The National Finals season may be over, but we are still discussing how good some of the shows have been. And the interval acts played an important role in their success — sometimes even overshadowing the actual contestants. But who have been your favourites?

Because of the actual news that was the winning act, we sometimes overlooked the guest artists, but we are here to set the record straight. Technically not all of them are interval acts, as some of them opened the shows. But no matter: they were all fabulous. Here are our picks for the best of this NF season, in alphabetical order of the respective countries.

Albania: Rona Nishliu

The 2012 Albanian representative reminded us why “Suus” brought the house down in Baku, performing alongside Fanfara Tirana brassband and leaving us breathless with her amazing vocals once again.

Austria: Conchita Wurst

Conchita delivered it big time at the Austrian final and stole the show with her powerful rendition of her latest single, “You Are Unstoppable”. After this spellbinding performance, someone even shouted from the audience that she should represent Austria again this year.

Denmark: Basim

The 2014 Danish representative took to the stage of DMGP once again. Basim performed his new single “Picture In A Frame” with a live orchestra, before entertaining the crowd with his 2014 song “Cliche Love Song”.

Estonia: Tanja

The amazing Tanja recreated her Eurovision song from last year, complete with her own Epic Sax Guy and “Amazing” co-writer Timo Vendt, and made us dance like it was 2014.

Finland: Softengine

The band who represented Finland last year took to the UMK stage once more to perform a mellower version of their song “Something Better”, before exploding into a show-stopping rendition of their new single “Sirens”.

Germany: Conchita Wurst

The 2014 Eurovision winner was also present in Hannover, for the German final. We will never get tired of her performing “Rise Like A Phoenix”.

Greece: ONE

Cypriot band ONE, who represented the island nation at Eurovision back in 2002, reunited at the Greek national final and performed their revamped song “Gimme”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CnHFuxkEBg

Hungary: András Kallay-Saunders

The handsome hunk who represented Hungary last year performed his new single “Juliet”, pairing it up with “Running” at the A Dal final. He was assisted by an orchestra.

Italy: Ed Sheeran

Breaking away from the tradition of Eurovision related interval acts, Sanremo brought the British pop megastar Ed Sheeran. Needless to say, he was flawless, becoming an instant trending topic on Twitter.

Ed Sheeran con Thinking out loud a Sanremo 2015 by massibond67

Latvia: Rigas Bebrs (Riga Beaver)

The Riga Beaver is an internet sensation since he broke out on the stage of the Latvian selection Supernova. There are even calls to make him a cultural symbol – or at least reader of points for the Latvian broadcaster in Vienna. His freestyling abilities did not go unnoticed, so you never know, y’all!

Malta: Conchita Wurst

Last year’s Eurovision winner was also invited to the Maltese national final, where she performed her winning song “Rise Like  A Phoenix,” but also her (then) latest single “Heroes”.

Norway: Bobbysocks!

The legendary pop duo that won Eurovision thirty years ago returned to the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix stage for an acclaimed performance of their winning song “La Det Swinge”, proving that age ain’t nothing but a number. We wish we looked as good as Hanne and Elisabeth thirty years from now!

Romania: Ruslana

The 2004 Eurovision Song Contest winner from Ukraine was the interval act at the Romanian National Final. Her performance exceeded the alloted time by ten minutes, a testament of how great she felt in Craiova. She also gave a tearful speech in support of her country (jump to the 22:14 mark) before performing the Ukrainian version of her 2012 song “This Is Euphoria”.

Slovenia: Maja Keuc

The 2011 Slovenian representative owned the stage and the audience with her version of “Euphoria”. We are still talking about it!

Sweden: Dirty Loops

Of course, seeing as Melodifestivalen is the lengthiest national selection, with six shows, we could not stop at just one interval act. While some viewers hated that Sanna didn’t perform “Undo” on the Melodifestivalen final instead, many enjoyed Dirty Loops’ funky cover. It certainly put a different twist to last year’s MelFest winning song, turning the power ballad into a vintage dance track. Who woulda thunk?

Sweden: Conchita Wurst, Sanna Nielsen & Robin Paulsson

The final of Melodifestivalen opened with a cheecky and fabulous number: Conchita was joined by hosts Sanna and Robin for a reworked rendition of “The Final Countdown”, followed by last year’s Eurovision winning song performed by Ms Wurst in all her glory. (Also notably, as she was missing from the dress rehearsal because she was performing on Austria’s final the night before, Conchita had been replaced by Christer Bjorkman on stage – complete with wig, gown and beard – slaying it live in one of the most amazing dress rehearsals ever.)

