The Ukraine are relatively new at Eurovision, appearing for the first time in 2003, with the first ever contortionist as their stage gimmick.  Unfortunately, it didn't draw people away from what was more of a joke entry which the Ukrainians seemed to take rather seriously.  They finished 14th.  But then, all of a sudden, great things happened in 2004 when they won the Contest with the fantastic Xena Warrior Princess-esque performance from Ruslana.  Unfortunately, their luck took a tumble, with what certainly was a bad entry in 2005, coming 20th out of 24.  Tina Karol sang a delightful entry in the 2006 contest and finished in an impressive 7th place in both contests last year, so the Ukraine find themselves qualified for this year's Final.

 

 

After much speculation of an internal selection in which drag act Verka Serduchka would be selected to represent the Ukraine, a National Final was staged instead, where Verka Serduchka still managed to win the ticket to Helsinki.  This couldn’t be much more different to Denmark’s drag entry – as instead of that western Europe feel to the song, this is distinctly east European.  The song is quite silly, but there is something likeable about it and Verka gives an enthusiastic performance which will pick up comedy votes from across Europe.  Not a bad entry at all, but it would be a shame for this to win as there is much better competition in the contest.

 

 

How the Ukraine will do this year will depend on two things:

1) Whether or not Denmark make it to the Final, and the strength of their performance once they get there, and

2) Whether or not Scooch can manage to outdo it.

I hope both Scooch and Denmark give this a run for it's money. While it's a good song, it lacks the respect and warmth Eurovision deserves.  It could still easily make the top ten, and could be looking at a top 5 placing if the UK and Denmark don't deliver.  I think the odds are against it though, and hope they end up where I have predicted.

 

 

Be afraid, be very afraid, for Ukraine may just challenge for the victory the fans don't want them to take.  I'm hoping not, and am thinking it's more likely they'll fall into the novelty net of only finishing 4th-6th.  This could compete though - I just hope it doesn't win.

 

 

When I think of Eurovision 2007 I won’t think of Scooch and how much I loved their performance, I won’t think of Molitva and how I felt there was more Serbia could have done with their three minutes, and I don’t think I’ll even think of the horrific voting that plagued the entire scoreboard.  Instead, I think my thoughts shall be placed upon Verka Serduchka and the sheer brilliance she brought to millions of living rooms, including my own, all over the world.  Although I really didn’t want this to win on the night, the performance from the Ukraine this year was *perfect*.  I don’t think a country have ever done it better.  This looked like everything a Eurovision entry should have, and came across in the best way this song possibly could have.  Verka’s performance was so much warmer than I expected it to be.  It was tongue in cheek humour at its best alongside a great song with fantastic costumes and a great routine.  Yes, it was certainly a novelty entry, but Verka brought so much more to the stage than Lordi, LT United or Silvia Night from the year before, particularly in terms of professionalism.  The performance was flawless; she and the backing singers sang really well, the performance was fun, bright and fabulous.  I loved it and I’ll enjoy watching it for years to come – Ukraine certainly deserved to do as well as they did.