ESC songs so far

Second part of my ESC post is all about the music. For the past 2years I have not only listened to the winners of the national selections but actually listened to all ESC entries published. And this is always fun, exciting and really good at times.
This year is no exception. I love the songs. Well as usual I am not always happy about the outcome but you cannot have it all.

So where do I start? Though it makes sense to start chronologically, I will not. Let me share my opinion on Germanys' entry first. It's toilet. Well, let me explain. Firstly the show was a bore. Please make it more fun to watch - especially when inviting the world to watch. (Though I admit that some of the jokes made during the show were actually enjoyable). Now, I also think there should have been a group or another male contestant in the show because I am tired of this sweet girl thing we have been trying to recreate for years now. Honestly though, from the cover versions I completely agree with the audience that the Adele song was great.

Now the two song choices, they are okay, but need a lot of remastering before sending them off to Kiev. I mean come on the beat is so David guetta it is embarrassing to watch. Plagiarize much?

Also I really believe we should send a German song for once. And I honestly believe that a good song in native tongue has chances to win.

Having said that I love the Belarusian entry this year. It just makes you smile. Though I am mad at Ireland for it because this song sounds like something Mumford and sons could have sung 2-3 years ago. But then again Ireland has not been making a lot of good choices over the last years. I know Brendan is a good singer but come on! Not a winning voice.... Well I will have to wait for the song, it might surprise me. But can Ireland please send someone like walking on cars or hozier? These are Irish exports that just work internationally.

International entries...
Let me go through the list and start with the latest news on Albania. Why not send bote, why change it to English? Georgia had great songs this year and I am not happy that they went for a jamala song-alike. I am curiously awaiting the Swedish decision as I am already in love with some of their contestants- and I haven't even seen all.
In Iceland I am hoping the votes go for the Icelandic version of whatever song is chosen. Though I could not say that song is, possibly Erna (though a remake of undo), svala, or Arnar and rakel... But I also like Aron and Aron...
And then there is Moldova and I am seriously routing for the return of epic sax guy as this will make Eurovision fun for sure. I am not a big fan of the polish entry- which is sad because I generally do like them.
That was mostly about semifinal 1 (well except for my rant about Ireland) but then again not many countries in the second semifinal have something to show for yet. Exceptions are Malta, Hungary (again great pre-selection, not sure the best song made it- and I am still listening to Leander kills).
Okay, I need to Apollo-gize, but I hate the Swiss entry. Maybe it will grow on me, but I don't think it will ever.

As for the big 5, all have announced their entry and from those five I probably like UKs song best- and I think it is boring. Now Italy is growing on me, so I might like it by May. And I have not listened to dance and Spain just yet...

So with 14 songs published I think my bet would be for Belarus to win, but then again it is too early to say for sure as all songs can still be changed and too many countries are still about to release their contestant. And looking at the odds, bookmakers seem to disagree and see Italy in the winning position (i don't see that yet)