After a long sleep I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. The Crystal Hall looks deceptively close to the city centre. On the walk out there I kept thinking "just ten more minutes". An hour and ten minutes I arrived. The weather was stunning though so it could have been worse. The promenade area is lovely and has a very cosmopolitan feel to it - lots of nice bars with locals having their coffee.
The promenade is still being finished
The arena and surrounding areas are not quite finished yet. Outside the pavements are still being laid and the landscaping is continuing. Health and safety does not appear to be a word which troubles the Azeris. No hard hats, high-visibility jackets or wet floor signs. There are litterally hundreds of people working in the area aiming to get everything ready for the live shows. There's a slightly manic feel in the air - groups of workers hurriedly planting flowers and not looking up, down, left or right. I hope they're getting a bonus payment!
Working hard to get the arena and surrounding areas ready in time.
Being brand new the press centre is a pleasant place to be. It's already really busy but large and bright enough to be able to cope in the coming weeks. There are free refreshments (water, fizzy drinks, teas etc) and fruit, nuts and baclava! There are lots of Azeri press here keen to hear what we think of Azerbaijan which is interesting in itself. The volunteers are very attentive and regularly approach the desks asking us if they can do anything to help us. I almost asked one if he would get me a cuppa but then thought better of it!!
The rehearsals went well on the whole. It's just a first rehearsal though and so difficult to form any solid opinions. Montenegro has to be seen to be believed - they have a massive donkey on the stage (not a real one unfortunately!) Greece is vocally weak but the choreography is good and of course there's some side-ways Greek dancing thrown in for good measure. Interesting to note that the backing singer appears to be singing most of the song. How very Romania 2009 of them!
What is a tad bizarre to a Brit like me is the hand-holding. Straight men kiss and hold each others' hands here. It's quite sweet to see such affection although I dare say that it would turn quite ugly if such displays were mistakenly read as homosexual so beware!
The opening of the Euroclub took place last night. It's a very impressive venue and certainly better than Moscow! There's a nice sofa/diner area upstairs and a huge dancefloor with massive screens adorning the hall. Whilst last night it was quiet, this place certainly looks like a perfect venue for Eurovision revellers. The volunteers threw themselves into the spirit of things last night and were so enthusiastic. They were such good fun even if they did win the dance-off! We'll be back tonight for a re-match!
The lovely volunteers
Dancing alongside the volunteers was Safura, who represented Azerbaijan in 2010. The rumours of free beer turned out not to be true but the alcohol is reasonably priced and I dare say that there will be 'champagne for everybody' at the opening party!
Safura demanded that I pose for a photo with her. Hate when that happens!
As far as first days go, it was a good one despite the teething problems at the arena (huge rehearsal delays) and the car horns which seem to be continuously blaring!
After quite a lengthy journey (overnight via Istanbul) I’ve arrived in the Azeri capital.
Baku so far, is very impressive.
Leaving on the 22.30 Istanbul
flight from Heathrow on Friday evening, it was the first time I’ve flown with
Turkish Airlines. To say that the staff were slow would be putting it
politely. It took nearly two hours for the first trolley to grace the aisle.
I’ve flown from Helsinki to Tallinn before which took 20 minutes and yet they
managed to serve a cup of tea and flog duty free in that time! However the
Turks more than made up for it afterwards – the food was delicious and the
booze was flowing.
A highlight was when the flight attendant asked Elaine Dove
whether she wanted chicken or beef. Her reply: “Gin and tonic”. She said that
she didn’t hear what the flight attendant asked. We know better.
"Just the one gin and tonic"
We finally touched down in Baku
around 14.00 (10.00 UK time), all of us slightly nervous about the visa
registration process and what lay ahead. It was surprisingly simple, thanks to
the helpful and friendly volunteers who guided us through the process.
The system itself was a bit of a
faff but could have been worse: -Visa invite checked upon boarding plane -Passport checked upon arrival -Form completed -Passport and form checked -Passport checked once again.
Close attention was paid to what
stamps were already in passports. Could it be that they were looking for
anyone who had been to Armenia? Or more controversially, Nagorno-Karabakh? I
like to call it Wrexham, it seems like a safer option. The guidebook advises
tourists to steer clear of this subject in conversations.
The volunteers at the airport
were fine ambassadors for their country; friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
They even negotiated a cheaper taxi rate for us! The journey from the airport
was slightly unnerving. Drivers here don’t seem to pay much attention to lanes,
stop signs or even other cars! Still, our friendly driver welcomed us to
Azerbaijan and sent us on our way. We then met Yuliya, a non-nonsense Azeri who
gave us the keys to the apartment. We had arrived. Eurovision 2012 here we
come!
Baku as a city is very impressive
although very much a work in progress. It’s clear that there is wealth here and
there is a potential for it to be a Dubai of the future. High-rise buildings and marble boulevards meet designer shops and fancy restaurants. However a stroll around the city reminds you that alongside the oil-fuelled boom, poverty remains. You can turn from a plush avenue onto a dusty side street in seconds.
The venue for
Eurovision, The Crystal Hall, is stunning. Situated on a peninsula on the
Caspian Sea, it’s an impressive setting for this contest. The massive National
Flag Square, boasting the largest flagpole and largest flag in the world (or is
it the second-largest now?), overlooks the stadium (making it look tiny in comparison!)
Even more impressive is the fact that it was built from scratch in just 8
months! It is of course also one of the more controversial venues for Eurovision.
