It’s our highest charting Baltic country now, a country that won Eurovision in 2002 but until a 6th place in the final last year had struggled in the last few years – Latvia. I confidently predict they should see another successful contest this year though – it’s a classy song, and has good pedigree as it’s written by last year’s entry, Aminata. Can it match her success last year?

Justs is the very easy on the eye and on the ear young man singing this very good song. If you hadn’t guessed it, this is another of my favourites for this year. I actually prefer it to Aminata’s “Love Injected” as it’s a dancier number but keeps that classy, stripped down, very modern feel that she had last year. Justs sings this strongly and with conviction and he’s a pretty boy as well which always helps! After so many years of naff entries, Latvia has served up back-to-back quality entries.

Latvia started strongly when they first entered Eurovision in 2000 albeit they were latecomers to Eurovision compared to their Baltic neighbours. They came third on their first attempt and then in 2002 they won with one of the most dramatic on stage costume stages seen at Eurovision. It certainly helped them win – although Malta and the UK (who came 2nd and 3rd that year) had more deserving songs but aside from a 5th place in 2005, Latvia really struggled until last year. They didn’t qualify for the final for six straight years between 2008 and 2014 (with some very odd and awful entries – they finished last in 3 of those 6 semi-finals) but last year changed all that with Aminata, and she took Latvia to 6th in the final. I fully expect Justs to qualify for Latvia this year (in spite of going up first in the second semi-final) and I wouldn’t be surprised if this finished top 10. I would be very happy seeing this win, but I’m not sure it will quite get the bulk block votes it might need to beat certain other countries.

Live at London Eurovision Preview Party:

Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 2000

Appearances (excluding this year): 16

Best result: Winner 2002

Last year’s result: 6th