The complete running order on Saturday is:
01 United Kingdom
02 Hungary
03 Albania
04 Lithuania
05 Bosnia & Herzegovina
06 Russia
07 Iceland
08 Cyprus
09 France
10 Italy
11 Estonia
12 Norway
13 Azerbaijan
14 Romania
15 Denmark
16 Greece
17 Sweden <3
18 Turkey
19 Spain
20 Germany
21 Malta
22 F.Y.R. Macedonia
23 Ireland
24 Serbia
25 Ukraine
26 Moldova

Look further down for the fifth part of my ESC-story.
There lies my prediction of the outcome!

Let's all enjoy Saturday!
It'll be a night to remember!
Go Loreen! <3
X/PlumeTune

Watch Loreen's performance again! <3

Even if Sweden doesn’t win, Loreen still has made the greatest success of all!
I’m looking forward to her debut album in September!

The ten qualifying countries are:
– Serbia
– F.Y.R. Macedonia
– Malta
– Ukraine
– Sweden <3
– Turkey
– Estonia
– Norway
– Bosnia & Herzegovina
– Lithuania

That makes 7/10 correct guesses for me. There were three surprises for me there.
I did not expect either Lithuania, Estonia or Malta to make it through.

What's left to say now is that I hope Sweden get's a good starting number on Saturday!
I had a feeling she would get 16, but Greece got that number.
Guess the female intuition can be wrong on rare occasions… :p

GOGO LOREEN!
SWEDEN IS VERY PROUD!
LOVE YOU! <3

X/PlumeTune

LOVE YOU EUROPE!

X/PlumeTune

That means 9/10 correct guesses for me in my prediction I made!
That’s acceptable right? ;)
I probably would’ve guessed Hungary instead of Israel on a closer look though!

Love you Europe, and let’s prepare for thursday’s Semifinal and Loreen with her Euphoria!

X/PlumeTune

Let’s do this folks!

United Kingdom:
United Kingdom this year is not good to say the least.
(why couldn’t they have gone with Atomic Kitten instead.)
I remember when I was a little girl in the 90′s,
and I wanted to tear my ears off every time my mother listened to Humperdinck’s version of “Release Me”.
45 years after he first released that poison he is ten times worse.
Have they rolled him out of a nursing home?
Becuase then please roll him back in and lock the door,
cause now I’m the one singing release me from the pain of watching him on stage once again…
Overall rating: 0/5

France:
Anggun seems really good, but sadly I have to diss this one too.
Whistling in a song rarely ends well, and not in this case either.
Overall rating: 2/5

Italy:
Molto buona! Nina Zilli is unbelievably cool and an amazing artist.
The song is totally first class as well!
I’ll expect a top 5 placing for this one.
Overall rating 4/5

Azerbaijan:
Last year’s entry was heaven,
even though it was a song you’ve heard in a different version thousand times before.
I suppose the amazing and expensive performance worked its magic.
This year… I can’t get over Sabinas botox lips, either visually nor aurally.
Putting a nice enough-looking person on stage with a nice dress is not enough.
Something Azerbaijan will experience this year.
Overall rating 2/5

Just have to add that the talented Rennie Mirro (pictured below) stood for the composition of Ell/Nikki’s performance, the same lies behind Loreen’s this year.

Spain:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
Swedish songwriter Thomas G:son has reason to be very proud this year!
(He co-wrote the spanish entry as well as the swedish one.)
Pastora Soler has an amazing voice and brings that essential “little extra”,
you need to truly succeed with a powerballad.
I expect a really good placing for this one, top 5, or maybe even top 3?
Overall rating: 4/5

Germany:
Roman Lob = a nice present someone should send me… Me lovey him, a lot!
I think his eyes are guilty of melting the Arctic!
The song is really good, and possibly one of the very few this year that I would actually listen to without it being a Eurovision entry.
I’m afraid this song can easily get lost among the other performances,
since his is quite simple.
He has to look out for making it boring,
but as long as he has the eyes on him, I don’t think it will be a problem. ;)
Overall rating: 4/5

