1. Delayed start, but we are in! Thank God!
2. I got to hear the whole of Netherlands performance and I love it!
3. Azerbaijan here we go!
4. Still sounds just like One in a Million from Miss Congeniality
5. Blonde back up dancer guy looks like sexy football stripper. And I am okay with that?
6. Didn't like the song, but your hair is amazing Azerbaijan.
7. I love Hungary's intro video.
8. Damnit, he does sound like Nickleback..
9. Back up whistlers on point.
10. Drum guy is the real star.
11. Back ups dancing like an early 2000's video game character
12. This one is so weird looking. Like why is there a dangling eye..?
13. It's cute. But is it win worthy? No way.
14. English or Italian. Pick one.
15. Turnip for what? Or is that a radish? Someone ask Michelle!
16. YES ISRAEL SLAY IM SO EXCITED
17. I LOVE the visuals on this one SO much!!
18. SO SPARKLY and it totally works!
19. And it rains fire!! YES!
20. Kind of not pumped for Bulgaria tbh
21. Poor girl had lipstick on her teeth!
22. She's amazing, but it's too much! And still sounds just like last year.
23. Smosh logo on her ears..
24. Light pants: cool, but silly.
25. Sweden! Haven't heard you yet!
26. He looks a tiny bit like Nathan Kress..?
27. Looks like he just had a cramp.? You okay Sweden?
28. This is just, meh really. It's boring.
29. The light show is making me totally not pay attention to the singer.
30. MISTAKE. DEVIL. LIES.
31. It just looks odd that Germany isn't not repping her own culture
32. Despite that, she's really talented and I really like the song!
33. France looks like a Jonas brother 
34. Just because you're France doesn't mean you can get away with the foreign language nonsense
35. It's okay. I don't love it. But it's not the worst. (cough, Poland)
36. I HATE Poland's song. And performer. He looks like Weird Al.
37. TOO MUCH EYE CONTACT AHHHHHH!
38. I'll tell you what color my light is when you tell me when you're getting a haircut.
39. What color is my life? Idk what's the color is bored?
40. Shark Tanks are cool.
41. So excited for Australia again!
42. Cool sparkly rock.
43. Still not sure who those faces are...
44. You keep sparkling to the sound of silence!!
45. YES GIRL BELT!
46. I do like Cyprus' different sound!
47. The cages are a little weird tbh.
48. Sounds like Somebody Told Me from The Killers!
49. Serbia seems like it's song is sort of anti-domestic violence? Am I the only one getting that?
50. But no shoes? WTF?!
51. Justin Bieber is back. I'm so excited. Can't you tell.
52. O: Sounds like Let It Go from Frozen.
53. Don't Let In, Don't Let Them See..!
54. I hate it when I lose my jacket in a foggy backflip.
55. Waiting for the dress to come off is so suspenseful...
56. AH YES! Still love that!
57. I really like that the background people arena't really a thing, just there for cape removal.
58. Time for Russia's song, I missed theirs the first time..
59. He's kind of hot.
60. OMG I LOVE CASTIEL
61. Okay the visuals are freaking amazing.
62. Still judging for that Just Dance thing they had there.
63. Wait what the hell how did he get up there?!
64. Espana!
65. Don't love the outfit, but it's very Spanish style.
66. I like her dancing! That's what I do.
67. Ayudame! I've fallen and I can't get up!
68. Latvia is really good, but it's just really good. It's not great. 
69. I didn't love Ukraine's performance as a whole, but I ranked them high because her voice is STUNNING. Stops me in my tracks every time.
70. Still spooks me as very cry for help sounding.
71. Malta's song is good, but sounds like it's something that's on US radio already.
72. Also this dancer guy is weird as hell.
73. Use of the term A-Okay
74. That dancer looks old.
75. Only four more thanks goodness.
76. Georgia is playing again and I'm getting flashbacks to Hollister.
77. And his hat is stupid.
78. Did he just give a shout out to his mom?! Okay, extra points for Georgia.
79. Austria looks like Avril Lavigne's cleaner sister.
80. Why is she signing in French. I'm confused
81. When you have Eurovision at 8, but prom at 9...
82. Austria borrowed from Lisa Frank I think.
83. Still, she was adorable.
84. UK's performers are the more musical, less awkward versions of Dan and Phil.
85. Why was Graham Norton's face on the stage?
86. Trying to leave the EU but sings about always being together get your message straight
87. Armenia this is weirdly sexual.
88. Hardcore wannabe Beyoncé
89. Still, I LOVE her lipcolor.
90. If Eurovision doesn't work out, I'm pretty sure Victoria's Secret would hire her.
91. This is slightly sexual and I am slightly uncomfortable.
92. Please can I be you Armenia? Like not Armenian, just to have your voice and looks and also that lipstick.
93. GANDALF I LOVE YOU
94. Burn! Petra killing it again!
95. Here is my top ten for Eurovision 2016 Finale:
96. Australia - Armenia - Israel - Belgium - Russia - Serbia - Netherlands - Croatia - Ukraine - Czech Republic
97. AHHHH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!
98. Bulgaria why are you still lit up. And holding your phone not a flag.
99. I love ABBA so so much.
100. I didn't know some of these singers were Swedish! This is really cool!
101. That was a cute little documentary!
102. JUSTIN YES OH AND THE BEST SONG STARTING WITH A THROWBACK YES I LOVE IT
103. I vote USA to win Eurovision.
104. Updated: rankings:
105. USA. Just USA. We get all the points.
106. In all seriousness, Justin was a really great pick to represent the US at Eurovision.
107. Can't stop the rhythm, so just dance, dance, dance, dance! (Brief commentary interlude to dance to JT's new song with my dog)
108. This song is better than Sweden's actual entry.
109. Can I be Petra pretty please.
110. Man in hamster wheel and I am dying.
111. This amazing.
112. "Love love, peace, peace" Eurovision song or Miss America pageant?
113. Lynda is the extroverted side of my brain.
114. This is one hilarious Eurovision, go Sweden for this!
115. GO LYNDA! CROWDSURF TO YOUR DREAMS
116. This documentary is amazing.
117. If Donald Trump is elected, I'm moving to Sweden just for the sense of humor.
118. The guy ion the left looks like he could be John Cena's brother.
119. Heroooeoeoessssss! Wish he did the full act!
120. Okay, here we go!
121. The accents. I can't. Too cute.
122. This is so exciting! Australia definitely wins it!! I'm so excited!! She is adorable and a little awkward and it's precious.
123. THIS IS STRESSFUL
124. AUGHHHH IM SCREAMING
125. Wait who was the hot guy next to Sweden's singer??
126. THE SUSPENSE OH LORD
127. Thank god they took Poland out.
128. Please Say Russia. Please say Russia. Please say Russia.
129. NOOO RUSSIA NOOO
130. OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
131. UKRAINE IS THE WINNER OF EUROVISION 2016!!

