Emmelie De Forest wins Eurovision 2013

1 - 281 pts / 1 - 167 pts in semi 1

Congratulations Denmark
Denmark won the 58th Eurovision Song Contest.
With 281 points Emmelie stayed well ahead of the competition.

The song is written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin -Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard.

Lise Cabble is one of the writers of the 2011 entry New Tomorrow by A Friend In London. (5th place) and she also co-wrote Fra Mols Til Skägen, the 1995 Danish entry for Aud Wilken.

Digital release image
cdsingle 
In the digital days where cdsingles and even overpriced promotional issues are becoming a rarity it's hard times for the avid Eurovision collectors.
Luckily the winner is released on cdsingle this year, Official release date is June 14, but it varied in some territories. So we can at least keep our collection of winners singles complete.
The cdsingle (top picture) includes the Eurovision version and the instrumental version..
(Sony / Universal SME-8888374-6702)
Update: The cdsingle is also released in Taiwan (It's the same EU made cds but with OBI strip on the case).



A German 1-track Sony promo is also issued. It comes with a picture sleeve inlay with the same pic as the digital release image.

Beware: The Greece made cdsingle offered on e-bay including, remixes, live versions is not the genuine article, just bad quality rips stuck onto a cdr. Avoid !!

Remixes
Two remixes have been released through digital sources (see versions list) and even more have appeared on a promo cds.

There's also a five track remix EP (digital release) by Forrest DJ. I don't know if it's Emmelie singing, but it sure sounds like it.
Only Teardrops - BBob & Rocksteadi radio edit
Only Teardrops - BBob & Rocksteadi remix
Only Teardrops - Smithee mix edit
Only Teardrops - Smithee mix
Only Teardrops - Mr Clone mix
Out through Under Cover Music.

Go Here for the Malmö Collection latest updates page.

Only Teardrops, the album
Emmelie signed with Universal for her debut album. The release date of the album including Only Teardrops in two versions is may 6. There's also a track called Teardrops Ouverture, which is a short instrumental version of Only Teardrops opening the album. See tracklist below.
An acoustic version of Only Teardrops is also recorded.

Pic nicked from Emmelie's facebook
versions:
Only Teardrops - MGP / Eurovision version
on CD Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2013 and official Malmö 2CD
Only Teardrops - instrumental
- named karaoke but actually instrumental,  on CD Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2013 
Only Teardrops - Karaoke version
- karaoke on official karaoke collection (digital release)
Only Teardrops - Symphonic version
- on Emmelie De Forest CD
Teardrops Ouverture - Short instrumental
- on Emmelie De Forest CD

Picture from Discogs
Only Teardrops - Kongsted remix
Only Teardrops - Kongsted remix radio edit
- digital release for the Kongsted remixes
Only Teardrops - Kongsted remix radio edit PA version
Only Teardrops - Kongsted  PA version
Only Teardrops - Kongsted instrumental
- all five Kongsted remixes on promo cds (Sony music)

An acoustic version is recorded, but so far it 's not released, except for a live video version.

Charts:
Emmelie enters the Danish charts at #2 the week after the DMGP. She finally gets to #1 (on re-entry) after the victory.
Danish Tracklisten top 40: 2, 2, 5, 17, 22, 25, 37, -, re: 1, 1, 4, 9, 21, 22, 10, 32, 35, 37, - re-entry 2014: 33
Netherlands sales top 100: 36, 4, 17, 31, 47, 55, 63, 64, 74, 78, 94, -
UK top 100: 99, 15, 81, -  (and one week 135 in top 200 after the CPH contest)
Belgium top 50 (Flanders): 13, 11, 21, 27, 32, 38, -
Belgium top 50 (Wallonia): 36, 26, -
Austria top 75: 63, 7, 24, 31, 42, 52, 66, -
Sweden top 60: 3, 3, 3, 7, 12, 14, 19, 24, 26, 28, 39, 42, 47, -
Ireland top 100: 5, 34, 88, -
Spain top 50: 14, 8, 33, -
Finland top 20: 17, -
France combined* top 100: 79, 92, -
Germany top 100: 5, 18, 26, 30, 23, 23, 26, 26, 31, 32, 34, 39, 45, 53, 59, 65, 74, 91, -
Switzerland top 75: 3, 34, 43, 63, 74, -
Norway top 20: 9, 19, -
Finland top 20: 17, -
Australia top 100: 47, -
Only Teardrops also charts in various charts in Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Slovenia.
* Combines digital and physical sales, there's also a digital only chart.