Guess what it has come to now… My prediction.
I will predict the ten countries to qualify in each of the two semifinals.
Then I will try and predict the top ten in the final on Saturday.
And of course, the winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2012…

The ten countries to qualify in the 1st semifinal are:
– Iceland
– Greece
– Albania
– Romania
– Israel
– Cyprus
– Denmark
– Russia
– Moldova
– Ireland

The ten countries to qualify in the 2nd semifinal are:
– Serbia
– F.Y.R. Macedonia
– Belarus
– Ukraine
– Croatia
– Sweden
(I have a strange feeling she’ll get number 16 in the final)
– Turkey
– Slovakia
– Norway
– Bosnia & Herzegovina

Top 10:
– Italy
– Spain
– Sweden
– Cyprus
– Serbia
– Iceland
– Romania
– Ireland
– Turkey
– Albania
(with possibility, Russia and United Kingdom)

The winner of Eurovision song contest 2012 is…

1. Loreen with Euphoria for Sweden.
Or at least I’m gonna hold all my fingers and toes for that to happen.
I think with all the hype and attention she’s getting,
maybe we’ll see another Rybak this year.
This last prediction is based partly on my great patriotism,
but mostly because we can find such an amazingly talented artist in Loreen.
From the moment the siren calls, Sweden’s very own Moroccan queen has all of us completely enchanted for 3 whole minutes.
When the song ends and her spell is broken,
and with the awing echo still ringing in our ears,
you realise you have felt euphoria.
That’s why this year, my phone shall remain silent throughout.

GOOD LUCK NEXT WEEK LOREEN AND ALL THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS!
And remember, it is not about the competition, it’s about having fun together!
Love you all!

X/PlumeTune <3

What do you think of my rating and prediction?
Comment below.

10. Croatia:
I’m sorry to say that I have a bit of a personal problem with Nina’s Nebo.
Partly because of the sound in the chorus that reminds me of a christmas song.
And I do not want to be reminded of christmas when it’s almost summer. :p
And the other reason is that she sings “Sve ti Nebo vrati”,
and the “Sve ti” sounds like the swedish word “Svettig”,
which means sweaty in english… and yeah, well you understand, that is a bit awkward. :p
Otherwise it’s a beautiful ballad!
Overall rating 2/5

11. Sweden:
Loreen = euphoria, is there anything else to say.
I know this might sound extremely partial now,
since I’ve dished out quite a sum of not so good critique to a number of countries.
But truth is, I actually don’t think it would’ve mattered if Loreen had been from Bosnia or Austria, I would’ve loved her anyways.
Loreen is a very talented musician and close to perfect when it comes to vocals.
This performance requires a lot out of the performer,
since she doesn’t stand still even for a second and it’s quite demanding voice wise.
The performance itself is filled with mystique and power,
it’s minimalistic in a big way and Loreen herself looks like a spirit or entity.
Outside the stage, Loreen is a very intelligent and kind human being,
as shows when she gives interviews, but also by her actions.
I don’t think Sweden has ever had such a talented artist before representing us.
For you who just think this is an average dance song, just like so many others;
I say, maybe it is, but if you add Loreen to the equation, you get absolute euphoria.
Overall rating: 5/5 (Can I give anything else?)

12. Georgia:
One of the wrost entries.
I don’t get any of it, at all. Eew.
Overall rating 0/5

13. Turkey:
I expected more from Turkey than this one.
Can Bonomo is cool but the song irritates me a bit after a while into it.
I expect a place in the final though.
Overall rating 2/5

14. Estonia:
I don’t like this ballad.
Did you know he says “Kuula” 14 times in a 3 min song…
The composition is beautiful, tha language and lyrics are not.
Overall rating: 2/5

