Eurovision 2020 Acts 17 February

After what feels like an eternity, we’ve finally entered double digits! As of Monday 17 February, there are officially 11 songs confirmed for Eurovision 2020.

In recent days we’ve seen national finals wrap up in Lithuania, Armenia and Norway while France and Belgium have dropped their internally selected songs.

But who is your favourite Eurovision 2020 act so far? Is Albania’s Arilena Ara set for a fourth week atop the poll? Or could the newcomers shake things up?

It’s time to vote!

You can listen to all five new entries below. Then vote in our poll. Choose wisely, you can only vote ONE time. Voting ends early on Friday, 21 February — just ahead of selections in Ukraine, Slovenia and Poland.

We will then relaunch the poll on Sunday to include the three winners, along with any other entries which may drop in the interim.

New Eurovision 2020 entries as of 17 February

Athena Manoukian “Chains on You”

She’s the Greek-Armenian songstress whose name has been floated for several years inside the Eurovision bubble. And on Saturday, Athena Manoukian finally got her ticket to the contest with “Chains On You”. The one-time X Factor hopeful won Armenia’s newly revived Depi Evratesill beating out eleven other entries.

The Roop “On Fire”

Lithuania’s Eurovizijos atranka underwent a massive glow up in 2020. Along with a successful rebrand, the shortened run saw a national final crammed full of fan favourites. Moniqué, Monika Marija, Kayra, Rūta Loop and Aistė Pilvelytė all had strong followings. But in the end, no one could match The Roop. “On Fire” won over both the jury and public, scoring over three times more televotes than second place.

Ulrikke Brandstorp “Attention”

She emerged as a fan favourite the moment she performed in the fourth semi-final of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix. And despite some unfortunate issues surrounding the televote in the final, few are disputing Ulrikke Brandstorp’s victory. “Attention” is already performing strongly on the country’s streaming charts.

Tom Leeb “The Best In Me”

France’s 2020 entry was launched to great fanfare at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday night. And while the songwriting team includes heavyweights like “Euphoria” scribes Thomas G:Son and Peter Boström, many have been left wondering whether the track equals the sum of its parts. Unlike most other countries, France won’t be tested in the semi-finals.

Hooverphonic “Release Me”

They’re one of Belgium’s most accomplished bands and have long been top of fan wishlists. In October they became the first act confirmed for May’s contest, and on Monday Belgium’s Hooverphonic finally dropped their song. The understated “Release Me” has yet to generate much hype. But it could be a slow burner.

Who is your favourite Eurovision 2020 act so far? (17 February)

[crowdsignal poll=10507550]

Which of the eleven is your favourite? Could any of them win the contest in May? Let us know in the comments.

Vote in more Eurovision 2020 polls.

209 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anchorman
Anchorman
4 years ago

My top 5

1) Lithuania (EAR WORM!!!)
2) Norway
3) Latvia
4) Italy
5) Armenia

Burp
Burp
4 years ago

For the love of God, why is Lithuania so high? It’s just weird. I don’t really like it.

Zoli
Zoli
4 years ago

1. Norway
2. Lithuania
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Australia
6. France
7. Belgium
8. Albania
9. Latvia
10. Armenia
11. Czech Republic

Bryan
Bryan
4 years ago

I really love Arilena’s song

Jimmy Smit
4 years ago

Australia is my no.1 so far. To me, it’s so beautiful, authentic and moving. For me, the song is about an abusive relationship that the young singer/dancer got trapped in and the dancing and lyrics captures in a ‘single shot’ all the feelings and physicality of this, from the inwardness and anxiety to the motion where it looks like she hits herself, until the last 40 seconds where it seems like “don’t break me” becomes a warning and she raises her own arms in defiance. It brings a tear to my eye and I think if you can see it… Read more »

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Wow.. Australia is my last place so far.

romeo
romeo
4 years ago

Eurovision on the fire????

ALEX
ALEX
4 years ago

Albania way too high up. The poll must be broken.

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Albania, Armeniq and italy are the best so far

Javi
Javi
4 years ago

Why Albania has so many points?

Tom
Tom
4 years ago
Reply to  Javi

People like boring songs sadly 🙁

john o'brien
john o'brien
4 years ago

What is it about the song from France that people rate it low?

