12/10/2009 - Here is the draw for 2009!
01. Sweden
02. Russia
03. Armenia
04. Romania
05. Serbia
06. Georgia
07. The Netherlands
08. Cyprus
09. Malta
10. Ukraine
11. Belgium
12. Belarus
13. FYR Macedonia
They say this is the most diverse order. I can't get past Belarus being 12th. Is that not just handing them the trophy? |
12/10/2009 – News! THE STAGE
This year the stage has been designed by Mikael Varhelyi and Viktor Brattström. They will use LED lights on and around the stage. Ukranian artwork depicting flowers and growth will also be present. There will be catwalks on the stage for which will feature the backing dancers and interval/opening/closing dancers. The stage will contain two bleachers, as in, there will be an audience sitting right there on stage, which should offer an improvement to last year when Cyprus placed senior officials at the front which made for quite a dull experience. Hopefully they will be allowed flags and signs on stage, I know in some television shows the stage audience must not show signs. The greenroom will be located next to the stage, as in 2007/2008, and it will be decorated with balloons. When filming, they will use less camera angles than usual, instead focusing on the performers, and capturing their emotions.
THE SHOW
Ruslan Tkachenko, Executive Producer of the 2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, has spoken about JESC 2009."The concept of the artistic design is based on an authentic Ukrainian ornament. The logo amendments represent the tree of life," Tkachenko explained. Oleksandr Dmytrenko, Venue Manager, presented the Palats Sportu, where the 2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place, and explained how Host Broadcaster NTU will turn the hall in a fully equipped TV event venue. Luckily Ukraine hosted ESC in 2005 so they do have experience with this.
The show will be opened by the children's ballet A6 and the Jazz-Step Dance Class of Volodymyr Shpudeyko. A6 ballet is made up several dance performances and musicals and dozens of unique dance performances especially for the shows and video clips of Ukrainian and Russian pop stars. Pulse, a children’s dance troupe will then join in. Young acrobats Karyn Rudnycka and Yuriy Kuzynsky will then accompany all participating contestants on stage during the opening act. When they announce each country, the acrobats will perform tricks alongside them.
NTU is still in negotiations with various artists to perform during the interval act, as well as the host(s) of the show.The art during the show along with the postcards will use claymation, which is a first for Eurovision. The contestants will learn about this during Euroweek.
Victoria Romanova, Event Manager on behalf of NTU, presented the Ukrainian House as host of the welcome party, to take place on Monday the 16th of November (19:00 local time). The after-party will take place at the delegations' hotel.
THE DRAW
Today Marietta and Timur Miroshnychenko hosted the official draw, which took place at the Blockbuster Entertainment Centre in Kyiv. Sweden will open the show, while Macedonia will clo se it. Ukraine will perform tenth. The other countries were split into two, and the officials will pick where they are placed in the running order. Georgia, Russia, Romania, Serbia and Armenia were drawn in the first group, and will thus perform in the first half of the show. The Netherlands, Malta, Belgium, Cyprus and Belarus were drawn in the second group, and will thus perform in the second half.
The draw is possibly not very good for Sweden, as their song would more be described as classy than catchy, so they may not be able to pick up many votes, as generally the songs towards the end fare better. Whoever gets placed second last will be in a very strong position, as Macedonia has little chance of winning. Theoretically, we’re looking at a lineup like:
1 - Sweden
2 - Russia
3 - Georgia
4 - Armenia
5 - Serbia
6 – Romania
7 - Belarus
8 – The Netherlands
9 - Malta
10 - Ukraine
11 - Cyprus
12 - Belgium
13 - Macedonia
That's entirely a guess though, we'll see, soon! |
12/10/2009 - Today the running order will be decided for 2009! The Junior Eurovision Song Contest Steering Group chairman Steve de Coninck-de Boeck will conduct the first part of the draw, where he will choose which country opens and closes the show, and when Ukraine (as the host country), will perform. The Steering Group and the producers of the show then gather on Monday night and choose the order of everyone else. They do this so that they can spread the genres out. All the delegation heads are now visiting Palats Sportu where JESC will be held, which is also where Eurovision was held in 2005. Hopefully it looks just as good! We will see, and indeed anyone can watch it even live, as tickets are free! You can get tickets by invititation only, and we'll inform you of when to apply. Click here to hear a different version of Belarus's entry by Yuriy Demidovich! |
3/10/2009 - Ralf Mackenbach won the Junior Song Festival in the Netherlands, to the surprise of no one after he received 12 points from all three voting parties in the semi.
