As any ESC fan knows, there are mediocre songs which suddenly shine on stage, just as there are favourites that don’t get a favourable treatment. So let’s find out how things are looking on stage in Kyiv!

See the bottom of this post to find out how the total scores are calculated, as well as other detailed explanations.

7. Hungary
Joci Pápai – Origo

Total score for Hungary: 13.0 (out of 40)

Joci and the dancer have a special chemistry, the staging is beautiful, but an overall problem with this year’s stage (which is gorgeous indeed) is that it lacks atmosphere, which is sometimes also down to the camerawork. It feels like everyone is in a hurry and doesn’t really care, which doesn’t help songs that have a potential for a deep, mystical vibe.

8. Denmark
Anja – Where I Am

Total score for Denmark: 3.0 (out of 40)

Why do all Danish singers have to wear a red dress!? Is there a law for that, and who decided it? Well you know, I actually would like the song a lot more if someone else sang it, someone with a more pleasant voice, someone who doesn’t try to be Albania. It’s not the song being bad, it’s Anja’s voice and her presentation that work against it.

9. Ireland
Brendan Murray – Dying To Try

Total verdict for Ireland: 33.0 (out of 40)

The forgotten son of Frodo and Harry Potter will sing himself into the hearts of a lot of viewers, who will subsequently want to adopt him. His youthful charisma, his special voice and the beautiful, different staging, all these coherently combined elements turn a weak song into a strong contender in the competition.

Winning these three: Ireland

Put a cute guy with a crystal clear voice and a white shirt into a hot air balloon, and he can even sing “Lisa, Mona Lisa” and someone will love it. Outstanding presentation helping an indeed very weak song.

Explanations

What the categories mean

Concept: Meaning the idea behind what the performers are actually doing on stage, ignoring how well their performance is executed.

Look: Hairdo, clothes, but also attractiveness or likability play a role here.

Stage: Use of backdrop, lights and colours.

Camera: The camerawork, judging by the official snippets.

Performance: How well the concept is executed. Movements, facial expressions, finding cameras.

Vocals: Well, how well can the entrant actually sing?

What the stars mean

1 star – Counterproductive, doesn’t do the song any favours
2 stars – Mediocre, doesn’t help nor ruin the song
3 stars – Decent, supports the song well enough.
4 stars – Literally outstanding, unique in the context of this year

How the total score is calculated

1 star = 0 points
2 stars = 1 point
3 stars = 2 points
4 stars = 4 points

For the total score, “Vocals” is weighted x5, “Performance” x3, the other four categories x0.5.