Who will win Eurovision Song Contest 2019? We rate all 41 entries so you don’t have to

The Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Tel Aviv, Israel after Netta’s win in 2018, and it’s a tough year.

We have fresh and current ballads, traditional numbers, upbeat bangers and even a dash of industrial BDSM – truly, we are being spoilt rotten, but there’s a lot to take in.

So, the selfless people we are, we at Metro.co.uk listened to all 41 entries, ranked them, and decided who will be making it to the final, who hasn’t got a chance, and who will be taking home the title.

Grab a glass of bubbly and wrap yourself in your nation’s flag – this might take a while. 

Albania 

Ktheju Tokes – Jonida Maliqi

What is it? A powerful, warrior style mid-tempo number sung by one of Albania’s most successful female stars. Singing in your own language, ie not in English, is always a risk, but with this style of music, it pays off. It’s oddly seductive without even understanding the message. The message, by the way, regards the topic of Albanian immigration, particularly in relation to the Kosovo war – and after Jamala’s win with 1944, we know how well a political song can do.

Verdict: 7.2/10. This has all the markings of a left hand side of the leaderboard song. It’s traditional but not alienating to non-Albanian speakers, and Jonida is beloved – so her fame could really bag those votes. I hope this one makes the final for a bit of variety. 

Armenia

Walking Out – Srbuk

What is it? A very solid mid-tempo pop track from Srbuk, a former X Factor and Voice of Armenia star who is very popular in her hometown, and could be quite popular in Tel Aviv. It will all depend on the staging, though – as it’s mid-tempo, it will need an injection of va va voom to stick in people’s heads. 

Verdict: 7/10. I actually really like this, but fear it might be forgotten. Armenia have quite a good track record when it comes to Eurovision, reaching the top 10 seven times since they joined the contest in 2006, so I’m hoping this makes the final – although she is in semi-final two, a very tough contest. 

Australia

Zero Gravity – Kate Miller-Heidke 

What is it? A dramatic operatic/electronic number from one of Australia’s most well known indie opera stars (who knew that was a sub genre?). Opera pops up every year at Eurovision and I for one love it. How much camper can you get? Well, you can add a light up dress and an acrobat on a pole. Kate claimed that the staging would be dramatically changed, but UK semi-final commentator Rylan Clark-Neal told us the acrobat has made the cut, thank god. 

Verdict: 7/10. I’m always rooting for Australia in Eurovision because they throw everything but the kitchen sink at their performances. This entry is technically brilliant thanks to Kate’s voice but absolutely bonkers in every other respect, so I’m really hoping it makes it to the final so Europe can join in on the spectacle. Every year needs a six foot tall light-up skirt. 

Austria

Limits – Paenda

What is it? First thing’s first – Paenda is very cool. She has blue hair, and I might take a picture of her short cut to the hairdressers for inspo. Secondly, the song is very cool. The ballad is understated, breathy and ethereal, and Paenda’s voice will give you goosebumps. However, the lack of bells and whistles make it hard to stand out – but some quieter numbers have made the final  in recent years.

Verdict: 7.1/10. I really like Paenda and Limits, but semi-final two, where she is competing, is very strong this year. She’s up against Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Russia, so it will be a tight squeeze to make the final.

Azerbaijan

Truth – Chingiz

What is it? A bit of a bop, tbh. If this was played on Radio 1, you wouldn’t question its place, despite the slightly out of place guitar strumming over the verses and chorus. But that chorus! I have been singing ‘shut up about it’ all morning and I’m not mad. 

Verdict: 8.5/10. This is a great pop track, one even Sweden would be proud of, and deserves to be a crossover hit. Azerbaijan have good form at Eurovision, winning in 2011 and have made the top five five times since 2008. They missed out on the final last year, though, and it would be a travesty if Chingiz didn’t make the final this year – although, again, he’s in the toughest semi. 

Belarus

Like It – Zena

What is it? Oh look, Anne-Marie is representing Belarus. Honestly, when the verse started, I thought I was listening to FRIENDS. And that’s not a bad thing.

Verdict: 6.8/10. Totally solid, if not generic pop song. If this were in the second semi, I don’t think Zena would have a chance. But she was drawn for the decidedly easier first semi, and maaaay just slip through to the final. But it wouldn’t be the worst if she didn’t. 