I hope you all enjoyed the attitude and critique filled internal commentary of the Eurovision 2016 Grand Finale. I absolutely loved the show and being able to reach out to so many people with my live blogging! Who knows, maybe this time next year, I'll be live on YouTube instead! I think it would be much more fun that way, don't you? Let me know what you think in the comments or on any of my social media links below! Until next time,

Writing to you from M, Personally! до побачення!

Eurovision

6:00 AM

It's 10 PM, I just spent the whole day walking around in NYC, let's do Eurovision!

1. I love these two so much
2. THIS IS FROM THE PRODUCERS. I LOVE THE PRODUCERS. I GET THIS REFERENCE
3. All of the theater references and I LOVE IT SO MUCH
4. That's how I riverdance
5. I GET THIS REFERENCE TOO ITS TO WACKOS WORLD
6. I vote for this opening act to win Eurovision 2016. 12 Points to them for those references.
7. Eurovision Sooooong CooooonTEEESSSSSSTTT. Yes I am singing along.
8. "Are you ready?" Aye Aye Captain Let's get this show on the road!
9. This guy looks exactly like I would expect a Latvian to look tbh.
10. It's okay, but I'm waiting for the drop
11. WOAH Cool ass floory things
12. I mean I like it, I like it a lot. But I don't know if I like it 12 points much, ya feel?
13. It's not lackluster, but it just doesn't have that special thing I was looking for. A decent start.
14. Poland's singer is a squirrel whisperer.
15. I really don't like this.
16. Try to ask your heart what color is your life? What?
17. Minimal applause for that one ahahah
18. There's a lot of suspense knowing that the top ten were kind of already chosesn when I'm watching this..
19. IT'S HIPSTER ELSA
20. Where are her shoes, oh ew.
21. I'm really not loving this one either.
22. Currently topping the list, because the pyrotechnics just topped Latvia.
23. Israel looking a little bit like a long lost Jonas brother?
24. I like the sparkles on his outfit and mic. Stars on the stage are really cool too.
25. Amazing visuals here, taking full advantage of the space!!
26. Cool actobats in the spinny thingy!
27. I like the camera through the hoop!
28. PYROS!
29. Weird rocking thing at the end, but definitely topping my list.
30. Also, yes dreams really do come true you precious soul!!
31. WAIT WHAT THE HELL IS HE NAKED
32. Oh okay nevermind.
33. This wolf thing is a little weird tbh.
34. There is a unified theme behind this, but it's just like three levels above me and I am not getting his.
35. And baby. What the hell.
36. Night two is off to a rocky start y'all.
37. HELLO NAKED HOST. He can be naked. I'm okay with that.
38. This clip really doesn't do a good job introducing Serbia. I'm already worried for the song.
39. Okay.. Weird bladey thing, but she's really talented.. Looks a bit like Kat Dennings?
40. Is this song against relationship abuse, because that's pretty amazing if it is..
41. I like that this performance is really about the singer, and NOT throwing visual effects at the audience.
42. WHY NO SHOES AGAIN
43. I liked it Serbia! Current number 2!
44. IRELAND! MY PEOPLE! Big hopes for y'all!
45. A real band, not just a singer, I like that! Catchy song! Sounds a little bit like Bruce Springsteen's voice..
46. This seems like an actual song I'd hear on the radio.. Really like it too!
47. Okay, sorry Serbia, Ireland is up at 2 right now.
48. Oh I really don't like it when it's not in English. It sounds super ignorant, but I feel like I can't fully appreciate the song, because I have zero clue what they're saying.
49. Even then, she has a stunning voice!
50. Creepy drummer close up...
51. Holy wow high note!!
52. Donny Montell sounds like the name of the other Jersey Boy that never existed.
53. Nice use of the lights..
54. Woah! Big jump!
55. He's pulling a Bieber with all this camera pointing and making eyes
56. Ahahaha that one bald guy with zero expression
57. Cool flip bro.
58. It's was good. But like. Meh.
59. I'm looking forward to Australia's entry this year..
60. She. Is. Stunning.
61. Who are these faces.. I feel like I should know who they are..
62. This is another one with a little underlying theme that I'm not quite getting.. Much more than Mace though
