Eurovision 2021: The Rotterdam Reboot

Visit La Collezione Torino 2022

Eurovision 2021. It happened. So the singers weren't facemasked, singing to us from their own kitchen but we didn't have a crazy two-week Eurovision invasion either.     But there was a live audience and I was lucky to be at the Jury Final, sitting on a stones throw from Hurricane's Green Room  Box. !

So my plan of meeting you all there for a chat and a party didn't materialize but I salute all the hard working people who made Rotterdam 2021 happen. Eurovision is here to stay. (And accidentally it also saved Rock'n'Roll!)

And so is the Eurovision Collectors Guide’s Rotterdam Collection 2.1, the Reboot if you will. 

Here we will be following all the artists and their songs, releases (physical and digital), versions and unmissable trivia like charts, discographies, some preselection goings-on and useful links for listening and shopping.

26 artists from 2020 got another chance this year but we supported everyone equally as long as they delivered the goods. As usual I’m counting on your help. Just drop a comment or contact us via our facebook. 

(Comments are moderated to avoid spam and can take some time to be published, and please don’t be anonymous)

In 2020 the Rotterdam contest was not to be but it still produced 41 entries and some cool mixes, versions and a few albums. You can read all about that here at the original Rotterdam Collection. 
We also have a public Facebook page with all kinds of Eurovision release news. Follow us or give us a like.

Here's a list of links to the other Collections (2009-2020), the latest Eurovision Collectors Guide 1956-2020 and Eurocovers est. 2006..

Very Special thanks to Rick for all the help I could possibly need :), 

Plus +++ Thanks to all who left comments! 

All pages updated with karaoke and instrumental info.

Big Thanks Krzysztof and Nigel!

Latest updated posts on top....

Portugal - 55th Festival da Canção, listen to the songs, The Black Mamba's win, FdC CD on March 19. Promo info, Amsterdam album with new version 2024

Italy - Festival Sanremo  without audience, 2CD out now. Zip it and listen to Måneskin, ESC version out now. Måneskin wins eurovision 2021!, Saves Rock'n'Roll and conquers the world. LP in various colours. Japanese Tour edition. 2023 Japan live bonus CD. + Another Japan Live CD version.

France - Listen to the songs, France decided et Voilà, Une Chanson update. Voilà, L'album on August 27. 

Iceland -Who's your Daði? (part II) What's another 10 years? Chromeo remix on May 21, Welcome EP, free acoustic version 2023, Finally something Physical

Switzerland - Gjon’s Universal Tears, now in the mix, The Game 2023, CD Vinyl and hanky

+ Sanremo 7"/LP/CD releases updated again (1-8). 

Sweden - Melodifestivalen 2CD out now. Tusse's #1 hit, Acoustic version, "Excuse My French" Version out now. 2023 remixes

Finland - All UMK songs out now, Go to the Dark Side with Blind Channel. #1 hit, updated promo(s) info. Album Out Now!

Lithuania - Oh well, let's try again, The Roop sets Discoteque On Fire. Remix Out Now! or not. New real remixes out now. And another. 2022 album CD OUT NOW

Norway - Watch the MGP 2021, all songs out now, TIX wins, #1 hit. TIX returns to Eurovision 2022?.

Croatia - DORA 2021 Albina's Tick-Tock, EP out now we got Versions! DORA 2021 CD out now. New remixes out now, updated.

Cyprus - Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo out now, El Diablo in the remix, Live Panik Celebration

North Macedonia - Vasil Garvanliev : Here I Stand is the Eurovision song, Out now. 8 remixes in 2022 out now

Serbia - Hasta La Vista, Hurricane are  Back! with Loco Loco, updated, Acoustic version, English version, Second English version out now. 2022: Live Music Week album out now

Russia - Russian Woman to Rotterdam, single out now Russian Woman Show Live EP out now

Ukraine - Go_A  return_A with a song, It's ШУМ (Shum) after all! Why a new Shum was needed. Shum Shum Shum, More versions and remixes. And let's have another remix by Bill X.

San Marino - Senhit's #FreakyTripToRotterdam part II, Adrenalina (now) ft. Flo Rida! Two versions out now. Steve Aoki remix.

Denmark - Listen to the DMGP songs now, Practice your Danish with Fyr og Flamme. #1 hit, CD LP Out Now!

Let's Get Physical - This year's releases you can actually hold, touch and smell.... Four preselection compilations, vinyls, updates. Various new compilations for this season. (NL, GB, BE Updated), coveralbum

Poland - Rafal takes us for a ride, single out now, new radio edit, Songwriter version.

