REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: SERBIA!

Following one years absence, Serbia are returning with Bojana Stamenov - a fantastic singer - and a song composed by Vladimir Graić. The guy behind Serbia's 2007 winning entry. Is history about to repeat itself? Find out what we think below...

Ana: I have a problem with this song - I really like the beginning but when it turns into a dance song I don’t like it at all. What could have been a very good entry is a real mess due to that mix of styles. I don’t like the staging either. In short: good raw material and not very good final result. 6/10

Ilkar: Like Macedonia this song's points drop because the original version was much better. I like her a lot, and I do like the song. But in English it just doesn't feel right. ”Finally I can say, Yes, I'm different and it's ok”. Ok, it tries to give a statement and be for a cause. I think it fails big time. Being too underlining may work in advertising but not in a real song. Shame. 4.5/10

Jack: For some reason, this entry reminds me of San Marino 2013. I fear the Serbs may end up with a similar result... Bojana does have an wonderful voice but I do wish she was singing in Serbian. I'm not convinced with the final version either as the lyrics are a tough embarrassing. I did expect more. 4/10

Jess: Bojana has such a lovely voice, and her song is brilliant! 7/10

John: In a word - dreadful! Apparently attempting to be two songs in one, it just doesn't work - not an any level. I am trying to find a redeeming feature here but have drawn a blank. No joy for Serbia this year. 3/10

OUR VERDICT - 24.5/50
OVERALL SCORE - 4.9/10

Spain: Giuseppe Di Bella to join Edurne on stage!

Last year Giuseppe Di Bella danced with Ruth Lorennzo on her video-clip, and now it's been announced that he will join Edurne on stage in Vienna. It's unknown whether the Italian dancer will dance with Edurne or alone... Watch him in action below!

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: FYR MACEDONIA!

The Macedonians were first to select their song for Vienna - back in early November - and following a major revamp and translation, we have Autumn Leaves. Is Daniel Kajmakoski's entry good enough to qualify? Should they have stuck to the original version? So many questions!! Here's our thoughts.....

Ana: I know that this is quite an unpopular opinion but I like this song. It hasn't anything very special but the truth is that I don’t get tired of it. Maybe it's because it's a very normal, natural and non-prefabricated song. Anyway, I don't know if we’ll see Daniel in the final. 7/10

Ilkar: Oh what have you done. I liked this with the original arrangement and in Macedonian so much better! This feels like a washed down, slowed down, standardized version of it. Maybe they tried to ”modernize” it. For me it is making it boring. He has got a great voice and the melody is nice though. Original would have gotten 8.5 this one gets only 6.5/10

Jack: Totally loving this one. The original version was just okay for me, nothing to write home about so to speak, but the new version has something. It's really good but not amazing... Hopefully Daniel will qualify however semi final one will be incredibly tough.. It can go either way but I see another non qualification for Macedonia. 8.5/10

Jess: Daniel's voice is incredible, and the song is quite nice. 6/10

John: Now here's one I am really loving at the minute. Macedonia has never had a high profile at ESC but this year could change all of that with this excellent entry by Daniel Kajmakoski . Great song, with a sort of quality, I can see how it would make a big impression on a big stage. 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 36/50
OVERALL SCORE - 7.2/10

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REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: ESTONIA!

Elina and Stig won Estonia's national selection with an overwhelming 79% of the vote and Estonia are among the favourites to take the title in Vienna. But is their song good enough to go all the way?

Ana: This is considered one of the best entries and I can understand it since the song is modern and fresh and the lyrics are really good. Probably, they haven’t the best voices of this year Eurovision but it won’t be a problem for them because they have a good song, a good staging and above all, lots of fans. 8/10

Ilkar: I love the retro 60's arrangement, the deep lazy way of Stig's singing in contrast to Elina's more crispy voice. They are telling a story and the song is like a little melancholic play. Loved it since the first time I heard it. It also sticks out from the other countless duets this year. 10/10

Jack: After failing to qualify last year, Estonia are back with a little cracker! Goodbye To Yesterday is one of my favourites and I really think they will do well in Vienna. A possible winner if they perform it well. Tallinn 2016 is more than possible... 10/10

Jess: This song is so brilliant and the way Elina & Stig perform is so magical. It is a big favourite of mine! 8/10

John: A strong melody is the saviour of this song. The live vocals sound at times flat - almost tuneless - but might well have improved by the time the big event comes round. This could be a dark horse. 7/10

OUR VERDICT - 43/50

OVERALL SCORE - 8.6/10

Sweden: Anton Ewald admits to taking cocaine!

