Our reviewers have a lot of love for "Violent Thing" — Ben Dolic's Eurovision 2020 song for Germany. Our Lucy writes: "I never thought I’d give a pure-pop banger a perfect ten, but when it’s this good, why not? The 'don’t tell your MAMMAH' hook hits you hard every time and Ben’s tones just help make this song ridiculously cool. There really is no element of cringe like the 'I met a girl in a bar' style such songs often have. It starts the second the song opens with those six notes pulling you in, and keeps hold for three minutes. This is exquisite and possibly my favourite German song at Eurovision ever.

Iceland's Daði & Gagnamagnið were meant to sing “Think About Things” at Eurovision 2020. The song went viral, receiving shout outs from the likes of Russell Crow and Jennifer Garner. Our Pablo is certainly feeling it. He writes: "I don’t ever want to hear another cloying and saccharine tribute number, because Daði has proven you can be heartfelt and fun. 'Think About Things' manages to make me more emotional than any ballad, but sends me to the dance floor. His voice is deep and rich, the instrumental is brilliantly simple and effective and the use of the literal meaning of 'baby' blows my mind. Iceland, this is exactly what you need to return to Eurovision glory. P.S: His daughter is lucky to have this song about her dominating streams all around Europe."

Ulrikke Brandstorp — Norway's Eurovision 2020 singer — tells us about her upcoming Christmas album, her KLAAS "Attention" remix, her sadness over the cancellation of Eurovision, her reaction to not being automatically picked for ESC 2021, the Melodi Grand Prix 2020 voting scandal and more.

Water can be the force that gives us life or the most boring thing on the dinner table. And unfortunately “Voda” falls into the latter category. Ana has an admittedly huge voice, but it is wasted on this banal ballad.

Finland's Aksel Kankaanranta was meant to sing “Looking Back” at Eurovision 2020. Its lyrics encourage us to avoid waiting for the future to bring us something better. If we do, we risk forgetting what we are living for in the present. Aksel sings it flawlessly. There’s no need for dramatic gestures, pyro rain or loud screaming. His rather flawless vocals were more than enough for some of us.

On its own, “Freaky!” would be a dated disco track not fully revamped for 2020. But in the hands of Senhit — who serves sass, attitude and an unbridled sense of joy — the song becomes an anthem for living life on your own terms and having one hell of a time as you do it. Throw in the very editorial visuals, which portray Senhit as queen of hedonism, and this suddenly feels like the soundtrack to a lush and rather sinful Vogue Italia spread. A brilliant example of how visuals and ambition can change the game.

Stefania — Greece's Eurovision 2020 singer — planned to sing the empowering, ethno-dance number "Supergirl". The song has a powerful message. The broadcaster says it’s about encouraging “teenagers to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. It narrates Stefania’s own story since, as a young woman she has had to find the power to combine her obligations as a student with her dream of singing.”

Lithuania's Eurovision 2020 act The Roop were favourites to win it all with their quirky pop number “On Fire”. The lyrics are about keeping your dreams and passions alive even as the world tells you it’s time to dial them down. “It’s about writing yourself off too quickly,” the band says. “We underestimate ourselves too often. We think we don’t meet some standards or that we are uninteresting, too young, too old. People in their thirties already feel untimely aged and hopeless. I don’t think this is normal.” The song comes with a quirky music video and national final performance, replete with viral dance moments and oversized magnifying glasses.

Who would have qualified from Semi-Final 1 of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020? William and Deban pick their 10 qualifiers based on their music videos and national final performances.

Diamonds shining on who? Diamonds shining on Armenia's Athena Manoukian. This song defies Eurovision convention, proving that R&B and hip-hop do have a place in this sphere. Risky, bold, daring — Athena takes no prisoners as she pops and locks and reminds all of us of our self-worth and potential. She may sing of chains, but baby this is all about emancipation. The production has had a major revamp since Depi Evratesil — it now takes us on a journey through space-age sounds, sensual breaths and even electro-bass. This is fire.