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Times and Stats
Catch the second semi final on Thursday at 9PM local time (Copenhagen). That translates to 3PM on the East Coast and Noon in the West Coast.
I will be live tweeting during the final on May 10th! Catch the final on Friday at 9PM local time (Copenhagen). That translates to 3PM on the East Coast and Noon in the West Coast.
Scroll to the bottom to vote for your favorite tracks, or access voting via Ranker by clicking here!
Leave a comment with what you think will happen!
Just to clear some things up. For those of you that didn't know, last year's contest was viewed by over 170 million people worldwide. That's a larger audience than the broadcast of the annual Super Bowl (about 110-120 million). About 2.5% of the people worldwide (7.231 billion) watch the song contest compared to 1.6% that watch the Super Bowl. The annual Eurovision Song Contest is the most viewed non-sporting event worldwide every year.
Results of Rounds 1 and 2
Here's the results from the first semi final below. Tracks NOT highlighted in orange are out (adapted from Wikipedia). I also posted the results from the second semi final. Tracks NOT highlighted in orange are out (adapted from Wikipedia).
| Draw | Country | Language | Artist | Song | English translation | Place | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  Armenia | English | Aram MP3 | "Not Alone" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 02 |  Latvia | English | Aarzemnieki | "Cake to Bake" | — | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 03 |  Estonia | English | Tanja | "Amazing" | — | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 04 |  Sweden | English | Sanna Nielsen | "Undo" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 05 |  Iceland | English | Pollapönk | "No Prejudice" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 06 |  Albania | English | Hersi | "One Night's Anger" | — | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 07 |  Russia | English | Tolmachevy Sisters | "Shine" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 08 |  Azerbaijan | English | Dilara Kazimova | "Start a Fire" | — | BA | TBA |
| 09 |  Ukraine | English | Mariya Yaremchuk | "Tick-Tock" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 10 |  Belgium | English | Axel Hirsoux | "Mother" | — | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 11 |  Moldova | English | Cristina Scarlat | "Wild Soul" | — | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 12 |  San Marino | English | Valentina Monetta | "Maybe (Forse)" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 13 |  Portugal | Portuguese | Suzy | "Quero Ser Tua" | I Want To Be Yours | Bottom 6 | TBA |
| 14 |  Netherlands | English | The Common Linnets | "Calm After the Storm" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 15 |  Montenegro | Montenegrin | Sergej Ćetković | "Moj svijet" (Мој свијет) | My World | TBA | TBA |
| 16 |  Hungary | English | András Kállay-Saunders | "Running" | — | TBA | TBA |
| Draw | Country | Language | Artist | Song | English translation | Place | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  Malta | English | Firelight | "Coming Home" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 02 |  Israel | English, Hebrew | Mei Finegold | "Same Heart" | — | OUT | |
| 03 |  Norway | English | Carl Espen | "Silent Storm" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 04 |  Georgia | English | The Shin and Mariko | "Three Minutes to Earth" | — | OUT | |
| 05 |  Poland | Polish, English | Donatan & Cleo | "My Słowianie - We Are Slavic" | Us Slavs - We Are Slavic | TBA | TBA |
| 06 |  Austria | English | Conchita Wurst | "Rise Like a Phoenix" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 07 |  Lithuania | English | Vilija Matačiūnaitė | "Attention" | — | OUT | |
| 08 |  Finland | English | Softengine | "Something Better" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 09 |  Ireland | English | Can-Linn feat.Kasey Smith | "Heartbeat" | — | OUT | |
| 10 |  Belarus | English | Teo | "Cheesecake" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 11 |  Macedonia | English | Tijana | "To the Sky" | — | OUT | |
| 12 |  Switzerland | English | Sebalter | "Hunter of Stars" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 13 |  Greece | English | Freaky Fortune feat. RiskyKidd | "Rise Up" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 14 |  Slovenia | English, Slovene | Tinkara Kovač | "Round and Round" | — | TBA | TBA |
| 15 |  Romania | English | Paula Seling &Ovi | "Miracle" | — | TBA | TBA |
Update: The entry from The Netherlands ("Calm After the Storm") rose over 10 slots overnight, and is currently rounding out the top 3. Here's the top 6 countries as of the most recent update:
1.(=) Sweden
2.(=) Armenia
3.(+10) The Netherlands
4.(-1) United Kingdom
5.(-1) Ukraine
6.(-1) Hungary
According to multiple sources, the most betted on tracks to win the competition are "Undo", "Not Alone" and "Children of the Universe". Here's the most recent update on the standings. Georgia is forecasted to arrive in last place. See more standings and bet here.
