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.

13. Switzerland
Timebelle – Apollo

Total score for Switzerland: 17.5 (out of 40)

Bad news is good news, if you’re a tabloid. And a yellow dress and a yellow mic stand on a yellow stair on a purple stage is either a horrible idea or we’re not evolved enough to understand it. Whatever though: It’s anything but unmemorable, hence worth 4 yellow stairsstars.

14. Belarus
Naviband – Story Of My Life

Total score for Belarus: 37.0 (out of 40)

I was a bit indecisive about the stage colours and the boat prop, but I think I just got too used to the preview video. Looking at it with fresh eyes will make the difference. Under the line, it’s the unmatched charm of Naviband that plays the first instrument here.

15. Bulgaria
Kristian Kostov – Beautiful Mess

Total verdict for Bulgaria: 31.0  (out of 40)

These flashy holograms might not be healthy for everyone who’s watching the show, but a bit of electric provocation didn’t hurt t.A.T.u. either.

Winning these three: Belarus

“Oh, do you remember, yesterday at Eurovision? The dancing couple on the boat! They were so nice, and sang so well!” – I can already hear people across the continent saying something along those lines on Sunday. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the winning song they’re talking about.

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.