WorldVision Song Contest 94 | Marina Point, Nekoni

by **Nekoni** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 1:01 am

Entry No.24: NEKONI
You Can't Break Me
Les Dahlias Noires
Based on: Bubble by BAND-MAID

"Welcome back, and congratulations...but now, the game has changed."

Well, it was only a matter of time, wasn't it? After a period of time out of any relative global spotlight, of course the black dahlias want to appear back in the place that made them famous in the first place, but this time, without the nerves of having to show the world what they can already do. However, a lot's changed since their famous win back in Talvezout, 24 contests ago. It's not as easy a playing field, and with the last entry from Nekoni picking up the actual trophy itself, the desire to perform again comes with some added nerves of expectation. Surely, it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility that Nekoni could do it twice in a row...right?

The build up to the contest was a fun one, with the girls spending time equally between the contest city of Marina Point and their home in the capital of Varea. The smoky rock pub where they had their first gig. The other smoky rock pub where they got noticed by NTR staff, starting their real journey to stardom. The very seats they bought at Mercati Arena to watch WorldVision 64 live: wonderfully, the four seats that make up the bottommost bit of the 'V' in the club name 'Varea' that spells out along the stadium's West stand. To the NEXPRO Stadium in Varea to watch Cidade de Deus's sister box the lights out of a poor sap from Proluvia to the sound of the WV92 winning song. To drinks with Miro and Lana after, whose tips for the girls were 'You already know how to do it, why the hell you asking me!?' before they all knocked back a couple of Eisborgs over the inevitable documentary closing credits.

It was weird having a feeling like this in Nekoni: an artist has never represented the country twice before. But, can Les Dahlias Noires catch lightning in a bottle, just like they did before? Since their win, times have changed, both within the WorldVision scene and the musical output of the band themselves. With a new, heavier sound, time will tell if the foursome can still give as well as they did back in '70.

Les Dahlias Noires are (from left):
Ginny Balthaire - Rhythm Guitar
Elizabeth "Ellie" Malmédy - Lead Singer, Lead Guitar
Alice de Fleurs - Drums
Mylène Delacroix - Bass

The band starts off arranged in a diamond, with drums at the raised back stage. Rhythm and bass guitars flank the left and right side of the main stage respectively, and the front central spot is reserved for Ellie, naturally. All of them haven't really changed their style since last time: stonewashed band tees, jeans or leather pants, Mylène wearing an black unzipped bomber jacket with yellow go-faster stripes down the right side, and Alice, yet again, using snowboard goggles as a makeshift hairband. It's going to be a tricky song to play live, so not having hair in your eyes is a good idea.

As the song begins, Ellie appears, playing lead guitar on her way down the steps leading off from the right, dressed in a Cidade de Deus band shirt (a nice nod to our WVSC92 winners), black baggy jeans and a myriad of belts hanging off her waist. With her thick cut boots, eyes out to the audience, and a guitar obscuring her lower vision, she's tempting fate a lot, but somehow manages to make her way down the stairs without falling on her face. Ellie makes it over to the mic stand at the front of the stage just before the verse starts. She slings her guitar down to her side, and cups the mic stand with both hands.

The lights and backing screens alternate between black and deep red, with expanding concentric circles along the main screen.

Move along, heard this one before
Don't know why you try to play me like a fool

Ellie slings her guitar back in hand to play the clean lead guitar over the bridge. As we look at the floor they're on, we see that they all appear to be standing on casino-motif images projected on the ground: the guitarists on casino chips, the drummer on a spread out deck of cards, and Ellie standing on a large spinning roulette wheel, bedecked in red and black, with gold numbers and trim. The '0' has been replaced with a skull and crossbones.

Oh my God
Did you think your words would work on me?
You think you're smart
Don't you know I've played this game before?
You roll the dice
And you think you're holding all the cards
It's so easy
To read your poker face right now, boy

Cut camera to Alice going a BIT mad during the drum fill. She's using two bass pedals for this one, we see. Good for her.

Call this game over, I win
Ace in the hole

Ellie jumps, landing forcefully on the ground right at the moment the chorus hits, whilst the roulette wheel graphic she's standing on is highlighting the skull and crossbones. The roulette wheel 'cracks' and splinters, and from it, moving outwards, the arena is consumed with a red and orange fire motif, as white spotlights dart around the arena, as the camera excitedly cuts between all four performing.

You can't hurt me any more
You can't break me now
Woah, woah
Keep tryin' to beat me if you can
I'm impervious
Woah, woah

During the instrumental section, we see at the front of Alice's drum kit is a table with what appears to be a martini on, olive and all. Ellie takes the cocktail, and necks the thing in one like a damn queen. She picks the olive out, and, in a wonderful bit of skill that was totally not practised to death at all (honest), she tosses it behind her back to the side, right into Mylène's open mouth. She's probably the only person in Nekoni who likes olives.

Ellie then grabs the mic stand, and leans all the way forward with it, right into the camera facing forward.

This ain't love
It's just moves without feeling
I don't want this
If it's without meaning

Ellie steps back, as she pulls the mic stand back to normal with one hand, and re-arming her guitar with the other to play the verse guitar line as the background changes to appear like they are performing on a road in front of a city at night, with dark purple and blue tones in the sky to boot. Perhaps this was just to be on-brand with the contest theme.

Oh, big man
You think with your hands before thinking
Understand
That you can't just blame it on the drink, and
You crashed out
There is no last chance, keep on walking
Don't look, now
'cause this woman now is unforgiving

We zoom in nice and close to see Ellie really enjoy putting some bite on the next lines as Alice in the background goes all drumming mad again.

I don't need to use my hands
To hurt you, darling

We return to the flame red and orange light show, as the stage is once again bathed with colour. We see interspersed with the band's performances some of the audience in the front few rows clearly enjoying the show...including Miro from Cidade de Deus. How did you end up there!?

You can't hurt me any more
You can't break me now
Woah, woah
Keep tryin' to beat me if you can
I'm impervious
Woah, woah

Ellie drops to her knees as the chorus drops tempo, with some white flashes of lightning to accentuate the snare drum hits. Additionally, we see other band members joining in with the 'woahs'. During those, Ellie's clearly deep into the vibe of the song, as she's rocking backward and forward as she shreds on guitar, almost headbanging.

I won't let you say sorry
It's too late for that, now
Woah, woah
Because you're only an angry boy
When I need a man
Woah, woah

As the solo hits, (in a change of pace, played by the usual rhythm guitarist, Ginny), she walks down into the front off-stage area where the front row of the crowd are, walking down from the side to the front, the audience mere inches away, reaching out with their phones to snap photos, the flashes of the cameras being barely noticed alongside the flashing white and pyro shots along the stage floor. When she reaches the center, she faces away from the audience, and, when Ellie sings her bit, she leans backwards, right into the audience as she hits a high note to sustain. Ellie's at the center of the stage, almost down on one knee to hit her high note.

You can't break me any more

The lights immediately go out. As the tempo changes, the floor displays a camera shot of Ellie's face speaking the lyrics of the middle eight part, in black and white, and with the tattered, fractured appearance of an old photograph. The words she speaks appear on the side of her face as she says them, in her own handwriting, as red ink blots appear on her face. As the drums kick in, the camera focuses on Alice hitting them, and then a lovely blast of pyro to bring the whole band in.

Hey, listen
You hurt me
You left scars on my body
But don't forget
These scars will soon heal
Don't you dare forget
That I can scar you too
And the scars on your heart
Will be there forever

The stage effectively sets on fire, with pyro jets firing up around around the triangular front sides, smoke begins to fill the stage, and the background shows a picture of Ellie, as was in the last section, but the picture is slowly smouldering in the flame.

All night long, I can still hear you long for me
I don't give a damn
I can turn off my phone, then knock back another drink, and you're gone
I never needed you
All night long, another thirty missed calls from you
I don't give a damn
I will delete, I will defeat
The memory of your voice

In the last chorus, Ellie's at the front, all lights on her, with one foot right at the edge of the stage, leaning forward. She sings, then points the mic at the audience to sing the 'woah' parts. As she's on home soil, it's the only time she can get away with it, and, thankfully, the crowd does it with gusto, and she shouts a quick '1, 2, 3, 4!' on the cymbal crashes, retreating at the right time to not enjoy a faceful of pyro.

You can't hurt me any more
You can't break me now
Woah, woah
Keep tryin' to beat me if you can
I'm impervious
Woah, woah

The stage goes into strobing for the final vocal section, as 'ash' from the burnt photographs (really just a slightly grey tinged and finer version of the compound they use for fake snow), falls from the sky. Fortunately, it's coarse enough to just fall to the ground and not get stuck on the band or on their instruments. Whatever the cleaning staff are paid, it's clearly not enough, to be honest. The camera finishes off close up on Ellie's face to deliver the final line, who signs off it with a cheeky wink and a sticking out of her tongue.

