Just missing out on the final (in terms of this countdown) is one of Eastern Europe’s biggest countries, Poland. But they are in 26th place I hear you say, how do they miss the final? Well the UK may have come 29th, but they automatically qualify, so on those terms, this is the last song in the countdown that doesn’t quite make the cut! Like Israel, Poland have given us something rare this year – a male ballad.

Michał Szpak is both impressive of hair and impressive of voice. I believe he was unwell for the London preview party so his vocal isn’t quite as good as he normally is there. It’s turned into a big fan favourite and he is wildly popular in Poland, maybe explaining how he managed to beat the hot favourite in their national final, Margaret (whose song was tipped as an overall Eurovision winner in early betting!)

Impressive of voice he may be, but I’m not a great fan of this – it’s all too schmaltzy and doesn’t excite me in any way; in fact, I find it almost whiny in parts and I can’t forgive the spelling of “colour” in the official title of the song! I do prefer Israel over this I have to say. Will it qualify? Well, Poland are on a run of two straight qualifications to the final since their return to the contest after a short break, but while he seems to have been a fan favourite at the preview events and on YouTube (in terms of video views), it hasn’t translated to a high position on this chart. It is in the weaker semi though which helps Michał’s chances. Poland’s best result came in 1994 at their debut in the contest; this won’t match that achievement though.

Live at London Eurovision Preview Party:

Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 1994

Appearances (excluding this year): 18

Best result: 2nd in 1994

Last year’s result: 23rd