Eurovision Song Contest 2012 Semi Final Two: A Brief Overview

In just four weeks the second Eurovision Song Contest Semi Final for 2012 will be over and the final line-up for the grand final will be complete!

This semi final is seen as one of the more "difficult" of the two amongst fans and I tend to agree. There are five ex-Yugoslav states in this semi (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia). These countries have tended to exchange votes in the past and in the case of FYR Macedonia, the 6 or 7 points received here and there from neighbours have been enough to get them into the finals (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007).

In fairness there is an incredibly strong showing from the Balkan region this year and it would be dismissive to suggest that these five countries will automatically qualify. Anything can happen in Eurovision. There are of course other countries voting and as 2011 showed, some countries (Turkey, Armenia, FYR Macedonia) are no longer sure-fire qualifiers.

This second semi final also sees some of the big favourites battle it out for a place in the Eurovision final. Sweden is the hot favourite to win Eurovision and Serbia is riding high in the betting odds too. When listening to all 18 of these songs, I struggled to choose just ten qualifiers. There are bound to be some upsets and tears before bedtime!

As with semi final one, I have reviewed each song and tried to predict which entries will proceed to the grand final. I have also included an estimated placing for each qualifier. Of course these are only my opinions and I dare say there will be others who disagree with me - especially where Sweden is concerned!

 SERBIA
"Nije Ljubav Stvar" performed by Željko Joksimović  

Zeljko is back with another strong song albeit one which is not as instant as “Lane Moje”, his second placed entry from 2004. This is likely to be one of the higher placing Balkan entries and he performs well. Given his massive following in the region and his performance ability, I think this is a certain qualifier to the final.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 6-10

 FYR MACEDONIA
"Crno I Belo" performed by Kaliopi

This is a strong entry from FYROM. Kaliopi was chosen to represent her country at Eurovision in 1996 but failed at the pre-selection. The girl can sing and has strong stage presence despite looking a little like Nancy Dell'Olio. In a semi with five ex-Yugoslav countries voting this should score points but it may also appeal to a wider audience including the all-important juries. I have heard the English version of this song and very nice it is too.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 18-22

 NETHERLANDS
"You And Me" performed by Joan Franka

I initially didn’t quite understand the appeal of this song but after a few listens I think it’s one of the best Dutch entries for years. The Netherlands have been incredibly unlucky over the years and have not qualified since 2004 despite a number of competent entries. I hope for their sake this qualifies. Some fans are tipping this as a winner. As much as I'd love Eurovision 2013 to be held in the Netherlands, I can't see this happening somehow.

Qualifying? Yes (only just!)

Predicted position in final: 10-16

 MALTA
"This Is The Night" performed by Kurt Calleja

Malta, like the UK and Ireland, has struggled in Eurovision since free language was introduced. Their entries have also not been strong enough and the tradition continues this year. I do like this a lot and it’s better than last year but think this will struggle. I would dearly love Malta to win Eurovision but I don't think it's going to be this year.

Qualifying?  No

 BELARUS
"We Are The Heroes" performed by Litesound

The great Belarussian public voted for Alyona Lanskaya to represent the country at Eurovision with the song "All my life". However after the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko conducted an investigation into her "unfair" victory in the national final, Litesound were chosen to represent the country at Eurovision. It is of course good to see that the authorities in Belarus are tackling corruption*. I don't mind this song but I don't see it setting the scoreboard on fire. 

Qualifying?  No

 PORTUGAL
"Vida Minha" performed by Filipa Sousa  

After a few promising entries in 2008 and 2009, Portugal have returned to form (the form being bland ballads!) This goes in one ear and out the other no matter how many times I try to listen to it.

Qualifying? No

 UKRAINE
"Be My Guest" performed by Gaitana

Gaitana has a terrific voice and stage presence. Whilst this song is a bit repetitive, it’ll be played everywhere in the coming months since it’s their Euro 2012 anthem and Ukraine know how to stage and sell a song. I think it’s one to watch. I personally hope she storms it especially after racist comments from politician Yuriy Syrotyuk who claimed that Gaitana is "not an organic representative of Ukrainian culture". Vile.

Qualifying?  Yes

Predicted position in final: 4-8

 BULGARIA
"Love Unlimited" performed by Sofi Marinova

In a ballad-heavy year you might think that an up-tempo, electro-pop song would stand out. This simply doesn’t and does nothing for me. It might grow on me but at the minute I think this is lacking something (a chorus and decent tune for a start!) 

