[Eurovision 2009] Semi-Final Two Preview

Well we are just over a month away from the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow which takes place on May 14th. This semi final sees another 19 songs competing for a place in the Final. This is the semi that Ireland has been drawn in so it should be the interesting one for us. France and Russia will also be voting in this semi. As usual I have linked to the Youtube videos for you to make up your own mind. So lets get too it. I of course will attempt a prediction as well. Oh and the Preview for Semi-Final One is here.

1. Croatia: Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea with “Liepa Tena” (Beautiful Tena) Youtube

A ballad to start us off on the night from Croatia. As most of you know I am not a great fan of ballads, but this is a nice ballad. Its the first song so who knows, it may be remembered, it may be forgotten. The voice is a bit shake on the video I have linked I wonder will they have improved by the semi?

2. Ireland: Sinéad Mulvey and Black Daisy with “Et Cetera” Youtube

I must say that since I first heard this song, its has grown a hell of a lot on me. Its a cool rock song and certainly stands out compared to the first song. Come on Ireland!

3. Latvia: Intars Busulis with “Probka” (Traffic Jam) Youtube

This is another rock song, which could harm Ireland’s chances as its right after it. I’m not a great fan of this song but it could do well considering its in Russian.

4. Serbia: Marko Kon and Milaan with “Cipela” (Shoe) Youtube

This to me is your typical balkan song. Not really one that does it for me, but one that may elicit votes from neighbours. I don’t see it getting through though.

5. Poland: Lidia Kopania with “I Don’t Wanna Leave” Youtube

Poland are trying a ballad again this year, despite what happened last year. It is a lovely song, but are ballads past it with the public? Will the juries go for them?

6. Norway: Alexander Rybak with “Fairytale” Youtube

This is a cool song, mainly because I just love violins in pop/rock songs. So far this is the one that will have my vote on the night. Its cathcy and very listenable.

7. Cyprus: Christina Metaxa with “Firefly” Youtube

Cyprus have gone with a ballad this year. Its not a really catchy one. I think its quite poor in comparison with Norways entry in my opinion. Greece are in this semi so it may get through.

8. Slovakia: Kamil Mikulčík and Nela Pocisková with “Leť tmou” (Fly through Darkness) Youtube

Another ballad and this ones a duet to make it stand out slightly. This semi seems to be ballad heavy so it could be a long night! My usual sentiments for ballads applied here. Though the girl has some lungs on her! (My slovakian is useless so not sure which is the girls name!)

9. Denmark: Niels Brinck with “Believe Again” Youtube

Theres an Irish connection to this song. It was written by Ronan Keating which explains why it sounds familar. Its a nice song and up tempo compared to most songs in this semi so could do well. Is i just me or does Niels sound like Ronan?

10. Slovenia: Quartissimo feat. Martina Majerle with “Love Symphony” Youtube

More violins! and a chello or something (could be a double bass). Very classy song and perfomance. Martina has an amazing voice and this is a wonderful song.

11. Hungary: Zoli Ádok with “Dance with Me” Youtube

Finally something different. Its a bit of a pop song. It has a bit of disco feel to it. At first I wasnt sure what to make of the song,, but it has grown on me. Its one you will have to make your own mind up on.

12. Azerbaijan: AySel and Arash with “Always” Youtube

And then come Azerbaijan who have gone for pop song. Coming straight after Hungary won’t help either of them. Its a good song though and I think its better then Hungary’s entry.

13. Greece: Sakis Rouvas with “This Is Our Night” Youtube

Sakis is back! This is becoming one of my favourites of this year Eurovision (along with Finland). Sakis previously represented Greece in 2004 where he came 3rd with “Shake It“. He hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. This is a song that will be around after the competition I think.

14. Lithuania: Sasha Son with “Love” Youtube

And Lithuania slow things down again. This is a nice gentle song from Sasha Son. Its a nice song, but will it do well in Moscow? Especially after three fast songs?

15. Moldova: Nelly Ciobanu with “Hora din Moldova” (Dance from Moldova) Youtube

And Moldova speed things up a bit again and bring a real Balkan feel to the contest. I prefer this song to the Serbian entry. The dance is a bit of fun too! Its lively and should go down well.

16. Albania: Kejsi Tola with “Carry Me in Your Dreams” Youtube

Albania keeps the tempo up with its entry. Its a nice song, but not one of my favourites.

17. Ukraine: Svetlana Loboda with “Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl)” Youtube

Ukraine stick with the tried and tested fast tempo pop song. Its not as good as previous entries from Ukraine in my opinion. The chorus is good and catchy though and the trumpets are class. It will qualify though.

18. Estonia: Urban Symphony with “Rändajad” (Travellers) Youtube

And Estonia go for a poppy ballad, its a bit faster then most of the ballads in this semi, but will it qualify? Its a toss up for Estonia, and entering a song in Estonian is a bit of a risk

19. The Netherlands: The Toppers with “Shine” Youtube

To finish up we have The Netherlands. They were one of the first countries to select their entry, did they pick well? I think so. Its a nice song, which as you smiling and clapping along. It will do well in the final position I think.

Predictions:

So here is where  I normally get everything wrong, but I have a good chance of picking at least 2 songs that will qualify! So here it goes

• Greece
• The Netherlands
• Ireland
• Ukraine
• Norway
• Moldova
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Latvia
• Serbia

So you think I’m right?

So thats the second Semi-Final done. Only the final 5 songs left the preview are the big four and Russia’s entry which will be done in the next week or so!