tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44233790456448256462024-03-14T04:16:14.805+01:00ESC Nation BlogBringing you all the news and gossip from the rehearsals in LiverpoolSamBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10149436695556280325noreply@blogger.comBlogger550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-54482618344120124192023-05-16T14:16:00.001+02:002023-05-16T14:16:58.705+02:00Happy Off Season!<p> When everything was so predictable, and there aren't any scandals to keep us busy (by that I mean real scandals like last year's jury collusion, not the usual fan-manufactured ones), we can still take pleasure in the little things, such as Harrow sharing his joy from Eurovision taking place in his home town. And that is something I wish all of you to experience once in your lifetime.</p><p>So a big thank you to our blogging team, and to you for reading and commenting. See you next year for the on-season, maybe we'll be lucky to get yet another epic Eist Lidd fir Malmö.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtvfM11KxOP--zj9GyqM2_gvZ9A6bjqwrzoZxDOLUb3ApwvokBT2gZUeMeWTBtHzoWlUWeCHxkci0DzEzjW0X0h42FCi_fAtKVsm7Q92MspxGY2pWczjCvmSgSU4UhE3fjziXRxdpdI3GLsAbw6wdKOiVOo9UFABFojTlzHGjhrjmjsrGliJ6--oXMA/s1009/doheem.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1009" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtvfM11KxOP--zj9GyqM2_gvZ9A6bjqwrzoZxDOLUb3ApwvokBT2gZUeMeWTBtHzoWlUWeCHxkci0DzEzjW0X0h42FCi_fAtKVsm7Q92MspxGY2pWczjCvmSgSU4UhE3fjziXRxdpdI3GLsAbw6wdKOiVOo9UFABFojTlzHGjhrjmjsrGliJ6--oXMA/s320/doheem.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Yairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02703434342572269193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-21314187281967809372023-05-13T16:19:00.001+02:002023-05-13T16:19:16.630+02:00Happy Eurovision Party!<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">As Eurovision fans, we al have our origin story. That excuse or explanation as to why we fell head over heels with a ‘monument to drivel’ - whether it’s family, flags, geography or yodelling. The hook that brings us in is one thing. But what makes us stay? What makes us care enough to go to Google and carve out our space as part of the 365 days a year niche community?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For me, everything leads up to the party. The day when we as super fans get the chance to ask for the full attention of our long-suffering friends. Sure they have fun, but if we’re honest they don’t do it for themselves, they do it for us.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My first ever Eurovision party was 2003. An excellent year longwise, not an excellent year for Liverpool and UK.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A friend came over early and we made Pierogi - a Latvia delicacy that was actually delicious and successful -though I’ve never repeated the pre-event cooking session. I prepared scorecards for everyone and insisted that they were filled out studiously with notes and a final top 10 to give points to.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My Mum’s hairdresser was in town, so during the interval I got my hair cut in the kitchen. When this was finished my party guests told me that UK were ‘still’ on nil points - and like my Scouse buzzcut - things didn’t look any better an hour later.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Fast forward 20 years, with only a handful of years where I’ve not hosted an event - and I’m back at it again. This time not in my parent’s house, but not too far away either - in a pub opposite the actual arena hosting actual Eurovision. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A friend will be there who was at that very first party. Since then we’ve lived in 5 different countries between us, but fate has brought us back for this one. She asked if she can be spared the bureaucracy this time - so I’ve prepared a scoresheet just for her.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Over the years I’ve pulled together many questionable outfits - I’ve been Laka’s sister, a Polish milkmaid, Sofi Marinova, Yulia Samoylova, Lys Assia and Gina G on multiple occasions. Tonight Matthew, I’ll be Käärjä - thanks to an inflatable pool float and some creative thinking.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeZx-hhKbdtGkPL0kSovE0-wBbase86kdI8b860SIFqxqawPUWl_RlTTDN1KxAi-3wordaKjVnTAUYxgnGvXVx1zCD-Ic8iRYzpxWh2x05GHsCjmZL8XI3lzHd1mCqkGXJJIhN8mf21CXggHtZ5geejT6mJVJ9hAGKjxUsXjMkHaSPYGmpvlhQYgaeg/s3264/img_5887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeZx-hhKbdtGkPL0kSovE0-wBbase86kdI8b860SIFqxqawPUWl_RlTTDN1KxAi-3wordaKjVnTAUYxgnGvXVx1zCD-Ic8iRYzpxWh2x05GHsCjmZL8XI3lzHd1mCqkGXJJIhN8mf21CXggHtZ5geejT6mJVJ9hAGKjxUsXjMkHaSPYGmpvlhQYgaeg/s320/img_5887.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is our night to be the centre of attention. Enjoy your night whether amongst family, Eurofamily, old or new friends or lovers - or even all of them like me! 364 days led up to today, and tomorrow we will wake up (late, sure) to reconvene for the post-mortem (who saw Poland winning?!) and be back amongst friends to do it all again.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-81051585192079628692023-05-12T20:53:00.178+02:002023-05-13T01:14:47.084+02:00Final Dress Rehearsal 2 (aka Jury Final)<p><br /></p><p>Hi all, live from the online press centre in Amsterdam I'm trying to keep you updated on the jury rehearsal for the Grand Final of ESC 2023 in Liverpool<br /><br />You're all familiar with how all the performances look, or at least should look. So I will - if the stream allows - just comment on what's striking in the performances, if anything. Car crashes, collapsing grills and other props, or excellent vocal surprises ... and all the things we haven't seen yet, including flag parade, intervals and of course the fake voting procedure.<br /><br />Meanwhile what looks like two of the three drag queens from yesterday (but they might be different ones, we don't get close-ups) are doing the warm-up, counting down from 10 to 0, when the words 'Good to go' appear on screen. But apparently the producers think otherwise, so they're continuing after that. But I'm sure we'll start quickly.<br /><br />And we're off! With a video introduction involving <b>Kalush Orchestra</b>, last year's winners from Ukraine of course. '<i><b>Stefania</b></i>' is played by different musicians in different styles. We also see a metro form the Tick Tock postcard in 2014. The party continues inside the metro.<br /><br />And then we are on the stage in Liverpool where the song continues. With dancers and all, but of course also Kalush Orchestra. And many others it seems. They obviously get huge cheers from the crowth. And then it's time for the flag parade! 'Superstar DJ, here we go!'. And hey ... after France we get to see and hear <b>Go_A</b> with <b style="font-style: italic;">'Shum', </b>they're in Liverpool<b style="font-style: italic;">.<br /></b><br /><b>Jamala</b> makes an appearance with '<i><b>1944</b></i>'. Or a short fragment of it. Oh, even <b>Tina Karol</b> is there! Nice how they mix the Ukrainian enties with British dance classics. And then there's <b>Verka Serduchka</b>, she couldn't miss, could she?! Including her mum obvi.<br /><br />Time for the hosts. You've seen them in action on Tuesday and Thursday but tonight they're joined by <b>Graham Norton</b>. Graham is the smallest on stage.<br /><br />Hannah does a better job than Marlous in 1980 to explain why we are in Liverpool and not in Kiev this year.<br /><br />We get a leaderboard of who has won the contest the most times! Nicely done, because obviously Ireland has seven and Sweden has six. And we know things may change this year. Also of course <span style="font-size: 20px;">🇱🇺 </span><b>Luxembourg (?!)</b> is mentioned too (with five wins in shared third place with Netherlands, UK and France), including obviously a mention of their return next year!<br /><br />And then: <b>Let the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 begin!</b><br /><br /><b>Austria</b> is a brilliant opener really, to get the party going. Some feel they've been punished by being put #1, but my view is that it's not to their disadvantage. <br /><br /><b>Portugal </b>bounces on in red and black, definitely not killing the party mood we're in. So yes, it may not be a compliment to be put at #2, but everyone's a winner, you know! Crowth loves it no less for it :-) They don't need Luxembourg this year to get some nice votes I think.<br /><br /><b>Switzerland </b>is still very red and black, but also blue. It doesn't bounce. But Remo gives a strong vocal performance. Nothing to worry here for them. Except maybe complaining about the running order.<br /><br /><b>Poland </b>got by far the most Youtube views of yesterday's contestants, but that maejbe because of lots of reasons, not all very relevant. Yesterday I wasn't much impressed. I'm still not hugely impressed but it does what it wants to do I guess. I think vocally it was a bit stronger? But I think it's the first real filler of the night.<br /><br />No break after Portugal this time as happened in this afternoon's rehearsal. They may have rehearsed getting the props replaced more quickly. Serbia just started and now I have a broken stream :-( Hope it will be fixed soon!<br /><br />Missed part of <b>Serbia </b>... anyway, like I promised, if there's hardly anything new to mention about an entry, why should I bother? I think I shouldn't bother. Just saying that he got a nice audience reaction. <br /><br />OK, first time 'for real' for La Zarra from <b>France</b>. I'm not a big fan of this staging, but it's quickly clear that she's giving it much more than in the rehearsal clip. But the Grande France Note: ? - it gets some what sounds like canned applause, and was still off I'm afraid. All in all, great reaction from the audience, and much stronger vocally (but not that one note).<br /><br />We get the first break, but no offical commercial bumpers, so it will be mainly to get France off stage. We get a flashback to the highlights of Tuesday's and Thursday's shows.<br /><br /><b>Cyprus </b>... whereas Thursday I thought he was off/out of breathe singing the 'You can't break a broken heart' parts, they sound better this time. Everything still looks as good as it looked, and that helps a lot too. Nah, he sounds good, really! Great performance.<br /><br />And it's the first one for real for <b>Blanca Paloma </b>from <b>Spain</b>. Or it's not, because Julia intervenes after the postcard to bring attention to all the social Eurovision channels. After a minute we're off to Spain indeed ... it was always going to be a love or hate entry. Can we expect much love for this? I honestly can't say. Last year I was totally wrong about Chanel too, so I don't dare to say if she's gonna wonning this or not. But staging is beautiful. Song may a bit long for some. And some notes a bit harsh. All in all, I'm tempted to say Europe is not going to be hugely impressed.