I don't wanna know about how much you want me back
You can't break me down, break me down
I don't give a flying fuck about your 'redemption story'
You can't break me down
Break me down no more

We finish off with the red and black circle animations, with the band having a final runthrough of the main motif, before the song ends, all four lit in their own spotlights. As the crowd go naturally mad for their homegrown talent on their own soil, the comeback is done. The four of them, just like they did back in WV70, all come together for a group hug in the center of the stage as we fade to the next postcard. They'd done the nation proud, whatever happens, but, with Nekoni finishing 6th and 2nd respectively in their last two home contests, the pressure was really on to make it third time lucky. Had they done it? All they could do was retire to the green room, crack open an Eisborg, and wait with baited breath to find out.

by **Sharktail** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 2:33 am

25.Sharktail

Sepi (Lonely)
Language: Bahasa(Malaysia)
Arfan Haziq

Music: Ahmad Manan
Lyric:Arfan Haziq

Tune:Neffex-A year ago

Born in Kuala Town Sharktail, Arfan com from a midle income family. His father divorce with his mom when he 6 year old. He has 4 sibling. Later, he leave Kuala Town and follow their mom to Kota Lama, where his mom parents leave.

At age 16, he joined a competition which the participants is student from all school. Without any expectation, suprisingly he won. Later, he invited to National Singing contest. He getting attention from one producer name Tuan Syahrun. He invited him to take part in audition of Gemerlap Permata, a singing contest.

Arfan faced a difficulty as after his father leave them, they not have a stable income. He later discuss with his mom. His mom only smile and ask him to do his best. Later, all the thing done and he able to go audition. He pass the audition. Even without any proper training before, his natural voice have atract the jury and he able to reach the final. He get the third place.

As part of contract, he will be given a chance to be an artist under Permata Music. After three month of struggle with training and planning, meeting and everything, his debut date set. His first single is 'Awan biru' got an attention but not good enough to enter the chart. Later he back with another single, 'Permata putih'.

After done with exam, he back active in entertainment industry. He take some advertising job, and also doing a gig around Kota Lama. Later he release a new song for drama opening.

As he enjoying his day the sad day never leave her side. His mom critical and his brother bring her to hospital. He rushed to hospital but his mom already gone forever. Taking a hiatus for awhile, he miss the selection for World Vision 93.

He back to studio. As usual with his training and everything, he able to catch up with what he learn past. As the world vision 94 in, he write a song himself with the help of Ahmad Manan as composer. The title is sepi. At first when everyone here, it like a sad song of breakup but actually it what he feel after his mom died. He said as for my last memory to my mom, i will dedicate my song for her, because she is my love, my most loved person.'

When the mc announce Nekoni performance is finish, it time for Arfan to step in. He choose a simple white shirt with brown vest and tie. As for the music set up, he has arranged a violin and a piano for more effect. The stage set up, he choose a bit sad vibe. There was a piano and violin sit close to each other. A park bench placed as he will start singing there. A lamp placed i front of the bench as he may use it as refference later.

When the light on, Arfan sit on the bench. The violin start first before the piano follow up. And he start singing.

Diriku terkunci dalam kegelapan,
Mengingatkanku pada kegelepan malam,
Sepi, hanya kusendiri, tiada siapa menemaniku,
Adakah ini ilusi atau realiti?

I am locked in darkness,
Reminds me of the darkness of night,
Quiet, alone, no one to accompany me,
Is this an illusion or a reality?

Arfan closed his eyes and move his hand more.

Kucuba menjerit, lantang bergema,
Namun, tiada sahutan didengari,
Adakah aku kini seorang diri?

I tried to scream, echoing loudly,
However, no response was heard,
Am I alone now?

He open his eyes and singing with lot of emotion, with his voice going high before slowly turned low at last moment.

Chorus
Aku memerlukan seseorang yang akan mengakhiri malam-malam yang sepi itu
Aku memerlukan seseorang untuk menceriakanku
Aku telah mengatakan bahawa aku kesepian
Tapi mungkinkah sepi ini berakhir.

I need someone who will end those quiet nights
I need someone to cheer me up
I have said that I am lonely
But could this loneliness end.

He stand up and walking to the front. He glued her eyes to the audience. As he sing about star, he look up look like looking for star before make his way to the lamp that part of his set up.

Ku mahu mencari bahu yang lembut,
Untuk meletakkan kepalaku,
Melepaskan rindu di hati,
Ku cuma bintang yang sunyi
Bercahaya di langit malam

I want to find a soft shoulder,
To put my head down,
Release the longing in the heart,
I'm just a lonely star
Glowing in the night sky

He change his direction to the piano and stand beside the pianist. As this is the second chorus, he sing it more loud than first

Chorus
Aku memerlukan seseorang yang akan mengakhiri malam-malam yang sunyi itu
Aku memerlukan seseorang untuk menceriakanku
Aku telah mengatakan bahawa aku kesepian
Tapi mungkinkah sepi ini berakhir.

I need someone who will end those quiet nights
I need someone to cheer me up
I have said that I am lonely
But could this loneliness end.

As he done with chorus, th piano stop, now only the violin sound, he slow her voice while his eyes start look like a glass, full of water. He put his hand in his chest and sing the line.

(low voice)
Jika akan ada pilihan untukku
Akan kuputarkan masa itu kembali
Hanya kerana kuinginkanmu terus ada disisiku

If there will be a choice for me
I will turn that time back
Just because I want you to stay by my side

As come up to the last part of line, he up his voice joining by the piano. He step forward a bit from piano and using hand gesture lot.

ooo..ooo.ooo

Chorus
Aku memerlukan seseorang yang akan mengakhiri malam-malam yang sepi itu
Aku memerlukan seseorang untuk menceriakanku
Aku telah mengatakan bahawa aku kesepian
Tapi mungkinkah sepi ini berakhir.

I need someone who will end those quiet nights
I need someone to cheer me up
I have said that I am lonely
But could this loneliness end.

The last part, he looked down and sing it slowly like he read it one by one.

Tapi mungkinkah
Cahaya kegembiraanku kembali.....

But is it possible
The light of my joy will back .....

And with that, the performance end. He bow down and make his way out.

by **Missus X** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 4:59 pm

Rick Leg - "Missus X"
Tune: Pitstop Boys - "Super Max"

Missus X's return to the WorldVision Song Contest is more than likely to be a fleeting one, but Rick Leg and MSX Television wanted to perform the new Missus Xian national anthem, so why not?

The stage is shrowded in darkness as Rick starts to sing.

X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X

He emerges from the back of the stage as some lights turn on, revealing there's dry ice on the bottom of the stage.

It's Missus X coming to the new stage
We are the world and we will never age
Baby, this is our new anthem
We will show you just how good we are

There's some really basic and cliched camerawork at this point, with a series of panning shots (think Moldova 2021) as Rick sings at the camera.

So come on, come on, you smell of ashphalt,
My tyres spin over your face
We are going to run all over you
So that we can teach you what we will do

There's a whiteout of light at this point, as it tries to be an audience clappy bit, but they don't get the memo.

You fucking ho, listen here now
It's for the King and Prime Minister
Fucking bizarre, you're a moron
Missus X is the best, and we'll go on and on

You fucking ho, listen here now
It's for the King and Prime Minister
Fucking bizarre, you're a moron
Missus X is the best, and we'll go on and on

A clip of old Missus Xian sport then plays.

"Hamilton, down through Eau Rouge, continues to lead, though, ahead of Sebastian Vettel, Esteban Ocon, and Sergio Perez. Up to the top of Raidillon, and Magnussen has made up places at the start, BUT HERE COMES SEBASTIAN VETTEL!!!!!!!!"

And then dancers start flipping everywhere and shit gets real, as lights start flashing, plus there's rapid cuts with no continuity.

X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus

X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X

The staging is a direct copy and paste of the first verse.

And now it's Missus X and it is our time for success
'Cause baby, you know full well, yeah, that Missus X is best
And isn't it amazing just how good we can be
'Cause baby just you wait, we will show, and you'll see

There's now a call and response segment, with four people in sunglasses coming on at the side of the stage to provide the backing singing... chanting... whatever-ing.

'Cause I love Missus X ('cause he loves Missus X)
'Cause I love Missus X ('cause he loves Missus X)
'Cause I love Missus X ('cause he loves Missus X)
Missus X, Missus X, yeah baby let's go

The four singers now line up behind him and start doing an audience clappy bit, but again the audience aren't interested.

You fucking ho, listen here now
It's for the King and Prime Minister
Fucking bizarre, you're a moron
Missus X is the best, and we'll go on and on

You fucking ho, the new normal
It's for the King and Prime Minister
Fucking bizarre, you're a moron
Missus X is the best, and we'll go on and on

More commentating.

