Iceland have not come close to qualifying for three tormenting years, but still the volcanic island has Europe's highest Eurovision viewing figures and a National Final selling out weeks in advance. Ben Robertson visits Iceland and learns how Eurovision in the Arctic north is a part of their family culture.

We all have our favourites that lose in the National Final season, songs that you just know had a chance to do so much better if only they made it to the Eurovision Song Contest itself. Monty Moncrieff looks at some of the factors that can mean a potential big hit can fall at the first hurdle.

It's scale may be relatively compact, but the aspirations for Eesti Laul are massive. At the very least ERR are keen to send the best of its local music scene to the Eurovision stage. At best, it's hungry for the second victory. Here John Egan pulls back the curtain as he watches the final rehearsals in Tallinn.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest will take an important step forward, as live musical instruments will return to the stage. Ellie Chalkely explores the history of live music at the Song Contest, how JOWST opened the way, and why Netta Barzilai will lead the charge into the fourth era of Eurovision music.

We all know the feeling when our favourite Eurovision act returns to the Contest. But what about when your favourite band starts out on the journey and reaches their first National Final? David Elder opens up about his love for potential German act voXXclub.