<br /><br />Another short non-commercial break with a nice look forward to JESC 2023. (insert icy.png here). It's going to happen on 26 November if you didn't know.<br /><br />And I expected some reference to Terry Wogan at this point, but nope ... we go right away to <b>Loreen </b>from (according to Alesha) <b>Swee-hee-den</b>.<br /><br />(<b>Sweden</b>) I really wanted to write about a failing grill, snowfakes and all ... but Loreen was just as amazing as Tuesday. And this comes from someone who never was a fan. But yeah, she nailed it really. (insert png again). I didn't watch every shot, I'm sorry. It looks impressive-ish just as much as it always did, but it's mainly the vocal performance that makes this the obvious winner.<br /><br />another cut to the green room, so also the hosts can say 'wow', which I think is a bit over it.<br /><br />Clearly <b>Albania </b>at this point serves as a bit of a filler here, but also one that touches the essence of ESC. You would never hear this outside ESC. Even if you wanted to. It's everything we want from Albania and she gets a lot of cheers. Unexpected, but in a way, totally cool that it's here tonight.<br /><br />It's still not entirely clear for me if the trampoline jumpers for <b>Italy </b>are really on stage or just on the screen. Anyway, what's the point of bringing them if you can't tell it apart form a screen projection. Anyway, they don't add much to this in my humble opinion. But it also doesn't destract too much, so well done for that. Totally decent vocally. Nice applause but nothing huge. But maybe because some people got pregnant.<br /><br />Honestly haven't got too much to say about <b>Estonia</b>. Better applause than Italy I'd say, but then that may be mostly about their neighbour coming up next.<br /><br /><b>Finland</b> definitely comes across much more sparkly than Tuesday, with huge help from the audience. Nothing to add to what we've already seen except that the Liverpool Arena is out of its mind.<br /><br />We still haven't had a real commercial break and we won't get any now. So on to the 'second half' without interruption.<br /><br /><b>Czechia </b>is still as impressive as it was on Tuesday, but I feel they are the biggest loser from the running order here, coming right after Finland without a break. On the other hand, it may well sound extra good to those who think Finland is just a lot of noise. Crowth is still very enthousiastic anyway.</p><p>Julia says we're halfway, but we're actually over. After a small look forward (billboard style) about what's hapening next, Julia welcomes the viewers down under and we're off to Australia. Don't use this as a pee-break (unless you don't care about Voyager) as it's really short.<br /><br /><b>Australia - </b>nothing to add to what you've been able to see for yourselves. Not even a joke about a car crash to make here.<br /><br />Audience audibly singing long with <b>Gustaph</b> 's first notes for <b>Belgium</b> which makes a good start for this. I think this is a bit overstaged with the stairs and all, but it's obviously lots of fun, and the hall loves it! I didn't see it before, but now I say: this is going to do very well with televoting!<br /><br />And here's the first commercial break. So that's not doing harm to Belgium either! We get a small interval with <b>Graham Norton </b>who, just like Terry Wogan in 1998, also does the BBC commentary as usual. He's eating popcorn (the Noa effect?) but he asks for a pizza?! ... After that an announcement with Hannah with a reference to a former - very dairy - ESC performance.<br /><br />On my tv set last Thursday <b>Armenia </b>sounded a bit underwhelming. Still not sure if it was my tv or the actual performance. But this is much more impressive. The dance break, I feel is a bit unncessary as the song really builds at tht point, and musically it's much of a letdown that we don't go to that supercatchy chorus immediately. But that may be just me. Very good, much good, all in all.<br /><br /><b>Moldova </b>may be just that what many casual ESC viewers expect from ESC and even if it sounds a bit like Shum from Wish superficially, I can totally see this doing a a Trenuletul <i>(with a thingy under one of the letters, don't remember which).</i></p><p>Of course there's a small break to Julia introducing the <b>Ukraine </b>entry. But very shortly, and surprisingly in English.<br /><br />First time I see the full <b>Ukraine</b> performance, there's some pretty smart parts. It's hard to say anything about this, is it. Maybe I expected it to be a bit more spectacular. But then ... it's Ukraine. And it's a song I can see being much appreciated by juries. Though, on that alone it's never going to be more than lower top 10. <br /><br /><b>Norway </b>... there's some serious off-key notes in the second verse. Oh and an awful screech further on. Even the scream crashed, so I missed the last 30 seconds. She gets a huge applause, but this was ... not so good, sorry.<br /><br />I don't think Norway followed by <b>Germany</b> works very well, as they're both quite powerful/aggressive. LOTL's lead singer looks a bit like Dana International with feathers, at least the upper side. In direct comparison to Norway this works much better. I don't think Germany will be last in the televote. Or close to that. <br /><br />I can't help but feeling <b>Lithuania </b>is here just to give the viewers a break. And that may not even work to its disadvantage. Monika is vocally totally fine anyway! Not a big fan of the song but I enjoyed that performance.<br /><br /><b>Israel</b> - fenomenal! Great staging / camera work and I couldn't notice any serious flaws in Noa's vocal performance. I'm not sure if we should consider this very dangerous. I made the mistake with Chanel, so I'm tempted to say: yes. Dangerous! And audience goes pretty wild again.<br /><br />Totally I was totally surprised by how slick and still fun <b>Slovenia</b> was in that dreary second semi-final. Nothing has changed in the act or the performance. I find it hard to say. I see a surprise contender, but maybe I get carried away. Being surrounded by Israel and Croatia, I'm also confused whether that helps or not. <br /><br /><b>Croatia </b>... nothing to add to this. Don't see it as the televote winner at this point, but it will get quite a lot obvi.<br /><br /><b>United Kingdom </b>went down very well in the hall.<br /><br />Now seriously, I think there wasn't much wrong with Mae's vocals. But they're just not very powerful. But this song doesn't need that anyway. Anyway, I think it may get some jury points, but no, this makes not much of an impression after all that action before. <br /><br />All four presenters get back on stage of course to explain everything about the voting. But Graham warns us: it's a long way to go before we get there.<br /><br />From the recap I'd say the highlights of this ESC are <b>Sweden</b> and<b> Israel</b>, <b>Finland</b> a bit behind with Belgium, Slovenia and Moldova as biggest surprises. Croatia, Armenia, Italy and Ukraine would then fill the top 10. But I'm bad at predictions, I got 13/20 of the qualifiers, so do with that what you want.<br /><br />On that note, I expect very few televotes for France. Or Switzerland.</p><p>Interval number 1 is <b>Sam Ryder</b> with his new song <i>'Mountain'.</i><br /><br />Then we get an interview with a woman who likes to say a lot of words:<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Stjm4NFHe_M" width="320" youtube-src-id="Stjm4NFHe_M"></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><br />anyway, tonight we don't have the real <b>Jan Leeming</b>. But her stand-in says a lot of words too. Nice flashback to Jan being confused about the exact location of Ralph Siegel.<br /><br />After that we get a voting themed video with more historical footage, including four times zero points. And in fact, half of the 2021 televoting sequence, followed by another interview with <b>Timur</b>. And also the Australian commentators get a visit by Alesha.<br /><br />After some references to the coronation, it's time for a second recap. <br /><br />Interval 2 is all about music from Liverpool/Merseyside. We see <b>Mahmood</b> singing <i>'Imagine' </i>first. To be fair I wouldn't want Chanel to do this. After that it's <b>Netta</b> singing '<i>You spin me round</i>'<b>. </b>Her outfit looks a bit like the German singer and indirectly again like Dana International. But also a bit like 3 + 2. Guess you will see it tomorrow. Next is <b>Daði </b>singing '<i>Whole Again</i>'<i>. </i>All performers do get quite their time, which I think is nice. I'm not as impressed with Daoi as I was with Mahmood tbf. There's lots of Gagnamagniðs on the screen behind him by the way. Next is <b>Cornelia Jakobs</b><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>singing<i> 'I Turn To You' </i>with an interesting choreography.<br /><br />Clearly this second interval is a must-watch! Plan your pauses around it :-)<br /><br />It's still not over. Flashback to Millstreet! Of course to introduce ... <b>Sonia</b>! Of course she sings <b style="font-style: italic;">'</b><i>Better The Devil You Know</i><b style="font-style: italic;">'. </b>Then <b>Duncan Laurence </b>sings '<i>You Never Walk Alone</i>'. Rather flatly tonight I must say, but I'd say he's holding in for tomorrow? During the last part a lot of people including hosts, but also some seemingly random people (maybe stand-ins?) enter the stage. We also see <b>Ruslana</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, </i>but only on a screen.<br /><br />At this point, so right after all this it's midnight CEST or 11 pm in Liverpool. We get a third recap.<br /><br />After that we see all four hosts standing behind a long desk ... but nope, it's not voting time ... yet. But they are closing the televote anyway, so we'll be close to the start of the jury voting, it seems!<br /><br />We then get a video with <b>Bjorn Ulvaes, </b>obviously about <b>ABBA</b>. But a year too early, it feels? Ah, some attention for <b>Rosa Linn</b>! And also <b>Sam Ryder </b>and <b>Duncan Laurence</b> again. <br /><br /><div>We see <b>Martin Österdahl</b> and we're good to go it seems! <br /><br />Graham and Hannah do the jury voting. Graham explains that the points tonight are fake. To which the audience disappointedly boo.