Eurovision Song Contest 2023: United By Music

As everyone is well aware, the Eurovision Song Contest is not just a competition about the best written song. It is a huge, spectacular feast of song and dance that has been embraced throughout the world. While there are some who write it off as camp nonsense that is dominated by neighbouring countries voting for each other, the success of many of its former entrants shows that this is far from the case. Although Ukraine may have won in 2022, arguably viral sensation Rosa Linn, who finished in 20th place for Amenia with Snap, has shown that it is what you do with the platform, as opposed to where you come, that counts.

As we countdown to the competition's final on next Saturday (May 13th) in Liverpool, following Sam Ryder's second place finish, speculation is rife about who will take the crown. Former winner Loreen, who returns for Sweden with Tattoo, is proving the bookies' favourite. However, she faces strong competition in the fandom's pre-contest discussion and votes from Finland, Norway, France and Austria. Yet, as previous years have proven, it is what happens on the night that counts the most.

But we aren't here to simply speculate about the potential winner, but rather to assess the newly released double album that celebrates all of this year's entries. While it is fair to say that Loreen certainly delivers with Tattoo, which is destined to be an international hit regardless of where it finishes, this year's entries show that the contest is equally as diverse in its contents as previous years and that while some songs may not be obvious winners, that does not mean their quality is lacking.

Let's look at the frontrunners first though.. While the bookies are championing Ukraine's TVORCHI, whose entry Heart Of Steel is a pleasing but sadly forgettable slice of R'n'B tinged pop, it is hard to see this entry being one that stands the test of time, even if it does well on the night due to the staging. Finland's Käärijä delivers a slice of macho-pop/rap that is both memorable and addictive, albeit not as insanely addictive as the truly loveable Austrian entry Who The Hell Is Edgar? by Teya and Salena.

Which leaves two of the bookies and fan favourites left to discuss, with arguably two of the finest cuts on the collection. France's La Zarra brings a subtle touch classy disco on the memorable Évidemment, while Norway's Alessandra has an international super radio hit on her hands with the absolutely sensational Queen of Kings.

Though it is clear to see why the fans and bookies are leaning towards these entries, it is fair to say that other than Azerbaijan's distinctly forgettable Tell Me More by TuralTuranX, this is a set of songs that actually has broad appeal and a lot striking moments. Greece's Victor Vernicos, Spain's Blanca Paloma, Belgium's Gustaph and Slovenia's Joker Out may prove themselves the underdogs of the competition with their well-structured and striking vocals. Malta's The Busker certainly make you move with Dance (Our Own Party), while Denmark's Reiley shows TikTok trendability on the poppy Breaking My Heart.

While all these stand out, it would appear a few potential Top 5 rankers are currently being overlooked. If the UK's Mae Muller and Israel's Noa Kirel can bring the vocals live and marry it with impressive staging, they could excel with their pop hits. Meanwhile Czech Republic's Vesna and Serbia's Luke Black bring musical quirk with a solid message and Moldova's Pasha Parfeni shines with the euphoric Soarele di Luna.

As we all know, the night itself will play out with it's own sense of entertaining justice, but for those who an introduction to an interesting, eclectic and very talented set of artists, this compilation is worth exploring away from the confines of the show.