Qualifying: No

 SLOVENIA
"Verjamem" performed by Eva Boto 

This song is reminiscent of “Molitva”, the Serbian winner from 2007 (not surprising considering that is has the same songwriters!) I like this a lot, it builds nicely. However I'm not sure about the hair scrunchies that the backing singers are wearing. It’s nice to see Sandra on backing vocals for Slovenia again – one of the friendliest faces at Eurovision. I think this will qualify but ultimately their fate in the final depends on a strong vocal performance.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 8-12

 CROATIA
"Nebo" performed by Nina Badrić

Another Balkan ballad although not as instant as some of the others. This is a grower which isn't always good when it comes to qualifying for the final. Apparently Nina has given up sex to concentrate on singing. Judging by the video she is missing it a lot!

Qualifying? No – borderline

 SWEDEN
"Euphoria" performed by Loreen

Loreen, or Saint Loreen of Sweden, as I like to call her, is the big fan favourite and is riding high in the betting odds. I don’t mind this song but don’t think it’s the masterpiece that others are claiming it is. It's essentially a Clubland track that you might see advertised on TV. Her interpretation is very Kate Bush and whilst striking, I think it borders on the pretentious. Saying that, I'll be dancing to it in Baku. It’ll qualify although I can’t see it making the top ten in the final. You never know, this might even "do a Kate Ryan". In a tough semi there are bound to be some upsets and this could be it. Controversial.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 12-16

 GEORGIA
"I'm A Jocker" performed by Anri Jokhadze

What a jock! This is a ridiculous entry but it also one which is fun and stands out and Anri can perform. I watched the Georgian final which was a noisy affair and this was the one which seemed to be the most memorable. I think this will appeal to the lunatic elements. I don’t think Georgia is going to break their 100% qualification record this year. I do hope they are going to have a party this year again - Georgian parties at Eurovision are quite simply the best!

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 20-26

 TURKEY
"Love Me Back" performed by Can Bonomo

As last year showed, Turkey cannot rest on its laurels. This year they have ditched the heavy rock and gone back to a tried and tested formula; the ethnic number! This is a pretty unusual song, and whilst I like it, I find it difficult to gauge how it will fare. The singer, Can, has a certain charisma which I think will translate into points on the night. It wouldn't be a Turkish entry without some belly dancing though - fingers crossed we get some!

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 10-15

 ESTONIA
"Kuula" performed by Ott Lepland

I admit I will probably always be biased when it comes to my beloved Eestimaa. However I genuinely love this song. It is one of my favourite entries of 2012. I have knowledge of Estonian and this soaring ballad has lovely lyrics and I think he performs the song with heart. It’s a tough semi though and I have a horrible feeling this might just fall short. I hope I'm wrong.

Qualifying? Yes – very borderline but I think the juries might like this one.

Predicted position in final: 12-16

 SLOVAKIA
"Don't Close Your Eyes" performed by Max Jason Mai

This is a very noisy rock song which makes Lordi's 2006 winner seem positively MOR! Initially I did not like this at all but it’s very well performed and I think it’s a pretty decent song which stands out. I can’t see this having wide enough appeal to make it through though. I guess it all depends on the performance and that jury vote.

Qualifying? No - borderline

 NORWAY
"Stay" performed by Tooji

Norway have entered Eric Saade! Only Tooji can actually sing and has a better song! I think it will have wide appeal to girls and gays alike and the Eastern flavour of the song will go down well in Baku. It's catchy, has good choreography and he knows how to work the camera. At 22/1 this is a good outside bet.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 1-6

 BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
"Korake Ti Znam" performed by MayaSar 

Yet another Balkan ballad! Is a pattern starting to emerge here? I think this is markedly blander than the other ballads in this semi. If this qualifies it’ll be by the skin of its teeth but I can’t see that happening. This might be the year that Bosnia Herzegovina misses the final for the first time since the semi finals were introduced.

Qualifying? No

 LITHUANIA
"Love Is Blind" performed by Donny Montell

This is a slow song which then builds into a mid-tempo number. Donny starts off wearing a blindfold before ripping it off and stomping around the stage. Donny has a great voice although I kept waiting for this to go somewhere but it didn't. After the sign language last year I find this a little contrived and uncomfortable to watch. I don’t think I’ll be alone.

Qualifying? No



Predicted Qualifiers from Eurovision Song Contest Semi Final Two:

(in no particular order)

 NORWAY

 ESTONIA

 TURKEY

 SERBIA

 FYR MACEDONIA

 NETHERLANDS

 UKRAINE

 SLOVENIA

 SWEDEN

 GEORGIA


* The Council of Europe has barred Belarus from membership since 1997 for undemocratic voting and election irregularities.