<br /><br />Not Italy, but <b>Ukraine</b> is the first country to vote. The spokesperson hopes next time UK wins, we will have an ESC in Kiev. Israel get the first douze. Italy votes second. Scoreboard graphics are very similar to those of 2021 I'd say. Points don't cover the flags. Text is black on white, though total points / points given are white on pink / pink on yellow. Dutch spokesperson (#4) is a stand-in and sounds more Dutch than Diljá. <br /><br />After five juries Albania is in the lead. But there's a disclaimer above. <b>Niamh Kavanagh</b> is there to shout her twelve points across the Irish Sea (and they're going to Slovenia). I'm sure Diljá speaks better Italian than John Kennedy 'from' San Marino. France has taken over the lead.<br /><br />The graphics are a bit more elaborate than the last few years but nothing too extraordinary or unseen I noticed so far. Belgian spokesperson makes a joke in West Flemish. German spokesperson is not exactly Barbara and wanders out of screen and back. At the moment Italy, France, Norway, Cyprus and Slovenia are battling it out in the fake voting, but it's very close. Spain, Portugal and Serbia are still point-less. Graham is clearly a bit nervous/confused and mixing up spokesperson's names.<br /><br />After 17 juries we get an interview with a female stand-in pretending to be Marco Mengoni. A commercial break for some countries. Also (a fake) La Zarra is being interviewed and Alesha has her microphones mixed up which was pretty funny. <br /><b><br />Hatari</b> is giving the points from Iceland, or well, this takes some time. This was pretty pointless imho. But who knows what happens tomorrow. Italy is now taking quite a lead. <b>Loukas</b> is again giving the Cypriot votes (to Slovenia). We'll miss the audience shouting 'Greece' tomorrow, or well, maybe they'll still shout it anyway? Anyway, he's been around for quite some time this Loukas guy. After that it's <b>Ben Adams</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>for Norway. Swiss votes are coming from Lugano this time! Given by <b>Chiara Dubey</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>Hannah says 'Wunderbar Copenhagen', that wasn't quite how the slogan went, right? <b>Ruth Lorenzo</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>gives the 12 points from Benidorm to Norway, who are recently scoring very well. <b>Ilanit </b>will give the Israeli points tomorrow, but she seems to be in bed right now as someone else is replacing her. <br /><br />Georgian spokesperson makes a statement (joke?) nobody understands about losers not drinking alcohol and Hannah's and Graham's facial expressions like '<i>huh? what was that about</i>' were priceless. '<i>Never mind',</i> says the guy. That was awkward, I hope he repeats it tomorrow.<br /><br />Later Graham makes a small slip-up and Hannah is not having it any more :-D La Grèce awards douze points to la Tchèquie, in French. So that seems to be its official French name now. Hannah is still laughing. Lithuania is the penultimate country and as usual the host get to close, and it's <b>Catherine Tate </b>right in the hall, but today it's just a stand-in. <br /><br />Jury result: Italy right in front with 247, then Norway with 194 and right below France with 193. Portugal is the only one on zero points :-(<br /><br />Another interview with an excited fake Marco. And after that Martin Österdahl announces that the televote is totally in and correct ... so it's time for the fake televoting sequence. (Hannah is brilliant!)<br /><br />Oh noes. Portugal gets a double zero :-((( <br /><br />After Estonia got 170 to go top 5 with it, Israel gets 200-much and is the new leader. Czechian stand-in is not happy with their 60 points. Albanian one gets 11 points and copies her reaction. Poland gets only 2 points, after which Hannah reminds us that it's an emotional rollercoaster. Belgium gets 239 and overtakes Israel. But then the UK gets 294 or so and stands at 409 with five more to go.<br /><br />Finland gets 7 points :-D Graham:<i> 'Slovenia, you got 44 points. Enjoy them!'<br /></i><br />Split-screen with Italy, Norway, France and the current leader United Kingdom. France only gets 34 points and Graham laughs sarcastically :-D<br /><br />We are reminded that <b>Kalush Orchestra</b> will in a moment hand over the prize. Norway doesn't overtake the UK. Only Italy to go now. Graham: <i>'It's a rehearsal, of course it's rigged'</i>. Italy needs 163 points to beat the UK.....<br /><br />Italy gets 142!!!! So Mae Muller and the United Kingdom win this voting and therefore .... totally nothing!<br /><br />So now we're off to see a fake reprise of some sorts. Anyway, I didn't notice anything special with the voting graphics other than it looking just slick. <br /><br />A male stand-in makes his way to the stage and 'mimes' to the winning song as a reprise, but actually he just stands there a bit uncomfortably on Mae's prop.<br /><br />That's it for tonight. Hope you enjoyed reading! There will probably be some sort of prediction post of the blog team later today! Enjoy ESC day! :-)<br /><br /><br /></div>Ben (NL)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08966705499117578506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-33784368001600982802023-05-12T13:33:00.031+02:002023-05-12T15:51:34.895+02:00Final Dress Rehearsal 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hello!</span></div></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I am live (a Little delayed) in the Arena to bring to you coverage of the first rehearsal!</p><div><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlpQ2gcYJx6K4hOM88ILpKa5X1vpToD1Y8LvAavduce34YQq1vXf5CgvZCAhFKrPhnqW9URK4eu-AviXxfDlw0bd13vUgGYEGgWhEGK-Eu9ch77Laiu9ZYTFV7jxK6imoGWFrDP3J4ya5pI8Ft6jQ8yT2MRTTxMcVPoDwHl1pCnJOj65eogOXEHw3LA/s4032/IMG_6763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlpQ2gcYJx6K4hOM88ILpKa5X1vpToD1Y8LvAavduce34YQq1vXf5CgvZCAhFKrPhnqW9URK4eu-AviXxfDlw0bd13vUgGYEGgWhEGK-Eu9ch77Laiu9ZYTFV7jxK6imoGWFrDP3J4ya5pI8Ft6jQ8yT2MRTTxMcVPoDwHl1pCnJOj65eogOXEHw3LA/s320/IMG_6763.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iclfNAb81uHIqdl8xoM2rmus1Mrkm2fgCsi-o-BC7oFVj0KdDavAhtmeuIc7m9IBDFzI5APV9nqtkjqj8y2PrVv1-7ntTxLngtwKvPBRmjjbz6CBUnz_Y4o2vQ2qQdJdSHVClLD_hxoasyg1ZyAQt9h_zJifzp704iVeZEcnUNQyaHsg_cDxf9Z3vA/s4032/IMG_6773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iclfNAb81uHIqdl8xoM2rmus1Mrkm2fgCsi-o-BC7oFVj0KdDavAhtmeuIc7m9IBDFzI5APV9nqtkjqj8y2PrVv1-7ntTxLngtwKvPBRmjjbz6CBUnz_Y4o2vQ2qQdJdSHVClLD_hxoasyg1ZyAQt9h_zJifzp704iVeZEcnUNQyaHsg_cDxf9Z3vA/s320/IMG_6773.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The hosts are on stage to get the show started after a flag ceremony featuring Jamala and a brief Verka interlude</p><p>They have announced the return of Luxembourg to great (not greasy) cheers in the arena.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH2bp7FGbOMRmGys-L5jQRuISZC_93P47lvKoS-ve5erpGK0GCKM1hL-ZGw8xohlvtUvl3LiXQQj8y4Hx2gn2ceoOc1mqpsHfK8oGA1hS07e1Ejb6keurdlxAI9sr6A3QgK15clO5rReWlIvNA95LYUmb0AOasnfHweQq2qU2tPyMLK-Pvfx1vzI1eg/s4032/IMG_6792.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH2bp7FGbOMRmGys-L5jQRuISZC_93P47lvKoS-ve5erpGK0GCKM1hL-ZGw8xohlvtUvl3LiXQQj8y4Hx2gn2ceoOc1mqpsHfK8oGA1hS07e1Ejb6keurdlxAI9sr6A3QgK15clO5rReWlIvNA95LYUmb0AOasnfHweQq2qU2tPyMLK-Pvfx1vzI1eg/s320/IMG_6792.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb_wG8CGNBdJSGpcZDLoTmFXgLtKW8otAeCJci-AO5GZvh8PO4URganH3YN5P9rQ-yClM5BuevFT4o39OseUo7yUFW-Mz8oB1eqauiQzU0f1YFuIRmbLsKa20ewRtkbuFKAqjEHOhxKjD7_snUM2HzlIGsNLelSF3bB4XfJgseVu6XQTuMti1jM__qQ/s4032/IMG_6807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb_wG8CGNBdJSGpcZDLoTmFXgLtKW8otAeCJci-AO5GZvh8PO4URganH3YN5P9rQ-yClM5BuevFT4o39OseUo7yUFW-Mz8oB1eqauiQzU0f1YFuIRmbLsKa20ewRtkbuFKAqjEHOhxKjD7_snUM2HzlIGsNLelSF3bB4XfJgseVu6XQTuMti1jM__qQ/s320/IMG_6807.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>🇦🇹 Austria are first up, with the perfect opener. The arena loved this last night and they do again. Just outside the top 10 seems likely.</p><p>🇵🇹 Portugal get the ‘just happy to be here’ slot and perform admirably. They’ll take their lower half place with charm and entertain us in the meantime.</p><p>🇨🇭Remo is so sweet and he performs flawlessly. Happy to see Switzerland keeping up its final run with this one. Chills at those big notes</p><p>🇵🇱 You’ve all seen it on stage, but Poland really executes the song excellently.and use the stage very well. Blanka is gorgeous and I’m glad her Eurovision story has some joy after the rocky start.</p><p>🇷🇸Serbia will be on after a presenter time-filling spot thanks to the big prop!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hu6nDfI0kxwB10g4jJqu9t-b_xD-XUx0sHTlzhHIslF4iWrnYvo7fDKq99FMWv-lMaNSoDjEJShTMpdUHVHYyEZAxM7fxub2nZUx-Js6f1bZg7EQRzKJxBO9kiiwxYsQyK7-8N39Iwj5hv1NRRadcIPrXZyPyhik-0O_01Id23BvifeNGcIRWyrmpg/s4032/IMG_6821.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hu6nDfI0kxwB10g4jJqu9t-b_xD-XUx0sHTlzhHIslF4iWrnYvo7fDKq99FMWv-lMaNSoDjEJShTMpdUHVHYyEZAxM7fxub2nZUx-Js6f1bZg7EQRzKJxBO9kiiwxYsQyK7-8N39Iwj5hv1NRRadcIPrXZyPyhik-0O_01Id23BvifeNGcIRWyrmpg/s320/IMG_6821.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>🇫🇷 La Zarra gets wheeled on stage on a giant doughnut while they are clearing away Luke Blacks mess.</p><p>The Sarah Dawn Finer prop looks less impressive in real life but she nails it like the pro she is. This might do better than I previously feared.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEmMhGk2vdZTXJPR9lwLW20vsgFOy5J9T8FxFZs6PhKI04qJdtH1o8u4rT79dbAsSdYxp3_DdLM1Uk3RNzM7hSJvztulySvyUHAzfDLIinrYTDJ5l1po32gb3Ara9AAL-Mwb5e6-sa5OgT1Y_btgrON5yRH8Ey692SR5DWvCQfBEmTlyYCHlWRqtCKw/s4032/IMG_6832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEmMhGk2vdZTXJPR9lwLW20vsgFOy5J9T8FxFZs6PhKI04qJdtH1o8u4rT79dbAsSdYxp3_DdLM1Uk3RNzM7hSJvztulySvyUHAzfDLIinrYTDJ5l1po32gb3Ara9AAL-Mwb5e6-sa5OgT1Y_btgrON5yRH8Ey692SR5DWvCQfBEmTlyYCHlWRqtCKw/s320/IMG_6832.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Another break after France, with a VT to come on Charles and Camilla.</p><p>🇨🇾 Then we have Cyprus. The front rows will get a suntan from the fire on this one, he’s selling the song well even though it’s clearly very difficult to sing.</p><p>I’m not sure whether putting Andrew between La Zarra and Blanca undermines him or makes it feel like the ‘vocal powerhouse section.</p><p>🇪🇸 Spain isn’t the best for arena viewers, but she of course nails it and it fills the entire arena even when it’s half empty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz2pZFdFsdZy4SqYaDU3vkI1sCfGo5EkO3ddOsYeDGTS0VJ1dSLqt4HzKxIkjZ-dODDj7ctrUUQEDi77vkzuP44REPq7LbbZSDMiMHtbKYpbJh4CdC4L0ccrQXIqgfv5W7B0T-LFCspxQsHtx9XIHWXw0HJKSw0Gf6NPKoTlo-f-vfq634-ooc1K4Bg/s4032/IMG_6841.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz2pZFdFsdZy4SqYaDU3vkI1sCfGo5EkO3ddOsYeDGTS0VJ1dSLqt4HzKxIkjZ-dODDj7ctrUUQEDi77vkzuP44REPq7LbbZSDMiMHtbKYpbJh4CdC4L0ccrQXIqgfv5W7B0T-LFCspxQsHtx9XIHWXw0HJKSw0Gf6NPKoTlo-f-vfq634-ooc1K4Bg/s320/IMG_6841.