With the rehearsals for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest starting in just a few weeks, we thought we’d have a little go at trying to make our own jury scores for this year’s contest. While there’s no way to accurately predict what the juries or televotes will decide next month, we can say how we would vote if we were jurors.
No Rules! (okay we do have to have some rules)
The 36 countries competing this year have been randomly sorted into seven segments. Each segment will be voted on by 5 jurors. They have assessed based on six categories: Melodic Impact, Artist Presence, Individuality, Attention Drawing, Vocal Fit, and Lyrical Impact. Exact specifications of these criteria can be found below. Our five jurors have given a score of 1 to 5 on each of the six topics, allowing each juror to give a maximum of 30 points to each song. In total there are up to 150 points available to each song. Once every song and score has been presented a full breakdown with a ranking of all 37 of this year’s entries.
Additionally, all of our jurors were asked to give one positive, and one negative comment about each song in a constructive manner. As well as opinions we have also guest Jurors from other outlets voicing their opinions. In line with our current editorial policy Israel will not be reviewed as part of this jury. You can read more about our stance here.
These are our personal opinions based on the criteria outlined. This is in no way attempt to accurately predict what will be the outcome of live shows and should not be taken as such.
Countries And Jurors For Part One
The six countries that make up the first segment being voted on are: Latvia, Albania, Belgium, Iceland, The Netherlands, and Denmark.
The jurors voting in this segment are: Tim, Jonathan, Rory, and Shiloh. Joining for this block as a guest juror is ESCBubble’s Joe.
Voting Criteria
Criteria 1: Melodic Impact
How lasting is the beat of the track. The more the beat stays, the higher the ranking.
Criteria 2: Artist’s Presence
If a national final is used, how their presence on stage affected the performance. If an internal selection was used, and no pre-party of other live footage is available then their presence is assessed based on their history.
Criteria 3: Individuality
How different is the song compared to the rest of the acts participating this year.
Criteria 4: Attention Drawing
How drawn in are you by the song. Are you waiting for it to finish, or completely engrossed.
Criteria 5: Vocal Fit
Assessing the vocal fit of the artist to the song rather than judging their technical ability in full. ie. X singer may have a wider range to Y singer, though singer Y may utilise the range better in their song and therefore should be ranked higher than X.
Criteria 6: Lyrical Impact
How lasting are the lyrics to you. Has listening to it left you singing the song.
The Results
Latvia Dons – Hollow
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 | 15.5 |
| Artist’s Presence | 4 | 3.5 | 2 | 2 | 3.5 | 15 |
| Individuality | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 13.5 |
| Attention Drawing | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2.5 | 2 | 11.5 |
| Vocal Fit | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 20 |
| Lyrical Impact | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1.5 | 13.5 |
Total score: 89
Positives
Tim: Dons’ vocals are so powerful and sells the song really well, being on their own during his performances really captures the emotion of the song.
Jonathan: This is another elevated selection from Latvia, good to see they’re sticking with that. It’s well performed, and certainly a great song with much depth to it
Rory: Don’s vocal capabilities are huge to remembering this song, as he is able to give an emotive performance – all while being both delicate and emotional simultaneously
Shiloh: Lovely, lovely melody, and well-instrumentated! Good songwriting all around.
Joe: Gospely elements in the post-chorus, a solid, commanding performance, husky Lewis Capaldi-esque vocals that I’m fully aware has a fanbase in the casual audience – genuinely one of the most accessible Latvian performances in recent years, that has a better chance of cutting through to the masses than British artrock and “veggies and p***y”. Also – baldies unite! ✊
Negatives
Tim: Too middle of the road and the song stays within the same melody that it doesn’t go anywhere.
Jonathan: It perhaps doesn’t end with enough gusto, compared to other songs that occupy a similar place to it this year\
Rory: This song fails to stick in people’s heads – it is pleasant, but this can be a detriment to a song, as well as a plus
Shiloh: Having heard the Latvian version of the song, I think it would have been better had he kept some Latvian lyrics. The English ones are alright, but clumsy in places.
Joe: Down-the-middle “male ballad” that the fandom shrugs off, lyrics a tad snobby and self-centred, “solo man on stage buoyed by dry ice” doesn’t scream televote winner, no doubt Twitter will be awash with comments about Dons starring in upcoming ITV medical drama with that outfit
Albania BESA – TITAN
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 13.5 |
| Artist’s Presence | 4 | 3.5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| Individuality | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| Attention Drawing | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 |
| Vocal Fit | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 17.5 |
| Lyrical Impact | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9.5 |
Total score: 77.5
Positives
Tim: Compared to “Zemrën N’dore”, I can see why Besa opted for a revamp, there is a more international appeal, I really like the beat drop towards the end.