Eurovision Song Contest 2012 Semi Final One: A Brief Overview

In just under four weeks the ten qualifiers to the final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest will be known. The first semi final will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday 22nd May at 20:00 (UK time) and will be broadcast on BBC3. 18 countries will fight it out to win the hearts and minds of jurors and televoters alike.


Here is a brief overview of the first semi final of Eurovision 2012. I have also included a prediction of the ten qualifying countries as well as a prediction of their final position. Of course these are only my opinions so please feel free to disagree! It's difficult to judge these songs before seeing the performances - no doubt this list will change before May 22nd!

 MONTENEGRO

"Euro Neuro" performed by Rambo Amadeus

I like this! Although it’s possibly too weird for most, hats off to Montenegro for trying something very different. It's essentially a man rambling to music but extra points for a song which manages to fit in the words "nationalism" and "nudism". It’ll be interesting to see how it’s performed live since the donkey and topless women featured in the video won’t be allowed on-stage!

Qualifying? No – too outlandish for most.

 ICELAND

"Never Forget" performed by Gréta Salóme and Jónsi

This is a dramatic and moody ballad. I think the transition to English has really strengthened this and both singers can belt out a tune. It builds nicely but I’m not sure if it’s instant enough to be a hit with the average viewer.

Qualifying? No – although the juries are likely to appreciate the atmospheric performance.

 GREECE

"Aphrodisiac" performed by Eleftheria Eleftheriou

Greece know how to “do” Eurovision these days. A pretty girl with a catchy pop song and strong choreography. This is similar to their entry from 2008, "Secret Combination" which came third. If the performance is reasonable this could see Greece doing well. Note that the preview video is taken from their national final which was held in a shopping centre. It seems that austerity has even reached Eurovision in Greece!

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 7-12

 LATVIA

"Beautiful Song" performed by Anmary

This is a bizarre entry, it's very radio-friendly but ultimately a song with nonsensical lyrics. Normally I dislike songs which name-check anyone let alone “Irish Johnny Logan” however I really like this! It has a good melody and she knows how to work the camera. Extra points for the surprise airport flash mob in the video!

Qualifying? No – I think the average viewer will struggle to understand it 

 ALBANIA

"Suus" performed by Rona Nishliu

Albania is a country that knows how to stage even the weakest of songs. This starts out as a very slow ballad and the singing is understated. Then the Mariah Carey style wailing singing begins. Whilst this style is not everyone’s cup of tea I think the juries will go for this in a big way. She’s got a good voice and she’s not afraid to use it.

Qualifying? Yes


Predicted position in final: 16-20

 ROMANIA

"Zaleilah" performed by Mandinga

The first contender for victory this year. This is a turbo-folk song from Romania which will appeal to the Balkan countries. It’s insanely catchy, happy and rather feel-good. I can see this doing very well indeed and a bet on Bucharest 2013 might not be a bad idea.

Qualifying? Yes – with ease and if it gets a good draw in the final it might be one to watch.

Predicted position in final: 1-5

 SWITZERLAND

"Unbreakable" performed by Sinplus

The Swiss national final was a highly anticipated event this year and saw the return of the very first Eurovision Song Contest winner, Lys Assia. At 86, she's a sprightly woman and a legend in her own right. There aren't many OAPs who can stand in crowded nightclubs in stilettos at 3am like she did in Oslo! I even flashed her showed her my kilt.

Alas it was not meant to be and Lys was not selected, Switzerland therefore lost out on what would have been an excellent media story. "Unbreakable" is similar to their 2009 entry, "The Highest Heights". This song could be a radio hit in the UK. It’s a good, credible pop song and deserves to be in the final. However it’s at an immediate disadvantage in that “nice” doesn’t always cut it.

Qualifying?  No – although very borderline.

 BELGIUM

"Would You?" performed by Iris

This is a quiet ballad performed by a pretty girl. However it is incredibly dull and does not seem to go anywhere. Would you? I’d rather not if it’s all the same.

Qualifying? No

 FINLAND

"När jag blundar" performed by Pernilla Karlsson

This is another quiet ballad and it's a rather unusual one. It's an interesting choice for Finland as it’s in Swedish. However with Sweden and Norway unable to vote in this semi it might lose out on valuable points. Pernilla bears more than a passing resemblance to Debra Messing from "Will & Grace". The woman flailing dancing around serves as a welcome distraction of what is essentially a rather dull song. 

