Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has arrived, and all 35 competing songs for Eurovision 2026 have been revealed.
So we are ready for an extended review of them and a ranking of the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5 songs.
This first post will focus on 5 of the countries competing in semi-final 1: Belgium, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal, and Serbia.
ESSYLA – Dancing on the Ice
ESSYLA was internally selected to represent Belgium. She will perform “Dancing on the Ice“.
This song discusses fragility and precariousness. Poetically, the “ice” serves as a metaphor for a relationship or a state of mind that is beautiful but dangerously thin. The lyrics focus on the tension between the grace of the “dance” and the looming threat of the “crack,” exploring how we often perform stability even when we know we are on the verge of falling through
Allocation in Semi-Final
Belgium was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Belgium, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and Georgia.
Initial Personal Ranking
18th overall, 7th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a sophisticated, Scandi-electronic art-pop track performed in English.
- The song starts with a skeletal, cinematic piano melody and ESSYLA’s breathy, near-whisper vocals that immediately establish a sense of cold isolation.
- The first verse is atmospheric and sparse, slowly layering “ice-cold” digital textures and a muffled sub-bass pulse.
- The first pre-chorus is a masterclass in tension, introducing a sharp, metallic percussion that mimics the sound of skates hitting the rink. It feels precarious yet graceful, letting her voice drift into a higher, more fragile register.
- The first chorus is a sweeping, cinematic explosion. It trades the minimalism of the verse for a lush wall of strings and a deep, resonant synth-bass. The hook is haunting and lingers long after the music stops.
- The bridge is the theatrical heart of the song, featuring a sudden silence followed by a literal “cracking” sound effect that leads into a powerful, glass-shattering high note. It ends with a crystalline, fading synth outro that leaves the listener in a shiver.
- Overall, it is a “high-fashion” entry. It’s polished, ethereal, and intellectually stimulating. However, while relying on modern production, I am afraid people might stay indifferent to that one. The song stays on a very specific height and lines. It lacks a big moment.
Betting Odds
The song was released on February 19th. The song debuted at 16th-18th place for the first 3 days. Thereafter, it was ranked 22nd-25th by the bookies.
Ever since February 27th, Belgium has been in the range of 27th to 30th in the betting odds.
Early Prediction
I think Belgium will struggle this time. First of all, Belgium hasn’t qualified for the last 2 years. In some of their recent performances, the vocals weren’t on point, and the staging effort was weak.
I can see the jury voting for this one, but not the public.
There’s a slim chance for this to qualify, but if I have to choose, I predict Belgium won’t qualify for the final
LELEK – Andromeda
LELEK won “Dora 2026” with their song “Andromeda“.
The song leans heavily into cosmic escapism. It uses celestial imagery to describe a sense of displacement or “otherness”. The lyrics treat the galaxy not just as a location, but as a sanctuary for someone who feels they don’t belong on Earth. It’s a poem about seeking a distant, shimmering peace that feels more like “home” than reality does.
However, I also see the song as a direct reference to a chapter of Balkan history: The Ottoman occupation of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It honors the Sicanje tattoos, which are sacred marks worn by women to shield against abduction. It mourns the “blood tax” of the Devshirme, where sons were taken to become Janissaries. A cosmic metaphor for the “chained” souls who sacrificed everything to remain unbroken.
Allocation in Semi-Final 1
Croatia was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Croatia, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Serbia, Montenegro, and Germany.
Initial Personal Ranking
14th overall, 6th is semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a heavy, ethno-industrial anthem that blends ancient Balkan folklore with aggressive modern production.
- The song starts with a dark, grounding drone and the eerie sound of a Gusle, followed by LELEK’s deep, ritualistic vocal chant.
- The first verse is primal and rhythmically driving, based on a heavy tribal drum beat. The vocal delivery is gritty, utilizing traditional throat-singing techniques that feel rooted in the earth.
- The first pre-chorus introduces a distorted Gajde (bagpipe) riff that acts as a siren, building a frantic energy. It is intense and claustrophobic, mirroring the historical weight of the lyrics.
- The first chorus is a massive, wall-of-sound experience. It combines industrial metal hits with a roaring brass section.
- The melody is anthemic: a “stadium-shouter” that feels both ancient and futuristic. The bridge features a haunting, a cappella polyphonic section where the harmonies stack to represent “the voices of ancestors,” before a final, thunderous percussive drop.
- It ends with a brutal, rhythmic outro of heavy drums and distorted shouts that “slaps” with incredible force.
