Have a look at our last evaluation for this year’s semi-final 1

This is our estimation for the first Semi Final 2022 like every year. We don’t take it that seriously, so please forgive us, if our estimation does not meet your taste.

01 Albania – The sexy show

For the first time in ESC history Albania dares something. The lovely singer Ronela is crying her heart out. There is a lot of action on stage and Ronela grabs her step. A little bit Michael Jackson atmosphere is flying around. Others would say it’s a bit too much, the gestures and the movements of the background dancers. This one will receive a lot of optical attention.

02 Latvia – The mighty veggie song

It’s all about fruits and vegetables, living environmentally friendly, taking the bicycle instead of the car. But it’s not really visible on stage. The six guys from Citi Zēni obviously having a great time, singing and dancing along, but the message does not infer for the TV viewer, who is watching this for the first time. Furthermore it’s not clear if the guys really take their lyrics literally.

03 Lithuania – The show of the 60’s

This is a totally different song from all the others in this year’s ESC. It’s classy, it’s jazzy and the singer Monika Liu looks amazing, a little similarity with Mireille Matthieu (from the hair cut). She is wearing a glittering dress, the lights are sparkling, it’s the show from yesterday, like in the 1960’s, somewhere in London, New York or Las Vegas. The juries will love this entry and with her very special attitude and looks she will remain in people’s minds.

04 Switzerland – Black is the new black

The even dark stage is getting much darker now. Black is dominating. Also Marius is wearing a black leather jacket, black pants and there are only a few light reflects, projected on his face. He is getting the full attention. “Boys Do Cry” – this is a plea to cry, and it’s easy to start right away. His voice is good, but this is not what people need after all the years of pandemic, they need something uplifting and positive. Spring is on and the summer is yet to come.

05 Slovenia – The students on their graduation party

It’s always something very special to end school at the graduation party. These sympathetic guys (and one girl) are in a party mood. All fine dressed velvet suits, like a child-in-law look. An interesting rhythm and the horns are classy. A bit of “Tih deževen dan“ can’t be overheard, it was the first official ESC song from Slovenia. Lovely.

06 Ukraine – the favourite of hearts

It’s still unbelievable that Ukraine is taking part in the ESC, while they are in war with Russia. Respect that the guys from Kalush Orchestra could make their way to Turin. It’s also important to show that the Ukrainians are still there and that they can express themselves on stage, not being defeated. The song is catchy and the stage settings one of the best tonight.

07 Bulgaria – Rock from another century

This year there is a rock song for Bulgaria. Maybe they are following the trend of Måneskin or they would like to bring back to good old days of rock music. Rock does definitely have a place at Eurovision, but this is a bit pandering and we have heard this one many times before. So nothing new from the country of the Black Sea.

08 The Netherlands – a stylish song in Dutch with deepness

Another dark stage, but from the light effects it’s more exciting than Switzerland. S10 is looking great in her cropped suit, better than in her outfit from the turquoise carpet. She sings about the difficult times having psychological problems, a very important topic. A beautiful melody, touching, but it will be sung in Dutch. Everybody with a little empathy can imagine, how this song is meant.

09 Moldova – the funny train ride – a party

For the third time Zdob și Zdub are going to take part for Moldova in the ESC, this time together with Fraţii Advahov. Inconspicuous in the national final, now they are going to shine with a fresh and exciting song, a great hook, which animates to dance and celebrate. It’s about a train ride between the Moldovan capital Chisinau and Bucharest in Romania. A good idea, which could end on a top position. Beware!

10 Portugal – the discussion group 2.0

The very sympathetic and authentic singer MARO has brought her singers with her. It’s not much happing on stage, instead it looks a like discussion group, all standing in semicircle. With the chorus the action is coming, the group is clapping to “Saudade, Saudade”, in a smooth and convincing way. It’s recreation for the ears.

11 Croatia – country meets art

The Croatians always knew how to make a good stage show. Instead of wearing country look, Mia Dimšić has to wear a pink evening dress, which seems a bit unsuitable for this song. The background dancers do an interesting artistic change of their positions. This entry would have made a better impression, if Mia just had worn jeans and sitting on a rock.

12 Denmark – the Danish dynamite

This entry is going to wake up everybody, who has already fallen asleep so far. The songs starts like a ballad and then turns into a real explosion of emotions. It’s so catchy and the does not go out of your head, once listened. The Danes (two of them are actually Swedish) can be treated as dark horse this year.

13 Austria – Teeny disco from the Alps

The very popular DJ LUM!X insisted to have Pia as companion for his ESC project. The outcome is a very radio-friendly song, perfectly made for the younger crowd. Pia received vocal support and more voices are cued in. This entry spreads a great energy, but the big question is, if elderly people or the juries will vote for it?

14 Iceland – Monotony caused by sleeping pills

Normally the songs from Iceland are fresh and show a certain creativity. This year it seems that the Icelander have gone sleeping. Despite the sympathetic family on stage (three sisters and their brother Eythur), the song doesn’t gain momentum. Even if it’s lovely, the certain kick is missing.

15 Greece – a Hellenic masterpiece

The lovely singer Amanda is starting smoothly, very reduced, then the song is gaining more and more and a great climax comes to the end of the song. This is in a certain way a typical Greek song, but it’s very sophisticated, about a long life love, where the loving ones want to die together.

16 Norway – the first gimmick song from space

There is no year without a gimmick song. This year it comes from Norway. The singers for Subwoolfer wearing wolf masks, nobody knows, who the singers are. Will the secret be lifted after Eurovision? The choreography is appropriate, the story ridiculous, as well as the title of the song. Nevertheless, it will guarantee a good atmosphere in the arena.

17 Armenia – a woman in a house

This is probably not what people would expect from Armenia. Normally there is always a strong connection to the traditional roots, even in modern songs. But this year, it’s an ordinary song, which could come from anywhere. The stage presentation shows an apartment, filled with paper notes and several surprises. For the viewers in the auditorium Rosa Linn will only turn to the audience in the last 30 seconds, when she is walking through a gateway she is opening herself.

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!