Speaking of Kaarija’s ‘Cha cha cha’, that was my first year watching #Eurovision and that video & song threw me for a loop before becoming my favorite. I was wondering wtaf is going on throughout the whole performance, wasn’t sure if I liked how it ended - and I couldn’t get the damn song out of my head!

Check it out for yourself: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U-b5gDWVnps

It’s telling that the only lyrics from last night’s #Eurovision entries that I remember are ‘Espresso Machiatto’. I like songs that are earworms, for better or worse, and language is irrelevant (case in point: Finland’s Cha Cha Cha from ‘23).

I’m also convinced that any country sending a sad ballad has no desire to win and host next year’s competition. I haven’t looked into the finances of hosting but it has to result in a big influx of tourism, no?

#Sweden with the 2nd memorable tune after Estonia! A catchy tune about saunas with a weird performance.

This is the kind of thing people sing drunk with their friends.

#Portugal sent a chill out 70s pop group.

It’s growing on me.

Israel with another ballad.

Meh.

#Switzerland sent a dreamy poppy ditty. I need another listen.

#Ukraine with some folky 70s pop showtuney number with retro outfits - interesting. I hope they have a great performance planned.

#Montenegro is way intense & serious.

Pass.

#Germany’s entry is a live performance, which is promising.

Not a bad euro pop song with a viola.

#Belgium’s doing 90s trance too, and the singer hits a high note that should kill live.

Pardon me while I bust out some glow sticks.

#Cyprus is weird.

Weird is good.

With a touch of old school epic trance. I’ll listen to this again just for the trancey stabs.

#Norway’s doing some serious emoting leading to a jaunty but meh chorus.

#Latvia’s got hikers who turn into Galadriels with wire sculptures on their faces.

I have no idea what’s going on, which is usually a good sign.

#Ireland sent a eurodance song about the space dog Laika from a kid’s perspective.

It’s better than a ballad.

#Croatia has a Disney villain singing a song called ‘Poison Cake’.

Not bad, reluctantly.

A poppy edm number from #Iceland with some folk violin thrown in.

Ok, not great but points for not singing in English.