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 2nd post will focus on 5 of the countries competing in semi-final 1: Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden.
You can find the previous episodes here:
VANILLA NINJA – Too Epic To Be True
Vanilla Ninja won “Eesti Laul 2026” and therefore will represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026. They will perform “Too Epic To Be True“.
The song serves as a meta-commentary on the band’s own legacy and the surreal nature of their 2026 comeback. It explores the feeling of a moment, or a love, as being so perfect that it feels like a cinematic hallucination. The main message is one of nostalgia and disbelief, capturing that fleeting second where reality feels grander than fiction.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Estonia was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Estonia, 7 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Israel, and Portugal.
Initial Personal Ranking
26th overall, 11th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a 2000s-based, high-energy pop-rock track that pays homage to their roots.
- The song starts with a sharp, nostalgic synth riff and a driving rock beat. The introduction is actually part of the chorus.
- TLena opens the first verse. The melody is based on keyboards, piano, bass, and electric guitar. You can tell how much they enjoy performing together, and it is part of the magic.
- The first pre-chorus features the iconic vocal harmonies the group is known for: polished and powerful. It is a rhythmic climb with heavy power chords.
- The first chorus is a “wall of sound” pop-rock anthem that is both modern and retro.
- The second verse brings a change with a different vocalist taking the lead. She sings in a more angelic voice. The beats are getting denser.
- The group sings the second pre-chorus together.
- The second chorus is a more retro-electronic production. The arrangement is glamorous.
- The bridge features a cinematic breakdown before a big, final key-change climax. Lena brings more of a rock vibe. Thereafter, we can hear a pre-recorded reciting man with some radio effects. This part I found inessential. The final chorus is more powerful, and the electronic keyboards are in the front.
- Overall, it’s a legendary comeback. It captures their old energy but updates it with 2026 production standards. However, by any standards, it isn’t one of their best songs (see “Encore” in 2022, and “Are You Ready to Go” in 2026). I feel like I am more excited about the band, rather than the song.
- As for Eurovision 2026, I think the song doesn’t stand out and isn’t strong enough. Estonian fans might find out about the gap between local popularity and global success.
Betting Odds
The song was selected on February 14th. From February 14th to the 18th, it ranked between 24th and 28th place. It remained in that same range from February 19th to the 25th. Since February 26th, Estonia has sat in the bottom three of the bookies’ rankings (33rd–35th place).
Early Prediction
I think Estonia will struggle this time. First of all, the song has done quite badly in the betting odds. Secondly, it seems like the fan base for entry in this genre is limited.
I don’t see a strong chance they will qualify.
However, I can’t rule out a scenario where the jury might like it, and the public might pick up on some points (1-4) here and there.
If I have to sum up, I will predict that Estonia is most likely not to qualify.
Pete Parkkonen ft. Linda Lampenius – “Liekinheitin” (Flamethrower)
Pete Parkkonen ft. Linda Lampenius won “UMK 2026” and will therefore represent Finland at Eurovision 2026. They will perform “Liekinheitin“.
The song depicts a toxic mismatch of desire. Pete’s character is portrayed as obsessive and emotionally desperate for a deeper connection, while Linda’s “voice” (represented by her violin) is physically passionate but emotionally cold and guarded. It is a story about a lack of communication and the dangerous heat (the flamethrower) that exists when two people are in sync physically but worlds apart emotionally.
Allocation in Semi-Final 1
Finland was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Finland, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Estonia, Sweden, Serbia, and Poland.
Initial Personal Ranking
9th overall, 3rd is semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a grand, symphonic-rock song that blends stadium rock with classical violin.
- The song starts with a dramatic, soaring violin solo by Linda, followed by a heavy, distorted rock guitar riff.
- Pete’s first verse is full of grit and rock-and-roll attitude, delivered with a powerful, husky vocal tone.
- The first pre-chorus uses a cinematic orchestral swell and crashing drums to build massive tension.
- The first chorus is a loud, empowering stadium anthem. The melody is based on a classic rock structure, but the violin adds a layer of elegance that makes it unique. Vocally, we get a higher tone from him, later replaced by more raspy singing. Linda’s violin finalized this part with epic instrumental
- The second verse starts off with emotional and breathy singing. At a specific point, it is sped up. Later, the violin and percussion keyboards build the tension.