Albania - Anxhela Peristeri, listen to Karma, Old Festivali's updated, single out now withdrawn. New version digital single out now. Fest 59 album out now, promo update.

Bulgarija - Victoria Georgieva picked a song a song. EP out now. Eurovision edit, VICTORIA goes Deluxe

Netherlands - Dawning of a new era for Jeangu Macrooy? Remixes out now

Belgium - Hooverphonic out with the new, in with the old, The Wrong Place out now, Vinyl single out now, new album Hidden Stories on May 7. Remix out June 10.

Latvia - Samanta Tīna is still breathing and The Moon Is Rising, Updated, Acoustic version out now

Spain - Blas Cantó's National Final with two songs, Choices. Voy A Quedarme wins. English version I'll Stay, Versión Acústica out now. Duet with James Newman out May 18

Germany - Jendrik Sigwart doesn't feel hate, single out now! Actually releases a "layed back" (sic) version.

Ireland - Story Of My Life, the sequel. Maps out now, Remix out now

Slovenia - 60th anniversary, celebrate with Ana Soklič, Amen, Hallelujah, Glorious. Can I get an Amen?, Yes! Six of them

Australia  - Don't adjust your TVset, Montaigne and the Amazing Technicolour Song, has to stay home

Azerbaijan - Efendi: Mata Hari's Game Of Desire, Cleopatra gets an honorable mention. Watch now, Slow version 

Moldova - Natalia Gordienko gives us some Sugar, Russian version out now

Israel - Eden Alene songs, Set Me Free, out now, revamp out now

Malta - Destiny's fate, Excuse her french

Georgia - Tornike Kipiani returns as he is and brings us You.

United Kingdom - James Newman get's the glow ahead. Listen to Embers.

Greece - Stefania - Last dance now!

Austria - Vincent Bueno fighting the system, can I get an Amen (too)?

Estonia - Listen to the Eesti laul songs, Lucky Boy Uku gets another chance

Romania - Roxen poors another drink and gets Amnesia

Czech Republic - OMG, Ben's Back!

Armenia = OUT

Belarus with presidential approval, that'll teach em. EBU not happy, Belarus = OUT

Disclaimers.

The 202ONE logo (top) is from the official store's T-Shirt for which they overprinted the useless 2020 stock as a limited edition. I bought one. silly me.

The 2021 Eurovision logo used in the background is created by CLEVER°FRANKE for EBU / UER

Check out their work on this and the 2020 logo here https://www.cleverfranke.com/work/eurovision, with some fun animations and other stuff. 

Portugal - The Black Mamba - Love Is On My Side

Picture from Festival da Canção Facebook

12 - 153 pts / 4 - 239 in semi 2

The Black Mamba represented Portugal in Rotterdam with Love Is On My Side. The song is written by Pedro Tatanka, the lead singer.

The song is fully in English which is a first for a Portuguese entry.

Here's the FdC live performance.

The song can be found on Festival da Canção 2021 album, out on CD (19-3) and digital.

A promo cds issued by RTP also has the instrumental version.

Last Night In Amsterdam

The Black Mamba's album Last Night In Amsterdam was finally released in 2024 on November 15. It includes a new / alternate version of the Eurovision hit named "Minor version". So far the album is only out through digital sources (Sons Em Transito).

For 2021 the RTP organised the 55th Festival da Canção.  On Januari 20 the songs were revealed.

You can listen to all in this RTP FdC Youtube playlist. The digital album with all songs was released on February 20. The CD was released on March 19.

Or just visit this page art RTP.

The semi finals were on 20 and 27 Februari with a final on March 6.

The 2020 winner was Medo De Sentir by Elisa (Silva). Elisa was not among the 2021 Festival da Canção contestants.

Versions

Love Is On My Side

- digital 20-2 (FdC album), as single 7-3, Festival da Canção 2021 CD, Rotterdam 2CD

Love Is On My Side (Minor version)

- album Last Night In Amsterdam (digital 15-11-2024)

Love Is On My Side - karaoke 

- karaoke on the official karaoke album (digital)

Charts

Netherlands single top 100: 70

Portugal top 200: 44, 117, -

Festival da Canção logo from RTP

Links and sources
RTP Festival da Canção pages, Composers of 2021, Artists of 2021, Facebook

Portugal 2020

The Black Mamba Website, Facebook, Instagram

Tatanka Website, Facebook, 

Italy - Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni

Congratulazioni Måneskin! Congratulazioni Italia!

