Eurovision 2013: Russia

Sometimes you hear a song for the first time and just know immediately it's going to be in contention to win the contest.

Russia has decided to send that song this year.

Dina Garipova  "What If"

 

Russia has sent a "by the books" Eurovision song--a lovely young woman singing a sweeping song that has a very catchy melody.  (And calls of plagiarism.  But that's a discussion for another time.)

I would always put Russia through to the final of any Eurovision Song Contest, but there is one reason I think it's a contender--and that's the choice of the singer.

Ms. Garipova was the winner of Soros Goros, the Russian version of the American TV show The Voice.  She has ample experience in front of cameras in high pressure situations.  I can see her hitting the stage in Malmö, presenting the song perfectly, and picking up medium to high marks from across Europe.  In this year, where the field of songs is wide open, that level of performance could win the entire contest.

Is it to my personal taste?  No.  Could it win?  Hell yes.