Introducing 2014: Georgia!

The Shin and Mariko were internally selected to fly the Georgian flag in Copenhagen. Mariko Ebralidze is an experienced jazz singer and The Shin are a fusion jazz band that were formed in 1998. Three Minutes To Earth was released in mid-March. The song has received tons of criticism although I think it has charm - I do kinda like it... I'm defiantly in the minority though. The video-clip itself is very bizarre. I wonder if their performance in May will consist of mannequins.

Regarding Copenhagen, it's hard to say where this will finish. I don't think it will appeal to many people... although I'm confident the jury will appreciate it. Maybe they'll make the final? Semi-final two is incredibly hard to call, I think everyone stands a strong chance of qualify, and that includes Georgia.

Spain: Ruth Lorenzo presents her backing vocalists!

The Spanish performance in Copenhagen will feature Ruth, naturally, and four backing vocalists too in the form of Mey Green, Sandra Borrego, Aiwinnie Mybaby and Alana Sinkëy. It's no secret that Spain is one of my favourites this year. A few days ago, Ruth gave an amazing performance where she reenacted some of the moves she carried out in the official music video. Ruth has said though that this isn't the routine she'll use in Copenhagen..

Introducing 2014: Ukraine!

Ukraine was the first country to select their entry for Copenhagen. Maria Yaremchuk won the Ukrainian selection with Tick Tock. I thought it was a pretty strong national final - favourites of mine included neAngely and Victoria Petrik. Following the results, some acts questioned the fairness of the voting... and the majority of Eurovision fans were underwhelmed with the results, too. Maria Yaremchuk competed in the Ukrainian national final in 2013 with Imagine. She came 5th.

Maria and her team decided to give her song a major revamp. It's now extremely catchy, current and about a million times better than the original. I've always said this could be a dark horse... Can't wait to see this live on stage! Maria will no doubt achieve a respectable position in Copenhagen.

NuVidz: Elaiza, Amandine Bourgeois, Noemi, Cascada!

Fight Against Myself was Elaiza's second song in the German selection and I really like. The song has bags of personality. However, I prefer "Is It Right". Here's a stunning acoustic version. Aww I love Amandine Bourgeois! Her latest track is Ma Gueule. Very French - I could just imagine sitting in a cafe in Paris and hearing this song.. it's lovely! Oui! <3 Noemi is currently a coach on The Voice of Italy and last month, she took part in Sanremo with Bagnati dal sole. This song has been stuck in my head these last few days.. and if RAI didn't select Emma internally, maybe this would have been the Italian entry? Finally, we have a new single from Cascada! Blink could defiantly be a summer hit..

Malta: Selfie competition launched!

The Maltese broadcaster has launched a selfie competition on Facebook. The backdrop of Firelight's performance will features selfies. The lucky applicants will therefore have their faces seen by millions of people. There's only one rule - applicants must be at-least 18 years old.

Italy: Jalisse fails on The Voice of Italy!

Alessandra Drusian, the lead singer of Jalisse, decided to enter The Voice of Italy however she failed to make an everlasting impression as all four coaches as they didn't turn around for her - and therefore she was eliminated. One of the coaches, Pelù, tweeted “We 4 are fools” and they coaches clearly regretted not turning around for her after they saw it was her performing. Here's her audition. Meanwhile, did you see Sister Cristina Scuccia's blind audition!! #WOW!

Introducing 2014: Azerbaijan!

Dilara Kazimova won Böyük Səhnə, the Azerbaijani selection show, which was a big talent show in Azerbaijan. Dilara was a great choice. The song she'll perform in Copenhagen was released a couple of weeks later and is entitled Start A Fire. It features the Azerbaijani national musical instrument - balaban. I love it. Probably the best entry from Azerbaijan since 2010... and it isn't a typical Eurovision song. There's something rather beautiful about this. Throughout Böyük Səhnə, Dilara performed Hometown Glory, Mercy and Happy.

She's already entered the Azerbaijani selection in 2008 and 2010. She came runner-up on both occasions. In 2010, Dilara was the lead singer of Milk & Kisses. Will Azerbaijan qualify in Copenhagen? Hell yeah! Some people are even predicting that Azerbaijan could win in Copenhagen....

Introducing 2014: Albania!