The Album - tracklist
01 Teardrops Overture
02 Hunter & Prey
03 Change
04 Only Teardrops
05 What Are You Waiting for
06 Haunted Heart
07 Force of Nature
08 Beat the Speed of Sound
09 Soldier of Love
10 Running in My Sleep
11 Let It Fall
12 Only Teardrops (Symphonic Version)
(Universal Music Denmark 0602537387359)



Coverversions competition
Emmelie organized a coverversions competition through her facebook page.
Many people uploaded their versions of Only Teardrops through the tube.
The best coverversions can be seen here at DR, the rest are on this Youtube playlist.

Heavy Metal Teardrops
German loud guys Craving have released a heavy metal version on their new album At Dawn. Out October 11 on Apostasy Records. It seems the CD also exists without Only Teardrops, so beware before you buy.

Kids Party Up! are a Russian metal band, although they call it post-hardcore/electronic. You can download their version of Only Teardrops here.
It's included on some shady compilation Russian Covers vol 1. with 25 metal covers of pop hits, but it's not on their own new album.

Metal band Five Grams Of Perfection have released their cover version of Only Teardrops.
You can listen at their Youtube or buy at amazon.

Not so loud Emotion For Me feat Lyxia recorded five versions of the song, plus five versions instrumental. Available through several digital sources.

The people at Almighty have covered Eurovision songs before, clubbing them up heavily. (For example Jade's It's My Time and Josh Dubovie's That Sounds Good To Me). This time Jamie Knight is the singer and Only Teardrops comes in an Almight radio edit and an Almighty Club Mix plus some dubs. Available digitally at most well known sources.
More details at Almighty's website.

A dance coverversion was recorded by Lamony. Four versions can be bought through most digital sources.
Imitation coverversions are also popping up. Digital releases under various names often are the same version.

Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2013
The DMGP CD with all preselection songs and their karaoke versions is out since Januari 25, one day before the Danish final was held. . It's also available through the regular digital sources.
(Sony music SME-8876544-1832)

There was one returning Eurovision star among the 2013 participants, (Niels) Brinck (2009) performed the song Human, but he didn't make it to the top three. (results 4 to 10 remain undisclosed).

links and sources
DR Grand Prix pages
Emmelie de Forest website
Emmelie's (new) FB
Thanks to Alette Castenschiold at DR
Thanks to Eva DeWall at Sony Denmark.
DMGP 2013 at Bearecords

Denmarks latest hits
2012 - Soluna Samay
2011 - A Friend In London
2010 - Chanee and N'Evergreen
2009 - Brinck

Malmö 2013: Some links and bits and pieces and stuff

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The Must Have Malmö Manual now available
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Only Teardrops - Emmelie's winner page

Opening / Interval acts
Three contests means a lot of opening and interval acts.
The final opened with Avicii & B & B and choir with the anthem We Write The Story.
The track has been released in digital format in two versions
We Write The Story - full version (6.34)
We Write The Story - edited version (4.05)
The long version is also included on the bonus edition of the official album with all the entries (digital).

ABB in the charts
Netherlands sales top 100: 73, -

Sarah Dawn Finers version of The Winner Takes It All has also been released through all the regular digital stores.
Swedish Smörgåsbord, the piece de resistance by host Petra Mede has not been released.
h
Petra Mede, Malmö's host. Website
And if you want more Carola, check out BeaRecords

Loreen
The first semi opened with Loreen and her kids with their 2013 version of Euphoria. The same version was also performed in this years MF. Euphoria 2013 and its instrumental version have been released digitally. More details here at Loreens Baku page.
Loreen also returned for the final where she performed a medley of new song We Got The Power, 2011 MF hit My Heart Is Refusing Me and of course Euphoria.
We Got The Power is released as Loreens new single (digital) and can also be found on the 2013 re-issue of Loreens album Heal (digital release).

The interval was Northern Lights by Kleerup, also released digitally.

The second semi opened with a piece called Urban Orchestra, but as far as I know it hasn't been released.
The interval was by popular Swedish artists Darin and Agnes Carlsson, the latter of course scored a huge international hit with Release Me in 2009 / 2010.

j
And some more: interesting links outside the Malmö Collection:
ESCtracker has the latest on the Eurovision songs in the iTunes charts
jj
What's your top 39? This gadget will help you decide.
The link between 2013 and 2014, photo by Jorchr, wikipedia.
j
SVT, the Swedish broadcaster.
DR, the Danish broadcaster
j
Also check the other collections websites
BakuDüsseldorfOsloMoscow
Find us on facebook too.
And of course there's Eurocovers

United Kingdom - Believe In Me - Bonnie Tyler

19 - 23 pts / not in semi
The United Kingdom is represented in Malmö at the 58th Eurovision Song Contest by Bonnie Tyler.
The song is Believe In Me, written by Desmond Child, Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide

Believe In Me can be found on Bonnie's new album Rocks and Honey which is already out in Germany (ZYX music ZYX 21010-2).
U.K. release date is planned for May 6.

