Now that I’m done with the Nordics, I’m focusing on the contestants from eastern Europe. I’m not real familiar with many of these countries, which makes me all the more interested to see what they have to offer by way of music.
I’ll start with a nation that I am more familiar with. After all, I read my fair share of Russian authors back in my school days. Most of that stuff (did I just call Tolstoy “stuff”?) was written in the 19th century. Let’s see what 21st century Russia has to offer.
Okay, so, 19th century it is. This could be considered a novelty act, but don’t underestimate these ladies. They have the highest number of views of all the videos on the Eurovision YouTube playlist. Over 1.5 million when last I checked. That being said, I think the song itself is fun and charming, but I don’t know that it holds it’s charm without the adorable live antics of the Babushki. If this came on the radio, I don’t think I’d keep listening. BTW, what is that thing rotating in the background?
Belarus’ Litesound offers up this rock anthem.
Good-looking guys. Good, standard rock song. It didn’t wow me. Maybe I need to see a less theatrical live or studio version. I was really not liking the whole motorcycle theme. The microphones were a WTF moment. I wish I could think of more to say, but it was so generic. Sorry, Belarus. Maybe your performance in the semi-finals will wow me more.
Representing Ukraine is the gorgeous Gaitana.
Love it. It’s a great dance song with great energy. Definitely want it on my iPod. My only criticism is that this is a music video and not a live performance. I’m not impressed the way I was with Loreen from Sweden. Maybe Gaitana’s live performance in the semi-finals will impress me more.
How about you? Any favorites so far?
These videos are from the list of Eurovison 2012 contestants on YouTube.
Lori Writer 
The russian grannies were funny first, not anymore. Belarus as a live performance leaves lots of room for improvement and I didn’t like their motorcyclist outfits. Ukraine is a scary monster. She sounds like one of the 90’s singers from USA or UK but I don’t recall the artis name. Lots of disappointments in this years entries. Meh … am I too negative..
Agree about grannies and “bikers”, but I do like Gaitana. I think she’s gorgeous. Her vibe is more seventies disco than modern dance music, I’d say. Also, in terms of her and the other artists who aren’t performing live in their videos, I wonder about auto-tuning. I think that’s why I was so impressed with Loreen, especially the second video. Her live performance is amazing. Pernilla was pretty good, too đŸ™‚
Now I remembered , Gaitana sounds like Anastacia ( left outside alone ). And I do not like the sound of Anastacia’s voice đŸ™‚