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alesha is really earning her paycheck with all these prop breaks. We get a plug for JESC while Loreen is wheeled on stage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🇸🇪 I’ve been team Käärijä but Loreen does bring Jamala vibes. Hopefully it’s as close as 2016! She’s holding back on vocals but she really is something special</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEGAfrQgJEj3WbmOWticdWusWE-vTSmySfEh3qyj-dmHMFu-jejdlCGbELL4oMvKXFCLdrW2FuDHEGGJmGG7gX0rS8nC2ET8DcQP9aUlP9p9VNXuotyKmVG8DjKnTI27NBTo738opgB_zttOHd6PzIOQteGlOOOwEnzs5LV9ndAztPu8EaLy7q5hapQ/s320/IMG_6856.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A prop break again (there’s a lot of them) before 🇦🇱 Albania which probably only squeezed through the semi but will pick up it’s fair share in the final even with this draw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🇮🇹 Phone lights are being asked for for Marco, and it’s a stunning performance visually, with the added staircase fallers making it more like performance art than just a dull ballad. Top 10 seems on as usual for Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cWixUZrhji5j2olpouXeA9ss1uBtZGMnAdQVPTAi_c_5mmmSdHHp4_pGyhxn13e516b_iW7TP1ZX-Z5ORr1KmNMAgf68MhRirD-eih_Y0-mXfuoknWuU2ilglz59miUjOvyt-ixo7Ogu-IMXGiyEllvafoy-_OlFTMENCppJLB9gpTGcDEZIqVcWGg/s4032/IMG_6871.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cWixUZrhji5j2olpouXeA9ss1uBtZGMnAdQVPTAi_c_5mmmSdHHp4_pGyhxn13e516b_iW7TP1ZX-Z5ORr1KmNMAgf68MhRirD-eih_Y0-mXfuoknWuU2ilglz59miUjOvyt-ixo7Ogu-IMXGiyEllvafoy-_OlFTMENCppJLB9gpTGcDEZIqVcWGg/s320/IMG_6871.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>🇪🇪 Estonia was my bar break last night, so it’s good to see it once. But that’s plenty. Effective in the old-school way, and feels a little out of place in what has been an impeccable modern contest until now. Strange place in the running order but I guess it’s to make Finland even more impactful. The press seem to like it though<div><br /></div><div>🇫🇮 is the big one for the hall, and it could snatch a victory if the arena reception at the jury rehearsal feels persuasive enough for juries. Massive</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMxHx4ZVNFhatdku_7clePzOziVdZHT8Ir14iJ2crLd425MUI3JoLUn3-TvT-1z5TzOIq6rp4rY5AngIizamOt7QNvIasfNsIKeS0Qg7uzyh09OTZwCiDYGXLL0w-e-AvvJwzUFtO4kodxj9zvnMxKnSn1wqoK8OqU3NyIevPu-2aOnxkfBo5OITAfg/s4032/IMG_6891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMxHx4ZVNFhatdku_7clePzOziVdZHT8Ir14iJ2crLd425MUI3JoLUn3-TvT-1z5TzOIq6rp4rY5AngIizamOt7QNvIasfNsIKeS0Qg7uzyh09OTZwCiDYGXLL0w-e-AvvJwzUFtO4kodxj9zvnMxKnSn1wqoK8OqU3NyIevPu-2aOnxkfBo5OITAfg/s320/IMG_6891.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🇨🇿 Czechia may suffer from following Käärijä (and another short break) but on the other hand it also feels a strong top 10, maybe even a Shum. Well done sisters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🇦🇺 Australia very much feels a story of the draw. They couldn’t not qualify, but now they feel a little thrown under the unecessary prop car. It has its audience (not me), but they’ll be lower half.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🇧🇪 Belgium doesn’t give me a lot to say, but it’s great for Gustaph to be here. After him is a break as Armenia’s cliff is built.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXalx1Hq7laI5Qo7nMC3X0y3LD-6kNvPN7Bds_n2rgBT5PeMqHOZs9a6q6sCOh8A8Bprw9_V_Umx3KxeEhk7jaMCal7nkeTPplXYxQcr3K_UzBcxngHG7EgdbSKhtvsBkguwUUfNl1sgiBCBFehUjC2mHUtsM9UhpCcZ-3nbmn-G2YZUIKjd_6weaABQ/s4032/IMG_6904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXalx1Hq7laI5Qo7nMC3X0y3LD-6kNvPN7Bds_n2rgBT5PeMqHOZs9a6q6sCOh8A8Bprw9_V_Umx3KxeEhk7jaMCal7nkeTPplXYxQcr3K_UzBcxngHG7EgdbSKhtvsBkguwUUfNl1sgiBCBFehUjC2mHUtsM9UhpCcZ-3nbmn-G2YZUIKjd_6weaABQ/s320/IMG_6904.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>🇦🇲 Armenia gets a lot of support in the crowd, Brunette is a superstar and thankfully a kinder draw for this one with a chance of surprise jury success.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇲🇩 Moldova shakes the room with that bass and really sell what can only be described as an ethnobanger.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m8_t68ywSYEvrfbjGmKPabyLeaR9fO_c9Akts2onY04iDviq95g0q8gaT9Nad6L7o6gcAHqQptdXHBRKh2Kph9L9LOR75rR9BIdg1PYVbeGIxT4jcT2a07ZEuAeumqCO-3pgwvddLlY0CgOwjEV6moJW_-vAG5CZ34mFGXCU7X-kwVwXABfl2pqmng/s4032/IMG_6912.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m8_t68ywSYEvrfbjGmKPabyLeaR9fO_c9Akts2onY04iDviq95g0q8gaT9Nad6L7o6gcAHqQptdXHBRKh2Kph9L9LOR75rR9BIdg1PYVbeGIxT4jcT2a07ZEuAeumqCO-3pgwvddLlY0CgOwjEV6moJW_-vAG5CZ34mFGXCU7X-kwVwXABfl2pqmng/s320/IMG_6912.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>🇺🇦 Ukraine make the best of the excellent stage, but although I really like the song this really won’t trouble the top 5.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇳🇴 the other ethnobanger sandwiching Ukraine, this draw makes Ukraine feel quite limp. But Alessandra is Great and im sticking with my prediction of a high finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇩🇪 Germany have a massive stage set up but they seem to get it set up quick enough to avoid bothering Alesha. The stage looks epic and it really feels like nobody wants to finish last this year. It won’t be Germany but it might be Spain or even Ukraine.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPkKIwKYsbcar6XLhF-cRxta7S0U8MKCxFtTreLEMnsIHs17C_7xyfyWTdL_c1STLc1h4tDMFX6Us0QvRIR4tL1eUKPyFUBlr-GEG3ZD-LE72obVgcLEaa7Os2cBZykVLXFxbjW6zLf0dF3lcO7SsB5jZYnf18igvKWtlYyNKqReT7omZAUE-LLx8uQ/s4032/IMG_6927.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPkKIwKYsbcar6XLhF-cRxta7S0U8MKCxFtTreLEMnsIHs17C_7xyfyWTdL_c1STLc1h4tDMFX6Us0QvRIR4tL1eUKPyFUBlr-GEG3ZD-LE72obVgcLEaa7Os2cBZykVLXFxbjW6zLf0dF3lcO7SsB5jZYnf18igvKWtlYyNKqReT7omZAUE-LLx8uQ/s320/IMG_6927.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>🇱🇹 Ostensibly a good draw for Lithuania, but in such a strong run I think it might get a little lost. But the crowd seem to like it and I hope I’m wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇮🇱 do you wanna see me lay down on the floor in several positions? Unicorn is a bop but I can’t see it competing at the top of the leaderboard. Best ending fireworks so far though!</div><div><br /></div><div>🇸🇮 have been given a good draw but again I think they’ll go the way of Lithuania despite charming the crowd and audience.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇭🇷 Croatia are going to get their best televote result in a long long time - if not ever. They are pros and the world will have a lot of fun with them</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWFxTYWLOP7amXOEWg_mgPv-k1Sb6W1B96GxsoqYUMs_0tM3Y4NVxhoRzMcOgvQrhveNAsnkk_iJI1MYIxFv8Ki7yAvy6y3GhFFqjvMzt0xXEd1hN1PUzcUOnRwsVDTKPGji04Dl_3J4cbnVmgDvfo2gksqstYjK-a4qMSU8bPY2P4VfPcY7aclXkGA/s4032/IMG_6948.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWFxTYWLOP7amXOEWg_mgPv-k1Sb6W1B96GxsoqYUMs_0tM3Y4NVxhoRzMcOgvQrhveNAsnkk_iJI1MYIxFv8Ki7yAvy6y3GhFFqjvMzt0xXEd1hN1PUzcUOnRwsVDTKPGji04Dl_3J4cbnVmgDvfo2gksqstYjK-a4qMSU8bPY2P4VfPcY7aclXkGA/s320/IMG_6948.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A lengthy break before Mae who seems to have the trickiest stage prop.</div><div><br /></div><div>🇬🇧 UK is the perfect closer and will be magnetic love. Her vocals are ok with the crowd behind her, and the staging is excellent. I have a new favourite fireworks too - they clearly spent a fair whack on everything.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf_EmatduOBw5ODjAhQxDsOGGjLxzgV6_yVwRJ49TozHXBX_c5GDAf5fa_HCDS5M-pJR70HxN2-i6FAVkPifT3LTEymw6_4M7tcilk0peNFA68D4qFfeSWqgSYNtdDyjBbexRJBPO_p_QMFC2rLjcL5GiChcH70LFecfjo6QmaZVh0syN7syNzrFyBA/s4032/IMG_6950.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf_EmatduOBw5ODjAhQxDsOGGjLxzgV6_yVwRJ49TozHXBX_c5GDAf5fa_HCDS5M-pJR70HxN2-i6FAVkPifT3LTEymw6_4M7tcilk0peNFA68D4qFfeSWqgSYNtdDyjBbexRJBPO_p_QMFC2rLjcL5GiChcH70LFecfjo6QmaZVh0syN7syNzrFyBA/s320/IMG_6950.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOihSRCdBkCwGKLhMDGM2Vjibnyl_LUa4znJD4gBwEvzj259kQszuaLlXqqsCuXotPzUvpvENUgf3155TLPy-xfRE3d7LS-qa6Qmm5JTy0z7BPgu9_vv9RG35aceUBe_7aeNeyzpFfeSYxm99uDiTgLgDiU-42k17OHNkylnwivszoHlH4y28owlQxlg/s4032/IMG_6957.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOihSRCdBkCwGKLhMDGM2Vjibnyl_LUa4znJD4gBwEvzj259kQszuaLlXqqsCuXotPzUvpvENUgf3155TLPy-xfRE3d7LS-qa6Qmm5JTy0z7BPgu9_vv9RG35aceUBe_7aeNeyzpFfeSYxm99uDiTgLgDiU-42k17OHNkylnwivszoHlH4y28owlQxlg/s320/IMG_6957.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m going to leave you here, but it’s an excellent show as expected and it’ll be a great event for all attending and everyone watching on TV. Enjoy it!!<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-77732916697705565232023-05-11T18:26:00.000+02:002023-05-11T18:26:22.991+02:00Qualifier predictions semi-final 2<p>Time for our ESC Nation team to post our predictions for the second semi-final (so that you can publicly shame us afterwards)</p><p><a href="http://escnation-live.blogspot.com/2023/05/qualifier-predictions-semi-final-1.html">Last week</a> Jeremy had the best prediction, correctly predicting 10/10!</p><p>Sild, SamB and Harrow all managed 9/10, myself and Yami managed 8/10 and Ben was unfortunately the worst with only 6/10. </p><p>This time we're all in agreement that <b>Armenia, Belgium Poland, Slovenia, Georgia</b> and <b>Austria</b> will probably qualify. And we are also in agreement that <b>Romania, Iceland</b> and <b>San Marino</b> most likely won't.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUEqpHAY2h-FJIXuThaIsy0PEjf9DmusNkiVUUHM_72A39ZiTEzeuIXnAs6hEA4eUxpo8FtaviafQPPjQZRzYvyAgwy8jc8bt_-uI7glbPT07Bserh54rb7hEIzokkjmWkWbQV6j_oNNdgCUrx_wNrbS6XPHD1j6fII61ez2q7SY_mhS93YZfUHkNtw/s1156/Screenshot%202023-05-11%20at%2018.14.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1156" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUEqpHAY2h-FJIXuThaIsy0PEjf9DmusNkiVUUHM_72A39ZiTEzeuIXnAs6hEA4eUxpo8FtaviafQPPjQZRzYvyAgwy8jc8bt_-uI7glbPT07Bserh54rb7hEIzokkjmWkWbQV6j_oNNdgCUrx_wNrbS6XPHD1j6fII61ez2q7SY_mhS93YZfUHkNtw/w482-h343/Screenshot%202023-05-11%20at%2018.14.48.png" width="482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Jonashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16559946110813918247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-90511077152504858262023-05-11T15:13:00.004+02:002023-05-11T15:13:46.688+02:00The unique phenomenon of Euroclub<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewcE58Us9nFvKFUVV1zoBSb0Z-Qq4uykyMk-56tARsG-qN4GX_hiB1TLT-bqDLQWslN994olXUUtDHR18T4ogCcR2ONSExgOKzQDEyRDQ07S9Np2a8jJHeABPzq4pRW7XqU3bhM_MLInqVYUTRlnvzGM36wEo08-R8FbH2KmEig02i8iXUllEi8s92g/s4032/IMG_6642.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewcE58Us9nFvKFUVV1zoBSb0Z-Qq4uykyMk-56tARsG-qN4GX_hiB1TLT-bqDLQWslN994olXUUtDHR18T4ogCcR2ONSExgOKzQDEyRDQ07S9Np2a8jJHeABPzq4pRW7XqU3bhM_MLInqVYUTRlnvzGM36wEo08-R8FbH2KmEig02i8iXUllEi8s92g/s320/IMG_6642.