SuRie wins Eurovision YOU Decide
Yes, I resisted any kind of pun surrounding the UK brewing a storm at Eurovision, SuRie storming the charts, or any other weather related gags, because I think I'm better then that. But probably not...
Yes, last night Essex girl SuRie, real name Susanna Cork became the shock winner of You Decide, the national final held by the UK since 2016, and therefore won the right to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, which is to be held in Lisbon after the victory of Salvador Sobral.
Overall, I believe that the British public have made a very good decision with sending SuRie over favourites such as Asanda, who I believe had the best raw song prior to the competition, but was slightly let down by live vocals and staging, and Goldstone, who's Little Mix-esque pop number just didn't translate well on stage.
Donnie girl RAYA was the first to perform on the night, singing high energy dance number "Crazy". In my opinion, she did very well with what she had, which was essentially a recyclable pop bop, which in turn was fresh and current, and would have potential to chart. Overall, a good balance of dance and vocal, and a great start to the show
Next up was Liam Tamne, hoping to launch his career ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) with the slow building ballad "Astronaut". Tamne said in interviews that the song is about the support and help that he gave his husband after his father sadly died, which can really be heard in his voice, however the whole performance for me and the falsetto especially seemed a bit strained and overly dramatic, which isn't a first for the UK.
It was then the turn of hot favourite Asanda singing "Legends" to perform. In my opinion, the staging really let a brilliant song down, as I expected for a song with a didgeridoo like instrument playing a main melody, Asanda would be wearing some tribal paint, a bandana and some fur whilst drums are being beaten in the background, but the staging was almost "popified" with the red tracksuits and street dance moves, which really compromised her vocals, most likely loosing her points from the international juries.
In a contrast to the previous songs, "You" by south Londoner Jaz Elington, really changed the atmosphere from a high energy pop, to tasteful, slow Jazz. Maybe a bit too slow though? I did find my mind wondering from the fascinating smoke LED background and once again recyclable lyrics. Despite this, his vocals were flawless, and added a bit of flavour and texture to the number.
Eventual winner SuRie then took to the stage with "Storm", which was my second favourite studio cut behind "Legends" prior to the show. I think what added to this song was the crowd, who seemed to be behind her from the very start, nearly bringing the roof down with applause once the song had ended. To add to that, she looked amazing in a turquoise jumpsuit with a bum cape, who could ask for more?
I felt sorry for Goldstone with "I Feel The Love" who despite being in one of the best spots in the running order, had to follow such an amazing performance. Can't really complain about anything here, but on the hand there's not much to praise other then the harmonies, leaving the group's Bang Bang rip-off somewhat forgotten at the end.
Overall, SuRie can only improve on what is an already brilliant song and performance in my eyes, and with her previous Eurovision experience in 2015 and 2017, I believe she will bring the UK back to the left hand side of the scoreboard.