The cdsingle of Believe In Me is out now in Germany. (ZYX 1085-8).
The cdsingle includes two versions of Believe In Me plus one other song from the album: Stubborn.

Believe In Me (Eurovision edit) is released in the U.K. and Ireland on March 14, for now digital only through iTunes and the lot.
The Eurovision edit is the same as the radio edit.
Thanks to anonymous e-mailer.

The Eurovision edit has also been issued on a 1-track promo cds in the U.K..

Remixes
Remixes by Blutonium Boy and Matty Menk are made. You can listen here at the BBC or here at Blupile.
An digital release on iTunes  you includes two versions.
1. Believe in Me (Blutonium Boy & Matty Menk Radio Mix) (4:30)
2. Believe in Me (Blutonium Boy & Matty Menk Club Mix) (6:49)
Both mixes are also out on DJ cds and digital DJ sources like Juno.
Earlier this year Blu Boy (short for Blutonium boy) released remixes of Bonnie's hit Holding Out For A Hero. (check these out at Juno)

versions:
Believe In Me - Album version
Believe In Me - Radio edit / Eurovision edit
- both on cdsingle and album, on Malmö 2CD
Believe In Me - Blutonium Boy and Matty Menk Radio edit
- on DJ 3CD Ultimate DJ Pack: Dance hits (CDPool)
Believe In Me - Blutonium Boy and Matty Menk Club Mix
- on DJ CD DMC Dance mixes 86 APRIL 2013 (DMC)
Believe In Me - karaoke
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)

Charts:
UK top 100: 93, -

Rocks And Honey Tracks
1. This Is Gonna Hurt (next single tbr in August)
2. Sunshine
3. Believe In Me
4. What You Need From Me (with Vince Gill)
5. Crying
6. Little Superstar
7. Flat On The Floor
8. All I Ever Wanted
9. Stubborn (also by BIM composers)
10. Love Is The Knife
11. Lord Help Me
12. Mom'
13. You Try
14. Believe In Me (Radio Edit)


With Bonnie Tyler (born Gaynor Hopkins) the U.K. continues their path of internally selecting an artist with an impressive back catalogue of hits.
Bonnie Tylers first hit was her 2nd single Lost In France in 1976, a U.K. #9 that also scored in Germany, Sweden, Netherlands and Austria. (But not in France, where it got lost).
A few singles later It's A Heartache became her 2nd best selling hit scoring a #1 in France, Sweden and Norway and reaching the top 10 in many other countries, including a U.S. #9.

It took 4 years and 14 singles to get to 1981's Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Bonnie's biggest hit penned by Jim Steinman (of Meatloaf fame) that was a #1 at home, in the U.S., Canada, France and Norway.
Many more singles followed and several were hits in various countries. She's especially popular in Germany where she scored 22 hits.
Bonnie Tyler released over 70 singles and almost 20 albums (excluding compilations)
Other popular hits were Holding Out For A Hero (From Footloose) and A Rockin' Good Way (With Shakin' Stevens).

Total Eclipse Of The Heart was given a dance make-over in 1993 by later Eurovision singer Nicki French (Don't Play That Song Again, Stockholm 2000). Her version became a massive hit in 1994 including a #1 in Japan, Brasil and Canada plus a #2 hit in the U.S.. It was a U.K. #5 after being re-issued in 1995.

There's a bit on some stellar Total Eclipses here at the Eurocovers post Beam Me Up Bonnie!

