Also known as gay Christmas, the most exciting TV event of the year is back this May but we already know who will represent each country at the all singing, all dancing contest in Lisbon Portugal this year. Here are just a few acts to watch out for… stay tuned for a full depth analysis over the coming weeks and full reports direct from Lisbon.
1/ IRELAND – RYAN O’SHAUGHNESSY
We can’t start our list without cheering for our own first. 19 year old Ryan O’Shaughnessy has a voice so impressive that it got him noticed in both The Voice Of Ireland and Britains Got Talent in the same year. His beautiful video shows a gay couple dancing through Dublin’s Temple Bar doing synchronised dancing that wouldn’t look out of place in a Christine & The Queens video. The promo has become a talking point at this years Eurovision, with even American TV channels talking about it. If Ryan can capture the magic of his video on stage in Lisbon then he’s well on his way to a lot of douze points from fans around Europe!
Watch Ryan’s video here
2/ ISRAEL – Netta – Toy
Another song that has become a talking point before this years contest even starts, Netta has built up over 5 million Youtube views for her song and her unique chicken-like vocals have spawned an internet meme with many filming their own version of her vocals and uploading them to social media. It’ll be interesting to see if she can keep this momentum flowing to May but so far she’s the number one favourite with bookies and with fans…. and even better…. it fills the dance floor every time its played. We hope to see this do well.
Watch Netta’s video here
3/ AUSTRIA – Cesár Sampson – Nobody But You
He’s the only act at Eurovision 2018 to have official promotional photos of him in his underwear… and for that we’re very greatful. He’s very easy on the eye and has an amazing voice to boot. His song brings a bit of needed soul to the Eurovision stage.
Watch the video below, its a simple concept with some clever camera tricks and lots of shots of Cesar looking moody around the streets of Austria. *sigh*
4/ SWEDEN – Benjamin Ingrosso – Dance You Off
We can rely on Sweden for two things every year… camp pop and hunky men and this year is no different. Benjamin Ingrosso won this years Melodifestival with a song that gets close to being as cool as something from Justin Timberlake, it’s one of the most contemporary songs at this years contest and for that we applaud it. He comes with his own props too, this years Eurovision won’t have any LED screens, so acts have to think outside the box, Benjamin has his very own light-up stage that will have audiences gagging before he even opens his mouth.
5/ AUSTRALIA – Jessica Mauboy – We Got Love
Australia being at the Eurovision is a controversial subject for some fans… but consistently they’ve been sending great singers with polished tunes, and this year is no different. Jessica previously sang at Eurovision when Australia were tasked with coming up with a fun interval act but this is her first time competing at the event. It’s a great Aussie pop song, it sounds something like Kylie Minogue might have released 15 or 20 years ago. Is that a good or bad thing? You decide!
6/ BELGIUM – Sennek – A Matter Of Time
What do you get when you cross Eurovision with a James Bond theme tune?
OK – yes Conchita Wurst… but what if you want more drama and more mystery? You get this gorgeous ballad from Belgium, who are another country taking Eurovision very very seriously lately. Expect this to go top 10 on the night!
7/ CZECH REPUBLIC – Mikolas Josef – Lie To Me
Finally, you can’t help but love this track, the song is camp and fun while also being fresh and modern. We could easily imagine hearing this on Irish radio. Mikolas is what’s known in the gay world as a twink… he’s got smouldering looks, a cheeky smile, perfect hair…. swoon! The gay community of Europe will be reaching for their phones to vote as soon as he gets on stage. Douze points all round!
WE’LL BE IN LISBON FOR EUROVISION 2018 – STAY TUNED FOR MORE FUN FEATURES