Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 37 competing songs of Eurovision 2023 have been revealed.
Therefore, we are ready for an extended review of them and a ranking of the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.

You can find the 1st chapter (Croatia, Moldova, Portugal, Serbia, and Switzerland) here
You can find the 2nd chapter (Czechia, Finland,The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden) here
You can find the 3rd chapter (Azerbaijan, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Malta) here
You can find the 4th chapter (Albania, Cyprus, Greece, San Marino, Slovenia) here
You can find the 5th chapter (Armenia, Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania) here

The 6th post will focus on 5 countries that will compete in semi-final 2: Austria, Belgium, Georgia, Romania, Poland

Teya & Salena – Who The Hell is Edgar?

Teya & Salena are an Austrian pop duo formed in 2021 consisting of Teodora “Teya” Špirić and Selena-Maria “Salena” Edbauer.
Teya is a 22-year-old Austrian singer, and Salena is a 24-year-old Austrian singer.
Both of them met while competing in the fifth season of Starmania. Teya finished in 2nd place. Salena has also competed in “The Voice of Germany“.
Teya isn’t foreign to Eurovision!
In 2020, she tried her luck in the internal Austrian selection for Eurovision 2020.
Back then, she reached the list of the final top 3 artists to be condifered by ORF.
Moreover, in 2020 she competed in the Serbian selection “Beovizija 2020” with the song “Sudnji dan”.
She is a Serbian singer who lives and was born in Austria, and that’s why she could have competed in both selections:

Selection Process

Austria has internally selected the artist and the song for Eurovision 2023.
This year, the selection process was an internal one.
ORF management, the Austrian delegation, and 25 international jury members helped shortlist the acts.
Also, the format has changed a little as each artist has sent a live performance of each song to be judged by the voters. ORF has carefully checked the vocal abilities of the contenders in order to validate that the live performance will be as professional as possible.
ORF published that Teya and Salena won the internal selection on the 31st of January 2023.

Teya and Salena won the internal selection, and they will perform “Who The Hell is Edgar?”:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Austria will perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at Eurovision 2023.
Austria is set to perform in the 13th position, after San Marino and before Albania.

Musical Review

It is a pop song.
The song starts with a funny talking by Salena. We can hear Teya answering her with a more serious tone. The melody starts with a synth sound alongside drum beat
Th first verse is based on electric guitar and the beat from previously. Teya is the first to sing, with a mid-low tone of voice. As the synth effects are getting stronger, we can hear both of them singing together.
The first pre-chorus is performed in a high note with operatic interpretation.
The chorus starts with percussion instruments, and later on the guitar is added as well. The first chorus is quite short, relying on “Poe, Poe”.
The second verse has a richer tempo. They sing faster, with some sense of humor. The melody is based on bass guitar and drum beat.
The second chorus is longer. It starts with a repetition of “Edgar Allan Poe” with the sound of a drum beat. The chorus continues with singing in higher-tone of voice. The synth sound is once again part of the melody.
The bridge of the song starts with a darker tone of melody. Teya opens it with a crystal clear voice. The melody is more dramatic, and we can hear some string elements sampling. Salena joins later on. They sing together with a higher tone of voice.
The last chorus is based on keyboards, guitar and drum beat. They sing it with a higher tone of voice.
The song ends with operatic voices and backing vocals.
Overall, the song suggests an almost impossible combination of meaningful text and message (we will elaborate in the poetry analysis) with a sense of humor. Musically, it has a variety of elements, and that’s why you never get bored. Relying on some of their performances, it seems like we can trust them vocally. And maybe most importantly: it is incredibly catchy!

Lyrics

Oh my God, you’re such a good writer
Oh, it’s not me, it’s Edgar
Who the hell is Edgar?

There’s a ghost in my body and he is a lyricist
It is Edgar Allan Poe, and I think he can’t resist
Yeah, his brain is in my hand, and it’s moving really fast
Mhm
Don’t know how he possessed me, but I’m happy that he did
‘Cause this song is feeling special, and is gonna make me rich
Yeah, the words are spilling out, what the heck is this about?
Mhm

Oh, mio padre, there’s a ghost in my body
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poе, Poe, Poe
Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan
Poe, Poе, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Edgar Allan Poe

Maybe I should call a doctor or an exorcist
Maybe someone out there knows where
Shakespeare is so I can get a taste
What’s your IPI? Where’s the A&R?
Girl, call Universal, you’re about to be a star

Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe
Edgar Allan
Who the hell is Edgar?

