Considering Bulgaria had such a bad run at Eurovision, they have really managed to turn things around in recent years. They have had a few close calls, but could this have been the year that Bulgaria triumphs with Victoria and her song, Tears Getting Sober?
Anita (Eurovision Union)
Song and Vocals
We have had some incredible songs from Bulgaria lately, from If Love Was a Crime, which was a total banger, to Beautiful Mess and Bones, which were stunning contemporary entries. Tears Getting Sober really falls into this identity that Bulgaria has created with the previous entries. It’s a bit dark, but it’s totally up to date.
Everything about this song screams potential winner. The music and instrumentation is perfect, the simplicity of the piano backing Victoria in the verses is absolutely stunning. The melody, wow, again, just totally beautiful. I love the way that the song grows over the 3 minutes, and even though we don’t get a huge moment through the song, the tension is still created through that bridge, leading into the final chorus. This is such a simple sounding song, but I love the intricacy of the backing music matched with her stunning vocals.
Speaking of which, Victoria has shown us that she has the vocals to back this up. From start to finish, she is totally angelic, and the performance and song is completely genuine. This song would have stood out immensely, and for all the right reasons.
Performance and Act
We haven’t heard too much about the potential staging for this yet, however there was such a big potential here. Something intimate like the music video would have looked incredible from the perspective of a home viewer. Perhaps they could have set the scene as in the music video, as I think it perfectly captures the essence of the song. Bulgaria have managed to back their songs with strong staging concepts, and I don’t think there would have been an exception this year. It’s such a shame we won’t get to see this.
Next Up: 2021
Bulgaria is returning with Victoria next year, and I suspect they are coming to win, just as they did this year. I think keeping a collaboration with star songwriter Borislav Milanov would be a wise move, and although Tears Getting Sober is a hard song to top, I have faith that we will see Bulgaria return with another contender. I am looking forward to seeing what they will pull out of the bag.
Conclusions
Winner alert? It was certainly possible, and dare I say, likely that Bulgaria would have finished on top. It would have had to fight off the likes of Iceland, but if Europe and Australia was feeling a more intimate winner, this was it. If they can come up with something equally if not more competitive next year, watch out, because Bulgaria is coming for the crown.
Rating
10/10
Dennis (ESCDaily)
Song and Vocals
Wow, what a gem. Such a waste we won’t hear this song live at Eurovision. Let’s start with the song. I think Bulgaria had a very impactful song. Pure, raw emotion. This works, at Eurovision, and in life. People always pick up sincerity and genuineness. Victoria is a talented upcoming singer and her performance of this song could have been her big international breakthrough.
Performance and Act
The video clip is already an artistic masterpiece, but this song also lends itself for a beautiful intimate staging on the big live stage. Keeping it small and focus on the raw emotions, but also add some visuals effects to add to the story of the song. Bulgaria knows how its done, as we can all remember from the Kristian Kostov staging in 2017.
Next up: 2021
Yes, Victoria will come to Rotterdam in 2021 to try and take the trophy home to Sofia after all. This already confirms the first important step: Bulgaria stays in the contest. We know their financial situation isn’t great, so that’s a good start. Victoria already was high in the odds before her song came out, and that is based on past performances. She is a big upcoming star and will remain that next year of course. However, they had such a strong song with winner potential. It is hard to top or equal that next year. Bulgaria needs to start from scratch, when the wounds of not being able to perform ‘Tears getting sober’ at Eurovision have become a scar.
Conclusions
I think Bulgaria had it all in 2020. A gifted singer, great composition and emotional delivery. Bulgaria came close to victory in 2017, and I think they had a very real chance to go all the way in 2020. It is one of the nations that is most hurt by the cancellation of the contest. Because coming up with such a pearl again, is a difficult task at hand.
Rating
10/10
Additional Scores from Eurovision Union and ESCDaily editors:Â
Brandon: 9.5/10
Steef:: 8.5/10
Joshua: 9/10
Selim: 10/10
Heath: 8.5/10
Kaitlin: 9/10
Average Score:Â 9.3/10
What do you think of Tears Getting Sober? Follow our Eurovision 2020 reviews here.