Jonathan: It’s nice to see somewhat of a departure from normal Albanian pop, and it’s good to see that a revamp into English has gone hand in hand with an evolution in the sound. Certainly an impressive song\
Rory: Besa’s vocal ability is the selling point for this song, as she really shows us what her vocal cords can do.
Shiloh: The vocal line in the chorus is memorable, and probably the best part of the song. It was my favourite section pre-revamp and I’m glad that this, at least, they didn’t change.
Joe: One of the few entries that sounds like it was released this year, iconic chest plates, queen of social media, below-par performance at PrePartyES can be put down to illness, potential for glow-up when Sacha’s crane arrives
Negatives
Tim: Too middle of the road and the song stays within the same melody that it doesn’t go anywhere.
Jonathan: The lyrics of this song are very underwhelming, and in the end make the whole thing feel rather generic and drags the impact of the song down as well
Rory: The song’s power was completely ripped from the song when it was revamped and the song now risks becoming forgettable and being swallowed up around its more brash counterparts.
Shiloh: The song loses so much of its interestingness and storytelling once the trap-like beat kicks in in the second verse.
Joe: Pre-party performance with 60% missed top notes doesn’t fill me with confidence, basic fire-based lyrics, Albania struggles to qualify when they sing in English and the song isn’t above 120bpm, especially now they’ve been given the death slot in the stronger semi, performance ability and on-stage presence not brilliant, maybe don’t bring the Teflon-soled shoes to Malmö
Belgium Mustii – Before the Party’s Over
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 16 |
| Artist’s Presence | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 18.5 |
| Individuality | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 13.5 |
| Attention Drawing | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 14.5 |
| Vocal Fit | 2 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 18 |
| Lyrical Impact | 2 | 4.5 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 | 11 |
Total score: 91.5
Positives
Tim: Very theatric, it tells a great story, and Mustii really shines through. the choir adds a lot of value in the end.
Jonathan: It’s a really impressively written pop song with great lyrics very well sung
Rory: This is a more effective use of the ‘fan-made choir’ that we have seen previously, as it adds an extra layer of power to Mustii’s song.
Shiloh: The bridge is the best part of this song. Most memorable part of the song, especially as it builds into Mustii really unleashing his voice on the last chorus and into the excellent, excellent use of backing vocals.
Joe: Unapologetically camp performance from an artist with a massive LGBTQ+ fanbase, brilliant pre-contest campaign with “anonymous voices” of fans featuring in final third of the song, Bond-like strings and chord progression, passionate anthem that’s easy to learn by locals and fans, feels like RTBF are trying to make something good of Gustaph’s 2023 success
Negatives
Tim: Depending on the performance, the casual viewers might not understand the song (hoping to be proven wrong)
Jonathan: This is another song that risks getting lost in the mix this year, Eurovision is having an alt-pop moment and this is far from being the best song in its category
Rory: I am still unsure on how this song goes, and this might prove to be a sign of its lack of impact.
Shiloh: Unfortunately, I spend most of this song waiting for the bridge to happen. The first ⅔ of the song are like an overlong intro.
Joe: Build to finish is well-planned but poorly executed, gets repetitive when it transpires he’s just shouting “Before the party is over” over and over again, an easy way to get house party guests to leave. Mustii has a tendency to get ‘too friendly’ with the crowd, which veers into shouting and Senhit “YOU SING!”-style performances. Bond nature of song makes me worry for a Sennek-style finish. Put a shirt on.
Iceland Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 11.5 |
| Artist’s Presence | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 15.5 |
| Individuality | 2 | 2.5 | 2 | 4 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Attention Drawing | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Vocal Fit | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 14.5 |
| Lyrical Impact | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
Total score: 70
Positives
Tim: My kind of music, very upbeat and Hera sells the song well
Jonathan: It is undoubtedly well sung and well performed, and Hera Bjork knows what she’s doing. Plus, it’s fun and positive in a way few other songs are this year. An unashamed banger
Rory: The music on this track is fun and optimistic and it’s clear that Hera has a great time as she performs it.
Shiloh: It certainly is unique! This is a song from Hera’s heyday in the late aughts and early teens and it definitely stands out in the field of competing songs this year.
Joe: Artist known across Europe, older viewers will love the old-school Schlager and feel-good nature of this song, slick staging and camera angles in Söngvakeppnin, does well in non-fan polls since it’s exactly the sort of safe Eurovision-style dance track locals and casual viewers expect from the Contest
Negatives
Tim: It reminds me of “Embers” (UK 2021)
Jonathan: This song is almost embarrassingly middle of the road and unremarkable for Iceland – who is its audience? It’s a nice song, and fun, but it really does not feel like it’s competing
Rory: The music can also be seen as outdated, which might cause it to fall behind the more modern-sounding tracks it’s up against
Shiloh: Her voice is too harsh for the song. I wish it had some more intimacy to it.
