- Image by johnthurm via Flickr
So the first Semi Final will take place on Tuesday 25th of May. It features 17 countries and will also see France, Germany and Spain vote. The top ten countries on the combination of Televote and Jury Vote will move on to the Final on Saturday 29th of May.
So on to the preview. PS Click on the titles to see the video on youtube.
1. Moldova – SunStroke Project and Olia Tira “Run Away“
This is a fast paced song which features an electric violin. Its a feature of Eurovision, what ever wins the previous year is mimicked the following year. This has yet to work for any country! But this song isn’t based too much on it and isn’t folksy like Fairytale. Its a good song and could do well.
2. Russia – Peter Nalitch Band “Lost and Forgotten“
This is a different move for Russia. Russia normally goes for fast paced modern songs, but this entry seems to me to be folksy and slow paced. The have been drawn in second place which is notoriously difficult to do well from. I am not a big fan of it, but because its Russia, I think it will get through.
3. Estonia – Malcolm Lincoln and Manpower 4 “Siren“
This is very different from the first two songs of this semi. In fact its something that is quite different to most of the entries that I have heard. I can’t put my finger on what it sounds like, but I like it.
4. Slovakia – Kristina “Horehronie“
What starts off as a slow song, turns up the beat and gets going. The dancers remind me of Wild Dances, even Kristina’s outfit is reminiscent of it. Its not as fast, but its a good song.
5. Finland – Kuunkuiskaajat “Työlki ellää” (One can work for a living, too)
A second showing for fiddles! This is a very traditional sounding song from Finland, very different, from Waldo’s People last year. I like it. I love the outfits, and of course the clapping also help when it comes to me liking it!
6. Latvia – Aisha “What For?“
A modern ballad here from Latvia. Its good song, and I do like the words. It these type of songs that are impossible to tell how they will do. It can all come down to the performance on the night. I think it will do ok. Towards the end of the top 10, if it is to get through.
7. Serbia – Milan Stanković “Ovo je Balkan” (This is the Balkans)
If you didn’t guess from the title, this is a very balkans song. It is very traditional sounding, but it does have a modern feel it. It is catchy and you would tap your feet to it. With 3 other Balkan countries in this final (and Russia) it could do well on the televote. For some reason the outfit and hair remind me of Lady Gaga… I am alone on that aren’t I?
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Vukašin Brajić “Thunder and Lightening”
Finally a bit of rock ballad. I like this song. A song to nod your head to. Vukašin is a good singer also!
9. Poland – Marcin Mroziński “Legenda“
This guy reminds me of Johnny Logan (looks wise). Its a good song, it dosen’t really stand out for me though.
10. Belgium – Tom Dice “Me and My Guitar“
Wow, I love this song. Sorry, but this is the sort of stuff that I love to listen to. I am not sure how it will do. But I think it could do quite well.
11. Malta – Thea Garrett “My Dream“
Malta have decided to enter a traditional strong ballad this year. Its not exactly my cup of tea, and to be honest I am bored with ballads. Thea is a fantastic singer and can hit the high notes, it will depend on the her performance on the night.
12. Albania – Juliana Pasha “It’s All About You“
So Albania enter a song who’s video was definitely inspired by Lady Gaga. I think I hear fiddles in the back ground at some point, but I am not sure! Its a good song.
13. Greece – Giorgos Alkaios and Friends “OPA“
This is a nice mix of greek and modern. No fiddles but lit up drums (and a ringtone??) instead.
14. Portugal – Filipa Azevedo “Há dias assim” (Its one of those days)
This song reminds me of a Disney ballad. Yes she can sing, but I don’t think it will well.
15. FYR Macedona – Gjoko Taneski, Billy Zver & Pejcin “Jas ja imam silata” (I have the strength)
A bit of a rock song here. Its good. How it will do is hard to tell, but the rapping could pick it up a few votes.
16. Belarus – 3+2 “Butterflies“
Ok, me being not a big fan of ballads, yada yada, yada, I actually like this song. Yes, scream hypocrite all you want. But it is easy to listen to and enjoyable! Admit it!
17. Iceland – Hera Björk “Je Ne Sais Quoi” (I don’t know what)
This is the last song of the semi and it will end the show on a high note. A fabulous singer with a great song!
So thats the 17 entries, so who do I think will get through/want to get through? In no particular order
- Russia
- Iceland
- Serbia
- Belgium
- Greece
- Latvia
- Moldova
- Macedonia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Belarus
How many will I get right?