15. Slovakia:
Very interesting entry, and so not like anything else this year,
and I give them a plus for that.
Kudos to MJM that he has both composed and written the lyrics himself.
I love it when singers can do that, shows that they’re real artists!
The song has a really good chorus, though I’m not equally keen on the verses.
Overall rating: 3/5

16. Norway:
I think Norway and Tooji has probably grown tired of this remark,
but I’m going to make it anyways.
He IS a sad Eric Saade-copy, and I might add,
I do not even like Eric Saade’s music.
Overall rating: a sad 2/5

17. Bosnia & Herzegovina:
Maya (I love that name and spelling!) is absolutely gorgeous,
and I love the video they have for the song!
BUT… the song itself is not equally mesmerizing, at all.
It’s too quiet and unchanging, that can be what I love the most about a song,
but not in this case.
Love the lyrics though!
Overall rating: 1/5

18. Lithuania:
One word; HATE! I usually do not use that strong word in the music world,
but with this I just can’t stop myself.
The lyrics are idiotic, the sudden change in the song is moronic, the blindfold is horrible,
and unfortunately Donny himself does not help it at all.
Overall rating: 0/5

And that’s the end of part 4!
Stay tuned for the last one!
<3

1. Serbia:
A nice balkan ballad, but I do not like the singer,
he is so incredibly full of himself that it even shows in this performance.
I didn’t even remember Lane Moje, I feel it will be the same with this one.
I expect a top placing, definetely top 10, but that’s what I think, not what I want.
For some reason people like this, I hope they can explain to me why.
Overall rating 2/5

2. F.Y.R. Macedonia:
I can’t really decide what I think about this one,
if I think it’s absolutely horrible or just bad.
I think I will decide for both.
Kaliopi does not make it any easier either.
And I can’t really place it in any genre.
It’s too many elements of sounds that does not go well together.
Overall rating: 1/5

3. The Netherlands:
I bet you’re expecting a comment about that ridiculous dead goose she’s wearing on her head, and well you were right, I don’t like it.
But what I do like is that though everyone’s telling her to burn that thing,
she sticks by it and wears it just to spite the haters.
That quality in people is so cool, and I wish more possessed it.
What do I think about the song then? In fact, I love it! Me likey!
It has found my playlist and her voice reminds me of Alanis Morisette, again. :p
I don’t think it will make the final, but it would be included if I got to decide. :)
Overall rating: 3/5

4. Malta:
Quite average song, Kurt is charming though.
I’m not sure this will qualify for the finals but I’m rooting for them to make it!
I would like to see more of the Maltese customs and traditions,
cause I can’t find it with this song.
They should’ve skipped hiring in a swede to write their song,
and come up with something themselves instead.
I am sure it would’ve been more appreciated. :)
Overall rating: 3/5

5. Belarus:
In my opinion they should have kept the old version with the first incredible intro.
Why change something that was fine from the beginning?
I do love this song though, Belarussian propaganda aside. :p
Much better than last year!
I expect a top 15 placing for them in the final.
Overall rating 3/5

6. Portugal:
I’m sorry, but this is yet another year in a line of horrible entries for Portugal.
There are worse entries this year though.
I would so like to see them place good in a final for once.
To do that they would have to rethink their whole approach to this competition,
if they seriously want to compete with the other participants.
Maybe a song in english next time? Just saying…
Otherwise Filipa is quite charming,
and because of that she get’s an overall rating of 1/5

7. Ukraine:
Ukraine this year is, bad. To be honest Gaitana scares me a bit.
Interesting sounds and beats though!
As I understand it they’re host of UEFA Euro 2012,
and because of that they are using their entry in ESC as a little warmup.
To me, the “Be My Guest” is a little confusing, does she mean it literally or as a phrase.
In case of the former, the lyrics are a bit silly…
Overall rating: 2/5

8. Bulgaria:
I don’t get it, how is she supposed to pull this off alone?
Couldn’t they afford dancers? Where’s the show?
Have they misinterpreted the musicgenre?
I like the song, except for the “I love you so much” mark in the end,
I don’t get where it’s coming from. :p
Overall rating: 3/5