The full results of the final were: Bram - Rocken in een band 10+10+10 = 30
Eva L. - Gevangen in je hart 8+8+8 = 24
Eva N. - Yes we can! 9+9+9 = 27
Ralf - Click Clack 12+12+12 = 36
Cheyenne and Mayleen - Druk druk druk 7+7+7 = 21 (kids jury, adults jury, televoting)
As we can see, all three juries agreed on everything.
 Born on the 4th October 1995, Ralf turns 14 tomorrow! He attends special dancing and talant school Lucia Marthas, which allows him to learn while still enabling him to devote plenty of time to his musical commitments.
Ralf is a pupil at the Sabel Heren Fencing Acadamy and placed 3rd in his last two competitions. He is a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen and television shows such as Friends and Next Top Model. He also loves Idol and X-factor. His favourite movies are Dumb & Dumber, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Shrek, The Matrix and Titanic. In his spare time Ralf loves playing computer games and listening to his Ipod.
Ralf has been performing for years, along with his brothers, Rick (age 16) and Roel (age 21)  . He has starred in stage productions such as Beauty and the Beast (he played Jakopje), and Tarzan. He is a friend of Rose-Anne from Rready and has worked with her in musical Factor X.
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03/10/2009 - The winner of Cyprus's national final is Rafaella Costa! She sings 'Thalassa, Hliios, Arera, Fwtia (Sea, Sun, Wind, Fire)'. She was chosen using 50/50 televoting and jury and won with a total of 9791 televotes and 8 jury points. Christina Metaxa who was the (16 year old) singer for the adult Eurovision this year was one of the judges. So far Cyprus has done no publicity for their songs, so it is unlikely Rafaella will be a front-runner for the trophy, and a low scoring is predicted. |
3/10/2009 - Tonight the final two countries select who will be going to Kiev. Cyprus will air their contest at 20:15 local time  To watch the live stream click here.
Cyprus has been very mysterious about the contestants and has not released any previews or even the names of the singers. The names of the songs are: Μια χαρούμενη μέρα - Mia haroumeni mera - A happy day
Μες στην τάξη - Mes stin taxi - In the classroom
Α μπε πα μπλομ - A pe ba blom - (gibberish)
Ανακύκλωση ζωής - Anakyklosi zois - Recycling of life
Κόσμος μαγικός - Kosmos magikos - Magic world
Ζω - Zo - I live
Θάλασσα, ήλιος, αέρας, φωτιά - Thalassa, ilios, aeras, fotia - Sea, sun, air, fire
Παιδιά κάτω από τον ίδιο ουρανό - Pedia kato apo ton idio ourano - Children under the same sky The Netherlands will have a face-off between five songs in their Junior Eurovision Song Festival - 
 Cheyenne and Mayleen - Druk
Eva N – Yes We Can!
Bram - Rocken
Eva L - Gevangen in je hart
Ralf – Click Clack  Schools have been campaigning in support of their favourites, banners have been put up around the contestants towns, the atmosphere leading up to the finale is tense but excited. All day backstage reports have been coming in here. At 18:05 Dutch time a pre-finale report will begin, then the real show starts at 19:00. Once both countries have selected we'll have all 13 songs for 2009, and JuniorEurosong.net will launch
a special prediction poll area, along with lots of 2009 special features, so stay tuned for that. (And on an entirely biased note, PLEASE Holland vote for Cheyanne & Mayleen! Say NO to ballads in 2009!) |
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30/09/2009 – Hello everyone! I (Dara) would like to apologise for the total lack of updates in the last two weeks, in which a lot has happened. I’ve been in New Zealand for that time, and no one else was able to update the site. So, I think I will summarise everything for you all, and do separate biographies of the singers and national final details once everything is back up to date.  Belgium – Ten year old Laura won the Belgian Junior Eurosong with the yodeling version of Zo Verliefd (So in Love). Laura has the right mix of youth and fun song to possibly win the jESC, and with juries that makes it easier certainly. She was the clear winner in Belgium and is enjoying immense popularity at the moment. She is featured in newspapers all around Flanders and has had news crews follow her to school in Berlaar, where the entire class waited to celebrate her win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJpMvUDrqiA Georgia – The group “Princesses” won the Georgian national final with ‘Lurji prinveli’ (The Blue Bird). The singers are: Elene Makashvili, Mariam Gurgenidze, Liza kenia, Mari Bokeria, Ana Tkeshelashvili (Ballerina), Liza Ramishvili (Cello player). This gives us two more Mariams in JESC, making the total five now! The main idea of this song is that every girl in her childhood should feel like a princess and every boy should search for his own blue bird. The kids said: Elene Makashvili - It is a very interesting to work together. We have read Meterlink's "Blue bird."