Qualifying? No

 ISRAEL

"Time" performed by Izabo

After the failure of Dana International to qualify to the Eurovision final last year, Israel have changed direction and opted for something different. This is a very interesting choice, the song is a happy, quirky and a competent piece of music. Izabo are an established band and know what they are doing. They will perform the pants off this song and will sail into the final.

Qualifying?  Yes

Predicted position in final: 12-15

 SAN MARINO

"The Social Network Song" performed by Valentina Monetta

San Marino caused a storm of publicity when it was announced that their entry for Eurovision 2012 would be called “Facebook”. This contravened the rules of the contest and they had to change the title. The song remains the same, except "oh oh" has replaced "Facebook" in the chorus. I personally love this song. It's an unashamedly trashy and fun pop song. Oh and I admire Valentina for having the audacity guts to pretend to be a teenager when she isn't and hasn't been for a while! She reminds me of a character from Bad Girls - Shell Dockley anyone? 

Qualifying?  No - the final will be all the more poorer without this though.

 CYPRUS

"La La Love" performed by Ivi Adamou

Cyprus is back with their strongest entry in years. This is a good pop song and one which, when played to non-fans, has been listed as an entry which stands out. Ivi mimed during the national final so the jury is out on what the live performance will be like but it’s certainly one which will get people up on the dance floor in Baku. If she pulls off a good performance it could see Cyprus up there in the running.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 5-10

 DENMARK

"Should've Known Better" performed by Soluna Samay

This is a pleasant enough song and the live performance is strong. However this bears more than enough resemblance to Seal’s “Crazy”. I personally don’t really like this one that much and find her jacket and hat combo is very irritating! Still, I think it will pick up the votes along the way.

Qualifying?  Yes

Predicted position in final: 8-12

 RUSSIA

"Party For Everybody" performed by Buranovskiye Babushki

This is one of the most anticipated acts of the 2012 contest and has arguably had the most publicity out of all the entries this year. It is of course Russia’s grannies who beat Eurovision winner Dima Bilan and Tatu's Yulia Volkova in the national final. What starts out as a slow song turns into a disco stomper. This is a fun entry and I defy anyone to watch these ladies and not smile. Vocally it's not great but it doesn’t need to be, it’ll get those votes! Watch the juror's face at 1.54 in the video! Another trip to Russia is not entirely out of the question.

Qualifying?  Yes

Predicted position in final: 1-5

 HUNGARY

"Sound Of Our Hearts" performed by Compact Disco

After Hungary's return to form last year, this is a credible entry performed by a competent group. This song is inoffensive albeit a little repetitive, ultimately it doesn’t do much for me. Good video though.

Qualifying? No

  AUSTRIA

"Woki mit deim Popo" performed by Trackshittaz  

Every year there's a "crazy" song in Eurovision and this is it. This will no doubt be a sticky point for commentators across Europe. How does one get away with broadcasting the word "Trackshittaz"? When this song was selected it upset a few fans. Rap and Eurovision don't often go together easily. This is noisy and brash but ultimately very different. It stands out by a mile in a rather dull semi. There's effective gimmick work choreography and to quote Sir Terry Wogan, I see this "going big in the hall". I think it will qualify but ultimately the jury vote in the final might be where it falls down.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 20-26

 MOLDOVA

"Lăutar" performed by Pasha Parfeny

This song is jazzy, Latino pop song, it's instant if not a little repetitive. Pasha has a good voice and performs this song with ease, he looks happy on the stage (but needs to ditch those trousers!) Overall this comes across rather well. Guaranteed 12 points from Romania.

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 18-24

 IRELAND

"Waterline" performed by Jedward

Compared to last year, Jedward have been quiet so far this year – do they have any tricks up their sleeves? This song is not as instant as “Lipstick” but I like it a lot. The lads are growing up and this entry reflects that – it’s a love song! I think it would be more effective if they ditched the flamboyant costumes and big hair and kept it simple. However that wouldn't really be Jedward. Mentored by the Eurovision legend that is Linda Martin, this will be a performance to remember for sure!

Qualifying? Yes

Predicted position in final: 10-15

Predicted Qualifiers from Eurovision Song Contest Semi Final One:


(in no particular order) GREECE

 ALBANIA

 ROMANIA

 RUSSIA

 CYPRUS

 IRELAND

 MOLDOVA

 DENMARK

 AUSTRIA

 ISRAEL