Belgium

Wake Up – Eliot

What is it? Classic Belgium at Eurovision, this is. Belgium is consistently sending the coolest entries to the song contest, and Eliot is continuing that grand tradition with this mid-tempo number with a dramatic slowed-down chorus. Fun fact – Eliot is only 18. Which is quite obvious when you see his ickle baby face.

Verdict: 6.9/10. I am a Belgium stan, but this isn’t as strong as previous years for them. That being said, it won’t have any problem sailing through in semi-final one. 

Croatia

The Dream – Roko

What is it? A ballad that basically took the bag of top Eurovision themes and put them into a blender. Dreams, love, dreaming of love, not giving up on dreams, angels for some reason, war, turning war into hope and also art? I don’t know. 

Verdict: 5/10. Roko’s voice is good, so there’s that. 

Cyprus

Replay – Tamta

What is it? You know when your friends at school took your homework, so you asked them to change it a bit so nobody noticed it was copied? That’s what Cyprus have done with Eleni Foureira’s Fuego. And you know what? We’re not mad about it. Replay is a bop, there’s horns, and we’re still bitter about Fuego not winning. 

Verdict: 8/10. This is a summer song and it will do well. Unfortunately, if Fuego couldn’t win, this won’t either. It’s first up in semi-final one, though, and it will breeze through to the final. 

Czech Republic

Friend Of A Friend – Lake Malawi

What is it? We’re not entirely sure, tbh. It’s about four songs stitched together, sewn up by members of DNCE and Flight Facilities. After the somewhat confused beginning, though, it’s actually pretty catchy. But the talking bridge is like Marmite.

Verdict: 6.7/10. I’m not entirely sold, based on the weird intro, but once they get into the swing of it, these boys next door may win everyone over. It’s in semi-final one, so I can see it getting to the final. 

Denmark

Love Is Forever – Leonora

What is it? Sugary sweet, head bobbing cuteness from Denmark. Leonora’s soulful voice stops this from going into painfully saccharine, but it’s a very fine line. I do love the addition of Danish lyrics, though.

Verdict: 6.8/10. Do I like it, or is it giving me a toothache? I’m not sure. This one will be tough to break out of the second semi-final. 

Estonia

Storm – Victor Crone

What is it? Basically a lost Avicii and Aloe Blacc song. There’s a sort of country tinge, then an electronic drop. I can see this being pretty popular, even if it’s not my up of tea. Entirely inoffensive and current.

Verdict: 6.9/10. Won’t have a problem getting out of semi-final one. 

Finland

Look Away – Darude and Sebastian Rejman

What is it? Darude! Actual Darude! Sandstorm Darude! Darude that timed the Sandstorm drop with midnight being chimed in on New Year’s Eve! Darude!

Verdict: 7.4/10. Right, it’s not Sandstorm, but if Darude doesn’t get through to the final, that is utter disrespect and Europe should be ashamed. 

France

Roi – Bilal Hassani

What is it? A strong ballad with French and English lyrics that could make it to the top five. Bilal is  proudly gay YouTuber, and his queer persona is almost as important as his song this year, after he was targeted by homophobic abuse online. Much like Conchita Wurst, Bilal represents so much more than France at Eurovision, and this one could definitely do well this year. 

Verdict: 8.1/10. A very strong song with an emotive message, and has been doing well in the odds and with fans. Plus, as part of the Big Five, France are already in the final. A dark horse. 

Georgia 

Keep On Going – Oto Nemsadze

What is it? A dramatic ballad with gritty vocals sung in Georgian, with a lot of drums. For all the drama, it’s sadly forgettable, and we’ve heard it many times before.

Verdict: 5.1/10. It’s not bad, per se, but we can’t see this in the final. 

Germany

Sister – S!sters

What is it? S!sters have an exclamation mark in their name, so you’d assume they’d be serving Carly Rae Jepsen levels of upbeat, but that is not the case. But it doesn’t mean it’s a bad song. The vocals are good, and the melody and tone are a departure from everything else we’ve heard in the contest. 

Verdict: 6.6/10: Pretty middle of the road, and doesn’t have a chance of winning. But it’s in the final, and could rank reasonably well. 

Greece

Better Love – Katerine Duska

What is it? Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding’s baby doing Eurovision. I am kind of obsessed with Katerine’s voice, and her pipes carry a solid but unremarkable song. But Greece didn’t qualify for the final last year, and I’m hoping they can correct that in 2019. 

