So it looks like The Netherlands is not competing tonight? Sorry about the whole incident, I hope we'll learn more later.

My personal favourites this year are Norway, Estonia and Croatia. I also like Armenia, Switzerland, Ireland and, I've got to admit, Austria's eurodance piece because that was the kind of music that 'everybody' listened to when I was in elementary school. So it brings back memories definitely. There's something of that genre in Finland's entry as well, and who doesn't love nostalgia and a little silliness? Latvia's song is beautiful and has a strong message but I'm sadly not a fan of the stage performance, and I feel like it will be seriously underappreciated because of that, but let's see. I was happy to see that one get enough votes to enter the final at least!

In general, I give points for native languages, successful blendings of different genres (especially if one of those genres is folk/traditional music), and traditional instruments and/or vocals. I also tend to like pieces with social/political criticism, which can be subtle or not-so-subtle...

I second BC's advice, polyurethane varnish should do the trick.

Gjallarhorn - Ranarop (Call of the Sea Witch) album

Great work on both, the sketch of your cat captures a lot of personality! Will you share the finished painting with us?

Welcome to the Arena!

Did everyone quietly abandon this? 

I'm sorry, I was so excited to do this again but I just couldn't motivate myself to do anything craft related in the first months of the year. I'm only now slowly getting out of my hibernation. 

How amazing that things like this can still happen! Dream come true, congratulations!