Everybody's Talking About...

According to online polls and Eurovision bloggers, Hungary is the one to beat this year. New York-born András Kállay-Saunders is representing Hungary with his song, "Running." It's a good song, although perhaps a bit puzzling to some. The lyrics deal with the somber issue of child abuse, but the music is upbeat and club-influenced. This may turn off some who feel the topic of domestic violence is too heavy for a music contest, or it might convince voters that songs from Eurovision can be more meaningful and have a positive social message. Either way, it is a strong entry, and András is one of the most talented vocalists in the competition this year.

People are also talking about Spain's Ruth Lorenzo. Now, Spain last won Eurovision in 1969, and since then, they have done poorly in the Contest. Ruth might change all of that this year. She started getting international attention in 2008, when she appeared on the fifth season of The X Factor (in the UK, which could get her some big votes from Britain). Ruth has a beautiful and strong voice, and "Dancing In The Rain" is extremely accessible. Personally, I find this song BORING, but it might be sweet and simple enough (read: BORING) to captivate audiences of all ages.

And then we have the lovely Molly from the United Kingdom. Yes, this is a great song. Very current, very fun. But I think the reason why "Children of the Universe" is getting so much buzz is because it is so vastly different from the last few British entries. Finally, the UK is trying again! They're not sending someone over the age of 60, there's no rapping, no gimmicks, no Andrew Lloyd Weber. It's just a good song written by an up-and-coming young artist, and it will be well received by international viewers. Good for you, Britain. Welcome back.

And from the far east, we have Aram MP3 from Armenia. Eurovision betting odds have picked "Not Alone" as the winner. Armenia has only been in the Contest since 2006, but this is the entry of a much more seasoned pro. The song ties together a ballad with dubstep, and it works, somehow. It's a very strong contender, and I think the staging and performance will be crucial in determining if this is our winner.

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!

Eurovision Royalty: Céline Dion

Well, OF COURSE Céline Dion competed in Eurovision.

From the Vault: Gina G

Australian DJ and pop singer, Gina G, represented the UK in 1996. Her song, "Ooh Ahh... Just a Little Bit," only finished in eighth place at the competition, but it went on to be a number-one hit in many countries. In America, the song was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

Those back-up dancers are just perfect. Everything about this performance is so fun and wonderful and 90s, but Europe wasn't quite ready for this kind of high-energy pop. Audiences wanted ballads in the 1990s, and Gina G was just a little before her time. But she did help start a trend that would bring Eurovision into the new millennium with a techno-dance beat.

Gina G attempted a return to Eurovision in 2005, but she did not make the final selection. She continues to produce music under her own record label and lives in the UK.

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.