Critic Jonni: Bulgaria Entry

Beautiful Mess - Kristian Kostov |

Back to my Eurovision 2017 special, and we're nearing the end with this song that represented Bulgaria. Many believe Kristian Kostov should've won, but my personal favourite was Moldova's SunStroke Project's "Hey, Mamma!"; although, I wouldn't have minded if this had won. Whereas I'm not so keen on the actual winning song from this year, which was Salvador Sobral with "Amar pelos dois". Although I give kudos to Portugal for finally winning after entering 49 times. As for Bulgaria, this was their best position since they debuted in 2005. They have really come a long way, since they returned to the contest in 2016, and managed to get their top position then, before beating it this year. The question is, can they do one better next year, and take the crown? They scored 615 points coming second, 337 points came from the televote and 278 came from the jury vote. The stage production was great to watch and it was certainly technically brilliant. The music video is equally dark and intriguing, with weird yet surprising visuals. Watch Kristian Kostov perform his Eurovision 2017 song "Beautiful Mess" in this music video, as we watch animals, birds, people and other profile visuals happen.

Kristian Kostov made his name known in a few countries, before entering for Eurovision 2017. He previously took part in Golos. Deti (The Voice Kids Russia), where he was a finalist on season one. He next took part in the fourth season of The X Factor Bulgaria, where he came second. He was then internally selected to represent Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with his song "Beautiful Mess" which became his second official single release. It later charted well in various Eurovision countries. The song was written by Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Arman, Joacim Bo Persson, Alex Omar, and Alexander V. Blay.

Directed by Liusi Ilarionov, this music video is more of a profile performance visual which sees Kristian Kostov surrounded by people on the floor in various positions.

As time goes on the people surrounding him get up and blurrily merge with one another before disappearing entirely as Kristian Kostov stands in the centre of the spotlight throughout.

As for the other profile images, there is a horse, and later we see a horse rider, there is also an eagle and some doves at the end. There's one wacky weird profile visual that looks like a messed-up clown of some sort. I am not entirely sure what it is and I don't know what to make of it. Let me know in the comments below what you believe it is.

Overall, it's a great profile music video, that showcases Kristian Kostov off well. It's slightly disappointing, in that, it doesn't really tell a story, and I'm not entirely sure what the video is getting at. Regardless, I much preferred the stage visuals of his Eurovision 2017 performance, than that of the music video.

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Bulgaria retuned after a two-year absence and did extremely well with Poli Genova. Getting fourth with 307 points, Bulgaria did much better than we all expected. Poli Genova was definitely the dark horse in the race.Now a part of my Eurovision Special. No stranger to reality TV, she was a judge on The X Factor Bulgaria series one, and appeared on the fourth series of Your Face Sounds Familiar (Bulgaria Version). Poli Genova is fighting to get her music heard, and I'm sure she'll be globally known soon enough. Poli Genova watches memories of a love she has in a torturous chamber claiming she'd be a criminal if love was a crime.

Poli Genova is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest, she represented Bulgaria back in 2011 with "Na inat" which failed to make it past the semi-finals. Returning stronger than ever, Poli Genova was selected by internal selection, this was the song that gave Bulgaria their shot at winning. The only problem they have is doing just as well next year. As for what the future brings for Poli Genova, she has a chance to ride the success of this song, whilst promoting a new single or album, but whether that is on the cards just yet is something no one knows. Her vocals are amazing and she has so much love and passion for this song, it's clear she means ever word she is singing. The song was written by Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Arman, Joacim Persson, Johnny K. Palmer and Poli Genova.

This music video relates perfectly to the song, the not-so black and white visual gives a haunting effect that really works to add depth and meaning into this video.

Poli Genova sits down and watches memories of loving someone, instinctual moments that put people into a state of euphoria. These moments can't be shared with a single person apart from your lover. It has a Clockwork Orange feel to it, as if this is some sort of punishment if love was a crime, therefore making her a criminal.

Other scenes in the same effects suggests how these two meet. Poli Genova is a photographer at an event where her future lover is possibly famous. She gets up and sings at the event and he whisks her off her feet at the end. Sweet, romantic and everything I want, but I can't sing so that happening to me can just stay in my dreams for now.

Performance wise, Poli Genova is on it! She works the camera to her ability, and we can't keep our eyes off her. Everything is a distraction that fails to capture our attention, because her beauty, her vocals and her performance vibes keep us glues to her. Perfection personified.

Overall a great faultless music video, haunting like the song, very deep and meaningful. A beautiful narrative with an extremely strong performance. Poli Genova has a new fan in me and in a lot of other people too. If she never becomes internationally famous, Bulgaria will be lucky to have her all to themselves.