Verdict: 7.5/10. I can see this qualifying from semi-final one, and I hope it can make it to the left hand side of the leaderboard, because Katerine’s voice is stunning. 

Hungary 

Az en Apam – Papai Joci

What is it? Hungary’s 2017 entry Papai Joci is back again with a folk-inspired number sung in Hungarian. Papai did quite well in 2017 with Origio, coming in eighth place, but I fear Az en Apam won’t do as well. It’s a bit too understated to make an impact, and I’ve found myself forgetting it as soon as I move onto another track

Verdict: 5.2/10. Sorry, Papai, we don’t see this making the final. 

Iceland

Hatrio mun sigra – Hatari

What is it? Ever since Lordi won Eurovision, I have been hoping for another rock song to challenge Eurovision, and in the year 2019, we have been gifted with Hatari, who describe themselves as industrial BDSM. PRAISE THE LORD. 

I am honestly obsessed with this Rammstein meets Die Antwoord track, which is accompanied by the band leading men around the stage on leashes, while dressed in leather, latex and collars. It is brilliant, and the song, even without all the spectacle, is right up my street.

Plus Hatari have been absolute gold on the promo trail – including saying, with absolutely straight faces, that they would like Theresa May as their Eurovision guest of honour because of her dance skills.

Verdict: 9/10. If this does not make top five, we revolt. 

Ireland

22 – Sarah McTernan

What is it? An easy-listening mid-tempo number with powerful, soulful lyrics all about the nostalgia of high school sweethearts. 

Full disclosure – I am Irish, and I am still hanging on for our renaissance at Eurovision. Sweden are coming for our win record, and I will simply not allow it. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re winning with this one.

Verdict: 6.8/10. It’s a lovely song, but it will be a hard sell – particularly because Sarah has landed in semi-final two. There may be a miracle, but Ireland may be sitting out the final again. My heart. 

Israel

Home – Kobi Marimi

What is it? A bit of a classical number with an operatic tinge from the reigning champions. The host countries always play it a bit safe – truly, who wants to host Eurovision two years in a row? And after the juggernaut that was Netta’s Toy – eccentric, catchy, over-the-top – this just falls flat.

Verdict: 5.2/10. It’s already in the final, it will get a good cheer in Tel Aviv, but won’t make a dent on the leaderboard.

Italy

Soldi – Mahmood

What is it? Italian trap. Mahmood mixes Italian with one line of Arabic, infectious beats and catchy refrains, and it is a winning combo. This has been consistently a favourite amongst fellow Eurovision competitors as well as the fan clubs – Organisation Générale des Amateurs de l’Eurovision voted it their top entry.

Verdict: 8.9/10. If Netherlands fail to nail the performance, this could be Italy’s time to take the crown. It’s a very cool song, and Mahmood is sure to put on a show. However, he is at a slight disadvantage being in the final already, as Europe will only see him perform the once. 

Latvia

That Night – Carousel

What is it? Of Monsters And Men take on Eurovision. Very low-key, effortless folk with bluesy vocals. It’s very inoffensive, and you wouldn’t bat an eyelid if it played on the radio – but all that does not a Eurovision success make.

Verdict: 6/10. It’s absolutely fine. But does it deserve a place in the final? I’m inclined to say no. 

Lithuania

Run With The Lions – Jurijus

What is it? Eurovision is loving a mid-tempo number this year. This is very OneRepublic if they wrote Freaks from Eurovision: You Decide. Inoffensive, but very middle of the road.

Verdict: 5.9/10. It’s really not setting my world on fire, and I can’t see it making the final. On the upside, Jurjius has lovely hair.

Malta

Chameleon – Michela 

What is it? Oh look, as well as representing Belarus, Anne-Marie is singing for Malta. However, she’s putting more into this one, because Chameleon is a bit of a banger. The chorus entirely changes tack from the generic pop choruses, which adds interest, and it’s pretty current and catchy. Malta do well with upbeat numbers, and they could do well again this year. The odds are ranking Michela highly, so they could be a good bet for top five. 

Verdict: 8.10. This is an absolute bop, and it would be a real disappointment if it didn’t make it out of semi-final two. If it does, this is a surefire top 10 hit. 