The songwriters:
The achievements of American songwriter Desmond Child are best summed up by a few of the stars he (co) wrote (and produced) hits for: Kiss (I Was Made For Loving You), Bon Jovi (Livin'On A Prayer, You Give Love A Bad Name), Cher, Aerosmith (Dude Looks Like A Lady, Crazy), Joan Jett, Alice Cooper (Poison), Roxette, Robbie Williams, Hanson, Ricky martin (Livin' La Vida Loca), Eurovision star Sakis Rouvas, Meat Loaf, Mika and on, even Micahel Bolton.
He already wrote songs for Bonnie's 1986 album Secret Dreams And Forbidden Fire.
Lauren Christy worked with Christina Aguilera, Hillary Duff, Avril Lavigne, Britney, Shakira McFly and more.
Christopher Braide's cellphone has the number of Kylie, Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, David Guetta, JLS, Pixie Lott, Olly Murs, Eurovision stars Brian Kennedy and Lara Fabian, Spice Girls Posh and Baby, and Paloma Faith.

links and sources
BBC Eurovision pages
Bonnie Tyler website and FB
Thanks to Lior

Recent entries from the U.K.
2012 - Engelbert Humperdinck
2011 - Blue
2010 - Josh Dubovie
2009 - Jade Ewen

Serbia - Ljubav Je Svuda - Moje 3

Pic from RTS
11 - 46 pts in semi 1

The final of Beosong 2013 was won by Moje 3 (My 3) and their song Ljubav Je Svuda (Љубав је свуда, Love is everywhere) is the entry for Malmö.
Moje 3 are Mirna Radulović, Nevena Božović, Sara Jovanović, the top three of the Serbian talent show Prvi Glas Srbije (The Voice of Serbia).
The song is written by Saša Milošević Mare with lyrics by Marina Tucaković. Lyrics for the English version are by Chanoa Chen and Dunja Vujadinović

The official video features a new version of the song, the original version can still be downloaded (see below)

You can watch the video here.


Promo sleeve
There are be eight versions of the song on the promo cds, but you can already download nine versions at RTS. The English version is titled Love Is All Around Us.
The latest updated versions are here at RTS (wave files).

You can still download the original studio version of Ljubav Je Svuda in the collection of 15 songs from Beosong 2013 here at RTS (wave file). The single file on the same page is now replaced with the new version.
You'll also find a link on the same page to download pictures from the TV shows, info and video.

versions:
Ljubav Je Svuda - ESC version / Official version (Zvanična verzija)
- also on official Malmö 2CD.
Ljubav Je Svuda - first version
Ljubav Je Svuda - Pop Rok Verzija
Ljubav Je Svuda - Karaoke
Ljubav Je Svuda - Instrumental with Ksenija Milošević* on violin (Ballad version)
Love Is All Around Us - Official version (Zvanična verzija) in English
Love Is All Around Us - Pop Rok version
Love Is All Around Us - Ballad version
Love Is All Around Us - Karaoke of Pop Rok version
- all available at RTS, check above for various links.

* Violinist Ksenija Milošević also recorded the instrumental versions of the 2007 Serbian winner Molitva, and Bosnia Hercegovina 2011 entry Love In Rewind. As a part of the vocal group Beauty Queens she can be heard on several Eurovision entries, most notably Molitva.
Milošević also played violin on the Serbian 2012 entry and sang backing vocals on Leijla by Hari Mata Hari (Bosnia-Hercegovina's 2006 entry).

Beosong 13
Serbia selected their entry in the Beosong 2013 competition.
You can find the list of songs here at RTS.
The first round with 15 songs was on March 2, five proceeded to the final on March 3.

RTS Beosong logo
links and sources:
RTS Eurovision pages
Special thanks to Tanja Šikić at RTS.
Thanks to Lior

Serbia's recent entries
2012 - Željko Joksimović
2011 - Nina
2010 - Milan Stanković
2009 - Marko Kon and Milaan

Azerbaijan - Farid Mammadov - Hold Me

Digital release image
2 - 234 pts
/ 1 - 139 pts in semi 2

Last years Eurovision hosts Azerbaijan is represented by the winner of the many-week Milli Seçim Turu casting competition which already started in december.

The winner is Farid Mammadov (Fərid Məmmədov) with the song Hold Me written by Dimitrios Kontopoulos with lyrics by John Ballard and Ralph Charlie.

Hold Me is available through digital sources, also as karraoke.

Dönsen digital release image
Four remixes and a Turkish version Dönsen (Get back) can now be heard through Farid's Soundcloud.
Listen here (download function has been disabled now for most versions)

In the reverbnation gadget below you can download the Turkish version and Babaeff Dark Remix (just click on the song on choose download).

All versions have also been released through digital stores.

promo
Promo info, more details wanted.
A DVD in cardsleeve has four versions of Hold Me (as mp3's) plus video from the national final, photos and info. It appears to come in different sleeves.
- Hold Me - original
- Hold Me - Alex Matthew remix
- Hold Me - DJ Sukhoj official remix
- Hold Me - Babaeff Dark remix
The same DVD in a calender style press folder has been issued as well.
First promo disc has one version plus info and photos.
A cd-r issued by Spectre has two tracks, details wanted.
Another promo item is a USB stick in a tin. It includes the same content as the above DVD.
Made by Euromedia company.

