Eurovision has been harshly criticised over the years for its demise from a song contest to a freakshow driven novelty show, but as Eurovision 2013 is set to demonstrate, there are some years where strong songs win out over the cheese factor. With last year's winner, Sweden's Loreen, having gone on to global success following the release of her sensational debut album 'Heal', European acts are now gagging for a chance at immediate international acclaim. With Britain pinning their hopes of the brilliant Bonnie Tyler, who will be taking the stunning 'Believe In Me' to Malmo, here at The Yorkshire Times, we thought we would countdown who feel are her biggest threats...

But before we breakdown the best of Eurovision 2013, let's all take a moment to appreciate the sheer power of Bonnie Tyler.



10. SWEDEN: Robin Stjernberg - 'You'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

It's such a big window to show your music and yourself and an opportunity to be able to start a career all over Europe!

What about the contest do you love?

I love everything about it, it's a huge party and you get to meet so many amazing people!

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

'Hold Me Now' - Johnny Logan

What are your tactics to win?

To show everyone that we are for real , the song has a real meaning and I really hope that people will relate to the lyrics.

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

I have no idea, but I like a lot of songs this year.

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

To go out in Europe and play my songs!! That's a big dream and goal, the question is if I'm reaching it now or later!

9. AUSTRIA: Natalia Kelly - 'Shine'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

Eurovision is a tradition at home, especially between my Mom and I.

This year my producer asked me if I would be interested in participating at the Eurovision in Sweden. I was really excited with the possibility and I found that the time was right so, I signed up.

Two weeks later they called me to let me now that I was one of the acts that would compete for the chance to represent Austria in Malmö .. I was extremely happy and thankful for the opportunity to be part of the biggest and the oldest Music competition in the world.

What about the contest do you love?

Everything! Here you have music all over the place. Music unifies us all and no matter in which language. I adore singing and today I will have the opportunity to sing in front of millions of people and the song that I've co-written. For me as a person and also as an artist is a chance to develop myself not only artistically but also personally.

This is the best experience of my 18 years of life!

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

She is my idol: Celine Dion "Ne partez pas sans moi" 1988. But also like 'Fairytale' - Aleksander Rybak 2009 and Loreen "Euphoria" 2012.

What are your tactics to win?

I'm a very simple person. I enjoy music and I love singing and that's what I want to do.. I want to bring the best show possible and enjoy my moment and I hope that the viewers will feel it and share that moment with me.

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

I really find the songs from this year's competition very catchy.
I do enjoy some songs more than other for example: Norway, Ireland, UK, Russia, Ukraine.. I catch myself humming those tunes a lot!

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

My new album was released on April 26th. It's my first album and I've written half of the songs. I am very proud of it and I will go on promoting my album and continue to work on my career which started 10 years ago, when I decided to become a professional singer. I'm ready to share with the world my passion... "My Music"...

8. ICELAND: Eythor Ingi - 'Ég á líf'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

The song spoke to me and I wanted to deliver that message.

What about the contest do you love?

The contest is very big in Iceland as a family show.

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

Wig Wam - 'In My Dreams'

What are your tactics to win?

I don't really think about the competition, just to deliver the song as well as I can.

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

Malta as it is a cool song.

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

To keep on doing what I believe in and stay true.

7. IRELAND: Ryan Dolan - Only Love Survives



6. MALTA: Gianluca - 'Tomorrow'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

It's the first year that I didn't have any exams in February as I graduated from medical school last June, so I thought that it would be nice to spend my free time on something I love doing...singing. Being the most prestigious stage in Malta, I decided to take part in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest! I never thought I would actually make it to the final....but seems that the song was pretty much liked!!!

What about the contest do you love?

I love the fact that I get to represent my country for the first time! It's also such a beautiful opportunity to meet other amazing singers from all over Europe. The slogan this year has a real true meaning, uniting Europe through our music.

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

Definitely 'Fly On The Wings Of Love; - Olsen Brothers. It is also my inspiration.

What are your tactics to win?

Our performance will be kept quite a simple, it is a feel-good song....so our plan is to keep everything as simple and as raw as it can be! We want to transmit the joy and happiness we have on stage to the audience and the people at home! Our unique selling points are happiness and smiles. Let's simply enjoy it together!

