Hello, Europe! This is Wisconsin calling!
Every year since the 2009-2010 school year, I’ve shown my students Eurovision. It occurs about 3-4 weeks before we get out for the year, so it’s a nice break before the last, crazy month. I begin by explaining the basic rules and format and then tell them we’re going to watch all the year’s entries and vote on a collective top ten. Some of the students really get into it and try to watch the finals (or at least find out the results), coming in on Monday asking what I thought, sometimes with a “can you believe country x won?” My own children enjoy Eurovision, and we even have a playlist of our favorites, some of which are before 2010.
Now that I’m in the 11th year doing this, I thought I would try to come up with a top 10 from the 2010’s (2010-2019). That, and we need a little fun and light hearted debate due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent isolation.
1 Point: “Lights and Shadows” by OG3NE (The Netherlands, 2017)
This one takes me back to 9th grade because it reminds me of Wilson Phillips. Plus, it has little bit of edge to it towards the end.
2 Points: “Playing with Fire” by Ovi and Paula Seling (Romania, 2010)
Dueling pianos? Yes, please. If that’s not enough, Paula Seling also hits some seriously high notes.
3 Points: “Tomorrow” by Gianluca Bezzina (Malta, 2013)
This is just a nice, feel-good, love song. It’s that simple.
4 Points: “What’s the Pressure” by Laura Tesoro (Belgium, 2016)
Love the funk aspect. If you’re looking for a song that makes you want to dance, this is it.
5 Points: “Eastern European Funk” by InCulto (Lithuania, 2010)
Come for the kazoos, stay for the message about Eastern Europeans in the EU. Another one that gets you moving to the music.
6 Points: “In a Moment Like This” by Chanée and N’Evergreen (Denmark, 2010)
There’s something about the chorus that feels triumphant. Spoiler alert: It also has an epic key change.
7 Points: “Alcohol is Free” by Koza Mostra and Agathon Iakovidis (Greece, 2013)
Combines two of my favorite genres- rock and ska.
8 Points: “We Could be the Same” by maNga (Turkey, 2010)
Reminds me a little bit of Linkin Park. Always nice to have a good rock song in the contest.
10 Points: “Coming Home” by Sjonni’s Friends (Iceland, 2011)
The story behind the band coming together is heartbreaking, but this is one those songs with great lyrics, where you want to sing along.
12 Points: “Never Forget” by Greta Salóme and Jónsi (Iceland, 2012)
This is just an epic-sounding song. My daughter and I love to sing along to this in the car. You can also watch it in the original Icelandic.
So, what do you think? Do you have any favorites that didn’t make the cut?
Thanks for reading.
Jason L. Knoll 