"Guptill's gonna push for two, they've got to go, the throw, it's gotta go to the keeper's end, he's got it, England have won the world cup, by the barest of margins, by the barest of all margins! Absolute ecstasy for England; agony, agony for New Zealand!"

And then, once again, all hell breaks loose.

X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus

X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X Missus Missus
X X X Missus X X

Rick then shouts out the final line.

You fucking ho, how bizarre!

And the song has ended. Not the best ever song for a returning nation, really.

by **Vartugia** » Wed Oct 20, 2021 10:48 am

27. Vartugia

Kevin Whyinthefuckdoesthischaratherhavealonglastname- "This Song Hasent Gotten A Title Yet."

"I walk to Burger King, then I walk back home from Burger King."

Kevin begins to walk on the stage and begins to sing. Poorly.

Why in the flying heck am we supposed to win Worldvision?

Kevin walks off the stage.

by **Joija** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:12 am

28. Joija
Dayamena Pástorék - All Roads Lead Back To You

Language(s): English
Lyrics: Dayamena Pástorék
Music: Dayamena Pástorék, Juliette Cabrini D'Oliveira
Tune: Regina Spektor - Fidelity

Artist Background

Dayamena Pástorék (b. Dayamena Whitley Pástorék, 22 March 1987) is a Joijan singer and songwriter of English, Joijan, Colombian, Hungarian and Czech descent. She was born in Choissis, Kalistria during the Kalistrian Civil War. Being the only daughter of the leaders of the socialist resistance movement, she fled with her mother at 4 years old, settling in a smallholding near Leckmondswicke, West Victoria. She started writing music at the tender age of 8 and playing piano around the same age, however, she did not let this get in the way of her initial passion: becoming a doctor. At 15 years of age, she won a poetry competition for Tourism West Victoria, and had her poem displayed at the Handleside Museum of Agriculture. She later turned this into the song As I Climb The Cherry Trees Near Fairy Glen, releasing this on her debut album Small Fingers. She became the youngest person to enter the top 10 of the Superhot Top 100, being only 17 years old, with the song Small Fingers. Despite her blossoming music career, she went to Lāpaköss University, getting a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Music Production.

All Roads Lead Back To You
All Roads Lead Back To You was initially rejected by several different artists. Indie pop singer Manisha Summers did a demo, but her record label turned it down, replacing it with another song. Pástorék produced the song alongside longtime friend Juliette Cabrini D'Oliveira. The song is about constant reminders of someone who is no longer there. When interviewed on MTV's Music Hour, she said, "Anyone can make the song whatever they want it to be. I've seen comments saying, 'My husband died a few years ago and this reminds me of him' or even 'I just broke up with my boyfriend, everything reminds me of him so this song is very relatable'. It can be for just about anybody you've loved in your life, living or not. For me, it's about everybody who has come and gone. I also had a dream the night I was writing the lyrics that Juliette stopped being friends with me and that made me cry a tiny bit[...] but it was an awesome motivator because I had terrifying writer's block."

Lyrics and staging

After the postcard ends, the stage lights up, showcasing a 50s-style kitchen with only a back wall so Pástorék is visible to everyone. At first there is complete silence except for the slight noise of her footsteps against the floor, which is an LCD display of a teal and white retro-style chequered floor. She is sat sideways on a stool, facing the audience. She holds a teal cup in her hands and speaks gently into the lavalier 7 seconds after she first enters the stage.

[Spoken]: Alright... let's go.

She holds the teal cup with a lamented expression on her face. She taps the cup in tune to the music with her fingernails before she begins to sing.

Life is a tree we must plant first
Always sticking to our roots
And as the tree grows it must be nursed
'Cos then you'll find the sweetest fruit
It gets taller but I... I don't give up
No I... I don't give up
I... I can't give up
So I can find the sweetest fruit

She puts the cup down, standing up from the stool. She starts to smile slightly as she goes onto the lower area, greeting the audience.

And it's kinda like you (ooh, ooh, ooh, aah)
Yeah it's kinda like you (ooh, ooh, ooh, aah)

Her movements become more dramatic and she falls to her knees in a pleading motion. She interlocks hands shortly with an audience member before standing up again.

Imagine if I never saw you
Imagine if we never met
Imagine if I never hurt you
I wouldn't have learned my lesson yet

She walks back up the steps to the upper stage and towards the stool, sitting back down again, holding the cup by the time the chorus starts.

But every fruit can be a little sour
It's just the way that it goes
We all have thorns in our rose
But there's still sunlight after every shower

She sways her legs in a childish fashion with a contemplative look on her face. Her movements become purposefully more limbic and sluggish. She jumps from the stool towards the end of the chorus.

My silver lining...
My silver lining...
My silver lining...
My silver lining, silver lining...

She takes tiptoe steps in time to every word of the first line down to the lower stage, holding the cup in her hand. Once the bridge properly starts, she is sat down cross-legged, circling the edge of the cup with her finger. She gradually stands back up again once she says "but I... I don't give up".

Every road that I take leads back to you, back to you, you and you and you and you and everyone I've ever loved, oh life...
Life is a tree we must plant first
Always sticking to our roots
And as the tree grows it must be nursed
'Cos then you'll find the sweetest fruit
It gets taller but I... I don't give up
No I... I don't give up
I... I can't give up
So I can find the sweetest fruit
It leads back to you
It leads back to you

Once she says "It gets taller but I", she throws the contents of the cup into the air, revealing it to be golden glitter which cascades onto her and several audience members, who watch in awe as she twirls around in happiness, continuing to sing. She drops the cup, letting it break into several pieces. She picks up the remaining glitter and cups it in her hands, letting audience members have some. There is a slow-mo close-up camera shot of Pástorék blowing away remaining glitter once she finishes singing.

It gets taller but I... I don't give up
No I... I don't give up
I... I can't give up
So I can find the sweetest fruit
It leads back to you
It leads back to you
It leads back to you (ooh, ooh, ooh, aah)
It leads back to you-ou-ou-ou-ou
It leads back to you (ooh, ooh, ooh, aah)
It leads back to you
Back to you
It leads back to you
It leads back to you
It leads back to you
It leads back to you

She bows politely and puts her face into her glittery hands in exasperation. She starts to tear up and says "Thank you so much!" while waving and smiling.

by **Britonisea** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 4:03 pm

#29 BRITONISEA
Daniel Ghant - "Since Day One"
Tune : Danny Vera - "Roller Coaster"
Music: Daniel Ghant Lyrics: Daniel Ghant

Since Day One: After two consecutive editions outside the top 10 for the first time in 60 editions, Daniel Ghant he can have Britonisea shooting up the scoreboard once again with his country hit...

The performance by Joija had come to an end, with the audience cheering after the country. As the postcard for Britonisea started playing, there was a lot of love in the audience for the country. Of course, at the 64th WorldVision Song Contest - which Nekoni hosted - Britonisea had won and many had wondered whether the country could pull it out of the bag at the 94th WorldVision Song Contest. With Britonisea's pretty poor performances in recent editions, Daniel felt a bit of pressure to deliver here in Nekoni, and with Britonisea having scored relatively well in all WorldVisions held here, it was expected that the Briton would at least better the performances of Benjamin Walters and Eastern Fifth. Daniel walked onto the stage with his guitar - the only thing which would keep him company on the stage. During the postcard, other things were bought onto the stage also, such as a small bonfire which (due to safety reasons) was dark pieces of oak looking objects with red and orange lighting coming from below it. There was a white piece of material that was inside the bonfire which would be blown out as the electric fans would begin to play. To add to the scenery, Daniel had a dark and ominous set put behind him with old and worn looking Ash trees (the national tree of Britonisea) being brought onto the stage, towering over the already tall figure of Daniel Ghant. With the likelihood of the lack of an LED backdrop being 33%, the Britonish delegation had to think long and hard about what would go into the staging for the upcoming performance and knew that regardless of whether the LED backdrop would be around - the things that they would bring on could work for both circumstances. Nekoni won the host bid, with an interesting-looking stage. The trees were placed on the higher part of it, whilst he and the bonfire were on the lower half. Daniel sat on a low wooden chair, with his face lit up by the bonfire below him. He had a dab of water on his face, making him appear slightly sweaty from the sheer "heat" from the fire. He looked at the bonfire trying to collect himself before the end of the postcard. Daniel wore quite dark colours - with a black overcast appearing to cover most of what he was wearing beneath. Other objects were brought onto the stage which would add to the scene. The audience started to cheer for Daniel with the man looking up as the "curtain-raiser" lights filled the arena before the stage went into complete darkness. Daniel took a deep breath as he started playing the guitar. There was a wide shot of the whole of the stage, with the camera slowly moving from one side to the other all throughout the introduction. You could see the LEDs as well - it looked as though Daniel was sitting in the middle of a forest - with a dark blue sky behind them - filled with speckles of stars. The attention on the stage was definitely on the bonfire and Daniel - the only source of warmth on the otherwise dark and scary staging. Starting with the title of the song, after his guitar introduction, he began singing the lyrics of the song;

Since day one,
It's been you and I against the world.
What we have, it is so special
I cherish it so much.
But I must grow,
Gotta go against the status quo,
You knew this day would come,
It pains me and I feel it deep within.

