We chat with EMMY at House of Helvetia in Basel. Despite singing about the famed Russian space dog Laika (the star of her song "Laika Party"), she admits to owning a kitty cat. She says that all animals are welcome to her "Laika Party" — but not animals that eat other animals. She also discusses her Irish co-writer, her brother Ereland, and how Ireland has embraced her. Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams
May 14, 2025•16 min•Ep. 578
JJ's "Wasted Love" has consistently been near the top of the Eurovision 2025 betting odds since its reveal in Austria. But will this emotional ballad get lost in a sea of jury favourites? Combining Filipino telenovela with Austrian classical opera, JJ has crafted a song like no other this year. In this episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision?", Professor Joe Bennett, a musicologist from the Berklee College of Music, tells us about the oscillating vocal effects that take Austria's entry th...
May 14, 2025•20 min•Ep. 582
We chat with Sissal at House of Helvetia in Basel. The "Hallucination" singer discusses how she is currently obsessed with a man who may or may not know her name; how she can deal with particular hate comments, but will NOT accept people questioning her character; how her two daughters put everything in perspective; what it's like to be from the Faroe Islands; her cooking YouTube channel @tripleyummy4744 and so much more. Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams...
May 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 580
We chat with Australia's Eurovision star Go Jo at House of Helvetia in Basel. The "Milkshake Man" singer breaks down his on-stage prop (it's a giant blender and not a milkshake) where he performs an incredibly quick costume change. He introduces us to his partner, who is also one of his backing dancers, discusses growing up off-grid in the Australian countryside, talks about his former AFL football career, the songwriting process and so much more. Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/willi...
May 14, 2025•20 min•Ep. 579
ADONXS — Czechia’s Eurovision 2025 singers — explains his staging concept for "Kiss Kiss Goodbye" during our interview at the House or Helvetia. He explains the flower of Adonis on his mic stand; why he rubbed SPF all over his body; and why he included his iconic dance break. He also gets emotional explaining his music video, which refers to his father who left the family when he was a boy. He says that loss defined so many of his adult relationships, but how he has now let go of that negative e...
May 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 581
Claude Kiambe will sing for The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. Born in the Congo before fleeing to Europe aged 9, Claude is recognised for his merging of languages in much of his music. But does his song C'est La Vie have what it takes to rouse audiences all over Europe? In this episode of What Really Happened at Eurovision? Professor Joe Bennett, musicologist from the Berklee College of Music, tells us about C'est La Vie and the circle of fourths - and how musical greats have been use the chor...
May 13, 2025•18 min•Ep. 577
Luxembourg’s Eurovision 2025 singer Laura Thorn tells us all about her song “La poupée monte le son.” She explains how the lyrics demonstrate a woman’s growth — from being treated like a puppet or a doll to standing on her own and taking up space for herself. She also discusses the Ukrainian creative team behind her staging and doll hours; what it’s like working with her dancers; and how Eurovision 2009 singer and vocal coach Susanne Georgi has helped her stay strong. Interviewer: William: http:...
May 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 576
"Zjerm" singers Shkodra Elektronike — that's Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji — gave us a very entertaining interview at the House of Helvetia in Basel. Among other things, they discuss the legend of Rozafa, the unique culture of their home region Shkodër, Kolë's recent virality (for not following the typical chord progressions in songs), and how they wrote their Eurovision entry. Beatriçe also gives us a dance tutorial. Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams...
May 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 575
Justyna Steczkowska — one of Poland's most loved singers — has returned to the Eurovision Song Contest thirty years after her first appearance. She tells our William Lee Adams about how she has grown and evolved musically and spiritually since finishing 18th. Some of this growth was prompted by personal traumas, including the loss of her parents and her husband's illness. She also recounts how her song "Gaja" — a reference to Mother Earth — explores the idea of our relationship to our planet and...
May 12, 2025•20 min•Ep. 572
NAPA’s band members — Diogo Góis, Francisco Sousa, João Guilherme Gomes, João Lourenço Gomes, and João Rodrigues — join us on stage at the House of Helvetia. The band, formerly known as Men on the Couch, explain how their song “Deslocado” speaks of dislocation and the experience of so many people from their home island of Madeira. We also discuss the creation of their song, how they were rejected from Festival da Canção 2024, and how they share hateful and shady comments from social media in a p...
May 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 573
“Poison Cake” singer Marko Bošnjak stopped by the House of Helvetia for an interview in front of a live audience. Croatia’s ESC singer tells us that the lyrics and angry sound were a way to fight back against negativity and hate, including people who called him a Satanist for liking Lady Gaga. He said the song has resonance with his current situation: conservative religious leaders have called for a boycott of him at Eurovision because of his devilish performance from Dora. Interviewer: William:...
May 12, 2025•20 min•Ep. 574
We chat with Finland's Eurovision 2025 superstar Erika Vikman. She will perform "ICH KOMME" in the Second Semi-Final in Basel. Among other things, we discuss her many tattoos — including the one she wants to get removed; what it’s like singing on top of that giant microphone; and her reaction to Finnish President Alexander Stubb's comments that he is supporting Sweden’s KAJ. Featuring: William - https://www.instagram.com/williamleeadams/...
May 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 571
What does Miriana Contes 'Serving' have in common with songs by Kesha, the Ying Yang Twins and 17th century Algerian folk music? In this episode of "What Really Happened At Eurovision?" William and Freddy dissect the Arabian riff — a motif that plays in one of Eurovision 2025's most talked about songs. Professor Joe Bennett from the Berklee College of Music explains how Arab influences make "Serving" such a special song and why, no matter how hard you try, you Kant just censor certain elements o...
