“With 26 finalist countries and a 4-hour television marathon, Eurovision is absurd, exciting, non-stop and, this year more than ever, incredibly… sensual.”
This is how CNN describes Europe's biggest music spectacle, which this year has brought not only high energy to the stage, but also big surprises.
Last year's winner, Nemo, returning this time as an analyst and dedicated fan, describes the competition as "a very passionate year", emphasizing that it creates an extraordinary terrain for artists and their free expression.
CNN has published a ranking of the finalist songs, from the weakest to the best, where Albania surprised critics and the public by taking first place. The Albanian representative song was praised for its emotional power, dynamic performance and strong artistic message.
26. Armenia - PARG, "Survivor"
A handsome man running shirtless on a track, in color or dramatic black and white, with a song that makes you feel like you're in a protein commercial. Aesthetics? As if Artificial Intelligence had styled it.
25. San Marino – Gabry Ponte, "Tutta L'Italia"
The author of the Eiffel 65 hit “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” is back with a song that mentions pasta, wine, and the Mona Lisa. That’s it. And no, it’s not a meme – it’s reality.
24. United Kingdom – Remember Monday, “What The Hell Just Happened?”
The girls know how to sing, but the song is like a leftover from a party in 2013.
23. Portugal – Napa, “Deslocado”
Soft, relaxing, but totally forgettable. A song for Spotify, not the Eurovision stage.
22. Lithuania - Katarsis, "Tavo Akys"
Lots of emotions, but little celebration. Like being trapped in a conversation with someone who only talks about inner pain and won't let you leave.
21. Germany – Abor & Tynna, "Baller"
The song is a rhythmic surprise, but the lyrics are a crime in themselves.
20. Israel - Yuval Raphael, "New Day Will Rise"
A ballad filled with emotional and political charge. The song, as a music, remains weaker compared to last year.
19. Spain – Melody, "Esa Diva"
Dramatic performance, but the song is a noisy mix that convinces neither the jury nor the audience.
18. Iceland – VÆB, “Róa”
Energetic to the point of exhaustion. Their only function: to wake up the audience in the middle of numerous ballads.
17. Norway – Kyle Alessandro, “Lighter”
Young, energetic, but the lyrics are as if they were translated by Google Translate from English… into English.
16. Poland – Justyna Steczkowska, "GAJA"
A return after 30 years, with dramatic movement and violin. But the sound is a little too…operatic for today's tastes.
15. Latvia - Tautumeitas, "Bur Man Laimi"
An ethno-pop group that brings authentic culture and language to the stage. It's not for everyone, but it's 100% Eurovision.
14. Greece - Klavdia, "Asteromáta"
A touching ballad about loss and emigration.
13. The Netherlands - Claude, "C'est La Vie"
A sweet English-French mix that seeks to win the hearts of the jury. Sung brilliantly.
12. Ukraine - Ziferblat, "Bird of Pray"
An embodiment of everything Eurovision is: boldness and surprise. Not for everyone, but absolutely original.
11. Estonia – Tommy Cash, “Espresso Macchiato”
An absurd caricature of Italian coffee culture. You don't want to like this song – but you will.
10. Malta - Miriana Conte, "Serving"
The girl dominates the stage with confidence and a strong voice. A little overdone, but it works.
9. Denmark - Sissal, "Hallucination"
After a five-year absence, Denmark returns with a captivating ballad. Much better live than in the studio.
8. Sweden - KAJ, "Bara Bada Bastu"
“We're going to sauna, sauna, sweat,” say these three Finns representing Sweden. It's funny, but unforgettable.
7. Luxembourg – Laura Thorn, “La Poupée Monte Le Son”
A feminist response to a 1965 winner. Classic, entertaining, and intelligent.
6. Italy - Lucio Corsi, "Volevo Essere Un Duro"
A heartfelt song about identity and manhood. Very beautiful and still underrated.
5. France - Louane, "Mom"
A personal ballad about Louane's late mother. Honest, simple and incredibly touching.
4. Switzerland – Zoë Më, “Voyage”
Delicate and beautiful, this song will remain long in the public's memory, even though it is not expected to win twice in a row.
3. Finland - Erika Vikman, "Ich Komme"
A feminist and sexual anthem that is not ashamed of anything. Giant microphones with flames and lyrics that say it bluntly.
2. Austria – JJ, "Wasted Love"
Brilliant voice and strong emotions, but… it looks a lot like last year's winning song. It risks a penalty for similarity.
1. Albania – Shkodra Elektronik, “Zjerm”
A duet that doesn't like Eurovision – and that's exactly why it'll probably win. Fire, absurdity and an unforgiving alternative style. The fans love it. And rightly so.
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