Oh, mio padre
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body
(Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
Oh, mio padre
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body
(Edgar Allan Poe)

Zero dot zero zero three
Give me two years, and your dinner will be free
Gas station champagne is on me
Edgar cannot pay rent for me
Zero dot zero zero
Zero dot zero zero
Zero dot zero zero three
At least it pays to be funny
Ugh!

Oh, mio padre (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body (Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
Oh, mio padre (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body (Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
Oh, mio padre (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body (Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
Oh, mio padre (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
(Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe)
There’s a ghost in my body (Edgar Allan, Edgar Allan)

Oh, mio padre, there’s a ghost in my body
Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohh-ohh
Who the hell is Edgar?

Poetry Analysis

The song tells the story of song writers (and especially women) in the music industry.
Nowadays, artists and music writers make a low revenue from making music. The majority of the revenue goes to record labels, streaming platforms, etc.
The spokesperson is aware of her talent. She wished she could have resisted it, but it burns in her bones at the destiny of her life. In a specific sense, it is the natural thing and easiest thing for her – “There’s a ghost in my body and he is a lyricist/ it is Edgar Allan Poe, and I think he can’t resist/ Yeah, his brain is in my hand, and it’s moving really fast“
She is happy to have this talent. At this point, she is still hopeful to make an impact in the world, and to be well appreciated. She aims to achieve money and recognition – “Don’t know how he possessed me, but I’m happy that he did/ ‘Cause this song is feeling special, and is gonna make me rich/ Yeah, the words are spilling out, what the heck is this about?“
She can’t deny her passion to write songs. Sometimes, it feels like something takes control over her – “there’s a ghost in my body“
Once again, she tries to find a path to escape her fate. She wonders whether it is something like a disease or demon that you can’t get rid of. In the second part, we get an example to a possible reaction she would get from record labels. The overreaction represents their materialism. Not only this, but now another consideration joins: A&R (artists and repertoire) and I.P.I (International Press Institute). They will be happy to take part in her revenue- “Maybe I should call a doctor or an exorcist/ Maybe someone out there knows where/ Shakespeare is so I can get a taste/ What’s your IPI? Where’s the A&R?/ Girl, call Universal, you’re about to be a star“.
Now it is time for the bitter and sad reality. An artist can work really hard in order to succeed. However, corporations, record labels, streaming platforms and so on take the majority of the revenue. For example, on Spotify, the artist and song writers get a portion of 0.003% of the revenue. The artist wants to make a living, play her/his bills and have a decent life. This part of the song presents the “dark side” of being an artist. The spokesperson. will have to wait 2 years, until she can afford dinner. The only alcohol is a low-qualify one that you can find in gas stations. Sadly, she can’t even pay rent, based on the money she will make as an artist-
“Zero dot zero zero three/ Give me two years, and your dinner will be free/ Gas station champagne is on me/ Edgar cannot pay rent for me/ Zero dot zero zero/ Zero dot zero zero/ Zero dot zero zero three/ At least it pays to be funny“

Initial Personal Ranking

4th overall in semi-final 2, 10th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2

Among the countries that usually vote for Austria, 7 countries will vote in semi-final 2: Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, Slovenia, UK, Iceland and Lithuania.

Betting Odds

On the day of its release, “Who the Hell is Edgar?” was ranked 11th with the bookies.
Ever since then, Austria has moved in a range of 7-10 places.
Since the 30th of March 2023, Austria has been 7th or 8th in betting odds.

