The Eurovision YouTube channel has come a long way over the past 15 years. From the first thirty four second low-res upload of the 2007 Contest graphics, to live-streaming the 2022 four hour long turquoise carpet, the channel now boasts an ever growing 4.72 million subscribers.
This year the channel hosted the inaugural Eurovision 'House Party', a three episode series that challenged the 2022 artists to perform from their own homes or chosen small spaces. The artists did not disappoint, treating us to a stunning array of live performances, including acoustic versions of 2022 entries, cover versions of classic Eurovision entries and further covers from a wide range of musical genres.
Since the original 'House Party' broadcast, the Eurovision YouTube channel has been slowly uploading individual videos of each performance. We take a look at 10 of the more popular covers this year.
10. Vladana (Montenegro 2022) covering ‘Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas)‘ Portugal 2008
Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas) was originally performed by Vânia Fernandes for Portugal and placed 13th in 2008. Vladana absolutely slays her performance, in pitch perfect Portuguese. So impressive is her accent and pronunciation that you could be forgiven in thinking that Vladana is actually from Portugal. She carries the full weight and emotion of the song, demonstrating what a true talent she is.
9. Jérémie Makiese (Belgium 2022) covering 'Georgia On My Mind' by Ray Charles
A stray from the Eurovision norm here, Belgium's Jérémie Makiese chose to cover the 1960's Ray Charles hit, 'Georgia On My Mind.' The song was originally written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. In 1960 Ray Charles recorded 'Georgia On My Mind' for his 1960 album 'The Genius Hits the Road' and it went to No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Hot 100. Accompanied simply and beautifully by the piano, Jérémie gives a deep and soulful performance, with a cheeky twist at the end as he sings of 'Belgium on my mind.'
8. Andrea (North Macedonia 2022) covering 'Euphoria' (Sweden 2012)
Spoiler alert! This isn't the only time that we will find Loreen's 'Euphoria' on this countdown. One of the most successful Eurovision songs of all time, 'Euphoria' sold over two million copies worldwide and charted across Europe. It reached No.1 in seventeen countries, making it the most successfully charting Eurovision song ever. Andrea's version of 'Euphoria' is truly a unique entry on the covers countdown as it is the only fully acapella performance. Andrea truly embraced the 'House Party' brief, bringing a trio of solid harmonies to her living room sofa.
7. Chanel (Spain 2022) covering 'The Greatest Love Of All' (George Benson)
Another step away from Eurovision covers as Chanel here as gives us a stripped back version of 'The Greatest Love of All.' The song was originally recorded in 1977 by George Benson, peaking at number two on the US Hot Soul Singles chart. Eight years after Benson's original recording, the song became even more well known for a version by Whitney Houston which topped charts worldwide. Chanel's 'House Party' cover has no bells or whistles, no dancing, simply Chanel's beautiful voice accompanied by guitar and it is absolutely stunning.
6. We Are Domi (Czech Republic 2022) covering 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' (Finland 2006)
Wow, this is a special one. 'Hard rock Hallelujah' as you've never heard it before. Lordi stormed to victory in Athens in 2006 with their iconic performance of 'Hard rock Hallelujah'. In this 'House Party' performance We Are Domi take the song to new heights with haunting vocals, accompanied to perfection by piano and guitar. Watch the video closely at the beginning as there is a sweet little Easter Egg hidden in the mirror which really made us laugh.
5. Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord (Greece 2022) covering 'Arcade' (Netherlands 2019)
Duncan Laurence won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a heartfelt and emotional performance of ‘Arcade’ which gave the Netherlands their fifth win. The song has enjoyed worldwide success and in 2021 became the first Eurovision song to hit the Billboard Hot 100 since Gina G's 1996 smash 'Ooh Aah Jut A Little Bit.'
For Eurovision 'House Party' Georgiadi Tenfjord treated us to a range of absolutely gorgeous performances and her cover of 'Arcade' by Duncan Laurence is up there with the best of the best.
4. Systur (Iceland 2022) covering ‘Euphoria’ (Sweden 2012)
Loreen's 'Euphoria' is such an integral part of Eurovision history and it is no surprise to find another 2022 artist choosing to cover the song. Systur present the song with beautiful ambiance. Their trade mark harmonies are spot on and the song almost becomes a lullaby. There is definitely an Icelandic feel to their cover, it conjures up images of sipping hot chocolate by a log fire, the Systur version of 'Euphoria' is akin to a warm blanket.
3. Sheldon Riley (Australia 2022) covering 'Hold Me Closer' (Sweden 2022)
Third in the countdown but always first in our Aussie hearts, it's our very own Sheldon Riley. Sheldon chose to cover the Swedish 2022 entry 'Hold Me Closer' and his version is simply spectacular. Sheldon plays the piano and sings with such clarity and feeling, it pulls at your heart and gives you goosebumps every time you hear it. YouTube comments are overwhelmingly positive, quite an achievement in itself, with many fans saying that this is the best performance that Sheldon has ever given.
2. Alvan (France 2022) covering 'Think About Things' (Iceland 2020)
It would't be a Eurovision 'House Party' without someone covering Iceland's 2020 bop 'Think About Things' and Alvan doesn't disappoint. Alvan gives the song a rockier edge which is really fun, he also adds a little personal French flair with his gorgeous accent slipping into the English lyrics. Be sure to listen until the end, his final note is delightfully French. Très Bien Alvan!
1. Subwoolfer (Norway 2022) covering 'Fairytale' (Norway 2009)
You hear 'wolf' and 'grandma', you think Red Riding Hood, so really Subwoolfer covering Alexander Rybak's 'Fairytale' was a no brainer. This 'House Party' cover has stormed to the top of the charts with almost double the amount of daily views as the runner up. They deserve the views, Subwoolfer's version of 'Fairytale' is a delight from start to finish. Their vocals are strong and DJ Astronaut pretty much steals he show with his mini keyboard played on his shoulder in homage to Alexander Rybak's trademark violin. They even sneak a few 'yummy yums' in at the end of the song.
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