Eurovision, Final Preview, no predictions

It 41 days to the Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. The Final will take place on the 24th of May, just like the first ever Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. The new format this year sees only 5 automatic qualoifiers, the Big Four (France, Spain, Germany and the UK) and last years winner and this years hosts Serbia! So there is only 5 songs to be heard. As there is only 5, I wil post the Youtube Videos rather then just link to them

Lets go!

United Kingdom (BBC) respresented by Andy Abraham singing "Even If"
Lyrics

A nice song, though is it enough to reverse the UK's recent results? I dont think so. All in all, it is a nice song, may do well in the charts for Andy.

Germany (NDR) represented by No Angels singing "Disappear"
Lyrics

Now I voted for this song in the German National Final. I love it and can be heard singing along with it on nights out. This will be the entry I will be supporting! Deustchland Über Alles! *Note to self: buy German flag for Eurovision Night!

France (France 3) represented by Sébastien Tellier singing "Divine"
Lyrics

For the first time ever France has entered a song in English!!! When I first heard this song, I didnt like it, though they seamed to have done some work to it. It is a nice song, but it dosent stand out for me, but it does remind me of the beachboys strangely enough.

Spain (TVE) represented by Rodolfo Chikilicuatre singing "Baila el chiki chiki"
Lyrics

If you though Dustin was bad, this worse, much worse! I have to agree with Perez Hilton when he calls it the "Stupidest Song Ever". I'll be cringing in horror when this one comes on! I would say nil points but neighbourly voting will see Andorra and Portugal voting for Spain.

Serbia (RTS) represented by Jelena Tomašević singing "Oro"
Lyrics

Serbia follow up on lasts years winner with another lovely ballad. I like this song, but I think their are stronger ballads in the competition especially Poland. Can Serbia make it two in a row?

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Sources:
Lyrics - Lyrics and Translations
Songs and Running Order - Eurovision Website

Previous Posts:
Eurovision Semi-Final One: Preview and Prediction
Eurovision, Semi Final Two: Preview and Predictions

Eurovision, Semi Final Two: Preview and Predictions

I finally get around to previewing the Second Semi, after I previewed the first one last month. Well it is 40 days to the Second Semi which will take place on Thursday, 22nd of May. Just like the first Semi there are 19 participants. I will again make my Kiss of Death Predictions at the end.

Lets start the show!

1. Iceland (RÚV) represented by Euroband singing "This Is My Life"
Youtube, Lyrics
This song will get the Semi off to a great start. A good fast paced song. The two singers complement each other really well. Its an excellent song, that should do well, do is up against a few pop/dance songs in this Semi, so could face some challenges.

2. Sweden (PVT) represented by Charlotte Perrelli singing "Hero"
Youtube, Lyrics
Charlotte is no stranger to Eurovision having won the 1999 edition for Sweden with "Take Me to Your Heaven". This is her second crack at Eurovision and it is a good song. A nice upbeat pop song, which the Swedes seam to like entering. I think it will do well.

3. Turkey (TRT) represented by Mor ve Ötesi singing "Deli"
Youtube, Lyrics
A rock song! Yay! The first in this semi. Which will set it out from the first two songs, which is important in a music contest. I really like this song, even it is in Turkish. I hope it does well (I used hope, it wont do well! :P ) Its a cool video also.

4. Ukraine (NTU) represented by Ani Lorak singing "Shady Lady"
Youtube, Lyrics
Well we are back with pop/dance songs, coming after Turkey will benifit this song. I am really liking this song. I have Ukrainian friends here, so maybe thats why! NTU picked good with Ani Lorak. It will do well.

5. Lithuania (LRT) represented by Jeronimas Milius singing "Nomads In The Night"
Youtube, Lyrics
The first ballad in this semi, which will probably help Ukraine more then allow this to stand out. I dont like this song. Its too operatic for me. I'm not liking this live version. Maybe Jeronimas will be alright on the night?

6. Albania (RTSH) represented by Olta Boka singing "Zemrën lamë peng"
Youtube, Lyrics
Another ballad, but a better one then Lithuania. I am really liking this song (No, I'm not liking Albania just because they were the only country to vote for Ireland last year!). A very strong chorus, its an impressive song.

7. Switzerland (SRG SSR idée suisse) represented by Paolo Meneguzzi sining "Era Stupendo"
Youtube, Lyrics
Another ballad, but more modern, kind of reminds me of Avril Lavigne. Not sure why! I really like this song. Its melodic, but fast. I think the swiss are on to something here, strange thats its in Italian.

