The Big Review (11) Belarus

This is what this semi final was needing - a bit of oompf! "Solayoh" might not be the best in terms of lyrics but it's catchy and Alyona attacks this and sells it really well. What's not to like? Topless (male) dancers, writhing, bum shaking; Belarus do trash like nobody else! Of course, this wasn't the original choice for Belarus, in typical fashion the song was switched. You might expect nothing less from "Europe's last dictatorship" - they need to keep the Dear Leader happy! Apparently Mr President takes an interest in Eurovision and Belarus' entries. I dare say that if the contest ever heads to Minsk, he'll be there waving a flag in the audience! In what is quite a subdued semi-final this really stands out. I can see this easily qualifying and may give the Belarussians their best result to date.

Qualifying: Yes

The Big Review (10) Lithuania

Lithuania have had mixed fortunes in Eurovision, from their debut in 1994 which suffered the humiliation of the dreaded nul points, to their surprise qualification in 2011 and 2012. Their song this year, "Something" definitely has something about it; something of the night! Andrius is a good performer but the eyebrow thing is just downright creepy! The song reminds me of an album track from The Killers. It's a credible entry but I can't see it picking up too many votes somehow. I hope I'm wrong as I'd like to see this in the final but at the minute I can't quite see it happening.

Qualifiying: No (just missing out)

The Big Review (9) Montenegro

For once Montenegro aren't opening their semi-final! This is a pretty brave choice, although that's not saying much. It will be interesting to see how this is performed on the night. The male rapping reminds me of "Euro Neuro" from last year. It's essentially a remixed version of that with a female vocalist thrown in for good measure. I can't see this doing anything and it looks like we'll have to wait another year before Montenegro grace the Eurovision stage for the final.

Qualifying: No

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