9. Slovenia:
This one is very tricky, as I understand it, Eva is only 16 years old!
It’s impressive that she’s taking on this huge responsibility at this young age.
But this is a competition and vocal wise, she does pull it off,
but I can’t help wondering why they have a backup singer, singing the ah-ah-ah bit?
Couldn’t Eva have done that herself?
That particular bit seems to be quite imortant for the song,
so why doesn’t that singer get a bit of credit for it?
It could have been said to be a duet,
instead of she mysteriously appearing and then disappering without recognition.
Overall rating 2/5

And that’s the end of part 3!
Stay tuned for the next one!
<3

10. Israel:
The first times I heard this I thought it was just awful, a joke,
time to take a bathroom break.
But now, I find I have totally changed my mind.
I love it, and I have it on my playlist!
They look kinda odd though, not like you imagine your typical band.
It’s messy and all over the place,
but I find it kind of charming now. :)
Overall rating: 3/5

11. San Marino:
This one is the most horrible this year,
they were the last country to contribute their entry,
and I wonder why they didn’t just withdraw instead…
These are harsh words, but I believe many, many will agree with me.
To ridicule music in this way is not fun… at all.
I think the reason they couldn’t use ‘the Facebook song’ as its title,
is because Facebook did not want to be associated with this… in any way…
Overall rating: 0/5

12. Cyprus:
Really catchy song, not at all expected from Cyprus and Ivi is mesmerizing.
The song is written by swedes, I might add… :p
And I absolutely adore the preview video too!
I think we can expect a very high placing for Cyprus this year,
I just hope she doesn’t bump Loreen off the winning pedestal!
Overall rating: 4/5

13. Denmark:
Really good singer with an interesting voice.
Reminds me a little of a younger Alanis Morisette.
Maybe a bit boring performance,
but I don’t think you can evolve this into something it isn’t.
Top 15 in the final maybe?
Overall rating: 3/5

14. Russia:
I think it’s cute with the grandma’s but this makes fun of the competition a little,
and I’m not sure I enjoy it. I do not want this to win,
and if it does it’s just a proof of how many people trying to spite the festival.
Cause no one actually like this song, and want’s to put it on their playlist.
Russia could’ve done so much better,
like sent Dima Bilan and Julia Volkova’s duet instead.
I’ll expect a place in the final for this, but I hope not a top placing.
Overall rating 1/5 (1 point cause the grandma’s are cute)

15. Hungary:
Nice average song fit for radio and it makes it to my playlist,
but I don’t expect it in the top 10.
Last year’s hungarian entry was so much better,
but of reasons unknown to me, Kati didn’t win.
I would like to see a hungarian victory though,
just not this year, with this song.
Overall rating: 3/5

16. Austria:
First time I heard this I shut it off again immediately.
But now after looking at the lyrics,
(which I think is no worse than the grandma’s russia sent)
and listening to it a few times, I actually think it’s quite amusing.
Singing about buts with some stripper poles is a brainfreeze,
in the middle of one joke and one average song.
And yes, I also feel here that they flip off the whole festival,
but at least it’s fun to  get provoked by the “Woki mit deim popo”.
Trackshittaz themselves is like a worse, less energetic version of the Jedward twins.
Overall rating: 2/5

17. Moldova:
This entry is right down there huddling with the latvian, san marinian and georgian ones.
Hoping not to drown in the tears of crying eurovision fans,
because of the bad jokes these countries sent this year.
Overall rating 0/5

18. Ireland:
Boring… plain… bland… any more words to describe how incredibly dull this song is?
The song last year was so much better, and the twins were also.
Last year they were new and fresh,
but this year they make me wanna take some beta blockers and go to bed.
The song is written by swedes,
and also a song that has been turned down several times by artists in the swedish Melodifestivalen.
One example is that it was offered to Eric Saade last year,
but as everyone knows, he chose Popular instead.
Speaking of popularity, it will not be something these guys can rely on this year…
Overall rating: 2/5

And that’s the end of part 2!
Stay tuned for the next one!
<3

I am such a sucker for Eurovision and have been since I could barely stand.
My love and commitment grew of course after Charlotte Nilsson won in 1999,
taking this great festival to my native country for the millenium.
Since then Eurovision has become so much bigger,
and more and more people and countries get involved each year, which I think is great!

