Verka Serduchka – ‘Wild Christmas’
Nobody will forget one of the wildest Eurovision entrants of all time, the enigmatic character that is Verka Serduchka. The ‘Dancing Lasha Tumbai‘ singer, actor and comedian, is the drag alter-ego of Andriy Danylko. Who we know most famously for being a judge on Vidbir. However it is Verka taking over Christmas early and giving us her vision of the festive season. One that is full of alcohol and all the things that could put everyone on Santa’s naughty list! For those with a few more Christmas’ behind them, there is also a ‘Sweet 80s Version’ to keep the party going.
Ott Lepland – ‘Jõulud rõõmsaks’
Earlier this week, Estonia’s Eurovision 2012 representative, Ott Lepland joined Laura Põldvere to reveal the artists competing in Quarter-Final 3 of Eesti Laul 2022. Now the ‘Kuula‘ singer is back with new music of his own. Ever wondered what an Estonian Christmas is like? Well look no further. Despite Ott’s surname not being too far removed from the home of Santa Claus in next door Finland, Estonia does not have a Christmas music tradition. Until now! Together with Karl-Ander Reismann, Ott brings the joy of everything special about Christmas and family in ‘Jõulud rõõmsaks’.
I started the story on December 25, having just arrived from my grandparents to celebrate the holidays. In the spirit of the holidays, I finished the idea of the original story in a few days. I offered the story to Ott and together we wrote the song to the end.
The end result had to be as Christmas-like as one story could be. We’ve been waiting for the year to be over, and today is a festive moment when we can share the Christmas story with everyone.
Paulini – ‘Feliz Navidad (Euro Mix)’
Last but not least on New Music Friday is Paulini. Only a few weeks ago, she was announced as one of the first artists for the comeback of Australia’s national selection, Eurovision – Australia Decides. So what better way to celebrate than with a festive bop! Of course, every would be Eurovision artists knows that the way to a fans heart, is with a ‘Euro Mix’. Originally recorded by Puerto-Rican singer José Feliciano in 1970, ‘Feliz Navidad’ is a simple, yet heartfelt Christmas anthem to remind us of the key message to be thankful for those we share the time with. Here Paulini wants us to enjoy that with club beats! However if that’s too much for you, there is the Paulini’s own laid back version from 2016 here.
Which is your favourite song of New Music Friday? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season.