Aftonbladet reports that Anton Ewald has admitted to taking cocaine and marijuana due to anxiety. He told them:

I slept and had anxiety. I am ashamed that it happened and regret that it happened. I was in the studio and be creative and drove me both cocaine and marijuana, one hour later the police came to the neighbor complained about loud music. They thought we had a party, and so we were frisked and had to do pee test and it became questioning. It was a humiliating process, and the anxiety I had, I still have anxiety

The Swedish singer will most likely only get a fine and won't go to jail. Anton said on Instagram:

I chose to talk about this publicly because I want you to hear it from me personally. I regret what I did that night and it was a big mistake. I am ashamed incredible for the choice I made, mainly because I made ​​the people in my presence disappointed in me.

Everyone has made mistakes and I'm not here to judge. I wish him all the best. Heartthrob Anton has participated in Melodifestivalen twice and now wants to focus on the future, which naturally includes writing new songs and singing. :-)

200,000 HITS: THANK YOU!

Another milestone. I actually reached 200,000 hits last week although only noticed today. Some might not see this as a major achievement but it's something I'm very proud of. And 133 countries have also visited this blog since May 2013. So thank you to everyone who has supported this site. Where would I be without you? Here's to the next 200,000 :-) I'll leave you with one of my favourite songs....

Finland: David Hasselhoff supports Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät!

The Hoff has Tweeted his support for the Finnish representatives, PKN, saying they're an inspiration. I agree. Even though I dislike their song, best of luck to them! Kari Aalto, the bands lead singer, said:

Every person with a disability ought to be braver. He or she should themselves say what they want and do not want. 

Spain: Watch Edurne perform 'Amanecer' live!

Edurne performed Amanecer live moments ago on "Alaska y Segura", a Spanish TV show. I thought she did a rather good job, even if I bit pitchy at times. Apparently the staging will be completely different in Vienna and may even include dancers. Watch here.

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: GREECE!

Cypriot born and The Voice winner Maria-Eleni Kyriakou is representing Greece this year. Many reckon her song could put an end to Greece's 100% qualification record but what do we think?

Ana: Although she has an amazing voice, this is just one more beautiful woman singing one more ballad. Probably this won’t be enough to stand out. We hear this in Eurovision every year and it’s so classic and typical that it bores me. Anyway, if I’m objective I have to say that it isn't a bad song. 5/10

Ilkar: There are songs that you listen for three minutes and they are well sung, pretty and ok. Yet they move nothing in you, no emotion whatsover. They feel artificial and unoriginal. Not good nor bad. That leave you totally indifferent. A bit like eating at McDonalds. You fill your stomach for a moment but after awhile you don't even remember what you ate and was it good or bad. This song is like that. Where's the moussaka and tzatziki? 2.5/10

Jack: Greece's entry isn't among the favourites this year and I don't know why. Maria's vocals are incredible and it's a great song. Not amazing, but strong and the juries should love her. Like John says below, Greece are underrated this year... and I think that's a shame. I'm sure we'll see Greece in the final once again but then, who knows? A decent, honest effort and it would be a shame if she failed to qualify. 8/10

Jess: Maria has such a lovely voice and the song is so beautiful. Great job Greece! 7/10

John: Surprised by the underwhelming reaction to this year's Greek entry, I have liked and respected this song since first hearing it. Maria Elena has charm, presence, an emotive voice, a good song and just about every other ingredient that goes into making a winner. Somehow, I don't expect she will win but I would not be at all unhappy if she did! 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 30.5/50
OVERALL SCORE - 6.1/10

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: FINLAND!

Finland's entry has raised some eyebrows. The handicapped punk group, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, will stand out in Vienna and will no doubt be the most talked about for obvious reasons. But what about the song? Is it good enough? Here's what we think...

