AceShowbiz - The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest promises a blend of diverse musical styles, from Swedish techno and Serbian prog-metal to more traditional and folk influences. However, this year's event, set to take place at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle from May 12 to 16, has been overshadowed by controversy.

Due to the organizers' decision to keep Israel in the competition amidst political tensions, five countries have announced their boycott. Alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, two historically significant participants—Spain (one of the big five) and Ireland (the joint most-decorated winner)—have decided not to take part. Despite this, 35 nations remain committed to the contest, including returning countries Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania.

This year’s lineup will be showcased across two semifinal rounds on May 12 and 14, culminating in the grand final on May 16. The entrants range from Croatian folk and Czech power ballads to more experimental genres such as Serbian prog-metal and Swedish techno. Below is a detailed ranking from the least to the most promising entries for 2026.

35. "Just Go," JIVA (Azerbaijan)

Azerbaijan aims to end its recent poor streak with a return to a classic Eurovision power ballad style. JIVA's "Just Go" features a dramatic vocal performance by a female singer dressed elegantly, but the song feels outdated and could have easily been entered in any Eurovision contest over the past 50 years. The jury vote, returning after a four-year hiatus, typically favors this type of old-school presentation, suggesting the song will likely be the least memorable moment in the final.

34. "Bella," Aidan (Malta)

Following last year’s bold and upbeat entry, Malta has taken a safer route this year with Aidan's "Bella," a conventional love song reminiscent of a clichéd gondola serenade. Despite Aidan's persistence—having tried to represent Malta three times before, including a disqualification in 2023—this track lacks innovation. Co-written by former entrant Sarah Bonnici, "Bella" seems designed to appeal to the juries but may struggle to excite the broader audience.

33. "Rosa," Bandidos do Cante (Portugal)

Portugal continues its tradition of sending unique entries that often contrast with the rest of the field. However, this year’s song from Bandidos do Cante, rooted in the traditional vocal style of Cante Alentejano, feels outdated and uninspired. The song’s creation involved an unusual ten co-writers, hinting at a lack of creative cohesion. Despite Portugal’s perfect qualification record this decade, the band’s polite indie pop approach might leave viewers indifferent, and their decision to compete despite the boycott adds a layer of complexity.

32. "Michelle," Noam Bettan (Israel)

Representing Israel amid the contest's most significant political controversy, Noam Bettan described his participation as "entering the lion's den." His mid-tempo Middle Eastern pop song "Michelle," about ending a toxic relationship, marks an improvement over previous Israeli ballads like "Hurricane" and "New Day Will Rise." Despite this, the song is unlikely to propel Israel to top positions, given the surrounding tensions.

31. "Paloma Rumba," Simón (Armenia)

Co-written by Armenia’s famous Eurovision alumna Rosa Linn, who gained unexpected viral success with "Snap" in 2022, "Paloma Rumba" offers a stark contrast with its fast-paced, energetic vibe. The song’s video humorously depicts office rebellion through antics like abusing a photocopier and covering oneself with Post-its. While the song verges on chaotic, Simón’s charisma and prior strong showing in national selections suggest this entry could outperform Armenia’s previous results.

30. "Crossroads," Daniel Žižka (Czech Republic)

The Czech Republic has yet to surpass its 2018 sixth-place finish with "Lie to Me." Bookmakers see potential in Daniel Žižka's "Crossroads," a brooding musical-theater style ballad reminiscent of Switzerland’s 2021 third-place entry "Tout l'Univers." Though the song showcases vocal prowess, it risks being perceived as dull, especially by viewers seeking more dynamic performances.

29. "Ferto," Ayklas (Greece)

Following a trend of eccentric male Eurovision performers, Greece’s Ayklas blends elaborate fashion with electronic techno beats. Known for his TikTok ukulele fame, Ayklas offers a song with a melancholic interlude promising to buy his mother a house if victorious. While the novelty may wear thin for some, the song retains a chance to captivate audiences with its blend of upbeat energy and emotional moments.

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest lineup reflects a fascinating mixture of tradition and experimentation. Despite political challenges and withdrawals, the remaining 35 countries promise a showcase of diverse genres and performances, continuing the contest’s legacy as the world’s most extravagant and eclectic musical event.