Early Prediction

Teya and Salena have a very promising formula for Eurovision 2023.
They combine one of the meaningful texts with energetic up-tempo pop. In addition, we can expect some dance movements, and maybe most importantly: great vocals.
I’m still not sure how the jury will appreciate it, but the public would probably go proudly after it.
Prediction: 6-10 in the final

Gustaph – Because of You

Stef Caers (better known as Gustaph) is a 42 year-old Belgian singer-songwriter, producer and vocal coach.
He made his first steps in music, as he studied at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent.
At the beginning of the road, he performed behind the staging name Steffen and released 3 singles, one of them reached the 22nd place in the national charts.
Later on, he focused on writing music and production.
In 2018 and 2021, he was part of the Belgian delegation as one of the backing vocalists.
Gustaph also works as a vocal coach and as a teacher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Selection Process and Song

For the first time since 2016, the Flemish broadcaster of Belgium (VRT) organized a national selection – “Belgium’s Eurosong 2023″. 7 artists were shortlisted, with a collaboration of music labels.
Each one of them performed 2 songs, as only 1 of them was performed in the final.
The results were based on a 50% international jury and a 50% public vote.

The final results were as follows:
Gustaph received the highest combined results, after ending 2nd with the public and 3rd with the jury.

He will sing the song “Because of You”:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Belgium was allocated to perform in the first half of semi-final 2 at Eurovision 2023.
Belgium is set to perform in the 5th position after Estonia, and before Cyprus.

Musical Review

It is a dance house song, with some gospel elements.
The song starts with acapella sung by Gustaph. He sings it with a mid-high tone of voice and some manners.
Before the first verse, we get a short instrumental introduction that hints us about the melody structure.
The melody is based on synth electric keyboards with some effects. The dance beat is combined from time to time.
The first verse includes the drum beat alongside the mentioned melody. Gustaph sings it with a thin mid-high tone of voice, accompanied by backing vocalists.
The chorus is more energetic. The melody is based on keyboard playing. Towards the end, we can hear the familiar beat.
The second verse continues the more upbeat direction of the song. Gustaph sings it will more manners, and some trilling.
The second chorus goes more into the gospel genre. He is accompanied by the backing vocalists.
The bridge of the song relies on a simpler melody, the electronic beat decays slowly. The melody is based on a simple keyboard and we can hear Gustaph giving us long notes.
The following chorus is richer on the backing vocals side. Gustaph get out of the frame and lets himself to give more vocally.
Overall, a song that we could have heard in 2005 or even 1997. The positive message of the song alongside the dance club sounds (combines with gospel foundations) might be attractive for the ones who enjoy the 1990’s-2000’s music. The performance will have to deliver the enjoyment and self-celebration. On the other hand, I must state that the song doesn’t go into any surprising direction.

Lyrics

And when the world got me going crazy
I’ll carry on
And it’s all because of you
Because of you

Remember when they told us
“You’re not good enough”?
And then you came into my life
Yeah, you changing my world for good
(Yeah, woo)

Told me to love myself a bit harder than yesterday
Well, life is too short and we sure got to celebrate

And when the world got me going crazy
I carry on
‘Cause I know I’m strong
When the world got me going crazy
I carry on
And it’s all because of you
Because of you

Remember when they tried to break us?
Well, look at us now
You told me the right thing at the right time
And got me feeling wild
(Yeah, woo)

Now I love myself much more than I did yesterday
‘Cause life is too short and we sure got to celebrate
Hey, yeah

And when the world got me going crazy
I carry on
‘Cause I know I’m strong
When the world got me going crazy
I carry on
And it’s all because of—

I’ll carry on despite of the things they said and done
They’ll never kill this fire
Your love will take me higher
And it’s all because of you
Because of you
Well, because of you
Because of you I keep on going, baby, baby, for a brighter day,

And when the world got me going crazy
(I carry on)
See, I carry on because of you…
(When the world got me going crazy)
Oh… (I carry on) Said I carry on…
And when the world got me (going crazy)
See, I will carry on
And it’s all because of you
Because of you
Because of you

(‘Til the sky turns red in the sunrise)
Promise me it’s gonna be alright (Be alright)
Alright

