Last year the Norwegian producer JOWST declared “#UKxJOWST is officially dead” after the BBC rejected the three songs he had submitted to the Eurovision: You Decide selection. Now the “Grab the Moment” songwriter has weighed in on the six versions of the three songs that did make the cut.

JOWST represented Norway at Eurovision 2017, where his song “Grab the Moment” scored a tenth-place finish. Since then, he’s been eager to share his talents with the UK and submitted three songs to the Eurovision: You Decide 2019 open submission, including “Everybody Knows”. Sadly the BBC weren’t interested in any of his songs.

Back in October, JOWST said that the BBC “actually think that my 3 best songs/demos are worse than ALL the songs they will have in their national final.” And now, with the six entries of Eurovision: You Decide having been released, JOWST has finally been able to judge for himself.

Forget the Wiwi Jury — here’s the JOWST Jury. The producer and songwriter has listened to the six UK entries and has shared his thoughts.

JOWST Jury – Eurovision: You Decide 2019

Michael Rice – “Bigger than Us”

Nice voice. The song would probably sound so much better if it was one or two semitones higher. And it sounds like a Swedish pop song from 2016. Like the Sabina Ddumba song “Not Too Young”.

Score: 6/10

Holly Tandy – “Bigger than Us”

This is actually “almost really good”. It sounds a little like Clean Bandit’s single “I Miss You”, production-wise. I hope she will be able to convey more personality through her performance. Because now she sounds like a teacher, demonstrating how to sing the song. It comes across as too “correct”. And I hope they will be able to change that cheesy dance kick in there.

Score: 8/10

Jordan Clarke – “Freaks”

Let’s sing along to the chorus, everyone! With the arms up, from side to side, while smiling! And you can bring your kids! He has a nice voice, etc. The song is just more suited for a children’s show than as a serious Eurovision entry.

Score: 3/10

MAID – “Freaks”

What’s up with doing songs for Eurovision that sound like they’re from a musical? It would be great for that type of scene. It’s a nice song and production, but not very current. It doesn’t feel dated — just in the wrong place.

Score: 4/10

Kerrie-Anne – “Sweet Lies”

This song is actually cool and she suits it. This could be a disaster if she has a big dress that no one would ever wear, sings a little bit pitchy and smiles a lot, with cameras flowing over the scene like they only do at Eurovision. Can be 9/10 but could also be 5/10 if the ones deciding everything f*** up big time.

Score: 8/10

Anisa – “Sweet Lies”

She sings the song as if it is a 2000s R&B song, and the production sounds a little like that as well. This could have been a big hit back then, but now it feels dated. Nice voice though.

Score: 5/10

What do you think? Do you agree with JOWST’s reviews? Should the BBC have used one of his songs? Would you like to read more jury reviews from JOWST? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!