8. Czech Republic (ČT) represented by Tereza Kerndlová sining "Have Some Fun"
Youtube, Lyrics
Back to the pop songs. This is a good entry from the Czechs, but pop songs are becoming dominant in this semi, so it could be hard to qualify for the final. I am liking the song anyway.

9. Belarus (BTRC) represented by Ruslan Alehno singing "Hasta la Vista"
Youtube, Lyrics
Yet another pop song! But its a good one. This semi could prove hard for the pop entries and neighbourly voting could come into it. Its a good song though.

10. Latvia (LTV) respresented by Pirates Of The Sea singing "Wolves Of The Sea"
Youtube, Lyrics
I had to check the date on my Computer, I thought I was back at Karnival! This is the first joke entry for this final, though better then the ones in the first semi final. Its a good song, fast paced and the words make sense, thanks to the costumes! Never knew Latvia had a history of pirates....

11. Croatia (HRT) represented by Kraljevi ulice & 75 cents singing "Romanca"
Youtube, Lyrics
A really nice folksy song. Something that will set it apart in this semi. I dont get the old guy, then again I dont speak serbo-croat (or whatever langauge they are speaking).

12. Bulgaria (BNT) represented by Deep Zone & Balthazar singing "DJ, Take Me Away"
Youtube, Lyrics
Since I came to Germany, I have gotten into Dance/house music as forcasted by some people in YFG! This song is one of my favourites in this semi. It is excellent. I love the start and the rest of the song! Really looking forward to hearing this out if it wins!

13. Denmark (DR) represented by Simon Mathew singing "All Night Long"
Youtube, Lyrics
Now I always love the Danish entry and this year is no exception. It is an excellent sing-a-long type song. I love it.

14. Georgia (GPB) represented by Diana Gurtskaya singing "Peace Will Come"
Youtube, Lyrics
Wow, is all I say. This is a fantastic, powerful ballad. I do mean powerful. Only one other ballad has impressed me this much and that was Poland. If the voting public are in the same mood as last year, this well do very well!

15. Hungary (MTV) represented by Csézy singing "Candlelight"
Youtube, Lyrics
Another ballad from Hungary. Its a nice melodic song and Csézy is a fantastic singer. It has a fabulous chorus and reminds me of those fantatsic Disney ballads.

16. Malta (MBA) represented by Morena singing "Vodka"
Youtube, Lyrics
This song, is one I have mentioned that grows on me. Well it certainly does. Its a fun fast song! A song about alcohol though... hmmm....

17. Cyprus (CyBC) respresented by Evdokia Kadi singing "Femme Fatale"
Youtube, Lyrics
I really like this song as it has a really med feel to it. It also has folk influences, which will always endear it to me! But then it speeds up to make it modern. Its a good song, but no Greek votes in this Semi, so gaurenteed votes for Cyprus.

18. F.Y.R. Macedonia (MKRTV) represented by Tamara ft. Vrcak & Adrian Gaxha singing "Let Me Love You"
Youtube, Lyrics
A nice song from this balkan ecountry. A nice mix modern and folk influences which have been quite to the fore in this semi, but coming after Cyprus coulkd affect that.

19. Portugal (RTP) represented by Vânia Fernandes singing "Senhora do Mar"
Youtube, Lyrics
A ballad to close this semi. Ballads, werent as frequent in this semi as the first one. But do the televoters want another Ballad? It a nice song, but seams fairly bland to me.

So thats it. All 19 entries. Dont forget that France, the UK and Serbia will also be voting in this semi.

Before I give my predictions lets take a look at allkindsofeverthing's predictions for the second semi final. By looking at past voting they came up with the following nine entries

* Ukraine
* Hungary
* Bulgaria
* Sweden
* Malta
* Latvia
* Croatia
* Belarus
* FYR Macedonia

So thats their Predictions but what are mine?

Stephen's Kiss of Death Predictions

So I think the following will get through

* Ukraine
* Sweden
* Bulgaria
* Denmark
* Malta
* Croatia
* Latvia
* Georgia
* FYR Macedonia
* Hungary

There we go. How many will I get right? Time will tell!
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Source:
Lyrics - Lyrics and Translations
Songs and Running Order - Eurovision Website

Previous Post:
Eurovision Semi-Final One: Preview and Prediction

Eurovision Semi-Final One: Preview and Prediction

Its 49 days to the start of the first part of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. It will take place on the 20th of May. Here is a short preview of the 19 contestents in the running order of the Songs in Semi-Final 1. I'll make my usual terrible predictions but they may be updated when I get the CD, which is released the end of April.