Poetry Analysis

The song is a call to celebrate freedom, and emphasizes the joy of being ourselves
In the first chorus, the spokesperson tells about the difficulty of living life. However, he keeps on going. There’s someone who helped him to go through, raise his head and keep on going – “And when the world got me going crazy/ I’ll carry on/And it’s all because of you/ Because of you”.
Continuing to the chorus, the spokesperson tells us about the times others mocked him. They made him think he wasn’t good enough. However, a person that came into his life, made him change his point of view – “Remember when they told us/ You’re not good enough”?/ And then you came into my life/ Yeah, you changing my world for good”. This person has had a great positive impact on his life.
The key to having a better life is self acceptance, love ourselves more and celebrate our existence – “Told me to love myself a bit harder than yesterday/ Well, life is too short and we sure got to celebrate“.
The phrase “because of you” repeats again and again, in order to clarify the importance of this person in his life.
Later on, he becomes stronger and starts to believe in himself even more – “And when the world got me going crazy/ I carry on/ ‘Cause I know I’m strong“.
The message of the song becomes more global (and less personal). The spokesperson talks about how society judges people who are different than the “others – “Remember when they tried to break us?/ Well, look at us now/ You told me the right thing”.
Nowadays, he sees his life in another perspective, thanks to the person who guides him and showed him the importance of love and self acceptance – “I’ll carry on despite of the things they said and done/ They’ll never kill this fire/Your love will take me higher/ And it’s all because of you“

Initial Personal Ranking

9th is semi-final 2, 22nd place overall.

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2

Among the countries that usually vote for Belgium, 4 countries will vote in semi-final 2: Australia, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Betting Odds

Belgium chose its song and artist for Eurovision 2023 on the 14th of January 2023.
In the first 3 days, Belgium was ranked 25th by the bookies, while the following 5 days were spend on the 28th and the 29 place.
Since the 30th of January, Belgium has moved in a range of 30-35 places. Most of the time, around the 30th or the 31st place.

Early Prediction

It is one of the only uplifting songs in the first half of semi-final 1.
In addition, it has a running-order allocation that makes it stand out in the show: a pop rock song (Romania) and a symphonic ballad (Estoniqualifya) preceded it, a mid-tempo pop ballad (Cyprus) and a power pop song (Iceland) comes after.
Gustaph will bring some gospel and dance clubs, accompanied by backing vocalists.
I believe that the ones who liked the music of2000s the 1990s and 2000’s, will find this one attractive to vote for.
There is a chance he will be forgotten in the mix and might even not qualifying, however, I think the chances are mostly on his side.
Prediction: 19-26 in the final

Iru – Echo

Iru Khechanovi is no stranger to Eurovision!
She is a 22 year-old Georgian pop singer of Armenian descent.
Last December, she was one of the song-writers of the song “I Believe“.
The song was performed by Mariam Bigvava as the Georgian entry for Junior Eurovision 2022. Georgia finished in 3rd place in the final.

In 2011, Iru was part of the group Candy who represented Georgia at Junior Eurovision 2011 with the song “Candy Music” and won the contest.
In 2019, she participated in the “Georgian Idol”.
So far, she has released 5 singles, the last of which is her Eurovision 2023 song.

Selection Process

Georgia has decided to choose an artist for Eurovision 2023 via “The Voice of Georgia“.
In February 2023, Iru won the show and therefore was set to represent Georgia at Eurovision 2023.
8 artists reached the finals:

Her song was internally selected.

She will perform the song “Echo“:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Georgia will perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at Eurovision 2023.
Georgia is set to perform in the 11th position, after Slovenia and before San Marino

Musical Review

It is an ethnic dark pop song.
The song starts with Iru’s big voice, accompanies by male backing vocalists, as the melody is dramatic and relies on traditional drums and some studio effefcts.
Iru opens the first verse with a gentle and soft voice. There’s a bass/guitar made beat that repeats again and again in the melody.
She continues to some improvisation combines in her singing, as we can hear a sampled alert sound.
The chorus is powerful and includes tribal drums, percussion elements and digital sound. She sings powerfully with long big notes and vibrato.
The following verse starts with heavy breathing, and pre-processed backing vocals. This part is faster. The modern electro beat takes over the melody. As time goes by, it becomes intense, until replaced by the chorus.
The second chorus is simple but still impactful. We can hear some backing vocalists.
The part that comes after brings a darker atmosphere. Iru opens it with a more fragile singing. The melody relies on classical string elements (like cello and violin), combined with the drum beat from previously.
The song ends with an explosion sound.
In my opinion, it is one of the strongest songs Georgia has sent in recent years.
Iru is charismatic and delivers great vocals.
The advantage of the song is the ability to combine modern production with ethnic elments.
However, I can’t ignore the fact that the lyrics are sometime nonsense.

