Eurovision is a yearly competition between European countries to choose the greatest song of the year. A random cross section of global musical genres are nominated. These are the complete semifinalists.
Austria: Natália Kelly, "Shine"
Splitting the difference between Demi Lovato and Adele, to bland results.
Grade: B-
Best YouTube Comment: "I really like this song, but the chorus isn't as good as the verse!" — thetovanna
Swedish singer Loreen is the Eurovision champ forever until the end of time (or at least until next year's competition). Grade: A Best YouTube Comment: "Brilliant, brilliant song. The best in years! Single handedly drags Eurovision into the 21st century." — enfermera1971
It is KCRW Lite, a genre we didn’t even know existed. It lifts its whoa-oh hook right off “Party in the USA.” It is The Mumford Wives. Nothing about this song should work, but god help me, I can’t stop listening to it. Phillip himself has called this song too poppy, out of step with the more jazz-inected music he hopes to record. While 19 Entertainment sits him down and explains how the next decade of his life is going to go, let’s enjoy the only decent coronation song Idol has ever produced.
Eurovision is the world's biggest singing competition. Its finals were held this weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan. Below are the 26 finalists. And Grantland's Molly Lambert graded them all.
1. Engelbert Humperdinck, "Love Will Set You Free" (England)
Eurovision is all about schmaltz, and who does schmaltz better than Engelbert Humperdinck? From his Wikipedia page: "Humperdinck's easygoing style and good looks, a contrast to Tom Jones's energetic and overtly sexual style, earned Humperdinck a large following among women. His hardcore female fans, who included the young Princess Anne, called themselves 'Humperdinckers.'" This ballad is all about the crucial key change two and a half minutes in. Grade: B+ Best YouTube Comment: "it's not Engelbert's fault they lose the contest. He just singing REAL MUSIC but kids these days just love deep shits" — s19971997