May 05, 2025•16 min•Ep. 570
Remember Monday — the UK’s Eurovision 2025 group — tell us what the hell happened during their gorgeous music video shoot. They also explain the difference between performing on the West End and at Eurovision, discuss the strength of their sisterhood and reveal the five matching tattoos they share. The group consists of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele from Farnborough, Hampshire. Interviewer: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams...
Apr 14, 2025•6 min•Ep. 568
We met up with the meme queen of the year, Sissal from Denmark, to talk about the now infamous group chat on Instagram, her new plans for staging and not least a little surprise message from her childhood crush! Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk
Apr 13, 2025•6 min•Ep. 569
Gabry Ponte from San Marino discusses his life and career — including producing Eifel 65's international mega-ht "Blue" — at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. We also discuss his staging plans for "Tutta L'Italia" in Basel. Interviewer: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams
Apr 13, 2025•6 min•Ep. 566
We chat with Croatia's Eurovision star Marko Bošnjak ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. He discusses the challenge of coming out in a conservative country and how he plans to completely change his Eurovision staging in Basel. Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams
Apr 12, 2025•5 min•Ep. 567
Eurovision 2025 favourite J.J. from Austria discusses the writing process behind "Wasted Love" at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam.
Apr 12, 2025•5 min•Ep. 565
Louane — France's Eurovision 2025 singer — discusses her song "maman" during our interview at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. She describes how she got her daughter to sing the final note "maman" of her song, and how her daughter offers the most honest criticism of anyone. She also shares her safe space during these busy days leading to Eurovision. Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams
Apr 07, 2025•5 min•Ep. 564
We react to all of the performances from Eurovision in Concert 2025. Who gave the best live performance? Which act improved the most? Which acts failed to deliver? We share our thoughts on the showers, growers and more from the show in Amsterdam.
Apr 06, 2025•43 min•Ep. 563
Our reaction to the Semi-Final 1 running order of Eurovision 2025. Iceland's Vaeb will open the show, while Cyprus' Theo Evan will close it. Among other things, we discuss how the start position could impact who qualifies; why Poland's Justyna was put in second position (the so-called "death slot"); why producers have Cyprus performing last; and so much more. Watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohTaz4OfgFU 1. 🇮🇸 Iceland – Væb with “Róa” 2. 🇵🇱 Poland – J...
Mar 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 562
We react to the Semi-Final 2 running order for Eurovision 2025. Producers have Australia's Go-Jo opening the show and Finland's Erika Vikman closing it. We ask why Montenegro is in the death slot (second position); suggest that producers wanted to spread out the riskqué sexy acts (Australia, Malta, and Finland), ; and suggest Israel benefits hugely from performing between Luxembourg and Germany. Watch our reaction on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ANSBdl6845s?si=6cB2DOO1GBECXB6L 1. 🇦🇺 Australia: ...
Mar 30, 2025•38 min•Ep. 561
William's reaction to the sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu" — Sweden's Eurovision 2025 entry from KAJ. The Swedish-speaking Finns rode a wave of momentum to win Melodifestivalen 2025. We review their live performance from the national final. Is it surprising the international jury place them second? Does it escape the "joke entry" label? And will the feel-good factor carry through to Basel? We discuss this and more. 00:01 Introduction 01:42 First reaction 04:53 Review and Analysis 07:54 Readers' comm...
Mar 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 560
It was a nailbiting final in Melodifestivalen in Sweden, but in the end the victory went to the sauna boys! We caught KAJ for their initial reaction to winning and how they are gonna bring the heat to Eurovision. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk
Mar 11, 2025•1 min•Ep. 559
Måns Zelmerlöw was the bookmakers' heavy favourite to win Melodifestivalen, but in the end he finished second by only a seven point margin to eventual winners KAJ. We caught up with Måns for a quick reaction after tonight's final, and he tried to cope with not winning. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk
Mar 11, 2025•2 min•Ep. 558
Our reaction to "Wasted Love" — JJ's Eurovision 2025 song for Austria. JJ (full name Johannes Pietsch) mixes opera with pop and techno, all delivered in his gorgeous countertenor voice. We review his music video and discuss his artistry, presence, vocals, the song's touching lyrics and the scope for drama and staging in Basel. Can Austria qualify for the grand final? We look at the odds. 00:01 Intro 01:51 First Reaction 04:24 Reaction & Analysis...
Mar 08, 2025•21 min•Ep. 557
Our reaction to Serbia's Eurovision 2025 song "Mila" from Princ. We review the live performance from the Pesma za Evroviziju final (PZE 2025). 00:01 Introduction 00:41 Live reaction 03:39 Review & Analysis 09:04 Readers comments Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban
Mar 05, 2025•14 min•Ep. 555
Our reaction to "Baller" — Abor & Tynna's Eurovision 2025 song for Germany. We watch their live performance from the final of Chefsache ESC — the country's national selection. We review the artist's vocal capabilities, the staging, the song and more to ask: Can Germany win Eurovision again? #Eurovision #Chefsache 00:01 Introduction 00:28 First reaction 03:31 Review & Analysis 09:42 Readers' comments Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban: http://instagram.com/deba...
Mar 04, 2025•14 min•Ep. 556
Our reaction to "C'est la Vie" — Claude's Eurovision 2025 song for The Netherlands. We review the song's simple, but touching French-language lyrics, which convey a story of strength and perseverance. The singer — full name Claude Kiambe — was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fled with his mother at the age of 9. The song is a tribute to her for reminding him to always look on the bright side of life. We ask whether this could win the Eurovision Song Contest, as it has great jury...
Mar 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 554
It was a thrilling final tonight in DMGP 2025 in Herning, where the big favourite Sissal ended up taking the trophy with one point margin. We caught her after the show for her initial reaction to winning - and she promises to do everything she can to get Denmark back into the Eurovision final. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk
Mar 03, 2025•10 min•Ep. 553