Joe: Basic, clunky “sky-high / fly” references in lyrics to a love song that just about cross into “Top 10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were About Drugs” territory, forgettable Swedish-style house beat, mumsey performance that’s only lacking a packed lunch and a lift to the airport post-semi-final, sullies the image of an artist once loved by the fandom
The Netherlands Joost Klein – Europapa
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 22 |
| Artist’s Presence | 5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 22.5 |
| Individuality | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 21.5 |
| Attention Drawing | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 23 |
| Vocal Fit | 4 | 3.5 | 2 | 3.5 | 4 | 17 |
| Lyrical Impact | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 21 |
Total score: 127
Positives
Tim: It is something different from the Netherlands, this is how you can be modern and unique while still showing off your culture.
Jonathan: This tries to do something remarkable and actually succeeds. The lyrics are interesting and clever, the hook sticks with you, and it’s a lot of fun whilst having hidden depths, which if it comes across on stage will electrify Europe
Rory: Bringing new genres to the Contest that still represent the nation – gabber being in Eurovision is a huge plus for me!
Shiloh: Joost sells this as a performer. He’s got a great presence that lends the song so much of its fun.
Joe: Too many to list! A huge artist with recent domestic and overseas success, and a captive fanbase, insane social media campaign with physical comedy to rival the Chuckle Brothers, geek chic is back, Gabber beat fully sates the desires of this 7-year-old who always wanted Scooter at Eurovision, and beneath all that, a heart-wrenching song lyrically, about Joost keeping a pro-European promise to his father who died when he was just 12 years old. If he brings the energy he brought to that live mosh in Tilburg to Malmö, this could be a televote winner in the final. Welkom in Europa, jongen!
Negatives
Tim: Käärijä comparisons left right and centre, which could potentially mean it can have the same fate.
Jonathan: Can this kind of song dominate a stage that joost has limited control over? How can this message effectively be brought across to Europe without it seeming like a big joke? It’s a risk from the Netherlands to commit to this kind of song
Rory: Despite the lyrical depth of the song, many fans might not appreciate the lyrics and see this as a song to dance too, believing it is vapid and throwaway – when it’s anything but!
Shiloh: Unfortunately, I can’t call this song original at all. It feels different from what we “usually” get in Eurovision, but in this year specifically it feels like just another Cha Cha Cha copycat.
Joe: My only concern about this is that the message of the song will need to cut through to non-Dutch speakers if it has any chance with the juries and/or casual viewers, because that could be the difference between a Top 5 and the second Dutch victory in 5 years
Denmark SABA – SAND
| Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Total | |
| Melodic Impact | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 17 |
| Artist’s Presence | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 18.5 |
| Individuality | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 12.5 |
| Attention Drawing | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 15.5 |
| Vocal Fit | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 20.5 |
| Lyrical Impact | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15.5 |
Total score: 99.5
Positives
Tim: The instrumentation can really hook you in, and compliments well with SABA’s vocals.
Jonathan: This song is pretty catchy, and it’s sung well. The production is certainly very well done, and doesn’t do anything to offend
Rory: SABA’s ability to believe in the song she’s singing really sells the song’s authenticity and endears her to the viewing public
Shiloh: One of the best vocal fits out of this year’s entries. Saba sounds incredible!
Joe: Song ages like a fine wine, getting better every time you listen to it. Finest of Swedish and Danish songwriting minds coming together to make a unique yet mainstream hit, with Middle Eastern pipes marking a nice but not overstated homage to Tattoo. Saba breaks ground as the first black queer representative of her country. Shouted post-chours of “Sand…SAAAND!” is both rousing and has meme potential
Negatives
Tim: Casual viewers might not see the emotional depth and value to the entry compared to Eurofans.
Jonathan: This has some of the worst lyrics so far, and arguably it doesn’t build enough to stand out
Rory: The lyrics are rather simple and on-the-nose, which might turn viewers off from the performance
Shiloh: She has a tendency to over-act, at least in the DMGP performance. I would have appreciated just a little more subtlety.
Joe: Unclear if performance has enough impact for a casual fan watching for the first time, particularly in a semi-final with far more unique songs that are doing better in the odds. Fans already equating chorus’ chord progression to a rip-off of Shallow from A Star Is Born. Expectations at all-time low in a nation that’s failed to qualify on the last three occasions
You can find the part two, three, four, five, and six, and the full results linked respectively.
What do you think of our scores? Are there any countries you’d score differently? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we cover the rehearsals of Eurovision 2024!
Information Source: That Eurovision Site
Header Image Credits: Pearo Beati (Besa), Anna Maggy (Hera), Dons, William Green (Saba), Ruud Janssen (Joost), RTBF (Mustii)
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon