Forget Gonzi’s leadership contest, this weekend we will all be glued to the box watching the Song for Europe contest. Come on, admit it, you will be too!

The list of singers includes the reappearance of festival veterans,  such as good old Fabrizio and never say die Lawrence Grey (or as I heard someone jokingly referring to him recently, Wenzu l-Griz).

Ganni Zammit is trying his hand again, clearly proving that he’s not too cool to be involved in something so kitsch.  The fascinatingly-named Klinsmann is back too, along with J. Anvil.

Among the female singers who have reached the finals many times, there’s Claudia Faniello again and Priscilla (who has mysteriously re-named herself Kaya). Eleanor Cassar is giving it one more try, as is Annalise Ellul.

When I see these singers trying to win it year after year, I have to admire them for their perseverance, if nothing else.

One thing is for sure,  Facebook will come alive tonight with running commentaries as everyone gives their opinion about what the singers look like. Oh, and once in a while, we will give our two cents’ worth about the songs too.  At least it gives us all a break from the mental fatigue caused by bickering over politics.

I don’t know what it is this year, but many of the songs spoke about “eyes” for some reason.  Maybe because it’s easy to rhyme?

Anyway, here are my picks for best song/best voice (and I couldn’t resist including a little aside about their appearance in the video)

Amber (Answer with your eyes)…but I don’t like the Frankenstein’s bride hair

Anna Azzopardi (Still Waiting)…good make up and hair

Claudia Faniello (Pure)…going for the Elvira look with heavy make-up and jet black hair

Francesca Borg (Take me far)…hate the hair,  is that a mullet?

Ganni (Petals on a rose)…needs a good night’s sleep

Janice Mangion (While her eyes still glow)…WAY too much make up and over-styled hair

Klinsmann (No way back) – finally, someone natural looking

Kurt Calljea (This is the night) – equally  natural, although eyebrows look suspiciously plucked

Lawrence Grey (In your eyes) –  should have gone for a more casual look

Nadine Bartolo (Can’t get away) – best dressed, but why does NO ONE have natural looking make-up?

Richard Edwards (Look at me) – manages to pull off the designer stubble look

Wayne Micallef (Time) – manages to pull off the designer stubble look (oh, that’s right they’re brothers)

To hear all the songs go to the PBS website.