With this song starting off rather slow, the Britonish Delegation didn't want to do too much in terms of the staging - not until we reached the climax of the song. Therefore, there was a huge focus on the types of camera angles that were used during the first verse and Daniel's interaction with the audience at home. As he started singing, "Since day one," he was looking down at his guitar, with the man slowly looking up as he continued to finish his sentence. He met eyes with the camera, giving the audience a stern and strong look as he explains how "special", the relationship is between him and the person that he was singing about. The fake bonfire wasn't in the shot too much, but the colours from it were bouncing off his face, with the fabric over it sometimes dimming the light to make it look like a live flame. The camera that was used was slightly glossy, which added to the vibe of the song being cosy and intimate as this song was coming from the deepest parts of Daniel's heart. As he continued singing when he reached the line, "It pains me," he tightly closes his eyes, before shaking his head, looking down at the guitar, feeling the pain inside of him as he reminisces.

And you don't want to let go,
I know you fear being alone,
Whilst I'm not home in the flesh,
Oh, my heart is close, yeah my heart's still close.

At this point, we had been given a little glimpse of the chorus and nothing changed on the stage apart from two bright lights on either side of the stage slowly getting lighter as we moved to a further away shot which exposed the whole scene. All camera shots that we went to were either static or, like the further away shot, moved but at a very slow and dreamy pace with the blur effect added on the camera also making the vibe, as previously mentioned, cosy and warm. As he said the line, "My heart is close." he looked deep into the camera before we cut to another establishing shot of the arena. Audience members were flashing their mobile phone torches as Daniel got up from his seated position, making his way to the front of the stage with the large bonfire still behind him. As the strings instruments came in, some lights started to sparkle - only enhanced by the camera effects. Daniel took in a deep breath to get ready for the next verse of the song;

You told me to fly,
Through gritted teeth,
You told me to leave the hive.
I could see the pain that it caused you,
A bittersweet moment.

He pointed out to the audience as he sang the lyrics, "You told me to fly," looking at a beckoning camera, it was almost as though Daniel was having a dialogue with it. The singer started bobbing his body up and down as he could hear the faint sound of the drumbeat hidden by the beautiful instrumentation of the song. On the stage behind him, the dark blue speckled night slowly turned into a dark pink but ever so slightly, just so there wasn't too much of a difference. It did contrast with the start of the song as the warmth slowly seeped out from the bonfire now onto the main part of the stage. As Daniel moved on to the final line of the verse, the camera slowly lost focus before crossfading to a Steadicam which steadily zoomed its way on the stage. It looked as though Daniel was frozen on the stage as he went into the next pre-chorus. He didn't interact with the camera, rather deciding to look out to the audience - he was entranced in memories, you could tell that what he was singing about has had a huge impact on him.

I know you don't want to let go,
I know you fear being alone.
Whilst I'm not home in the flesh,
I'll be there in spirit, I'll be there I promise

Rest assured, even though I'm far,
My heart is close.
Look up at the moon, I'm looking too,
I'm thinking about home.
I won't go forgetting the place that I came from,
The place where the boy in me turned into
The man I am today.

My dear, dry away your tears,
Let me see your smile once more.
Embrace me until I go, then leave me to go,
Then leave me to grow.

After the bridge, which seemed like it was building somewhere, we finally reached the final chorus of the song. On the LCD screen, which by the way was brought forward to make it look as though it was one larger screen, dark grey clouds started to appear with the same backdrop. There were some wind machines attached to the bottom of each of the trees that were brought onto the stage, and as we moved onto the final chorus, these fans started to blow onto the few leaves on the trees which added to the storm feel. Daniel stood strongly at the front of the stage as he began singing the final chorus. There was a perfect camera shot that showed Daniel in a higher angle, with the dark, threatening clouds behind him and the trees blowing behind him. You got the sense that despite the storm, Daniel would still rise above it.

My heart aches, whilst I'm hurting,
I've got to be strong.
You've done all you could, but time is up,
It's now time to move on.

Rest assured, even though I'm far,
My heart is home.
Look up at the moon, I'm looking too,
Yeah, I'm thinking about you.

At the end of this chorus, which was slowly building and building, as he said "Yeah I'm thinking about you," the picture quickly cut to the black and for a split moment, there was nothing but silence. Slowly, Daniel reappeared onto the screen, back in the seated position that he was in at the start of the song. He looked at the Steadicam which was brought onto the stage for the final time for this performance. The cameraperson slowly rocked itself from left to right - trying to give off unsettling vibes as he closed the song. Daniel didn't look up at the camera right until the last line, "oh now it's time to move on," at which the camera slowly stopped rocking. There was a wide shot of the screen slowly moving out before fading to black.

I won't go forgetting the place that I came from,
The place where the boy in me turned into the man I am today.
But it's time, oh now it's time to move on

As the audience came in with a huge cheer for Britonisea, Daniel stood up still feeling a bit emotional from the song. He tried to say thank you but was overcome by the support in the arena for him. After a while, he simply bowed and blew a kiss to everyone with his free hand before smiling. He slowly walked off the stage after receiving signals by the stage personnel to hurry up so they could prepare for the next act. Daniel's had a long, long journey to get to the WorldVision stage and regardless of where he places, it was very worth it.

by **Saviera** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:56 am

.::: 30 ✾ Saviera :::.
Kitty Got Your Tongue
Jill Makhusev
Tune: Prends garde à ta langue by Zaz

Well, Saviera didn't return in time for September... but we're back nonetheless after 4 editions. This time, Jill Makhusev has been selected to sing 'Kitty Got Your Tongue', an upbeat little ditty about the experience a person goes during Halloween. Which is quite apt considering the contest takes place the week after October 31 this year. She was inspired by her experience living abroad, in countries where Halloween is celebrated. Savierans don't really celebrate except perhaps for small parties held in cities and attended by young adults, but that's it really. But the song was chosen in hopes it would appeal to audiences in countries where Halloween has more cultural significance.

For the big night, Jill was feeling festive and decided to dress up in a cat costume to match her song. She was on the main stage, in front of a band whose members are all dressed in costumes as well, things like skeletons, ghouls, monsters, etc. Anyway, the song began.

Aye, aye! The captain with a beard
A patch over his eye, it looks a little weird
He’s carrying a box, a heavy treasure chest
He took a little bounty, saved ‘em for the rest

Jill looked really into her song, moving a lot on stage, almost sensually. In the background screens there were typical Halloween-themed decorative graphics. Black, purple, and orange are dominating colours here.

Boo hoo, a floating, ironed sheet
With holes cut on its face and socks over its feet
It has a little basket, with a chocolate bar
Some sweets and raisin cookies from the cookie jar

You could really see the excitement in her eyes as she got into the buildup of the pre-chorus.

Vividly you see in your eye’s corner
A creature that crawled by, it took place just now
Just as you turn to go confront this foreigner
You are met with a feline that gives you a meow

There were two backing singers along with the band, also wearing their own outfits. They joined Jill vocally, here in the chorus.

Cat scared you bad
Kitty got your tongue
But don’t get mad
It’s lasting all night long
You’re such a lad
You’re partying away forgetting that it’s halloween

Now Jill starts moving toward the lower stage, dancing while walking. It's all vibes.

Oh no! You’re cornered by a mob
With many different skins, it seems they’re here to rob
Demanding that you give them candy or a trick
You don’t know what to do but gotta think of something quick

Mmhmm, you run back to your place
Where you have so much candy, you could stuff your face
You hand them to the kids who quickly form a queue
It’s nice that they did not forget to say “thank you”

Vividly you see in your eye’s corner
The creature is back, what is it up to now?
You have no costume, maybe you’re the foreigner
And then you see that it gives you another meow

Now she's on the lower stage... standing there, kinda moving a bit to the music as she sings. Everyone else is on the upper stage.

Cat scared you bad
Kitty got your tongue
But don’t get mad
It’s lasting all night long
You’re such a lad
You’re partying away forgetting that it’s halloween

Now it's time for an instrumental break. While she stands on stage, scatting, the backing vocalist grabs a pumpkin-shaped bucket of candy each and starts throwing them to audience members, who gleefully stick their hands out, reaching for a share of the goodies. The camera also takes a few moments to close up on the backing performers as well, in addition to focusing on Jill and what the backing singers are doing.

