ESC Insight
@escinsight.com
In-depth discussion, commentary, editorial and thoughts on the Eurovision Song Contest. We've a website for words, a podcast for audio, and now we have Bluesky for talking to you all through the year.
Whether Israeli broadcaster KAN is included or excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the Contest will be damaged. Its non-political stance weakened, the entry list diminished, a fractured community... @bensvision.bsky.social explores the possible outcomes. escinsight.com/2025/10/02/e...
October 9, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Whether Israeli broadcaster KAN is included or excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the Contest will be damaged. Its non-political stance weakened, the entry list diminished, a fractured community... @bensvision.bsky.social explores the possible outcomes. escinsight.com/2025/10/02/e...
It's going to be a long month leading up to the EBU's vote to exclude Israeli broadcaster KAN from the Eurovision Song Contest. @ascottreid.bsky.social has some tips on understanding the social media messaging that will flood the Eurovision community. escinsight.com/2025/09/29/f...
September 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
It's going to be a long month leading up to the EBU's vote to exclude Israeli broadcaster KAN from the Eurovision Song Contest. @ascottreid.bsky.social has some tips on understanding the social media messaging that will flood the Eurovision community. escinsight.com/2025/09/29/f...
No other organisation has committed to a report and vote on Israel's inclusion in the way that the EBU has over KAN's Eurovision entry. The EBU is under considerable scrutiny over its decision. Read more on @escinsight.com escinsight.com/2025/09/24/h...
September 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM
No other organisation has committed to a report and vote on Israel's inclusion in the way that the EBU has over KAN's Eurovision entry. The EBU is under considerable scrutiny over its decision. Read more on @escinsight.com escinsight.com/2025/09/24/h...
Throughout the summer, the Eurovision podcast community is collaborating on our "Eurovision Podcrawl" as we visit countries and broadcasters hosting for the first time. We're still with @windmachinepodcast.bsky.social in Vienna 1967 before moving on next week! windmachinepodcast.com/2025/06/30/e...
July 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Throughout the summer, the Eurovision podcast community is collaborating on our "Eurovision Podcrawl" as we visit countries and broadcasters hosting for the first time. We're still with @windmachinepodcast.bsky.social in Vienna 1967 before moving on next week! windmachinepodcast.com/2025/06/30/e...
Last week in Basel was a busy week for the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, including ESC insight. You can find links to all our podcasts, articles, editorials and guides here. escinsight.com/esc-insights...
May 19, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Last week in Basel was a busy week for the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, including ESC insight. You can find links to all our podcasts, articles, editorials and guides here. escinsight.com/esc-insights...
We have a valid exit poll!
May 16, 2025 at 11:44 PM
We have a valid exit poll!
One more thing to share before turning in for the night...
We can announce that the winner of the 2025 Grand Final Audience Poll is Sweden, followed by Finland and Spain! Full details below:
@escxtra.bsky.social @12pointsusa.bsky.social @eurovoix.bsky.social @thateurosite.bsky.social
@vdan.design
We can announce that the winner of the 2025 Grand Final Audience Poll is Sweden, followed by Finland and Spain! Full details below:
@escxtra.bsky.social @12pointsusa.bsky.social @eurovoix.bsky.social @thateurosite.bsky.social
@vdan.design
May 16, 2025 at 11:40 PM
One more thing to share before turning in for the night...
We can announce that the winner of the 2025 Grand Final Audience Poll is Sweden, followed by Finland and Spain! Full details below:
@escxtra.bsky.social @12pointsusa.bsky.social @eurovoix.bsky.social @thateurosite.bsky.social
@vdan.design
We can announce that the winner of the 2025 Grand Final Audience Poll is Sweden, followed by Finland and Spain! Full details below:
@escxtra.bsky.social @12pointsusa.bsky.social @eurovoix.bsky.social @thateurosite.bsky.social
@vdan.design
After 1,850 votes, here are the results of the Audience Poll for Semi-Final 2! Thanks to @12pointsusa.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social, @thateurosite.bsky.social, @eurovoix.bsky.social, and @vdan.design for their collaboration and efforts! See you Friday for the Grand Final Poll! #Eurovision
May 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
After 1,850 votes, here are the results of the Audience Poll for Semi-Final 2! Thanks to @12pointsusa.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social, @thateurosite.bsky.social, @eurovoix.bsky.social, and @vdan.design for their collaboration and efforts! See you Friday for the Grand Final Poll! #Eurovision
It’s a busy week at ESC insight, and we don’t want you to miss any of our coverage from Basel. You can find all links to all our podcasts, articles, editorials, and guides here. Enjoy the Contest! escinsight.com/esc-insights...
