EUROVISION 2018 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

EUROVISION 2018 PREVIEW:

GRAND FINAL RUNNING ORDER

01. UKRAINE

UNDER THE LADDER

Last year’s host country has a quirky but effective presentation this year. Unlikely to give Ukraine a 3^rd win at Eurovision.

 

02. SPAIN

TU CANCION

Spain has a stronger song this year, a sweet duet performed in Spanish. The country last won in 1968. It has waited in vain ever since for its 3^rd victory.

 

03. SLOVENIA

HVALA, NE!

Slovenia is represented by an empowering song with a contemporary attitude and sound that is sung in Slovenian. Will this give Slovenia its first win?

04. LITHUANIA

WHEN WE’RE OLD

This slow song is sweet, but may lack the punch needed to give Lithuania its first win.

05. AUSTRIA

NOBODY BUT YOU

This song gained power in the live context and is a grower. Cesar Sampson is a skilled vocalist and will be hoping to give Austria its 3^rd ESC victory.

 

06. ESTONIA

LA FORZA

One of the year’s classiest and potent performances, this opera song is performed in Italian, which may attract votes from all over Europe. It may secure a second win for Estonia.

 

07. NORWAY

THAT’S HOW

YOU WRITE A SONG

When Alexander Rybak won with “Fairytale”, he achieved one of the highest ever scores. His popularity has not waned and he approaches the Grand Final as one of the favourites. A second win for him will give Norway its 4^th ESC triumph. It’s very possible.

 

08. PORTUGAL

O JARDIM

As last year’s winning nation, Portugal is automatically in the Grand Final. The country waited decades for its first win but this year’s entry is unlikely to secure a second Portuguese victory.

 

09. UNITED KINGDOM

STORM

The UK has a strong entry with a catchy hook and an experienced singer. Despite all its strengths, the song looks likely to struggle to attract significant votes.

 

10. SERBIA

NOVA DECA

The Serbian entry gained strength on the stage. It is one of the few songs not performed in English. Performed in Serbian, it has done well to reach the Grand Final, but is unlikely to give the country its 2^nd win.

 

11. GERMANY

YOU LET ME WALK ALONE

Performer Michael Schulte’s song is about growing up without his father who died when he was still a child. The moving song could improve Germany’s chances to grab a 3^rd victory.

 

12. ALBANIA

MALL

Performed in Albanian, Mall has a retro rock sound. Albania is chasing its first taste of success at Eurovision.

 

13. FRANCE

MERCY

France’s entry, sung in French, has a strong message and is gaining potency among this year’s favourites. A French victory would end the drought that began with its most recent win in 1977.

 

14. CZECH REPUBLIC

LIE TO ME

Performer Mikolas Josef injured himself during rehearsals but still managed to deliver an energetic performance that was obviously well received by the voters. It is unlikely to give the Czech Republic its first victory.

 

15. DENMARK

HIGHER GROUND

The Danish entry evokes the age of the Vikings and gives Denmark a shot at its 4^th ESC win.

 

16. AUSTRALIA

WE GOT LOVE

Australia has finished in the Top 10 in al of its 3 years at Eurovision. Its highest ranking was second place in 2016. Can Jessica Mauboy do one better?

 

17. FINLAND

MONSTERS

Finland’s entry is one of its best ever. Saara Aalto is an accomplished star in her homeland. She will be striving for a 2^nd Finnish triumph, following Lordi’s win in 2006.

 

18. BULGARIA

BONES

Bulgaria finished in the runner-up position in 2017. This year’s entry is another strong entry. Bulgaria has yet to win at Eurovision.

 

19. MOLDOVA

MY LUCKY DAY

This madcap and upbeat entry is so much fun, it just might be irresistible enough to attract votes and give Moldova its first ESC victory.

 

20. SWEDEN

DANCE ME OFF

Benjamin Ingrosso is a pop star in Sweden. The country has achieved the best results this century at Eurovision. “Dance Me Off” is a memorable song with a presentation that should stand out. Another ESC victory will place Sweden in a tie with Ireland for the most wins. Its 6^th victory was in 2015.

 

21. HUNGARY

VISZLAT NYAR

AWS adds metal performed in Hungarian to this year’s mix of genres.

 

22. ISRAEL

TOY

Israel’s entry began the week in the lead and is still a strong contender. “Toy” could become the 4^th Israeli winnier.

 

23. NETHERLANDS

OUTLAW IN ‘EM

Waylon is back after finishing in 2^nd place in 2014. His country flavoured entry proved popular during Semi-Final 2 and the Netherlands is keen to score its 5^th victory. It last emerged triumphant in 1975.

 

24. IRELAND

TOGETHER

With Sweden just 1 win away from equaling its record-breaking 7 ESC victories, Ireland will be looking to extend its lead. It last won in 1994 and has struggled to make the Grand Final in recent years.

25. CYPRUS

FUEGO

Cyprus has its best shot at a win, something that has eluded it since its debut in 1981. It was the favourite when Semi-Final 1 began and is still in contention.

 

26. ITALY

NON MI AVETE

FATTO NIENTE

The Italian entry has a pertinent message in defiance of the terrorism that plagues our planet at present. Sung in Italian, its lyrics may not make as big an impression, which would be a shame. Italy has performed well since returning from its lengthy boycott, but last won in 1990.

Hear a special playlist with all the songs from this year’s contest as they are released on spotify.

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte:playlist:3aFWyVHxGLWZ3Xwb6K3tf2

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte/playlist/3aFWyVHxGLWZ3Xwb6K3tf2?si=XiLET1zpTlabrf3yAVNfiw