1.(=) Sweden
2.(=) Armenia
3.(+10) The Netherlands
4.(-1) United Kingdom
5.(-1) Ukraine
6.(-1) Hungary
According to multiple sources, the most betted on tracks to win the competition are "Undo", "Not Alone" and "Children of the Universe". Here's the most recent update on the standings. Georgia is forecasted to arrive in last place. See more standings and bet here.
Appeal and Possible Outcomes
So yes we know all this information and yes there are odds, but which songs are actually deserving? Which ones are good? Which one is the next "Euphoria"? Well musically speaking, 2014's "Euphoria" is Tanja's "Amazing". With that being said, it sounds like an exact duplicate, the performance technique (risqué moves alongside a male counterpart) and composition are nearly identical to that of "Euphoria" and it simply wasn't as entertaining or engaging as Loreen's track. The audience wasn't fooled either; nearly everyone who keeps up with Eurovision year to year could tell it was a complete rehash of something they had already fallen in love with. So naturally, the track landed in the bottom six. It's perhaps the most epic backfire of this year's competition. Or maybe not... hem hem "Cake to Bake" (also bottom 6).
But commercially speaking, Sweden's own "Undo" could be the next "Euphoria" (also Sweden). "Undo" (as noted above) is currently forecasted to make the top 3 (and maybe even win the whole thing). The thing about "Undo" is that it is powerful yet simple and user friendly. It's a clear gem.
But a song with even more commercial appeal is perhaps "Tick-Tock". It's very simple, pop friendly and seems like a perfect fit for European radio. "Children of the Universe" also has commercial appeal, and even if it doesn't win, it will still get loads of support from BBC (which will make it an automatic hit).
Additionally, "Dancing In the Rain" is one of my favorites, and it has picked up favorable reception in its own country (Spain) as well as selected other countries. To be completely frank, I am not particularly fond of any of the tracks in the second semi final.
Additionally, "Dancing In the Rain" is one of my favorites, and it has picked up favorable reception in its own country (Spain) as well as selected other countries. To be completely frank, I am not particularly fond of any of the tracks in the second semi final.
Comparisons: 2013 V.S. 2014
So I've noticed that I'm not as impressed with the entries this year, though there are several that I do enjoy. I've decide to compile a list of which countries had better songs (in my opinion) in 2013 and which countries had better songs in 2014. Red signifies that while this country had a better track in the noted year, I disliked it. Green signifies that this country had a better track in the noted year and I liked it. Yellow signifies that this country had a better track in the noted year and it was marginal or decent. Portugal is not listed because it did not compete in 2013.
The following countries had better songs in...
2013
Azerbaijan
Ukraine
Belgium
Germany
Austria
Norway
Belarus
Ireland
Denmark
Solvenia
Iceland
Moldova
Poland
Russia
Georgia
Finland
Lithuania
Latvia
Total Fresh: 10
Total Mixed: 7
Total Rotten: 1
Overall: 18
The following countries had better songs in...
2013
Azerbaijan
Ukraine
Belgium
Germany
Austria
Norway
Belarus
Ireland
Denmark
Solvenia
Iceland
Moldova
Poland
Russia
Georgia
Finland
Lithuania
Latvia
Total Fresh: 10
Total Mixed: 7
Total Rotten: 1
Overall: 18
2014
Estonia
Armenia
Hungary
Spain
Malta
United Kingdom
France
Sweden
Romania
Montenegro
Israel
The Netherlands
Greece
Macedonia
Italy
Switzerland
San Marino
Albania
Total Fresh: 9
Total Mixed: 8
Total Rotten: 1
Overall: 18
So I guess it turns out 1/2 the songs were better in 2013 (an even split). Despite this, 2013 has the upper edge because I liked more of the tracks for that year. It's confusing and doesn't make sense based on this graph, but I think that 2013 was overall better.
My Top 10 Picks
Now let's get to the real stuff.
10. "Calm After the Storm" by The Common Linnets
Country: Netherlands
Though this track initially failed to keep me interested, the live performance of the song during Tuesday night's first semi final quickly made me gain interest. Previously being on of my least favorites, the track soared over 15 positions to land at #10 on my list of favorites.
Though it is a Country tinged track, it's actually very powerful and captivating. There's really nothing else like it in this year's competition, which frankly surprises me. It's a more exceptable take on modern country music and should finish within the top 5 (anything lower seems highly unlikely).