May 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
It’s a busy week at ESC insight, and we don’t want you to miss any of our coverage from Basel. You can find all links to all our podcasts, articles, editorials, and guides here. Enjoy the Contest! escinsight.com/esc-insights...
After 1,642 votes, here are the results of the Audience Poll for Semi-Final 1! Thanks to @12pointsusa.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social, @thateurosite.bsky.social, @eurovoix.bsky.social, and @vdan.design for their collaboration and efforts! See you in Semi-Final 2? #Eurovision
May 12, 2025 at 10:35 PM
After 1,642 votes, here are the results of the Audience Poll for Semi-Final 1! Thanks to @12pointsusa.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social, @thateurosite.bsky.social, @eurovoix.bsky.social, and @vdan.design for their collaboration and efforts! See you in Semi-Final 2? #Eurovision
The Easyjet/Eurovision plan has been spotted! www.instagram.com/p/DIR-YPtMEZw/
April 11, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The Easyjet/Eurovision plan has been spotted! www.instagram.com/p/DIR-YPtMEZw/
It's Friday, so shall we listen to @elliemade.bsky.social and Coinneach MacLeod on this week's Juke Box Jury song review podcast? Today, Eurovision songs from Belgium, The Netherlands, Montenegro, Norway, and Iceland. Hits, misses, or maybes? Let us know and reply! escinsight.com/2025/04/04/e...
April 4, 2025 at 11:50 AM
It's Friday, so shall we listen to @elliemade.bsky.social and Coinneach MacLeod on this week's Juke Box Jury song review podcast? Today, Eurovision songs from Belgium, The Netherlands, Montenegro, Norway, and Iceland. Hits, misses, or maybes? Let us know and reply! escinsight.com/2025/04/04/e...
6. Sweet N' Psycho – SCARLET
BPM: 115
Pure theatre once again, but with a distinct chorus compared to last year. Think staging will be key (and lots promised) to see if this translates or is just...different.
Sounds like: Vanilla Ninja ( #eurovision 2005) for the new generation
BPM: 115
Pure theatre once again, but with a distinct chorus compared to last year. Think staging will be key (and lots promised) to see if this translates or is just...different.
Sounds like: Vanilla Ninja ( #eurovision 2005) for the new generation
February 25, 2025 at 9:27 AM
6. Sweet N' Psycho – SCARLET
BPM: 115
Pure theatre once again, but with a distinct chorus compared to last year. Think staging will be key (and lots promised) to see if this translates or is just...different.
Sounds like: Vanilla Ninja ( #eurovision 2005) for the new generation
BPM: 115
Pure theatre once again, but with a distinct chorus compared to last year. Think staging will be key (and lots promised) to see if this translates or is just...different.
Sounds like: Vanilla Ninja ( #eurovision 2005) for the new generation
5. I’m Yours – Vilhelm Buchaus
BPM: 73
All acoustic guitar, but Vilhelm is forgetting to include any dynamics. The guitar drones on and this is completely forgettable after the three minutes are up. Shame.
Sounds like: He forgot the other instruments for the #melfest rock band.
BPM: 73
All acoustic guitar, but Vilhelm is forgetting to include any dynamics. The guitar drones on and this is completely forgettable after the three minutes are up. Shame.
Sounds like: He forgot the other instruments for the #melfest rock band.