Hersi (Herciana Matmuja) won the 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës with Zemërimi i një nate. The Albanian selection was very strong and contained a number of excellent songs - Frederik Ndoci returned and so did Luiz Ejlli. My favourite was Klodian Kaçani. Wow His song was just amazing!! Klodian came runner-up to Hersi. After Festivali i Këngës, Hersi and her team decided to revamp her entry and translate it into English. Therefore the Albanian entry is One Night's Anger.

It's good, but I don't think it's strong enough to qualify, but maybe the juries will rank her high so she could squeeze through. Hersi is a fantastic vocalist though and I don't think "One Night's Anger" does her justice. I have another one criticism. I don't think the English revamp works.. the Albanian one had much more personality and class. Still, a very nice entry from Albania!

Introducing 2014: Germany!

Germany selected their representative through "Unser Song für Dänemark" this year. Several big names took part in the selection although the results shocked us all! Elaiza won with Is It Right. Elaiza were an unknown group before the selection and so they decided to take part in the newcomers category, which was a campaign to find upcoming musicians. Elaiza proved that a big name doesn't guarantee victory. I loved several songs in this national final - Unheilig were my favourites with Wir sind alle wie eins. I also loved Als wärs das erste Mal. Hope they try again next year...

Madeline Juno was also another favourite before the selection, although she didn't progress to the 2nd round and thus didn't get the chance to perform Error. Another missed opportunity! The German national final was probably my favourite this season... The superfinal was between Unheilig and Elaiza, and Elazia won with 55% of the vote. The German entry is great in my opinion, although I doubt it will make the top ten in Copenhagen. Maybe it'll do well though. It's a sweet song. "Is It Right" has already peaked at #4 in the German charts. Glück.

San Marino: Valentina Monetta interview!

Valentina Monetta has already represented San Marino in 2012 and 2013, now she's back again - and her mission is to make the grand final! I was lucky enough to speak to her.

Jack: In June 2013, it was confirmed that you would represent San Marino for the third year in a row. Why did you want to participate in Eurovision again.

Valentina: Why not? It would have been a shame to interrupt such an adventure.

Jack: It must have been a hard choice when choosing your entry for Copenhagen - so why did you pick "Maybe (Forse)"?

Valentina: True, it hasn't been easy. I have decided with my production team. As last year our song was well liked , we believed it's good to go on with the same path. Maybe is an evlotuion of Crisalide.

Jack: Regarding Copenhagen, can you reveal any details about your performance?

Valentina: I can only say you will see me smiling a lot!

Jack: Have you had chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision entries this year? If so, do you have any favourites?

Valentina: Germany and Hungary.

Jack: Who would you consider as your biggest rival in Copenhagen?

Valentina: Hard to tell, at this moment.....

Jack: San Marino have unfortunately never qualified to the final, why do you think this is?

Valentina: Maybe because we are a small country and to reach the final, maybe more than just talent is needed??? I don't know....

Jack: What are you plans after Eurovision?

Valentina: To promote my new album Sensibilità and do many, many concerts.

Jack: Who would you like to see represent San Marino in 2015?

Valentina: There are many collegues of mine getting ready for that. Well, we'll see.

Jack: Here are a couple of questions to get to know you a little bit more... Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Valentina: I have fallen in love with a place in south-west of Sardinia. A laguna where I can relax while working, practising kite surf!

Jack: Do you have any hidden talents?

Valentina: I'm a creative person, I paint, create, plan, dance... many the things I would have wanted to done if I wasn't singing.

Jack: What has been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Valentina: Ha ha ha, I can tell a funny event. When I was just starting with kite surf and not very good with my kite yet.. I took a flight for several meters on water and was ripped off my swimsuit.... giving a good view to several persons nearby, oops!

Jack: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Valentina! I wish you the best of luck in Copenhagen and fingers crossed you will qualify!

Valentina: Thank you, Jack! Enjoy your life!

Introducing 2014: Greece!

The Greek national final was held on 11th March with four participants. The line-up was very strong... Crystallia was my favourite. A stunning ballad - and her live vocals were just amazing. A missed opportunity if you ask me. Anyway, Freaky Fortune feat. Riskykidd won with Rise Up. Which is not a bad choice. The song is energetic, fun and y'all can be sure everyone will be dancing to this in Copenhagen. It's much better than their entry last year anyway..

Freaky Fortune are a well known musical duo and Riskykidd is the rapper. I think Greece will probably make the top-ten in Copenhagen. And I would be happy to see Greece at the top of the leaderboard, it is really a great song. But there is one aspect of the song that I'm not too keen on and that's the rapping. But that's just personal opinion. Of-course some people love the rapping. A very respectable effort from Greece.

