Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini "Chain of Light"

Less than a week away from the first semifinal in Vienna! Up next is my review of yet another good duet of Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini (pictured) with "Chain of Light" (San Marino).

After the last three years of getting things right within the Valentina Monetta camp, it's time to freshen up. "Chain of Light" starts off thunderous and finishes off strong with good beat and great vocals. This is truly one of the best duets this year. And to think this is yet another one of those long line of ballads in this year's event. I believe this is going to be one who will be on stage in next Saturday night's grand final. Remember, Monetta's 'Maybe/Forse' made history last year it was San Marino's first grand final qualification. Who knows if this will be the second straight year, because I think so! They will perform next Thursday in the second semifinal. The Good luck guys!

Up next: Bojana Stamenov "Ceo Svet Je Moj"

Over 20 Years Ago, A Dark Weekend at Imola.

April 30, 1994. Practice for the San Marino Grand Prix. Roland Ratzenberger (above) lost control and hit a wall. He sustained injuries that was fatal for the Austrian driver. The next day (May 1) it was race day. Track conditions seemed to have no problem at all. But early on, Ayrton Senna (below) hits the wall. He was flown to a hospital where he was declared brain dead, and later fully dead. Two great racers that have given back to motorsport lost their lives on the same race weekend.

Truly, one of the darkest days in motorsport.

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Valentina Monetta "Maybe (Forse)"

For the third consecutive year, San Marino will have Valentina Monetta (pictured) represent the tiny Mediterranean country in Copenhagen with the song "Maybe (Forse)."

"Maybe (Forse)" is a very soft ballad, very atmospheric which suits her vocals a lot better than "Crisalide (Vola)" last year. She will perform in the first semifinal one week from Tuesday. In a very stacked, competitive first semifinal, I think it will be very tough to get into the final in two weeks. Therefore, she might not qualify, but who knows! Everyone in the first semifinal (even Portugal for the chavs and scum who talk shit about it) has a chance. I said it, and if you hate it, then you're not a real Eurofan. Plain and simple.

San Marino made their ESC debut in 2008. Monetta has represented the tiny country since Baku 2012. That year, "Facebook" failed to qualify for the first semifinal. The following year, "Crisalide" followed suit, except it was better than "Facebook" (I called it as it was originally was before the mandatory ESC/EBU change for copyright infringement, of course). Hopefully, she'll give the San Marinnese a chance to finally give them a break in the ESC scene. Besides this and "Crisalide," I have never really enjoyed anything ESC-wise from this country.

Up next: Tinkara Kovac "Spet."

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: San Marino

39 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (38 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: San Marino.

San Marino made their winter Olympics debut at Innsbruck 1976. They skipped Lake Placid 1980 and returned at Sarajevo 1984, where they were present until Lillehammer 1994. Also skipped Nagano 1998 and returned at Salt Lake City 2002, where they have been present in the winter games ever since. The San Marinese contingent competed mostly in Alpine events, though no medals were won.

Skier Vincenzo Romano Michelotti will be the lone representative for San Marino at Sochi.

Up next: Senegal

Malmo 2013 39 For 39: Valentina Monetta "Crisalide (Vola)"

Before I proceed. Here is the drastic comparison between Valentina Monetta last year and this year.

2012:

 

 

2013:

 



Now do you see the difference?

She is back. Valentina Monetta. The same artist who represented San Marino at Baku 2012, will do the same this year at Malmo. But this time a completely different tune than last year.

Her entry for Malmo-preselected by the ESC broadcaster of San Marino-entitled "Crisalide (Vola)," is a ballad, which starts soft, and toward the end gets down hard. Take a listen:

This could be a borderline contender to make the final, but not win it all on May 18. This will be featured in the second semifinal. Her song from Baku, "Facebook" (retitled "The Social Network Song" to meet EBU standards) was in the first semifinal and failed to qualify.

With that in mind, this is heaps better than "Facebook" "The Social Network Song." That song from last year was hideous and I was glad it didn't make the final.

Hope for the best. Now real Eurofans can pull for her, and by the way, like "Facebook/The Social Network Song," Ralph Siegel wrote this one too.

Up next: a review of  Moje 3 "Ljubav je Svuda."

London 2012: The Countdown Series: San Marino

88 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Next up on the parade of nations: San Marino (SMR).

San Marino has participated in the summer Olympics since 1984; none of their athletes have yet to win a medal in the Olympics.

As of now, four from this tiny nation will head to London to compete in three events, including archery (men's individual) and shooting (women's trap).

Up next: Saudi Arabia