This year's Eurovision contest will be hosted in Tel Aviv, as Israeli singer Netta won the 2018 competition with her song, "Toy." The competition returns this week with a massive selection of original tunes for fans to devour. But with more than three dozen competitors, it can be tough to keep track of everyone. Here's who's likely to emerge victorious.
Australian superstar Kate Miller-Heidke debuted her opera-pop composite "Zero Gravity"in February and immediately placed herself as a competition favorite. Miller-Heidke's majestic stage-anchored body juxtaposes with her weightless backup dancer floating behind her. She's expected to continue using that unique but simple imagery in the semifinals.
Sweden's John Lundvik will give the Eurovision competition a run for its money with "Too Late For Love," a cheerful gospel-like song that asks audiences to give love a second chance. The palpable optimism of his performance has captured audiences so far, and he could quite possibly win the whole thing. Lundvik also wrote the United Kingdom's Eurovision 2019 entry, "Bigger Than Us," which performed by Michael Rice.
Malta chose to be championed by the rising superstar, Michela and her song, "Chameleon." The song's music video captures all the bizarre elements of Eurovision that judges often favor, paired with a lyrical simplicity that could let it become become the latest earworm. Her voice is unique, and given her young age, she'll certainly stand out amongst her competitors.
Italy's entry is "Soldi"by Mahmood. The song showcases Mahmood's unconventional upbringing and strained relationship with his father. The singer's crooning in "Soldi" has already reached triple-platinum status in Italy. Given the popularity "Soldi" has garnered thus far, it's not hard to imagine this song winning Eurovision.
Iceland's Hatari will perform "Hatrið Mun Sigra," another favorite to win. There's nothing else quite like it in the competition. Their performance is catchy and captivating, evoking elements of BDSM, performance art and science fiction. It combines scream-o with a melodic backtrack reminiscent of ballet.
Russia's Sergey Lazarev presents a fairy tale-esque story through his song"Scream," which follows a boy fighting through a forest inhabited by wolves and monsters to save his beloved princess. Lazarev previously competed in 2016's Eurovision competition, where he received third place for his song "You Are The Only One." "Scream" is expected to place as well, if not better, in this year's competition.
The country of Azerbaijan will provide some intense competition with their popstar, Chingiz performing "Truth." The song is both catchy and provides the visual peculiarity that often performs quite well amongst Eurovision crowds.
Despite Eurovision judges' longstanding affinity for visual flair, Netherlands-based singer Duncan Laurence's vocals-forward performance of "Arcade" is currently the competition's frontrunner. In the song's music video, Laurence presents his struggle to break free from a damaging relationship and many viewers have related to his openness. The "Arcade" music video has already gained 8 million YouTube views, more than almost every other Eurovision 2019 entry. It's only surpassed by by Michela's "Chameleon" at 8.3 million views.
We'll find out who wins this year's Eurovision, and which country will host the event in 2020 on May 18. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below.
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