- Overall, it is a cultural juggernaut. It is the most “hardcore” entry in the selection, combining raw history with a production style that demands attention. It is brave, loud, and undeniably authentic. On one hand, it is bold, different, and cannot be ignored. On the other hand, I can see some people considering that one as too heavy.
Betting Odds
The song was selected as Croatia‘s entry for Eurovision 2026 on February 15th.
Between February 15th and March 4th, the song has been ranked 18th-21st in the odds.
Between March 5th and March 13th, Croatia was ranked 22nd-24th in the odds.
Ever since then, Croatia went up to the 19th-21st places.
Early Prediction
Croatia can make an impact this year. The band members have great chemistry, with some beautiful harmonies. I think the jury will appreciate their vocals and storytelling. Based on the staging in the national selection, it looks like they already have the vision. Let’s not forget the potential support of the Balkan countries. I can see Serbia and Montenegro ranking this in their top 3, as well as Moldova and Greece, which would grant some points.
Prediction: Qualifying, 12-18 in the final
Tamara Živković – Nova Zora
Tamara Živković won “Montesong 2025” with “Nova Zora“.
Translating to “New Dawn,” this is a classic piece of resurrection poetry. It focuses on the transition from the “long night” (sorrow or stagnation) to the first light of day. The lyrics are thick with imagery of warmth returning to cold bones and the clarity that comes after a storm, symbolizing a spiritual or emotional rebirth.
Some might see it as delivering a feminist message. It depicts the “dawn” not as a natural gift, but as a fire she lit herself.
The lyrics shed the “old skin” of societal expectations and restrictive roles.
An anthem for every woman standing tall in the heat of her own newfound light.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Montenegro was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Montenegro,3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Serbia, Croatia, San Marino, Greece, and Moldova.
Initial Personal Ranking
3rd overall, 1st in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is a techno trap pop song. The song opens with electronic production.
- Tamara opens the first verse with her unique voice. The melody is based on a growing beat and electronic keyboards. An electronic trap beat takes us to the pre-chorus.
- The first pre-chorus opens with a dramatic choir singing, and the beat is fast and short. Her singing is sampled on a techno track. The first chorus opens with a simple melody, where she sings accurately.
- The electronic beats are back, as well as the choir singing, and it closes with trap techno elements.
- The second verse is performed as spoken work, with fast singing, and later on with some soul mannerisms. The second pre-chorus features the choir singing. The second chorus is similar to the first one, but it is based on a bolder drum beat. The bridge features a dramatic choir singing, as well as Tamara’s impressive, soulful, and powerful long notes. The last chorus features many vocal layers. The song closes with trap beats.
- Overall, one of the strongest songs in the lineup. I love its dramatic elements, and yet it is modern and contemporary. The trap electronic beats are catchy, as well as the “Nova Zora” phrase. Tamara is a great performer, and I am sure she will deliver. It could be one of Montenegro’s best results
Betting Odds
Montenegro chose its song for Eurovision 2026 on December 21st.
The song has consistently stayed in the range of 32nd-35th place.
Early Prediction
Despite being ranked quite low in betting odds, Montenegro gained some traction on streaming platforms.
The song suggests an interesting mixture of recurring Balkan music and electronic trap music.
Montenegro seems to be lucky to have both Serbia and Croatia voting in semi-final 1. It can already make them start by at least 32 points (at least 8 points from the jury and the public of each).
The second half of the show seems less competitive, so that Montenegro might stand out.
However, Montenegro usually tends not to qualify.
Prediction: I think Montenegro is most likely to qualify (but it isn’t safe). In caee it qualified, they will be 16-22 in the final
Bandidos do Cante – Rosa
Bandidos do Cante won “Festival da Canção 2026” with their song “Rosa“.
Rooted in traditional Alentejo style, “Rosa” uses the flower as a symbol of ephemeral beauty and longing. In the poetic tradition of the Cante, the “Rose” represents both the peak of love and the inevitable thorns of hardship. It’s a grounded, earthy poem about the cycle of growth, blooming, and the bittersweet nature of memory.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Portugal was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) in semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Portugal, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Georgia, Moldova, and Lithuania.
Initial Personal Ranking
33rd overall, 13th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a raw, minimalist neo-fado piece rooted in Portuguese polyphonic traditions.
- The song starts with a haunting a cappella intro, featuring the unpolished, resonant blend of male voices that feels like it was recorded in an old village square.