9. "Rise Like A Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst
Country: Austria
To be honest I think that this track has a good shot at winning, though I really hope it doesn't. Only because I think that that the 8 tracks ahead of it on this list are a bit better. Just to clarify: if it does end up winning (currently ranked at a high #2 positioning in the odds and bets), I would support the song. Currently, the track is surrounded by controversy because of it's performer (an Austrian male who performs in drag). Several reports of "Anti-Wurst" petitions in Austria and Russia have arisen, so I'm a little bit scared to see what would happen if the track even reaches the top 5. Strangely enough, when Russia qualified for the finals on Tuesday night, the crowd booed them. On the other hand, "Rise Like A Phoenix" received lots of cheering when it became the 10th and final song to qualify on Thursday. All I can say is that people are making too big a deal out of it. It's just a song. It shouldn't matter how the performer is dressed.
8. "Miracle" by Paula Seling and Ovi
Country: Romania
Wow. This track really shows some improvement for Romania (whose 2013 entry fell a little bit short). Putting a spin on the classic dance entry is the recipe for success. With a duet format, it appealed to audiences even more and quickly qualified for the grand final on Saturday.
"Miracle" quickly progresses into a thumping club anthem that no one can resist. It's going to be huge in clubs this Summer and bound to finish fairly high up on the final rankings.
7. "Coming Home" by Firelight
Country: Malta
Who would have ever guessed that I would enjoy such a simple song. "Coming Home" by Firelight is actually one of the better tracks in this year's crop. Previously, I had liked Malta's 2013 entry more than this year's entry, though I quickly changed my mind. Though I don't see it closing within the top 10 at this year's final, I think it might be strong enough to get close (possibly top 12).
With it breezing through the semi finals, lots of previous non-fans have shared their support for the track, causing it to move up a noticeable amount on the odds to win list.
6. "Tick Tock" by Maria Yaremchuk
Country: Ukraine
Yes. I'll admit it's a little bit on the cheesy side, but Ukrainian hopeful Maria Yaremchuk has been able to pull of strong performances of this simple, flashy dance track - complete with an onstage human hamster wheel. Did I mention the revealing dress?
The positives of "Tick Tock" representing the country severely outweigh the negatives if you think about it at all. Last year's entry Zlata's "Gravity" was immensely popular because of it's graceful powerhouse vocals, but (I'll be the one to say it) nobody (I really mean NOBODY) could understand any line in that song other than "my gravity". So even if "Tick Tock" is sweating with cheesiness, it's lovable and fun beat puts it way up there on my list - and the lists of others.
Currently pegged to finish in 5th place, "Tick Tock" has connected with the overall audiences and should be able to somewhat replicate the success of last year's entry.
5. "Dancing In the Rain" by Ruth Lorenzo
Country: Spain
Though this track automatically qualified for the final competition (because Spain donates money to help fund the Eurovision Song Contest every year), I think it would have easily been able to clear a semi final if it was forced to.
Ruth's exquisite vocals and captivating dance moves help make this track a clear competitor in my opinion. Sadly, bookmakers are saying it likely won't finish within the top 10 - I think otherwise.
I'm hoping it is at least able to pull off a top 10 finish, and if Ms. Lorenzo can pull off an energetic performance - complete with appealing dance moves -, the track should be able to do so.
4. "Running" by Kállay-Saunders
Country: Hungary
Though the live performances are a little underwhelming (vocally speaking), "Running" is a well rounded entry and a noticeable improvement from Hungary's 2013 entry (which didn't perform that well, yet still made the finals).
It's a promising track, and certainly one of my favorites to win. Currently raking #6 on the odds list, a top 10 finish seems like a lock at this point. I don't think it will go any lower than #8 during the final, but I could easily be wrong.
3. "Children of the Universe" by Molly
Country: UK
After a slew of failed entries within the past 4 years, the United Kingdom needed to try something else. Clearly their approach of sending a previously popular UK chart has been to participate in the contest didn't fare well (they landed in last place in 2010, 11th place in 2011, 25th place in 2012 and 19th place in 2013). Desperately searching for a new contestant (yet not wanting to have a national selection), the BBC randomly contacted little known artist referred to simply as Molly.
Her entry, "Children of the Universe", could give the United Kingdom the turn around that it needs. With a strong voice and a promising composition, Molly is pegged for a top 5 finish (currently trending toward #4). It's promising, and bound to be a huge win for the lacking nation even if it doesn't quite nail a #1 finish.
