Balkan Power

Never underestimate a good Balkan entry. The people in this region are fierce Eurovision fans. They vote a lot, and usually, for each other.  There's a strong, uniting drive that brings these countries together and makes them a powerful force in Eurovision.

The last Balkan nation to win Eurovision was Serbia in 2008. I think it's time for another Balkan victory.

These two fabulous weirdos are back with "Miracle." Paula Seling and Ovi were last seen at Eurovision in 2010, when they came third, giving Romania its best ever placement. It's no secret that I love them and would like to see them win on Saturday. They are great performers, and Romania would make a wonderful Eurovision host next year. This song might be a little too old-school-club-hit for some of Western Europe, but the Balkan countries will no doubt throw Paula and Ovi their support. Let's all hope Paula can hit that note.

Sergej Cetkovic is representing Montenegro with "Moj svijet" (translation: "My World"). Montenegro has been participating in Eurovision since 2007, and they have never made it through the semi-final. But with "Moj svijet," they have their first legitimate chance. Sergej is a big celeb in Eastern Europe, and I think this beautiful Balkan ballad will enchant international voters. Montenegro appears in the first semi-final tonight, and hopefully, they will sail through.

Russia, though not part of the Balkans, obviously has enormous influence in this region. From the gay rights scandals during the Winter Olympics, to the horrible ongoing clashes in Ukraine, Europeans are not happy with Russia's behavior lately. The Tolmachevy Sisters, two twin girls who won Junior Eurovision in 2006, will also perform in the semi-final tonight. Since their Eurovision debut in 2000, Russia has never missed a final. Will they be able to get the votes to make it out of the semi-final tonight? Or will Western European countries send their support elsewhere?

Americans watching at home, the first semi-final takes place at 2pm, Central Time. Watch it here.

Great News From The UK and Romania!

After months of rumors and speculation, the BBC has finally revealed who will represent the United Kingdom in Copenhagen. No, it's not Geri Halliwell, Susan Boyle, Rylan Clark, or Belinda Carlisle. It's newcomer, Molly Smitten-Downes, who will be going by just "Molly."

This is great for the UK. Someone young and relevant (unlike their past two contestants, 77 year-old Engelbert Humperdinck and 62 year-old Bonnie Tyler). Molly is giving off some ethereal Florence Welch vibes, which will be well received at Eurovision. She sounds "new," the way Loreen did in 2012, and Emmelie de Forest in 2013.

After lots of success and five victories in the early years of Eurovision, the UK has dropped off since the 2000s. They last won in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves' "Love Shines a Light," and their most recent success was in 2009, when the Andrew Lloyd Weber-penned "It's My Time" placed fifth. But they have also come last three times, in 2003, 2008, and 2010. I think Molly will do very well at Eurovision. It's exciting to see the UK coming back with an entry that could actually be a contender.

Now onto Eastern Europe, where Romania has chosen their representative through a televised national selection show. Former Eurovision competitors, Paula Seling and Ovi, will return to the Contest in May.

There's a special place in my heart for Romania. They are one of the few countries who, since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, have never missed a final. Romanians have so much passion for the ESC, and I would love to see them win for once. Paula and Ovi are a good choice for representatives; when they came third in 2010, it was Romania's best ever placement. "Miracle" is a great, upbeat pop song, and it will be accessible and enjoyable for voters. Paula's voice is no joke, and I know they'll bring their over-the-top enthusiasm to Copenhagen. Great job, Romania!

Who Wore It Better?

At the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo a few weeks ago, I couldn't help noticing that two countries had very similar aesthetics onstage. Aliona Moon from Moldova and Cezar Ouatu from Romania.

They both wore skirts that raised up during the climax of their song! EL SCANDALO!

It is even more interesting considering the complicated, strained relationship between Moldova and Romania. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the 1990s, and many on both sides still push for unification. 

I refuse to believe this is just a coincidence. Either Romania and Moldova planned this, or some top secret Eurovision wardrobe information was leaked from one of the countries. What does it all mean?

And, more importantly, who wore it better?

Bonus points for Aliona because her dress changes color. And, lightning bolts.

Bonus points for Cezar because he looks like a dramatic gay vampire.

The Question on Everyone's Minds

Who is going to win Eurovision 2013?

The contest ends today. I don't pay attention to betting odds (yes, there are betting odds for Eurovision) mostly because I don't understand how they work (and I'm too lazy to Google it). So my picks for the winner are based completely on my own knowledge of what the average Eurovision audience member is looking for.

1. SPECTACLE! Is it exciting to watch? Is the song dynamic? Does it have a key change about 3/4 of the way through? Is the performer compelling in some way? Where is the DRAMA?
2. Is the song universal? Can everyone in Europe relate to it? Are the lyrics in English? Because that usually helps.
3. Does the song celebrate the country's individual culture and heritage? But not like, in an annoying way. Don't be ostentatious. Universal. Greece, I'm looking at you. Refer to point #2.
4. Every few years, it seems that a certain region of Europe holds popularity. It was very fashionable to vote for Eastern Europe around ten years ago. Then the Scandinavians broke that streak, and Finland, Norway, and Sweden have all won in the past six years. Are Europeans still interested in what Scandinavia has to offer? Or will voting patterns shift? The one tried and true rule is that no one ever votes for the UK. Sorry, Bonnie Tyler. I think you're great.

So, with that being said, here is who I think will win.