Måneskin are the winners of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest

1st place with 524 pts

Veni, Rocki , Vici: Måneskin are the winners of the 71st  Sanremo Festival with the song Zitti E Buoni (Shut up and be good). The band have confirmed they'll do Eurovision and it is Zitti E Buoni for Rotterdam.

Here's the official video.

The song is written by the band themselves: Damiano David, Victoria De Angelis, Thomas Raggi and Ethan Torchio.

Work on Zitti E Buoni already started in 2016 when it was a ballad but they left it on the shelf for a while before turning it into the rock song we know now.

The Sanremo journey was not a run race for Måneskin. On the first night the demoscopic jury (made up by music fans voting from home) only had it 7th and they ended only 15th after all the songs (on two nights) were judged.

They did better with the press jury (4th night) ending 2nd, moving them up to 5th in the overall list.

The final night they ended 2nd with the televoters resulting in a place in the three-song superfinal.

Up against Eurovision stars Ermal Meta and Francesca Michelin with Fedez, they won the press jury and televote in this last but were 3rd with the demoscopic jury.

Single version image

Zitti E Buoni was released as a digital single on March 3. It can also be found on the Sanremo compilation 2CD (see below).

The Eurovision version, a mere ten seconds shorter, was released on March 16.

It also has a tiny lyric change to keep it family friendly. (Non sa di che cazzo parla changed into Non sa di che cosa parla)

Teatro d’Ira Vol.I

The original version is also included on the new Måneskin album Teatro d’Ira Vol.I out on Sony since March 19. (CD: Sony 194398 72892)

The album is released on CD, LP and limited edition orange transparent vinyl LP exclusive to Amazon.it.

A purple vinyl LP , a lime transparent one and a transparent violet edition were released on April 16.

A new edition of the CD with exclusive booklet was released on 2-7

And if you want more vinyl, their previous albums have also been re-released on LP.

Il Ballo Della Vita (2018) is out on blue vinyl. (originally on red vinyl and picture disc).

Mini album Chosen (2017) is out on transparent blue vinyl. (originally also on Red vinyl)

Big In Japan

The CD was released in Japan on October 13 (2021) with I Wanna Be Your Slave - Duet with Iggy Pop as a bonus track.

On August 3, 2022,  a special Japan Tour Edition was released  to commemorate the band's visit to the  country. 

It ads 4 live tracks recorded in Los Angeles as extra tracks to the original Japanese tracklist. (but no Zitti live).

The release comes with a  Måneskin rubber wristband.

The Japanese release schedule also includes re-issues of their earlier albums.

2023 Rush! in Japan

Måneskin's new album Rush!, out on January 20, 2023, comes in a host of formats but the most interesting is the Japanese 2CD version. It has a bonus track and adds their first live concert in Japan on the 2nd disc. Recorded on August 18 at Toyosu Pit. The 10-track set opens with Zitti e Buoni.

(Sony SICP 6503-4)

Note: There's also a Japanese 1CD that does not have the live disc but it has the bonus track.

I got mine at JPC

Live In Japan Rush! World Tour

A Japan only live 2CD was released on July 31, 2024.

It includes a live version of Zitti e Buoni recorded at Ariake Arena (Kōtō, Tokyo) on December 3, 2023.

Versions

Zitti e Buoni - Eurovision version

- digital release 16-3, Rotterdam 2CD

Zitti e Buoni - original version (explicit)

- Sanremo 2CD, album Teatro d’Ira Vol.I (LP/CD), digital single 3-3

Zitti e Buoni - live in Japan

- 2CD Rush!, Japanese limited edition release.

Zitti e Buoni - karaoke (= instrumental) of ESC version

- karaoke/instrumental on the official karaoke album (digital)

If Måneskin isn't loud enough for you a metal coverversion by Melodicka Bros ft all kinds of people was released on March 17 (digital).

Charts

The chart adventures of Måneskin are remarkable. Not only does the Eurovision winner do well in several countries, other songs chart as well. I Wanna Be Your Slave, a song (in English) from the Teatro album has overtaken Zitti E Buoni in some countries and may well turn out to be an even bigger hit.

Beggin' the Four Seasons/Madcon cover from the 2017 Chosen album scores in even more charts getting to #1 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland but also charting in Canada, U.S.A, India, Australia and New Zealand.

All three Måneskin albums also find their way to the top of international charts. 

Italy top 100 (FIMI): 14, 2*, 3, 3, 4, 6, 11, 8, 15, 22, 19, 24, 2, 2, 2, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 23, 25, 23, 29, 33, 38, 40, 48, 52, 58, 70, 58, 56, 59, 59, 55, 62, 72, 78, 78, 87. 94, 88, 52, 77, 76, 57, 47, 51, 62, 67, 71, 89, -, 96, - re: 98

- *Måneskin were held off the #1 spot by Sanremo runners up Francesca Michelin with Fedez.

