HUNGARY

After a year long break, Hungary decided to re-enter the 2011 contest. After careful consideration they decided to go for an internal selection. Many names and songs had been rumoured to have been put forward. On the 9th of March MTV held a public press conference to announce their entry. As it happened, one of the rumoured internet favourites for the ticket was chosen as their entry, as Kati Wolf will sing for Hungary with the song “"What About My Dreams?"

The song, which was released in February, had the Hungarian title “Szerelem, Miért Múlsz” (Love why do you pass?). The song is a dance song with different tempo changes. The verses are sung quite slowly, whilst the choruses are such quicker. The tempo changes work really well and the chorus itself is vey well constructed. She seems to have a good voice and good range and she can certainly sing live (as the live video below shows) This year’s Eurovision lacks a lot of dance numbers like this in this year’s contest and I think this is a very ‘Eurovision’ song without being overly cheesy or formulaic.

There are quite a few buts though.
The rumours seem to be that the song will be a partly Hungarian/English affair, which I am not sure I agree with. I think the Hungarian version itself stands alone and they need to be very careful with messing about with a proven format!
The live version does show that she can sing and move at the same time, which is a plus point for performance. She will probably need a number of backing singers on stage with her. Part of me thinks some dancers might emphasise the song whilst part f methinks that the song should be able to sell itself.
Plus it must also be pointed out that the full Hungarian version is over 4 minutes long. Now, this will need a severe cut for the Eurovision stage. There are a few instrumental points in the song as well as a few verses that could be omitted with would not detract the pull of the song.

I think the whole of the Eurovision community will be looking forward with some trepidation to the final version –however that might sound!


SINGER – Kati Wolf
SONG – What about my dreams?
MUSIC – Viktor Rakonczay, Gergő Rácz
WORDS – Johnny K. Palmer