2. "Not Alone" by Aram MP3
Country: Armenia
Though it was initially the favorite to win this year's contest, "Not Alone" has started to slip in popularity and in the worldwide betting tables.
Sure it marks a major improvement over Armenia's 2013 entry, but "Not Alone" takes quite a while to get started. Though when it finally does, it blows everything away.
The dub step, alternative swizzle works surprisingly well with the classic ballad sound, and for anyone who hasn't heard it before, it's a must listen. If it doesn't win the whole competition, it's still highly likely to become a hit in major markets. To be honest I even think it could end up reaching the summit of the UK Singles chart.
If it doesn't end up within the top 5, I would actually being genuinely surprised. The only thing that may cause its downfall is the fact that large groups of people are calling the artist a homophobe (which could translate to a smaller amount of votes).
1. "Undo" by Sanna Nielsen
Country: Sweden
I seem to generally like the Swedish entries every year, though I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because Sweden actually takes time to come up with their songs and artists through a national selection called Melodifestivalen.
On March 8th, "Undo" was the track selected to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest, winning Melodifestivalen 2014 a mere 2 points ahead of the runner up.
Thank god for those two points. "Undo" starts off as a slow piano ballad, but quickly transforms into a beautifully powerful electronic masterpiece. The drums start to kick in after the first minute, and a short 30 seconds later the show-stopping, powerhouse vocals start to set in.
It's currently the bookmakers favorite to win as well as my favorite to win. Given Sweden's prior outcomes (5 overall wins including a 2012 victory), I think it is highly likely that "Undo" wins the competition. It has the right recipe for success: great vocals, a great reputation, a great looking singer, and it's also pegged to win. Even if it doesn't win, many agree it is likely to at least make the top 3 when the final numbers are revealed on Saturday.
Vote for your favorites below!
Armenia
Hungary
Spain
Malta
United Kingdom
France
Sweden
Romania
Montenegro
Israel
The Netherlands
Greece
Macedonia
Italy
Switzerland
San Marino
Albania
Total Fresh: 9
Total Mixed: 8
Total Rotten: 1
Overall: 18
So I guess it turns out 1/2 the songs were better in 2013 (an even split). Despite this, 2013 has the upper edge because I liked more of the tracks for that year. It's confusing and doesn't make sense based on this graph, but I think that 2013 was overall better.
My Top 10 Picks
Now let's get to the real stuff.
10. "Calm After the Storm" by The Common LinnetsCountry: Netherlands
Though this track initially failed to keep me interested, the live performance of the song during Tuesday night's first semi final quickly made me gain interest. Previously being on of my least favorites, the track soared over 15 positions to land at #10 on my list of favorites.
Though it is a Country tinged track, it's actually very powerful and captivating. There's really nothing else like it in this year's competition, which frankly surprises me. It's a more exceptable take on modern country music and should finish within the top 5 (anything lower seems highly unlikely).
9. "Rise Like A Phoenix" by Conchita WurstCountry: Austria
To be honest I think that this track has a good shot at winning, though I really hope it doesn't. Only because I think that that the 8 tracks ahead of it on this list are a bit better. Just to clarify: if it does end up winning (currently ranked at a high #2 positioning in the odds and bets), I would support the song. Currently, the track is surrounded by controversy because of it's performer (an Austrian male who performs in drag). Several reports of "Anti-Wurst" petitions in Austria and Russia have arisen, so I'm a little bit scared to see what would happen if the track even reaches the top 5. Strangely enough, when Russia qualified for the finals on Tuesday night, the crowd booed them. On the other hand, "Rise Like A Phoenix" received lots of cheering when it became the 10th and final song to qualify on Thursday. All I can say is that people are making too big a deal out of it. It's just a song. It shouldn't matter how the performer is dressed.
8. "Miracle" by Paula Seling and OviCountry: Romania
Wow. This track really shows some improvement for Romania (whose 2013 entry fell a little bit short). Putting a spin on the classic dance entry is the recipe for success. With a duet format, it appealed to audiences even more and quickly qualified for the grand final on Saturday.
"Miracle" quickly progresses into a thumping club anthem that no one can resist. It's going to be huge in clubs this Summer and bound to finish fairly high up on the final rankings.
Country: Malta
Who would have ever guessed that I would enjoy such a simple song. "Coming Home" by Firelight is actually one of the better tracks in this year's crop. Previously, I had liked Malta's 2013 entry more than this year's entry, though I quickly changed my mind. Though I don't see it closing within the top 10 at this year's final, I think it might be strong enough to get close (possibly top 12).
