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.
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A Salute To Europe: Moldova Is On Duty
Moldova's National Final and what it means to Moldovan (Photo: Ben Robertson, ESC Insight)
escinsight.com
Moldova's TRM put on a selection for the ages this weekend, not just for the Contest, but also for the nation itself. @bensvision.bsky.social attended a transformational National Final to find out why Moldova needs Eurovision as much as Eurovision needs Moldova. escinsight.com/2026/01/20/a...
Reposted by ESC Insight
🇲🇩 This is an exceptional episode of the post-show #FinalaNațonalǎ 2026. Tetiana and great TES' friends @bensvision.bsky.social of @escinsight.com, Gottem, and @escgabe.com get together to recap the happenings at the #Eurovision 2026 selection for #Moldova
TES Discuss: Finala Naționalǎ Post-show discussion - Moldova - That Eurovision Site
YouTube video by That Eurovision Site
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 2:28 PM
🇲🇩 This is an exceptional episode of the post-show #FinalaNațonalǎ 2026. Tetiana and great TES' friends @bensvision.bsky.social of @escinsight.com, Gottem, and @escgabe.com get together to recap the happenings at the #Eurovision 2026 selection for #Moldova
Signing out now, but I'll be back next week, same time, same place.
I'm also heading to Linköping, accredited for heat one of #melfest, so watch out for me there giving the preview to the season.
I'm also heading to Linköping, accredited for heat one of #melfest, so watch out for me there giving the preview to the season.
January 27, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Signing out now, but I'll be back next week, same time, same place.
I'm also heading to Linköping, accredited for heat one of #melfest, so watch out for me there giving the preview to the season.
I'm also heading to Linköping, accredited for heat one of #melfest, so watch out for me there giving the preview to the season.
Good quality heat 1 from #melfest - seems immune from the participation issues that have impacted MGP in Norway on this showing.
#eurovision fans will feel at home with Indra and Jacqline very well produced tracks, enough to beat favourites Greczula and A*Teens? Interesting race this week
#eurovision fans will feel at home with Indra and Jacqline very well produced tracks, enough to beat favourites Greczula and A*Teens? Interesting race this week
January 27, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Good quality heat 1 from #melfest - seems immune from the participation issues that have impacted MGP in Norway on this showing.
#eurovision fans will feel at home with Indra and Jacqline very well produced tracks, enough to beat favourites Greczula and A*Teens? Interesting race this week
#eurovision fans will feel at home with Indra and Jacqline very well produced tracks, enough to beat favourites Greczula and A*Teens? Interesting race this week
A*Teens: Iconic
BPM: 135
The fusion of 2000's pop with modern production and an energy kick. Feels made for a tremendous comeback with clear A*Teens sound still emanating through.
Perhaps more gloss than substance, but still - I-C-O-N-I-C
Sounds like: Andreas Lundstedt's Vicious ( #melfest 2025)
BPM: 135
The fusion of 2000's pop with modern production and an energy kick. Feels made for a tremendous comeback with clear A*Teens sound still emanating through.
Perhaps more gloss than substance, but still - I-C-O-N-I-C
Sounds like: Andreas Lundstedt's Vicious ( #melfest 2025)
January 27, 2026 at 9:27 AM
A*Teens: Iconic
BPM: 135
The fusion of 2000's pop with modern production and an energy kick. Feels made for a tremendous comeback with clear A*Teens sound still emanating through.
Perhaps more gloss than substance, but still - I-C-O-N-I-C
Sounds like: Andreas Lundstedt's Vicious ( #melfest 2025)
BPM: 135
The fusion of 2000's pop with modern production and an energy kick. Feels made for a tremendous comeback with clear A*Teens sound still emanating through.
Perhaps more gloss than substance, but still - I-C-O-N-I-C
Sounds like: Andreas Lundstedt's Vicious ( #melfest 2025)
Indra: Beautiful Lie
BPM: 63
Is this #melfest? A dramatic and organic ballad, but this screams MGP in Norway (would win there easily this year) with rich orchestration, Northern Lights mentioned and touches of folklore. Lovely entry.
Sounds like: My Way in the verses, Elsie Bay in the choruses
BPM: 63
Is this #melfest? A dramatic and organic ballad, but this screams MGP in Norway (would win there easily this year) with rich orchestration, Northern Lights mentioned and touches of folklore. Lovely entry.
