We’ve finally reached the half way point in the countdown, and at just outside the top 20, remarkably this is our first Nordic country we’ve come across. Considering the only Nordic survivor to last year’s final were the hosts, Sweden, that suggests it could be quite a swift turnaround in fortunes this year.  One-time winners Finland are not Eurovision’s highest performers, but their entry this year was an unexpected winner of their national final – can Norma John also surprise at Eurovision and get a better than usual result for Suomi ?

I think this is deserving of doing well (if it can make it out of its semi-final) – it’s subtle, dark, haunting, different from most of the other entries and definitely one of Finland’s classiest entries that I can recall. Vocalist Leena does have a tendency to making slightly odd facial expressions when singing the chorus at times so hopefully that will be toned down a little for the Kyiv performances! Otherwise it’s a piece that could well stand out for positive reasons – so fingers crossed it can qualify. It’s a tough semi-final so too close to call…

On a side note, I think this is probably my mum’s favourite entry this year – though it can be hard to judge her reactions, this definitely got a positive response!

Mum’s reaction: “Rather tuneful, don’t you think?”

Official music video:

Live at London Eurovision Preview Party:

Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 1961

Appearances (excluding this year): 50

Best result: Winner 2006

Last year’s result: 15th in semi-final (did not qualify)