63. I love her voice!!
64. YAS GIRL BELT!
65. AH-MAZING!
66. Slovenia, this sounds a little like transition Taylor Swift
67. Weird dancing, weird lyrics, weird theme
68. Blue, Red, the other color doesn't matter.          Wait what. Tons of countries don't have blue and red. I mean like Ireland, Spain, Lithuania, Italy, and tons of others.
69. Not. A. Fan.
70. Is Viktor Krum Performing? I'd be up for that.
71. The static makes my eyes hurt.
72. Sounds really similar to last year's winner to me, a tactic I am NOT a fan of.
73. She dances like I do lol
74. Super cool light up costume though.
75. Wait, who are all these other people?!
76. Six more countries, and the big yawns are starting. Uh oh, Gotta make it through!!
77. Heard good things about Lighthouse X.
78. They look kind of old..?
79. Cool light up mics though!
80. I like the lyrics! Cute, global, adaptable to the radio. Soldiers of Love is a little tacky, but it's still cute.
81. It was really good, but a bit boring
82. S/O to you America, Love is Love!
83. Oops, Australia with a little flash there! All forgiven with the Spice Girls though!
84. Oh, helloooooo Ireland...
85. Uuh Ukraine, you okay there? These lyrics are making me worried..
86. This feels a little bit like a dig at Russia..? Just me?
87. Not sure how I feel about this one really..
88. Stunning voice! This girl is talented!!
89. She looks a teeny bit like a Norweigan Ellen Page..
90. Gorgeous dress!
91. .. do they have hurricanes in Norway?
92. I'm liking this one, a little pop-ish for my taste, but really good.
93. Three more performances. 50 minutes. The sleepies are hitting. Oh boy.
94. Alright Georgia! New sound! Bringing some life back!
95. Okay I feel like I'm in a really trippy Hollister..?
96. This camera work is giving me motion sickness..
97. Good, catchy, new sound.
98. Maybe it's the hair, but she looks a little like Jessie J to me
99. "Message of love can bring change" I do like when these songs have legitimate messages with them.
100. I like Belgium's hair!
101. I am liking this one! Jazzy, a little disco, great to dance to!
102. Plus the singer is just too cute!
103. It's 11:30, I'm exhausted, and definitely dancing to this one! Go Belgium!!
104. Belgium definitely has a pretty good shot! Loving that song!
105. Here are my rankings for the second Semi-Final: Israel/Australia/Belgium - Ireland - Serbia/Ukraine - Denmark - Macedonia - Georgia - Norway - Albania - Lithuania - Switzerland - Latvia - Bulgaria - Slovenia - Belarus - Poland
106. I realized the reason I ranked Belarus so low, even through the song was okay, I spent most of the time trying to figure out the weird visuals and paid like zero attention to the actual song. It was too distracting.
107. Ahahaha stab at Nixon, I see that Sweden!
108. I love that little documentary thing.
109. I was skipping the recap and missed the name of this thing, but is that Jarvis? Where is Tony?
110. IT'S SENTIENT! RUN! THE MACHINES ARE TAKING OVER!
111. Kill it with fire before it becomes a Cylon!
112. In all seriousness, this is actually really amazing. technology is so cool.
113. WOAH THREE?!
114. AND LAZERS OH MY GOD THIS IS SO COOL
115. You three are cool too, but no lazers.
116. Ah, ah, ah, ah Stayin' alive!
117. Thriller! Yes! FAB music choice!
118. Is this Bey?!
119. NO DON'T MAKE THEM SAD
120. Don't unplug him! He was just jamming out man..
121. WALL-E IS ALIIIIVVVVEEEEE
122. AND THEY BOWED OMG
123. Wait, wait, wait, what was his name?!
124. Was that a masturbation joke?! Holy crap.
125. The girl from Italy looks terrified.
126. That fake accent though ahaha
127. Future Goals: Be Petra.
128. Here we go Germany. Not loving her Japanese inspired look, I think for Eurovision you should really embrace your own culture, you know?
129. Either way, she's really talented! And I think like, 17, right? Good for her!
130. Italy this is weird with your floating stuff..
131. Again, if it were in English I'd be better able to understand it and the point behind it.
132. Oh hey, English! I'll have to withhold judgement until Saturday really.
133. Good song UK! Again, have to wait to hear the full thing to judge, it's pretty pop/radio friendly.
134. Whoo time to announce! Here we go..