Amazon offers a cdsingle for sale, but it is in fact a cd-r made on request. I don't know the source.

digital release image
versions:
Hold Me - original
Hold Me - Karaoke
- digital releases
Hold Me - Alex Matthew remix
Hold Me - DJ Sukhoj official extended remix
Hold Me - DJ Sukhoj official remix
Hold Me - Babaeff Dark remix
- all remixes at Farids soundcloud
Dönsen - Türkçe versiyon (Turkish version)
- at Farids soundcloud, digital release



-------
---------------

Charts:
Netherlands sales top 100: 92
Switzerland top 75: 73

Fit With Farid
To kill the time until Eurovision, you can do some exercising with Farids Capoeira videos he's uploading to his Youtube channel.
quote: "Be the first to tell your friends, Hey, I'm working out with Farid every day!"


links and sources
Ictimai's Eurovision newspage (in Azerbaijani)
Farid at Eurovision talents
Farid at Reverbnation
Thanks to Jean-François
Thanks to Bastiaan

Azerbaijan's recent Eurovision entries.
2012 - Sabina Babayeva
2011 - Ell and Nikki
2010 - Safura
2009 - Aysel and Arash
Read all about Azerbaijans first four entries (including 2008) here at the Baku Collection, with release details, picture sleeves, chart info and other important trivia.

The Must Have Malmö Manual

The yearly edition of the Eurosong News Eurovision handbook is out now.
As usual it's a must have accessory for every Eurovision fans coffee table.
It's hours of reading fun, or just a great quick fact reference book for the 2013 contest.
The A5 120 page glossy extravaganza includes biographies, song info, fab pictures and details on the national finals.

The Malmö handbook is now available at BeaRecords bookdepartement

Special Thanks To Ivor Lyttle at OGAE

Please go here for the Malmö Collection Frontpage

Ireland - Only Love Survives - Ryan Dolan

26 - 5 pts / 8 - 54 pts in semi 1
Only Love Survives by Ryan Dolan is the Irish entry for Malmö
Ireland decided on 22-2, when five acts battled it out in the Late Late Show.
Only Love Survives is written by Ryan Dolan with Wez Devine.

Devine and Dolan worked together before on the 2012 club track The Secret (Get Out Of My Head) by Zenemy DJz ft Ryan Dolan.

Listen and watch here at Ryans Youtube
The song is available at iTunes
Only Love Survives is also included on Ryan Dolans debut album, out in Eurovision week.

A three track promo cds was issued for Malmö. It features the Eurovision version and both Zenemy remixes.
The two Zenemey remixes can be downloaded for free here at Zenemy DJs soundcloud.

versions:
Only Love Survives
- on the official Malmö 2CD
Only Love Survives - Karaoke
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)
Only Love Survives - Timothy Allan and Mark Loverush Remix
- on album Frequency
Only Love Survives - Zenemy House Remix
Only Love Survives - Zenemy DJs Electro Remix
- remixes on Zenemy Soundcloud, and promo cds



Charts
Only Love Survives enters the Irish charts at 29 the week of the semi finals.
Irish top 100: 29, 13, 86


Frequency
Update: Ryan Dolan has released his album Frequency on iTunes.
It features eight tracks including two versions of Only Love Survives

tracklist:
01. Only Love Survives (Timothy Allan and Mark Loverush Remix)
02. You (Timothy Allan and Mark Loverush Remix)
03. Found (Timothy Allan and Mark Loverush Remix)
04. Tonight (Timothy Allan and Mark Loverush Remix)
05. Feel (Loverush UK Remix)
06. Let Love Begin (Loverush UK Remix)
07. Loving You (Loverush UK Remix)
08. Only Love Survives


links and sources
RTÉ article
Ryan Dolan Website and  FB
Thanks to STHLM MIX

Irelands recent entries
2012 - Jedward the Second
2011 - Jedward
2010 - Niamh Kavanagh
2009 - Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy

Israel - Rak Bishvilo - Moran Mazor.

Pic from Mizrahit - Music-Il for you blog
14 - 40 pts in semi 2

Moran Mazor (מורן מזור‎) won the K'dam, the Israeli preselection for the 2013 contest and represented the country in Malmö.
The song is called Rak Bishvilo (רק בשבילו, Only for him) and is sung in Hebrew.