Mariam Gurgenidze – I feel like a real princess. Everything is very amazing and Fairy.
Liza Kenia – Our composition is rhythmic and energetic.
Mari Bokeria – It is very difficult to sing our song, we play and perform at the same time.
Ana Tkeshelashvili (Ballerina) – I study at Choreography school . Participating in Junior Eurovision is a very challengeable for me. I hope everything will be fine.
Liza Ramishvili (Cello player) - I have played the Cello for 6 years. Stage was unfamiliar for me. Now I see it is interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MuLCKZYP7M  Malta – Francesca Sciberras and Mikaela Bajjada from Gozo won the Maltese final with “Double Trouble”. The press in Gozo covered their win and a special parade was arranged for them with stops in their hometowns of Munxar and Fontana. In Munxar, they were greeted by the Parish Priest and the Mayor, and by a number of Munxar citizens who proudly turned out to celebrate the achievement of their young talented residents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT6Dxla3SLk
M acedonia – The results for the Macedonian final were: 1. Jovana Krstevska - Kako vi krug 4+1(66)=5
2. Filipa, Dea and Tea - Tiki Tiki Da Da Da 12+5(136)=17
3. Teodora Angelevska - Panika od ljubov 1+8(244)=9
4. Martina Dojcinovska - Ljubovta e magija 0+2(88)=2
5. Kristijan Nedelkovski - Kazhi zhelba 7+0(29)=7
6. Sara Markovska - Za ljubovta 8+10(378)=18
7. Marija Zafirovska - Ljubovta boli 6+4(104)=10
8. Andrej Jovanovski - Devojke Makedonsko 2+7(183)=9
9. Ana Avramovska - Meko R 3+6(148)=9
10. Martina Matevska - Vodi me na Eurosong 0+0(8)=0
11. Mila Janeska - Nema boja ljubovta 10+3(92)=13
12. Ivana Simovska - Angeleski glas 5+12(414)=17
(jury + televoting = total) Sara Markovska won so Za Ljubovta (For Love) will be heard in the Palace of Sports come November. Macedonia must hope they do not fare the same as they did in 2006 with a more mature sounding song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_AvI_mbXEg The Netherlands – The acts that have qualified to the final are: Cheyenne and Mayleen - Druk
Eva N – Yes We Can!
Bram - Rocken
Eva L - Gevangen in je hart
Ralf – Click Clack Cheyanne and Mayleen were the wildcards (even if they are the best by far!). I predict that Ralf will win, though the Eva’s seem a very likely choice judging by the Netherlands past decisions.
 Romania –
In a surprise move, Romania has picked Ioana Bianca Anuţa and her song Ai puterea în mâna ta (The Power’s in Your Hand) to go to Kyiv. This is the first ballad they have sent since 2004 and I cannot say I am happy. At all. Romania had brilliant songs in their national final. I suspect they will place 11th-13th. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT6Dxla3SLk 
Serbia – ‘Onaj pravi’ (The Right One) is the song that won their national final. It is sung by a group called Ništa lično. They won the national final with 22 points (10 from jury,12 from televoting). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJFK8uXYGRA Sweden – So like I said as soon as they announced their participation.. actually I said it in 2008 that they couldn’t leave until… Mimmi Sandén sings for Sweden! She will represent them this year with the song ‘Du’ (You) which is the first song she has written by herself. Sweden selected their entrant internally with Warner Records supporting the winner, so Mimmi’s is the only Swedish entry we have seen. The reaction to this song has been mostly positive, with people describing it as classier than this contest usually sees. Will the third Sandén sister finally bring the victory to Sweden? In 2006 Molly Sandén placed third with Det Finaste Någon Kan Få, then in 2007 sister Frida placed 9th with Nu Eller Aldrig. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKMJWjkFg2k |
16/09/2009 - Chloe Boleti, the Greek participant from JESC 2006 has granted an exclusive interview to Junioreurosong.net!
When did you first become interested in singing?
Ever since I can remember! My Mum was a singer/dancer so I was always around music!
What are your other hobbies? (Except for singing)
The internet, watching movies and contemporary dance!
Which one of your JESC national final songs was best?
If you mean out of the 3 songs I personally entered, then I suppose I would say "Mazi me sena" ("Never Never") from 2003, but they all mean something different to me!
What do you think about JESC?
I think it is a fantastic idea and a great way for children to share their talent, however, it is very flawed and this actually may end up hurting the children!