The backing singers return in time for the chorus to continue.

Cat scared you bad
Kitty got your tongue
But don’t get mad
It’s lasting all night long
You’re such a lad
You’re partying away forgetting that it’s halloween

Now Jill turns back and makes her way back to the upper stage, scatting in this next part.

Cat scared you bad
But don’t get mad
You’re such a lad

Towards the end of this next part, Jill makes it back and she and the backing singers strike a pose as the song ends, while the band players finish playing their instruments.

Cat scared you bad
Kitty got your tongue
But don’t get mad
It’s lasting all night long
You’re such a lad
You’re partying away forgetting that it’s halloween

Also, Jill makes a few meowing noises and ends with a hiss, true to her outfit. The audience politely cheers. Jill takes a bow, says "Thank you Nekoni! Happy Halloween everyone! Rawr!" and then leaves as the stage is set up for the entry from Samudera Darussalam.

by **Samudera Darussalam** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 3:01 pm

31# Samudera Darussalam

Language: English
Music: Laura Berantah, Fariz Wibawa
Lyrics: Laura Berantah
Tune: Eimear Quinn-The Voice

Artist Background
Laura Berantah is a Samuderan singer and songwriter. Born to a Gadangese-Samuderan mother and a Cempakan father in 1988, Laura was first introduced to both of her parents' culture during her childhood, which she then comes to love in her teenage years. In her interview with the Ujong Post, Laura stated that from the many cultural aspects that are introduced by her parents, her favourites are folk music and stories, which she often uses as inspiration for her songs. Some of her more famous works are "Gadis Berkepang Dua (The Girl with Two Braids)", which tells the story of discrimination faced by the Bethinan community, mostly consisted of Cempakans, during the 1940-1970 communist scares; and "Naga Bulan (Moon Dragon)", a modern rendition of the popular folksong and nursery rhyme that told the folk beliefs of moon eclipse as the moon being eaten by a powerful dragon.

Song Background
"A Princess' Tale (Samuderan: Kisah Seorang Puteri)" is Laura Berantah's first song to be fully sung in English; her previous works are usually sung in the traditional languages of the country or as a mix with English. The reason of the sudden change is not known, but a popular theory is that Laura is inspired with Irish culture during her latest trip to Europe, which would explain the obvious influences in the choice of musical instrument.
"A Princess' Tale" is set in 15th century Samudera Darussalam, right before the unification of the nation. "The Princess" in the song refers to Princess Badiah of Gadang, who was wed off to Prince Mansur of Samudranagara as an attempt to end the intermittent war between the two nations that had been fought in a period of 145 years. While historical accounts can't find the existence of a supposed "secret lover" of the princess as heavily referenced in the song, it's part of a popular folk story amongst the population of Gadang, who believes the marriage to be forced on the princess' part.
An irony is that while the marriage is intended to finally end the intermittent war between the two kingdoms, the marriage is also a possible cause for the next Samuderan-Gadang War, which erupted only a few years later when Gadang broke the peace treaty and invaded the heavily disputed Muara region.

When it's announced that Saviera's performance is finished, Laura Berantah, who is ready to go to the stage sighs, collecting her breath. She can't exactly remember if Samudera has ever participated in WorldVision before, but as far as she knows, it's Samudera's debut. That means, there is a certain pressure on her to make a good first impression to the audience and jury of the event, which is going to be....interesting because WorldVision is rather unpredictable and there are a lot of hard competitors in it, from her regional compatriots of Sharktail or Pemecutan, to faraway nations such as Nekoni, the current host of the event.

Yep. She just hopes that she can give her best in the event.

Clad in the imitation of traditional, ancient court attire of Gadang (something that will stir some controversies among the more conservative part of Samuderan audience), Laura stands with her hands pressed together against her chest, her head slightly bowed in a classic salam sembah gesture, a traditional Samuderan greeting as the previously dark stage began to be illuminated by violet hue. Suddenly, the background screens lit up to show a grey sky with a girl standing with her back facing the audience, her long dark hair fluttering to the imaginary wind. The lights then changed into white, and the opening notes began to be played. Laura turns her head to face the audience, a neutral smile on her face. The camera starts to zoom on her figure as she places her left hand on her chest and sings.

Please send this letter to my beloved,
This heart yearns to convey its words

At the end of the lyric Laura spread her hands, as the camera pans out. The background screens then turns to show a brownish-greyish sky with flames at the bottom of the screen, as if showing the world as burning. The camera then zooms in onto Laura again, showing as she places her left hand again on her chest as she sings, with the burning world as her background.

"Listen my princess," they said to me
Duty must be thy priority
Marry this prince, and bring the peace
Thy homeland demands thy sacrifice

O, our peninsula trapped in forever wars
People are tired of blood flowing in mass
So it comes to myself, a girl of high class
To end this war, with bouquets of azaleas

The screen changed to show a starry night sky with a crescent moon in the middle of the screen as most of the lights on stage also dimmed into darkish blue with the exception of the light that illuminates Laura. The audience cheered as the Laura finished the previous lyric, the camera zooms in to show a sad smile on her face.

The camera zooms out as Laura starts to sing the next part of the song.

I'm a princess, but do I have any authority,
I have no say in my own destiny
Left burdened by this responsibility,
My hands are tied, my tears left to dry

That night when we meet by the great mosque of old,
A lowly noble's son and the esteemed princess
Under the silent gaze of God, we hug for the last time
Let Him be the judge and witness of our love

The camera then appears as if it floats above the audience towards Laura, with some of the audience are holding their phones above their head that led to beautiful islands of lights. The camera paused for a while to show a smiling Laura with the large crescent moon on the screen as the background, before it zooms out towards the audience, showing the islands of lights again.

The camera then zooms in towards Laura as she starts to sing, showing her figure from the knee up to her head, clad in the imitation of the elaborate ancient Gadangese red and brown royal attire.

Now in the low and vast plain of the foreign north,
Far away from the great highlands I used to call home
Under this smile my heart aches
Homeland I dearly missed,
The solace of seeing you, how I yearn for it

The camera turned towards the screen, that changed back to show a burning world, albeit with less fires this time. The lights brightened up considerably, but they are still not in full force. The camera then showed a close-up of Laura's face with another sad smile before it zooms out, showing as she sings, she began to place her left hand back again against her chest.

O, our peninsula trapped in forever wars
People are tired of blood flowing in mass
So it comes to myself, a girl of high class
To end these wars

A close-up of the screen shows the scene from the first act of the show. The camera then turned to directly face Laura, who in the mean time closes her eyes and now opened them again as she sings the last lyrics.

Now the war has ended between the south and north,
A desired peace achieved through marriage
Deep down I'm not sure what to feel,
But in this letter I tell

This is my tale,
A princess' tale
A princess' tale

Laura ended her performance with another salam sembah. She then turned to face the cheering audience, smiles, and said "Thank you, everyone!" before she left the stage.

by **Todlichebujoku** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:26 pm

32. _Tödlichebujoku_

Tune: AGA - CityPop

Slowly

Sasechaya.

"You previously participated in the World Hit Festival with 'Álá Varuillasi', which did not do as well as many had hoped. With that in mind, how do you feel about your chances coming into WorldVision?"

"Honestly, that experience taught us that the results are only one element of the whole story. It was disappointing, sure, but we found so many fans coming up to us, especially later on in our concerts, telling us how they had found us through that show. I'm so happy we were able to reach out to so many people, and so our focus really is on just creating a solid show, something to wow people with. We're here to have fun and to look great doing it."

"What a lovely way to look at things! Can you tell us if you have anything more planned for us down the line?"

"No."

"No... ? "

"No."

"Oh." A few moments of silence drag out as the interviewer Vriita looks expectantly toward Vanamo, who smiles serenely back. With a pained smile, Vriita gives up and continues on.

"Well, um, in that case, thank you for coming on with us this morning and may the powers be with you!"

"Thanks for having me! It's been a long night for me, I'll be off to bed now." Vanamo rises from her seat and strides away from view.

"I-"

The group Sasechaya. have been quiet, as is their trademark behavior, after their appearance at the World Hit Festival oh so many editions ago. For many, it was a surprise when they reappeared at the debut edition of Sinun Valintasi: Starfall as the interval act for the Pulsar semifinal. After that, the highly secretive band, composed of the lead singer Vanamo and the highly private instrumentalists, disappeared from the public spotlight once more, doing a number of low-key small shows and quietly releasing new music, without a single appearance on national or international media. Until now.

