The 2005 international final has just ended. A few moments ago a panel of 30 judges from 12 different countries chose the winners from the best of unsigned talent from around the world that showcased in the Tauber valley. For once, instead of talking about the bands (which were reviewed simultaneously by the brilliant Wiz of Oz) I will talk about the conversations and few judges “secrets” I heard backstage during the 3 days there. From the beginning, the “backstage rumors” were giving The Naives (Spanish band from Madrid) as the week-end favorites. Their strong presence in all the compilations was a clear indication of their strong tunes and a lot was expected out of them so so Friday went by with the judges awaiting that Saturday night that saw The Naives performance. Much to everyone''s surprise the other Spanish band from Barcelona, 16th solid spread, won a few of the judges and were welcomed by the crowd only please to see a bunch of young people play great pop tunes. The other band with a “high reputation” (and expected by the jury) was Echovalve, who unfortunately were stuck in London due to the “strike of the century” from British Airways & co. they were then substituted by Kill the Nice Guy, a group from Florence, Italy, which was another pleasant surprise due to their originality and quiet stage approach. The Band from France, Lik…Id was one of the best live rock groups there this week-end ( heard it straight from a judge). While in conversation with the jury after the first day, we said: “and if the festival should finish today, we would take the French, the Band from Barcelona second, with a third spot given to Pummel, the Scottish band that were young, fresh and very enjoyable”. The second day would introduce the “heavyweight” bands for the week - end. Indra, From Manchester put a wonderful performance and was favourite amongst some judges but needed that extra something to win overall. The real surprise were Rock Hard Power Spray from Aarhus, Denmark. They hit the judges like a lightning bolt on a clear day. I saw people''s faces and understood something was right. They rocked with a set that was pure Rock and Roll At 7pm on Saturday, the other French group, Chugga Chugga, was scheduled to play but the strike in London kept them stranded there while they were recording their album, so an old acquaintance of the festival, No Radical Change, a four piece from Livorno, Italy were called up as special guests and made a 20 hour drive to be there. Just as well, as they tore the stage down much to the appreciation of many hard rock fans. As usual, a phenomenal performance and a true testament that hard rock bands from Italy should be exported just like that country''s soccer games we watch on television. It''s their moment: The Naives get on stage and look nervous, maybe they know a lot is expected from them given that their tunes have been on rotation on the judges iPods for the past few weeks. It''s not their moment, they make a few mistakes and from there it''s a very difficult hill to climb. Pity. The final is almost over when the last band gets on stage. Natives of The New Dawn from Detroit, Michigan, tear the stage apart with a fantastic performance, which has got everybody dancing and shaking to their powerful blend of funk, rock and hip-hop. The judges seem to be shifting from the Danish towards the Americans now. At this stage, the jury agrees that the Danish and the Americans are the 2 best bands so far and they are the 2 possible winners even though they have very different musical styles. The night ends with good performances and it begins with never-ending conversations and specific musical analysis by the members of the jury (never seen so many dedicated music people on a panel of judges). On Sunday, 2 bands were left before the judges could wrap up the voting and make their final assessment. Echovalve from Atlanta, Georgia makes one of those rare entrances with so much power<