Heading south now to Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, the 2011 winner of Eurovision. Originally, I planned to review Armenia rather than Turkey in this post. However, I discovered that Armenia has dropped out of the competition. Sadly, this is due to a border conflict, as reported by RT.
I’ll start with last year’s winner, Azerbaijan. Out of curiosity and to see what it takes to win this competition, I watched the video of last year’s winning performance.
Err… kind of underwhelmed. This is nice but not a great duet or pop song. Really, they won? I understand it’s not just talent but also the ability to garner votes, the same as American Idol. Sorry, Azerbaijan, but this is just okay. Let’s see what 2012 has to offer.
Sabina Babayeva is representing Azerbaijan with the pop ballad, When The Music Dies
Better. Definitely better. She has a strong voice and I like the sense of drama she gives to the song. Thing is, I’m really getting a Celine Dion vibe off of her, from the gowns to the hair to her pointy features. This is good, but too clone-like and not a winner.
Anri Jokhadze is representing Georgia with the song, I’m A Joker
Life is a cabaret, old chum. I’m not sure how to categorize this song. The closest I came is show tune. If it was part of a show, I’d probably like it more. As a stand alone song, it’s more of a novelty than a hit. I liked the eastern-sounding hook and the song’s energy. The video reminded me of “I’m Too Sexy”, but not in a good way.
Can Bonomo is representing Turkey with the song, Love Me Back
Another song I don’t know how to categorize. I liked that it’s fun and has a traditional vibe but, I’m sorry, he can’t sing. I mean, he’s cute and his dancing around is fun to watch, but his voice doesn’t cut it. Anri Jokhadze from Georgia was better than this. I don’t like to be negative, but I really didn’t like this. Sorry, Turkey.
Of these three countries, Azerbaijan is my favorite, but only because I wasn’t so fond of the other two. How about you? Any favorites so far?
These videos are from the list of Eurovison 2012 contestants on YouTube.
Lori Writer 
Azerbaijan doesn’t ring any bell for me. Empty.
Georgia’s entry has it’s moments but it’s too many songs in 3 minutes. I like the eastern sounds which connect the song to it’s origins.
Turkey has had strong entries during the last 10 years. This time they are very Turkish so point’s for that, but the song is not very catchy. Not my piece of cake.