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

My personal favourite is Iceland's song 'Eg a lif'! I fell in love with the song the moment I heard it! There are also a couple of other songs I like, such as those representing Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the UK and Greece!

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

I hope to keep advancing in my medical career as I would like to start specialising in some specific field in a year or two. Probably in paediatric care. In fact just yesterday I visited a children's hospital which specialises in severe heart problems and cancer therapy.



However I also plan on taking my musical career more seriously! In fact, I am already recording my first solo EP which will be available for everyone to download in the coming weeks! I am also in the progress of recording the first album with my band 'Funk Initiative'.

5. NORWAY: Margaret Berger - 'I Feed You My Love'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

The song was so special, that it intrigued me to do something like that on a very commercial TV-concept. I never actually thought I would win.

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

I always watch Eurovision with my friends. My all time favourite is Ireland 94 - 'Rock 'n' Roll Kids' (Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan).

What are your tactics to win?

I'm gonna be on the Eurovision stage and enjoy every minute of it, so I try to not think about the competition. I'm just proud I get to be in Eurovision.

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

I like Sweden very much right now. It's a strong song and makes me feel like I wanna dance.

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

I am working on my third album and I'm hoping to tour around Europe.


4. DENMARK: Emmelie de Forest - 'Only Teardrops'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

It is an honour to represent my country and I am so excited to participate in the biggest European music contest - I can't wait to get on stage in Malmø.

What about the contest do you love?

I am a big fan and I have followed the ESC since I was a little girl.

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

I remember many great songs but my all-time favorite song is the Danish song "Dansevisen" from 1963 - I really enjoy listening to that song.

What are your tactics to win?

I'm spending my time getting into shape and trying to get a good night's sleep every single night. And other than that, I simply practice, practice, practice. I try not to listen to all the songs I will be competing against - I'm afraid it will make me nervous.

3. UKRAINE: Zlata Ognevich - 'Gravity'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

I had been following Eurovision since Ukraine joined it in 2003. In Ukraine Eurovision is big and for any artist it's an honour to represent the country in such a big competition.

What about the contest do you love?

I love that Eurovision is all about music and celebration of cultural diversity. There is no politics, there is no commerce. It's all about love and music.

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

Celine Dion "Ne partez pas sans moi"

What are your tactics to win?

My tactic is to have brought here the best team ever. Everybody is just so professional and knows exactly how to do it right. My backing vocalists are world class artists. For instance, Cleveland Watkiss is described as the best jazz male voice on the planet Earth. My composer Mikhail Nekrasov has a track record of working with world celebrities, he was also responsible for arranging Ruslana's song Wild Dances.

My make-up artist has worked with Catherine Deneuve, Joe Cocker etc. Our stage director Maxim Lytvynov has been recognized as the best TV director in Ukraine, and I am sure he could compete on the international arena. And of course, Igor Vovkovinskiy, the tallest man living in the USA and one of the tallest people on Earth, is a great actor to be on stage with.

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

My nerves.

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

I hope I can plunge into music completely. My life is about creating music, singing music and delivering it to people.

2. SLOVENIA: Hannah - 'Straight Into Love'



1. FINLAND: Krista Siegfrids - 'Marry Me'



What tempted you into entering Eurovision?

I have always loved Eurovision! Now we have the perfect song and show! We want to make the whole of Europe go 'DiNG DoNG'!!!

What about the contest do you love?

It is the best, biggest and craziest party in the whole world! And with Team 'Ding Dong' it is even crazier! The feeling is GREAT! We are ONE!

What is your favourite Eurovision song ever?

There are so many: Ruslana, Carola...many! Too many to mention! :)

What are your tactics to win?

MORE is MORE! Hahaha! Great positive energy! Team 'Ding Dong' girl power! Enjoy every second and give it all the max!

Who do you feel is your strongest competition?

There are so many great artists and good songs! The competition is really hard - anybody can win! WE all are number ONE anyway! I I love UK's Bonnie Tyler, for instance. And OMG! I've now have a fan picture with her!

What are your hopes after Eurovision?

I have just released my début album 'Ding Dong'! Check it out! So performing and I hope to come to Yorkshire too! That would be AWESOME!