We’ve all played the Eurovision drinking game – Wind machine! Clothing reveal! Pyrotechnics! – but this year, there’s a new theme to look out for: Eurovision doppelgangers. From Armenia’s Kardashian copy and Harry Styles’ long-lost-cousin to a boy band like every other, charge your glasses to these familiar faces.
Taylor Swift
Hey, it’s Tay-Tay! Oh wait, just a smiley blonde singing a pop-country track about two primary colours – Blue and Red. It’s clear Slovenian performer ManuElla is tapping into T. Swift’s earlier catalogue, but we kinda wish she’d picked up the 1989 album instead. Ah well, old Taylor is better than no Taylor.
Harry Styles
We couldn’t have Taylor without her nemesis/ex-boyfriend/muse One Direction-er Harry Styles. This Swedish version is younger – a mere 17 years old! – sans tattoos and long, curly locks. Like the OG Styles, however, Sweden's Frans refuses to say sorry. Actually, his song is called If I Were Sorry, but we’re not exactly sure why he’s so darn unapologetic. Sheesh, boys.
Kim Kardashian
The Kardashian clan aren’t getting enough attention in the media so they decided to infiltrate Eurovision! Okay that’s a lie – they get plenty of attention – but the Armenian entrant Iveta Mukuchyan does look like a cousin of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney. Iveta, though, is more than a pretty, selfie-snapping face. Her song LoveWave was one of the first chosen for Eurovision 2016. It’s sexy synth with traditional Armenian riffs and a BIG voice. Side note: she's a linguist!
Every boy band you’ve ever seen
Introducing the clean-cut, but still fashionably stubbled, Danish entry that emulates the boy bands of yore: Lighthouse X. With popped collars, stacks of hair gel and a little too much enthusiasm, these guys possess a touch of Westlife or even the Backstreet Boys (circa the reunion).
The boy band member gone solo
Speaking of Westlife, Ireland actually is sending a member of the now defunct group. Which is why Singer, TV presenter and former Leeds United goalkeeper Nicky Byrnes probably looks familiar. He brings us an excessively cheery pop tune Sunlight. Don't watch the film clip if cliched cheesiness makes you angry, queasy or just plain sad.
