Northern Shockers

It's already Monday in much of Europe but the last national final of the day just ended 20 minutes ago and it's Sunday night here.

The most shocking upset to me this weekend was Estonia, where “Spirit Animal” by Kerli came in second. From the first moment I listened to it, I wrote in my notes “top 10 in Eurovision.” The visuals and performance were hypnotizing and “aesthetic.” The winner isn't bad – it was a close race – but this would have been stellar. In a year of wrong choices this is the biggest mistake.

“Petale” by Instinct was my favorite song from the national final in Romania earlier today. The Romanian language works beautifully with the melody of the chorus. They had a cool steampunk thing going too.

“Ástfangin” by Linda Hartmanns was a nice piano ballad turned power ballad that didn't proceed to the final in Iceland but should have.

While a 50's style ballad won in Portugal, “O Que Eu Vi Nos Meus Sonhos” by Deolinda Kinzimba is a lovely 60's style ballad. The verses sound like they could have been lifted from a classic.

Finally, of course, the Andra Chansen in Sweden had one huge upset – Loreen with “Statements” failed a second time to make it to the final. What can be said that hasn't been and isn't already being said? It was fresh, had a message, and the heavy bass was the star of the composition, like a punch to the gut.

My guilty pleasure in the Andra Chansen was “Road Trip” by De Vet Du. Yes, it's a joke entry, but it's so joyous and actually funny. This slice of 90s Eurodance is the catchiest thing in Melodifestivalen this year. The camerawork was mesmerizing. With all the blazing fast cuts jumping all over the place, it's hard to believe the action takes place in such a small space (see rehearsal video below). I hope someone out there makes an AMV of Final Fantasy XV to this song.