web02.fireside.fm Mon, 04 May 2026 13:35:42 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Eurovision Song Context - Episodes Tagged with “Eurovision 2026” https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/tags/eurovision%202026 Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 We start with expertise and end up in Eurovision. It’s kind of our thing. Eurovision Song Context is a monthly podcast that looks at the Eurovision Song Contest through an unexpected lens: expert insight. Each episode, a guest from a different field — psychology, fashion, politics, design, linguistics, and more — talk about their work and how it helps us understand 2–3 Eurovision entries in a whole new light. Are these songs genuinely good? So bad they’re good? Or just weirdly unforgettable? Longform episodes come out on the 12th of every month (the "douzeth"). We're where brilliant minds meet bad key changes. en-us episodic A podcast where we bring in smart people. We talk about smart things, then veer into glitter, wind machines, and geopolitics. Experts. Insight. Eurovision chaos. Bradley Dalton-Oates We start with expertise and end up in Eurovision. It’s kind of our thing. Eurovision Song Context is a monthly podcast that looks at the Eurovision Song Contest through an unexpected lens: expert insight. Each episode, a guest from a different field — psychology, fashion, politics, design, linguistics, and more — talk about their work and how it helps us understand 2–3 Eurovision entries in a whole new light. Are these songs genuinely good? So bad they’re good? Or just weirdly unforgettable? Longform episodes come out on the 12th of every month (the "douzeth"). We're where brilliant minds meet bad key changes. no Eurovision, music, expert analysis, Europe, music, arts, culture, ESC Bradley Dalton-Oates eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com Episode 85: Eurovision 2026 w Suzie: The Good, The Bad, and the Absolute Hell Not https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/85 0db1b3db-169f-4b4d-a891-0bbc95c2a139 Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions. We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant. If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version. 1:05:24 no <p>This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.</p> <p>We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.</p> <p>If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.</p> <p>🎵 Songs Covered<br> Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro<br> Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón<br> Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah<br> Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi<br> Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla<br> Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó<br> Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja<br> Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels<br> Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson<br> San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)<br> United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle<br> Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar<br> Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios<br> Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund<br> Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius &amp; Pete Parkkonen<br> France – “Regarde !” by Monroe </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest 2026, ESC 2026, Eurovision songs, Eurovision entries, Eurovision review, Eurovision reactions, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision rankings, Eurovision favorites, Eurovision flops, Eurovision guilty pleasures, Eurovision commentary, Veronica Fusaro Alice, Simón Paloma Rumba, Lion Ceccah Solo Quiero Más, Satoshi Viva Moldova, Essyla Dancing on the Ice, Cosmo Tanzschein, Vanilla Ninja Too Epic to Be True, Sarah Engels Fire, Felicia My System, Senhit Superstar, Boy George Eurovision, Look Mum No Computer Eins Zwei Drei, Aidan Bella, Akylas Ferto, Soren Torpegaard Lund, Linda Lampenius Liekinheitin, Monroe Regarde This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.

We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.

If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.

🎵 Songs Covered
Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro
Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón
Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah
Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi
Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla
Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó
Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja
Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels
Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson
San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)
United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle
Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar
Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios
Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund
Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen
France – “Regarde !” by Monroe

]]> This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.

We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.

If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.

🎵 Songs Covered
Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro
Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón
Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah
Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi
Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla
Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó
Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja
Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels
Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson
San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)
United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle
Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar
Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios
Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund
Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen
France – “Regarde !” by Monroe