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Have you ever done anything like this before?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Have you ever done anything like this before?</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you've never done anything like this before</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then you haven't been alive</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Euroclub.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you’re lucky enough to have ever lived in a city with a relatively large gay scene, or one in Sweden, you might have been able to go to a party that only plays Eurovision music. If not, your best bet is the ESC Nation MB meet-ups - which offer a typically irreverent playlist to which everyone except Yami will be left quizzical on at least one occasion.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you ever attend Eurovision live, you get the extreme version of this: one club - the same club - playing only Eurovision music every single night of the week.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As opposed to Eurovision nights in big cities, which are (based on my Berlin experience) not the most popular, Euroclub is the place to be, with long queues and sold-out status every night of the week.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We’ve all experienced the thrill of hearing an unexpected Eurovision song in the ‘wild’, and some of us might have even danced to the odd Euphoria or Ooh Aah Just A Little Bit at non-Eurovision events, or even seen a Balinese drag queen perform Hora Din Moldova (honest!) but attending an event where you don’t need to do the double take brings its own special kind of magic.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ever the dedicated reporter, I went along to Liverpool’s version of Euroclub - hosted at Baltic Triangle’s finest venue Camp & Furnace (a fitting name for the many fire & desire rhymes which will be heard there).</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Wednesday night offered Conchita Wurst, and armed with ticket took a ramshackle band of MBers, friends, nieces and cousins.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Two massive rooms with stages were graced by Conchita, as well as Tina Karol, Ell from Azerbaijan 2011 and TuralTuranX. The artists performances are probably the least exciting part of the night - as once they’ve sang their Eurovision entry, the artists are left with a dilemma of what to do next. TuralTuranX played to the home crowd with a Beatles medley, while the rest sang some of their post-Eurovision singles to less success. These performances offer the only opportunity to hear non-ESC/MF songs, and it’s one nobody really enjoys.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_SIWkIY-YF0YLoEp3x9EgvKWsE-S1TiF0wbri5lfINxBRv3uUgpLo8YNn1z6nvyl0X7fLzojuboNaY7wNrz2PuDoC9lP9TsoCwOsJr8y6LB3Fr7TYPzXDGDBuVpl30LqUvhNDiG05lSNOpEkQUWUWrv7X-LK7QkUrWwXNOwnetRrtS6J2qSDORp7AQ/s4032/IMG_6624.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_SIWkIY-YF0YLoEp3x9EgvKWsE-S1TiF0wbri5lfINxBRv3uUgpLo8YNn1z6nvyl0X7fLzojuboNaY7wNrz2PuDoC9lP9TsoCwOsJr8y6LB3Fr7TYPzXDGDBuVpl30LqUvhNDiG05lSNOpEkQUWUWrv7X-LK7QkUrWwXNOwnetRrtS6J2qSDORp7AQ/w277-h208/IMG_6624.HEIC" width="277" /></a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In a neat reverse, my non-fan guests experienced the thrill of hearing Ooh Aah Just A Little Bit in the wild - the thrill coming because it was one of the few songs they actually knew. Nevertheless it was clear how the catchiness of Eurovision songs lends itself to quick pick-ups and though by the end the crowd had ‘thinned’ to hundreds of mostly superfans, a great time was had by all.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Bumping into many Eurofriends - some of whom I haven’t seen in over a decade (since Euroclub 2010 or Melodifestivalen) there was a common refrain - Best Euroclub ever.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRm5xp-3RHm13HXVbx6s8nADkL9QL9rkZ7SOaKKF-NDds8ljxzpPGz_c2qQBfEkXDy2kDcEU2ubhA9JlBKocpr8eT8moScrdUKX2O1gPfMicgK8vo763zzZ2sqziuoezPDsUak_KtXHS_8Hzv1HT8p5ghtSgHyuga4yVFbH-9vB6HN5UF7cDggMTUJg/s4032/IMG_6654.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRm5xp-3RHm13HXVbx6s8nADkL9QL9rkZ7SOaKKF-NDds8ljxzpPGz_c2qQBfEkXDy2kDcEU2ubhA9JlBKocpr8eT8moScrdUKX2O1gPfMicgK8vo763zzZ2sqziuoezPDsUak_KtXHS_8Hzv1HT8p5ghtSgHyuga4yVFbH-9vB6HN5UF7cDggMTUJg/s320/IMG_6654.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Why? An excellent venue, used to handling hordes of drunken people at events like Bongo’s Bingo. Many different bars with staff who are in the spirit - even when bopping to La La Love for the 5th time of the night. Outdoor spaces for snacks and smoking and rest your dancing feet. So much space, without feeling overwhelming. I haven’t checked my bank account, but hopefully the drinks prices are ok too.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While this was probably my only foray to EuroClub this year, there are many fans who go every evening. I’d highly recommend it if you ever get the chance - as the mix of people, entertainment and drinks forms a great concoction which doesn’t fail to make great new memories. Hats off to OGAE and Camp and Furnace for achieving such an accolade!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-17405808426165450452023-05-10T20:58:00.074+02:002023-05-10T23:30:22.439+02:00 Second Semi-Final Dress Rehearsal 2 (live blog)<p>Hi all. I'll be blogging this rehearsal. I've only heard most of these songs once, and even then probably not the full 3 minutes, so it will almost be the first time seeing and hearing them in full.</p><p>Starting with a recap of last night's talent and the qualifier announcements, then straight to the hosts. Once again the hosts' fashion is gorgeous with black, blue and yellow outfits.</p><p><b>1. Denmark</b></p><p>Very cool opening with close-ups on Reiley's face and and interesting contraption on stage. Vocally this is very competent and a good ending. They should be quite pleased with this.</p><p><b>2. Armenia</b></p><p>Brunette starts on the floor and the colours are gorgeous. Beautiful vocals and the camera work for the first part is intimate and engaging. The rap parts are in alternating white and black lighting and the audience clearly likes this<b>. </b>It ends on a slanted elevated stage and this is a fantastic rehearsal for her.<b></b></p><p><b>3. Romania</b></p><p>It starts with a beautiful pan out shot of the stage, then he starts singing and it sort of gets lost from there. He's alone on a stool in a pink shorts suit and a guitar and it doesn't seem to connect. When the song gets going faster there are LED images of him in a long sleeve white tee..hashtag choices. I doubt this is staying beyond tomorrow night and there's very little engagement from the audience. </p><p><b>4. Estonia</b></p><p>Ooo there's a piano that plays itself. What kind of sorcery is this?!? Now she's sitting by the piano and singing in a beautiful blue outfit, then she starts moving on the stage. She looks stunning and this is very professionally staged. She's very animated for the last third when the tempo picks up and her vocals are flawless, especially that last note. They should be very pleased with this.</p><p><b>5. Belgium</b></p><p>The opening of this is great, and it gets the audience going immediately. Gustaph is a stage animal and he's incredibly engaging and a damn good vocalist too. His interaction with backing ladies is also very slick, every second of this is so thought out. The audience is eating up every bit of it and it should do <b>very</b> well tomorrow. Biggest applause so far by far.</p><p>Chitchat break with Timur and Graham, and some more banter on stage. </p><p><b>6. Cyprus </b></p><p>Nice dark blue staging starts this off and good vocals (the little of it that isn't pre-recorded). There's not much going on stage, but he's nice to look at so I imagine that's the idea here. There are some fiery parts towards the end. There's too much pre-recording here to assess this properly. </p><p><b>7. Iceland</b></p><p>Dilja starts on the floor and the stage looks lovely for it. Very strong vocals throughout the song even when she's running back and forth. As good as she is, though, the song isn't very engaging which is a pity, and there isn't much reaction from the audience. </p><p><b>8. Greece</b></p><p>Nice start to this, he's extremely likeable and the audience is clapping along to the first chorus. Vocals get a bit patchy in the second part when he's walking down the catwalk but it doesn't really matter because the camera loves him and the audience is cheering him along. Lots of closeups on him and this seems to me like a very good rehearsal. </p><p><b>9. Poland</b></p><p>Lots of Fuego vibes to this from the getgo up to the on-screen smoke effects. Vocally it's awful, but it's all about the stage and spectacle which is visibly pleasing. The dance part comes off a bit amateur hour to me and the audience, it seems, isn't sure of it either. It'll probably Q but Fuego this ain't. </p><p><b>10. Slovenia</b></p><p>This starts off very slick and with great vocals, they're such pros and the staging is perfect for a band song with lots of guitar riffs. The audience is loving it. The entirety of the song is on the forward circular part of the stage. Great rehearsal!</p><p><b>11. Georgia</b></p><p>Powerful opening with Iru owning every inch of the camera and perfect vocals. Even her mid part sounds are so well done and the dark staging is a great fit. For the last part she makes use of the stage LED panels that rotate open and ends it all very dramatically. Should be top 3 tomorrow.</p><p>More chitchat and a clip with Luke Evans</p><p><b>12. San Marino </b></p><p>Confession: first time hearing this. The lead Jack is a decent vocalist but the song isn't going anywhere, nor is the staging for this very engaging. They should ask for tips from Slovenia how to stage a band song. His jacket has an exposed back - cool. It ends with a lot of off-pitch screaming. </p><p><b>13. Austria</b></p><p>Within the first few seconds the audience are clapping along and loving it. Oh my word, this is so well staged and they're so in sync with one another. I think the weak spot is the "zero zero" part which no one will get and it stays a bit flat from that point to the end. Huge applause though.