Ana: I absolutely respect the members of this band but I can’t say that their song is good and it’s even worse if you translate the lyrics. The only good thing about it it’s its length: only one minute and a half. I’m sorry for Finland but the 40th place in my top it’s taken for them. 1/10

Ilkar: This is an insult to other artists that took part in the Finnish selection. It's also an insult one can't even critizise them without being labeled a racist or not supporting handicapped people's rights. It has nothing to do with that. It's a bad song performed badly. They could have done so much better. I hope Europe won't fall for the trick to vote for the act, not the song. 0/10

Jack: What can one say? Of course I respect the members of the band -  this should go without saying although I somehow feel this needs saying encase I'm labelled as being disrespectful and harsh towards the members, That's so not that case whatsoever. I'd love nothing more to see Finland and PKN do well - IF they had a stronger song. For me, their entry is simply atrocious. Maybe I just don't get punk but it's 1:27 minutes  of noise... Sorry! 2/10

Jess: Well, PKN have great voices, however I am not a big lover of the song. 7/10

John: A throwback to the punk rock era of the mid-seventies this song would have been out of place in ESC even when punk was at its zenith . Four dacades later it is not only out of place but is proving also to be a painful assault on the aural senses of a very vast majority. Straight from the house of horrors . 1/10

OUR VERDICT - 11/50
OVERALL SCORE - 2.2/10

UK: 1.9 million Brits tune in for 'Eurovision's Greatest Hits'!

The viewing figures are out. An average of 1.89 million Brits watched Eurovision's Greatest Hits last night with an overall share of 9.5%. Not bad but a little disappointing. Channel 4's Gogglebox peaked at 3.07 million views and 3.03 million Brits tuned in for Bear Grylls: Mission Survive on ITV...

Other countries including Sweden will broadcast the show tonight. 

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: THE NETHERLANDS!

Anouk and The Common Linnets have both done wonders for The Dutchies. In 2013, Anouk (who composed Walk Along) was the first Dutch act to qualify for eight years and The Common Linnets even achieved 2nd place last year. Will Trijntje Oosterhuis have the same success? Here's what we think...

Ana: I really like this song, and specially the chorus. It’s very catchy and easy to learn and that’s always a good thing. Anyway, I think that Trijntje will have to work on the staging because I have the feeling that she doesn't know what to do and how to act at some points of the song. 8/10

Ilkar: Why-ay-ay-ay.... This has some good ingredients and she's great and likable but the song is so repetitive. Why-ay-ay-ay? It would be a perfect 2:15 song, the rest is just why-ay-ay..... Why? 4/10

Jack: I adore Walk Along! Maybe the Why-ay-ay-ay is too repetitive and annoying but remember the majority of people won't hear the song until the night itself - so it's going to stick in people's mind. That can only be a good thing. Trijntje's voice is always excellent and I can't wait to see her perform it live.. Hopefully it'll come across well on screen. The Netherlands are so qualifying! But there's something stopping me from awarded her full marks. #TeamLittleTrain. 9.5/10

Jess: The song is really really catchy, and I think Trijntje has brilliant vocals! 7/10

John: Never to be underestimated, The Netherlands provides us with another strong entry this year. The strength of the song lies in its simplicity. With a  catchy tune and a reliable voice, Trijntje delivers what could be another dark horse in the 2015 final. 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 36.5/50
OVERALL SCORE - 7.3/10

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: BELGIUM!

Loïc Nottet was internally selected to represent Belgium back in November. His song is proving to be rather popular but will it be enough to see him qualify in such a tough semi?