Gaga
Gaga
4 years ago
Reply to  john o'brien

I don’t know why, I think it’s maybe not the best song, but not the worst neither. And I’ve seen the song is doing well on Itunes in several countries.

Jai
Jai
4 years ago
Reply to  john o'brien

I’ll just speak as someone who doesn’t care for the French song. I don’t hate it but to me its very generic and unmemorable. France usually sends something more distinct and usually very French ,if that makes sense at all. It sounds more like something the U.K would send. So I think for a lot of us this song was a let-down , especially because it was so hyped up before it was released.

Burp
Burp
4 years ago

I’m sorry but what the heck is Lithuania’s choreography? It’s just a bit of an off-putting thing in an otherwise good song

Isak
Isak
4 years ago
Reply to  Burp

It’s called Fortnite.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Owh wow! That poll is not close. 🙂
Congratulations to The Roop.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I still have some mixed feelings about On Fire, but I am very glad that Lithuania is finally getting some positive feedback and hype around their song. I really believe these are genuine enthusiasts and not just patriotic upvoters like in some other cases.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Lithuania’s never had a showing like that in a poll before. That’s the difference between genuine enthusiasm and spamming the way some countries’ fans are notorious for (remember how the pre-SF1 poll had Georgia as the favorite to win the semi?)

Ümra
Ümra
4 years ago

Albania 10/10
Norway 9.5/10
Lithuania 9/10
Italy8.5/10

Steve
Steve
4 years ago

There’s a bit negativity in the air when ESC fans talk about Armenia. I was right. Armenia should really leave the contest.

Martis
Martis
4 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Steve, it might look like fans are hating or talking trash about Armenia but that’s why we have fans for, yes some of them think they’re allowed to burry a country with lots and lots of hate comments but in the end they don’t really matter, cause millions of people watch eurovision every year and they don’t really dig that deep as fans like to, and yet then they (fans) pretend to be shocked when a song they hate qualifies for the final. So all in all don’t take this too serious 😉

xohxoh
xohxoh
4 years ago
Reply to  Steve

People hate songs, not the countries.

Tina
Tina
4 years ago

1. Lithuania/Norway
2. Armenia
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Latvia

Am.casablancas
Am.casablancas
4 years ago

I’M TEAM BELGIUM!!!
this is the best entry by far, love hooverphonic

Tom
Tom
4 years ago
Reply to  Am.casablancas

In your dream maybe lol

Yerevan is calling
Yerevan is calling
4 years ago

And many OGAE Armenia members and teenagers believe that Chains on you gonna do well :)))

Steve
Steve
4 years ago

Armenia will do well this time. Depi Evratesil is a bad production and the public TV screw songs up with mics, poor arrangements etc. A bit of work on the song and it will be in top 10.

Yerevan is calling
Yerevan is calling
4 years ago

The only adjective for all songs chosen so far is: Bad.

Gert (Songfestivalwerk!)

Trying to empathize with the ordinary TV viewers outside this Eurovision fan bubble:

01. ITALY
02. CZECH REPUBLIC
03. NORWAY
————
04. Latvia
05. Lithuania
06. Albania
07. Spain
08. Belgium
09. Armenia
10. Australia
11. France

HAIK
HAIK
4 years ago

Hahahahahah i am laughing so much.armenia is very down at list. do you know why? only music europe knows is one direction,justin bieber kind musics.and when ATHENA MANOUKIAN came with this song they couldnt get it was a diamond. because it is unique and new kind of music.lyrics have real meanings. go listen to bieber hahahaahahah

xohxoh
xohxoh
4 years ago
Reply to  HAIK

Oh baby, no, what is you doing… Lyrics are the worst part of the Armenian entrie.

Loo
Loo
4 years ago

Italia-the best. Greetings from Croatia.

Luk
Luk
4 years ago

Lithuania Latvia Belgium there are unique
I think that Poland also curious

TAK
TAK
4 years ago

In a year that seems to be churning out dull ballads, thank goodness for Lithuania’s The Roop!!