</p><p><b>14. Albania</b></p><p>The Kelmendi's are here to party! Actually, it's a cool opening with lots of red and black and some nice LED effects. The audience loves the ethno instrumental break with the red handkerchiefs. The vocals here are great and it's a damn good rehearsal. A family that sings together stays together :-)</p><p><b>15. Lithuania</b></p><p>Monika looks gorgeous in orange, and it looks effective when her backers join her from the sides of the stage for the chorus. The LED's for this are beautiful and it's flawless vocally and in every way. Definite Q. </p><p><b>16. Australia</b></p><p>The song starts with<b> </b>the lead voyager sitting in a car. It's nicely staged and the mid part break is very cool, it's exactly how a rock entry should be staged and everything is on point. Not my jam but I can see it doing quite well. When it ends he yells "Eurovision Nation, we love you". Hi back :-) </p><p>Recap. <br /></p><p><i>Summary: unlike the first semi this is much more even and it won't be easy at all to name 10 qualifiers. With the exception of perhaps 2-3 entries, they all stand a chance. </i></p><p>The music intermission for this semi is with an emphasis on the Ukrainian talent, and it's quite lovely, and understandably very emotional. After another recap we get the "3 hosts" in drag which is cool and camp, with pride colours splashed everywhere on the stage. It ends with a nod to Australia 2018. </p><p>Next is another zzz round of Filomena vs. <span>Måns</span> Eurovision trivia. This guy is the human version of Te Deum and will be featured in every Eurovision for the end of days.</p><p>Now it's time for the finalists.</p><p><b>Spain</b></p><p>Looks and sounds great, the staging is so on-point and the red drape effect is gorgeous. This is wonderful and so different than anything else in the contest. </p><p>There are some technical issues setting up for Ukraine so the stage director is goading the audience to cheer on the stage hands. </p><p><b>Ukraine</b></p><p>Always saw this as the weakest link of the finalists and this rehearsal doesn't change that. It's visually fine and cleverly staged with 4 LED cubes that interact with the artists<b>, </b>but as a song it's not all that engaging. The end part is great though and the audience shows them a lot of love.</p><p>More delays setting up for the UK, and more banter by the stage manager. The audience is getting excited for the home entry. <b><br /></b></p><p><b>United Kingdom</b><br /></p><p>Still a bit lacking in the vocal dept and it could <b>really </b>use a backing vocal track. The staging and backing dancers are fabulous, with beautiful LED effects throughout. It's unfortunate that the vocals are so weak, especially given that many entries use backing vocals throughout the entire song and here there are none, not even for the chorus. It's an odd choice and could be costly. </p><p>Taped Q&A with the finalists (discovery: Blanca's sister was in JESC...never knew), followed by live interviews and finalist recaps. Fake qualifiers and good night. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b> </b><br /></p><p><b> </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02547969607628175409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-11319302467561976602023-05-10T14:32:00.043+02:002023-05-10T17:19:23.774+02:00Semi-final 2 - The first dress rehearsal (live blog)<p><b>Good afternoon! </b>Or, whatever time it is when you're reading this. The show starts off with <b>Melanie C</b> (not Lynda Woodruff) informing us that it's 8 pm in Liverpool, 10 pm in Kyiv and 5 am in Sydney. So now we know that. And I will once again attempt to let you know of as much as possible of what's happening in this first full rehearsal of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2023. </p><p>We don't get any video intro or performance at the beginning of this show. Instead the three hosts appear right away. They talk a bit about the voting again, Hannah is struggling with the French, and Julia is perplexed by the word "queue" on the teleprompter and needs to ask the other hosts for help. Then we start with the first song pretty much just a few minutes into the show.</p><p><br /></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-10c490c5-7fff-7513-1f7b-36144edf890a"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. 🇩🇰 Denmark </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reiley's first show is through a cutout of a heart on a paper, which he then draws some squiggles on and then throws it away. His pink rhinestoned jacket and trousers also have heart cutouts. Pink and heart-shapes seem to be the general theme here, as he walks around his prop walls. Vocals... well... No. His falsetto is unfortunately rather shaky throughout the song. The only parts that feel like they're well-sung are the bits that aren't in falsetto, but those bits aren't that many. And unlike in the Danish final, his voice is a lot more exposes in the mix here. Maybe they'll manage to fix it more until tomorrow.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a16b0d8c-7fff-d654-0c8d-0a7533b91ebb"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. 🇦🇲 Armenia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a short extra break after Denmark where Alesha is giving a short talk, probably to get the big props on and off the stage. Then Armenia begins. Which is another vey pink staging with lots of lying on the floor. Or rather, lying on a prop. It reminds me of Victoria's rock in 2021, but more flat and square. The projections on the prop look pretty, but they sometimes create weird shadows on her face as well, but that adds to the artsyness of it all. For the second verse when she starts to rap, the projections disappear and the lights go white. Then we get a pretty long dance break (I don't even remember this part from the studio version?) before the final two choruses. Vocally, this sounds exactly as it is supposed to sound. And the staging looks pretty nice. So they every reason to be pleased with this rehearsal.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-67133d22-7fff-6b52-3bf7-a305d292592a"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. 🇷🇴 Romania</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The new revamped first verse and chorus actually work surprisingly well. You get the impression that he's just sitting there playing his guitar live, and it comes across as quite genuine. Then the song reverts to the old Sense Tu-style arrangement, and it becomes a bit messy. He's in his pink shorts-suit with the pink boots, running around seemingly without much plan. By the end a female dancer in a tight gold jumpsuit (not the Irish one) appears. Which seems a bit random. Vocally he nails this, though.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-adb6525d-7fff-21ee-f5e7-cfb1e17419b1"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. 🇪🇪 Estonia</span></span></p><p>Alika looks stunning in her blue dress. She starts off sitting next to the piano which plays and moves its keys all by itself. Then for a quick moment in the chorus she turns around and play the piano, before getting up and stats walking towards the circle stage and eventually back to end the song next to the piano. Vocally she really sells it, and visually everything i not just very pretty - but also very pleasing after all the pink and hectic performances we've seen so far. It does quite stand out in this draw. </p><p><br /></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3162929-7fff-a9d5-315e-9b02afed2ddb"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. 🇧🇪 Belgium</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gustaph's postcard partly shows the "Angel of the north" statue in Gateshead, which I believe was in one of the 1998 postcards as well? Was it possibly even in the Belgian one? I can't remember. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The stage is very white, and Gustaph is at the top of his stair-prop. The LED screen features the faces of his backing singers and sometimes a drag queen and silhouettes of dancing people. The backing singers also features heavily in the staging, often being right next to Gustaph. In the bridge te dancer appears and does some vogue-inspired dancing. Vocally this is excellent. Gustaph sings it excellently, and the mixing of the backing singers is perfect (unlike in earlier rehearsal clips we've seen). It aIl comes across very peofessional. And I can imagine my mom (whose favourite in 2019 was Serhat) voting for this. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next we get the ad break. Timur and Graham (fakes ones) are being interviewed for a bit. There's also a part with some people who I think are meant to be Scooch. And the stream suddenly starts breaking up and reverting back to bad quality again. Let's hope it's temporary. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2aa95832-7fff-de63-da84-13fbd4a6d483"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. 🇨🇾 Cyprus</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The stream is back to normal now! The flag-colours at the end of the postcard makes it look as if this is Ireland. But unlike Ireland, he's alone on stage and the staging is simple. With a lot of smoke. And what looks like a waterfall coming down from the ceiling right behind him. He's barefoot, all dressed in black and the stage is dark and blue. So blue that even his face is blue. As the song progresses, the water becomes fire and everything goes red and orange for the last chorus. Vocally this sounds very good. There are some prominent pre-recorded vocals in parts, but mostly in the parts where it would be impossible for him to sing it live since there are so many vocal lines that overlap each other. And he does sing all the high falsetto notes. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f82768e3-7fff-c216-fe7b-723b4b7abc72"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. 🇮🇸 Iceland</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In theory the staging ere is quite similar to Cyprus. The stage is dark and Diljá is all alone on stage. But she moves around as if she was six people. The colours are mostly blue, green and pink - quite like a modern interpretation of a 80s neon colour theme. The LEDs seem to be running with a plant theme. Palm leaf silhouettes, occasional green leaves, tree outlines. Vocally it was decent but not perfect. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5df0de1b-7fff-4c56-9dd0-949e7da77873"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. 🇬🇷 Greece</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He starts off on the floor in his beige safari leisure outfit. It sounded as if he messed up the vocals in the first verse, and went "uaagh!" before quickly getting back on track. Vocally it's otherwise fine. But not much is happening in the performance. He walks back and forth on an empt stage, basically. Although there are several moments where he squats down on the floor and we see right up the legs of his shorts. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ddc4898-7fff-68e9-10bc-8f016cbd4a9a"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. 