Eurovision Song Contest 2013, part one

Eurovision week is upon us. For all the fans throughout Europe, this is it, the much anticipated crescendo. Within a week, we will have crowned a new winner and a new country will carry the privilege and honor of being this year's champion. But for now, it's all about Sweden, and the competition and the competitors.

It all starts on Tuesday, with the first semi-final. 16 countries are competing for 10 coveted spots in the Eurovision Song Contest finale on Saturday.

Before sharing my opinion about the songs and artists, I feel the need to clarify a few things. I have listened to, and seen, every song exactly once. The versions I have heard/seen has been from the official website. However, some of them are recordings from the national competitions and some are produced music videos. So, some of the songs may sound and feel very different when performed on stage.

Now, let's get down to business. I will list the 10 countries I would like to see in the finale. Some of them I feel stronger about, some of them made the list because I didn't dislike them as much as others. And just because I'm opinionated I will also let you know which song made the absolut bottom of my list. Since I haven't seen all the performances live, I don't feel comfortable ranking them at this stage, so the list is made according to order they will perform.

1. Austria
2. Slovenia
3. Croatia
4. Denmark
5. Russia
6. Ukraine
7. Netherlands
8. Ireland
9. Cyprus
10. Belgium

Worst of the night, was Lithuania. But there is some room for improvement. I might give the artist an extra point if he gets his eyebrows under control.