Expectations vs. Reality: Eurovision Song Contest 2021 🎤

Hello everyone!

After a Eurovision-less 2020, the world’s favourite wacky singing competition is back and based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Operating under strict COVID-safe conditions, Rotterdam turned the party up to 11 for a fantastic show of lights, sequins, pyrotechniques and a strong array of singers vying for the title of Eurovision champion.

Source: Facebook

For the first time in a few years, there are a handful of front runners with the bookies, and yours truly also initially had trouble picking a winner. I am notorious for not necessarily agreeing with Europe aside from a few exceptions; hello Arcade (Duncan Laurence – 2019 winner) and Heroes (Mans Zelmerlow – 2015 winner)! So for this year’s field, I thought I would present my dream Top 5 based on my personal favourites and compare it to the final 5. Let’s see how many I got right….


5th Place: Maps (Ireland)


Source: YouTube

After a period of slipping through the cracks with lacklustre songs, Ireland’s Lesley Roy has given us a cracker of a song that unfortunately did not grace the stage at the final. I think that’s a real shame because her tone was beautiful and the song had a unique kind of energy that made you feel warm and excited for life. The elaborate staging and bare feet moment also elevated ‘Maps’ to a place in my top 5 because it wasn’t afraid to enjoy itself and be a little different.

(Reality: Did not qualify for the Final!)


4th Place: Fallen Angel (Norway)


Source: YouTube

An easy groove, mid-tempo number from Tix of Norway, the giant angel wings, chains, sequin pantsuit and giant fur coat are a combination that shouldn’t work on paper. But there’s something about it that totally works! The message is simple, the key change is a Eurovision staple, and overall it’s one that has an unassuming catchiness. A powerful moment for Tix, who lives with Tourette's syndrome, was when he removed his shades and showed his facial tics. The confidence and strength of sharing that with audiences was so beautiful amongst a lovely song.

(Reality: Qualified for the Final, finished 18th)


3rd Place (Bronze): Set Me Free (Israel)


Source: YouTube

Full of upbeat pop energy, funky costumes and choreography, Israel’s entry has everything Eurovision audiences love. Whilst the competition is supposed to be apolitical, that doesn’t always translate into objective voting from the public. It’ll be interesting to see where Eden Alene and her intricate braided hairdo end up because the song is one of the gems of this year’s competition! There was also some whistle notes at the end of the song; some of the highest ever hit on the Eurovision stage!

(Reality: Qualified for the Final, finished 17th)


2nd Place (Silver): El Diablo (Cyprus)


Source: YouTube

Cyprus love a fiery dance anthem, and Elena Tsagrinou’s entry is no different. Coping backlash prior to the competition from Christian groups for suggestions it supported Satan worship, the song’s metaphor makes for a catchy, energetic and sassy performance. It is rare to win as an opener, but Elena’s got all the glittery costuming, wind machines, synchronized choreography and flaming backdrops to give it a red hot crack!

(Reality: Qualified for the Final, finished 16th)


1st Place (Winner): Last Dance (Greece)


Source: YouTube

Simple staging but some funky green screen effects saw Stefania from Greece dancing with the invisible during her catchy, fun song ‘Last Dance’. A sparkly purple outfit and some classic power vocals, she is one of the many favourites stacking this year’s field, and she has my 12 points for top spot. Techno disco and an uplifting, infectious melody; this one is perfect for some crazy dancing in the kitchen with its great vibes!

(Reality: Qualified for the Final, finished 10th)


REALITY (TOP 5)

5th Place: Ukraine (Go_A - 'Shum')

4th Place: Iceland (Dadi og Gagnamagnid - '10 Years')

3rd Place: Switzerland (Gjon's Tears - 'Tout I'Univers')

2nd Place: France (Barbara Pravi - 'Voila')

1st Place (Winner): Italy (Maneskin - 'Zitti E Buoni')

Long story short, I wasn't even close! 🙈🙈🙈

Congratulations to all of this year's entries, thank-you for a terrific show I was happy to wake up at 5am to watch live 😆

Thanks so much for reading, looking forward to next year's contest in Italy!

Love and global singing competitions, Emily 🌟

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

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