🇵🇱 Poland</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh. Last year's on-screen effects during the Polish entry are back. There are rose petals, fish-eye lense effects, and a holographic Blanka on the LED-walls. It feels quite unnecessary, because in the parts without the effects (mainly the choruses) this looks good. After three songs in a row with singers being alone on stage, this choreography with Blanka and four dancers is effective. And vocally she is totally fine for the type of song. </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3183906a-7fff-c832-4f1f-63c95eb51d4f"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. 🇸🇮 Slovenia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The band are all out on the circle stage in a traditional band-lineup. The stage is pink and purple and red. There are some very obvious pre-recorded falsetto parts where the other band members pretend to sing even though they have no microphones, which looks a bit silly. But the actual live vocals are good and sound effortless. Nothing crazy is happening during the performance, it's pretty much what you'd expect from this type of song. And it works well for what it's meant to be. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9a92b31a-7fff-4b08-6e82-f6613a667192"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. 🇬🇪 Georgia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Iru is out running some kind of Parkrun in Tbilisi during her postcard. I hope she's not out of breath for the </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">performance</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">She appears all dressed in white standing on a podium. The stage has smoke and a lot of flashing lights. There's also a wind machine in use. This also features a lot of obviously pre-recorded vocals, but this time nobody is pretending to sing them. The colours and lights are a bit like Cyprus. Often so blue that she herself becomes totally blue. Then in the final chorus the stage goes gold and peach and pink. Vocally she's good, except for one missed high note in the last chorus. </span></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>And now we're getting another <b>ad break</b>. We get to see a a video of some man talking about Eurovision, with archive sots in the background. We briefly see Milly Scott, Helga, Conchita, Dana, the 1960 scoreboard, among other things. The guy is mostly talking a lot of nonsense, which is probably meant to be about how great Eurovision is, but it sounds more like a very long inspirational quote meme shared by a boomer on Facebook. </p><p><br /></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b8ecbeb5-7fff-fe31-ca9a-5deba4fa95d1"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">12. 🇸🇲 San Marino</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The postcard features them playing volleyball in San Marino. Then we get the performance. It's very very red. The stage floor sometimes has a neon square pattern looking a bit like the 1988 stage. But red. The backdrop features mouths and eyes. Lots and lots of eyes. The band are all mostly dressed in different versions of black, occasionally making the whole thing look a bit like an Albanian flag come to life. And the lead singer nailed the vocals. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-06e7f508-7fff-ed72-8c74-4ece9c7134e5"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">13. 🇦🇹 Austria</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teya and Salena are laughing a lot in their postcard while they're ice-skating. They start off doing the spoken bits in front of a massive LED-screen type-writer. Then the stage goes black, white and red (just like their outfits) and the four dancers appear in the background. Vocally it sounds a bit as if they're holding back. The vocals sound a lot softer and whispery than in the studio version, but that might just be a rehearsal thing. The performance is surprisingly un-crazy. It's mostly just the two of them standing next to each other, singing the song. It's not bad, but I was hoping for something a bit more wild and memorable considering the song is anything but regular. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d31fbde1-7fff-03ce-d221-c5806200c3c8"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">14. 🇦🇱 Albania</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some people who are definitely not holding back their voices. Albina nails the intro, and they all look like they're having a lot of fun on stage. I'm quite pleasantly surprised by this. There's suddenly something very likeable and charming about them. I have a feeling that it could translate into making it quite televote-friendly. The stage is mostly red, and they're all wearing black, so it's a bit like San Marino but here it actually makes sense to look like an Albanian flag. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7352acfe-7fff-3b84-3fb9-50c9ce20d54b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15. 🇱🇹 Lithuania</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The stage backdrop is looking beautiful. There's a round shape behind Monika which sometimes looks like a sun and sometimes like some sort of pagan zodiac symbol. She's in a short orange dress with sleeves and shoulder pads today. The backing singers, dressed in black, join her in the first chorus. And they spend most of the rest of the song on the circle stage together. It's sung very well and the staging seems quite perfect for the. But it also seems like it might not be an ideal draw to have this and Albania after each other.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-63d3f14e-7fff-430d-da53-6f01b6fdcbf7"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16. 🇦🇺 Australia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last but not least, we have Voyager on stage. Very modern 80s neon theme here as well. Hot pink and blue. He starts off sitting inside the car (with the steering wheel on the right-hand side, for authenticity). It looks a bit restrictive for him, though, because the car is actually quite small. The camera shots are a bit all over the place and of the kind that makes me a bit seasick to watch. Vocally it's good, even though I think he's holding back a bit in some parts. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cue the now mandatory <b>"Europe, Australia AND the rest of the world - start voting now!"</b> After the voting opens there is for some reason a conga train in the greenroom. Then we get a recap. In Denmark's bit there's a cameraman visible in most of it. Georgia has that one note that she didn't manage to hit. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disregarding my own song preferences, I would say that the ones that most impressed me today were <b>Albania, Belgium, Cyprus and Estonia</b>. They didn't necessarily have the best performances, but they exceeded what I expected for them. And in reverse, I was the most disappointed by <b>Iceland, Georgia, Austria and Australia</b>. But this is all based on quite minor things that may have absolutely zero impact on the outcome. </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Next up we get an interval act with a medley of well-known Ukrainian music performed by Mariya Yaremchuk, Otoy and Zlata Dziunka (yes, I had to check Wikipedia for this). It's pretty nice! </p><p>Then the second (shorter) recap. </p><p><br /></p><p>Next up we get a <b>drag-themed interval act</b> where Hannah, Julia and Alesha get transformed into drag queens. But it's not them, it's three three actual drag queens. Currently they're rehearsing the beginning of this over and over again, figuring out how Hannah should go into the queen machine" which is just having to squeeze through an opening in a LED wall. </p><p>The drag performers then perform and dance and lip sync number together with a bunch of other dancers. It's all definitely a lot more up-beat and positive than the previous interval act. They eventually proceed to pull up "random" people from the audience, who turn out to also be dancers. </p><p>The songs that they perform are first some old-school gay/drag classics, but then it turns into... "We Got Love" by Jessica Mauboy.</p><p><br /></p><p>And now we finally get part 2 of <b>Måns and Filomena</b>'s quiz battle. This time they have to guess if Lithuania 2010, Malta 2018 and Moldova 2010 qualified or not. Followed by a video clip of four <b>scouse children</b> showing us around the arena. </p><p><br /></p><p>It seems like we're finally about to get performances from Spain, UK and Ukraine any minute now.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>🇪🇸 Spain</b></p><p>As far as I can tell, it's more or less the same as in the national final, but amped up a bit.Vocally it' excellent, especially the ad libs at the end. And two of te other women on stage also seem to actually be singing a bit as well. They all move out to the circle stage towards the end where there is a small podium. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>🇺🇦 Ukraine</b></p><p>It seems to take a while for them to get the Spain props off the stage and to rig everything for Ukraine.</p><p>Eventually we get the performance. They are all wearing sunglasses. Which feels like an accessory that doesn't necessarily have the best track record in Eurovision. But the performance comes across as tight and effective. Vocals are on point. It's all performed out on the circle stage, which should be quite effective when surrounded by the crowd on Saturday. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>🇬🇧 United Kingdom</b></p><p>They are getting the stage ready for Mae. I think the same LED-sided platform is used for this was was used earlier for the drag interval act. It's basically a ca 2 metre high and maybe 6 metre long rectangular platform, where the front of it has 3 LED screens that are miniature versions of the stage's own back LED screens. </p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And here we go. In case there was any doubt, it is the video version of the song, not the single version.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The stage looks great. A lot of cool graphics going on. Mae walks down from the podium in the second verse. Then she and her four dancers move out to the circle stage. There is no sign of the robotic male backing vocal that we heard last week. Instead she seems to have a female off-stage backing singer. We can hear that singer's voice clearly in some parts of the song when Mae isn't singing. Problem is, neither Mae nor the backing singer are quite pitch-perfect. But overall it's better than I feared. It's the type of song whee you can get away with some not-perfect vocals. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now the <b>interview section</b> with these. Blanca Paloma reads English from a paper when talking about why her fans are called "pigeons". Tvorchi says something about life being difficult. And Mae talks about being born in 1997 when the UK last won and what an honour it is to represent the country. