EUROVISION — my annual serial drama/talent show, limited to Europe, Israel and sometimes Australia (but no one knows why).  Year over year – kinda all over the place – never know what you’re gonna see.  It’s rarely ’bout the music.

With the exception of a few – Abba & Celine Dion – Eurovision winners never cross the Atlantic nor make any US impact.  Rap, rock, jazz, lotta ballads, lotta Euro pop.  Each country nominates an artist & supplies an original tune…Eurovision is a ‘song’ contest.

This year’s event comprised 40+ contestants, LIVE from Ukraine – home of last year’s winner, Jamala.  Opening drama?  Russia’s entrant, Julia Samoylova, was not allowed to enter the country.  Political rift between Ukraine & Russia.

And then there were 42…

Over 4 nights watched all 42 videos, re-watched my favourites, made my selections.

Last year I favored Ukraine’s highly emotional 1944, lyrical retelling of Crimea’s ethic Tatars forced deportation.  Gravitated to light & happy this season, settled on: Romania & Belarus.

Other faves: Hungary (digged the gypsy beat & mid-section rap—lyrics too political), Sweden (sexy slick production—catchy hook, but no substance), Georgia (powerful singer—too ‘American Idol’), Netherlands (the Dutch ‘Wilson Phillips’—harmonies tight, song weak) & Ireland (young kid, song grew on me—but Ireland never makes the Grand Final).

Critics favourite: Portugal.  Didn’t hate it, just didn’t get it.  1950’s style ballad, fit in with Eurovision’s 60^th anniversary theme.

Accurately called much of the Top 10 – but certainly didn’t nail it this year.

Neither Georgia nor Ireland made the Finals.  Romania & Hungary: FUN videos, weak LIVE performances.  Sweden & Belarus, the complete package…though think only I liked the folksy couple from Minsk (finished 17^th).

This year’s winner: Portugal, followed by Bulgaria & Moldova.

Win some, lose some.  Still stand by my pick, gonna Yodel It! all year – awaiting EUROVISION 2018, LIVE from Lisbon!