Xclusive! Eurovision Song Contest 2014

This week in Xclusive! With the Eurovision Song Contest for 2014 a mere two months away, here is the lowdown on the Greek and British representatives vying for songtastic victory in Copenhagen this year! 

 Greece are preparing to choose their representative for this years Eurovision extravaganza! The televised National Final will be taking place on Tuesday 11^th March in Athens, at the Gazi Music Hall and the night’s events will be hosted once again by singing star Despina Vandi and actor/screenwriter Giorgos Kapooutzidis. 

Four acts will fight it out for that one golden ticket to Copenhagen: Krystallia, Freaky Fortune featuring Risky Kid, Mark Angelo featuring Josephine and the firm favourite to win Kostas Martakis.

 

 The songs had yet to be unveiled at time of press, but rumours have certainly been circulating! Speculation at the moment is that Kostas will be performing a Balkan rock song penned by Elias Kozas (lead singer of Koza Mostra who represented Greece at the contest last year). Krystallia (former lead singer of dance/pop group Otherview) is opting for a big ballad. If you’re more of a good time, ‘strap on you’re dancing shoes’ music lover Mark Angelo and Josephine should have it covered  with rumours of an dancey, up-tempo pop tune on the cards, while Freaky Fortune get grittier with a self penned dance/hip-hop song which they will perform alongside Risky Kid.

 

 As well as the hopeful competitors, a host of Greece’s biggest stars both past and present will be appearing on the special TV show which will also mark Greece’s 40th anniversary in the Eurovision Song Contest! Performances will include duets, and honour previous Eurovision successes from the likes of Kalomira Sarantis “My Secret Combination” (2008) with Claydee, Kati Garbi “Ellada Chora Tou Fotos” (1993) with group VEGAS and Sophia Vossou’s iconic “Anixi” (1991) with popular singer Demy.

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 The UK is ahead of game, and have already confirmed their representative for this years contest. Molly Smitten-Downes will be flying the UK flag with her self-penned song “Children of the Universe”; an anthemic, uplifting track which was specifically written with live performance in mind. Originally from Leicestershire, Molly was discovered through BBC Introducing… and invited to compose and perform a song especially for the competition. 

An active performer for over ten years Smitten-Downes has become widely recognised within the music industry and live music scene. No stranger to competition Molly won the accolade of Best Urban/Pop Act at Live and Unsigned’ (2012) as well as Best Song at the ‘Best of British Unsigned Music Awards’ (2013). Talking about the prospect of her involvement in the biggest annual European music contest Molly revealed “I'm so excited for everyone to hear Children of the Universe. I'm so happy with it. To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud”.

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 As announced in October 2013, unfortunately Cyprus will not be competing at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Cypriot broadcaster RIK, decided to withdraw their place in this year’s contest due to the financial restrictions and budget cuts implemented on the broadcaster due to the economic crisis affecting Cyprus.

That’s all for now ~ more music and entertainment XCLUSIVES coming soon…

Until next time x Mwah

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Catch all the latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show: ‘Young & Connected ~ Scandalous! Two hours of unadulterated Modern Greek hits; 1st for new music, celebrity gossip, chart news, interviews and of course listener’s special requests and dedications! Not to mention a few surprises along the way! Live on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk on Tuesdays 8-10pm. SCANDALOUS!

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: via email: katsmusiq@gmail.com   / Facebook: Kat Neocleous

Published in The Parikiaki Newspaper - 6th March 2014