Australia: Jessica Mauboy to perform in 2nd semi-final!

The Australians love Eurovision so therefore the EBU invited SBS, the Australian broadcaster, to choose and provide the interval act for the 2nd semi-final. Which was a lovely idea. Today it was announced that Jessica Mauboy will be the interval act, and technically represent Australia! She was runner-up on Australian Idol 2006. Meanwhile, it's also been confirmed that she'll perform an uptempo song. Wouldn't it be amazing if Australia really did participate in Eurovision? Maybe the UK would get a few points, then!

Introducing 2014: Belarus!

On 10th January, the Belorussian national final was held where TEO won! It wasn't the strongest national final... in-fact there was only one song that I liked. Nuteki should have won with Save Me. But they didn't much to my disappointment  - maybe they will try again next year? Teo's national final performance was pretty average but the song itself has potential.  I hope they are working on a better performance for Copenhagen. The studio version of the song is okay - watch the official video-clip here. It's a pretty catchy song, actually! It has charm.

The original lyrics contained a reference to Google Maps however this has been changed as references to companies and brands violate the EBU rules. So this reference was therefore replaced with new lyrics - "all the maps". But there are no changes to the song itself.. Will it qualify? I don't think so...

Introducing 2014: Ireland!

Following an eventful national final, it was decided that Can-Linn feat. Kasey Smith would represent The Emerald Isle. It's fair to say Linda Martin and Billy McGuinness had a little disagreement and y'all can relive that here! Can-Linn feat. Kasey were the clear favourites to win without a doubt so it was no surprise when they won. I also liked Patricia Roe's song. Anyway, Can-Linn are a music group who produced "Heartbeat" and Kasey will perform the song in Copenhagen. Can-Linn is Irish for "sing together". Kasey is a former member of the group Wonderland and also tried to represent Ireland the year before, with Kiss Me.

Ireland are one of my favourites this year! Heartbeat is a wonderful song and I really want this to do well in Copenhagen. I don't like the dancers though, and maybe Kasey should move about a little bit on stage? Her vocal in the Irish national final were very strong. The song has a traditional Irish theme that is combined with pop. It's also very catchy! Will Ireland qualify? Yes, I hope so anyways..

Copenhagen 2014: Semi-final running order decided!

The running order for both semi finals was revealed earlier! Romania and Hungary have brilliant draws! This means Romania will close the 2nd semi final for the second year in a row. Ironic. Montenegro have a very good draw too - they'll hopefully make it and Portugal also stands a chance of qualifying. Israel could be in danger... and maybe Sweden are in danger too?Like last year, the producers decided this draw. We don't know when the finalists will perform though... that'll be decided after all the finalists are known. Fingers crossed Molly has a good draw!!

Semifinal 1:

1. Armenia
2. Latvia
3. Estonia
4. Sweden
5. Iceland
6. Albania
7. Russia
8. Azerbaijan
9. Ukraine
10. Belgium
11. Moldova
12. San Marino
13. Portugal
14. The Netherlands
15. Montenegro
16. Hungary

Semifinal 2:

1. Malta
2. Israel
3. Norway
4. Georgia
5. Poland
6. Austria
7. Lithuania
8. Finland
9. Ireland
10. Belarus
11. F.Y.R. Macedonia
12. Switzerland
13. Greece
14. Slovenia
15. Romania

Introducing 2014: Estonia!

My little introduction series starts with Estonia...

This years Estonian representative was selected through Eesti Laul, once again, where ten acts qualified for the grand final on 1st March. My favourite was Sandra Nurmsalu with Kui tuuled pöörduvad - although she only came 5th. Instead Tanja won with Amazing. Tanja Mihhailova is a 33 year-old singer who has been a member of several bands throughout her career. She's also appeared in a few Estonian TV shows.

The song she'll represent Estonia with in Copenhagen is amazing! One of the best songs this year... it's modern and catchy! The choreography in the national final has been criticized, as some people are saying she's copying Loreen. I don't agree with that. I wonder if she'll use this choreography in Copenhagen? Probably as it makes the performance more memorable.. Tanja is a fantastic vocalists - how does she hit those notes when being swung in the air? Chances at Eurovision? It'll probably qualify but then who knows...