Ana: The more I listen to this song, the more I like it. This is different and unique and Loic’s voice is amazing. We are not used to this kind of songs at Eurovision, and I don’t know if this is a bad or a good thing. Anyway, I consider him a real threat for the rest of the contestants. 8/10

Ilkar: Now this is something else. Hopefully he also delivers vocally live. I guess the whole arena will go Ra Pa Pa with him and the rest is history. At least for a good placing? The video is very original, too, but gives us no glues how they will stage this? This is one of those songs that can go horribly wrong or then just triumph on stage. I hope for the latter. 8/10

Jack: When Loïc was chosen to fly the Belgian flag, I really hoped his song would fulfill my expectations and he did. Rhythm Inside is fantastic. Very Lorde. Belgium's entry is very different from all other songs this year.. and in a good way. I think. Will be interesting to see how the staging will work in Vienna and could be one to watch. Maybe. 9/10

Jess: This is such a catchy song, And Loic has such a lovely voice! 6/10

John: Belgium never fails to dare to break new ground. This year's song is no exception. But like many a novel approach in the past (I am thinking Belgium '83) will it be adequately rewarded? If there is a dark horse in ESC 2015, this is surely it. 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 39/50
OVERALL SCORE - 7.8/10

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: ARMENIA!

Armenia opted for supergroup Genealogy to represent their country in Vienna. The group consists of six musicians from different continents but all are of Armenian descent. Genealogy was formed for Eurovision and unofficially to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.. On paper, it sounds very promising but does the song live up to our expectations?

Ana: Although this song is not bad I find it a little repetitive. I think that it would fit better in a musical than in a song contest. Being 6 people with different voices and personalities don’t help them; even it’ll be a problem to design a good staging. 6/10

Ilkar: With all the polemics and change of title where are we now? On paper a very promising act. Great individual voices and a song written for them to win. Shame it doesn't work. It's a musical tune that works when they sing their solo parts even if not still going anywhere. When they sing together it's all over the place and a mess. And why don't they sing even a bit of the song in Armenian? What kind of tribute this is without an Armenian part? Politics aside, this is the worst Armenian entry ever 2/10

Jack: I expected something really good here but I'm afraid Face The Shadow doesn't really reach my expectations. All the artists are very different, and great in their own respective genre - but together? Hmm. Could be a disaster on stage. Remember Switzerland 2006? Armenia will probably make the final. Not for me. 3.5/10

Jess: When I first heard this song I was not sure what to think, but now I really like it! 7/10

John: I have to admit to liking this a lot. With an almost anthemic quality it is a very easy-on-the ear ballad with its trio of strong vocalists. Goes off the rails a bit at 2.30 but gets back on track for the finish. 7/10

OUR VERDICT - 25.5/50
OVERALL SCORE - 5.1/10

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: MOLDOVA!

Moldova opted for Ukrainian heartthrob (yes, that's arguable...) Eduard Romanyuta to represent their country in Vienna. Or did they? Rumours regarding a voting scandal circulated following his win however nothing was proved. Anyway, this is what my little team of reviews think about Moldova's effort...

Ana: This is the most dated entry this year. Maybe 20 years ago it would be OK but not in 2015. The staging is awful and his vocals aren't even good. I can’t imagine this in the final. No way. 1/10

Ilkar: Apparently his video is from his old song. Well, anything is better than his embarrassing stage show in the Moldovan final that would have been the other option I guess. (Let me correct myself: After re-watching the video even the stage show would have been better preview) Expect that in Vienna. With poor vocals and one of the worst songs this year. This is old and unoriginal in every way. 1/10

Jack: Moldova will open the first semi final and therefore officially open the 2015 contest. It's obvious most people hate this song, and even though I don't like it much, I can't deny how catchy the chorus is.. In a year of ballads and mid-tempos, could Moldova be a shock qualifier? I still wish Sunstroke Project won Moldova's national final as Day After Day was epic and would've been a perfect opener! Oh well.. 2/10

Jess: This was one of my favourites in the selection even before the live audition stage, therefore I was so pleased when he was picked. The only thing I would say is that Eduard needs to work on his live vocals a little bit. 7/10

John: Ok, leaving aside the boyband-sounding voice, the pretty image and posturing ie, a sure-fire protegé for Louis Walsh's stable of artists, I actually think this song has something to offer. Or maybe it's just the clever video. It could just have enough going for it to surprise a multitude of cynics on the big night ! 6/10

OUR VERDICT - 17/50
OVERALL SCORE - 3.4/10

EUROVISION'S GREATEST HITS: MY THOUGHTS...

(WARNING: IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS - STOP READING!!!!!)

