Only two countries has yet to select their artist (Sweden and Lithuania).
I'm not overly impressed with this year's line up thus far, but some songs are really impressing me.
Here is my current ranking and general comments.
***So far only 3 songs (Italy and Bulgaria could be 4) are completely in a non-English language (Bosnia, Albania, and Macedonia). About 4 others songs thus far are in 1/2 English/other language.***
My current top 37 (no Lithuania, Czech Rep, Azerbaijan, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Serbia). Although Sweden, Serbia, and Azerbaijan can produce some serious contenders. Czech and Bulgaria generally do poorly, even with good songs. Lithuania can be a wild card, but historically speaking, not a huge threat.
37. Montenegro-Not really sure what's happening here. After last year's masterpiece, sad to see this. The Balkan ballads are what I look forward too. Some of the guys are hot though.
36. San Marino-They hired this guy?!!? This song might do better with the proper staging. This guy is supposedly famous, but what a boring-ass song. Valentina, where are you?!
35. Greece-This might be the WEAKEST Greek entry...since SAGAPO!!! Where are the Greek babes and studs? Where is the power? The voices are SO weak.
34. Denmark-Generic crap. Last year was MUCH stronger, which isn't saying much.
33. Ireland-More generic crap. At least he's cute. No finals for Ireland...again!
32. Georgia-I am interested to hear this one live. My only problem with the song is the singer's voice has no strength. The music itself is nice and it's different. Georgia always sends some unique, non-Eurovisiony stuff.
31. Israel-Israel is either a dud or spectacular. Dud this year. LAME!
30. Romania-ZZZZZZZZ. Boring, BUT he seems like he'll have a strong presence live. I'm thinking he can belt it out.
29. Bosnia and Herzegovina-The first 10 seconds of this song are promising, but then it gets progressively worse. Deen sucks...DON'T LET HIM NEAR EUROVISION. And he's so creepy looking. This song is a mess, girl!
28. Macedonia-3rd time, NOT A CHARM. Kaliopi is a queen. I hope she changes this song up and brings her incredible live presence to the stage. She has a unique voice and this song doesn't showcase it all.
27. Armenia-She doesn't sing. I saw her music before and was excited for Armenia, but WTF!? The song sounds cool...but SHE DOESN'T SING!
26. Netherlands-This song could grow on me. Different and upbeat sound. Reminds me of "Me and My Guitar", so could rank very high.
25. Belarus-If he cleans up his vocals he could do decently. However, I can't imagine this making finals. Belarus was robbed last year, but this year they don't quite deserve finals. Although I do think the song is catchy, IF the vocals are on par, which they haven't been.
24. Slovenia-Not my style, but cute. Her accent is pretty strong too, so it's a little funky to me. Slovenia has some GREAT acts. Not sure what happened here.
23. Moldova-Cheap and generic, but the chorus has some potential. I honestly see myself listening to this song in a European club, but not sure it has Eurovision material.
22. Switzerland-The song is interesting and her look is great, but vocally the song isn't strong. Her qualifying performance had some terrible sounding moments too. I think she'll place higher, but not my personal fave.
21. Finland-Funny, this girl has rhythm and style, and she can actually sing, yet she is not memorable at all. Excited to see what she does live.
20. Russia-Generic, but a bit more interesting and edgy. He's hot and I'm sure his staging will be fun. Russia won't place this low, but I don't know if it's all that great. Russia 2013 is still da bomb.
19. Belgium-I don't understand the hate for this song. It's catchy, cute, and she sings with a lot of passion. Not sure she'll make finals, but I think she has potential to perform memorably.
18. Poland-I actually like this better than Margaret. I like the passion and sound of the song. His appearance will also garner some attention. I think Margaret could've place higher, but her vocals are a bit shakier I think.
17. Malta-Ira is a queen. Not sure if she'll be rewarded for her past results. Chameleon was catchy and she's beautiful. Not sure if her new song will be any better. I tend to like Malta and I liked Ira's song.
16. United Kingdom-Originally this song creeped me out. A bit homoerotic and awkward. But as I've heard it a few times I do think it's cute and catchy. Certainly one of UK's better entries recently (although Princess Queen Molly deserves that distinction). Not sure they'll do well, but it's a better effort for UK!
15. Spain-This song is so...overrated! However, I understand the hype about it. I don't quite get Barei and admittedly I'm sad Spain sent a song in English. She actually sings with passion, but the song itself just doesn't really give me any emotion.
14. Croatia-I HOPE, HOPE, HOPE Croatia does well with this! They've been absent and even prior, they've had mediocre results. Not only should it make finals, but it should go far in finals. Has a modern and unique sound.
13. Australia-Dami is a great artist it seems and can sing! But the song isn't memorable yet. I suspect some pretty spectacular wardrobe and staging for this one.
12. Germany-I couldn't get passed the outfit originally. However, the song is modern and has a cool sound. I think the staging could be spectacular for this one too. Hoping she does well.
11. Cyprus-They can definitely bring the house down I think. They also have a different sound. They remind me of a maNga-type performance. However, it's Cyprus, so they'll probably get a painfully low ranking they don't deserve (although last year they incredibly overrated).
10. Italy-I love this specific artist. She seems like your everyday meek, nerdy college girl. But she sings with passion in a beautiful language. I don't understand Italian, but she seems as if she's telling a good story lol.
9. Ukraine-The strangest entry this year for sure, but it works. I'm interesting in seeing how this one is regarded by the European audience. I think many will be sympathetic to Ukraine. Vocally she needs to improve a bit.
8. France-Cute song and super catchy. I wasn't overly impressed with the live version. If I based it off the live version, this song would be lower. But I'll give Amir a chance!
7. Estonia-Ok, this man is so gorgeous and that voice! This song is slowly gaining favor. I love the sound and his presence is great.
6. Hungary-Hot man who can sing! This seems to be a theme. Normally I love the girls of Eurovision, but the men are strong too! The power and passion in this song is great. Strongest Hungarian entry for a while I think. Maybe the strongest.
5. Albania-I LOVE this song. I love the Albanian language. She, in my opinion, sings with the most passion. The song is so powerful, but her vocals concern me. If she sings well it could be my favorite.
4. Austria-This song makes me happy and it's in a non-English language. Her wardrobe, staging, and personality is fantastic! Love it!
3. Latvia-THis song is just great. Latvia went from being...lame and cheesy to cutting edge and modern. Not only do I love the actual country of Latvia, but this song gives me the chills. He is also a beautiful, beautiful man!
2. Iceland-I still cringe at moments about her vocals, which really says something about this #2 ranking. I love Greta and this song is so fun!
1. Norway-Ok Norway, you slay me! This girl is HOT, slightly reminds me of Margaret Berger, and has such a unique song. I get goosebumps during the change ups. She is the best thus far, and hopefully Europe recognizes that!
