Almost through the list. Just 10 more countries to go. I didn’t think I was going to make it through before Eurovision began, so whew! Heading back to the Mediterranean now to give Italy and Malta a look and listen.

Nina Zilli is representing Italy with the R&B song L’Amore È Femmina (Out Of Love)

Aw, yeah! She’s pretty awesome. She’s like Amy Winehouse without the bad tats and crazy. Great distinct voice and style. I loved watching her, but as I listened, I kept wishing she was singing in Italian instead of English. Then, near the end, she switched to Italian and it was so much better. She adds a sexy roll to her words that’s not possible in English. I found this video where the whole song is in Italian. Please, for Eurovision, drop the English. Other than that, brava, brava!

Kurt Calleja is representing Malta with the dance song, This Is The Night

As I started watching the Eurovision videos, I thought that countries like Malta with small populations would also have a small talent pool. However, Russia, with it’s huge population, gives us the Babushki, whose novelty wears off after a couple of listens. Malta gives us a solid performer in Kurt Calleja. He’s got a good voice and the song is upbeat and fun. Love the hook. I don’t know that this is a winner, but with a good remix, I could see it being a dance hit.

Viva Italia! I can definitely see her making the finals. Malta, good job, but not in the winners’ circle for me.

These videos are from the list of Eurovison 2012 contestants on YouTube.