- Zitti e Buoni reached 4 x Platinum in Italy

Switzerland top 100: 57, - re-entry: 2, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 26, 28, 32, 43, 55, 63, 73, 78, 93, -

Netherlands singles top 100: 1, 2, 2, 4, 4, 12, 17, 33, 45, 54, 72, 78, 94, -

Netherlands Top 40: 24, 19, 21, 27, 35, -

Sweden top 100 (Topplistan): 1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 16, 17, 25, 32, 36, 45, 61, 81, -

U.K. top 100 (OCC): 17, 25, 41, 57, 51, 54, 67, 69, 95, -

Ireland top 100 (IRMA): 14, 12, 25, 32, 31, 36, 39, 44, 65, -

Norway top 40 (VG lista): 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 9, 14, 20, 31, 39, -

Germany top 100 (ODC): 9, 11, 23, 35, 37, 43, 51, 58, 62, 84, 99, -

Finland top 20 (IFPI): 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 13, 15, 15, 15, 19, -

France top 200 (SNEP): 116, 107, 141, 176, -, 147, -

Austria top 75: 3, 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 18, 20, 26, 33, 38, 48, 61, -

Spain top 100: 16, 17, 35, 54, 63, 80, 99, -

Portugal top 200: 7, 4, 10, 21, 29, 39, 50, 60, 64, 76, 108, 112, 126, 139, 181, -

Belgium (Flanders Ultratop) top 50: 9, 2, 2, 4, 2, 6, 16, 21, 28, 30, 29, 30, 31, 40, 46, -

Belgium (Wallonia Ultratop) top 50: 43, 50, -

Denmark top 40 (Tracklisten): 18, 20, -

Bulgaria top 40: 19, 8, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17, 20, 23, 25, 31, 38

Links and sources

Måneskin Website Facebook

Eurovision version image

Sanremo 2021

This year's Sanremo festival was held from 2 to 6 March. But with covid trouble overshadowing: The contest went ahead as planned but without a live audience.
A 2CD release is out now (from March 5). It includes all 26 songs of the competition plus the eight finalists of the newcomers section

Most Sanremo 2021 artists have new albums out. See the list below has all the tracks and their CD and LP releases to be expected from March 5 and later. (dates added after the record company)

Five vinyl singles have been spotted so far , also two 12"inch maxi releases and a cassette single

2021 Sanremo entries and their 7"/CD/LP releases

CD1

01. Francesca Michielin e Fedez - Chiamami per nome
  - Michielin CD/LP Feat (Fiori dagli spazi) (Sony 5-3)

  - is a re-issue of Feat (Stato di natura) from 2020

  - also includes Stato Di Natura featuring Måneskin

02. La Rappresentante Di Lista - Amare

  - On CD/LP My Mamma (Woodworm/Sony 5-3)

03. Måneskin - Zitti e buoni
  - CD/LP/LP (clear orange vinyl) Teatro d’Ira Vol.I (Sony 19-3)

  - Lemon yellow, transparent violet and purple vinyls were released on 16-4

  - A new edition CD with exclusive booklet was released on 2-7

04. Madame - Voce  (Updated)

  - Vinyl 7" coloured has acoustic and instrumental version, Amazon.it exclusive released May 5

  - CD/LP (clear vinyl) Madame (UNIM1 19-3)

05. Colapesce Dimartino - Musica leggerissima (Updated)

  - Vinyl single (42 records, 42065s, released in March), 300 copies pressed, handnumbered.

  - CD/2LP I Mortali2 (Sony 19-3) - is a re-issue of 2020 LP I Mortali.

  - Remixes by Giorgio Moroder, Cerrone and others were released in a 2x12" set (Sony).