Lyrics

Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret

Life is love
Thing is known
Like in dreams
Going through the life together
Going through the life together
(Chamgaraga-ga-chamgara)
Like in dreams
Oh-oh-oh…

Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret
Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret

Going through the life together
Going through the life together
Life together, life together

Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret
Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
My love is not a fake, this feeling is, Lord
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret
(Chamgaraga-ga-chamgara)

My soul’s like a fortress, I feel I progressed
Words getting worthless, love is a wordless
Oh-oh-oh-oh, when life is loved, loved

Days in a row I’m thinking, I know
I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown
Will be better way, will be better day now
It is not a secret

Poetry Analysis

The song describes the process where a person falls in love. The song focuses on the cases when love changes your life.
The spokesperson has been waiting for the wishful love to come for a long time. When falling in love, she feels royal and invincible – “Days in a row I’m thinking, I know/ I’ve got a big faith, my love is my crown/ Will be better way, will be better day now/ It is not a secret”.
She describes life as love, which means she can’t breathe without love. It fills her daily life.
Such a powerful love leaves her speechless, thankful and excited – “My soul’s like a fortress, I feel I progressed/ Words getting worthless, love is a wordless”

Initial Personal Ranking

6th overall in semi-final 2, 18th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2

Among the countries that usually vote for Georgia, 5 countries will vote in semi-final 2: Armenia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Greece, and Cyprus

Betting Odds

Georgia was the last country to reveal its song for Eurovision 2023, on the 16th of March 2023.
On the first day, Georgia was 9th with the bookies. Thereafter, the country has been 11th for 3 days. Between the 20th of March and the 16th of April, Georgia has been in the 13th and 14th place in the odds.
Since the 17th of April, Georgia has moved in a range of 15-17 places.

Early Prediction

Georgia has changed its approach and mechanism for Eurovision.
The last time the country qualified for the final was in 2016.
It seems that this year, their fate will be different!
The song is memorable, it isn’t any “edgy” song (like in 2019, 2022) and neither a is too simple one (like 2021), Iru delivers vocally, and the song has great staging potential.
I can even see them combining some ethnic elements.
Therefore, I believe Georgia will qualify for the final this year.
Prediction: 12-18 in the final

Blanka – Solo

Blanka Stajkow is a 23-year-old Polish model and singer.
She was born to a Polish mother and a Bulgarian father.
Her mother encouraged her to be involved in music and dancing from a young age.
She released her first song at the age of 13.
In 2021, she participated in Top Model, a Polish reality television show.
During the show, she released the song “Better” and signed a contract with “Warner Music Poland“,
In November 2022, she released “Solo”, which was later submitted to the Polish selection for Eurovision 2023.

Selection Process and Song

For the second year in a row, Poland chose an artist and a song for Eurovision via their national selection – “Tu bije serce Europy! Wybieramy hit na Eurowizję“.
10 artists competed in the national selection. Blanka ended up in 2nd place in the public vote, and won the jury vote. She received the highest combined result, and was therefore set to represent Poland at Eurovision 2023.

Blanka will sing “Solo“:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Poland was allocated to perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at Eurovision 2023.
Poland is set to perform in 9th position, after Greece and before Slovenia.

Musical Review

It is a Caribbean pop song.
The song starts with an old school synth keyboards playing.
Thereafter, the melody of the first verse is basic and monotonous, it is based on guitar stringing and keyboards playing.
The second verse shares the same melody. We can hear some backing vocals as well. The melody is enriched by drum and percussion elements.
The chorus is more catchy and memorable. The singing is somehow indifferent and not challenging at all. The main motive is the repetition of the word “Solo”.
The third verse opens with the drum playing. The melody is based on a very specific accords.
The second chorus suggests the same experience as the first one.
The bridge is a slower version of the chorus, with a more sparse shape.
The song ends with one last chorus.
Overall, the song smells like a very quick effort. I would even suspect the duration of the song is more or less the time it took to create it.
A large portion of the song in the chorus which is repititive.
The song is old fashioned and it doesn’t create any appeal (it is a shame, because a good old-fashioned song can bring us a nice throwback).
Not to the mention the weak vocals which stand in the center of the disadvantages.
From time to time, it sounds like a song that could have been rejected in Belarus national selection for Eurovision 2005.

