#gtykee

This is part of an ongoing exploration of the 2019 Eurovision songs called Get To Know Your Eurovision Entries (GTKYEE, for short). There are 41 countries participating this year, and I’ve already examined the Big Six. Now let’s dive into the first nine songs of the first semi-final, who will start the whole show off on the evening of May 14.

Cyprus: “Replay,” Tamta

Last year, little Cyprus made a huge impression on Europe with the spectacular “Fuego” performed by Eleni Foureira. For a while there, it looked like we might be celebrating our first ever Cypriot win at Eurovision. So to match that success this year, Cyprus’ solution is to send essentially the same entry! A hot girl, a high-energy dance song, what could go wrong? While I don’t see this being quite the sensation that “Fuego” was, we will be more than happy to take Tamta’s “Replay.”

Montenegro: “Heaven,” D mol

D mol (“D minor”) is a vocal group from Montenegro that seems like it was created just for Eurovision. They’re all schoolmates, and the act was put together together last fall. For being such a young bunch, the harmony-driven “Heaven” is rather dated. Wholesome and cheesy; sure, it’s drivel, but it’s so much fun.

Finland: “Look Away,” Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman

Darude, yes, of “Sandstorm” fame, makes his Eurovision debut this year as the Finnish representative. It’s been 20 years since “Sandstorm” was released and became quite a worldwide phenomenon. “Look Away” is another electro-trance song, and Darude is joined onstage by singer Sebastian Rejman. After the disappointment of fan favorite Saara Aalto coming 25th in the final last year, maybe Darude’s big name will amass votes for Finland this time.

Poland: “Fire of Love (Pali się),” Tulia

Tulia is a Polish folk quartet made up of four young women. Rather than harmonizing, Tulia’s main musical style is to yell-sing over each other. It’s an old form of mountain singing called “white voice” that’s common in many parts of Eastern Europe. Clad in their traditional costumes, “Fire of Love” is a throwback celebration of Polish culture.

Slovenia: “Sebi,” Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl

Slovenia’s representatives this year are the VERY CHILL duo Zala Kralj and Gašper Šantl. The real-life couple have a song, “Sebi” (translation: “Oneself”), that’s quite simple, intimate, and modern. This could have the ability to connect with a younger audience, especially since it’s so different from everything else. Or, it could flop!

Czech Republic: “Friend of a Friend,” Lake Malawi

Another act that could appeal to a younger crowd is the quirky indie band from Czech Republic, Lake Malawi. Their inspirations include Coldplay and Bon Iver (I know, ew), and their song, “Friend of a Friend,” is fun and fresh.

Hungary: "Az én apám,” Joci Pápai

Hungary’s Joci Pápai is back after taking a year off. He was last seen on the 2017 stage, where “Origo” finished eighth at the final. Such a good result for Hungary means Joci is heading to Eurovision again. “Az én apám” is another song with ethnic flair, but it’s going to be difficult to repeat the success of the oddly-catchy “Origo.”

Belarus: “Like It,” ZENA

16 year-old Zinaida Kupriyanovich (ZENA, for short) comes to us from Belarus with a high-energy little pop song. She’s a singer and dancer (she choreographed this number herself!) who’s also the youngest performer at Eurovision this year. “Like It” might be a little repetitive, but I still… LIKE IT.

Serbia: “Kruna,” Nevena Božović

Serbia’s Nevena Božović is a familiar face at Eurovision. She represented Serbia at Junior Eurovision in 2007, went to Eurovision with girl group Moje 3 in 2013, and now she’s back this year as a solo artist. Her ballad, “Kruna,” is lovely, though a little low energy. Hopefully third time’s a charm for Nevena!