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 5th post will focus on 5 of the countries competing in semi-final 2: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Malta, and Ukraine.
You can find the previous episodes here:
- Belgium, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal, and Serbia
- Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden
- Georgia, Greece, Israel, Moldova, and San Marino
- Albania, Bulgaria, Czechia, Romania, and Switzerland
SIMÓN – Paloma Rumba
Simon Hovhannisyan (better known as SIMÓN) was internally selected to represent Armenia in Eurovision 2026.
The title, meaning “Dove’s Rumba,” symbolizes the joyful dance of a spirit that has finally broken free from a confined routine. The story follows someone leaving behind a monotonous, unfulfilling life and finally following their own heartbeat and passion.
Allocation in Semi-Final 2
Armenia was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 2 at position number 6.
SIMÓN will perform after Czechia (5th), France (AQ), and before Switzerland (7th).
Among the countries that usually vote for Armenia, 4 of them will vote in semi-final 2: France, Bulgaria, Cyprus. and Czechia.
Initial Personal Ranking
25th overall, 13th in semi-final 2
Musical Review
- It is a rhythmic, “Latin-Balkan” fusion that celebrates the spirit of freedom. The song opens with a bright, mariachi-style trumpet fanfare that is quickly joined by the earthy, wooden rhythm of Armenian dhol drums, creating an immediate “parade” atmosphere.
- SIMÓN opens the first verse with a smooth, velvety baritone, delivering the lyrics in a conversational, storyteller style. The melody is driven by a fast-picked acoustic guitar that provides a constant, infectious rumba energy.
- The first pre-chorus sees the beat become “snappier” with the addition of shakers and tambourines. His vocals rise into a playful tenor range, with the melody moving in a cyclic, “dancing” pattern that mimics the flight of a dove.
- The first chorus is an explosive, celebratory moment. The brass section (trumpets and trombones) delivers a heavy, syncopated hook while SIMÓN belts the refrain with soulful, raw power. The production is bright and wide, emphasizing the “live party” feel. The melody is supported by a rich layer of rhythmic percussion.
- The second verse and chorus maintain the momentum, adding more vocal shouts and crowd call-and-response layers in the background.
- The bridge is a rhythmic highlight featuring a fast-paced flamenco-style guitar solo and a percussive clapping breakdown. SIMÓN performs an impressive vocal run that bridges the gap between Spanish rumba and Armenian folk ornamentation before the final chorus. The song closes with a triumphant brass flourish.
- Overall, it is a crowd-pleaser, with bold production and a danceable hook. However, I feel the writers and composers invest much more in the melody and production, while the lyrics are just filler. The English singing isn’t clear, and the chorus is too repetitive. It will be challenged by other songs that ride the electro drop wave. I am not sure the jury will like it.
Betting Odds
The song was released as Armenia’s Eurovision 2026 entry on March 11th.
Between March 11th and 16th, Armenia was ranked between 14th and 16th place.
Between March 17th and 23rd, the song was ranked between 19th and 21st place.
Since March 24th, Armenia has been ranked in 22nd place.
Early Prediction
Armenia suggests one of the songs that might do well with the pubic.
The running order serves it quite well, coming after slower songs, like Luxembourg, Czechia, and France.
Some might even claim it rides the wave of “Cha Cha Cha”.
Therefore, I think Armenia is most likely to qualify, probably with a very decent public vote.
In case Armenia qualifies, they will end in 11th-15th place in the final.
JIVA – Just Go
Jamila Hashimova (better known as Jiva) is
The song tells the story of a love that was supposed to last forever (“You said our fire would never fade away”) but eventually burned out. It captures the moment of finality where the narrator stops holding on to the past and tells a former lover to simply “go” so the healing can begin.
Allocation in Semi-Final 2
Azerbaijan was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 2 at position number 2.
Jiva will perform after Bulgaria (1st) and before Romania (3rd).
Among the countries that usually vote for Azerbaijan, 6 of them will vote in semi-final 2: Ukraine, Czechia, Malta, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania.
Initial Personal Ranking
31st overall, 15th in semi-final 2
Musical Review
- It is a cinematic soul ballad with Azeri/Turkish elements.
- The song opens with a melancholic, reverb-drenched piano motif and a haunting “reverse” synth swell, establishing a cold, late-night atmosphere.
- JIVA opens the first verse with a husky, breathy lower register that sounds intimate. The production is skeletal, anchored only by the piano and a subtle, deep sub-bass pulse that mimics a heartbeat.
- The first pre-chorus introduces a sharp “clap” track and a rising electronic riser. Her vocals transition into a clearer, more resonant mid-range as the melody climbs, reflecting the growing frustration of the lyrics.