Entries

1. Montenegro (RTCG) represented by Stefan Filipović, singing "Zauvijek Volim Te"
Youtube, Lyrics
Good song, I like it. Its one you can click your fingers too! A nice song that will do well I think.

2. Israel (IBA) represented by Boaz singing "The Fire In Your Eyes"
Youtube, Lyrics
I really like this song. Good melody and a strong singer. Has a nice med feel to it. Will qualify I think.

3. Estonia (ETV) represented by Kreisiraadio singing "Leto Svet"
Youtube, Lyrics
The first of this years joke entries. Just take a look at the lyrics translation. Terrible song. I hate it.

4. Moldova (TRM) represented by Geta Burlacu singing "A Century Of Love"
Youtube, Lyrics
Nice blues feel to this song, like the Czech Republic last year. A nice song. Geta is a good singer and performs this song very well. One to watch.

5. San Marino (SMRTV) represented by Miodio singing "Complice"
Youtube, Lyrics
Nice rock feel to this song for San Marino's Debut entry. This is my first time listening to it and I am impressed. Its a really good song. I hope it does well. (thes are good looking too! :P )

6. Belgium (VRT) represented by Ishtar singing "O Julissi"
Youtube, Lyrics
This song is in a non-sensical language. The second time Belgium have done this. The last time they did it, they came second. It reminds me of a Disney song for some reason! I like it, its one you can clap along to!

7. Azerbaijan (İctimai) represented by Elnur & Samir singing "Day After Day"
Youtube, Lyrics
This years second debutant. Another rock song, which im really liking, though I am not a fan of the start of the song as I like my ears! I think the rest of the song makes up for it though. Good to see Lordi still having an influence! An excellent song.

8. Slovenia (RTVSLO) represented by Rebeka Dremelj singing "Vrag Naj Vzame"
Youtube, Lyrics
A nice upbeat song. The first one in this Semi, so that could work to its advantage. I really like this song and think it will do well. Rebeka is a good singer and seams full of energy so could be a good performance in Belgrade.

9. Norway (NRK) represnted by Maria Haukaas Storeng singing "Hold On Be Strong"
Youtube, Lyrics
Not sure if this can be classed as a ballad or not. Im saying not at the moment. Its a good song. I love the beat and Maria is a good singer. It dosent really stand out for me at the moment though.

10. Poland (TVP) represented by Isis Gee singing "For Life"
Youtube, Lyrics
Just past the halfway mark and we will have our first ballad, which I normally dont like but Isis is a fantastic singer and I am hugely impressed with this song! I love it and I think it will do well. It is a vast improvement on Polands entry last year.

11. Ireland (RTÉ) represented by Dustin the Turkey singing "Irelande Douze Pointe"
Youtube, Lyrics
No, No, No. Normally my patriotism has kicked in at this point and I would be supporting Ireland, but god no. Everytime I hear this song it drives me barmy!! Though coming mid-point in the show it could do well enough to qualify, but I doubt. Even Dervish were better then this! I dount even Albania would vote for this!

12. Andorra (RTVA) represnted by Gisela singing "Casanova"
Youtube, Lyrics
I really like this fast paced song. It a really good song. I think this will qualify.

13. Bosnia & Herzegovina (BHRT) represented by Laka singing "Pokušaj"
Youtube, Lyrics
I just dont get it! Very strange song. I really dont get the chicken or whats going but, thats eurovision!!! I dont think this will qualify

14. Armenia (AMPTV) represented by Sirusho singing "Qele, Qele"
Youtube, Lyrics
Good upbeat song, kinda infectious beat to it. Im liking it. Sirusho has a great voice also!

15. The Netherlands (NOS) represented by Hind singing "Your Heart Belongs To Me"
Youtube, Lyrics
The Netherlands has decided not to enter a ballad this year! Yay!!! This is an fabulous song. I really like it! It has a nice Spanish feel to it.

16. Finland (YLE) represented by Teräsbetoni singing "Missä Miehet Ratsastaa"
Youtube, Lyrics
If proof was needed that Lordi have influenced any entries this year, then this is the one! Really good song, looks like they will have a distinctive 'style' on stage also! I wonder how well it will do?? Have we moved on from 2006?

17. Romania (TVR) represented by Nico & Vlad singing "Pe-o Margine De Lume"
Youtube, Lyrics
A traditional balled from Romania, which is hugely influenced by lasts years winner. Im kind of disappointed as Romania normally go for something different. But this is a beautiful song. The two singers are well suited to each other and I think this will qualify easily as it is a lovely song.