Sounds like: My Way in the verses, Elsie Bay in the choruses
January 27, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Indra: Beautiful Lie
BPM: 63
Is this #melfest? A dramatic and organic ballad, but this screams MGP in Norway (would win there easily this year) with rich orchestration, Northern Lights mentioned and touches of folklore. Lovely entry.
Sounds like: My Way in the verses, Elsie Bay in the choruses
BPM: 63
Is this #melfest? A dramatic and organic ballad, but this screams MGP in Norway (would win there easily this year) with rich orchestration, Northern Lights mentioned and touches of folklore. Lovely entry.
Sounds like: My Way in the verses, Elsie Bay in the choruses
Junior Lerin: Copacabana Boy
BPM: 128
Dirty beats and spoken/shouted singing through what can best be described as the most disaster of #melfest disaster bops. Will get people talking on Monday in the office for it's (intentional) bottom of the barrel quality
Sounds like: Sean Banan from Wish
BPM: 128
Dirty beats and spoken/shouted singing through what can best be described as the most disaster of #melfest disaster bops. Will get people talking on Monday in the office for it's (intentional) bottom of the barrel quality
Sounds like: Sean Banan from Wish
January 27, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Junior Lerin: Copacabana Boy
BPM: 128
Dirty beats and spoken/shouted singing through what can best be described as the most disaster of #melfest disaster bops. Will get people talking on Monday in the office for it's (intentional) bottom of the barrel quality
Sounds like: Sean Banan from Wish
BPM: 128
Dirty beats and spoken/shouted singing through what can best be described as the most disaster of #melfest disaster bops. Will get people talking on Monday in the office for it's (intentional) bottom of the barrel quality
Sounds like: Sean Banan from Wish
noll2: Bersuade ord
BPM: 184 (!), slows in bridge.
If Jacqline is slick produced pop, this is the rural variant, with a fiddle running call and response with lyrics.
Good intonation in bridge to give the text focus. Creative
Sounds like: Something fresh and authentic which we need in #melfest
BPM: 184 (!), slows in bridge.
If Jacqline is slick produced pop, this is the rural variant, with a fiddle running call and response with lyrics.
Good intonation in bridge to give the text focus. Creative
Sounds like: Something fresh and authentic which we need in #melfest
January 27, 2026 at 9:15 AM
noll2: Bersuade ord
BPM: 184 (!), slows in bridge.
If Jacqline is slick produced pop, this is the rural variant, with a fiddle running call and response with lyrics.
Good intonation in bridge to give the text focus. Creative
Sounds like: Something fresh and authentic which we need in #melfest
BPM: 184 (!), slows in bridge.
If Jacqline is slick produced pop, this is the rural variant, with a fiddle running call and response with lyrics.
Good intonation in bridge to give the text focus. Creative
Sounds like: Something fresh and authentic which we need in #melfest
Jacqline: Woman
BPM: 111
BOOM! You liked Effortless, you'll love this!
Powerful girl-power theme and the hooks in the chorus and post-chorus are sublime! A great show for Melfest lovers I am sure!
Sounds like: Everything good about Swedish pop, what we all with Agnes came to #melfest with.
BPM: 111
BOOM! You liked Effortless, you'll love this!
Powerful girl-power theme and the hooks in the chorus and post-chorus are sublime! A great show for Melfest lovers I am sure!
Sounds like: Everything good about Swedish pop, what we all with Agnes came to #melfest with.
January 27, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Jacqline: Woman
BPM: 111
BOOM! You liked Effortless, you'll love this!
Powerful girl-power theme and the hooks in the chorus and post-chorus are sublime! A great show for Melfest lovers I am sure!
Sounds like: Everything good about Swedish pop, what we all with Agnes came to #melfest with.
BPM: 111
BOOM! You liked Effortless, you'll love this!
Powerful girl-power theme and the hooks in the chorus and post-chorus are sublime! A great show for Melfest lovers I am sure!
Sounds like: Everything good about Swedish pop, what we all with Agnes came to #melfest with.
Greczula: Half of Me
BPM: 67, 143 by chorus
Perhaps more Queen than last year, and definitely more ABBA.