Before I start rating, I would just like to say how impossible it is,
to judge music in a competition like this.
Personally I think music is one of the few things in life that unites us,
hence should not be rated.
There is absolutely no right or wrong when it comes to opinions in the world of music.
What sounds good to some, might be horrible for others.
That is why I am asking you to please respect my opinions,
and I will be sure to do the same for you.
A prediction of the end result is of course close to impossible to make.
All you can do is listen to yourself, engaged fans and media and take it from there.

To make the first impression more justified I have listened to the song first,
without looking at the performer.
Then listened a second time watching both live performance and available video.

Let’s begin!

1. Montenegro:
In my opinion this is the entry you just have to suffer through in this year’s competition.
Interesting lyrics though!
Overall rating: 1/5

2. Iceland:
I like this very much, it doesn’t really take off but when Greta plays the violin, I just melt.
I love the background in the rehearsals and hope they’re keeping it.
You get that feeling of mystique that’s owing to your perception of Iceland.
Overall rating: 3/5

3. Greece:
Nothing new from Greece this year, no.
Highly anticipated, average, catchy tune, cute girl, nothing more to it than that.
I expect to see them in the final, but not to see any top placing in this year’s show.
Sorry Greece!
Overall ranking: 2/5

4. Latvia:
I can’t even begin to explain how pointless I feel this entry is…
The lyrics are… stupid to say the least.
I just hope the latvians realizes how corny her song is,
and it’s for just that reason they sent her in the first place.
Otherwise, I’m really starting to wonder.
Overall rating: 0/5

5. Albania:
This one is this year’s surprise, and no doubt about it.
I love dramatic, melancholic and unbarked songs/performances,
and Rona manages to achieve that quite well.
Her voice is incredibly powerful and I did not think she could pull this off live,
but you know what… she does, and that with a smash and dash!
This song makes me wanna see the wonder that is Albania! <3
Overall rating: 4/5

Good Luck Rona!

6. Romania:
Once again Romania brings some fresh air to the table,
and removes some of the seriousness of it all.
Mandinga is colorful and splashes some good humor on us.
After this show is over everybody is gonna want to do the drunken-dance,
singing “Zaleilah” on the parties this summer!
I’ll expect a top 10 placing for this entry in the final!
Overall rating: 3/5

7. Switzerland:
I absolutely love Sinplus!
Their somewhat rocky english together with a nice modern tune is so good!
One minus though is that the song is quite repetitive in the chorus, but I forgive them that!
I just hope they make it to the final, because it’s not at all certain.
Overall rating: 3/5

8. Belgium:
Cute song, cute girl, cute voice. So cute…
but in contrast with the latvian entry that I draw some parallels to,
is that the setup and production is a bit different, and surprisingly it appeals to me.
If she is keeping it this way,
it will be a bit boring and too bland a performance for my taste.
So she has to watch out for making this song a snoozefest!
Overall rating: 2/5

9. Finland:
When I first heard Finland was sending a ballad in swedish,
I was a bit disappointed in them, again…
When I heard it, my feelings were the same. Beautiful melody though,
and could’ve perhaps gotten a higher rating from me if they’d sung in english.
(I just can’t seem to get used to the idea of listening to a finnish,
swedish-speaking person singing a song, it’s annoying listening to as it is.)
Although, it’s a very beautiful declaration of love to a mother,
which this song originally was.
I won’t expect a place in the final for Finland this year, sorry.
Overall rating: 2/5

And that’s the end of part 1!
Stay tuned for the next one!
<3