Eurovision 2016: Listen to every song and read our reviews ahead of the final

Planning on placing a bet? Be sure to watch all the countries performing first and give yourself the best shot at glory

Mans Zelmerlow of Sweden performs on stage before winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 (Getty Images)

There’s not long to go until Eurovision bursts into our living rooms for a grand final overflowing with colour, energy and rainbow flags (yes, they escaped the banned list).

Everybody knows that the annual cheese-fest is much more fun if you have an act or two to root for or have found a song you actually like (Latvia wins our vote).

Follow the rest of our Eurovision 2016 coverage here

There are 26 countries competing in the grand final this year, so here’s our quick run-down of all the tracks, complete with our brief verdicts so that all voters can make informed choices on the big night:

“J’ai Cherche” by Amir for France

This one’s another upbeat number, sung in both English and French. Coming to a European club near you.

“Say Yay!” by Barei for Spain

Glittery leggings are the order of the day for this cheery, motivational track from Barei about finding the strength to fulfil your dreams. Hard not to enjoy.

“What’s the Pressure” by Laura Tesoro for Belgium

More glitter and some decidedly dodgy dance moves from Belgian singer Laura. It’s another happy one, but verging into classic Eurovision cheese territory.

“If Love Was a Crime” by Poli Geneva for Bulgaria

Something a little more sultry from Poli, with more edge than some of the other, more generic dance songs this year. One to watch out for.

“Walk on Water” by Ira Losco for Malta

Songstress Ira is up against some tough competition from other female vocalists. This is sadly nothing spectacular, despite her great singing voice, and will likely be quickly forgotten.

“Sound of Silence” by Dami Im for Australia

That’s right, Australia is back in Eurovision for a second year running despite being halfway across the world from Europe. This time, they’re backing a power ballad with a dance beat. Expect some half-naked male dancers, judging by the video.

“Miracle” by Samra for Azerbaijan

This really is the year of the ladies. Sara has a gritty voice and stunning look to match, but her song is cliched and, like Malta’s entry, possibly not individual enough to stand out.

“LoveWave” by Iveta Mukuchyan for Armenia

Iveta has definitely gone for the modern, cool vibe on this genre-mixing song, but it lacks the catchiness that Eurovision voters often love so. The high-pitched vocals occasionally grate, too.

“You Are The Only One” by Sergey Lazarev for Russia

Sergey is already a hotly-tipped favourite and with this rousing, dramatic track it’s easy to see why. It’s classic Eurovision and surely worth an each-way bet.

“1944” by Jamala for Ukraine

This one’s apparently about the mass deportation of Tatars under Stalin. Safe to say, it’s a moodier, more haunting number than many of the entries, but might well prove too arty for Eurovision voters.

“Goodbye (Shelter)” by ZAA Sanja Vucic for Serbia

Someone’s been taking style tips from a certain Amy Winehouse. Sanja will surely given a fierce, impassioned performance but the song itself is average at best.

“Lighthouse” by Nina Kraljic for Croatia

Pretty vocals, but there is absolutely nothing new here.

“Pioneer” by Freddie for Hungary

Freddie’s raspy vocals and good looks will surely prove popular, while pounding drums help add depth to an otherwise pretty boring song.

“I’ve Been Waiting For This Night” by Donny Montell for Lithuania

One Direction fans will likely fall for Donny and this soppy pop track about a girl’s smile lighting up his life etc. The rest of us, won’t.

“Made of Stars” by Hovi Star for Israel

Eurovision’s emo entry will get the Stockholm crowd’s lighters waving. It could do well, too, as the contest does love a good weepy.

“Ghost” by Jamie-Lee for Germany

Expect eccentric costumes and stage design from Jamie-Lee, but this is a singing contest, and her vocals will need to be stronger if she’s to take home that coveted Eurovision trophy.

“Loin D’Ici” by ZOE for Austria

ZOE is singing in French and could do surprisingly well with this joyful, summery little song.

“You’re Not Alone” by Joe and Jake for United Kingdom

Our Brit boys seem set to do better than Electro Velvet’s dire result last year, but this song seriously lacks the ‘X’ factor.

“No Degree of Separation” by Francesca Michielin for Italy

Francesca’s Italian singing is glorious, while the track itself is really quite beautiful. This one’s getting a lot of love on YouTube, so expect it to make the top five. One of my favourites.

“Color of Your Life” by Michal Szpak for Poland

Some soul-searching here for Michal, another theme that Eurovision voters really go in for. His vocals are powerful and intense, and he’ll likely give a memorable performance to boot.

“I Stand” by Gabriela Guncikova for Czech Republic

Unfortunately for the solo female vocalists, there are simply too many of them this year to make an impact. It’s hard to see this song going far.

“Slow Down” by Douwe Bob for The Netherlands

The Netherlands have gone for the chilled-out country vibe this year, which may be a clever decision given the bland pop of much of the competition.

“Heartbeat” by Justs for Latvia

Justs’ minimalist electro-pop is at least a bit more unique and, if staged well, could deliver an impressive result for Latvia. There’s a really great beat to this one.

“If I Were Sorry” by Frans for Sweden

Frans gets a fast pass to the final as Stockholm hosts this year’s Eurovision. This is another strong entry for Sweden, with a Milky Chance edge to Frans’ distinctive vocals.

“Midnight Gold” by Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz for Georgia

There’s a slightly heavier one from Georgia this year, featuring some exciting intstrumentals. It’s all a bit too manic though, and probably won’t score a top ten place.

“Alter Ego” by Minus One for Cyprus

Cyprus have sent a rock act to Eurovision this year - always a risky decision given the contest’s bias to pop, but one that could perhaps pay off in 2016.

Join us for the Eurovision grand final at 8pm on Saturday 14 May