- The first chorus is a massive, bass-heavy explosion. The “Just Go” hook is delivered with a powerful, chesty belt that showcases JIVA’s immense vocal strength. The production shifts into high gear with gritty saw-synths and a driving 808 drum pattern, giving the track a modern, urban edge.
- The second verse adds muted electric guitar plucks and a faster electronic hi-hat, while the second chorus features soulful vocals and intricate background “runs” that thicken the texture.
- The last part of the song is performed in Azeri. The bridge is the emotional climax, where the electronic production drops out to reveal a lush string quartet. JIVA delivers a vocal masterclass, building from a fragile head-voice into a soaring, desperate high note. This leads into a final, wall-of-sound chorus. The song closes with a techno-lite outro, where the beat slowly fades into a rhythmic electronic pulse.
- Jiva is a soulful vocalist. But it feels the song isn’t competitive enough for Eurovision. There are many stronger ballads in the contest. “Just Go” remains too safe and predictable, not taking any risks, like combining some genres or showing more local flavor.
Betting Odds
The song was revealed as the Azeri entry for Eurovision 2026 on March 9th.
Between March 9th and 11th, Azerbaijan was ranked between 20th and 26th place.
Between March 17th and 22nd, the country was ranked between 28th and 32nd place.
Since March 23rd, Azerbaijan has consistently bene ranked between 33rd and 34th place.
Early Prediction
Sadly, the Azerbaijani is one of the least competitive songs in the contest.
Worth mentioning, the country has struggled in the contest recently, with its last qualification to date in 2022.
Therefore, Azerbaijan won’t qualify for the final, and is a contender to finish in the last place in semi-final 2.
Antigoni – Jalla
Antigoni Buxton was internally selected to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026.
The song serves as a love letter to Cyprus. The word “Jalla” (Τζ’ Άλλα) translates to “more” in the Cypriot dialect, and the song is built on that maximalist philosophy. It’s an unashamed “get-on-your-feet” bop meant to hypnotize the listener with rhythm and Mediterranean flair, celebrating the island’s culture and the pure joy of dancing.
Allocation in Semi-Final 2
Cyprus was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at position number 5.
Antigoni will perform after Switzerland (7th), and before Latvia (9th).
Among the countries that usually vote for Cyprus, 8 of them will vote in semi-final 2: Armenia, Bulgaria, Albania, Malta, Australia, the UK, Azerbaijan, and Romania
Initial Personal Ranking
29th overall, 14th in semi-final 2.
Musical Review
- It is a maximalist, high-energy “Ethno-Pop” song.
- The song starts with a sharp Cypriot bell chime that immediately transitions into a rhythmic, bouzouki and çifteli riff, signaling a sun-drenched Mediterranean vibe.
- Antigoni opens the first verse with a husky, sassy, low-tone vocal tone, using short, staccato phrasing. The instrumentation is stripped back to a steady, mid-tempo kick drum and a pulsing bass synth, allowing her natural charisma to lead the track.
- The first pre-chorus ramps up the energy with a rising synth and percussive hand-claps. Her vocals become more melodic and fluid, building a hypnotic tension that leads into the hook.
- The first chorus is a massive, Bollywood-inspired explosion. The “Jalla” hook is infectious, supported by a heavy, distorted sub-bass and a layered wall of traditional strings. The production is “busy” but perfectly balanced, prioritizing a high-energy dance rhythm.
- The second verse introduces a more prominent trap-inflected snare, while the second chorus adds more vocal layers and ad-libs.
- The bridge serves as a total rhythmic breakdown, with a dedicated dance-break moment where the bouzouki takes a solo, accompanied by a heavy, tribal percussion set. This creates a “live festival” atmosphere that builds into a final, high-octane chorus. The song closes with a sharp percussive hit.
- Overall, I liked Cyprus choice to stick to its roots. However, the chorus is much stronger and memorable. The chorus is too repetitive and effortless, with too many “Jalla”. I found Antigoni’s vocal range to be too low for this kind of song.
Betting Odds
Cyprus released its song for Eurovision 2026 on February 8th.
On the first 3 days, Cyprus has been ranked between 16th and 19th place.
Between February 11th and 16th, the country ranked between 12th and 14th place.
Ever since February 17th, Cyprus has been ranked between 8th and 11th, mostly around 10th/11th.
Early Prediction
As one of the few ethnic pop entries in Semi-Final 2, Cyprus benefits from a favorable running order, performing right in the heart of the show. While the track is poised to pick up significant points from reliable allies like the UK, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Balkans, there are lingering concerns regarding the live vocal execution and whether the performance will live up to the studio version.
Prediction: I will go with a mixed prediction. If Cyprus qualifies, it would be around 13th-17th in the final. But the key question here: Will it even qualify?
AIDAN – Bella
Aidan Cassar won “MESC 2026” with “Bella”.