Dray
Dray
4 years ago

The best choice for Albania was Elvana -Me tana. She was hot favorite to win esc 2020. But coruption was enter in the festival…

Eurovision
Eurovision
4 years ago
Reply to  Dray

Lol don’t agree

Am.casablancas
Am.casablancas
4 years ago
Reply to  Dray

Why is everyone so obsessed with Elvana? She wasn’t going to win ESC, in a million years

xohxoh
xohxoh
4 years ago
Reply to  Dray

Oh let it go already. I was for Me Tana but it is what it is, nothing is changing.

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago

1. Lithuania
2. Belgium
3. Australia
6. Italy
11. Norway
15. Albania
20. Latvia
22. Armenia
24. Czechia
25. Spain
26. France

Luk
Luk
4 years ago

My favorite is lithuania, Latvia Italy and Czech eurovision hungry fresh music
I am waiting for Poland song! !!!!!

btw
btw
4 years ago

The best: Latvia and Armenia
The worst: Australia and Czech Republic

La la love
La la love
4 years ago
Reply to  btw

I think you may have gotten some of them wrong judging by the downvotes

btw
btw
4 years ago
Reply to  La la love

They just can’t respect other people’s opinions.

Polliu
Polliu
4 years ago
Reply to  btw

Your taste sucks and that’s the reason.

Tom
Tom
4 years ago
Reply to  btw

CZ isnt worst …

Tersa
Tersa
4 years ago

People voting for Italy just because it is Italy are annoying

Ema B
Ema B
4 years ago
Reply to  Tersa

Right cause they’re not voting because they like the song or anything right? Hard to believe isn’t it? How dare they like the song huh? Must just be because they like the country. How could anyone have a different opinion to you? Not possible people just voting cause it’s Italy. How do you even know that’s why people are voting for Italy? Oh that’s right you don’t, you just don’t like that some people like it huh? You don’t like the song so how can anyone else like it? People like the song so they vote for it – doesn’t… Read more »

Chupacabra
Chupacabra
4 years ago

1) Lithuania, (first time agreeing with majority), 2) Italy, (not as good as 2019, 2018 entries) 3) Czechia 4) Norway 5) Latvia, 6) Belgium, 7) Australia ( live was horrible!) 8) France, 9) Armenia 10) Albania, 11) Spain

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

Very good: 1) Italy, 2) Norway
Good and seriously growing on me: 3) Lithuania, 4) Belgium
Also good: 5) Australia
Solid: 6) Albania
Cool: 7) Czech Republic, 8) Latvia
Decent: 9) Spain, 10) Armenia
Underwhelming: 11) France

Lourdes
Lourdes
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Same top 5, just in different order. Mine is: Italy, Lithuania, Australia, Belgium, Norway.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

As usual. 🙂 I feel this group is the first one to separate from the rest of the pack concerning my taste. The Ukrainian winner will probably join them next Saturday.

Jack
Jack
4 years ago

I love when countries that usually don’t do well bring something different that has everyone talking. Lithuania for me might score its first victory and although I don’t usually enjoy their entries, I stan because on fire is amazing.

Btw: Zalgiris arena looks great

Esc1234
Esc1234
4 years ago

Lithuania will be top 3 in May, it’s catchy, interesting, memorable, people watching this for the first time will be shocked in a good way

Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez
4 years ago

My top 5 ESC 2020 songs (as of Feb 18) are:

1. Norway
2. Spain
3. Belgium
4. Italy
5. Albania

Marseille
Marseille
4 years ago

Italy, Albania and Spain are my favorites atm. I know every year starts out kinda slow lol but this is a weak field, we need some pop and or rock bangers asap.

Albanian guy
Albanian guy
4 years ago
Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago

My top 11 (so far):
1. Lithuania
2. Italy
3. Latvia
4. Belgium
5. Australia
___________
6. Armenia
7. France
8. Spain
9. Norway
10. Albania
11. Czech Republic

Nguyet Huynh
Nguyet Huynh
4 years ago

My top 5 right now
1. Italy
2.Australia
3. Belgium
4. Lithuania
5. Albania
Norway and Czech Republic are growing on me.