Two main choruses, hints of electric guitar in outro. Big show. No immediate winner vibes but cool edition to #melfest
Sounds like: Our Sam Ryder. But the voice isn't quite where he was.
BPM: 67, 143 by chorus
Perhaps more Queen than last year, and definitely more ABBA.
Two main choruses, hints of electric guitar in outro. Big show. No immediate winner vibes but cool edition to #melfest
Sounds like: Our Sam Ryder. But the voice isn't quite where he was.
January 27, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Greczula: Half of Me
BPM: 67, 143 by chorus
Perhaps more Queen than last year, and definitely more ABBA.
Two main choruses, hints of electric guitar in outro. Big show. No immediate winner vibes but cool edition to #melfest
Sounds like: Our Sam Ryder. But the voice isn't quite where he was.
BPM: 67, 143 by chorus
Perhaps more Queen than last year, and definitely more ABBA.
Two main choruses, hints of electric guitar in outro. Big show. No immediate winner vibes but cool edition to #melfest
Sounds like: Our Sam Ryder. But the voice isn't quite where he was.
We can't start the listenings yet because one person has logged in as "user" - the invites are personal and only go out to specific people (an issue in itself how closed shop this is)
Press officer Kristoffer goes through press rules, no recording audio the most important, obviously. #melfest
Press officer Kristoffer goes through press rules, no recording audio the most important, obviously. #melfest
January 27, 2026 at 9:02 AM
We can't start the listenings yet because one person has logged in as "user" - the invites are personal and only go out to specific people (an issue in itself how closed shop this is)
Press officer Kristoffer goes through press rules, no recording audio the most important, obviously. #melfest
Press officer Kristoffer goes through press rules, no recording audio the most important, obviously. #melfest
Time for our @bensvision.bsky.social to take over this Bluesky channel for the next hour for the ultimate test of punditry in the #eurovision business.
Does this #melfest heat have the ultimate winner....maybe even in Vienna?
Grezcula is first up at 10:00 CET. High expectations for last year's 3rd
Does this #melfest heat have the ultimate winner....maybe even in Vienna?
Grezcula is first up at 10:00 CET. High expectations for last year's 3rd
January 27, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Time for our @bensvision.bsky.social to take over this Bluesky channel for the next hour for the ultimate test of punditry in the #eurovision business.
Does this #melfest heat have the ultimate winner....maybe even in Vienna?
Grezcula is first up at 10:00 CET. High expectations for last year's 3rd
Does this #melfest heat have the ultimate winner....maybe even in Vienna?
Grezcula is first up at 10:00 CET. High expectations for last year's 3rd
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision in 2026, and three return. This is the biggest change in participation since the introduction of the Semi Finals. How will these seismic changes impact the scoreboard, and why is Poland the biggest loser? @bensvision.bsky.social investigates.
Five Withdraw, Three Return: So Who Wins From That?
Would Efendi score more points for Azerbaijan in 2026 rather than 2021 (Image Credit: EBU / Thomas Hanses)
escinsight.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision in 2026, and three return. This is the biggest change in participation since the introduction of the Semi Finals. How will these seismic changes impact the scoreboard, and why is Poland the biggest loser? @bensvision.bsky.social investigates.
Moldova's TRM put on a selection for the ages this weekend, not just for the Contest, but also for the nation itself. @bensvision.bsky.social attended a transformational National Final to find out why Moldova needs Eurovision as much as Eurovision needs Moldova. escinsight.com/2026/01/20/a...
A Salute To Europe: Moldova Is On Duty
Moldova's National Final and what it means to Moldovan (Photo: Ben Robertson, ESC Insight)
escinsight.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Moldova's TRM put on a selection for the ages this weekend, not just for the Contest, but also for the nation itself. @bensvision.bsky.social attended a transformational National Final to find out why Moldova needs Eurovision as much as Eurovision needs Moldova. escinsight.com/2026/01/20/a...
James Stephenson tunes into the start of the National Final season for Eurovision 2026, and rediscovers where his Eurovision Song Contest’s heart truly lies... this weekend it's Malta and Moldova.
