ESC 2014

The show must go on - Ukraine crisis or not. The head of the Eurovision Song Contest isn't blind to the continent's momentary political state. But Jon Ola Sand said in Copenhagen that he is hoping for a good performance from both Russia and Ukraine after the two rounded out a direct duel during the first semi-final round. Compared with the rehearsals, both countries' performers really went all out.

On May 6, when it was announced that Russian twins Anastasia and Maria Tolmachevy would advance to the final, this year's Eurovision got its first hint of a scandal that couldn't be overheard: loud boos from the audience.

The response surely had less to do with the on-stage theatrics or voices of the 17-year-old singers - more so with Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict as well as its laws against the broadly defined target of homosexual propaganda. Eurovision has a large gay following, turning up in full force at the live event in Copenhagen as well.

It's official…

It's remarkable what some countries - particularly from Eastern Europe - conjure up on stage in order to deliver as big a show as possible. In the case of the Russians, it's a huge see-saw, while Ukraine's Mariya Yaremchuk is accompanied by a massive gymnasts' wheel. Azerbaijan's Dilara Kazimova puts her alter-ego on a trapeze, while last year's Azerbaijani entrant performed in a Plexiglas container.

But when Greece's Freaky Fortune featuring RiskyKidd started jumping around on a trampoline during the May 8 semi-finals, there was no turning back: this year's Eurovision Song Contest is officially a gymnastics tournament. Greece's track "Rise Up" is already getting people dancing in ESC clubs in Copenhagen.

When it comes to party anthems, Greece will only face serious competition from France's Twin Twin with their song "Moustache."

Three princesses and a bearded queen

Germany's Elaiza, on the other hand, are taking a different tack, avoiding big stage effects. Informally polling journalists in Copenhagen suggests their neo-folk song "Is It Right?" plays especially well with Eastern Europeans - although many were unaware that Elaiza frontwoman Ela Steinmetz has Polish and Ukrainian roots. Apparently it's the tune itself with its accordion backing that seems familiar and pleasant to them.

If the young women can win over audiences with their warm and friendly stage presence, a few of the points are sure to come from Eastern Europe. But one contestant who can hardly count on the more conservative members of the continent is Conchita Wurst. Danish ESC moderator Pilou Asbaek has dubbed her the Queen of Austria, but universal glory is unlikely for Wurst - played by cabaret artist Tom Neuwirth. Neuwirth is just as polarizing at home in Austria as on the ESC stage.

There's no doubt that Conchita already has star status at this year's contest in Copenhagen. It's unfortunate that so much attention is being paid to her beard at the expense of the powerful voice that delivers her emotional ballad "Rise Like a Phoenix," which could be used in the score to a James Bond film.

Scandinavian powerhouse

In terms of genres, Conchita Wurst faces direct competition from Sweden's Sanne Nielsen. "This year, Sweden went traditional: blond and ballad-y," said long-time German ESC commentator Peter Urban.

Nielsen's song, "Undo," is a song that sounds simple but - like an ABBA hit - is difficult to sing. The Swedish singer, already a star at home, pulls it off with aplomb.

Not to be counted out is host country Denmark with Basim. Back-to-back wins at Eurovision would be nothing new in the contest's history, although the last time it occurred, the number of participating countries was much smaller. Nevertheless, Denmark has high hopes. Barricades at the biggest square in Copenhagen's center contain lines from the refrain of Basim's "Cliche Love Song."

Dubstep power from Armenia and Hungary

Two countries counted as favorites this year have never come out on top in past editions of the contest. They are Armenia and Hungary. "Not Alone" - a song that gets by without a refrain - has been well-received by young audiences. Ahead of the contest in Copenhagen, bookies have been giving Armenia's Aram Mp3 the best shot at victory. However, he tarnished his reputation lightly during the first semi-final, which he also opened. His nerves seemed to get the better of him as he began his ballad with a shaky voice but recovered by the time the dubstep elements come in that pep up the song.

Hungary's 29-year-old re-export Andras Kallay-Saunders also draws on the UK-born electronic style to present a serious subject. His song, "Running," deals with child abuse. Kallay-Saunders, who grew up in the US as the son of a Hungarian model and an American musician, can sing. And it doesn't hurt that his tight black t-shirt highlights the hours he's spent in the gym ahead of the contest. The two dancers that join him on stage manage not to veer into kitsch with the song.

Music knows no boundaries, including when it comes to choice of topic, Kallay-Saunders said in Copenhagen. A highly sensitive subject like child abuse is a novelty for Eurovision. But when it comes to the question of whether thte ESC is free of politics, it remains to be seen whether the fans will share that principle. In that, the moments after Russia's performance on Saturday will be decisive.