A soft blue light wavers down through the darkness from above, illuminating the scene on the stage. Vanamo, in a silvery catsuit, reclines on a softly glowing holographic carpet that floats above the stage floor, surrounded by four girls dressed in all black skintight suits, riding futuristic brooms. Around them, the instrumentalists of the band rest in stillness, each one wearing a dark glassy helmet. As the music begins, a rosy light shines upon Vanamo's face, with the camera view coming in close

Tell me what you want to cuz I won't tell you to stop
Trapped inside my head, I'm lost in thought
Nights fade into mornings, done the best with what we've got
Yet all this time I'm brooding, lost in thought

Around them, a night streetscape passes by rapidly, pinks and blues of night giving way to mornings but then soon back to night. Vanamo gazes into the camera view as a succession of orange-toned spotlights pass over her face, in a way like streetlights but also like daylight, the passing of days and nights in a few moments of time. She then gazes wistfully past

Streetlights they fade, into the sunlight
My heart is thumping faster as I don't know what to say
Even though, you pull me closer
Take me away

Orange-white spotlights dance upon the stage in whirling patterns as Vanamo transitions into the chorus, with a huge stylized cursive "Slowly" appearing on the background screen, shimmering as if metallic and reflecting the spotlights. The ladies flank her on each side, their brooms drifting and dipping slightly as if coasting along in the air at speed, and the instrumentalists below having colorful patterns light up from within their helmets

But I love so slowly
I want to say no, I'm just used to being, out on my own
Keep talking
With every sunrise, you drive me further in the unknown
I'm thinking
Babe you know me, how I love so slowly

Feels so foreign
I want to say no, I want to say, "never take me from home"
And it's morning, I want to say no....

The lights cut out, revealing neon light lines running along the forms of their outfits, the colors synchronizing with the light shows on the helmets below them. Meanwhile, a cityscape of rainbow outlines flicks past them, amidst a black background interrupted only by a multitude of stars

La la la la la
la la la la
La la la la la...

The camera view zooms in on Vanamo, where its clear her makeup glows in a variety of colors as a faint blacklight can be seen reflecting ever so subtly off the other surfaces

Girl I'm searching for a reason while you're searching for my heart
Grasping for connection in the dark

The blue and pink lights return, and the glowing effects fade away. Vanamo looks to the camera view before turning away, struggling with emotions. She turns back and then away indecisively, before steeling herself to face the camera view and audience. The view is close in on her face the whole time, as if the viewers are right there next to her, but the bisexual lighting is soft and muted, enough so that doesn't come off as awkward

Can you believe, all that I go through
Poring through the logic and the feelings in my head
I can't deny, that I'm not dreaming
What can I do?

The camera view zooms out as the orange-white spotlights once again shine down from above and dance upon the stage, the "Slowly" text reappears on the background screen with an overly dramatic dazzle, and the ladies on brooms fly out over the audience, trailed by streams of pyros that sparkle as they fizzle out over the heads below. Vanamo herself is seen coasting over the audience

Oh I love so slowly
I want to say no, I'm just used to being, out on my own
Keep talking
With every sunrise, you drive me further in the unknown
I'm thinking
Babe you know me, how I love so slowly

Feels so foreign
I want to say no, I want to say, "never take me from home"
And it's morning, I want to say no....

As the chorus ends, the lights dim out to just focus on Vanamo. She looks to the camera view with a pained smile, before she fades away.

Takes me too damn long to say what's in my inner thoughts
Terrified of faking but I'm not

by **Elejamie** » Sun Oct 31, 2021 9:00 am

ETV1 presents WorldVision 94 - English language commentary by Cerin Erali and Flynn Taggart

CE: Welcome to WorldVision 94! Bienvenido a WorldVision 94! Yalcom WorldVision 94! Back in Marina Point!
FT: It's good to be back.
CE: Yes it is.. Anyhoo, I'm Cerin Erali.
FT: And I'm Flynn Taggart.
CE: And we are your English language commentators for this evening. For a Spanish commentary, Iyilim language commentary or to sing-along to each entry, please press the red button. Thank you. Para Español, Iyilim o karaoke, pulse botón rojo por favor. Gracias. Aspenol, Iyilim o cereoc - Ancelis o Aspenol, ne Iyilim - plaes toc rad boton. Fenci.
FT: Call the number, text the number, use the app. Use whatever way you want to televote.
CE: But you can't vote for #12, as that's our entry. And it will not count, ladies and gentlemen!
FT: I think that's all the basics.
CE: I think it is. Let's start this.

I've also kind of stopped commenting on opening and interval acts, partly because some of them don't end up finished (which I'm admittedly guilty of) and partly because I can't really seem to muster up the energy to discuss them when they are done.

by **Mister X** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 4:58 pm

Tracy Manson & Owen Roberts - "Countdown"
Tune: Kylie Minogue & Years and Years - "A Second To Midnight"

This is a duet between two of Mister X's most successful artists. Although the services of long-time WorldVision participant Filius Deorum were considered for Mister X's amazing return to the WorldVision stage, they were eschewed in favour of this song, which only seemingly works as a duet. Which sort of makes sense given the clever use of pronouns in the song.

Owen Roberts has not been at WorldVision since WV68. In that time he has moved to Floccinaucinihilipilification, one of Mister X's newest cities, after the tragic volcano accident involving Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, whereupon a lot of the residents there died after contracting (ironically) pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis following the eruption of Mount Buckminsterfullerene. Although its eruption was initially seen to be full of inconsequentialnesses for the residents of Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, the deinstututionalisations caused by the eruption of Mount Buckminsterfullerene meant that the mass migration of citizens to Floccinaucinihilipilification was necessary, despite the antidisestablishmentarianism movement. Owen is looking to revive his music career.

Tracy Manson has had a more peaceful time of it, however, having gone from strength to strength in Thatcher City and mothering two children in the 9 editions since we last saw her. Despite this, however, her outspoken activism in favour of anti-racism has caused some consternation within Mister X for daring to take such a strong viewpoint. Nevertheless, combined with a one-off WHF appearance, her music career has soared. Many have said she is at the peak of her powers.

Tracy begins the song on stage alone. There are lots of clocks behind her, all of different shapes and times, as she is wearing something approaching a black leather leotard, but various sections of it have been replaced by a more translucent material to make her look a lot sexier than a leotard alone would have done. At the very back of the stage is a giant clock with no numbers, only tick marks, and only one hand. It starts at 12 o'clock at the start of the song, and counts down until the end of the song (in a continuous motion rather than a stop-start one), hitting 6 o'clock (and stopping) as the song finishes.

Watching all the clocks on the wall, oh yeah
I'm looking but I never stare, oh yeah
Now the world is looking, the clock's running out
'Cause all I am is hurting, watching it all counting down
I'm running out of time, out of time

Tracy walks around the stage alone, as if you think there ought to be dancers... but there aren't. This section is accompanied with slow lighting, with "movers" in the lights and lots of panning shots.

And oh, just look at the clock
My world will get stuck
All of the time
'Cause the clock keeps ticking the tock
My world will get stuck
Baby, I've got to stop

Owen joins in with this chorus, but he is off stage for the time being. The lights turn up, as Tracy does the dance on her own. Very simple, but effective. Lots of arms being rotated from the shoulders as if she were clock hands, that kind of thing...

I'm counting all the time down
Two minutes left in the song
'Cause I know when the moment the clock strikes
I'll be forever tonight
Staring down the clock until midnight (oh yeah)
It's time to save (oh yeah)
Watching the clock for my countdown

(I'm running out of time, yeah)

Owen joins from stage left. He sings his verse whilst dancing around Tracy.

Time now to join and make a stand, oh yeah
I saw our lives and times collide, oh yeah
Now the world is looking, the clock's running out
'Cause all we are is hurting, watching it all counting down (countdown!)
We're running out of time, out of time

The two join forces as the lighting and camerawork replicates its previous pre-chorus mood.

And oh, just look at the clock
Our world will get stuck
All of the time
'Cause the clock keeps ticking the tock
Our world will get stuck
Baby, we've got to stop

And now, the both of them do the dance together. The lighting is the same as it was in the first chorus, whilst the camerawork is slightly more active than it was in the first chorus, but still yet you feel it's holding back, it's not quite at 100% yet...

We're counting all the time down
One minute left in the song
'Cause we know when the moment the clock strikes
We'll be forever tonight
Staring down the clock until midnight (oh yeah)
It's time to save (oh yeah)
Watching the clock for our countdown

And then... the lights all go red and moody as the two dance circles around each other menacingly, almost as if they're taunting each other.

Ten, nine, eight, seven
Six, five, four, three... (yeah, boi)
Seven (seven), six (six), five (five), four (four)
Three (three), two (two), one... noooooo!

All of a sudden, the bridge is forgotten choreographically, as we get a chorus for the final time. This time, however, whilst the cameras and lighting repeat their earlier chorus performance (but this time the camerawork is at its best, 100%, top notch, etc), during the bridge it transpires that dancers have got themselves on to the stage. This time, therefore, we don't have just one person doing the "Countdown" dance, not two people doing the "Countdown" dance, but now about 30 people doing the "Countdown" dance.

