NOTE: The predictions aren't based in my personal rankings.

 

1 SLOVENIA "Cvet z juga"

Even though it usually submits good songs, Slovenia doesn't have the lucks of the other former Yugoslav countries. It has yet to qualify for a final and its record 7th places in 1995 and 2001 are quite a while ago now.

However, this time they seem to get everything right. Sung by internationally-experienced soprano Alenka Gotar, the song is a slice of etno-pop that is every bit enjoyable and appealing. It has heart-wrenching vocals and uplifting beats. The draw is good, too. I'll expect very much from this.

 

2 SWITZERLAND "Vampires are alive"

With Lordi having opened the Pandora Box of monstruosity in glory, neter now the vampires courtesy of the country where Mary Shelly wrote Frankenstein. DJ Bobo has had dance hits all over Europe since the early 90's and is therefore Switzerland's biggest export since Bond girl Ursula Andress. Even though Kate Ryan proved that being a star in Europe doesn't guarantee you a place in the final, I'm confident that DJ Bobo and its catchy vampiresque ode will be there on Saturday.

 

3 GEORGIA "Visionary dream"

Great song for Georgia's debut. Conciliating modernity and tradition, "My star" is a complex but enjoyable etno-pop tune that will no doubt stand out. Sopho Khalvashi oozes charisma.

 

4 CYPRUS "Comme çi, comme ça"

After Anna Vissi, other Cypriot diva returns to the ESC. After being a sexy siren in 1992 and drama queen in 1994, this time Evridiki is more liek glam-pop queen. The song is a very Madonna-esque slice of pop sung in French that has been getting many thumbs up.

 

5 BULGARIA "Water"

After two rather discrete entries, this time Bulgaria is making itself noticed with these techno track with powerful drumming, psychadelic beats and elf-like vocals by Elitsa Todorova. The semifinal couldn't kick off any strongly and will certainly stand out.

 

6 SERBIA "Modlitva"

Unlike other songs named "Prayer" (Portugal 1964 and Slovakia 1998), this won't certainly be overlooked. Getting stronger with every second, the song follows the great tradition of ethnic songs fronm the Balkans. And what Marija Serifovic lacks in looks, she'll make up in guts.

 

7 FYR MACEDONIA "Mojot svet"

Macedonia has always moved from the semis to the final but has yet to do better than last year's 12th place. This song sounds apt for that challeng. National superstar Karolina Gonceva has already flown the flag for the country in 2002 with a very overlooked song. The strong chorus and Karolina's charms are a plus.

 

8 DENMARK "Drama queen"

Two drag queens in the final? Why not? Denmark's entry, sung by Peter Andersen aka DQ, will make up for the abscence of Norway's Queentastic last year with an immaculated gay disco ditty that nonetheless has a very wide appeal.

 

9 TURKEY "Shake it up shekerim"

Once ESC's black sheep, Turkey has been doing fine in recent years. This time they're going for r&b with Justin Timberlake sound-alike Kenan Dogulu and a danceable tune avoiding the off-putting excesses of their last three songs.

 

10 MOLDOVA "Fight"

The antidote for those who weren't thrilled with Moldova's other two offerings. Flawless slice of rock with a very charming singer called Natalya Barbu. The draw isn't one of the best but it is one of the songs with the best reviews.

BUBBLING UNDER

 

11 NETHERLANDS "On top of the world"

Having scored the best Dutch result in a decade, 1998 representant of the Netherlands Edsilia Rambley is once again in the race. The Anastacia-esque "On top of the world" seems to succeded where "Hemel en Aaarde" seemed to lack.

 

12 BELARUS "Work your magic"

The most popular Belarus entry to date sung by Koldun (aka Dima Bilan II). However the number 4 draw may mitigate its chances.

 

13 MALTA "Vertigo"

Last year, they went downhill but Malta seldom flops. With a good number 20 draw and Olivia Lewis fine vocals, it does stand some chances.

 

WHO KNOWS???

 

Andorra's Busted-esque song is their most competitive so far. Croatia usually gets by with a little help from the other Yugoslav countries. Poland promises a lot of much-loved show off. Hungary's comeback song is wonderfully sung but not much into teh ESC context. The two Latin ballroom offers from Portugal and Norway have had positive reviews and maybe they shouldn't be written off. The same goes for Iceland.

 

I DON'T THINK SO

 

Israel and Czech Republic only have shock-value on their favour but that's what did for Lithuania last year. Austria's comeback is lacklustre despite of its draw. Latvia doesn't seem to have learnt anything from last year. Albania, Belgium, Estonia and Montenegro lack strength and will likely go unnoticed.

