Talk About Tennis 2.0

Here is Denmark. This is live from the national selection. Saba is the first woman of color to represent Denmark.

Here is Armenia. Keep in mind that they still have another 35 seconds to add to the song if they choose to do so.

Next will be Latvia. This is Dons live from the national final performance.

This is San Marino. Megara is a Spanish band. This is live from the national final.

Next is Georgia. Nutsa was apparently a contestant on American Idol. Very capable live, for sure. Georgia hasn't qualified for the Grand Final in 6 years. That will probably change this year. But this year is tough.

Next is Belgium. Power ballad.

Next is Estonia. This is live from the national final. They performed this a few nights ago, and it was MUCH better.

Next will be the entry from Israel. Needless to say, Israel's participation in this year's contest has created lots of drama.

This is the entry from Norway. Get ready for some Norwegian folk rock--in Norwegian! It is based on a 1,000-year-old folk ballad.

Fun fact: The artists participating in the Norwegian national selection had the option to use auto-tune. Gunnhild, lead singer for Gåte, declined.

And finally, we have The Netherlands. Another fan favorite that is currently #5 in the odds, I believe.

My PERSONAL top three are:

1) Croatia, Baby Lasagna
2) Norway, Gåte
3) Ireland, Bambi Thug

My PREDICTED top three at this point are:

1) Italy (but I think Greece and perhaps Armenia could cause Italy televote problems)
2) Switzerland (not sure how the broader public will react to a song that's all about being non-binary--or if they'll really get it)
3) Croatia

So, anyone watching? It's been quite the day over here, especially with "our" home hope, Joost Klein being disqualified for "making a threatening gesture towards a camera person". Nevermind all the controversy surrounding the participation of Israel. It's completely sucked the life/fun out of what usually is a festive evening. Well, for many in the Netherlands anyway. The Dutch broadcaster behind all things Eurovision has even pulled out of the live broadcast, so we're "mailing in our points".

I'm off to watch a bad horror movie with two cats on my lap and will read the result some time tomorrow morning. A real shame.

I've been missing the updates we usually get from dry.

I did see posts on social media about the controversy re Israel and the Dutch reaction. It is a shame.