Closing in on the top spot now, and it’s lovely to see this country finishing so high in the countdown as their Eurovision pedigree is not strong. They’ve not entered for a couple of years, and prior to that had only qualified for the final once, so it’s great to see them coming back so strongly this year – it’s Bulgaria. Their act is a lady with plenty of experience of both Eurovision and of partying and having fun. The lovely Poli Genova returns to Eurovision, after narrowly missing out on qualifying in 2011, can she make it through to the final for Bulgaria for the first time since 2007?

All the reaction and betting suggests that Poli should sail into the final, and she could well be challenging for the win – or at very least a top 5 place. Previously she entered with a Bulgarian language rock song that actually I thought was great and many fans felt should really have made the final that year (including me). Since then, she’s gone on to present the Junior Eurovision Song Contest last year which was hosted in Bulgaria, so the big stage holds no fears for her. It also helps that she’s a naturally engaging and fun person – at the London Eurovision Preview Party she was watching France’s Amir perform, before joining him on stage for an impromptu duet! She was also seen at Euroclub last night with all the press and fans, doing an impromptu performance of her entry this year and partying to the small hours!

I really like this song, it’s really contemporary, has a great message and a great hook/chorus. Although the song is in English, Poli wanted to have at least a little Bulgarian in there which she has done – and used it to make a super catchy hook. She performs very enthusiastically and I’m certain this will see Bulgaria return to the final. I would love to see this win actually and Bulgaria has shown it can stage a big event like Eurovision – Poli could even be the host with her JESC experience!

Live at London Eurovision Preview Party:

Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 2005

Appearances (excluding this year): 9

Best result: 5th in 2007

Last year’s result: Did not enter