February 25, 2025 at 9:22 AM
5. I’m Yours – Vilhelm Buchaus
BPM: 73
All acoustic guitar, but Vilhelm is forgetting to include any dynamics. The guitar drones on and this is completely forgettable after the three minutes are up. Shame.
Sounds like: He forgot the other instruments for the #melfest rock band.
BPM: 73
All acoustic guitar, but Vilhelm is forgetting to include any dynamics. The guitar drones on and this is completely forgettable after the three minutes are up. Shame.
Sounds like: He forgot the other instruments for the #melfest rock band.
3. Hate You So Much – Saga Ludvigsson
BPM: 130
Sara is a little energy pocket and her diction and vocal annunciation is on point. Somewhat predictable country song but probably the most catchy of the season. This could be quite charming
Sounds like: Ain't No Good ( #melfest 2016) by Mimi Werner
BPM: 130
Sara is a little energy pocket and her diction and vocal annunciation is on point. Somewhat predictable country song but probably the most catchy of the season. This could be quite charming
Sounds like: Ain't No Good ( #melfest 2016) by Mimi Werner
February 25, 2025 at 9:14 AM
3. Hate You So Much – Saga Ludvigsson
BPM: 130
Sara is a little energy pocket and her diction and vocal annunciation is on point. Somewhat predictable country song but probably the most catchy of the season. This could be quite charming
Sounds like: Ain't No Good ( #melfest 2016) by Mimi Werner
BPM: 130
Sara is a little energy pocket and her diction and vocal annunciation is on point. Somewhat predictable country song but probably the most catchy of the season. This could be quite charming
Sounds like: Ain't No Good ( #melfest 2016) by Mimi Werner
2. This Dream of Mine – Arwin
BPM: 79 (arguably double by second chorus)
Futuristic musical theatre number, with a dreamy production but big big electronic drums from the second chorus, and the production overpowers the voice.
KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: The song might be a bit too big for Arwin.
BPM: 79 (arguably double by second chorus)
Futuristic musical theatre number, with a dreamy production but big big electronic drums from the second chorus, and the production overpowers the voice.
KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: The song might be a bit too big for Arwin.
February 25, 2025 at 9:12 AM
2. This Dream of Mine – Arwin
BPM: 79 (arguably double by second chorus)
Futuristic musical theatre number, with a dreamy production but big big electronic drums from the second chorus, and the production overpowers the voice.
KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: The song might be a bit too big for Arwin.
BPM: 79 (arguably double by second chorus)
Futuristic musical theatre number, with a dreamy production but big big electronic drums from the second chorus, and the production overpowers the voice.
KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: The song might be a bit too big for Arwin.
1. Ring baby ring – Arvingarna
BPM: 141
What a showtune! Classic vibes from the ABBA era with flirts of Arvingarna's recent competition entries. Tight harmonies and a bombastic ending. Love this!
Sounds like: A follow up to Michelangelo by Björn Skifs ( #melfest 1975)
BPM: 141
What a showtune! Classic vibes from the ABBA era with flirts of Arvingarna's recent competition entries. Tight harmonies and a bombastic ending. Love this!
Sounds like: A follow up to Michelangelo by Björn Skifs ( #melfest 1975)
February 25, 2025 at 9:07 AM
1. Ring baby ring – Arvingarna
BPM: 141
What a showtune! Classic vibes from the ABBA era with flirts of Arvingarna's recent competition entries. Tight harmonies and a bombastic ending. Love this!
Sounds like: A follow up to Michelangelo by Björn Skifs ( #melfest 1975)
BPM: 141
What a showtune! Classic vibes from the ABBA era with flirts of Arvingarna's recent competition entries. Tight harmonies and a bombastic ending. Love this!
Sounds like: A follow up to Michelangelo by Björn Skifs ( #melfest 1975)
One last #Melfest listening session for the year!
Once more, I’m thirsty for the final songs, as each journalist hunts for those potential #Eurovision gems of the week’s six Melfest songs.
But first, some final thoughts on this year’s Melodifestivalen. 🧵👇
Once more, I’m thirsty for the final songs, as each journalist hunts for those potential #Eurovision gems of the week’s six Melfest songs.