18. Russia (RTR) represented by Dima Bilan singing "Believe"
Youtube, Lyrics
Dima's second trip to Eurovision. Good modern pop song. Dosent really stand out for me, but I think Russia is more or less sure of qualification. It is a good song though. It improves at the end. Wondering will he hit the high note in Belgrade though?

19. Greece (ERT) represented by Kalomira singing "Secret Combination"
Youtube, Lyrics
The last song in this semi-final and again is a pop song, which could work against it due to being after Russia. It's a nice song though. Greece have a had a few good entries lately and normally do well. This continues there good picks and will do well.


Opinion and Predictions
This Semi looks like it will be a good show with strong ballads from Poland and Romania as well as some rock from Finland and San Marino. Unfortuantely there is the Joke entries, Ireland, Estonia and Bosnia, which is a pity in my opinion as over the last few years Estonia and Bosnia have entered some good songs. I mentioned a previous prediction before from allkindofeverything.ie which based its prediction on past voting patterns and heres a reminder of theirs:

1. Russia
2. Romania
3. Greece
4. Estonia
5. Israel
6. Armenia
7. Finland
8. Netherlands
9. Norway

So who are my picks?

I am going to try and pick the 10 that will qualify including the one selected by the jury vote though not say which one! So here goes Stephen's Kiss of Death Predictions (Nice title eh?). In no particular order.

Poland
Finland
Russia
Israel
San Marino
Norway
Andorra
Greece
Belgium
Armenia

The difference between my predictions this year and last year is that only nine of the entries in this semi-final wont be going through so the odds are better for me! Also dont forget as well as the 19 entrants, Germany and Spain will be voting in this semi-final.

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Sources:
Lyrics - Lyrics and Translations
Songs and Running Order - Eurovision Website

Eurovision Final!!! Preview

Well last nights semi was very surprising, only 1 of my predictions got through and that was Turkey, which means no Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Denmark or Andorra (my favourites). I voted for Andorra and Denmark, I think my predictions are a kiss of death. I got 4 right last year. Anyway the final is on tomorrow night on RTÉ2 and BBC 2 at 8:00pm. I shall be Instinct watching it on the big screen, so if your around come say hi! Now I'll run through the finalists, with links to their songs and their betting odds from paddypower.com.

Bosnia & Herzegovina (Youtube) 80-1

This year Bosnia and Herzegovina is represented by Marija Sestic with 'Rijeka Bez Imena'. A nice uplifting song. Don't think it will do well.

Spain (Youtube) 66-1

Spain is represented by D'nash with 'I love you mi vida'. Really upbeat song, surprised its so low in the odds, as one of the big four its guaranteed to be in the final next year. A song that I really like!

Belarus (Youtube) 4-1

The first to qualifiers from last nights semi-final, meant to pick this to get through but too late now.... I missed the performance as i was rushing home from work, but Dmitry Koldun obviously impressed with 'Work Your Magic'

Ireland 33-1


Have to show the video, its the Irish entry! Its Dervish with 'They Can't Stop The Spring'. Not in my opinion a great Eurovision song, but they've done a lot of work on it and its sounding great! Could do well as Dervish are known on the continent!

Finland (Youtube) 25-1

Well Finland is represented by Hanna Pakarinen with 'Leave Me Alone'. Its definitely a Lordi influence, why change a winning formula??

FYR Macedonia (Youtube) 40-1

Macedonia qualified last night with 'Mojot Svet' by Karolina Goceva. Nice song! Did very well last night.

Slovenia (Youtube) 25-1

Slovenia also qualified from last night. Very opera as a friend in Kildare remarked last night!!! Its Alenka Gotar with 'Cvet Z Juga'

Hungary (Youtube) 16-1

Hungary also qualified last night represented by Magdi Ruzsa with 'Unsubstantial Blues'. An excellent performance, and should do well. Loving this song.

Lithuania (Youtube) 150-1

An outsider according to the bookies, Lithuania is represented by 4Fun with 'Love Or Leave'. very gentle melodic song. Latin influences definitely to be heard in the beat and guitar.

Greece (Youtube) 16-1

One of my favourite songs in the final its Sarbel with 'Yassou Maria'. In with a good shout, hes gorgeous!!! Real dance one!

