The Big Review (8) Netherlands

Netherlands have a bit of a depressing history when it comes to modern Eurovision. The country that used to dominate in the early days have missed every single final since 2004. Last year they were widely tipped to qualify only to narrowly miss out on a place amongst the 26 finalists. This year they've chosen the popular rock chick Anouk in the hope that she'll be able to reverse their fortunes. "Birds" is a haunting, highly original piece of music. It reminds me of something from the 1940s, it's daring and a brave choice. Clearly more conventional pop songs haven't worked for them so they're going a bit left-field this year. It might just work. I think this will get a big jury vote and even though the public might not go for it, this might just sneak through. I hope they do, it'll be good to see them back in the final after a long absence. Netherlands are one of the favourites to win the entire contest. I can't see that happening, I can see them having something to celebrate this year though. Fingers crossed for Nederland!

Qualifying: Yes (just!)

The Big Review (7) Ukraine

Ukraine, like Russia, have been highly successful in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine won Eurovision with their second ever entry and have continued to perform strongly coming second in both 2007 and 2008, qualifying to every single final since the semi-finals were introduced. Their offering for 2013, "Gravity" resembles something from a Disney cartoon. The video is bizarre and features amongst other things, unicorns. One thing Ukraine know how to do is sell a song, even weak ones. The singer, Zlata, has a good voice and isn't afraid to use it. Given a good draw I see this doing very well indeed. I quite fancy a trip to Kyiv next year!

Qualifying: Yes

The Big Review (6) Russia

Russia is one of the most successful countries in modern Eurovision. Arguably they've been helped along the way by the sizaeable Russian diaspora in the former Soviet states too. However credit must be given to the Russians, they just know what works. The Russian grannies were the big story last year and whilst this year isn't particularly newsworthy, it's a very strong ballad from Mother Russia. The singer, Dina, is an excellent vocalist and indeed she won The Voice in Russia last year. "What If" is a pretty standard Eurovision ballad, with a couple of cliches thrown in for good measure. It's catchy, she can sing and they know how to stage a song. Having said that, perhaps the best thing about this entry is the video. I don't think it was meant to be intended as a parody, it's hilarious. Thanks to my good friend Ben, I can't help but thinking that someone is doing something to the young blonde lad at 0:58. As the song climaxes (so does the boy!) the crowd all hold hands in unity. That said, I think St Petersburg or Sochi 2014 are distinct possibilities. Discount this at your peril. 

Qualifying: Yes

The Big Review (5) Denmark

After that dirge they entered last year, this is a pleasant, catchy song. It's the current favourite to win. I just don't get it. What's it even about? The tin whistle thing is so over, very 1995. That greasy hair could do with a wash too. I imagine with several thousand Danes coming over to support this, the roar in the hall will be immense. I just find it a little old fashioned and bland. Not a bad song but surely there are more deserving, contemporary winners? Special congratulations do go to Danish TV though who, yet again, organised a superb national final. Will there be only tear drops left at the end of the voting?

Qualifying: Yes

The Big Review (4) Croatia

Croatia used to be one of my very favourite countries when it comes to Eurovision and yet over the past decade they've gone off the boil for me. Their offering this year, from Klapa s Mora, Croatia's own version of Il Divo, is pretty pleasant but that's about it. Still, I'm pleased that they've continued to sing about 'ljubavi' - a word which has featured in most of their songs since 1993! It means love. If this fails to qualify there will be no love lost here though, I don't get the klapa. Still, it's well performed and I think the juries will go for it along with their neighbours. 

Qualifying: Yes

The Big Review (3) Slovenia

Slovenia haven't got the most distinguished record when it comes to the former Yugoslav countries in Eurovision. Last year they were widely tipped to qualify and yet failed and they have only qualified to the final twice since 2004. This year they've gone uptempo and in a year of ballads this should stand out, yet, somehow for m`e, it just misses out. As the verse builds there's the anticipation of a strong chorus which never really appears. Of course it depends on the staging but as it stands this sounds rather dated and desperate. I can't see the juries going for this unless the vocals are spot-on. Slovenia was always seen as the more western part of Yugoslavia, outside Tito's bubble and this has been reflected in the voting too with Slovenia missing out on those neighbourly votes. I can't see this qualifying although stranger things have happened...

Qualifying: No

The Big Review (2) Estonia

Eestimaa - perhaps my favourite country in Eurovision or indeed the world (after Scotland of course!) I love most of Estonia's entries in Eurovision. Since the launch of Eesti Laul in 2009 their fortunes in the contest have really turned around having qualified for 3 out of 4 contests. Eesti Laul is fresh, alternative and even daring. The big story this year was that of Winny Puuh. I really wanted them to win because it was just so off-the-wall and downright weird. Instead Estonia have opted to play it safe with a female ballad. As if we don't have enough of those this year! Still, this is a very nice song and Birgit is a very strong performer and an established name in her home country. I just can't help feeling that Estonia would have done better with something a little more edgy. I really hope they qualify and of course I'll be there with my Estonian flag as usual. Elagu Eesti!



Qualifying: Yes (although borderline)