06. Gaia - Cuore amaro

07. Aiello - Ora
  - CD/LP (Clear yellow vinyl) Meridionale (Sony 12-3)

08. Irama - La genesi del tuo colore

09. Noemi - Glicine

  - CD/LP Metamorfosi (Sony CD 5-3, LP 12-3)

10. Random - Torno a te

  - CD/LP (light blue vinyl) Nuvole (Visory records 2-4)

11. Ermal Meta - Un milione di cose da dirti
  - CD/LP Tribù Urbana (Sony 12-3)

12. Annalisa - Dieci

  - CD Nuda 10 (Warner 12-3) - is a re-issue of 2020 album Nuda

13. Lo Stato Sociale - Combat Pop

  - 2CD / 3LP Attentato alla musica Italiana (UNIM1 CD 12-3, LP 19-3)

14. Fulminacci - Santa Marinella

  - CD/LP/LP (blue vinyl) Tanta care cose (Machiste / Artists First 12-3)

15. Willie Peyote - Mai dire mai (La locura)

  - 7"inch vinyl single (coloured)  (Virgin int. 26-3)

16. Coma_Cose - Fiamme negli occhi (Updated)

  - Cassette single with instrumental in two merchandise packs (Fake Asian records)

  - CD/LP (red vinyl) Nostralgia (Asian Fake 16-4)

  - LP comes with Virtual Fan Experience (whatever that is)

17. Fasma GG - Parlami

CD 2

01. Francesco Renga - Quando trovo te

02. Max Gazzè e La Trifluoperazina Monstery Band - Il farmacista (Updated)

  - CD/LP La matimatica dei rami (UNIM1 9-4), comes in black, clear and Marble vinyl.

03. Malika Ayane - Ti piaci così (Updated)

  - CD/LP/LP white vinyl Malifesto (UNIM1White vinyl  26-3, CD and black LP later)

04. Bugo - E invece sì (Updated)

  - Vinyl single with karaoke (Mescal, date unknown)

  - CD Bugo Bugatti Christian (Mescal 5-3) - is a re-issue of 2020 album Bugo Christian Bugatti

  - also includes Sincero ft. Morgan (Sanremo 2020)

05. Arisa - Potevi fare di più

06. Ghemon - Momento perfetto
  - CD/LP/LP (red vinyl) E Vissero Feriti e Contenti (Carosello 5-3)

07. Gio Evan - Arnica
  - 2LP Mareducato (UNIM1 12-3)

08. eXtraliscio feat. Davide Toffolo (Tre allegri ragazzi morti) - Bianca luce nera
  - eXtraliscio 2CD/2LP È Bello perdersi (Betty Wrong/Sony 5-3)

09. Orietta Berti - Quando ti sei innamorato

  - 7"inch vinyl single (Gapp Music 5-3)

  - CD/2LP La mia vita e' un film (Gapp Music 5-3)

+ Nuove Proposte (The newcomers section)
10. Avincola – Goal!
  - CD Turisti (Leave Music 26-2)
11. Davide Shorty – Regina

  - LP/CD Fusion a metà (The Orchard, digital 5-3, expanded CD 30-4)
12. Dellai – Io sono Luca
13. Elena Faggi – Che ne so
14. Folcast – Scopriti
15. Gaudiano – Polvere da sparo
16. Greta Zuccoli – Ogni cosa sa di te
17. Wrongonyou – Lezioni di volo

  - 12"inch single, also has acoustic version (Carosello, 100 copies made 2-3)

  - The 12"inch also includes a cardboard aeroplane kit.

  - CD Sono Io (Carosello 12-3), also on red/black marbled LP (26-5)

Here's a list of pre Sanremo speculation drama preceding the contest: 
- The organisation is not on schedual to organize a safe event (that didn't stop 1991), even without audience. 

- Gli ABBA's reunion is planned for Sanremo 2021 (I love that one), snubbing Melodifestivalen.
- The whole show could be done from a totally isolated cruiseship (as if preparations for that can be done in time...)
- Postponement until April or May. This would make it outside the Eurovision time limit although rules are made to be broken. Plus: A month or two won't make it any safer.
- Cancellation.

- The government should decide
- A Eurovision entry will be sought outside the Sanremo 2021 realm

- "No Al Festival di Sanremo" campaigns against holding the festival at all because of the virus, deaths, money etc. 
- So, Diodato after all?

- Sanremo shows are too long

- Italy withdraws from Eurovision for another 14 years (I made that one up)

Diodato won 2020's Sanremo Festival with Fai Rumore and was planned for the Rotterdam contest. His page at the original Rotterdam Collection is here.

France - Barbara Pravi - Voilà

2 - 499 pts / not in semi

Voilà by Barbara Pravi is the French entry for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

Barbara Pravi won the French selection C’est Vous Qui Décidez! on January 30.

All songs, including the winner, were already released as digital singles ahead of the national competition. (more at the end of this page). Voilà was first released on November 6, 2020.

Here's a lovely version of Voilà "Live at mon salon" (Youtube video)

Voilà, l'image de la sortie digital de Barbara Pravi

the 12"inch promo sleeve

Barbara Pravi

Singer-Chansonwriter Barbara Pravi, (Barbara Piévic) released her first single Pas Grandir in 2017, followed by a 5-track EP Barbara Pravi. Several singles followed but Voilà is the first that made it to the French charts* albeit a modest #99 on 14 December.

