Russia: Sergey Lazarev – Scream

Martin: Lightning and static, it’s getting dramatic! With memories of the Samoylova Interlude (#EestiLaulBandName) swiftly fading as we collectively agree to ignore just how bizarre it all was, Russia are back with a vengeance – and what better way to make a splash than with the man who led the betting and won the televote in 2016, only to be denied by those evil juries?

Sergey Lazarev isn’t one for doing the same thing twice, though, so this time he’s foregoing the triplet-time pop banger in favour of a dark and brooding triplet-time ballad. (OK, so some things don’t change.)

And you know what? I actually like it rather more than his 2016 effort. “Scream” is old-fashioned but not outdated, with a vein of ice-cold (melo)drama running through it like only the eastern side of the continent seems to be able to deliver with conviction. Plus it has probably my favourite preview video of the year.

That isn’t to say it’s a better choice than “You Are The Only One” for ESC, though. If “Scream” ends up in the mix at the very top of the scoreboard, it’ll be less because of the song and more due to a combination of the other contenders messing up, the inevitable diaspora factors, and Sergey’s sheer effortlessness in front of the camera.

You wouldn’t necessarily bet against it, though, would you?

Shi: I actively hated his 2016 entry. I actively love this, so it is bound to do considerably less well. I don’t care, though, and I’m glad he’s doing something that is not only different from his previous attempt, but also something that he seems to be more comfortable with.

Felix: This, while not instant, is a well thought-through musical piece with a nicely executed dramatic arc. I definitely prefer this over Sergey’s first Eurovision song, though “Scream” is surely less of a crowd-pleaser, and hence I doubt it will be a contender for the winner’s podium.

video and title image source: eurovision.tv