But first, some final thoughts on this year’s Melodifestivalen. 🧵👇
February 25, 2025 at 8:31 AM
One last #Melfest listening session for the year!
Once more, I’m thirsty for the final songs, as each journalist hunts for those potential #Eurovision gems of the week’s six Melfest songs.
But first, some final thoughts on this year’s Melodifestivalen. 🧵👇
Once more, I’m thirsty for the final songs, as each journalist hunts for those potential #Eurovision gems of the week’s six Melfest songs.
But first, some final thoughts on this year’s Melodifestivalen. 🧵👇
6. Revolution – Måns Zelmerlöw
BPM: 125
He delivered. An anthem that nods to #eurovision winner Heroes, great gravel in the voice on top of top drawer big notes. Very well written outro.
Some of you'll hate it (dated?), but juries won't.
Sounds like: Even more Lovers on the Sun than Heroes
BPM: 125
He delivered. An anthem that nods to #eurovision winner Heroes, great gravel in the voice on top of top drawer big notes. Very well written outro.
Some of you'll hate it (dated?), but juries won't.
Sounds like: Even more Lovers on the Sun than Heroes
February 18, 2025 at 9:28 AM
6. Revolution – Måns Zelmerlöw
BPM: 125
He delivered. An anthem that nods to #eurovision winner Heroes, great gravel in the voice on top of top drawer big notes. Very well written outro.
Some of you'll hate it (dated?), but juries won't.
Sounds like: Even more Lovers on the Sun than Heroes
BPM: 125
He delivered. An anthem that nods to #eurovision winner Heroes, great gravel in the voice on top of top drawer big notes. Very well written outro.
Some of you'll hate it (dated?), but juries won't.
Sounds like: Even more Lovers on the Sun than Heroes
5. Do Good Be Better – AmenA
BPM: 72
This is such a good girl anthem. AmenA's voice is so clear, free and gentle. OK hook, plods along nicely.
Sounds like: A palate-cleanser between the Finns and what comes next.
BPM: 72
This is such a good girl anthem. AmenA's voice is so clear, free and gentle. OK hook, plods along nicely.
Sounds like: A palate-cleanser between the Finns and what comes next.
February 18, 2025 at 9:21 AM
5. Do Good Be Better – AmenA
BPM: 72
This is such a good girl anthem. AmenA's voice is so clear, free and gentle. OK hook, plods along nicely.
Sounds like: A palate-cleanser between the Finns and what comes next.
BPM: 72
This is such a good girl anthem. AmenA's voice is so clear, free and gentle. OK hook, plods along nicely.
Sounds like: A palate-cleanser between the Finns and what comes next.
4. Bara bada bastu – KAJ
BPM: 106
This is happy to make fun of itself, instruments (inc. accordion) take us east, and the melody goes all-in on the dark tango sound that is so stereotypically Finnish. KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: Edward af Sillen would commission this for an #eurovision interval act
BPM: 106
This is happy to make fun of itself, instruments (inc. accordion) take us east, and the melody goes all-in on the dark tango sound that is so stereotypically Finnish. KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: Edward af Sillen would commission this for an #eurovision interval act
February 18, 2025 at 9:18 AM
4. Bara bada bastu – KAJ
BPM: 106
This is happy to make fun of itself, instruments (inc. accordion) take us east, and the melody goes all-in on the dark tango sound that is so stereotypically Finnish. KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: Edward af Sillen would commission this for an #eurovision interval act
BPM: 106
This is happy to make fun of itself, instruments (inc. accordion) take us east, and the melody goes all-in on the dark tango sound that is so stereotypically Finnish. KEY CHANGE
Sounds like: Edward af Sillen would commission this for an #eurovision interval act
3. Yours – Tennessee Tears
BPM: 101
OK, some feelings are going to be expressed here, and it's not Jonas' or Tilda's fault. But why is this song in #melfest 25? Or, why do we need three country-flavoured songs this year that aren't offering any new?
Sounds like: Their previous entry was better.