]]> Episode 84: Eurovision 2026: This Feels Off- with Mark Bowden https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/84 455f520a-0b7f-4494-82a2-e5149000b1b5 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates Bradley is joined by Mark Bowden to break down key Eurovision 2026 entries through a body language lens. Together, they analyze the UK’s “Look Mum No Computer,” Senhit’s star-powered “Superstar” (and whether bringing in Boy George can succeed where Flo Rida didn’t), and the current front-runners from France and Finland. They explore what performers signal on stage, why some acts connect instantly, and how confidence, authenticity, and staging can make or break a result. 1:08:51 no <p>Episode References</p> <p>United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8</a></p> <p>San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg</a></p> <p>San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg</a></p> <p>Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718</a></p> <p>France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ</a></p> <p>Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q</a></p> <p>Eurovision Odds:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision</a></p> <p>Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a></p> <p>Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4</a></p> <p>Boy George Interview:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&amp;t=13s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&amp;amp;t=13s</a></p> <p>Mark Bowden</p> <p>Official site:<br> <a href="https://truthplane.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://truthplane.com/</a></p> <p>Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking<br> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&amp;qid=1776132760&amp;sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&amp;amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&amp;amp;dib_tag=se&amp;amp;keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&amp;amp;qid=1776132760&amp;amp;sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&amp;amp;sr=8-1</a> </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision performance, Eurovision staging, Eurovision body language, body language in performance, nonverbal communication, Mark Bowden, human behavior, reading people, stage presence, performance psychology, audience perception, jury vs televote, Eurovision predictions, Eurovision insights, why performances succeed, live performance analysis, communication and behavior, signals and perception, Eurovision contestants 2026 Episode References

United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8

San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718

France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ

Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q

Eurovision Odds:
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision

Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2

Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4

Boy George Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&t=13s

Mark Bowden

Official site:
https://truthplane.com/

Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&qid=1776132760&sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

]]> Episode References

United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8

San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718

France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ

Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q

Eurovision Odds:
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision

Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2

Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4

Boy George Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&t=13s

Mark Bowden

Official site:
https://truthplane.com/

Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&qid=1776132760&sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

]]> Episode 83: Love It or Side Eye: Eurovision 2026 Breakdown with Russ https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/83 90df2dc7-4558-4379-9ead-5db2fd8fb12a Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates In this episode, Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to go song-by-song through the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. With minimal editing and maximum honesty, they react to this year’s entries using their “love it, hate it, or side eye” framework. They discuss standout tracks like Greece’s “Ferto,” question whether big ballads like Australia’s “Eclipse” can land, and debate which songs risk being repetitive, forgettable, or carried entirely by staging. Along the way, they get into jury vs televote dynamics, qualification chances, and why some entries feel unmistakably Eurovision, while others could come from anywhere. Early predictions, strong opinions, and a few disagreements included. 1:12:19 no <p>Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.</p> <p>Songs:</p> <p>Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender<br> Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year<br> Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify<br> The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging<br> Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere<br> Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through</p> <p>Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.</p> <p>🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode</p> <p>Sarah Engels – “Fire”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇫🇷 France<br> Monroe – “Regarde !”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇨🇾 Cyprus<br> Antigoni – “Jalla”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇧🇬 Bulgaria<br> Dara – “Bangaranga”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga</a><br> 🇫🇮 Finland<br> Linda Lampenius &amp; Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇺🇦 Ukraine<br> Leléka – “Ridnym”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym</a><br> 🇵🇹 Portugal<br> Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa</a><br> 🇬🇧 United Kingdom<br> Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei</a> </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision review, Eurovision reactions, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs 2026, Eurovision favorites, Eurovision predictions, Eurovision semi final, Eurovision final, Eurovision staging, Eurovision jury vs televote, Akylas Ferto, Greece Eurovision 2026, Delta Goodrem Eclipse, Australia Eurovision 2026, Vanilla Ninja Too Epic to Be True, Estonia Eurovision 2026, Jonas Lovv Ya Ya Ya, Norway Eurovision 2026, Simon Paloma Rumba, Armenia Eurovision 2026, Alexandra Capitanescu Choke Me, Romania Eurovision 2026, Felicia My System, Sweden Eurovision 2026, Sarah Engels Fire, Germany Eurovision 2026, Monroe Regarde, France Eurovision 2026, Antigoni Jalla, Cyprus Eurovision 2026, Dara Bangaranga, Bulgaria Eurovision 2026, Liekinheitin Finland Eurovision, Leleka Ridnym, Ukraine Eurovision 2026, Bandidos do Cante Rosa, Portugal Eurovision 2026, Look Mum No Computer Eins Zwei Drei, United Kingdom Eurovision 2026 Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.