- The second chorus is hymnish and memorable, this time with more backing vocals. The melody is epic, and towards the end, it is very cinematic.
- The bridge features a “battle” between the electric guitar and the violin, creating a high-energy instrumental peak. It ends with an almost EDM techno beat.
- Overall, this is a “heavyweight” entry. It feels expensive, professional, and very Eurovision-right. The combination of Pete’s charisma and Linda’s legendary status makes this the one to beat. It’s a fiery, polished anthem that checks every box. If everything goes right in the live performance, this will be a strong contender for the podium.
Betting Odds
The song was selected as Finland‘s entry for Eurovision 2026 on February 28th. Finland has been in the first place since February 14th.
Early Prediction
Qualifying for the final is obvious. It means that the song will get wise support from both the public and the jury. Leading the betting odds is also a good signal.
The violin is epic, the visuals are strong, and the production is bold.
Whether it will win, I am not sure yet. But, for sure, it will do well.
Prediction: Qualifying, top 7 in the final
Lion Ceccah – Sólo Quiero Más
Lion Ceccah won “Eurovizija LT 2026” with “Sólo Quiero Más“.
Translating to “I Just Want More”, the message is one of total self-reclamation and transformation. It tells the story of an individual who has been “destroyed” by their past or by a “mad world” and has decided to expel those demons. It represents the moment a person stops living for others and begins to crave more from life on their own terms.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Lithuania was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Lithuania, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Georgia, Estonia, Poland, and Portugal.
Initial Personal Ranking
12th overall, 5th in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is a dark, experimental alt-pop track that blends industrial electronics with an avant-garde linguistic fusion and some light opera influences.
- The song starts with a haunting, low-frequency string section and Lion’s deep, almost spoken Lithuanian vocals. The first verse is atmospheric and brooding, relying on a cinematic, dark-folk backdrop that highlights his impressive vocal texture.
- The first pre-chorus introduces a subtle electronic “glitch” and a rising synth tension. It feels unpredictable, building a sense of unease that mirrors the “mad world” theme. The first chorus is a sharp stylistic shift, opening with an infectious electronic beat and a multi-lingual hook (Spanish/English). The contrast between the dark verses and the rhythmic “Sólo quiero más” explosion is jarring but incredibly effective.
- The second verse continues the experimentation, weaving in French and Spanish phrases over a more prominent, industrial-pop beat.
- The bridge is the song’s “spiritual” climax, featuring intense, operatic vocal runs and a dramatic stripping back of the production before a final, aggressive electronic drop. It ends with a rhythmic, percussive outro and the sound of a beating heart, emphasizing the theme of rebirth and transformation.
- Overall, it is an artistic and risky entry. It is a visual and sonic journey that defies traditional song structures. While the language mixing might confuse some, the raw power of the performance makes it a standout “high-concept” entry. The staging (which should rely on strong elements) might elevate it.
Betting Odds
Lithuania chose its song for Eurovision 2026 on February 27th.
From February 27th to March 3rd, it ranked between 25th and 26th place. Since February 26th, Lithuania has sat between 18th and 23rd place, mostly around 19th and 21st.
Early Prediction
Despite being ranked quite mid in betting odds, I believe Lithuania is most likely to qualify.
Lion will probably deliver a strong performance, relying on bold staging elements.
Lithuania usually tends to qualify. Their last non-qualification was in 2019, and even then, they were among the top 10 in the public vote.
On the other hand, Lithuania lacks some of its best allies in the voting countries in this semi-final: Latvia, Ireland, and the UK.
Prediction: I think Lithuania is likely to qualify. They will end in 12th-17th place in the final.
ALICJA – Pray
Alicja Maria Szemplińska won “Finał Krajowych Kwalifikacji 2026” with her song “Pray“.
Alicja has clarified that “Pray” is used here as a metaphor for inner dialogue. The story isn’t necessarily religious; it’s about a person under immense pressure reaching out to their own inner strength to find a “missing piece.” It deals with the struggle for personal freedom and the refusal to let outside expectations (the “errors” of others) dictate her path.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Poland was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) in semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Poland, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, and Italy
Initial Personal Ranking
28th overall, 10th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a sophisticated R&B-Gospel track with heavy contemporary trap production and some rap parts.