BPM: 101
OK, some feelings are going to be expressed here, and it's not Jonas' or Tilda's fault. But why is this song in #melfest 25? Or, why do we need three country-flavoured songs this year that aren't offering any new?
Sounds like: Their previous entry was better.
February 18, 2025 at 9:14 AM
3. Yours – Tennessee Tears
BPM: 101
OK, some feelings are going to be expressed here, and it's not Jonas' or Tilda's fault. But why is this song in #melfest 25? Or, why do we need three country-flavoured songs this year that aren't offering any new?
Sounds like: Their previous entry was better.
BPM: 101
OK, some feelings are going to be expressed here, and it's not Jonas' or Tilda's fault. But why is this song in #melfest 25? Or, why do we need three country-flavoured songs this year that aren't offering any new?
Sounds like: Their previous entry was better.
2. Bara du är där – Ella Tiritiello
BPM: 71
Very gentle and stripped-back. Lots of words packed into this but that's juxtaposed with a title refrain that flows nicely.
Not groundbreaking. Not radical. Just nice. Well done.
Sounds like: LOVAD's Allting är precis likadant from #melfest 21
BPM: 71
Very gentle and stripped-back. Lots of words packed into this but that's juxtaposed with a title refrain that flows nicely.
Not groundbreaking. Not radical. Just nice. Well done.
Sounds like: LOVAD's Allting är precis likadant from #melfest 21
February 18, 2025 at 9:11 AM
2. Bara du är där – Ella Tiritiello
BPM: 71
Very gentle and stripped-back. Lots of words packed into this but that's juxtaposed with a title refrain that flows nicely.
Not groundbreaking. Not radical. Just nice. Well done.
Sounds like: LOVAD's Allting är precis likadant from #melfest 21
BPM: 71
Very gentle and stripped-back. Lots of words packed into this but that's juxtaposed with a title refrain that flows nicely.
Not groundbreaking. Not radical. Just nice. Well done.
Sounds like: LOVAD's Allting är precis likadant from #melfest 21
1. Vicious – Andreas Lundstedt
BPM: 121
The bassline is jumping, and this will be a brill aerobics workout number. Wish the chorus popped more, but the Alcazar handclaps in post-chorus are a nice throwback. Spoken word bridge.
Sounds like: What Dizzy tried to achieve at #eurovision last year
BPM: 121
The bassline is jumping, and this will be a brill aerobics workout number. Wish the chorus popped more, but the Alcazar handclaps in post-chorus are a nice throwback. Spoken word bridge.
Sounds like: What Dizzy tried to achieve at #eurovision last year
February 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
1. Vicious – Andreas Lundstedt
BPM: 121
The bassline is jumping, and this will be a brill aerobics workout number. Wish the chorus popped more, but the Alcazar handclaps in post-chorus are a nice throwback. Spoken word bridge.
Sounds like: What Dizzy tried to achieve at #eurovision last year
BPM: 121
The bassline is jumping, and this will be a brill aerobics workout number. Wish the chorus popped more, but the Alcazar handclaps in post-chorus are a nice throwback. Spoken word bridge.
Sounds like: What Dizzy tried to achieve at #eurovision last year
Tuesday morning - time for another takeover of this Bluesky account
Do any of you have any hope of #Melfest glory this year still?
Feel free to ask me any questions from now until 10:00 CET when the songs begin.
In 85 mins time we'll have heard the current Eurovision favourite...will he still be?
Do any of you have any hope of #Melfest glory this year still?
Feel free to ask me any questions from now until 10:00 CET when the songs begin.
In 85 mins time we'll have heard the current Eurovision favourite...will he still be?
February 18, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Tuesday morning - time for another takeover of this Bluesky account
Do any of you have any hope of #Melfest glory this year still?
Feel free to ask me any questions from now until 10:00 CET when the songs begin.
In 85 mins time we'll have heard the current Eurovision favourite...will he still be?
Do any of you have any hope of #Melfest glory this year still?
Feel free to ask me any questions from now until 10:00 CET when the songs begin.
In 85 mins time we'll have heard the current Eurovision favourite...will he still be?