Is it a coincidence that Russia's relationship with Ukraine deteriorated after Dima Bilan was announced winner of Eurovision 2008? In fact, Ukrainian officials challenged the Russian's victory last May. Now, Moscow is hosting Eurovision 2009, and we can only imagine the political tensions that will crop up as a result.

The 43 countries participating in this year's contest were just made official Monday, and already there are signs of good bad things to come. Whom to watch for? Definitely Georgia and Latvia—the two countries that applied for participation late, after an initial refusal to participate. Eurovision's Reference Group unanimously agreed to accept the tardy applications, citing "exceptional circumstances" (like, say, a war with Russia and a total economic collapse). What they meant to say was: "We know what makes good TV."