Songs:

Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender
Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year
Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify
The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging
Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere
Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through

Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.

🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode

Sarah Engels – “Fire”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026
🇫🇷 France
Monroe – “Regarde !”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Antigoni – “Jalla”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Dara – “Bangaranga”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga
🇫🇮 Finland
Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Leléka – “Ridnym”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym
🇵🇹 Portugal
Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei

]]> Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.

Songs:

Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender
Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year
Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify
The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging
Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere
Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through

Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.

🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode

Sarah Engels – “Fire”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026
🇫🇷 France
Monroe – “Regarde !”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Antigoni – “Jalla”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Dara – “Bangaranga”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga
🇫🇮 Finland
Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Leléka – “Ridnym”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym
🇵🇹 Portugal
Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei

]]> Episode 82: Festival da Canção / SAMAs 2026: Double Sleepy or Deeply Portuguese? with Sheldon Rocha Leal https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/82 62747d66-26cc-4352-a000-a76fe9c99c2c Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates As part of their Eurovision coverage of national finals, Bradley and Sheldon turn to Festival da Canção 2026, breaking down the winner and standout entries including: Napa – Rosa Denise Motta – Juré Sandrino – Disposto a Tudo João Ribeiro – Canção Silvana Peres – Não Tem Fim Nunca Mates o Mandarim – Fumo Inês Souza – Um Filme ao Contrário They explore Portugal’s selection, questioning whether authenticity alone is enough to succeed at Eurovision, and unpack recurring themes of nostalgia, restraint, and cultural identity—along with a few pointed critiques of a notably subdued year. The episode then expands beyond Europe into the South African Music Awards (SAMAs)—with Sheldon bringing first-hand insight as a SAMA jury member. He explains how judging works, how it compares to the Grammys, and what defines success in the South African music industry. Along the way, they explore amapiano, global music trends, and the challenge of translating local sound to an international audience. Listen first: We recommend listening to the songs using the link before this episode—then come back for the discussion. 1:34:12 no <p>Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs<br> FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026</a></p> <p>NAPA ROSA<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao</a></p> <p>DENISE MOTTA JURE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure</a></p> <p>SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo</a></p> <p>JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao</a></p> <p>SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim</a></p> <p>NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo</a></p> <p>INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario</a></p> <p>SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA</p> <p>KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo</a></p> <p>ZAHARA LOLIWE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe</a></p> <p>MAFIKIZOLO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo</a></p> <p>TYLA WATER<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water</a></p> <p>BEATENBERG<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s</a></p> <hr> <p>Loved Sheldon on this episode?<br> Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:</p> <p>• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 65: (follow-up episode)<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a><br> • Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a></p> Sanremo 2026, Festival da Canção 2026, Eurovision 2026, national finals, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs, Eurovision review, European music, international music, Portugal music, Italian music, South African music, SAMAs, South African Music Awards, amapiano, fado, folk music, world music, pop music, music industry, music awards, music commentary, song analysis, music podcast, Eurovision fans, Eurovision community Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs
FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026

NAPA ROSA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao

DENISE MOTTA JURE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure

SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo

JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao

SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim

NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo

INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario

SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA

KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo

ZAHARA LOLIWE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe

MAFIKIZOLO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo

TYLA WATER
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water

BEATENBERG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

]]> Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs
FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026

NAPA ROSA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao

DENISE MOTTA JURE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure

SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo

JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao

SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim

NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo

INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario

SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA

KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo

ZAHARA LOLIWE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe

MAFIKIZOLO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo

TYLA WATER
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water

BEATENBERG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

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