

5. Madame Olga Nemirovitch. The Adriatic Express Affair. Her last name is a nod towards Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko who was Stanislavsky’s colleague. I see her and I think of Russian Ballets... Also, she founded THRUSH. So, there’s that.

6. Another Olga. The Bridge of Lions Affair. Just the name. Also, she’s badass.

7-8. Chairman Georgi Koz, Maxim Radish and Ferenc Pifnic. The Jingle Bells Affair. All played by actors born in the Russian empire. Chairman Koz is even more clearly based on Khruschev than Kurasov was. And also. Radish. Red-ish?..

9. Irina. The Candidate’s Wife Affair. It’s a Russian name. But also Diana Hyland played another Russian-y character called Mara in The Nowhere Affair. But there’s only her accent and that’s it. (And also the fact that she is clearly just fem!Illya)

10. Harry Beldon. The Summit-Five Affair. Head of U.N.C.L.E. North East, travels between many cities among which are Berlin and Helsinki. Idek, it was clear to me from the first moment that he was coded as Russian. Maybe his clothes or behaviour or his steam bath or the fact that Illya had worked with him...

[larryland]

by Roseann Cane

Psssst…sister…you wanna have a good time? Get yerself a ticket to The Full Monty, now playing at the Capital Repertory Theatre!

I’d never seen this musical before, and I must admit that my expectations were not that great. I enjoyed the original English film version, which came out in 1997. Since the musical adaptation opened to great success on Broadway in 2000, the play has become a staple of regional and community theaters. I assumed that it was a shallow, gimmicky piece of work. And yes, I discovered, one could call the play gimmicky–but, to my pleasant surprise, it works!

Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill has deftly, affectionately directed this vibrant celebration of American survival that’s at turns funny, sweet, rambunctious, and–it must be said–corny. The corniness didn’t bother me because not only is the direction well paced; the cast is downright lovable, and like every other member of the audience (if cheering and prolonged applause is an acceptable measure), I wanted the guys to succeed…at stripping.

In Buffalo, New York, a group of steelworkers have been laid off. These blue-collar guys are stereotypically invested in the idea that the man is the breadwinner, and the thought of their wives finding out, let alone supporting them, threatens their masculinity. Close friends Jerry Lukowsky (Christopher Sutton) and Dave Bukatinsky (Patrick John Moran) discover that Jerry’s ex-wife, Pam (Emily Matthews), and Dave’s wife, Georgie (Kimberly Doreen Burns) are headed to Chippendales for a girls’ night out. The two men hide in the restroom, overhearing Pam declare that she intends to take Jerry to court for missed child support payments, and Georgie bemoaning the overweight Dave’s poor self-image.

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Jerry has an epiphany (of sorts): The strip club is crowded with hyperexcited women who eagerly deposit bills into the dancers’ g-strings. If they could get a bunch of their unemployed friends to put on a similar show for one night, they could make a pile of money. Jerry and Dave convince their suicidal former coworker, Malcolm (David J. Socolar) to join them. In a ballroom dance class, the men encounter their former boss, Harold Nichols (Kevin McGuire), dancing with his luxury-loving wife Vicki (Lyn Philistine). Harold confides in the men that Vicki is completely unaware of his unemployment. After hearing the plan, Harold agrees to becomes the men’s choreographer.

For all of their protestations about their masculinity, these men are revealed to be vulnerable, and we love them for it, for the individual ways in which they express their vulnerability, for the new kind of courage each of them gains from exposing themselves emotionally as well as physically. The cast is quick, funny, and disarming, and while I didn’t leave the theater humming the score (it’s upbeat and undistinguished), I left the theater feeling great. I couldn’t help but care about these downtrodden men and the women in their lives. 

I especially enjoyed the audition sequence. As the wisecracking accompanist Jeanette Burmeister, Susann Fletcher is hilarious, faintly reminiscent of Elaine Stritch, only sunnier. She encourages Jerry, Dave, and Harold, who are in despair as each of the auditioners before them seem irredeemably bad. Then a gnarled, arthritic, sad-looking man known as “Horse” (Reggie Whitehead) takes the stage. He has some difficulty moving. Eventually, he literally finds his footing, and his performance of “Big Black Man,” complete with acrobatic moves and a rousing voice, had the audience cheering. (We later learn that he, too, has a vulnerability…despite his nickname, he’s not hung like one. He, too, attains his well-earned courage.)

Freddy Ramirez’s choreography was delicious, and wonderfully executed. The design of this production, including Scott Aronow’s set (which smoothly transitions from a strip club to a back alley with a car to a men’s restroom, among other places), Barry Steele’s lighting and projection design, Rider Q. Stanton’s sound design, and Howard Tsvi Kaplan’s costumes, dovetailed splendidly to sweep us into these very real-seeming lives. 

And, in case you were wondering, the men do strip. There’s no full-frontal nudity, but they get pretty close. “The Full Monty” is an English expression of disputed origin, but what it means is “the whole thing,” or as we Americans would say, “the whole nine yards.” In this case, I think the show’s creators were wise not to Americanize the title.