Eurovision's Heart is Beating - If You Know Where to Look
Discussing th elvoe of National Finals in the Eurovision season, illustrated by Aidan winning MESC 2026 (Photo: Eurovision.com)
escinsight.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:08 PM
James Stephenson tunes into the start of the National Final season for Eurovision 2026, and rediscovers where his Eurovision Song Contest’s heart truly lies... this weekend it's Malta and Moldova.
@bensvision.bsky.social is attending Selecția Națională, Moldova’s one-night-only competition to choose its Eurovision representative; in a newly built Arena with a five-thousand capacity, and an expanded 16-song selection. Why does the Moldovan Eurovision selection matter so much to the country?
Welcome to Moldova's Biggest Ever Television Production
The stage for Moldova's Eurovision, illustrating an article on Modlvoa in 2025 (photo: Ben Robertson).
escinsight.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:27 PM
@bensvision.bsky.social is attending Selecția Națională, Moldova’s one-night-only competition to choose its Eurovision representative; in a newly built Arena with a five-thousand capacity, and an expanded 16-song selection. Why does the Moldovan Eurovision selection matter so much to the country?
Hey Ho! Let’s Go: Chasing the Legend of ‘Trenulețul’. @bensvision.bsky.social travels to Moldova's National Final the long way, 14 hours on the train between Bucharest and Chișinău. Here is his report not just on the journey, but also on the significance of this train line, and its Eurovision song.
Hey Ho! Let’s Go: Chasing the Legend of ‘Trenulețul’ from Bucharest to Chișinău
Changing tracks, the history of Moldova in trains and songs (Photo: Ben Robertson: ESC Insight)
escinsight.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Hey Ho! Let’s Go: Chasing the Legend of ‘Trenulețul’. @bensvision.bsky.social travels to Moldova's National Final the long way, 14 hours on the train between Bucharest and Chișinău. Here is his report not just on the journey, but also on the significance of this train line, and its Eurovision song.
The Eurovision Song Contest is going on tour – but is it the right time? James Stephenson speaks to Eurovision Director Martin Green about the newly announced Live Tour, and analyses whether fans will embrace the event.
Coming to a City Near You - But Will Fans Embrace the Eurovision Live Tour?
Eurovision Live Tour (EBU./ Sarah Louise Bennett)
escinsight.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Eurovision Song Contest is going on tour – but is it the right time? James Stephenson speaks to Eurovision Director Martin Green about the newly announced Live Tour, and analyses whether fans will embrace the event.
Sem Anne van Dijk analyses why the Eurovision Song Contest attracts so many neurodiverse fans – and explores why its fandom is the ideal space for them to shine.
Why So Many Eurovision Fans and Journalists Are Neurodivergent and Why That Makes Perfect Sense
ESC Insight explores neurodiversity at Eurovision, illustrated by Sheldon Riley, Australia 2022 (EBU / Nathan Reinds)
escinsight.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Sem Anne van Dijk analyses why the Eurovision Song Contest attracts so many neurodiverse fans – and explores why its fandom is the ideal space for them to shine.
As 2025 draws to a close, @ewanspence.co.uk settles back into a high wingbacked chair, pours out a toast to the New Year, and takes his own look back at the shadow cast over the #Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.
Last Call: The Light That Casts A Shadow Over 2025
A single candle represents the community of the Eurovision Song Contest as 2025 ends and 2026 begins (cc Flickr / Katina Rogers)
escinsight.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM
As 2025 draws to a close, @ewanspence.co.uk settles back into a high wingbacked chair, pours out a toast to the New Year, and takes his own look back at the shadow cast over the #Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.
This week on Eurovision Uncovered, James Stephenson analyses ⤵️
💝 How Eurovision's values have evolved
👥 How important those values are to its fanbase
⛓️💥 And what happens when those fans begin to feel disconnected from what the Song Contest stands for
escinsight.com/2025/12/23/e...
💝 How Eurovision's values have evolved
👥 How important those values are to its fanbase
⛓️💥 And what happens when those fans begin to feel disconnected from what the Song Contest stands for
escinsight.com/2025/12/23/e...
Eurovision Insight Presents... Eurovision Uncovered: A Show Shaped by Us
Eurovision Uncovered explores the community connection to the Eurovision Song Contest (EBU / Sarah Louise Bennett)
escinsight.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:11 AM
This week on Eurovision Uncovered, James Stephenson analyses ⤵️
💝 How Eurovision's values have evolved
👥 How important those values are to its fanbase
⛓️💥 And what happens when those fans begin to feel disconnected from what the Song Contest stands for
escinsight.com/2025/12/23/e...