Sweden: Loreen

Although relegated to Andra Chansen, Loreen was arguably one of the most anticipated and later talked about guest stars of Melodifestivalen 2015. Her topless performance of “Paper Light (Higher)” raised a lot of eyebrows, but also the standard of Swedish showmanship. (And look at those Kazkaky boys! Y to the um!)

Sweden: Ylvis

Last but not least, Norwegian comedy band Ylvis, known for the 2013 viral video “What Does The Fox Say?” took to the MelFest final stage to perform their new single “Stonehenge” with a gospel choir. This time, their brand of Nordic humour fell flat on some international ears, but still it was a memorable, WTF moment of this national finals season.

So these are our picks, but we are curious to hear which of them is your favourite interval act of the 2015 National Final season. Let us know by voting in our poll below. You can vote for as many of the acts as you’d like but you can only vote ONCE. So make sure it counts y’all! The poll will remain open until 1 April.

[polldaddy poll=8740654]

After voting, please feel free to defend your choice in the comments section. Or maybe we missed your favourite interval act? Sound off below!

 

91 Comments
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Victoria
Victoria
8 years ago

UKRAINE: Ruslana!!!!!!

nice@yahoo.ua
8 years ago

UKRAINE: Ruslana!!!!!!

fgfdgh@gmail.com
8 years ago

UKRAINE: Ruslana!!!!!!

Nela
Nela
8 years ago

Why voting is written that Ruslana from Romania? Ruslan UKRAINIAN country Ukraine

Michele
Michele
8 years ago

I am very happy Ruslana WILL win this “interval act competition”. Her music, her words, her goals…deserve it! LOVE WILD ENERGY

Cleo
Cleo
8 years ago

RUSLANA RULES!!!

Clark
Clark
8 years ago

it’s not just the voice…it’ the soul! Love Ruslana. A new fan !!!

Andreas
Andreas
8 years ago

I love the performance of Ruslana in Romania!!!
I wish I was there…

Jeanny
Jeanny
8 years ago

Ruslana a ete parfaite! La musique qu’elle chante est formidable!!!

London Eye
London Eye
8 years ago

Best Ruslana! Love you

Carmen Divinto
Carmen Divinto
8 years ago

I watched all the interval acts above…really nice, all of them, but I believe Ruslana in Romania was the best, was a beautiful sparkling there…very special ! Must watch

Eric
Eric
8 years ago

Ruslana was by far the best. A really great performance and an extraordinary speech in front of Romanians ! Wish she was invited to Vienna

Lucy
Lucy
8 years ago

Ruslan? is my favorite! She is beautiful like 11 years ago ;))

Manuel
Manuel
8 years ago

Ruslana was the best!

Romania Eurovision
Romania Eurovision
8 years ago

Ruslana ???
THE BEST
THANK YOU FOR SHOW .????????????????
VOTE ROMANIA EUROVISION 2015 ????????????????????

Veronica
Veronica
8 years ago

Ruslana performed in a fantastic way in Romania! Her attitude, her voice…She is unique. The words about Ukraine came from heart and the public felt this. An amazing artist, but first of all an amazing person!

Diego
Diego
8 years ago

The most impressive interval act was in Romania, no doubt…Ruslana was wild, absolutely amazing and her speech…full of emotion and truth!

Marine
Marine
8 years ago

Ruslana showed the world level again!
She is unique!
She is impressive!
She brings a strong Ukrainian energy!
Bravo !!!

Nastya
Nastya
8 years ago

Ruslana! Her performance was the most sincere!

Yana
Yana
8 years ago

Only Ruslana! She was the best. Energetic and just wonderful))

Natali
8 years ago

Ruslana!

Natali
8 years ago

Ruslana!!!!

Mark
Mark
8 years ago

Ruslana`s performance was simply unconquerable for me! I remember her brilliant victory at Eurovision – it was very powerful energy! This energy still comes from her! She`s able to keep the audience. This is a real artist of the universe!!

Widukind
Widukind
8 years ago

Ruslana!!!! 11 years after her victory and still going wild! And her speech was so touching. I really like Conchita, but Ruslana is the best!