With it breezing through the semi finals, lots of previous non-fans have shared their support for the track, causing it to move up a noticeable amount on the odds to win list.
Country: Ukraine
Yes. I'll admit it's a little bit on the cheesy side, but Ukrainian hopeful Maria Yaremchuk has been able to pull of strong performances of this simple, flashy dance track - complete with an onstage human hamster wheel. Did I mention the revealing dress?
The positives of "Tick Tock" representing the country severely outweigh the negatives if you think about it at all. Last year's entry Zlata's "Gravity" was immensely popular because of it's graceful powerhouse vocals, but (I'll be the one to say it) nobody (I really mean NOBODY) could understand any line in that song other than "my gravity". So even if "Tick Tock" is sweating with cheesiness, it's lovable and fun beat puts it way up there on my list - and the lists of others.
Currently pegged to finish in 5th place, "Tick Tock" has connected with the overall audiences and should be able to somewhat replicate the success of last year's entry.
5. "Dancing In the Rain" by Ruth LorenzoCountry: Spain
Though this track automatically qualified for the final competition (because Spain donates money to help fund the Eurovision Song Contest every year), I think it would have easily been able to clear a semi final if it was forced to.
Ruth's exquisite vocals and captivating dance moves help make this track a clear competitor in my opinion. Sadly, bookmakers are saying it likely won't finish within the top 10 - I think otherwise.
I'm hoping it is at least able to pull off a top 10 finish, and if Ms. Lorenzo can pull off an energetic performance - complete with appealing dance moves -, the track should be able to do so.
Country: Hungary
Though the live performances are a little underwhelming (vocally speaking), "Running" is a well rounded entry and a noticeable improvement from Hungary's 2013 entry (which didn't perform that well, yet still made the finals).
It's a promising track, and certainly one of my favorites to win. Currently raking #6 on the odds list, a top 10 finish seems like a lock at this point. I don't think it will go any lower than #8 during the final, but I could easily be wrong.
3. "Children of the Universe" by MollyCountry: UK
After a slew of failed entries within the past 4 years, the United Kingdom needed to try something else. Clearly their approach of sending a previously popular UK chart has been to participate in the contest didn't fare well (they landed in last place in 2010, 11th place in 2011, 25th place in 2012 and 19th place in 2013). Desperately searching for a new contestant (yet not wanting to have a national selection), the BBC randomly contacted little known artist referred to simply as Molly.
Her entry, "Children of the Universe", could give the United Kingdom the turn around that it needs. With a strong voice and a promising composition, Molly is pegged for a top 5 finish (currently trending toward #4). It's promising, and bound to be a huge win for the lacking nation even if it doesn't quite nail a #1 finish.
2. "Not Alone" by Aram MP3Country: Armenia
Though it was initially the favorite to win this year's contest, "Not Alone" has started to slip in popularity and in the worldwide betting tables.
Sure it marks a major improvement over Armenia's 2013 entry, but "Not Alone" takes quite a while to get started. Though when it finally does, it blows everything away.
The dub step, alternative swizzle works surprisingly well with the classic ballad sound, and for anyone who hasn't heard it before, it's a must listen. If it doesn't win the whole competition, it's still highly likely to become a hit in major markets. To be honest I even think it could end up reaching the summit of the UK Singles chart.
If it doesn't end up within the top 5, I would actually being genuinely surprised. The only thing that may cause its downfall is the fact that large groups of people are calling the artist a homophobe (which could translate to a smaller amount of votes).
1. "Undo" by Sanna NielsenCountry: Sweden
I seem to generally like the Swedish entries every year, though I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because Sweden actually takes time to come up with their songs and artists through a national selection called Melodifestivalen.
On March 8th, "Undo" was the track selected to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest, winning Melodifestivalen 2014 a mere 2 points ahead of the runner up.
Thank god for those two points. "Undo" starts off as a slow piano ballad, but quickly transforms into a beautifully powerful electronic masterpiece. The drums start to kick in after the first minute, and a short 30 seconds later the show-stopping, powerhouse vocals start to set in.
It's currently the bookmakers favorite to win as well as my favorite to win. Given Sweden's prior outcomes (5 overall wins including a 2012 victory), I think it is highly likely that "Undo" wins the competition. It has the right recipe for success: great vocals, a great reputation, a great looking singer, and it's also pegged to win. Even if it doesn't win, many agree it is likely to at least make the top 3 when the final numbers are revealed on Saturday.
Vote for your favorites below!
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