The song is written by Hen Harari (חן הררי) and Gal Sarig (גל שריג).

In 2011 Mazor won the reality/talent show Eyal Golan Is Calling You (אייל גולן קורא לך). Winning the show led by singer Eyal Golan (אייל גולן‎) earned her a record contract and the recording of her first album. (see below)

versions
Rak Bishvilo
- on the official Malmö 2CD, promo
Rak Bishvilo - Karaoke
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)
Rak Bishvilo - Album version
- on CD Rak Bishvilo, see below

A 1 track promo cds is issued.


Album Rak Bishvilo
June 11 sees the release of the album Rak Bishvilo.
The 12 track CD includes a new version of the Eurovision hit. Listen here.
It also has the original Eurovision version.
Listen to all the tracks with a Youtube playlist here at Moran Mazor's official channel.
The CD is out now in Israel,  (Liam Productions 7294276306925)
I found one Israeli online store selling the CD (so far.) Israel Music Store seems to sell interationally, but I have no experience with them.
The album is also available through iTunes in some territories.

Album sleeve image

K'DAM 13
The songs of all three heats of the 30-song Israel preselection were uploaded.
You can still listen to the 30 songs here at Eurovil
Watch Moran's K'dam performance here.

Three heats with 10 songs each were on Februari 26, 27 and 28. A second chance round was on march 3 and the final was held on March 7.



links and sources
Moran Mazor FB
IBA's Eurovil
Ynet

Israels recent entries.
2012 - Izabo
2011 Dana International
2010 Harel Skaat
2009 Noa and Mira Awad


The Official album with all entries

Since the Stockholm contest of 2000 all entries are available on an official CD release and 2013 continues this tradition.
All 39 entries will be available on a 2CD from April 26, out on Polystar - Universal. Date for various territories may vary.

The digital release is of the album is out now. It's available at most regular digital outlets and also through Eurovision.tv.
The collection with 39 karaoke versions is also available but will not be released on CD.

 A digital release bonus version on iTunes includes the Björn, Benny Avicii track We Write The Story. The track was performed during the opening of the final. It's also available as a single track.
Sarah Dawn Finers (a.k.a Lynda Woodruff) version of The Winner Takes It All, performed during the interval is also released as a digital single.

Update: The DVD is out now. It has three discs with the final and both semi's, and includes some bonus backstage material.

Malmö Collection Frontpage

Russia - What If ? - Dina Garipova

5 - 174 pts / 2 - 156 pts in semi 1

Russia has decided on sending The Voice winner Dina Garipova (Дина Гарипова) to Malmö with the song What If, written by Gabriel Alares, Joakim Bjornberg and Leonid Gutkin.

A new version was recorded for Eurovision, watch and listen here at TV1. or here at Dina's website.

You can still listen to the original What If here at  TV1.

What If (new version and karaoke) are now available through Amazon

versions:
What If - Eurovision version
What If - Karaoke
- both digital releases
What If - Original version

A promo cds in a calender was issued, details wanted.

Charts:
Netherlands sales top 100: 100, 51, -
German top 100: 78, -
Switzerland top 75: 75, -

links and sources
Dina Garipova`website in Russian and English
Dina's  FB  and VK
TV1 news (in Russian)
Thanks to Jean-François.

Recent Russians
2012 - Buranovskie Babushki
2011 - Alex Sparrow / Alexey Vorobyov
2010 - Peter Nalitch
2009 - Anastasia Prikhodko


Romania - It's My Life - Cezar

13 - 65 pts / 5 - 83 pts in semi 2
promo cds
It's My Life by Cezar is the Romanian entry for the 2013 contest.
The song is written by Cristian Faur.

Cezar ( Florin Cezar Ouatu) is a classical singer no stranger to the works of Händel, Bach, Monteverdi and Gluck.
Eurovision is not a complete departure for the internationally acclaimed Romanian countertenor, as
he's currently starring in Cezar "The Voice" - Opera Pop Opera, a crossover mix of classical music with pop and film music supported by a philharmonic orchestra. The show premiers on March 11, just 2 days after the Romanian final.
You can find a short bio on Cezar in English here at Armida

Songwriter Faur is also known for the Romanian entry from 2005: Let My Try by Luminiţa Anghel and Sistem (3rd place)

Watch the winners performance here at TVR.

versions:
It's My Life - Eurovision version
- on the official Malmö 2CD
It's My Life - Karaoke (is actually instrumental)
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)
It's My Life - original version (without vocal keychange at 2:40)
- still at Cezars Youtube and the composers soundcloud.
It's My Life - Karaoke
- on promo cds

A promo cdsingle has the Eurovision and karaoke versions

National Final
Romania selected their 2013 entry through a three night / 32 song national final.