And it looks spectacular.

We're counting all the time down
Nearly the end of the song
'Cause we know when the moment the clock strikes
We'll be forever tonight
Staring down the clock until midnight (oh yeah)
It's time to save (oh yeah)
Watching the clock for our countdown

Dramatic finish!

Everyone holds their pose for 3-4 seconds whilst the audience starts applauding - it's a good promotional image for the written press to use, after all - before everyone breaks character, cheering and whooping and high-fiving each other. Owen and Tracy hug for a suspiciously long time (thus #Ransom shippers begin trending on Chitter, FriendFace, and MomentGlam), before thanking the audience, taking their bows, and departing the stage.

by **Caribou Island** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 4:58 pm

34
ꕥ Moorland ꕥ
Love God
Farah
Tune: Fool Moon by Anteros

They had met, as many do, with an introduction.

A chemist from the Swamplands, brilliant and alone, always one step ahead and out of time with her peers.

A mathematician from the Lakelands, an imagination somehow wilder than their hair.

A geologist from the North, quiet eyes filled with a depth even he wasn't aware of.

A botanist from the Moorlands, a smile as gentle as the rolling hills of his home.

Snow-speckled lawns stretched out beyond the frost-kissed windows of the room that day as memories were made and lives were changed. Chairs shifted uncomfortably under the small group of doctoral students, echoes of the icy branches outside rasping against the roof filtering through. A cough. A clearing of the throat. A beginning.

The auditions were off to a smashing start. She had half-expected no one to show up at all, so the fact that any warm bodies had shown up to this year's auditions at all was promising. Perhaps this year that promise would be kept. Her lips parted, her heart beating to the rhythm of hope.

"Hi there, everyone. I'm Clara and I'd just like to thank you all for auditioning for my band. I'm assuming you all saw the fliers," she said, glancing at one of the guys, whose fingers were skittering nervously over the creased form of one of her advertisements. Damn it. No one ever respected flier etiquette. "So ... I guess we'll start with going around and everyone giving their names and a fact about themselves."

She stared at silent eyes for a moment. "I guess I'll start. So I'm Clara, as I said, and a fact about me is that I am from Carolina. Who's next?"

Adjusting his glasses, one of the boys spoke up. "Hey, I'm Jans, and I'm really into rocks."

The other boy looked up. "Wait, really? What kind?"

"Oh, uhhh ... I really like jasper, I guess if I had to pick my favorite."

"Huh, I hadn't heard of them."

"Jasper?"

"Are they like a band or is it a solo artist or -"

"Dude, it's a rock. Like stone and shit."

"Oh."

Clara cut into the awkward pause. "And would you like to introduce yourself?"

"Right right right. Okay right, uh, name's Michal and I guess I like rock rock, with like music and stuff. Oh right, guess that's kind of why I'm here, right?"

Clara paused. "Right. And you?" She looked at the last of the three, leaned back so that only two legs were on the floor, their shoulder length hair nearly covering their eyes as their upper body leaned forward. They lurched forward, the chair slamming down back on all fours on the floor, and brushed their hair out of their shockingly pretty face

"Hey, hey, I'm Victan. I actually just defended my thesis this morning so I'm just a little out of it, you know." The others gave an appreciative murmur. "Anyway, uh, I like math and stuff? I don't know, I'm always bad at thinking of interesting things about myself. Anyway, this looked interesting so I just kind of thought I'd try it."

"And that's as good a reason as any. So, I guess congratulations because you all made it in. You had some fierce competition but you definitely proved yourselves worthy."

Michal looked at her quizzically. "Wait, really?"

"No, you showed up, but that's good enough. Now let's get to work."

Great universities for the arts dotted the Moorish coasts, beacons of creative fervor acting like lighthouses, drawing students from far and wide to their hallowed halls. Wassermun University was hardly that. A small and prestigious school, it was nationally renowned for its achievements in science and excellence of its research programmes, but it held a distinct lack of culturally enriching opportunities. Sheltered in the shadow of the mountains and nestled between the Moorlands and Lakelands, it was an isolated campus. The lack of distraction was appealing to many, but it wasn't conducive to being a band trying to find their footing. Over the next two years they would gestate here, playing as often as they could between their intensive workloads. Their sound was a nebulous thing, changing almost as often as their band name, but they worked well together. It was a strange coincidence, given how little they had in common, but it was an alchemical balance that would prove to be their greatest asset.

In 2017 they released their first self-titled EP under the band name Farah, which has stuck ever since. Against seemingly all odds it was an almost-hit, charting moderately well in Moorland, especially for a debut with next to no marketing from an unknown band. By then Michal, the youngest, was finally wrapping up his studies and by 2018 they had relocated to Carolina, the capital city with a thriving musical scene. It was a difficult decision to leave academia fully after investing so much, but they were young and this was their chance. If there was any place to capitalise on their success, it was here. If there was any time, it was now.

Through the next few years they worked on their sound and songs even further, becoming a well-oiled machine their first album in 2019 dropped to critical success and managed to get into the top ten on the Moorish album charts and becoming a surprise #1 hit in Croatia. By the end of their modestly successful 2020 European tour they had enough material for a new album - and then the Moorish Ministry of Culture came knocking with an invitation.

WorldVision participation was still a new concept to the Moors but the Ministry was excited with how well they had done in their debut and wanted to press their success. This offer was their ticket to the big leagues, maybe their chance to get truly major international attention for the first time. For months they worked on adapting one of their album songs for a more WorldVision friendly audience, and voila! It was here, and so were they.

Normandy and Picardy. Get ready.

A beat, a chord, one after another.

Her sultry voice filled the arena, and aural bath of lyrical bliss. Fog filled the stage, purple and pink lights filling the space. Mirrors and mirror balls hung all around, bouncing coloured light throughout the stage. Victan, Michal, and Jans are placed on raised plexiglass pillars across the stage with their instruments, purple suits hazy in the light as they rock back and forth. Clara sings softly, luring the audience in.

As the sun dies
Fading bright skies
And the stars shine, memories in the night
The moon reigns in the heavens
Far above us
So cold, hold me close

The beat kicks up a notch, enticing the audience on the stage below.

Just for tonight
Won't need light
For tonight
We'll be divine

And now she lets it out for a brief moment, her low voice begging, begging to be heard. Desperation and passion and love and desire meld together in her heart and catch in her throat and, saints above, it comes out in a shower over the audience. They love it, they crave it. They need her like she needs them and it feels delicious. The lights kick up a notch as she sings.

I want to worship you
You're praying to me too
We're playing by our own rules

The lights calm down a bit as she croons, pink lights popping with every beat of the drums, purple lights swelling with every strum of the guitar. The mirrors twinkle under the light.

'Cause we're gods now
Under moonlight
And we breathe all the colors of the sky
Dancing, hands that hold me
Don't let go yet
I feel so divine

Just for tonight
Won't need light
For tonight
We'll be divine

Simulated stars break out across the stage above her as her arms go wild, lost in reverie to the music. Her voice is raw and beautiful and she feels - what does she feel? Strong, powerful, brave. She can do anything.

I want to worship you
You're praying to me too
We're playing by our own rules
High in the winter night
The gods above are blind
So we can do what feels right

She and the audience are lost in the trance of it together, rocking in rhythm to the beating of their new heart, the pulsing rhythm of the song.

Revel in shadows that we found
Star bright, the jewels shine in my crown
Revel in shadows that we found
One soft touch and I come unbound

Much of the audience chants along with her, a spell that won't be broken until the last note is played. Clara knows its coming to an end but she clings desperately to it. She still has time to embrace this experience, remember everything she can. There's still time.

Revel in shadows that we found
Star bright, the jewels shine in my crown
Revel in shadows that we found
One soft touch and I come unbound

She's crying. They all are, really. This is what she's dreamed of, to share her music with the world. She's crying and the audience is crying and she's singing and the audience is singing and they are doing it together, a family formed for a few moments of shared human experience.

I want to worship you
You're praying to me too
We're playing by our own rules
High in the winter night
The gods above are blind
So we can do what feels right
And dance forever

And then it's over. And then they cheer.

God, god how they cheer.

by **Nekoni** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 5:01 pm

As the final strains of the Moorland's song played out, it was time for the most important part of the show to begin.

Alice: "That's it! All 29 countries tonight have performed, and there's only one thing left to do!"
Miki: "That's right, it's time for the votes! Remember, you only have a window of ten minutes to vote for your favourite! Use the numbers at the bottom provided, and always ask for the bill-payers permission. Now, shall we get it started?"
Alice: "Sounds like a plan! World..."
Both: "START VOTING!"