In 2020 France won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song J'imagine by Valentina which was co-written by Pravi as was the 2019 entry Bim Bam Toi by Carla.

Voilà is the first song from her first full album she has been working on. The album is out in August, see below.

For promotion a 12"inch vinyl was made. 150 numbered copies are said to be made. 

A 1 track promo cdsingle was also issued.

Some remixes have appeared, also on official sources but I'm not sure which ones are official and legit. Some have also been removed

On n'enferme pas les oiseaux

Barbara Pravi's first full album is released on August 27. It includes Voilà and 10 other songs.

Out on CD, LP (October 8) and digital.

Even though Voilà didn't do much in the French charts the album enters the top 200 at #6.

(CD Universal 602438 529148, LP Universal)

Versions

Voilà

- digital release 6-11-2020, Rotterdam 2CD, Pravi CD/LP

Voilà - karaoke (= Instrumental)

- karaoke (instrumental) on the official karaoke album (digital)

Remixes  by Algo Desconhecido and Desogus were released on Spotify and iTunes but were removed quickly for being unofficial.

Charts*

Voilá (the single) was certified Gold in France on April 10 2022, 18 months after the original release.

French top 100 (IFOP): 99, -

French top 200 (SNEP) 154, - re after ESC: 24, 71, 102, 137, 165, 199

Originally charting in December 2020

Netherlands single top 100: 3, 15, 24, 49, 75, 99, -  re-entry week2 2022: 91

Sweden top 100 (Topplistan): 18, 55, -

U.K. top 100 (OCC): 62

Ireland top 100 (IRMA): 40, -

Norway top 40 (VG lista): 19, -

Germany top 100 (ODC): 62, -

Switzerland top 100: 24, -

Finland top 20 (IFPI): 10, -

Austria top 75: 66, -

Spain top 100: 60, -

Portugal top 200:50, 100, -

Belgium (Flanders Ultratop) top 50: 36, 39, 26, 47, 38, (39), -

*Changes and mistakes(?) in the Belgian charts: it was 39 in the 6th week, but in the archives it's not.

Belgium (Wallonia Ultratop) top 50: 34, 46, -

Links and sources

Barbara Pravi Website, Facebook, Youtube channel, Instagram

C’est Vous Qui Décidez!

Here is the Youtube playlist of the 12 songs that competed in the French preselection C’est Vous Qui Décidez! (it's you who decides) or you can check them out at France.tv here.

The French NF is expected to take place on January 30.

2020 singer Tom Leeb has been thanked for his services and was not included in the 2021 line up.

All 12 songs have been released as digital singles.

Cephaz' song comes in two versions. Andriamad also have a remix and acoustic version out.

Iceland - Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið - 10 Years

10 Years, the digital release image

4 - 378 pts / 2 - 288 pts in semi 2

Iceland held on  to their 2020 artist Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið for the 2021 contest. Good plan as Think About Things was the biggest hit of the year chart-wise. It also clocked the most streams on Spotify.

Welcome EP

The self penned 2021 song 10 Years was released on March 13. The new official video is out on March 29

Here's the first official video. and here's the new one. 

On Daði's website you can find cool links to a virtual visit in your own home, a computer game and a shop with goodies like socks, mugs, pins and stickers. All while s(t)ocks last of course.

Unfortunately Covid struck and the bandið had to watch the contest from their hotel rooms.

An earlier recorded rehearsal was used in both the semi and the final.

A remix by Canadian DJ duo Chromeo is released on May 21.

Welcome EP

In 2021 Daði Freyr released a digital EP including his 2020 and 2021 entries.

On Dcember 1 2023 the EP was released on 10" vinyl. It also includes a remix of each Eurovision song.

(Samlist records DAFR 14 LP) Available here at Daði's shop

10 Years
Clear My Head
Think About Things
Somebody Else Now
Feel the Love ft. ÁSDÍS
10 Years (Chromeo Remix)
Think About Things (Hot Chip Remix)

Thanks Torsten!

 

A free download of a 2023 acoustic version can be found via Daði Freyr's youtube here

Daði Freyr got his 2020 Eurovision ticket on his second attempt. In 2017 he entered with Hvað með það? (Is this love?). He ended 2nd behind Svala's Paper but he was a good sport and made a remix for her. This was released as a digital track.

Here's everything you need to know about Things, the charts, the remixes, the trivia.