The 32 songs (videos) have been uploaded. Check them all out here at TVRs Youtube.
If you want to see them all in a row: Playlist Semi 1 - Playlist semi 2.
The semi's were on Februari 23 and 24. Six songs from each heat proceeded to the final on March 9.

Two previous Eurovision stars among the fold: Luminiţa Anghel (3rd 2005 with Let Me Try) and Natalia Barbu (10th for Moldova in 2007 with Fight).

links and sources
TVR Eurovision pages
Cezar FB
Thanks to Lior

Check out Romania's recent entries.
2012 - Mandinga
2011 - Hotel FM
2010 - Paula Seling and Ovi
2009 - Elena Georghe

Bulgaria - Samo Shampioni (Only Champions) - Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankoulov

12 - 45 pts in semi 2

After it was rumoured for a few days, BNTannounced that 2007 Eurovision stars Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankoulov (Stundzhi) (Елица Тодорова и Стоян Янкулов) will represent Bulgaria again in 2013.

The song performed in Malmö is Samo Shampioni (Only Champions). It's the second choice, as first a song titled Kismet was declared the winner of the national final (see below). The backing vocalists are singers from the Dragostin Folk choir.
The song is written by Elitsa Todorova and Kristian Talev.

You can download the song (new version) here at Stoyans website (wave file).
A 1-track promo cdsingle is issued.

Pic from Stoyans website
versions
Samo Shampioni (Only Champions) - Eurovision version
- on the official Malmö 2CD
Samo Shampioni (Only Champions) - Karaoke
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)
Samo Shampioni - original
- has only been on the net as video, like here
Samo Shampioni (Only Champions) - Instrumental
- only distributed through broadcaster



Bulgarian Champions
Update 2014 A new album by Elitsa and Stoyan with a host of other Bulgarian artists is released. The album is titled Bulgarian Champions (Българи Шампиони) and features 18 tracks.
Opening track is Samo Shampioni. There's also a new version of Voda (Water) the 2007 entry. This time in a remix by DJ Kliment.
The original choice song Kismet (see below) is not on the album, but the third national final song Dzupai, Libe Boso (Дзупай либе босо, Jump Barefoot Sweetheart) is included.
After being announced for 2013 and later for Januari 2014 The album was finally released March 17.
It's out through iTunes, or you can have a listen first at Spotify.


Kismet
The duo recorded five songs and a jury selected three from those that were introduced on Februari 17.
The songs received extensive radio and TV exposure over the two weeks and then competed in a national final on March 3, where jury and televoters picked the winner. Two songs ended up with the same results but in the end Kismet, the televoting winner was chosen as the Eurovision entry.

But apparently Jonathan Tesci didn't agree with the use of his song as it was recorded, so BNT were forced to go for the other winner. Samo Shampioni, (Само шампиони, Only Champions) the song ended with the same amount of points in the three song final, but it was the choice of the jury.
BNT article

You can listen and watch here.



links and sources
BNT announcement and Eurovision pages
Elitsa Todorova Website and fanpage FB
Stoyan Yankoulov Website
Elitsa and Stoyan FB

Bulgaria's recent entries
2012 - Sofia Marinova
2011 - Poli Genova
2010 - Miro
2009 - Krassimir Avramov

Water / Voda versions and releases
In 2007 the duo ended 5th with the ethno-dance track Water (Voda) and with that the best placing for the country ever: 5th. It's the only Bulgarian entry to have reached the final since the first participation in 2005.

2007  157  5   WATER (VODA) - Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankoulov         
 semi: 146  6                          Вода - Елица Тодорова и Стоян Янкулов
Water (eurovision version)
- on promo cds, also issued in foldout kit with cds & DVD (DVD has original version) and Helsinki CD
Water (original version) 
- has been available on BNT on website and promo DVD (video) (also in set)
Water (Deep zone remix)
- Digital release
Water (remix 2010/ Album version)
- on CD Water - Gold Collection (Stefkos music)
Voda (Water) - DJ Kliment remix
- Album Bulgarian Champions, 2014 digital release.
Info taken from from the Eurovision Collectors Guide


Slovenia - Straight Into Love - Hannah

Pic from Pre-Party Booking office
16 - 8 pts in semi 1

Hannah (Hannah Mancini) sang for Slovenia in Malmö. The singer and song were selected internally this time.
The song,  premiered on Valentines day, is titled Straight Into Love.

