SWITZERLAND

The Swiss Final was held on January 31st at the Bodensee Arena in Kreuzlingen, hosted by Sven Epiney. The winner was chosen by televoting (50%) and an "expert" jury (50%). The winner was Mélanie René with the song "Time to shine".

Previous to the final there was an extensive search for songs and artists by each of the national TV areas as well as an open internet qualification. This was followed by an 'expert check' round where 18 acts were reduced to a final of 6. During the final, each act not only performed their song for Eurovision but also a non-eurovision cover song of their choice

The song is a modern ballad with strong beat. The start of the song is quite dull in terms of backing and it is hard to see where the tune sits. At times, it feels so low that you wonder if she is singing in tune at all. The verses are a little freeform and the phrases skim over the 4/4 beat which makes it a little uneasy on the ear and hard to predict and therefore hard to engage with. The chorus, however, is very strong and really shows of Melanie's range and rich vibrato. She is backed by three backing singers and a small band including a guitarist who rocks out during the solo.

Melanie is a relative newcomer although she has competed in many competitions and has studied and performed abroad. She has a very strong and distinctive tone to her voice and the fact that she writes her own stuff means she can use her voice to the best of her advantage. Her diction is also very clear and doesn't really show any kind of accent when she sings. She also has an interesting look about her but could do with a more flattering dress.

I think the backing music needs more work and needs to have something else to catch the ear in the verses. Obviously, changes need to be made to the staging of the song. I quite like the backing singers and think they should be kept as prominent on the Eurovision stage - especially if they keep their interpretive arm movements. It would be nice to see Melanie is something a bit more sassier and in keeping with the feeling of the song, although the white did look nice on her. They will probably keep in the guitar soloist as it may give her an excuse to rock out a bit

Although not the favourite going into the Swiss final, it was quite obvious that she was by far the best singer there. The song, although not bad, does lack in catchiness and immediacy and won't be crowned the winner in May. She is much better than the song. It's a song that is too punchy to be a flag waver but not quick enough to be a foot stomper. I think juries are more likely to give HER points for vocal ability rather than the song.

ARTIST - Mélanie René

SONG - Time to shine

MUSIC - Mélanie René

LYRICS - Mélanie René