2020 release image

Versions

10 Years

- digital release 13-3, Rotterdam 2CD

10 Years - Chromeo remix

- digital release 21-5, Welcome EP

10 Years - Acoustic 2023

- free download (via)

10 Years - karaoke 

- karaoke on the official karaoke album (digital)

Charts

Netherlands single top 100: 15, 34, 78

Sweden top 100 (Topplistan): 23, 39, 83

U.K. top 100 (OCC): 43, 81

Ireland top 100 (IRMA): 38, 78, -

Norway top 40 (VG lista): 33, -

Switzerland top 100: 80

Finland top 20 (IFPI): 8, 9

Links and sources
RÚV Söngvakeppnin pages and FB
Daði Freyr Website (NEW), FB, 2020

You can still Daðify yourself here

Switzerland - Gjon's Tears - Tout l'Univers

3 - 432 pts / 1 - 291 pts in semi 2

Gjon's Tears got another chance to represent Switzerland in Rotterdam after the 2020 cancellation. 

The new song is Tout l'Univers, written by Wouter Hardy, Nina Sampermans , Xavier Michel and Gjon Muharremaj himself. 

Tiery F remix

A remix by Tiery F was released on July 28 (digital)

The Game 2023

Gjon's 2023 album The Game includes Tout L'Univers. Out on April 28.

Available on CD and double LP (creme vinyl) and limited double blue vinyl LP.

Also bundles with lithograph, hanky and stickers.

Shopping can be done here.

2020 song Répondez-moi  is not included on the album but it has follow up singles Silhouettes and Pure (album version)

Full tracklist below

P.S. Did you know there are loads of versions of Répondez-moi ?

The songwriters

Now we all know Wouter Hardy from co-writing a little known tune called Arcade. (and update, Estonia 2023)

Tout l'Univers was originally written and recorded in English as Ground Zero and our Gjon shared a snippet of that on YouTube. There are no plans for release.

Nina Sampermans sang for Hooverphonic for a brief moment (2016-2017) and she still writes with them. She also co-wrote the Belgian 2012 entry Would You by Iris.

Watch the video Here

Last years song Répondez-moi was a fan favorite but only spent one week at #100 in the Swiss charts. (It re-entered after the 2021 contest at 42 for 1 week)

The 2021 entry fares much better as it enters the Swiss charts at #1 after Eurovision. 

Gjon's Tears was originally a five man band but it was their singer Gjon Muharremaj who got in the spotlights after participating in the French version of The Voice in 2019. 

Gjon likes his competitions. At the age 12 he ended 3rd in Albania Got Talent and a year later he appeared in the Swiss version.

Versions

Tout l'Univers

- digital release 10-3, Rotterdam 2CD, CD The Game

Tout l'Univers - Tiery F remix

- digital release July 28

Tout l'Univers - karaoke

- karaoke on the official karaoke album (digital)

2020's Répondez-moi in the mix

Charts

Switzerland top 100: 1, 9, 24, 44, 58, 71, 91, -

Netherlands single top 100: 16, 53, -

Sweden top 100 (Topplistan): 21, 62, -

U.K. top 100 (OCC): 93, -

Ireland top 100 (IRMA): 52, -

Norway top 40 (VG lista): 36, -

Germany top 100 (ODC): 86, -

Finland top 20 (IFPI): 5, 17, -

Austria top 75: 68, -

Portugal top 200: 118, -

Belgium (Flanders Ultratop) top 50: 50, -

Links and sources
SRF Eurovision pages and FB.
Gjon's Tears FB, 2020

Tracklist The Game
01 The Game
02 Disco
03 Pure (Album Version)
04 Amen to You
05 Un cœur qui cogne
06 Midnight in Paris
07 Cancer (feat. Ibrahim Maalouf)
08 Stronger Than You Know
09 Feeling Alone
10 Silhouette
11 Tout l’univers
12 Babi 
13 My Last Goodbye

Let's Get Physical 2021

Advance image DVD

In the words of the great 20th century philosopher and Eurovision star Olivia Newton John:
Let's get physical.

Here's a quick run-down of this years physical releases, CDs, LP's, 7"vinyls and cdsingles.
Only the ones available in the shops or via websites are here, promo stuff (if any) is in each country's section.

Singles

Belgium's Hooverphonic released a limited edition 7"inch vinyl single. The also have a new album out since May 7.

Iceland's entry was released on a 10" vinyl EP in 2023

Promo's have been spotted of: France, Serbia, Israel, Finland, Azerbaijan, Albania, Portugal, San Marino, Cyprus

Sanremo vs Eurovision

With just four or five albums (depends on The Roop) Eurovision is underrepresented on the release front.