The Full Monty, book by Terrence McNally, music and lyrics by David Yazbek, directed by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill runs July 5-August 11 at Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street, Albany. Musical Director/Arranger Josh D. Smith. Scenic Design by Scott Aronow, Costume Design by Howard Tsvi Kaplan, Choreography by Freddy Ramirez, Sound Design by Rider Q. Stanton and Lighting/Projections Design by Barry Steele. CAST: Christopher Sutton as Jerry, Lyn Philistine as Vicki Nichols, Gil Brady as Teddy, Nicole Zelka as Estelle, Susann Fletcher as Jeannette Burmeister, Reggie Whitehead as Noah T. “Horse” Simmons, Christopher M. Howard as Buddy “Keno” Walsh, Sue Caputo as Susan, Kevin McGuire as Harold Nichols, Emily Matthews as Pam Lukowski, Fred Sirois as Reg, Josh D. Smith as Tony Giordano, Victoria Benkoski as Joannie, Kimberly Doreen Burns as Georgie Bukatinsky, Keith Dubois as Nathan, Eddie Maldonado as Ethan Girard, Patrick John Moran as Dave Bukatinsky, David Socolar as Malcolm Macgregor). Ensemble: Joshua DeMarco, Mitchell Johnson, and Victoria Preisman

Previews for The Full Monty take place July 5–7. Opening night is Tuesday, July 9. Regular performances continue through Sunday, Aug. 11. Performance times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday—with matinees 3 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; and 2 p.m. Wednesdays, July 17 & 24. Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street, Albany. Tickets range from $27–$62. Students with valid ID: $16 all shows. For tickets and information, call Tickets by Proctors, 518.445.SHOW (7469) or visit capitalrep.org.

Opening night features live music in the café at 6:30 p.m. and complimentary post-show champagne and dessert from Bella Napoli Bakery.

Special events include:

  3 p.m. Saturday July 13—American Sign Language-interpreted show. To secure the best seats for visibility of the signers, please call the Box Office.

  6:30 p.m. July 16—Chef’s Table Night includes complimentary light fare for ticketholders, provided by Albany Pump Station.

  6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25—Thirsty Thursday, with complimentary samples for ticketholders from Albany Distilling Company, Inc. & Nine Pin Cider.

  1 p.m. Sunday, July 28—Behind-the-Scenes pre-matinee discussion with Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, featuring light snacks for ticketholders at 12:30 p.m.

REVIEW: “The Full Monty” at Capital Repertory Theatre by Roseann Cane Psssst...sister...you wanna have a good time? Get yerself a ticket to The Full Monty…

[walkerwander-blog]

50cm:Ensing, Andersen, Georgi bring a mix of experience and youth to Sunweb

Team Sunweb officially launched their 2019 season in Berlin on Thursday, presenting the men's WorldTour and development teams and the UCI Women's Team together at the Umspannwerk, Alexanderplatz. There are three new faces among the 11 riders on the women's squad while Ellen van Dijk and Ruth Winder both moved to the newly-formed Trek-Segafredo team. At the presentation, Cyclingnews spoke to the three new signings, Susanne Andersen, Pfeiffer Georgi, and Janneke Ensing, as well as sports director Hans Timmermans, about the upcoming season.

Timmermans thought that the loss of Van Dijk and Winder has not weakened the team massively. "They're good riders, but I feel they are not as versatile as others," he told Cyclingnews. "And we wanted a team of riders that can all fulfil various roles. We are competing against an individual class like for instance [Annemiek] van Vleuten or [Anna] van der Breggen, and then you need to work together as a team really well to have a chance to beat them."

Ensing, 32 and from the Netherlands, joins the team from Alé Cipollini. She is a Classics-style rider who won Le Samyn des Dames in 2018. Timmermans explained that she was not signed to replace Van Dijk, even though they are similar in some aspects.

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"We had already signed Janneke before we knew they would leave," he said. "She is a great rider, and we wanted to become stronger as a team, that is always our philosophy. Liane Lippert, Juliette Labous, and Floortje Mackaij are one year older now, Lucinda Brand made another step last year, so we hope to have three or four riders among the last 20-30 riders [during the races] now instead of one or two."

Andersen, 20, and Georgi, 18, were signings of a different nature; both are young riders who show promise in their future careers. Andersen joins the team from Hitec Products and is a regular podium finisher in bigger stage races, while Georgi is a neo-pro from Great Britain who won the junior editions of the Healthy Ageing Tour and Trofeo Alfredo Binda.

"We always try to bring in the biggest talents," Timmermans said. "Susanne has been at the top of our list for years already. She had signed a long-term deal with Hitec Products as a first-year junior, we continued to follow her, and now she was available. Pfeiffer was the best junior rider of the last two years, performing well in a variety of races with different courses."

You can read more at Cyclingnews.com