- The song starts with a warm, soulful vocal intro and a simple, resonant piano chord that puts ALICJA’s world-class “diva” tone front and center. The first verse is smooth and rhythmic, utilizing a mid-tempo trap beat and “ice-cold” synth pads. The melody is based on soulful R&B inflections that feel very current.
- The first pre-chorus introduces a rising gospel-inspired harmony layer. The beat becomes shorter and punchier, building toward the central hook.
- The first chorus is a massive, uplifting explosion of “Gospel-pop.” The repetition of “Pray” is quite catchy, and ALICJA delivers the lines with a perfect balance of vulnerability and authority.
- The second verse takes a turn into rhythmic “rap-singing,” featuring faster transitions and a sassier delivery (including the “pretty girls rock” line). It adds a “boss” energy that contrasts with the soulful start.
- The bridge is a pure vocal masterclass. It features dramatic choir-like layers and ALICJA’s signature powerful long notes, reaching a technical peak that few in the competition can match.
- It ends with a rhythmic trap outro, fading out with the “Pray” mantra over a deep bassline.
- Overall, this is Poland’s most polished “American-style” production in years. It is empowering, vocally flawless, and manages to make a “gospel” sound feel radio-ready. However, the song structure makes it a bit messy and hard to follow. I am not sure about the blending of genres, which in some cases isn’t smooth enough.
Betting Odds
The song was selected to represent Poland on March 8th.
Between March 8th and March 20th, the song was ranked between 27th and 30th place.
Starting March 21st, Poland has been ranked in the 29th-32nd place.
Early Prediction
On one hand,
I predict Poland will be a borderline, ending between 8th and 13th in the semi-final.
If I have to choose, I think it is most likely not to qualify.
If Poland qualified, they would be around 17th and 23rd in the final.
FELICIA – My System
Felicia Agneta Eriksson won “Melodifestivalen 2026” with “My System“.
This is a raw exploration of emotional addiction. The story follows someone who manages to stay clean of an ex-lover during the work week, only for the “withdrawal” to hit on Friday night. It depicts the frustration of knowing a connection is toxic but realizing that the person is literally “in your system”: your thoughts, your body, and your habits, making it impossible to simply “delete” the memory.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Sweden was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) of semi-final 1.
Among the countries that usually vote for Sweden, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Estonia, Finland, Poland, and Lithuania.
Initial Personal Ranking
5th overall, 2nd in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is a high-octane, “ecclesiastical” dance anthem that channels the high-energy spirit of Cascada and modern Norwegian pop. The song starts with a surprising church-organ motif and a massive vocal run from Felicia.
- The first verse is sung with a sassy, rhythmic delivery over a heavy, pulsing electronic beat.
- The first pre-chorus is a classic EDM build-up with rising synths and “heartbeat” percussion.
- The first chorus is an explosive “drop.” It relies on a heavy synth hook and a repetitive, addictive beat. The “My System” hook is designed for club play.
- The bridge is a sudden atmospheric shift with “white voice” samples before a final, thunderous chorus.
- Overall, it is the standout “bop” of the year. It’s professionally produced, high-energy, and has immense staging potential. It’s Sweden’s answer to the modern “Club-pop” trend. While it doesn’t always rely on vocals, as the song features some instrumental and electronic drops, it still delivers EDM at its best. I can see the similarities to Cascada‘s “Everytime We Touch“, but I think it takes it to a much more modern take.
- As for the moment, it might be a strong contender for the top 10, as long as the vocals are in place.
Betting Odds
Sweden selected “My System” as their Eurovision 2026 entry on March 7th.
Since then, the song has consistently ranked between 5th and 7th place in the betting odds
Early Prediction
Sweden has delivered another high-quality commercial pop entry, this time with more of an EDM flavor. The song is catchy and memorable; given Sweden’s impressive track record of top-10 finishes, I don’t see any scenario where it fails to qualify.
Therefore, I believe Sweden will qualify and will end in the top 7 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.