Latvia - Meh. It was okay
Georgia - Okay I'll take it! Good pick!
Bulgaria - Not a fan really.
Australia - YEES!!
Ukraine - Yay! Loved that one!
Serbia - Yay again!!
Poland - No I'm sorry I did NOT like that one AT ALL.
Israel - YES! The poor thing looked so terrified I'm so happy!!
Lithuania - Meh. It was okay.
Belgium - TOTALLY knew it! She was amazing!

So I picked six out of the ten who were chosen for the Grand Finale! Not Bad!

Also JT is performing at the Eurovision finale this weekend and I am real pumped for it. Could this mean that the US will be invited to perform next year? In that case, move over Australia, yall gotta get out of this Star-Spangled way!!

That's a wrap for my belated thoughts on the second Eurovision Semi-Final! I am super excited for the mini party that Little O and I are throwing this Saturday at 3 PM to watch the Eurovision Grand Finale! Be sure to tune into Eurovision.tv to watch the Grand Finale AND check out my live blogging here to see my thoughts through the entire performance! Until then,

Writing to you from M, Personally

Eurovision

9:29 AM

1. This is totally gonna get stuck in my head.. Herooooooo
2. This little intro/ad/commercial bit is super cute! Also, was that Bianca Del Rio..?
3. Drums and cool lights? Yeah I'm likinig this
4. Did he say Han Solo..?
5. Shout out to them commentating in different languages
6. WELCOME EUROPE! 
7. Wait is that actually Europe?! No let them play!!
8. These two are funny! Great MCs
9. Is that french?? No clue what he actually said, but swoon.
10. I'm excited for Russia's performance. TBT to when they actually tried to vote for themselves last year.
11. Finland looks pretty BA. Like fabulous, and she could probably kick my ass too. Really good, but sort of middle of the road for me.
12. Greece is off to a good start. Super cool sounding. Very.. Well, Greek.
13. Yeah, not a fan. It's good. But personally, I really don't like it all that much.. Cool outfits and really really amazing visual effects. I'm definitely placing them above Finland.
14. Where even is Moldova..
15. Moldova, I like it a lot. but it sounds just like Sweden's winning song last year.
16. Astronaut..? I mean, falling stars, yes, but this dancing astronaut is just weird.
17. I love these little commercial go-betweens!
18. Hey Hungary, I'm M.      Dad jokes are not funny.
19. WOAH COOL VOICE
20. I am really loving this! I can't understand him, but he's cute and this song is really great sounding and the drum guy is real cool.
21. Why are we hugging a tree..?
22. Croatia. That outfit. It's interesting.
23. WOAH SLEEVES OFF. That is stunning! Really liking this, the simplicity of the backups and lack of visual aids is totally balanced by the amazing performer. Croatia, I think you're my number one right now.
24. What the hell is going on with this person with a star on their head. Is that a Swedish thing? Looks like Elton John's weird older brother? Sister?
25. HE RIDES HORSES and as a permanent horse freak, that bumps the Netherlands WAY up to start with. Okay just a little bit really. But still.
26. Netherlands, are you channeling American bluegrass/country? Cause I am liking it a lot!
27. Ooh another horse! Go Armenia!
28. CRAP have to take sister to work, quick break time!
29. Okay. I'm back. Don't know what country this is, but it looks like Amal Clooney and sounds like One in a Million from Miss Congeniality.
30. I missed quite a few countries, so my ranks are gonna be a little off.
31. Montenegro's song starts off with the words "Inside You" and I'm not sure what the heck is going on here.
32. Maybe it's just me, but this is some crazy heavy rock concert song about sex. Not a fan. A little much.
33. Iceland: Sponsored by Nike?