Did you like the winner of JESC 2006?
Yes I did, but I had other favourites! The girls were very cute!
Which country was the best in JESC 2006? (Apart from you)
I think Pedro from Portugal was one of the best, but his sound (as with a few other countries, mine included) was not good on the night and the viewers did not hear what he really sounded like, which is a real shame and very unfair!
How did you like co-hosting the 2007 national final?
It was great fun!! It was nice just to have fun and have no pressure to perform!
What do you think about 'Made In Greece'? Did you like their song? Do you agree with them receiving last place at JESC 2007?
I actually did like "Made in Greece's" song! It was one of my favourites at the Greek 2007 final! It stood out from the others and maybe that is why it didn't do well, it wasn't a "normal" type of Jesc song!!
What do you think about Greece's last representer Niki Giannoutsou? Some of our members loved her song.
I think Niki was a great performer, but her song and the country she comes from (Greece!) was over shadowed by the others.
Do you still watch JESC? If you do, who is your favourite?
I have to say that I don't really follow it any more and now that Greece has dropped out, even less, sorry!
Who are your favourite singers?
I have many different favourites groups and singers!! Here are just a few:
Evanesence, Linkin Park,Paramore,Placebo,System of a down and James Blunt =D
If you could choose one person to do a duet with, who would you choose and why?
I would choose Chester Bennington from Linkin Park! He has a fantastic voice and a talent that comes from deep within his soul, people relate to his insight and passion...singing with him would be out of this world!!!
What are your plans for the future?
I am still working towards my ambition to be a singer, I have singing lessons, piano and theory too. I am also in the process of forming a band, which is really exciting! If all goes to plan, after school I hope to study Music and The Performing Arts!
If you want to watch videos of Chloe's performances, or check out her website (which is in both Greek and English and very up to date and informative) go to: http://www.chloeboleti.com/homeeng.htm
http://www.youtube.com/user/chusma0 Thank you for still showing an interest in me!! :)
Chloe xxx |
16/09/2009 - Melissa Engelhart, (now known as M'lissa) is a Dutch singer and was a participant in the Junior Song Festival For Europe 2008. She placed 5th overall with the song 'Als ik in de lucht kijk'. She has a new song called 'Little Sign' which you can watch by clicking here. She has granted JuniorEurosong.net an interview, so here it is! Also check out the video message.  When did you become interested in singing?
When I was a little girl from 5 years old. My father was always singing.
Once on a show of my father I sang a song with him, that was the beginning.
What are your other hobbies? (Apart from singing)
My hobbies are: acting, painting/drawing, I play the piano and play guitar and I like to spent time with my friends.
What do you think about JESC?
I think it’s very good organisation. Children get the chance to do something big like this, it’s wonderful. And with all those countries together you realize that you’re a part of this world.
Did you like the winner of JESC 2008?
It was not my choice, but they did a very great job with 2 and 3 voices!
Who did you think was the best or most deserving in the Dutch final?
I think that everybody deserved it. Everybody trained and worked very very hard for it.
Did you like the winner of JSF 2008?
Yes, Marissa was always there for me! She is a really nice person.
What do you think about Marissa? Did you like her song? Do you agree with her receiving 13th place at JESC 2008?
I like her song. She deserved a higher place at JESC 2008. There were some people with less quality.
Do you still watch JESC? If you do, who is your favourite?
Yes, I do. At this moment I have no one particular, because sometimes it’s difficult to choose, because most of the time there are 2 or 3 good songs/singers.
Who are your favourite singers?
John Legend, Kanye West (editors note - still after this week? haha), Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, MJ, Linkin Park.
If you could choose one person to do a duet with, who would you choose and why?
John Legend, he has a really good sound and his voice is amazing!
What are your plans for the future?
At this moment I’m busy with my first album.
On this album is also my first single: Little Sign.
The album will be released at the beginning of October.
This year I start a tour in the Netherlands.
And music will always be a part of my life.
To watch her video message go here: http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/S2designs/?action=view¤t=video.flv M’lissa XXX Thanks to our Turkish representative Esref Bahadir for the interview. |
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13/10/2009 - Sweden is looking likely to place a bid to host Junior Eurovision 2011. Currently they are the only Scandinavian JESC participant not to host JESC (Denmark hosted in 2003, then Norway in 2004). Although they withdrew in 2008, Sweden has returned for 2009 and are making every effort to turn the contest into a more serious starting ground for young singers. Russia and Malta are also potential contenders to host, as they both placed bids for 2010, but lost out to Belarus. 