Tommy
Tommy
4 years ago

Albania, Armenia, And Norway

ESCJudge
ESCJudge
4 years ago

I’ve just had a dream… 1. ESC was somewere in Russia… 2. It was a bad production with haos 3. Russia was represented by a guy looking alike young Kirkorof 4. Poland performed as 22nd and it got just 9points from the juries 5. They presented results of juries the same way as they now present the public vote so it was faster… 6. Ireland won juri vote, Italy was 2nd… 7. I was woken up before they presented the public vote… I wrote all that I remember just in case 😉 Maybe someday wiwigloggs will write about me if… Read more »

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCJudge

The ironic thing is that for all the political problems with Russia, they actually were excellent hosts.

Ron
Ron
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Agreed. Eurovision 2009 was one of the best editions of the contest especially given the fact that it was during the World Recession.

ESCJudge
ESCJudge
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

You mean the picture that we saw on tv/online? Yup. Tv production was one of the best, but not the rest… backstage drama was going on at every corner… bad hospitality, bad logistics, bad atmosphere, bad attitude… -unseen footage 😉

Russians are great in pretending 😉
Just like in Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics… it looked good but…

West
West
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCJudge

Well, I recently had a dream that I was competing in ESC as someone’s backing vocalist.

Chingiz
Chingiz
4 years ago

Sadly, only Lithuania stands out for me at the moment

Harry
Harry
4 years ago

Voted for Australia. Love the song. I’m sure they will change the staging like they did with Kate last year.

Scarlett
Scarlett
4 years ago

Australia, Norway, Latvia, Albania and Italy

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

My top: 1. Australia – Montaigne – Don’t break me (8) 2. Spain – Blas Cantó – Universo (8) 3. Latvia – Samanta Tina – Still Breathing (7.25) 4. Lithuania – The Roop – On fire (6.75) 5. Italy – Diodato – Fai rumore (6.75) 6. Belgium – Hooverphonic – Release Me (6.75) 7. Czech Republic – Benny Cristo – Kemama (6) 8. Norway – Ulrikke Branstorp – Attention (6) 9. France – Tom Leeb – The Best in Me (5.25) 10. Albania – Arilena Ara – Shaj (5) 11. Armenia – Athena Manoukian – Chains on You (3.75) The… Read more »

ESC Crazy
ESC Crazy
4 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

I agree that we still don’t have a winner here. – Australia could do great like last year – Spain is a great song but it depends how he performs it – Latvia is a bit weird song, either you like it or not, so that’s why I’m not sure what the juries will think – Same applies to Lithuania, although this is a better song – Italy… If they didn’t win last year with Soldi, which was a way better song than Fai Rumore, they won’t win this year either, despite the odds – Belgium has a great song,… Read more »

Lomba
Lomba
4 years ago

The Lithuanian guy creeps the fu^k out of me.

Tommy
Tommy
4 years ago
Reply to  Lomba

EXACTLY YOU GET IT TOO LOL

Riri
Riri
4 years ago
Reply to  Lomba

Have you seen any of his interviews? I think he seems like a sweet guy.

Lomba
Lomba
4 years ago
Reply to  Riri

WHO CARES?! Is he going to give an interview on the ESC stage or perform this creepy choreography? People are having such invalid arguments for f^ck sake.

Safiya
Safiya
4 years ago

I am huge Eurovision fan but I actually only voted once in my life and it was a vote for LT United in 2006. This year I might vote again and this time is going to be a vote for Lithuania, too. I am absolutely obsessed with the Roop and I am so happy that many people seem to like them!

ESC2020
4 years ago

The first tine i listen to Lithuanias song, i thibk it was Hood. Bu tsecond tine… Hm i dont know…
Irs not a winner, bur top 10.
Italyan its so plastic.

Ana
Ana
4 years ago

Why there’s no poll about who is our favorite unreleased song? There are 30 of those and making such poll is almost as dumb as this one, so lets do it!

Benji
Benji
4 years ago

Lithuania on the first place? That’s OK!
France on the last place? That’s not OK!
So I’m going to vote for France.

dom
dom
4 years ago

La la la la la la La la la la la

Pasadena
Pasadena
4 years ago

It’s a good bunch so far. Lithuania is my favourite (despite my initial disappointment that Monique didn’t win, I do think the Roop is excellent). Czech Republic is still underrated, which is surprising giving the stellar Vidbir performance.