NowNewMusic Contest #38 | September 2019

Once again, the results presentation format doesn't have the correct tie-breaks. Germany is 11th, Zimbabwe is 12th, Laos is 21st, Kazakhstan is 22nd. All other placements in the scoreboard shown in the video is correct.

I must say, I think this was a very strong Grand Final. I would've wanted to give points to about two-thirds of the entries here, but alas, I could only give points to ten. Don't be surprised if I say you're underrated even if you got no points from me.

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The inevitable "AQ will place last" goes to the host country for the second edition in a row. I didn't think much of this (and all of Charli's recent songs tbh).
29th is too low imo, but it wasn't going to be one of the strongest to begin with.
Quite underrated. It's a bop! I think people's ears aren't used to hearing this kind of act for South Korea.
Another underrated one! At least Mon Laferte qualified again and she brought Mexico to the final for the first time in around a year.
UNDERRATED! I repeat, UNDERRATED! You were my , and for you to place this low is a crime against humanity (and the environment since its protection was the song's message). It's the best entry sent for San Marino in years.
Another one that's too low. Such an edgy entry that really stood out to me a lot.
I'm saying this again. Too low. I think this personally might be my favorite Austrian entry.
It's a slick track (which I didn't realize was a reinterpretation of a popular Balkan classic until later on). It's okay to me, but hey, Slovenia finally broke its own AQ curse by not placing last.
One of Kazakhstan's strongest entries this year imo. Gave you my . So good to see a "-stan" back in the final at least.
It's Laos' first final, and considering the field, it did very well. Personally, I wanted you to be higher. I gave you my .

In the contrary, this is very overrated. I've never been a huge fan of Medina's music. *shrug*
I mean, Gia Woods does send good pop songs, which I can't fault her for. So far, all her entries have been final-worthy, but none are outstanding.
Meh. Should be lower.
Brazil has served better bangers in the best. This is okay, though it's too high of a placement for my liking.
Such a nice ballad. Unlike most entries in the bottom half which I think placed either too low or too high, this one is placed just right.
I'm pleased to see Bulgaria back in the final, but this song is not it. Another one that's too high imo.
Gutted to see this miss the top 10. I gave it , so it was one of my favorites. If it weren't for those last few votes, all council members would be in the top 10, but a return to the final is always triumphant.
Taiwan doing this well reminds me of the good old days when Taiwan dominated NNMC. I know, Taiwan? Dominating a contest? It's crazy nowadays. As for the song, it's one of the nicer ballads I've heard from there.
Never been into this. I personally find this overrated.
Another one that could've been in the top 10. 11th is fine though. It's such an interesting track that it stands out. You got from me.

Eh... top 10 is too high imo, but it deserved to do well at least in the top half, so I'm not upset over it.

Yet another surprise for me. Though this wasn't one of my personal favorites, I get why it did well.

No. It's atrocious. The chicken looks tasty though.

Despite some dislikes, the hype around her return lived up. I actually think it's a decent comeback song for Indila and an interesting change in direction. I gave it my .

Another one of my favorites. You got from me. Also happy that you're on a 2-edition qualification streak. Can you make it 3?

Not as good as "Soldi," but still a great song nonetheless. 5th place is deserved imo. I gave you .

Another great entry from Finland. It also deserved to place this high. I would have been as pleased if this was in the top 3 despite not giving this points. And I believe this is Chisu's second top ten placement (her first was in 2016 iirc).

The strongest USA entry to date IMO. It got from me. This is the closest the USA has been to winning NNMC since 2016. It's honestly one of the countries that is most overdue for a win. Maybe we'll get it with a new player. Hopefully, Tufkai gets the USA draw going ASAP. In the meantime, USA will be AQ next edition.

This was my 11th place, so I figured it would be a contender, and I was right. Second place is great! It's very different from some of the typical music I've heard. It deserved to place this high, but not win imo. Regardless, congratulations on getting second place! Maybe Sweden will win again someday.

It's a pleasant surprise to see my win this edition. I didn't think it had the chances. However, since it actually won, I've very excited. It's such a strong ballad that I know Spain is capable of delivering (just like the last time Spain won). Congratulations, Marcos on your first personal win, and giving Spain its second win overall.