Lyrics

Baby, it’s kind of crazy
How else to phrase it?
With you, I’ve lost my senses
Baby, what happened to ya?
I thought I knew ya
But now it’s time to face it

You’re hot and cold
High and you’re low
Messing with my mind
No-oh-oh, that’s not how it goes
So let me spell it out

Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, didi, down, down, down
And now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
Show you what it is you’re missing out
Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, down, didi, down, down, down
Now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
How I be getting down solo

Tell me
Now was it worth it?
Oh, playin’ me dirty
But now who’s laughing, baby?
Watch me
All eyes on me now
Bet you regret how
What goes around comes around

You’re hot and cold
High and you’re low
Messing with my mind
No-oh-oh, that’s not how it goes
So let me spell it out

Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, didi, down, down, down
And now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
Show you what it is you’re missing out
Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, down, didi, down, down, down
Now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
How I be getting down solo

No, no, I’m going solo
Yeah, you better, better, watch me now
‘Cause I know how to let go
Gonna make it, make it on my own
Oh, oh no, I’m going solo
Yeah, you better, better, watch me now
‘Cause I know how to let go
So it’s clear to see I’m

Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, didi, down, down, down
And now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
Show you what it is you’re missing out
Now I’m better solo, solo
I never let me down, down, didi, down, down, down
Now I’m gonna show ya, show ya
How I be getting down solo

Poetry Analysis

The song talks about a break-up.
The spokesperson opens the song by telling us about a guy that she loved. She feels crazy about him, and losing her head.
However, she feels like he played with her. This relationship leaves her confused and not sure about how he feels about her – “You’re hot and cold/ High and you’re low/ Messing with my mind“.
She came into conclusion that it is better for her to end this relationship, or even be on her own.
Part of her joy comes from showing him how delighted she is, She thinks about her happy life, as part of revenge.

Initial Personal Ranking

13th overall in semi-final 2, 31th overall.

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2

Among the countries that usually vote for Poland, 5 countries will vote in semi-final 2: Ukraine, UK,Lithuania, Austria and Belgium.

Betting Odds

On the 26th of February 2023, Blanka was selected to represent Poland.
Since the day later, and for 6 days, Poland has ranked in the 17th and the 18th place.
Between the 5th and the 31st of March, Poland was ranked in the 20-24 places in the betting odds.
During the month of April 2023, Poland was ranked 24-27 by the bookies, mostly around 25th place.

Early Prediction

On the one hand, Poland enjoys a large diaspora that (on the televote side) has almost always guaranteed the country’s qualification. However, Blanka isn’t one of the strongest vocalists this year. The running order won’t be on her side as well. 2 songs before her, we have the Icelandic singer who is an excellent singer. The 2 songs after Poland are Slovenia and Georgia which will stand out.
I believe that an integral part of her performance will be dance movements, but I am not sure whether it will help.
Prediction: 40/60 for qualification, if I must give a solid prediction, I would mark it as a non qualifier.

Theodor Andrei – D.G.T (Off and On)

Theodor Andrei is a 18-year-old Romanian singer.
He started his career in 2017, when he participated in “The Voice of Kids Romania“, where he reached the semi-finals.
In 2017, he started releasing his own songs.
In 2020, he participated in “X Factor Romania”, where he was eliminated in the boot camps.
In 2022, Theodor released his debut album “Fragil“.

Selection Process and Song

Romania selected a song and an artist for Eurovision 2023 via their national selection – “Selecția Națională 2023“.
12 artists were shortlisted to participate in the selection.
The results were determined by a 100% public vote.
Theodor won with 5,230 votes.