34. Iceland's visual effects are AMAZING!! The hands are a little creepy, but the interaction between the art and the singer is stunning. I love performances like this.
35. Bosnia & Herzegovenia was torture to spell and I'm pretty sure it's wrong.
36. Cool ass electric cello!! I love those things.
37. Goergeous costuming!! And if I could understand what they were saying, I'm sure I would better understand the set design for it. I give them credit for it!
38. I'm really liking the incorporation of different styles and sounds in this one! And super passionate! Go Bosnia!!
39. Malta's singer is beautiful. What is her hair secret??
40. Idina Menzel is that you?
41. "I'm not perfect but I'm A-Okay" Silly, but I like it. I do like the lyrics of this one.
42. This is catchy, but sounds like some song on American radio.. Not that they'd know that in Malta..
43. The dancer looks silly. And kind of old.. Just me?
44. Damn girl! I wanna see her go head to head with Mariah, who can go higher?
45. Malta is good. Maybe top ten material, but definitely not top 5. Maybe like somewhere between 6-10.
46. Well that's it! Okay so, what's my order now?
47. Oh good, they're playing the ones I missed
48. Armenia: super intense, gorgeous singer
49. San Marino: Oh my god. The 70's are back. Someone call ABBA.
50. Russia: Visual Design looks super cool! Song sounds good too
51. Czech Republic: Very intense song!! And the dress was stunning!!
52. Cyprus: Sounds kind of Foo Fighter-y? It's okay.
53. Austria: Very pop anthem-y with a touch of Lisa Frank in design
54. Estonia: Mixed feelings. Looks kind of like Rick Astly, just cuter and less ginger. Worked the camera super well too!
55. Azerbaijan: Cause the end of this, it was okay. I did like the incorporation of all of the gold! And the sparks? Fab!!
56. No lie, I'm a little ticked that USA citizens can't vote.
57. .... Is this comedy? I think it's comedy.
58. Waterloo is an amazing song, I love ABBA, and I really want to watch Mamma Mia now.
59. I really like how the Netherlands changed the musical genre. Every song has been pretty pop-y so far, and their leap was pretty brave and I loved it!
60. San Marino sounds like the Rasputin song from Just Dance! That's what it reminded me of!
61. IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!
62. Nooooo please let Europe play!
63. The Grey People... This looks like an incredibly interesting bit of performance art..
64. I'm not one for interpretive dance/performance art type things, but this? This is pretty amazing. Goosebumps right now. Speaks volumes as for the state of our world right now, and I think it says a lot about the state of America as well.
65. I am LOVING this performance! Utterly amazing!
66. France is good! I wanna get up and dance to it.
67. The girl from Spain looks a little bit like Ellaria Sand from Game of Thrones. I think it's the hair.
68. Again, a very dancey song.
69. Sweden, I'm liking this year's performance too! Though he looks like he's 15. Sounds a teeny bit like Twenty One Pilots to me? I think?
70. The Dumbledore of Eurovision. I love that!
71. Here we go folks! Which ten are qualifying and how many did I get right with my messy picks?!
72. Okay. Winner time. Here we go!
73. Azerbaijan: Good choice! Very strong performance
74. Russia: Great visuals!
75. Netherlands: Yes!
76. Hungary: Cool drum guy!!
77. Croatia: YES!! I actually got up and cheered for these guys!
78. Austria: Meh, missed theirs before.
79. Armenia: was very intense, missed theirs too though
80. Czech Republic: Can't wait to actually see this one!
81. Cyprus: Did I just miss all the good ones?!
82. Malta: Okay, they really deserved it too.
83. Not gonna lie, I would much rather switch out Austria for Bosnia. I'm pretty disappointed that they didn't make it through. I really didn't like it. I mean it was nice, but it just wasn't really catching me, you feel?