Moldova

Stay – Anna Odobescu 

What is it? We’re back down to earth with a classic Euro-ballad with plenty of high notes and violins. But there’s something about this track with Anna’s distinctive voice that feels off to me – I’m not sure if they entirely gel. As for the song, we’ve heard it all before.

Verdict: 5.4/10. For all the high notes, this will strike a bum note in the second semi-final. 

Montenegro

Heaven – D-mol

What is it? This mid-tempo (buzzword of the year) entry is last in many of the odds, and it’s not hard to understand why. This track is very confusing – there’s 90s style bridges, messy harmonies, and odd instrumental breaks that feel like they’re part of a different song, and the result is a bit of a jumble. 

Verdict: 4.9/10. Valiant effort, but this is not meant for the final. 

North Macedonia

Proud – Tamara Todevska

What is it? This is the first time North Macedonia are in the Eurovision as such, and they have quite a good entry for it. This ballad is pared back with just piano, violins and Tamara’s unique husky vocals. 

Verdict: 7.5/10. It’s a shame this one is in the second semi-final, as it will be a bit of a battle to get into the final, but I hope Tamara can do it. 

Norway

Spirit In The Sky – Keiino

What is it? Keiino are made up of Alexandra Rotan, Tom Hugo and Fred Buljo, and Spirit In The Sky is their upbeat entry, all about the struggle for equal rights regardless of sexuality, gender identity or race. sounds deep, but this is EUROVISION. If Spirit In The Sky were a stick of rock, you’d crack it open and a stream of glitter and traditional instruments played by Vikings would fall out. 

Spirit In The Sky mixes a ridiculously catchy chorus with joik, a traditional form of Sami chanting that ticks the national tradition box. I have had this stuck in my head since it was released, and that’s no easy feat. Plus, with Keiino promising an Arctic version of the Lion King for their staging, what more could you want?

Verdict: 8.6/10. This has a very good chance of making the five, if not being a dark horse for a win, betting odds be damned. Will definitely make the final. 

Poland 

Fire Of Love (Pali Sie) – Tulia

What is it? EUROVISION, everyone. We’re getting traditional with Tulia, who will be wearing traditional Polish dress and singing in Polish, but that won’t stop the chorus from getting embedded in your brain. Catchy AF. 

Verdict: 7.9/10. This has the touch of madness that the final needs, and should have no problem getting out of the first semi-final. It’s oddly low in the betting odds, though, so may not get to the left hand side of the leaderboard on the night. A shame, tbh. 

Portugal 

Telemoveis – Conan Osiris

What is it? Not sure, really. It’s a ballad, then a bit of an art rave, but I kind of enjoy the journey? You most definitely won’t tune out of this one, even if you think it’s actually three songs. 

Verdict: 6.8/10. I’m not sure whether this is great or a bit of a mess. But has a decent chance of getting out of semi-final one. 

Romania

On A Sunday – Ester Peony

What is it? Ester Peony, what a lovely name. On A Sunday is a sultry, dramatic number, with the song making more impact from the second verse onwards. But I’m not sure it’s strong enough to go shoulder to shoulder with the other mid-tempo entries.

Verdict: 5.8/10. In any other year, might have made it to the final on the balance of probabilities, but   I don’t think 2019 is Romania’s year.

Russia

Scream – Sergey Lazarev

What is it? All of the drama from Sergey, who is back after representing Russia in 2016 with the rather brilliant You Are The Only One. This effort keeps the strong vocals from their third place track, but is much slower, and more theatrical in nature. 

Verdict: 8/10. I’m finding it be hard to be super enthusiastic about this, as You Are The Only One was much better. However, Sergey sounds great and will give it is all, and the bookies are loving it – so it’s a shoe-in for the final, and could end up top five. 

San Marino

Say Na Na Na – Serhat

What is it? Absolute lunacy. Cheesier than a quatro formaggi pizza. Serhat is a Eurovision legend thanks to his 2016 entry I Didn’t Know, which didn’t make the final – quite frankly, an abomination of a decision. There’s no point really trying to describe Serhat. He is simply Serhat. 

Verdict: I can’t rate him. 10/10 for effort. Actual score, questionable. Will he get through? No. 

Serbia

Kruna – Nevena Bosovic

What is it? A moody ballad with ceiling-shattering vocals on the chorus. While the first third is all a bit predictable, then come in the guitars and violins and add to a new layer to the ballad. A pretty good effort from Serbia.