Allocation in Semi-Final

Romania will perform in the first half of semi-final 2 at Eurovision 2023.
Romania is set to perform in the 3rd position, after Armenia and before Estonia

Musical Review

It is a bilingual pop-rock song.
The song starts with the husky voice of the singer.
The melody of the first and the second verse is based on trumpet, drums, and electric guitar.
The pre-chorus is slower, we can hear more instruments like keyboards playing.
The chorus is powerful. and is performed with a husky voice. The electric guitar is the main element in the melody of the chorus. Theodor is accompanied by backing vocals.
The third verse is performed in English. In this part, the song is taken in a more indie-soul direction.
The 4th verse is faster, and it is performed in a kind of “spoken word” style, but it is still strong musically. In this part, we get an eager dimension of his voice.
The pre-chorus kicks stronger this time. It includes synthesized pre-recorded backing vocals.
The chorus starts softly this time. Its first part is based on keyboards only. This is a kind of bridge of the song.
After that, the trumpet is added again.
He moves in a more rock direction and performs the chorus again.
The song ends with one last chorus, performed with a whistle voice (very high notes).
Overall, the song suggests a diverse and complex musical experience. On the one hand, it means the song isn’t too predictable. On the other hand, it makes it less memorable and a bit hard to digest.
The live performance included too many aspects, and the main idea wasn’t clear. I felt that it might be too much for the average viewer.

Lyrics

How much I write, with any skill
With any style, or how smooth
She brings me into a movie, I feel like a child
I spin around like a vinyl
Cause I want to act in her movie

How much I can stay, how much I can give
How much I want, how much I can drink
With any top, any heel
Whatever the others are talking
I still did not care
I would choose her out of thousands of women

Cause I number, she hides
I call her, she doesn’t answer
A boxing match with dozens of rounds
And just like a ring

She plays me on her fingers
I can trust her
But she lies so beautifully
She turns me upside-down
She talks dirty
But when she only wants
An easy-mind
Let the bed empty
On the fingers
I can trust her
But she lies so beautifully
She turns me upside-down
She talks dirty
But when she only wants
An easy-mind
Let the bed empty

Don’t you now, don’t you now
Don’t you just wanna sit right next to me
(With your favorite dress on the floor and your dreams)
The scent of mistake just reminds you of me
And now all of your demons keep screaming my name
Take a little sip of venom now
Say you love me
Say you want me now
Fool me all over again baby
Lost in your eyes
Nights I crave the touch of you
Wondering just what you do
I’m begging you, I’m on my knees
Take your clothes off
Step on me

And I’m lost in your bedsheets
Tryna get closer
With marks on my neck and your makeup all over
Photos of us
They remind me, I still love you
What’s a king without a queen
What’s another way to get me sober

On the fingers, why are you so shy? Hurry, tell me now!
You rushed my head with all the pillows
On the fingers, don’t you see that i’m thirsty for
Her poison

Off and on
Like a radio song (What?)
Messing me around (Uh)
Turning upside down (Yeah)
Dirty talking me
Everyday’s a game (Everyday’s a game)
Lets me sleep alone
She plays me like oh

I can trust her
But she lies so beautifully
She turns me upside-down
She talks dirty
But when she only wants
An easy-mind
Let the bed empty
On the fingers
I can trust her
But she lies so beautifully
She turns me upside-down
She talks dirty
But when she only wants
An easy-mind
Let the bed empty

(On the fingers)

Poetry Analysis

The song talks about a toxic relationship.
The spokesperson describes a one-directional relationship that is based on attraction and physical aspects.
He falls in love easily and feels lost when he sees her, like a child that has no clue or like a movie character.
He is getting obsessed with her. She looks like the most attractive woman to him. Thinking about what she wears, the way she looks and so on, drives him crazy.
He symbolizes himself as another number on her phone. For her, he is one of many others. It looks like she doesn’t even care about him, and that’s why she ignores his calls.
Thereafter, he is getting wiser, he knows that she lies to him. Ironically, he even sees the beauty in her lies.

Initial Personal Ranking

12th overall in semi-final 2, 28th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2

Among the countries that usually vote for Romania 3 countries will vote in semi-final 2: Spain, Greece and Cyprus

Betting Odds

Romania selected “D.G.T” as its Eurovision 2023 song on the 11th of February 2023.
Since the day of the national final, Romania has been last or second to last in the odds.

Early Prediction

Probably one of the solid and sad predictions of this season. I am just concerned that the song won’t convince the average voter or might even seems like exaggerated. The live performance (staging wisely) we have seen so far, decrease its chance even more.
Prediction: non-qualifier

In the next chapter, we will discuss the automatic qualifiers – France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK, and Ukraine

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