Copenhagen 2014: Rankings of the 37, part 3: 25-21

Part 3 of my rankings of Copenhagen 2014. And shall continue right now!

Number 25!

Sergej Cetkovic with "Moj Svet" (Montenegro). First time (I think) a Montenegrin entry has made it to the grand final. I have enjoyed (yes folks, and I mean enjoyed) what this country had to offer in the ESC over the past few years. Even "Euro Neuro" by Rambo Amadeus from 2012. But this ballad is so great and one of the best ballads this year. Glad it made it to the final.

Speaking of ballads, 'Aram MP3' Sargsian, a contender in the grand final is number 24 on my list with the soft-dubstep backed track "Not Alone" (Armenia). Not as good as Dorians last year, but I would say it is now my second favorite Armenian ESC entry. The dubstep killed it, but still beautiful nonetheless.

The third year in a row the UK has sent a 'name-brand' artist to the ESC. In 2012 it was Engelbert Humperdinck. In 2013 it was Bonnie Tyler. This year it was Molly Smitten Downes, the lead singer of the Stunt project, with "Children of the Universe." It is number 22 on my chart simply because of even more powerful entries this year. Great song nonetheless. I have been a big fan of hers for sometime. Any guesses for who will represent the UK in 2015? Rikki Peebles? Daz Simpson? Jamelia? Sophie Ellis Bextor? Mike Skinner and the Streets? Dizzee Rascal? Who knows?

'Mei' beer is 'Finegold' the dry beer. Get it? Unlike Rheingold Beer, Mei Finegold's "Same Heart" (Israel) wasn't really extra dry. After listening to it, it is a great song, but decided to put this at number 21. Shame she didn't make the final. Now the question, for a country that has won the ESC a multiple times, despite the politics of the past few years, will they be able to return for Austria in 2015? Let's not forget the Gaza issues as well, including the most recent attacks that could be a key ingredient for a third World War. Something to ponder in the months to come.

After three posts:

37. Poland
36. Denmark
35. Belarus
34. Latvia
33. Macedonia
32. Austria
31. Sweden
30. Moldova
29. San Marino
28. Belgium
27. Spain
26. Albania
25. Montenegro
24. Armenia
23. Russia
22. Great Britain
21. Israel

Twenty big ones to number one, including Twin Twin and the Common Linnets, as well as Firelight and Softengine. Find out where they rank as the countdown is approaching halfway!

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Molly Smitten Downes "Children of the Universe"

Over the years, the ESC has seen some of the more notable performances in the event, from the likes of Olivia Newton John, ABBA, Celine Dion and Telex to more recent notables such as Engelbert Humperdinck, Cascada, Bonnie Tyler, and Esma Redzepova just to name a few. Add another one: Stunt lead singer Molly Smitten Downes (pictured), who will represent the UK in Copenhagen with "Children of the Universe."

"Children of the Universe" starts off with a huge drum, then the orchestrations and break beat kicks in. Good vocals nonetheless, similar to her years with Stunt (see "Raindrops"). For yet another year, the ESC will be full with a tight competition of interesting entries. She will perform in the grand final only on Saturday, the 10th of May, and I don't think she will win, but will once again--due to the competition being so intense--will give the UK yet another low grand final position (also the block voting could also come into play).

The UK has been a continual player in the ESC since the '60s. Some great songs from the UK over the years, starting with The Allisons "Are You Sure" (1961), and including the classics such as the two Cliff Richard songs "Beg Steal and Borrow" (1968) and "Power to All Our Friends" (1973), the Bucks Fizz "Making Your Mind Up" (1981), the masterpiece "Only the Light" by Rikki Peebles (1987), and Samantha Janus "A Message To Your Heart" (1991) just to name a few. Even Engelbert Humperdinck's "Love Will Set You Free" (2012) and Bonnie Tyler's "Believe in Me" (2013) are up there as well. Don't underestimate Molly!

Up next: Freaky Fortune featuring Riskykidd "Rise Up."