Our last rating for the Semi Final 1

Moldova – Peep Show à la Chisinau

Eduard is dancing with a policemen combo, it all looks like a car chase in New York. Even the arena has red light spots everywhere. There is rhythm, there is melody and Eduard has a great smile. The dancers maybe could appear a bit too obtrusive, when they climb up the scaffold. In the press centre it’s not seen as a qualifier, but he is so popular in Eastern Europe, that he will certainly do qualify.

Armenia – All continents in one

A lilac stage, good voices and a message could work well. But with this Armenian entry it might be difficult, as is has some boring phases here and there. The audience was talking during their rehearsals. Genealogy will have its difficulties with the qualifying.

Belgium – Small boy - high notes,

Loïc has improved a lot with his stage performance. The stage is eclectic white and the choreography has been invented by Loïc himself. In the radio they played “Rhythm Inside” a lot and many see this young talented guy in one of the top scores.

Netherlands – The rest home star

At first Trintje has shocked with her outfits, now she is wearing a black thing which looks like a potato sack. It’s all promising in the beginning, but the “yayaya” is never-ending and is getting really boring. It feels like this song is 10 minutes long. This entry will end the recent success story of the Netherlands in the ESC.

Finland – Turn your loudspeakers down! (for not destroying them)

This is the shortest entry ever: 1:38 min! And this is good so! Even if they are disabled and they will get all the support from everybody, the song is crap. Some describe this as punk, others as unlistenable. Why didn’t they sing a proper song?

Greece – The Athenian siren

It’s so great that Greece is not sending Sirtaki again! This is a wonderful power ballad, which stands out. There is a lot of drama at the end. The look of the stage as an eye, Maria-Elena is standing in the middle of the iris, which has a symbolic character in Greece. This is the best Greek ballads for years!

Estonia – The Estonian Common Linnets

The Estonian are treated like the favourites. And of course, they are really good: brilliant voices, cool look, beautiful black outfit and they have something special. The stage performance is unusual, as Stig is alone on stage in the beginning, and Elina will be alone at the end. It’s a story of a one night stand. Great light, great song. A potential winner!

F.Y.R. Macedonia – The only Macedonian with a Vienna accent

For the very sympathetic singer Daniel it’s a home game, as he is a citizen of Vienna. Unfortunately, the whole image is not matching. He is wearing a white jacket, there are antique columns in the back, there are black backing singers which look like US rappers and there are kitsch autumn leaves. The song is nice, the singer is nice, but the whole combination is not. And the press does not see him qualifying.

Serbia – The voice grenade from Belgrade

Bojana from Serbia is lovely. She has a great character is always smiling and always in a good mood. The can transport this feeling on stage. She obviously enjoying every minute here. There is a rhythm change and there will be some dress changes from the backing singers. The only risk would be that it might be too overrated by the fans. In the rehearsals she got one of the biggest applauses.

Hungary – The most silent flash mob ever

Boggie with his calm peace song is also very lovely. A very talented and sympathetic girl from Budapest who is going to remind people to stop the war. Due to the fact that it might be the perfect song for this time, it will probably perish, as the audience expects a little more action on stage.

Belarus – Stradivari from Minsk

A violin is always highly appreciated at the ESC. Belarus has a surprising good pop song, accompanied by Maimuna, who is the best of its kind in her home country. Belarus has made quite often into the Grand Finals with weaker songs.

Russia – Models & Millionaires

Nobody had Russia on the list! This one might do very well this year! Polina is beautiful and has a great voice + song! There is an absolute positive message, you would probably not expect from Russia. Polina will receive high points from Eastern Europe, and the juries must be unpolitical. This might be a good year for Russia. The stage is also great her dress is illuminated.

Denmark – The Danish Beach Boys

These guys from Anti Social Media really make fun. And it’s great to watch them. They have been entertaining the audience several times. Whenever they have the chance they grab the guitar, start singing and have fun. This will was very well received in the rehearsals.

Albania – Second choice ware

Even if she won “The Voice Italy” with 70% of the televotes, Elhaida needs a lot of luck to qualify. The song is too complicated and it’s not catchy enough to convince the televoters. She is beautiful, sings great, but the song is no hit, unfortunately. The original song, which has been refused might have been better.

Romania – Home Alone 2.0

The story of “De La Capat” is a bit sad, because it’s about children left behind, while their parents have gone away to earn money. The little boy of the video clip will also be included in the performance. He is too young to be on stage, but he is in the audience. The difficulty of this song will be, if the message reaches the viewers? It’s a dreamy song with lovely pictures of the Danube River.

Georgia – The vampire from Tiflis – beware!

Nina has lost her voice recently, so she could not participate in the Pop meets Opera event at the Wiener Staatsoper to protect her voice. She is a very extraordinary singer with an unusual look. Everything is dark, there are flashes and it’s loud. Even if the Swedish composer Thomas G:sson has revamped this song, it will be a risky candidate for the Grand Final

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!