To save you and me from an overly lengthy blog post, I've limited myself to choose my top 5 2018 Eurovision songs, but if you want a quick summary of all 43 songs, watch the video on this link.
5. Switzerland: Zibbz - Stones
Semi-final 1
In what is easily the highest ranking I have ever given this country, Switzerland finds itself in my top 5 after an impressive effort by the Swiss broadcaster to revitalise their national selection. Brother and sister team Zibbz represent the small, always-neutral country with a very catchy pop-rock, anti-bullying song which comes across really well live thanks to Corinne's strong vocals.
The harsh reality this year is that semi-final 1 has been dubbed the 'semi-final of death' because the competition to qualify is fierce and sadly Switzerland is unlikely to make the cut. Switzerland haven't been in the Eurovision final since 2014.
4. Cyprus: Eleni Foureira - Fuego
Semi-final 1
Thanks to Portugal's first ever win last year, Cyprus now has the record for the most participations at Eurovision without a single win - that's 34 years. This year, Eleni brings the fire with the ridiculously upbeat and insanely catchy ethno-electro-dance hit that is Fuego. This is Cyprus' best effort at Eurovision for a good while and this song is one of the favourites to win its semi-final and will prove to be tough competition in Saturday's final.
3. Israel: Netta - Toy
Semi-final 1
The current favourite to win the whole thing, it really isn't difficult to see why Netta and her song Toy have gone viral. Not only is the song catchy, memorable and unmissable but it carries an important message as its writing is heavily influenced by the #MeToo movement. You will certainly see this song in final but the quality of songs this year is so high that it really is difficult to predict who will win the whole thing.
2. Bulgaria: Equinox - Bones
Semi-final 1
Since Bulgaria returned to the contest three years ago, they have brought their A-game each compeition since and even finished 2nd last year, their best performance to date. Bulgaria is now known for bringing edgier music, something a little different and certainly more modern and they have not failed to disappoint this year with the beautifully dark and indy-esque Bones. The band itself is a composite of 5 solo singers who all have a wealth of great experience, I really recommend that you look them up because they are professionals in their own right. Together they harmonise so well which is what really creates such a great atmosphere on this song and makes it one of this year's favourites.
1. France: Madame Monsieir - Mercy
Final
Much like many of the countries this year, France has undergone a transformation and has put some serious effort into their acts in recent years which has led to them being one of the favourites to win this year. Husband and wife duo Madame Monsieur bring the incredibly emotive Mercy to the Lisbon stage, it's a song centred on the European migration crisis and specifically on the story of a little girl who was born on a boat of migrants headed for Europe who was named Mercy. The song is entirely in French but the music and the representation of the song is so strong that it's easy to identify with the message regardless of whether you speak French or not.
France and Madame Monsieur have put in so much effort this year that they deserve to win on merit alone, not to mention the fact that if France were to host next year that would be very convenient for me... but that has nothing to do with why I love this song, give it a listen!
Semi-final 1: Tuesday 8 May
Semi-final 2: Thursday 10 May
Grand Final: Saturday 12 May
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