💝 How Eurovision's values have evolved
👥 How important those values are to its fanbase
⛓️💥 And what happens when those fans begin to feel disconnected from what the Song Contest stands for
escinsight.com/2025/12/23/e...
"There are challenges in almost every act." 😱
Christer Björkman runs the team that stages each Eurovision Song Contest entry - and whether it's people flying or a simple microphone, every detail has to be perfect ✨
Listen to our full Christer Björkman on the latest episode of Eurovision Uncovered!
Christer Björkman runs the team that stages each Eurovision Song Contest entry - and whether it's people flying or a simple microphone, every detail has to be perfect ✨
Listen to our full Christer Björkman on the latest episode of Eurovision Uncovered!
December 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
"There are challenges in almost every act." 😱
Christer Björkman runs the team that stages each Eurovision Song Contest entry - and whether it's people flying or a simple microphone, every detail has to be perfect ✨
Listen to our full Christer Björkman on the latest episode of Eurovision Uncovered!
Christer Björkman runs the team that stages each Eurovision Song Contest entry - and whether it's people flying or a simple microphone, every detail has to be perfect ✨
Listen to our full Christer Björkman on the latest episode of Eurovision Uncovered!
"In the old days, it would have been beneficial to go in the second half." 🪩
But Christer Björkman told me he thinks the #Eurovision running order works differently now we can vote during the show 📊
🎧 Listen in full to learn how the running order really gets put together.
But Christer Björkman told me he thinks the #Eurovision running order works differently now we can vote during the show 📊
🎧 Listen in full to learn how the running order really gets put together.
December 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
"In the old days, it would have been beneficial to go in the second half." 🪩
But Christer Björkman told me he thinks the #Eurovision running order works differently now we can vote during the show 📊
🎧 Listen in full to learn how the running order really gets put together.
But Christer Björkman told me he thinks the #Eurovision running order works differently now we can vote during the show 📊
🎧 Listen in full to learn how the running order really gets put together.
Eurovision 2025 Head of Contest Christer Björkman opens up on producing the world’s biggest music show.
He reveals on a Eurovision Uncovered special ⤵️
✅ The process of staging an act
✅ How he puts the running order together
✅ What Eurovision's next spin-off could be
escinsight.com/2025/12/15/c...
He reveals on a Eurovision Uncovered special ⤵️
✅ The process of staging an act
✅ How he puts the running order together
✅ What Eurovision's next spin-off could be
escinsight.com/2025/12/15/c...
Eurovision Uncovered Meets Christer Björkman: "There are Challenges in Almost Every Act"
Eurovision Uncovered meets Christer Björkman (James Stephenson)
escinsight.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Eurovision 2025 Head of Contest Christer Björkman opens up on producing the world’s biggest music show.
He reveals on a Eurovision Uncovered special ⤵️
✅ The process of staging an act
✅ How he puts the running order together
✅ What Eurovision's next spin-off could be
escinsight.com/2025/12/15/c...
He reveals on a Eurovision Uncovered special ⤵️
✅ The process of staging an act
✅ How he puts the running order together
✅ What Eurovision's next spin-off could be
escinsight.com/2025/12/15/c...
Saturday saw France’s Lou Deleuze win Junior Eurovision 2025 with the song ‘Ce monde’. @bensvision.bsky.social does a deep dive into the voting from Junior's 23rd edition to find the stories hidden within the statistics (and a surprising moment between Azerbaijan and Armenia!)
11 Moments that Made Junior Eurovision 2025 Unique
On Saturday December 13th France’s Lou Deleuze won Junior Eurovision 2025 with the song ‘Ce monde’. ESC Insight’s Ben Robertson does a deep dive into the voting from the 23rd edition of Junior Eurovis...
escinsight.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Saturday saw France’s Lou Deleuze win Junior Eurovision 2025 with the song ‘Ce monde’. @bensvision.bsky.social does a deep dive into the voting from Junior's 23rd edition to find the stories hidden within the statistics (and a surprising moment between Azerbaijan and Armenia!)