Austria
Following drag queen Conchita Wurst's sensational victory last year Austria have opted for more traditional Eurovision fare this time around. Singer-songwriter Lena Weber's melodic ballad 'Grossvater' is an affectionate homage to her grandfather who was, Lena tells us, a kindly Tyrolean dairy farmer, loyal family man and former camp commandant at Buchenwald.
Scotland
2015 marks Scotland's second appearance in the contest after Eurovision entry became a devolved issue. Can the plucky Scots go one better than last year when they made history by becoming the first country ever to be knocked out of Eurovision on goal difference?
Greece
The lyrics of 'One Last Breath', the Greek entry sung By Maria Kyriakou, are widely seen as being analogous to Greece's perilous financial predicament. In particular the line 'Give us more bail-out cash Merkel you Kraut bitch' would seem to support that theory. Kyriakou is expected to make Eurovision history when she becomes the first contestant ever to pass a hat around the audience after her performance.
Georgia
For those who have fond memories of the days when we could laugh at the backward Europeans in their ethnic dress singing songs in incomprehensible languages while a couple of goats looked on this year's Georgian entry might be for you. The lyrics to the song 'Pylatiyetka' explore the legacy of collectivisation and failed agrarian policy in the former Soviet state. There's also a couple of scantily clad buxom milking maids doing suggestive things with cream. As Stalin himself might have said – phwoarr!
Ireland
Gone are the days when Ireland dreaded winning in case hosting the following year would bankrupt the country. To show how seriously they take the contest Ireland have enlisted renowned singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan. The former Pogues frontman will perform post-watershed as his composition 'Emerald Girl' contains 4 'faggots', 2 'bastards' and 3 'fucks', and that’s before they interview him in the Green Room.
Finland
Finland have a growing reputation as the black sheep of the Eurovision family which this year's entry will only enhance. Helsinki-based death metal band 'Cock Block' will perform their 11-minute song 'Deathcore' which explores the familiar themes of torture, cannibalism and necrophilia. Might be a good time to pop to the kitchen and put the kettle on.
Australia
Do not adjust your set. For one night only Australia is officially in Europe. Aussies all over the continent will stop what their doing to cheer on their very own Guy Sebastian. Try and order a drink in London or Edinburgh when he's on – forget it.