The song is written by Gregor Zemljič, Erik Margan, Matija Rodić and Marko Primožak.

A slightly altered version was made for Eurovision.

An early 1-track promo (cd-r) has been issued, but no other cd was made for the contest. Instead a flyer with download links was given to the press in Malmö.
I don't know if the cd-r includes the first or second version of Straight Into Love.
Beware: Fakes are being offered on e-bay

Lyrics for a french version have been published, but I don't think it has been recorded.

versions:
Straight Into Love - Eurovision edit
- on Malmö 2013 2CD
Straight Into Love - Original version
- websites
Straight Into Love - Karaoke Eurovision edit
- official karaoke collection (digital release)
Straight Into Love - Denis Goldin remix
- digital release, december 10.
Straight Into Love - Remix by WD2N
- no release details yet

The difference between the original and Eurovision versions can best be heard at 1:40 to 1:57 where there are some differences in the lyrics.
Thanks to Roy for the details on the 1st and 2nd versions.

Remixes
The Denis Golden remix of Straight Into Love should be out through Amazon on December 10. (Lovenest records).
You can already have a listen here at Lovenest. You'll notice all the dubstep bits are gone (yay!)
The WD2N remix was also to be released (according to Hannah's Facebook), but so far no sign.

EMA
Hannah entered the Slovenian selection in 2011 together DJ Sylvain and Mike Vale with the song Ti Si Tisti (You're the one) which was also recorded in English as Nothing But Love Will Do.

Hannah has been guest vocaling on several club tracks but in the last few years she was mainly active as the singer of the band XEQUTIFZ, a dance outfit touring the Slovenian and regional clubs extensively. The have recorded a few singles both in Slovenian and English.
You can listen to some tracks at their MySpace.

Links and sources
Hannah FB
VAL 202 presentation
RTVSLO news
Short Bio at Preparty

Slovenia's recent entries
2012 - Eva Boto
2011 - Maja Keuc
2010 - Roka Zlindere
2009 - Quartissimo

Greece - Alcohol is free - Koza Mostra feat. Agathonas Iakovides

Digital release image
6 - 152 pts / 2 - 121 pts in semi 2

Alcohol is free by Koza Mostra feat. Agathonas Iakovides is the Greek entry for Malmö.
The single track has been released on Amazon digital and iTunes and also issued on a 1-track promo.
For Malmö the 1-track promo comes ia a large fold out sleeve also including a Greece promotional disc.

versions
Alcohol Is Free - First version / ESC version
- on the official Malmö 2CD, NF promo, 1 track promo
Alcohol Is Free - Album version (named original version)
- on the CD Keep Up The Rhythm
Alcohol Is Free - Karaoke
- on the official karaoke collection (digital release)

charts:
Netherlands sales top 100: 95
German top 100: 85
Alcohol Is Free also charts in various Greek charts, but they don't run an official songles chart anymore.

The Album
Koza Mostra have released their new album including two versions of Alcohol Is Free. There's a radio edit and and the so called original version which clocks in at 6:17.
There are 7 other songs.
The album is titled Keep Up The Rhythm and is released through Platinum records. It's available through the regular digital sources
You can listen to the long version at the Platinum records Youtube.
No details on CD release yet.

National Final
MadTV uploaded the 4 songs for the Greek national final, Eurosong 2013,  to their Youtube channel.

The four songs were:
- Alcohol is free - Koza Mostra feat. Agathonas Iakovides (Αγάθωνας Ιακωβίδης)
- Chilies kai mia nichtes - Aggeliki Iliadi ( Χίλιες Και Μία Νύχτες - Aγγελική Ηλιάδη)
- Angel - Alex Leon ft Georgina
- One last kiss - Thomai Apergi (Θωμαή Απέργη)
Two songs have been supplied by Panik Recirds and two by Platinum records.
The final will be on Februari 18.

Watch and listen here.

Panik records and Platinum records have issued a promo CD with all four tracks plus one more song from each act. (Panik Entertainment promo PAN 0008)

links and sources
ERT Eurovision pages
Koza Mostra FB
Special thanks to Zeta Pasparaki at ERT.
Thanks to Jean-François

Greece and their recent entries
2012 - Eleftheria Eleftheriou
2011 - Loucas Yiorkas ft. Stereo Mike
2009 - Sakis Rouvas