Eurovision 2015 final contestants: Countries to watch out for – from Sweden to Australia
Let the ultimate battle commence...
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Your support makes all the difference.It's Eurovision final time, with 26 countries vying to follow in Conchita Wurst's footsteps and win the grand prize.
But which of the nations should you be keeping an eye out for as potential winners? We pick our top tips:
Australia
Competing for the first time this year is Australia. Why are they competing in this European song contest? Eurovision is very popular in Australia and as it’s the competition’s 60th anniversary organisers have invited the country to take part. They have a catchy song, performed by well-known singer in Australia and judge on Australian X-Factor Guy Sebastian.
United Kingdom
Electro Velvet are representing the UK this year; the group comprises of Rolling Stones tribute artist Alex Larke and The Voice 2013 contestant Bianca Nicholas. Their song-style is described as ‘electric swing’ and the duo have so far received a mixed response from the British public since being announced as our 2015 entry.
Serbia
Serbia’s song "Beauty Never Lies", performed by Bojana Stamenov, is written by the same writer of last year’s winner "Rise Like a Phoenix" sang by Conchita Wurst. Similarly, "Beauty Never Lies" has a message of tolerance with lyrics like ‘Finally I can say, I’m different and it’s okay’. Perhaps Stamenov will emerge as a dark horse just like Wurst did last year.
Sweden
This year’s bookie’s favourite at 13/8 is Måns Zelmerlöw with his song "Heroes"; the track bears resemblance to fellow Swede Avicii’s sound. If Zelmerlöw’s semi-final performance is anything to go by, you can expect impressive stage effects and leather trousers.
Armenia
Genealogy, a group consisting of six members who are all from different countries, are singing the powerful ballad "Face the Shadow". The song was originally called "Don’t Deny" but it was changed amidst allegations that it referred to the Armenian Genocide (which has been denied by Turkey and other nations) and was therefore too political for Eurovision.
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