This year, the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place on May 11, and I was excited to tune in to see which country won. Eurovision is an annual international song competition where each European country is represented by a song performed live. With a total of 37 European countries competing, the event was held in Sweden, the hosting nation after its victory in the 2023 contest. The winner is determined through a combination of jury and public votes. Eurovision is an event I’m excited about each year, as it highlights numerous talented artists and introduces me to new songs I wouldn’t normally listen to.
The Code by Nemo (Switzerland)
This winning song, while original and enjoyable, left me with mixed feelings about its first-place title. Overall, it’s a catchy pop tune with a good beat, and I enjoyed the blend of vocals and electronic elements. However, I found the lyrics somewhat lacking compared to other entries, missing the depth and complexity I’ve seen in past Eurovision winners. While some songs offered stronger emotional resonance, the live performance definitely played an important role on the overall score. The visually appealing presentation and the performers’ energy played a significant role in capturing the audience’s attention and securing votes.
Rim Tim Tagi Dim by Baby Lasagna (Croatia)
The song that came in second place didn’t really impress me either. Like “The Code,” the performance was interesting to watch, but the song felt a bit too hectic as there was so much happening simultaneously. The stage was filled with many visuals like animated backgrounds and creative lighting effects that matched the song’s energetic vibe. But since the song and lyrics were mostly playful, they kind of lacked a deeper meaning or an emotional component. For me, the performance was just overwhelming and felt a little less polished compared to other high-scoring acts I’ve seen.
Teresa and Maria by Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil (Ukraine)
The song presented by Ukraine was a beautiful duet, and even though it scored third, which is pretty high, I would’ve rated it even higher. Despite not being performed in English like the first and second-place winners, the vocals were so beautiful that everyone could enjoy them. The song blended traditional folk beats with modern pop sounds, making it more unique. Ukrainian singers have been consistently impressing at Eurovision, especially after securing first place in 2022 with an impressive performance by Kalush Orchestra. This year, the duo from Ukraine left their mark on the event with their high-energy dancing and overall great stage presence.
Mon Amour by Slimane (France)
Similarly to “Teresa and Maria,” “Mon Amour” was a French song sung entirely in French. Even though I don’t speak French and couldn’t understand the lyrics, I found it moving to listen to, and the vocal range was so impressive. While romantic ballads are often overused in Eurovision contests and can sound generic, this one had a good mix of pop elements that kept it different. Slimane’s powerful voice also improved the performance, allowing him to convey a range of emotions with his delivery. I also liked the blend of piano and strings in the background, building up to the chorus. Overall, this song stood out to me the most, and I would have given it the first-place spot.