To compare, Sanremo artists have 23 albums out on CD and LP plus five vinyl singles, two 12"inches and even a cassette single. 

Now with Eurovision in Italy next year I hope the seemingly healthy Italian music release culture rubs off on the 2022 Eurovision artists.

Find out about the Sanremo 2021 releases here in the Italy section. Updated August 1.

Compilations

The Official 2CD was released on April 23 

The digital version was released on April 17 along with the collection of karaokes/instrumentals.

The DVD (3 discs) is planned on June 25.

Links go the country's pages
The first CD to be released this year is the album of Croatia's DORA 2021 selection.

Italy's Sanremo festival compilation 2CD is out now

Sweden's Melodifestivalen 2CD is out now.

Portugal's Festival da Canção 2021 CD is out March 19

Artists albums (CD, LP)

Italy's Måneskin have their album Teatro d’Ira Vol.I out on 19-3. CD, LP and limited edition transparent orange vinyl. Other colours were released in April.

You can also find the details on all the Sanremo physical releases of 2020 in the Italy section. I've sorted it all out, including all the vinyl colours and release dates, so you don't have to. 

Belgium's Hooverphonic release their new album Hidden Stories on LP, Blue vinyl and CD. Out May 7. Does not include the 2020 song but it has 2021.

Denmark's Fyr Og Flamme release their debut album on LP and CD in August

Lithuania: The Roop's album has finally materialized, CD and LP editions should be out in summer 2022. Includes their 2020 and 2021 songs. CD OUT NOW.

France: Voilà is included on Barbara Pravi's album out in August.

Finland: Blind Channel have their new album out in July 2022.

Switzerland: Gjon's 2023 album The Game includes Tout L'Univers. On CD and Blue 2LP, out April 28.

Other compilations 

Below are three new Eurovision compilations. Only 14 tracks have made it to all three compilations in the same version. (Waterloo, Only Teardrops. All Kinds Of Everything, Arcade, Beg Steal Or Borrow, Save Your Kisses For Me, Making Your Mind Up, My Number One, Hold Me Now, Why Me?, Hard Rock Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Un Banc, Un Arbre, Une Rue, Ding A Dong)

Vicky Leandros' 1972 winner is included in a different version on each set.

Top 40 Hitdossier Songfestival (Netherlands)

It's Eurovision songs from the Dutch Top 40 perspective, also has four Dutch National Songfestival songs. It also includes the 2021 entry Birth Of A New Age. (see picture below for tracklist).

3CD's, out on May 7 (Sony Music)

I've spotted one big error though, a non-Eurovision track which was a hit in the Netherlands, did you see it?

Update: A few oddities. 

L'Oiseau et l'Enfant features in the 1988 re-recording

Captured By A Lovestorm is the Hurricane remix

Fernando & Filippo is the so called False Organ version

De Troubadour is a 3 minute edit which first appeared in 1996

You And Me (Joan Franka) is the first version without the added fiddles.

A Ba Ni Bi is featured in Hebrew which was never commercially released as a single.

Sieneke's Sha La Lie is featured in the first version as released on the first cdsingle. (Thanks Frank)

Eres Tu and Love Shine A Light are missing, even though they were both  big hits (#3 & #4 resp) and you'd expect Katrina to be there after last years tribute show. (Thanks Eric)

Cent Mille Chansons by Frida Boccara is not her Eurovision entry but it was a hit in the Netherlands in the same year. Ooops

Now That's What I Call Eurovision (U.K.)

This is a 3CD from a U.K. angle with mainly Eurovision songs that were chart hits in the U.K.. Includes several English versions. Out April 30 (Now That's What I Call Music)

Tracklist in the 2nd picture.

No mistakes or odd recordings here, it's nice to have the English versions of some of the big songs. Also has two songs from 2020.

Eurovisie hits (Belgium)

This one was released in September 2020. Eurovision hits with a Belgian ear. Includes several Belgian entries, some big winners and quite a few Dutchies too. Tracklist in 2nd picture.

2CD  (Universal)

Update: A few oddities. 

Après Toi is included in a re-recording from 2005

'n Beetje features in the first released version.

Every Way That I Can is included in the first version (which was also on the official Estonia CD). The winning Eurovision version was a (later) remix by Galleon

Songfestival: Nederlands trots in een nieuw jasje 

(Dutch pride in a new jacket) is a celebration of Dutch Eurovision entries recorded by some of today's popular Dutch singers. Tracklist and more here at Eurocovers.