Conchita Wurst • Rise Like a Phoenix

When I first saw this video from the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, I was blown away. Conchita Wurst was the Eurovision entry from Austria. As "Rise Like A Phoenix" began, she emerged from the shadows, her raven locks hanging down past her shoulders. In stark contrast, her dress was light and bright, shimmering under the glare of the spotlight. It was the Eurovision contest for 2014, held in Copenhagen, Denmark. As she started the song, her voice sounded well-prepared and fresh. As the song wore on, Conchita's voice grew exponentially, filling the room as it soared over the crowd. Something special was happening.

Born in Austria in 1988, Tom Neuwirth grew up knowing fear. The young gay man felt the pain and anxiety of being bullied, and would even avoid go to the toilet during breaks at school, fearful of what might happen. When he could, Neuwirth moved and started a career as a window dresser. Soon the young man found his voice when he discovered Conchita Wurst, his drag personae. As Conchita, the performer could show off some amazing vocals, as well as display the duality within. Yes, this gorgeous woman has a dark beard, and an even deeper soul. This is Conchita Wurst singing "Rise Like a Phoenix" in the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

With the win the other night, Conchita was quoted as saying "“This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity. And we are unstoppable.” You can purchase "Rise Like a Phoenix" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Conchita Wurst, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Facebook, and 'follow' her on Twitter, as well as on Tumblr.

ABBA • Waterloo, the 40th Anniversary

ABBA, clockwise: Anni-Frid peaks from behind Agnetha; Anni-Frid and Agnetha; Benny; the band - Anni-Frid, Agnetha, Benny, and Bjorn; and Bjorn.

Forty years ago, a song and a group came out of Sweden and the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest that took the world by storm. Who knew that Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad would put Swedish Pop music in the forefront, and we are still feeling the aftereffects today. Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid, better known by their initials, ABBA, had been together making hits in Sweden, both individually and as a group. But once they decided to try to write some of their songs with English lyrics, they found themselves playing on a much larger stage. And that stage hit pretty quickly, when they represented Sweden in Eurovision, and took top honors with the song "Waterloo". the next thing you know, the song was running up the charts all around the world, including in the United States. The song went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, a great achievement for a group that came out of nowhere. But it is easy to understand, as the song was just so damn catchy, so easy to sing along with. Just in case you don't remember, this is the music video for thier first hit, "Waterloo".

It wasn't long before the band had a single to follow up their success. And while it was quite as successful, it still had an impact on the music charts. "Honey Honey" went to #27 on the Billboard Hot 100. Funny enough, I still remember the words, and the minute I started playing the video, I felt the urge to sing along. There was such a wonderful, upbeat, and joyous feeling to much of their music. This si the music video for "Honey Honey".

The third single of the album 'Waterloo' was "Hasta Mañana", a song with more of a big ballad feel. Once again, I could sing the chorus, even though the song did not chart in the United States. However, there was no need to worry about ABBA, for their reign at the top of the charts had really not yet begun. But their hold on the hearts of Americans had, and the charm and sweetness of this song are a pefect example of how they got that job done. This is the group singing "Hasta Mañana".

This album was just the beginning of the thrilling and amazing journey of four Swedish artists who took over Pop music. Early on, Agnetha and Bjorn were a couple, as were Anni-Frid and Benny. By the time the 1980s came, both were divorced, and things changed for them. In 1981, the band released their last album, and in 1982, they made the final public appearance. But it was still not the end, as they continued to make music, just not together. And it wasn't long before movies started reviving interest in the group, with movies like 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and 'Muriel's Wedding' both using ABBA's music for their 1994 soundtracks. And then there was 'Mamma Mia!', the musical using most of ABBA's greatest hits. The stage show as a huge success, and the film also had international success, with a great cast headed up by Meryl Streep. But it all started 40 years ago, with a single song. You can purchase the album 'Waterloo' on iTunes and Amazon. You can learn more about ABBA from their official website. If you are a fan, you can also 'like' them on Facebook.

Eric Himan • You're Gonna Need Me Single

Eric Himan has released a new single to raise your holiday spirits! NEw music from Eric always makes me feel better, more festive! You're Gonna Need Me was a song Eric wrote that was entered into the Swiss Eurovision Song Contest. The rocking great song is now available.



You can find You're Gonna Need Me on iTunes here, and on Amazon here. I have my copy, cause I have to admit, I always need more of Eric. I can never get enough!

Jedward - Lipstick

Irish music manager Louis first spotted the Irish twins John and Edward Grimes, you could see the smoke funneling out of his ears and his mind went into overdrive on the 2009 edition of the UK show, The X Factor. The boys were handsome, young, and rather energetic. Their talent, well, it fell more in line with entertaining that actually singing. But they perform with such joy, such zeal, it is kinda infectious, just making you smile. Well, at least they make me smile. Their first single was a duet which brought Vanilla Ice out of retirement, Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby). Their first album, Planet Jedward, was certified platinum in Ireland, and #17 on the UK album charts. As they are about to release a second album, they have the single for the album, Lipstick. They caused quite the sensation when the song was entered and won their country's Eurovision content, and went on to represent Ireland in Germany. They placed 8th, beating out some highly touted entries from England and France. Here is a video for Lipstick.



they brought their energy, their tall blond quiffs, and their absolute desire to entertain and were rewarded. At Eurovision, they also were named winners of the Marcel Bezençon Artistic Award, as voted on by the commentators.



Just the other night, they performed for President and Mrs. Obama as they were visiting Ireland. Also playing that night was another of Louis' acts, Westlife. I am sure they both put on quite the show.