More on that in the coming days.
The National Flag Square and the Crystal Hall, Baku
The locals have been friendly and
eager to help out during the times I’ve been lost or as I like to say "finding my way on the map". One nice Azeri man even gave me some
spare change when I was buying a bottle of water so that I didn’t need to break
my 20 AZN note. Very kind and a nice start to the trip - I wonder if Londoners
will be as accommodating during the Olympics? Baku has certainly entered into the Eurovision spirit, the contest logo is litterally everywhere! Even on the special Eurovision taxis, which we have been advised to use as opposed to the older Ladas. I wonder why?
A Eurovision taxi
After a lovely evening meal near Fountain Square, it was
time to head home. Having been up since 6.30 on Friday morning, I was more than
a little tired. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen asleep so quickly or been as keen
to head to bed early on a Saturday night! Tomorrow the rehearsals and press conferences begin –
stay tuned!
Since 2000 the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Germany have all qualified automatically to the Eurovision Song Contest final. Italy were added to that list in 2011 so we now have a "Big Five". Some fans have stated that this is unfair since other countries have to go through the semi finals in order to perform on the Saturday night. Money talks though and the Big Five contribute the most in terms of financing the event and also have the largest audiences. It looks like this rule is here to stay for some time yet.
Of course there is the host country too - Azerbaijan - which means that this year there are six automatic qualifiers and twenty coming from the two semi finals. The 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is therefore the largest in terms of finalists since 2003, with 26 participants appearing on the Saturday night.
Here is my review of the six finalists of 2012:
United Kingdom "Love Will Set You Free" performed by Engelbert Humperdinck
Speculation surrounding who would represent the UK at Eurovision this year varied from the sublime to the ridiculous. Engelbert, in his mid 70s, has not had a top 20 hit since 1976. It would be fair to say that not many people saw Engelbert in the running for Eurovision! When the BBC announced that the UK representative was Engelbert Humperdinck (what a great name!) the fans were bitterly divided.
Personally speaking, I think this is a stroke of genius by the BBC. Never before for a UK entry has there been so much pre-contest publicity. The announcement was covered on ITV News (along with some sloppy reporting which stated that the UK came last in the contest in 2011). The BBC will get large viewing figures for Engelbert, Eurovision is first and foremost a television show. It's certainly got people talking and that can only be a good thing for the profile of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK.
As for the song, it's a very simple, effective ballad. "Love Will Set You Free" was written by the team responsible for some of Adele and James Blunt's songs. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not either. There's no doubt that Engelbert will perform the socks off this song and I think the UK will end up on the left-hand side of the scoreboard. I think the juries will appreciate this and with Mr Humperdinck's following in Europe, it might do well indeed. A clever choice by the BBC and patriotism aside, this deserves to do well.
Predicted position in final: 8-12
France "You and I" performed by Anggun
France have had mixed fortunes in recent years and despite being the big favourite to win Eurovision in 2011, it wasn't to be. This year they have opted for a catchy up-tempo number and a fiesty performer in Anggun. On first hearing I didn't think much of this but now that I've listening to it a few times I do like it a lot. I think the mixture of sounds might not appeal to everyone though. The video is interesting - apparently Anggun wanted to objectify men for a change - given the sexual orientation of the average Eurovision fan, I don't think there will be many in Baku who would take offence!
Predicted position in final: 16-20
Italy "L'amore è femmina" performed by Nina Zilli
Italy was the surprise of Eurovision in 2011. Nobody expected them to finish in second place! What a welcome return to the contest after 14 years. After watching San Remo this year, it is clear that Eurovision was an afterthrought to RAI however that does not take away from what is a quality song. Nina is very Amy Winehouse and the song is in her style too. She performs it with grace, elegance and ease. In the fan preview parties this has scored highly and I think it's one to watch. Rome 2013? That sounds good to me!
Predicted position in final: 1-4
Azerbaijan "When The Music Dies" performed by Sabina Babayeva
Azerbaijan, the home team. This is a nice song albeit not the most cheery! Sabina has a good voice and performs well. I'm just not sure if it's instant enough to win Eurovision again. I think it'll be in the top 10, as they have been ever since they started entering Eurovision in 2008. I fully expect that the hometown applause for this will be deafening - it's always my favourite part of Eurovision, the atmosphere for the home team is always awesome and I look forward to experiencing that in Baku this year!
Predicted position in final: 8-12
Spain "Quédate Conmigo" performed by Pastora Soler
If Sweden is the fan favourite for an uptempo number, this is the equivalent in ballad form. Initially this passed me by however, after a few listens, this I think this is stunning. Pastora has an incredible voice and if she manages to pull off those notes on the night (which I think she will) this could do very well indeed. I can see the juries lapping this up but will the public?
Predicted position in final: 6-10
Germany "Standing Still" performed by Roman Lob
After Germany's victory in Eurovision 2010 they have really upped their game and this year is no exception. "Standing Still" is a simple ballad which builds nicely, it's well-performed by a handsome singer. I can see this doing well with both juries and public. The UK can also claim some of the credit for this too since British musician Jamie Cullum wrote it!
Predicted position in final: 5-2
Overall, a very strong showing from the Big Five and host country Azerbaijan. If pressed for a winner though, I'd say Italy is in the running. A trip to Rome next year would be very pleasing to many I'm sure.
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.
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:
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Azerbaijan
Spain
Germany