Georgia (Youtube) 40-1

Georgia, through the final on their first try! Sopho was fab with 'Visionary Dream'

Sweden (Youtube) 6-1

One of this years favourites (and my mums!) its Sweden represented by the Ark with 'The worrying kind'. With the ESC move next door to Sweden? I hope so, my hopes are on this one at the moment (Spillane kiss of death again?) come on Sweden!!!!!!!!

France (Youtube) 50-1

One of the best French entries in recent years! They are represented by Les Fatals Picards with 'L'amour à la française'. I really like. As ferance is part of the bug four they are automatically in next year!

Latvia (Youtube) 14-1

This proved very popular and performed in the coveted last place in the show. Good odds here and looks like they ahve a shoe in!

Russia (Youtube) 10-1

Russia is represented by Serebro with 'Song Number One'. Really good song, i really like it!! Wonder will win it? Russia have been waiting awhile for it.

Germany (Youtube) 14-1

Germany, another one of the Big 4, is represented by Roger Cicero with 'Frauen Regier'n Die Welt'. Its a very rat pack song. Think it will do well, its growing on me!

Serbia (Youtube) 5-1

One this years favourites, performed very well last night, hence why its here!!! Its Marija Serifovic with 'Molitva'. What a singer!

Ukraine (Youtube) 7-2

This year the Ukraine are represented by Verka Serdyuchka with 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai'. Very strange song, but fun! Its a guy btw... there was war over that!!! They are also the favourites i think (I get very confused with odds like 7-2!)

United Kingdom (Youtube) 33-1

Its Scooch! Singing 'Flying the flag for You'. Loving this song!! So gay! lol!!! It should do well!

Romania (Youtube) 40-1

Romania is represented by Todomondo with 'Liubi, Liubi, I Love You'. Really nice song. Its sung in a few languages so its great fun!!!! Hope it does well!!!

Bulgaria (Youtube) 8-1

Well Elitsa & Stoyan got in with 'Water'. I missed the performance, but i still dont like the song!

Turkey (Youtube) 25-1

My only prediction to get in! Its Kenan DOĞULU with 'Shake It Up Shekerim'! Went down very well last night and I enjoyed the performance, it with a good shout!!!

Armenia (Youtube) 80-1

An outsider in the betting, Armenia is represented by Hayko with 'Anytime You Need'. Hes quite good looking! NIce ballad of song, but no fast paced chorus, cant see it doing well!

Moldova (Youtube) 25-1

Was she wearing a pants last night? Thought it was going to fall off her! Natalia Barbu with 'Fight' qualified for Moldova last night. It was a giood performance!!

Well thats it. I've given sweden the kiss of death, who do you think will win? Leave a comment or email me!

Eurovision!!! Semi-Final Preview

Well its nearly time wooo! The 52nd Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast from the Hartswall Areena, Helsinki, Finland and will be shown on RTÉ 2 and BBC Three at 8.00pm. This is the largest contest ever, so this will be a long post on the Semi-Finalist. The countries are listed in running order.

Bulgaria (Song on youtube)

Bulgaria this year is being represented by Elitsa TODOROVA and Stoyan YANKOULOV with a song called 'Water'. Its is a very rhythmic song with haunting singing. Its fast paced so should go down well. Just not my cup of tea.

Israel (Song on youtube)

Israel is being represented by a group called Teapacks with a song called 'Push the Button'. A very strong about terrorist's (Israel knows all about this). Its in English and French. I don't like it. Its not very often I like the Israeli song neway...

Cyprus (Youtube)

Cyprus is being represented by Evridiki with a French language song 'Comme Ci, Comme Ça' (which means okay). Its a good song, one of my favs this year. Good fast dance tune! one to dance to!

Belarus (Youtube)

Belarus is being represented this year by Koldun (HOT!) with a song called 'Work Your Magic'. One of the best entries from the Belorussians in recent years. Its a nice song, along the lines of the Rasmus et al. I really like it and may have to do a post on Dmitry Koldun over on my other blog . lol

Iceland (Youtube)

Iceland is represented this year by Eiríkur HAUKSSON with 'Valentine Lost'. Slow rock song, cant see it getting out of the semi's. Its a pity cause I've really enjoyed past Icelandic entries especially last years!

Georgia (Youtube)

The first débutante in this years contest is Georgia represented by Sopho with 'Visionary Dream'. Its a very good song. Real melting pot of new and old, and east meets west. Could do very well. Sopho, is a very excellent sing also.

Montenegro (Youtube)

Another débutante, but only by default! Montenegro normally takes part as part of Serbia and Montenegro. This year, since they are now independent, they are represented by Stevan Faddy with 'Ajde Kroci'. Tis a realy good song, which i enjoy.