That's the end of my thoughts while watching Eurovision 2016. I was loving the whole thing, despite my quick break in the middle! Check out my full original commentary here! Comment and let me know your thoughts on the first Semi-Final below, or connect with me on social media, I'd love to chat about it! The next Semi-Final is Thursday, May 12 at 3 PM, so until then,

Writing to you from M, Personally

Eurovision

6:00 AM

Like any true Europhile knows, the event of the year is here. Four days of international musical competition, baffling most Americans. Yes folks, it's Eurovision time once again!

Source

I've been a passive watcher of Eurovision for a few years. My sister and I watched the finale live for the first time last year, and it was great. We had cookies and chips and way too much pizza. It was great. This year, since I'm not working during the semi finals, I get to watch. And I am real excited about that. Because I'll be watching it primarily alone (ha-ha sis has to work during the semis this year), I'm going to be live blogging throughout all three shows.

Today, May 10th is the first Semi-Final. Americans can watch Eurovision on their website streaming at 3 PM. Eighteen countries perform tonight, you can see the schedule here. My live blog will be here, with all of my thoughts as I watch all of the performances.

Thursday, May 12 is the second Semi-Final, hosting another 18 countries with the schedule here also a 3 PM. See my thoughts for the second semi-final here!

The Grand Finale is on Saturday, May 14 at, you guessed it, 3 PM. The finale's live blog will be here.

I hope you enjoy Eurovision 2016 just as much as I do! If you want to read up on the history of it, there is a really great into to EV article here on the website!

I'm off to go catch up on everything before the show starts at 3 PM today, but until then,

Writing to you from M, Personally

Eurovision

9:02 AM