Radu Comanescu
Radu Comanescu
8 years ago

Everybody should watch Ruslana’s performance in Romania and her speech…no matter what is your favorite.What she did in Eurovision Romania, the way she communicated with the public, her words about Ukraine, crying while singing her last song… Respect RUSLANA!

Monique Dufois
Monique Dufois
8 years ago

A mon avis, c’est Ruslana! Tout le “interval act” a ete formidable!… sauvage, exotique, forte…et les paroles quant a son pays…Chapeau!

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago

Ruslana! a thousand times!!! A great performance, a memorable speech! RESPECT!

Arina
Arina
8 years ago

Ruslana! Ruslana! Ruslana!

Elusive Stranger
Elusive Stranger
8 years ago

Ruslana certainly was not only the best interval act this year, but the best one ever! What Ukraine has been going through during the past year is an absolute nightmare. Ukrainian people have my deepest respect for their fight for independence and unity. Ruslana is Ukraine’s Ambassador in the world. She deserves respect and appreciation for her dedication and commitment for her country. Apart from that her performance was awesome!

David
David
8 years ago

Suzanne..Conchita is a special case..was invited in several countries. Not just one like the others.Here is evaluated the performance per country. So.. the best interval act performed in an european country is.. Ruslana!!! Romania

Susanne Schoeberl
Susanne Schoeberl
8 years ago

Conchita – always. And if you count all of her performances together (everybody else was listed with one performance only), as of now she has 32.29 %.

AM.Casablancas
AM.Casablancas
8 years ago

my favorite isn’t here, I loved “DIVA” at Hakohab Habba it was just AMAZING!
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152703153456728&set=vb.307123691727&type=2&theater

PLEASE UPDATE! AND RESET THE VOTING!!!

Nor3
Nor3
8 years ago

Ruslanaaaaaaa!!!!

????????????
????????????
8 years ago

????? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ????! ???? ?? ???? ???????????????, ????????????! ?????????? ??? ? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? 100-200 ???????!

wild fire
wild fire
8 years ago

Only Ruslana!!! Magic perfomance!!!

Mike
Mike
8 years ago

RUSLANA was amazing – so sincere, so energetic!

Ksenia
Ksenia
8 years ago

Conchita, Conchita, Conchita and… Conchita!))
Then Loreen and Ylvis. But Conchita is always the first one

Carmen Ivo
Carmen Ivo
8 years ago

Ruslana eres fabulosaaa!!! 12 points for Wild Ruslana! LOVE YOU!

Jenya
Jenya
8 years ago

Ruslana – Great powerful voice and amazing show!! Loveee <3<3<3

Loreen is cheating!
Loreen is cheating!
8 years ago

how on Earth got Loreen 600 votes over night?! Suddenly Ruslana (who is obviously the winner, fact revealed also by the comments) is 2nd… REALLY?! LOVE RUSLANA!

Eugen
Eugen
8 years ago

Wow, Loreen got almost 600 votes over the night. Are you even checking this poll for cheating? It’s so obvious. -_-

FanL
FanL
8 years ago

Just Queen! Just Loreen!

gabe
gabe
8 years ago

Ruslana !!! LOVE

andy
andy
8 years ago

love Ruslana!

Noah
Noah
8 years ago

WOW, that Tanja mash-up and that Epix Sax Guy! Still on replay. My jam!

Mihaela Panait
Mihaela Panait
8 years ago

Ruslana is a great singer, a great person. Her words were full of feelings for her homeland..I admire her. I loved being there in Craiova and I enjoyed the moment, her dinamic performance, even adressing to the public in Romanian!:) CONGRATS & THANK YOU, Spasiba!

Natalia Sima
Natalia Sima
8 years ago

Thank you Ruslana! you brought your wild magic to the Eurovision Romania! Emotions and energy. LOVE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE!

Aleks
Aleks
8 years ago

Ruslana was the best!))

ESC Love
ESC Love
8 years ago

RUSLANA MEANS ENERGY!..moves, voice, atitude!!! From Belgium, all the best for Ukraine!

Adrian Romania
Adrian Romania
8 years ago

Guys, I was there the night Ruslana performed in Craiova, Romania and I must say it was awesome, in my opinion a gorgeous interval act, full of energy! 12 points Ruslana!