Switzerland (Youtube)

One of this year favourites and mine too! Switzerland is represented this year by DJ Bobo with 'Vampires are Alive'. Love this song, and is proving very popular! Should do well during and after the contest!

Moldova (Youtube)

The Moldovan entry this year is Natalia Barbu with 'Fight'. A very good song, nice with rock backing. Lordi really have influenced alot of entries this year.

The Netherlands (Youtube)

Now the Netherlands is represented by Edsilia Rombley with 'On Top of the World'. Now the dutch have learned a bit, their song starts out like a ballad but speeds up, thank god, a nice song, but i dont think it will do well enough to get out of the semi's.

Albania (Youtube)

Albania is represented by Aida & Frederik Ndoci with 'Hear my plea'. A very traditional song, not in the current eurovision mould at all...

Denmark (Youtube)

Denmark song is fab this year. They are represented by DQ with 'Drama Queen'. The first of the draq queens! I love this song and I hope it does well!!

Croatia (Youtube)

Croatia is represented by Dragonfly feat. Dado Topic with 'Vjerujem u ljubav'. Nice song, not eurovisiony in my mind, but then again neither was lordi....

Poland (Youtube)

Poland is represented with the Jet Set with 'Time to Party'. Nice song, fast paced. Good Party Song.

Serbia (Youtube)

Serbia, like Montenegro, is taking part on its own this year. They are represented by Marija Serifovic with 'Molitva'. A ballad, in the traditional sense, cant see it getting out of the semi's but it will get the neighbourly votes...

Czech Republic (Youtube)

Another débutante, the Czech Republic is represented by Kabát with 'Malá dáma'. Its very much in the Lordi vein of Eurovision! Good rock song!

Portugal (Youtube)

The Portuguese are back on form after last years terrible entry. They are represented by Sabrina with 'Dança Comigo'. Good song, with a latin 'shake your hips' feel to it.

FYR Macedonia (Youtube)

the FYR this year is represented by Karolina Goceva with 'Mojot Svet'. An excellent song, with the easy bit to sing along with! "Najna najna, nanana najna" :D

Norway (Youtube)

Another one of my favourites from this year. Norway is represented by Guri Schanke with 'Ven A Bailar'. An excellent song, have being listening to it alot. SO has grown on me hugely. hopefully Norway will not get nil points again this year....

Malta (Youtube)

This year Malta is represented by Olivia Lewis with 'Vertigo' (not the U2 song obv!). Not an excellent song, but should do respectfully enough cant see it getting out of the semi's, considering competition is really though this year!

Andorra (Youtube)

Now the Andorrans really have payed attention to whats popular at the moment musically. They are respresented by Anonymous with 'Salvem el món (Let's save the world)'. Real punk rock (my fav) and I hope does well for the Principality!!!

Hungary (Youtube)

Hungary are represented by Magdi Ruzsa with 'Unsubstantial Blues'. Now this is different. Full of soul and feeling, but not your traditional ballad. One that has gotten into my heart I must say.

Estonia (Youtube)

Estonia is represented by Gerli Padar with 'Partners In Crime'. A song in the real Eurovision vein. Easy listening, and fun!

Belgium (Youtube)

The Belgians are being represented this year by KMG's with 'Love Power'. Now this is a real Danascene song (Cork regulars to freakscene will get that reference). It has a real retro feel to it, and i like....

Slovenia (Youtube)

Slovenia is being represented by Alenka Gotar with 'Cvet Z Juga'. Now the Slovenians havent departed much from their usual type of entry, traditional sounding song, with a fast backing track!

Turkey (Youtube)

Turkey is represented this year by Kenan DOĞULU with 'Shake It Up Shekerim'. Turkey always have good songs IMO, this has a Justin Timberlake meets East feel to it. An excellent song!

Austria (Youtube)

Austria are back after a one year sabbatical with Eric Papilaya singing 'Get A Life, Get Alive'. An excellent fast paced song, upbeat and fun! Hope it does well!

Latvia (Youtube)

Last but not least we have Latvia, represented by Bonaparti.lv with 'Questa Notte'. Opera comes to Eurovision! It is a Latvian version of Il Divo, its a nice song, but will it do well? It a bit of gamble

My hopes. The ten songs I hope get through are
Austria
Switzerland
Andorra
Turkey
Norway
Belgium
Estonia
Denmark
Montenegro
Portugal

Enjoy the show tonight. Feel free to leave your predictions as comments or disagree with me on anything!