The arena awashed with a bright flicker of the triangular lights and flames from the stage, as a giant countdown in the background screen began counting down from 10:00. The audience at home got their first list of all 29 valid entries in order, cut between the standard 10 seconds of song performance with a quick cut to the artists in the green room, waving flags, gesturing to vote and generally hollering at the camera.

As we return, our hosts are back, at the center stage.

Miki: "And so, the voting has begun! Please get on the phone, and vote for your favourites!"
Alice: "Seriously, this show isn't cheap! These dresses alone cost so much money, I had to-"

Miki covers Alice's mouth just in time before the show gets demonitised.

Miki: "Alice, love, that's for the psychiatrist after the show, not live on air, yeah?"
Alice: "I'll be fine."
Miki: "We can talk about it later if you wa-"
Alice: "I SAID I'LL BE FINE. Anyway, it's been a long, long time since we've appeared on your screens this contest! Fourteen contests, of which we've taken part in nine, and in our last one...we won!"
Miki: "You're right, so, as twice winners, you'd reckon that we'd know a thing or two about how this contest works. So, what happens if you meet someone that doesn't KNOW what the WorldVision is like?"
Alice: "Doesn't KNOW!? What a horrible afflication! How do we fix it?"
Miki: "Well, in Nekoni, we always are willing to help out, and we decided that the best way to explain it to you is to distil it into a perfectly digestible three-minute package!"
Alice: "Aren't we so helpful!? Miki and I spent three weeks in a top secret location-"
Miki: "It was a hotel bar."
Alice: "It was a hotel bar! And we discovered the best things that make the contest tick!"
Miki: "...we put in on a laptop and got drunk and wrote things."
Alice: "And we have the perfect package of explaining WorldVision to the regular to turn them into a fan in no time!"

Both: "Hit the music!"

INTERVAL: "WorldVision 101" by Alice Florien & Miki Lazaretti
Based on Sports Go Sports by Garfunkel and Oates

by **Aenglide** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:14 pm

▲▲▲ AENGLIDE - 01 - JURY VOTING ▲▲▲

Spokesperson: Hey there, Marina Point! To all my friends over in Nekoni, I'd like to thank you for the amazing show tonight! And also, good luck to Alen! We're proud and rooting for you. Anyway, let's get to the voting from the Aenglish Jury.

1 (EN): Achaean Republic Akæn Republyk
2 (TO): Scotatrova Skotatrova
3 (TREJ): Crustyland Krustiland
4 (FEDE): Sharktail Sharktajl
5 (FES): Missus X Myses Ekse
6 (SYKS): Beepee Bypi
7 (SET): Nekoni Nekoni

Our 8 (ÆT) points go to...

Our 10 (TYL) points go to...

And now, the 12 (TOJLV) points, the grand douze pointe, they go to...

Alright everyone, bye!

by **StrayaRoos** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:14 pm

^{The Republic of StrayaRoos Jury Points}
Spokesperson:Matt Jak (National Volleyball team @ VWE13)
Matt:Hello Marina Point,Evening Nekoni here are the votes From Strayaroos Live from pale city Zoo
the cards are arranged in order of performance with 51 emus above
the first emu drops a gift on to the card with the word Elejamie
Then an pair drops it on Nekoni's card
After that 3 drop on Missus X,followed by 4 on Mister X
Then 5 onto Achaean Republic
6 onto Sharktail
7 onto Britonsea
then the final points

now the 12 points from Strayaroos Goes to....

congrats to those Nations and Goodnight From Pale!

by **Waisnor** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:54 am

WAISNOR IS CALLING

"Hello, Grodno is calling! My name is Ilya Kuzin, and I got to announce Waisnorian jury votes in this edition! I wish luck to each and every participant of this edition. So, the time has come to announce votes:"

1 point - ADAB
2 points - CARRELIE
3 points - BEEPEE
4 points - CRUSTYLAND
5 points - SCOTATROVA
6 points - TODLICHEBUJOKU
7 points - NEKONI

by **Joija** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:01 pm

4 - JOIJA

Spokesperson: Gabe Callahey

Good evening Nekoni! Here are the votes from Joija:

by **Adab** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:05 pm

Adab jury results:

12 - Joija
10 - Alezian Union
8 - Samudera Darussalam
7 - Missus X
6 - Kalosia
5 - Britonisea
4 - Elejamie
3 - Scotatrova
2 - Carrelie
1 - Tödlichebujoku

by **Elejamie** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:11 pm

Il-lebja t-tabja, Marina Point. Franco Cauchi here, giving you all the points of the Elejamian jury. It's been a fun night, plenty of good songs, but who'll get our points?

Kalosia
Todlichebujoku
Malta Comino Gozo
Achaean Republic
Samudera Darussalam
Nekoni
Mister X
Britonisea

10. Joija

And finally, it's the twelve points. Who's it going to go to? None other than the Alezian Union. Well done Aziz-Lufti Garanov and your band of Time-killers, you've earnt it. Anyway, quick plug for our tour coming in 2022, quick plug done. Have a good night, il-lejl it-tajjeb!

by **Norrp** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:22 pm

Guten Tag!

1 Beepee
2 Crustyland
3 Misterx
4 Kalosia
5 Elejamie
6 kyritakia
7 Pemecutan

Danke And goodnight

by **Britonisea** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:22 pm

Arjun Akash
Television Actor

THIS IS DOPORTEDAS CALLING...
BRITONISEA

"Hey everyone, this is Arjun in Doportedas calling - these are the results of the Britonish Jury. First of all, it's been a great show - a third hosting for Nekoni! Can we clinch another victory in Nekoni? We will have to find out - good luck to Daniel!

10 - KALOSIA
8 - ACHAEAN REPUBLIC
7 - ANTAHBRANTAHSTAN
6 - ALEZIAN UNION
5 - MOORLAND
4 - NEKONI
3 - ADAB
2 - SAMUDERA DARUSSALAM
1 - CRUSTYLAND

"We can also confirm Vartugia came dead last. 12 points go to...PEMECUTAN! Congratulations to you and see you all next edition...I wonder who will host?!"

by **Placely Placington** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:33 pm

9/29 - Placely Placington

Still low on ideas so I'm rehashing my vote idea from last time. Don't worry I'll do something more original next time.

The first piano fell on the the Test Subject holding a sign that says StrayaRoos
The second piano fell on the Test Subject holding a sign that says Saviera
The third piano fell on " " (because I'm too lazy to type that all out and don't feel like copying and pasting it all) Missus X
The fourth piano fell on " " Vartugia
The fifth piano fell on " " Elejamie. Seriously, why do they keep getting five points from Placely Placington?
The sixth piano fell on " " Kyritakia
The seventh piano fell on " " Adab
The eighth piano fell on " " Crustyland
The ninth piano fell on " " Waisnor
And the tenth and final piano fell on " " Carrelie.

by **Carrelie** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:34 pm

Carrelian Jury Vote

Bonsoir, Marina Point! This is Mont-Sanguine calling. I'm Vian Genamman, and might I say we've seen an excellent show tonight, bonne chance à tous! And now, here are the points!

1 point: Krytakia Crétâçïe
2 points: Scotatrova Corèfe
3 points: Beepee Bépé
4 points: Tödlichebujoku Tödliquebúôque
5 points: Waisnor Féïsnèrre
6 points: Kalosia Cälôsïe
7 points: Joija Joîge

8 points go to...

10 points go to...

And our 12 points go to the impeccable...

Thank you all and bonsoir Marina Point!

by **Beepee** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:54 pm

Good Evening Marina Point, Hello Nekoni.

This is BONC Norfolk Pinewoods calling in with the votes of the Beepeean Jury.

But before we get to the votes, I want to thank you for a wonderful show tonight. Let me tell you, the jury had a difficult time separating the incredible songs and performances on display. What a night of talent!

And without further ado! here are the votes from the Beepeean Jury.

1 point to Alezian Union
2 points go to Malta Comino Gozo
3 points for Moorland
4 points to Achaean Republic
5 points are awarded to Elejamie
6 points are given to Crustyland
7 points from Beepee to Scotatrova

and now, here are our top points

and finally...

congratulations to all the entrants on a wonderful show.

thank you Marina Point and goodnight.

by **Achaean Republic** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 6:11 pm

Andrea Gutiérrez here, calling from Corola! Thank you so much for an amazing show, and now we have the Achaean Republic's jury votes!

1 point: Mister X
2 points: Crustyland
3 points: Antahbrantahstan
4 points: Alezian Union
5 points: Kyritakia
6 points: Moorland
7 points: Britonisea
8 points: Kalosia
10 points: Aenglide
12 points: Elejamie

WorldVision Song Contest 94 | Marina Point, Nekoni

29 | Britonisea | Daniel Ghant - Since Day One

P

This is Doportedas Calling...

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