Edited March 28, 200718 yr by N-S

Good choices there. :funky: I originally thought Slovenia would win the semi-final, now I'm thinking Serbia will and Slovenia will finish around seventh. I do think Latvia could spring a surprise on us all though. :o

WHAT ABOUT THOSE ALREADY IN THE FINAL?

 

After two lacklustre entry, Spain is back on form and may get a top 10 finish. France has departed from the traditional ballad and that may be a wise move. Sweden is as hated as it is loved and seems to push the right buttons. After doing well last year with loud entries, Armenia and Lithuania are playing it low this year. Bosnia Hercegovina and Ireland go for the much-loved ethnic ballad whilst Greece stays faithful to booting shaking dance tunes and the UK to the manufactured pop. It's rock yet again for Finland, but this time on a serious female perspective. Russia's rushed entry seems to go down well whereas Romania's comedic folk is a bit of a let-down.

Germany is a darkhorse and Ukraine's controversial drag queen techno-folk is a major stand-out.

 

Most likely to be in the top 5

1 Spain

2 Finland

3 Ukraine

4 Greece

5 Sweden

6 Bosnia-Hercegovina

 

Most likely to be last

1 Armenia

2 Lithuania

3 Germany

4 UK

 

Nice reviews...I think Belarus is good enough (and they have enough neighbours) to send it through to the final

WHAT ABOUT THOSE ALREADY IN THE FINAL?

 

After two lacklustre entry, Spain is back on form and may get a top 10 finish. France has departed from the traditional ballad and that may be a wise move. Sweden is as hated as it is loved and seems to push the right buttons. After doing well last year with loud entries, Armenia and Lithuania are playing it low this year. Bosnia Hercegovina and Ireland go for the much-loved ethnic ballad whilst Greece stays faithful to booting shaking dance tunes and the UK to the manufactured pop. It's rock yet again for Finland, but this time on a serious female perspective. Russia's rushed entry seems to go down well whereas Romania's comedic folk is a bit of a let-down.

Germany is a darkhorse and Ukraine's controversial drag queen techno-folk is a major stand-out.

 

Most likely to be in the top 5

1 Spain

2 Finland

3 Ukraine

4 Greece

5 Sweden

6 Bosnia-Hercegovina

 

Most likely to be last

1 Armenia

2 Lithuania

3 Germany

4 UK

 

I can see 5 semi-final qualifiers finishing in the top 5 this year...the only finalists that I think could finish in the top 5 are Greece or at a major push Sweden...Spain will finish low top 10/high top 20...

 

I can see 5 semi-final qualifiers finishing in the top 5 this year...the only finalists that I think could finish in the top 5 are Greece or at a major push Sweden...Spain will finish low top 10/high top 20...

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the final top 5 was all made of semifinalists too.

 

I just don't see why every year a lot of the automatic finalists are so lazy in their song choice...perhaps if everyone had to qualify the songs would be stronger...

I can see 5 semi-final qualifiers finishing in the top 5 this year...the only finalists that I think could finish in the top 5 are Greece or at a major push Sweden...Spain will finish low top 10/high top 20...

 

I can see Russia pushing for the top 5 actually ^_^

I don't see why everybody would be so surprised if Latvia got into the final! I would be 100% confident in it getting there was it not for a less than desireable draw, and should it get to the final, it could win the thing!

I can see Russia pushing for the top 5 actually ^_^

I can see them winning the thing tbh. :wub: I don't think any of the other automatic finalists could though - not Sweden! :lol:

I can see them winning the thing tbh. :wub: I don't think any of the other automatic finalists could though - not Sweden! :lol:

 

I'd have to agree, I think we're definitely headed for an ex-Soviet bloc country come May 13th though :dance:

I can see Russia pushing for the top 5 actually ^_^

 

Forgot about them...great song but a lot of people seem to think its a bit trashy...I predict low top 10 for Russia

I'd have to agree, I think we're definitely headed for an ex-Soviet bloc country come May 13th though :dance:

 

without doubt...hopefully Russia, Belarus or Bulgaria

I agree with 8/10 of ur semi-final choices :D personally I can't see Switzerland and Danmark qualifying TBH and form me are the most overarted entries this year!!!!

but gotta say I expect a scandinavian country to pass (since we have Finland and Sweden already in the final) and I give Norway advantage over Denamrk ^_^

and I see u r Madrugada on esctoday.com forum

and I see u r Madrugada on esctoday.com forum

 

Yes, named after Portugal's 1975 entry (it means "Dawn")

I can see them winning the thing tbh. :wub: I don't think any of the other automatic finalists could though - not Sweden! :lol:

 

Oh just you wait and see :P