The Hammersmith Apollo played host to Eurovision's Greatest Hits last night and like many hardcore Eurovision fans, I was there!! It was defiantly a night to remember - I had the opportunity to met so many amazing friends and also saw Valentina Monetta. I was standing in the centre of the arena (near the autocue), and fortunately I didn't have anyone too tall in front of me so I had a great view. Yihuu!

The show itself started with Guy Freeman thanking everyone for attending the show - and then he announced Electro Velvet would perform! They won't appear on the live broadcast though unfortunately however it'll be shown on the Red Button or iPlayer or something... Even though I'm not a lover of their song, they did perform it very well indeed. I was impressed - and Bianca especially sounded great live. They could surprise and even Graham Norton said in a year of ballads, there's a good chance the UK will do well. Graham Norton and Petra Mede were both fantastic hosts. One of the many highlights was Petra saying 'I can't wait to see JOHNNY FUCKING LOGAN!'.

Photographs and videos were prohibited during the performances, however I noticed some people failed to abide to these rules. The photos I took was before the show and during the interval. Emmelie de Forest officially opened the show. I've been a massive fan of Emmelie since she won DMGP 2013, so I was super excited to finally see her live - her stage set included smoke, four dancers and several percussionist. She didn't disappoint. Ann Marie David and The Herreys were both next to perform. They were outstanding, especially Ann Marie! Israel's Dana International was 4th to perform. The party really started then! Her vocals were off key at times but who cares? You don't need to sing in tune when your name is Dana International!! The Olsen Brothers's performance was actually one of my favourites. Everyone around me was singing along, dancing, swaying.. magic! I still can't believe that I have finally experience a live Eurovision event. :-)

Brotherhood of Man were incredible. Save All Your Kisses For Me is such an well known and iconic song. I know I keep repeating myself but last night was so fantastic! I'm still buzzing. Rosa from sunny Spain performed her Eurovision entry and a few Spanish classics too. The crowed loved her. Everyone loves her! Riverdance performed before the interval. I'm sorry but their performance did nothing for me.. It was nice to see though. If I had to pick just one performance as my #1 favourite it would be Lordi's! THEY WERE INSANE! Eurovision 2006 was actually the first contest I watched so it brought back so many fond memories. Natasha St Pier looked beautiful in her dark purple dress and gave a wonderful rendition of her song. The backdrop was also gorgeous!

I understand why people hate Russia at the moment. Their anti-gay laws, the invasion of Ukraine, possible invasions elsewhere etc. but that isn't Dima Bilan's fault people!!! The moment Russia was mentioned, the majority of the audience started booing. I didn't boo. Graham Norton said this is not a competition for politics but a celebration of all things Eurovision.. or something along those lines. Some people still booed although then the vast majority cheered. It's going to happen in Vienna too, I just know it will. Poor Polina. Anyway, Dima did perform his songs very well indeed although he was clearly affected by the jeers. Who wouldn't be? It will be interesting to see how the BBC edit the booing. I just think it's sad that he was booed.. I don't wish to go into politics but I do feel Dima was unfairly treated. He shouldn't get booed just because of his country. I just felt sorry for Dima.

Bobbysocks from Norway and Nicole from Germany were truly enjoyable too. Loreen was incredible! Her performance was pretty weird actually but in a good way. The audience went insane. I am really looking forward to seeing the live performances on Friday. Lys Assia made a special appearance where Graham carried out a small interview with her. This blogger still wonders if Lys return to Eurovision on day.. Johnny Fucking Logan (Petra's words, not mine!) was the penultimate act to perform singing various Irish classics. I heard someone near me say "omg doesn't he look old now!" LOL! And then the official queen of Eurovision closed the show... CONCHITA! The crowd continued clapping and clapping for about five minutes non stop.. in the end, a stage manager had to get her off her podium as Conchy was lapping up every moment and rightly so. Love her. I did feel a tad emotional after watching her perform. It was very special. The show closed with all the acts, apart from Loreen, singing Hallelujah and Waterloo.. It was the best night of my life! Watching so many great performances, the atmosphere, exploring London, meeting new and old friends however the highlight without a doubt was meeting Valentina Monetta... :-)