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Maybe thats why it lives on as a camp spectacle withfraught geopolitical undertones.
But however you feel about the proceedings, its really the songs that deserve the shine.
And this year there are some real contenders.
It is practically my birthright to choose a favorite and have it come in nearly last place.
Well start with the collective favorites and then end on my personal favorites.
Hopefully within either group youll find a song to root for.
(Remember, this contest is really supposed to be about the songwriting!)
Its fun to watch a country completely switch strategies, and this one might just pay off.
(Lyrical example: How many pennies in the slot?)
Bonus:Heres Duncan singing Iris onThe Voice.He didnt win.
A girl group named OG3NE actuallywon, and went on torepresent the Netherlands in the 2017 Eurovision.
The latter takes an upbeat turn, but suffers from a generic-lyrics problemthat is arguably Swedens heritage.
Bonus:I sawAustralias entry from last yearlive during the semifinals and the crowd went nuts.
Jessica Mauboy was robbed!
Odds:8:1
Russia: Sergey Lazarev, Scream
Russia is ranked high this year because …
I honestly have no idea.
This song is slow, boring, overwrought, and totally meaningless.
represented Russia in Eurovision in 2003.They came in third place.
(The BDS movement hasasked themto withdraw.)
Is Roi a particularly good song?
Hassani also happens to bean adorable YouTuber complete with a sign-on catchphrase (Bonnnn-soir Pariiiiis!)
and a video calledJE REPONDS AUX RUMEURS SUR MOI!that translates to I RESPOND TO RUMORS ABOUT ME.
Okay, maybe we do stan.
Bonus:Heres Hassani singingAustrian Eurovision winnerConchita Wursts Rise Like a Phoenixon FrancesThe Voice Kidsin 2015.
Okay, thats kind of inspiring.
(Again, this is according to me … an American.)
Thus, his dance-pop Eurovision entry is a bit of a departure.
(Which didnt come without controversy.)
Italy: Mahmood, Soldi
Soldi (or Money) has already hit No.
1 on the Italian pop charts, and is a big fan favorite this year.
Mahmood originallyauditioned for the ItalianX Factorbut didnt make it too far.
He sounds a bit like an Italian-speaking Adam Levine, right?
Soldi is really catchy, and has a noticeably Moroccan feel (Mahmood is part Egyptian).
Cyprus: Tamta, Replay
I appreciate that Cyprus entered another tasty banger this year.
Its entry last year,Fuego,honestly shouldve been the big winner.
(Dont come for me, Netta fans!)
entries that the song contest is practically known for, but this one is fun!
His entry is not good, but its important that you know what hes up to.
