Latvia are one of Eurovision's youngest, yet most successful participants.  Their debut entry in 2000 managed 3rd place - quite a big surprise  considering it's quirkiness.  In 2001, they slumped alot, but managed to get to the 2002 Contest by the skin of thier teeth, only because Portugal chose not to participate.  This proved very fortunate for the Latvians, as 2002 saw them reign victorious on just their third attempt with Marie N's 'I Wanna'.  I personally wasn't convinced by this slightly political win, surely Malta should have been the hosts of Eurovision 2003?  Well that's neither here nor there, but either way, Latvia were hosting the 2003 Contest, and was very professionally done.  Unfortunately their 4th attempt at Eurovision was very poorly received, finishing 24th out of 26 with just 5 points (I thought it was rather good) and then found themselves in the Semi-Final for 2004 where they failed to qualify with 17th place.  2005 saw a happy return to form.  The delightful duo Walters and Kazha scraped through the Semi in 10th place, but due to such a good draw, they turned into the surprise package of the night, and early on seemed close to winning.  2006 and 2007 saw mixed results, where they finished in the bottom half of the scoreboard, but nonetheless, were in the Final both times.

 

 

‘Wolves of the Sea’ has to be my favourite novelty entry this year – I just love it.  For me, this song epitomises what a novelty entry should be – something that’s about having fun and trying something new, while still embracing Eurovision with a happy heart and warm enthusiasm.  ‘Wolves of the Sea’ is a very infectious track and the Pirates will be unlike anything else we’ve seen for a while at Eurovision, making this one very memorable.  Their National Final performance for me was disappointing, I think the girl was definitely off key, but I hope they can sort that and go all out on this, having something that resembles a ship onstage – that would be exciting!  I think it’s a sound Eurovision novelty entry, which seems like it’s still trying (unlike Spain and Estonia), so I wish Latvia the very best of luck, it’s certainly one of the entries I’m most looking forward to when I make it to Belgrade!

 

 

An initial prediction will appear here soon.

 

 

A prediction will appear here when all 25 songs in the Grand Final are known.