Malmö Messages: party animals, tradition and strong women

Malmö Messages: Tonight's participants

Croatia: For a long time, Croatia was the number one with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” according to the bookmakers. Now he’s in second place. The story is known: the song tells about young people leaving Croatia to find their fortune elsewhere. This is depicted by someone walking with a suitcase. The whole group wears traditional clothing. Baby Lasagna has not been praised for his singing talent so far, but that doesn’t seem to harm him. Split or Zagreb next year?

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Iceland: The friendly Hera Björk, who kindly spoke to us a few days ago, is back. With flair and enthusiasm, and without us having to worry about her vocals, she stands on stage. However, we do have a concern: the song. It doesn’t seem to make much of an impact yet. While Hera easily made it to the final in 2010, the odds currently give her a 29th place. The final seems far away.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Slovenia: Many bodies around the Slovenian Raiven as she sings her Veronika. The dancers, all in bodysuits and with a lot of nudity, portray the story of this strong woman with her. Vocally, everything is well. But whether the beautiful but sad story of Veronika will be understood? We hope so! With a 19th place, the bookmakers are positive for now.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Finland: What Käärijä can do, Windows95man must have thought he could do too. We have our doubts about thát, but what he and his companion Henri Piispanen definitely succeed in is throwing a party. With the blurred Windows95 logo, the underwear, and the way too short 1970s jeans, the entry stands out. “No rules,” sings the man who follows the rules perfectly.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Moldova: We don’t understand it. Why wasn’t Natalia Barbu, who sings her “In the Middle,” allowed to bring all her look-alikes from the national final? Now she has added everything: butterflies, blossoms, wings, a violin… but she stands there alone. In 2007, she had to pay for her trip if she didn’t make it to the final. She did make it, but hopefully, she doesn’t have such a deal with the Moldovan broadcaster again. The bookmakers have her at 36th place.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

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Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the concern was not about the song itself, but about parts of the performance being considered too suggestive for a family audience. VG reports that the feedback focused on repeated crotch-grabbing and thrusting-style movements, some of which were improvised rather than part of the planned choreography. Jonas Lovv will represent Norway in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. He is set to close the show as the 15th act in the running order. Therefore, the Norwegian team still has time to adjust the staging before viewers see it on television. The warning has not led to panic in the Norwegian camp. Lovv has reacted with humour, while also making clear that he takes the EBU’s message seriously. Head of delegation Mads Tørklep said Norway will follow the rules and make the number more family friendly. Lovv earned his Eurovision ticket by winning Melodi Grand Prix earlier this year. His entry “YA YA YA” brings rock energy, strong vocals and a highly physical stage presence to the Wiener Stadthalle. As a result, the performance has already become a talking point during rehearsals. For now, the changes appear to be small adjustments rather than a complete overhaul. Eurovision viewers should still expect an intense and confident Norwegian performance. However, with slightly less emphasis on the movements that sparked the warning. If Norway qualifies, Lovv will return for the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May. The situation adds another storyline to Eurovision week, as artists balance personal expression with the contest’s broadcast guidelines for viewers across Europe. source: NRK

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