Eurovision 2008 - Belgium

O julissi na jalini
Ishtar

Music: Michel Vangheluwe
Lyrics: Micel Vangheluwe


History (1956 to 2007):

Belgium's previous appearances: 49 year(s) out of 52
Years participated: 1956-1993; 1995-1996; 1998-2000; 2002-
Best result: 1st (1986)

One of the original Eurovision entrants, Belgium had to wait thirty years before scoring its first victory in 1986. It did so with probably the most nauseating Eurovision winner ever, 'J'aime la vie', performed with horrific gusto by 13-year-old Sandra Kim. Watching the 1986 Contest as a 12-year-old, I was staggered that what I felt was the weakest song in the whole show had triumphed, beating superior efforts by Switzerland's Daniella Simons and the fabulous Doris Dragović for Yugoslavia - two decades later, my feelings haven't changed. Fortunately, the EBU has since decreed that all Eurovision entrants must be aged 16 or over, while those who are underage now have their own Junior Eurovision to take part in.

Looking at Belgium's record since 1986, the country may have to wait another thirty years before its next victory. Following its Eurovision win, no further top ten places were forthcoming until 1998, when Melanie Cohl managed 6th place with the likeable 'Dis oui'. However, this flash of success was not sustained, with Vanessa Chinitor only managing a mid-table 12th in 1999. The following year, Natalie Sorce sang the unfortunately titled 'Envie de vivre', or 'Desire to live'; the song wasn't that terrible, but by the end of her performance most of Europe had certainly lost the 'Envie de vivre', and it finished last with just 2 points. 2001's song, 'Sister', did better, but even that stalled in 13th place. Urban Trad's excellent result with 'Sanomi' in 2003 certainly gave Belgium a welcome boost, not only coming within a whisker of winning, but also affording the country its first top five placing since Sandra Kim's 1986 victory. It was seemingly a blip, however, with the highly-tipped Xandee and '1 life' - directly qualified for the Final - causing one of the shocks of 2004 by finishing 22nd with just 7 points. Nevertheless, it was the year's bestselling song in Flanders (and a hit elsewhere in Europe), once again proving the 'Gina G rule' that a chart hit does not necessarily translate into Eurovision glory.

Unfortunately for Belgium, Xandee's poor result meant that the country had to compete in the 2005 Semi Final to stand a chance of appearing in Saturday's Contest proper. Its chosen song, 'Le grand soir' by Nuno Resende, was an old-fashioned French ballad that most people wrote off from the start. Sadly, the lack of enthusiasm for the song was well-placed, Nuno limping to 22nd place despite a stunning vocal performance on the night.

Of course, Belgium is unusual in that two separate broadcasters have responsibility for choosing the country's Eurovision entries, with French-language RTBF and Flemish VRT taking part in alternate years. Though Belgium's overall record is not terribly impressive, it does disguise the contrasting success of RTBF and VRT, with the former being responsible for almost all the country's best results, including 'J'aime la vie', 'Dis oui' and 'Sanomi'. Indeed, you have to go back to 1977 to find the last occasion that a Flemish entry finished in the top ten at Eurovision. 2006 was VRT's turn, yet there was much optimism that Kate Ryan - riding high in the fan polls - could deliver a great result with 'Je t'adore'. It was a strong song, but sadly Kate fell at the first hurdle, failing to make it out of the Semi Final thanks to a combination of poor vocals, overelaborate choreography and ropey camerawork. As a result, Belgium must once again try and secure that elusive top ten Semi Final placing if it is to progress any further.

In 2007 Belgium was represented by The KMG's failing to qualifi to the Final.


This year's entry:




My opinion & prediction:

No, Belgium. It won’t work the 2nd time. In 2003 you where represented by Urban Trad singing a song in an imaginary language, and you got 2nd place. This year you are sending another song in an imaginary language.

My prediction for the Semi Final: 17th to 19th
My prediction for the Final: Will not qualify