Verdict: 7/10. Who doesn’t like a rock ballad? This could sneak on through to the final, as Nevena is performing in semi-final one. 

Slovenia

Sebi – Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl

What is it? A lo-fi, moody mid-tempo number with seductive vocals from Zala. The duo was only formed in 2018, but they already sound slick. I’m really into Sebi, it’s one of the coolest and most interesting entries this year, and I hope the Eurovision voters feel the same.

Verdict: 8.3/10. This falls into the Belgium school of London Grammar-esque type tunes that may not scream Eurovision at first, but tend to do well. I’m hoping they can get out of semi-final one to do just that. 

Spain

La Venda – Miki 

What is it? Spain have opted for tradition this year, and I’m glad – you can’t listen to La Venda without smiling. You know those songs that are played at your holiday resort that nobody knows at home but you end up listening to for weeks on end? This is La Venda. It’s pure Spanish music, and Miki pulls it off with charisma. 

Verdict: 8.4/10. Spain is already in the final, and the bookies are already loving Miki. I’m predicting a top 10 finish. 

Sweden

Too Late For Love – John Lundvik

What is it? It’s Sweden, therefore it’s great. They cannot do wrong at the Eurovision. Honestly, what is in their water? Did Loreen cast a spell on every competitor since 2012 to produce content for the Radio 1 playlist? 

The chorus is great, John’s voice is great, and there’s a very X Factor choir on the chorus. Inoffensive, perfect calculated pop. Fun fact – John also wrote the UK entry this year, and used to be a professional sprinter, because he’s just THAT talented. 

Verdict: 8.2/10. Sweden will make the top five, and they deserve it. I don’t think it’s a win for them this year, but there’s no denying it’s a great tune. A shoe-in for the final. 

Switzerland

She Got Me – Luca Hanni

What is it? Liam Payne ft CNCO does Eurovision. This sexy, mid-tempo pop song is all about pursuing a girl in the club, and the Latin vibe makes it super current and fresh. Another song that could be a chart crossover, and one that could shock on the night.

Verdict: 8.5/10. Switzerland will have no problem reaching the final, and could be on track for a top 5 finish, if not higher. This is the direction Eurovision should be going in.

Netherlands

Arcade – Duncan Laurence

What is it? This is the firm bookies’ favourite to win, and it’s not hard to see why. If you still think of Eurovision as tearaway costumes and Polish milkmaids – which it sometimes still is – you might not peg this one for an instant win, but it’s the embodiment of modern Eurovision; a good-looking man singing a very solid ballad that wouldn’t be out of place in the charts. Think Sam Smith, if Sam Smith’s staging included lots of lasers. This could easily be a crossover hit after 18 May.

Verdict: 9/10. This is really Duncan’s contest to lose. Not only is his voice great and the song pretty brilliant, but Duncan has been playing a blinder on the promo trail – you won’t talk to a nicer man. As seen in bookies’ Europe wide, this is the safe bet for victory. Of course it will make the final. 

United Kingdom

Bigger Than Us – Michael Rice

What is it? It’s the UK’s chance to make it back to the left hand side of the leaderboard, and Michael could be the man to do it. Very much in the X Factor winner’s song school of music, there’s a big chorus, there’s choir background, there’s a catchy refrain. It’s a solid effort, and Michael has a truly amazing voice. 

Verdict: 7.4/10. Whatever you think about the song, Michael himself could be the UK’s saving grace this year. The other delegations are loving him, he’s been getting stuck into the promo, and his voice is on point – he deserves a good finish. 

Our predictions 

It’s a really tough year, with a lot of variety, which means Eurovision fans will be getting quite the show. From semi-final one, I suspect Cyprus, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Iceland, Australia, Greece and Slovenia will go through. 

And on semi-final two, I’m predicting Armenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Albania, Norway, Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Malta and North Macedonia make the cut.

And on the night? It’s the Netherlands’ to lose. Arcade is a great song and Duncan Laurence has been playing the part to perfection. Other than him, Switzerland, Norway, Italy and Sweden could round out the top five, and I’m hoping Iceland, Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Russia join them in the top 10. Well, what I’m actually hoping for is Iceland to take the whole contest, and for everyone to have to explain to their mums what industrial BDSM is.

But as we all know – anything can happen at Eurovision. 

The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals are on 14 and 16 of May, with the grand final in Tel Aviv on 18 May. 

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