The song focuses on a relationship that ended without clear closure, leaving a lingering sense of “what if.” However, it isn’t a bitter song. It carries an optimistic message about the possibility of a second chance: reuniting one day under the summer sky where the memories are still warm.
Allocation in Semi-Final 2
Malta was allocated to perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at position number 14.
Aidan will perform after Albania (13th), and before Norway (15th).
Among the countries that usually vote for Malta, 5 of them will vote in semi-final 2: Australia, Armenia Azerbaijan, the UK and Armenia.
Initial Personal Ranking
22nd overall, 10th in semi-final 2
Musical Review
- It’s a high-gloss cinematic ballad with Mediterranean pop production and Latin influences.
- The song starts with an orchestral string melody.
- In the first verse, Aidan uses a breathy, staccato vocal delivery. The atmosphere is romantic. The melody is based on simple guitar and strings.
- The first pre-chorus introduces pulsing side-chained strings, which create a “sucking” effect, building immense tension.
- The first chorus involves different languages: Italian, Maltese, and English. The musical boxes are longer, allowing him to lengthen some of the syllables. The production draws a Waltz dimension. The melody is classical, relying on the violin, cello, and piano. The out-chorus is more laid-back, calm, and simpler. It relies on reciting.
- The second verse adds shimmering “watery” synth textures. It’s mostly about his vocals.
- The bridge is a cinematic breakdown with hushed vocals before a final, high-octane chorus.
- The last chorus starts with bigger vocals; it is more rhythmic and intense, but it is still rooted in orchestral melody.
- On paper, I should have been a big fan of such a cinematic ballad. However, this feels a bit artificial and too much effort. Having said this, I can see Malta doing quite nicely with the jury.
Betting Odds
The song was selected to represent Malta on January 18th.
The song has been consistently placed between 9th and 14th, mostly around 12th place.
Early Prediction
Following historical participation patterns, Malta has usually struggled with public support.
However, sometimes they are more appreciated by the jury.
The problem is that Malta will have to compete against many ballads in this semi-final: Ukraine. Latvia. Australia, Czechia, Albania, Azerbaijan, etc. I would like to highlight the comparison with Albania, which performs just before.
Prediction: Malta will probably qualify, relying mostly on jury votes. If Malta qualifies, they will end around 13th-19th in the final.
LELÉKA – Ridnym
Viktoriia Leleka (known as LELÉKA) won “Vidbir 2026” with “Ridnym”.
This is an empowering song. The title translates to “To My Dear Ones,” and the lyrics speak of “embroidering a new destiny” for the people the narrator loves. Using the dandelion as a symbol for life that grows through concrete, the message is one of surviving the harshest nightmares (war/loss) to blossom and find light again.
Allocation in Semi-Final 2
Ukraine was allocated to perform in the second half of semi-final 2 at position number 12.
LELÉKA will perform after Australia (11th), and before the UK (AQ) and Albania (13th)
Among the countries that usually vote for Ukraine, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 2: Azerbaijan, Czechia, and Latvia.
Initial Personal Ranking
2nd overall, 2nd in semi-final 2.
Musical Review
- It is a delicate, emotionally raw folk-jazz ballad.
- The song starts with a solo Bandura melody and a very soft, “heavenly” vocal.
- The first verse is intimate and magical, focusing on her angelic voice. The melody is based on piano, strings, and very pure energy.
- The first pre-chorus introduces a more jazzy flavor, with double bass and orchestral line. The drama increases.
- The first chorus is a soaring, melodic height that feels both fragile and powerful. It continues the line presented in the introduction. It is legendary, calming, and artistic.
- The second verse adds more folk elements, and it is a bit more upbeat, due to drums based beat. It suggests intense musical tension, signifying “danger,” before resolving into the rest of the song,
- The bridge opens with a cello playing that explodes into a very long and high note, continued by a violin and a shout.
- The last chorus brings a very forest-based sound, it highlights the bandura and piano, alongside some backing vocals
- Overall, it is very emotional. The vocals are world-class, and it has a “magical” quality that could stand out in Vienna. This is a risky choice; it will do much better with the jury votes.
Betting Odds
Ukraine selected its Eurovision 2026 entry on February 7th.
Between February 7th and 17th, Ukraine was ranked between 5th and 7th place.
Between February 18th and March 5th, Ukraine was ranked between 9th and 12th place.
Starting March 6th, the country has been between 8th and 10th place on the betting odds.
Early Prediction
Ukraine is the only country with 100% qualification rate, and I see no reason why it will change this year.
LELÉKA brings an intelligent and classic performance, with delicate vocals.
Ukraine is one of the strongest countries in the public vote, and I think the jury will also stand behind this entry.
Not to mention, Ukraine usually delivers with convincing stagings.
Therefore, I think Ukraine will qualify for the final, and will end in 5th-10th in the final.
In the next chapter, we will review 5 countries from semi-final 2
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
