Turkey really are proof that persistance pays off at Eurovision, when their victory came in 2003 after 30 years of many, many dismal results.  Since their victory in 2003, 2004 saw them finish 4th and then they managed an unfortunate 13th place with an enthusiastic entry and performance in 2005. Sibel Tuzun gave a wonderful performance in 2006 and qualified to the Final, and last year Kenan Dogulu managed 4th place over all.

 

 

The Turkish entry is another difficult one to review and predict for.  They usually send something so typically Turkish, but to get an alternative rock track from Turkey was something of a surprise to many fans.  The song as it stands isn’t my cup of tea, and I would have much preferred something with that Turkish/Eastern theme and style, instead of rock music.  On saying that, I can listen to the song, and I do think it’s good.  The boys in the band seem to take themselves seriously enough and are hoping for a good result.  Whether or not it can stand out and appeal to enough people is another thing.  The only rock entries which have done notably well in recent years were Moldova in 2005 and Lordi in 2006, both of which relied on a gimmick to pull through.  Turkey always have huge support, however, with Germany, Netherlands and Belgium voting in their Semi, they’re already down 36 points which they are usually guaranteed each year, which could make a very significant difference to how Turkey fare this year.  I don’t really want to see them in the Final, there are definitely ten other songs I’d rather see there, but my track record on predictions for Turkey isn’t great (thinking they’d score nul points in 2003, come first in 2006 and fail to qualify last year).  The thing I’m looking forward to most of all is whether or not the new format will affect the Turkish chances.

 

 

An initial prediction will appear here soon.

 

 

A prediction will appear here when all 25 songs in the Grand Final are known.