- The first verse is grounded and rhythmic, with a Portuguese guitar entering to provide a fast, fluttering tremolo. The melody is based on traditional folk scales, giving it a timeless quality.
- The first pre-chorus builds energy not through synths, but through “Palmas” (rhythmic hand-clapping) and stomping, which creates a visceral, human pulse.
- The first chorus is a powerful communal outburst. It isn’t a “pop” hook, but a wall of harmony that is easy to feel, even if the lyrics aren’t understood. It’s soulful and deeply emotional.
- The bridge is a purely instrumental breakdown where the Portuguese guitar takes center stage, performing a mournful yet virtuosic solo.
- It ends abruptly on a collective, sharp vocal note, leaving a ringing silence in its wake.
- Overall, it is soulful and authentic. But it is incredibly niche and may struggle with the general public. It feels like a song that is too local. However, I do see some jury members appreciating this one. I fear it is just not engaging enough.
Betting Odds
The song was selected to represent Portugal on March 7th. The song has been ranked 31st-33rd with the bookies.
Early Prediction
On one hand, the song differs from all the others in semi-final 1, due to its sound and genre. Portugal will lack the support of some allies, like Spain, Luxembourg, and France.
I do see some of the International jury ranking this one in their top 10.
But to sum up, the song doesn’t carry itself to commercial success. With its simple melody and raw production, I feel some people might stand behind.
I predict Portugal is most likely to sit out of the grand final.
LAVINA – Kraj mene
LAVINA won “Pesma za Evroviziju 2026” with “Kraj mene“.
Meaning “By My Side,” this song explores intimate presence. Poetically, it deals with the “gravity” of another person: how their physical and emotional proximity anchors the narrator. It’s less about grand gestures and more about the quiet, atmospheric safety found in the silence between two people who truly know each other.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Serbia was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Serbia, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Montenegro, Croatia, and Germany.
Initial Personal Ranking
32nd overall, 13th in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is a dark, atmospheric alt-pop piece infused with Balkan influences, but now clearly layered with industrial and metal elements that give it a far more aggressive edge.
- The song opens with a sparse, cinematic intro: A low ambient pad and distant vocal echoes create tension, but there’s an underlying distortion that hints early on at the heavier direction to come. The leading singer’s voice enters controlled and restrained, almost fragile, setting up a contrast with what follows.
- The first verse remains minimal, but the production feels rougher around the edges. Subtle electronic textures are paired with a gritty undertone, and the phrasing leans into regional tonalities, preserving that ethnic authenticity within a darker sonic palette.
- The pre-chorus begins to build through pressure, distorted textures creep in, and the atmosphere tightens. There’s a noticeable shift from purely atmospheric to something more confrontational.
- The chorus is where the metal influence becomes undeniable. The beat hits harder, the production thickens, and the vocal delivery intensifies by introducing growling elements that cut through the mix. It’s not a full metal breakdown, but it borrows enough from the genre to create a striking contrast with the earlier restraint. The result is less about a clean hook and more about impact and texture.
- The second section leans further into this hybrid identity, with heavier bass, industrial percussion, and a more pronounced rhythmic drive. The interplay between clean vocals and harsher tones adds tension and unpredictability.
- The bridge pulls back slightly, but instead of returning to softness, it feels eerie and controlled—like a calm before another surge. There are hints of vocal distortion and textural experimentation that keep the listener unsettled.
- The final section reintroduces the heavier elements with more confidence, blending the atmospheric and aggressive sides into a cohesive climax. It closes in a fading, unresolved manner, maintaining that lingering, almost haunting presence.
- Overall, it is bold, genre-blending, and artistically distinct. The addition of growling and metal textures makes it stand out significantly, giving it a sharper identity. However, this also pushes it further into niche territory. It may strongly appeal to those looking for originality and risk-taking, but the harsher elements could limit its accessibility for broader audiences.
Betting Odds
Serbia selected “Kraj mene” as their Eurovision 2026 entry on February 28th.
For the first 4 days, Serbia was ranked 18-20 in the betting odds.
Between March 4th and 19th, Serbia dropped to the the 26-30 places.
Ever since March 18th, Serbia has been stable at the 25th place.
Early Prediction
Serbia is lucky to have both Croatia and Montenegro in its semi-final. It can already make them start by at least 32 points (at least 8 points from the jury and the public of each).
In addition, voters who love rock music will find their place in that one.
Therefore, I believe Serbia will probably qualify for the grand final. In case they qualify, Serbia will be 13-18 in the final.
In the next chapter, we will review an additional 5 countries from semi-final 1
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