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time for <b>results</b>! Only fake ones, of course. And this time they didn't make the performers wait around to rehearse this, so we only have stand-ins in the greenroom. But the countries qualifying" in this rehearsal are:</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">San Marino</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Albania</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Iceland</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greece</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Georgia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Estonia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Austria</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Denmark</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poland</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Australia</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That's all! Thank you and good afternoon!</span></span></p>Jonashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16559946110813918247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-84797295143333670362023-05-09T18:01:00.005+02:002023-05-09T18:36:16.516+02:00Qualifier predictions semi-final 1<p>As promised, here are the qualifier predictions from the blog team for the first semi-final.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvOQ-LYSB3klFEsLj_G4JXHiUzLPlUBsyMFU5QLrDeTCr8jIHOgh8gKrfASpJBRSEOAmAnEvvenPvV6KLPqodwUisp-gYrT0_sL-y5IbyVUFpppdzx0f6vcgHVhv0KQOCrRAqm0dwS8NPUJmyYZBEfw6CT2xgC3bYYJ7GejVYczTmKP7_-Zr4Tvmgyg/s455/q-semi-1-pred.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="455" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvOQ-LYSB3klFEsLj_G4JXHiUzLPlUBsyMFU5QLrDeTCr8jIHOgh8gKrfASpJBRSEOAmAnEvvenPvV6KLPqodwUisp-gYrT0_sL-y5IbyVUFpppdzx0f6vcgHVhv0KQOCrRAqm0dwS8NPUJmyYZBEfw6CT2xgC3bYYJ7GejVYczTmKP7_-Zr4Tvmgyg/w411-h252/q-semi-1-pred.png" width="411" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />So we're all confident for Israel, Sweden and Finland, and only Ireland has been deemed chanceless by all of us at this point. But who knows!<br /><br />Enjoy the show tonight! :-)<br />Ben (NL)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08966705499117578506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-79604794523068232162023-05-09T09:33:00.002+02:002023-05-09T09:35:20.152+02:00Eurovision in your hometown<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">Growing up, Eurovision gave me the chance to leave a small living room in a small house in a small town, and escape into the wider, wilder and weirder world.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With the advent of the internet, it became so much more. A connection to a whole community. Which brought with it diversity - of backgrounds, ages and experiences - yet also familiarity through our shared passion.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While my memories around the contest begin around ASFE 1993, voting for Love City Groove in 1995, hearing my family say that Norway ‘cheated’ to earn hosting rights in 1996 (not enough lyrics?), it was following Eurovision 1997 that I became a fan.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A not insignificant part of the magic of Eurovision is in the ‘right to host’ for the winner. In 1998, the idea that this internationally renowned event was within reach only heightened the excitement and my brother promised to take me in 1998.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While that never materialised, I finally made it to a contest in Oslo in 2010.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Another ‘first’ Eurovision - and this time I was visiting from my adopted home of Germany. Again my ‘home’ country took home the victory, and again came the excitement of a contest in the city I was living - as I was one of the many to do a ‘Netta’ and assume Berlin. Once again, it wasn’t to be.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">—————</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sometimes it feels like the universe is against you. Like when Eurovision is hosted in Düsseldorf not Berlin and you get run over by a bus in Paris and break your arm between Semi final 1 and Semi final 2.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But sometimes it feels like the world has aligned.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like when a terrible war, a bunch of cheating juries and a Jesus-like figure from Essex contrive to create a set of circumstances quite unique in Eurovision history and provide UK the chance to host for the firs time in 25 years. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Next came a host city preselection process involving 20 cities, where somehow the most anti-government region of England has been given 10 million by the government to pull it all off.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Get out the circular keyboard because we’ve experienced a Miracle.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo-AQWueCWquvFOi9D0ylSa8GABmXmWiCJdtPxFngQuoQowY44bCP8kIlsHPGbER698F1KPdkMEIYXPOVwcyPNOMFtI6JYUKCjxWeU_ggZqXRGSzSBwdPVkRf64z9mwNJPcboWJ6dAzln0QaHovBh-bAs2UygtlgodmMbIdUcALxYTZSkOilfJAdmMg/s465/Eurovision-011.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="465" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo-AQWueCWquvFOi9D0ylSa8GABmXmWiCJdtPxFngQuoQowY44bCP8kIlsHPGbER698F1KPdkMEIYXPOVwcyPNOMFtI6JYUKCjxWeU_ggZqXRGSzSBwdPVkRf64z9mwNJPcboWJ6dAzln0QaHovBh-bAs2UygtlgodmMbIdUcALxYTZSkOilfJAdmMg/s320/Eurovision-011.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">—————</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which brings me to where I am today. Living (temporarily) in that same small house in that same small town. As my personal world has become much bigger, it seems to have shrunk further, until I feel like Leonora.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcuM25O1AVAlGdT9eX-wHZ7LggStbAkwiNLKE02ZYSz6Lckiu8dYfxMstgirtM61yJdVqFBbCOMYS_KgvqYdR6QoS4SOM_dwQ3FSjo88-h6-Y8TFR2PhELsVk50_K2044XYfnlbcWiJ6gPYiFpEhkjyEAZKU7zXV7hhif1zPhKl4a5VOn3nwy0qm79w/s1200/leonora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcuM25O1AVAlGdT9eX-wHZ7LggStbAkwiNLKE02ZYSz6Lckiu8dYfxMstgirtM61yJdVqFBbCOMYS_KgvqYdR6QoS4SOM_dwQ3FSjo88-h6-Y8TFR2PhELsVk50_K2044XYfnlbcWiJ6gPYiFpEhkjyEAZKU7zXV7hhif1zPhKl4a5VOn3nwy0qm79w/s320/leonora.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But instead of needing to seek an escape into the world, the world has come to me. Just 10 minutes up the road is the world that I could once only access once a year through a television.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And the worlds I built along the way are all coming here too - childhood friends, ESC Nation friends, uni friends, Berlin friends, Malaysia friends, and family including a nephew born during ESC 2004 who is now old enough to drink and a boyfriend who doesn’t realise what he’s let himself in for.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Eurovision is in my hometown, and switch off the lights Lindsay, because never before have I felt that there is No Dream Impossible.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/image/2022-10/livwebsite.jpg?itok=EDyyDJmg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="800" height="302" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/image/2022-10/livwebsite.jpg?itok=EDyyDJmg" width="573" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-46781297744320787182023-05-08T20:54:00.109+02:002023-05-08T23:57:51.653+02:00Semi-final 1 - Monday evening dress rehearsal<p>Tonight I'm having the pleasure of watching and blogging about what we used to call the jury rehearsal for semi-final one.<br /><br />Of course this year the importance of this rehearsal is slightly less dramatic. But backup juries will still be watching and voting. Who knows, tomorrow the televote will fail dramatically all over Europe and what happens tonight will turn out to be very important!<br /><br />Jonas already blogged about the afternoon rehearsal. In case you missed it, go read it, and also be aware that BBC and EBU already announced they're not sticking to the alternative way of announcing the qualifiers, with all of them on stage. So, if they're going to rehearse that part tonight, it will be different from this afternoon and more like what we're used to.<br /><br />Also don't forget that Germany, France and Italy will perform tonight as well. We're kicking off at 21:00 ESC Nation time, which is 8.00 p.m. in Liverpool (and 19:00 Reykjavík time, just saying).<br /><br />---</p><p>And we're off, right in time. BBC already posted the opening video on their channel so if you want a preview it's here: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fm3z8r">www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fm3z8r</a><br /><br />The sound on this feed is extremely bad I must say, so it will be hard to judge how the artists are really sounding. The volume goes constantly up and down and the view is also very pixelated at times. <br /><br />Julia, who doesn't know her, one of our hosts, is now singing in Ukrainian.<br /><br />Not sure if it's the bad sound, but our hosts know how to shout. After saying the obligatory good night and good morning and some words in Ukrainian they explain why we're here and not in Ukraine.<br /><br />Instead of the static list of countries with numbers we see pictures of all artists with flags. But it's all gone pretty quickly.<br /><br />Oh, we still get to see the old-fashioned list with numbers later anyway. Hannah makes a joke about speaking French I didn't quite catch. Maybe tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><b>1. 🇳🇴 Norway</b><br />Alessandra sounds terrible! But so does everything so far. So it's probably not her fault and hopefully totally fixed tomorrow on tv. Having said that the high note's sound bad note can possibly not be blaimed on the stream. That was a bit off. Anyway nothing really surprising here visually. We've all seen this before I guess. Dark staging, lots of blue and gold towards the end.<br /><br /><b>2. 🇲🇹 Malta</b><br />First props of the night are cardboard Destiny, Fabrizio and Ira Losco. And there's a red car. They move from scene to scene through cardboard walls. Very Friend of A Friend in a way. Crowth loves it. It all looks a tiny bit messy, but also quite energetic. They're making the best of this I guess. There's also some text/animations on screen but they're not overdoing it.<br /><br /><b>3. 🇷🇸 Serbia</b><br />Starting off lying on the bed thing. The light is pretty bright and you can hardly see Luke. But it's fixed after the 'Hello?' part. I keep on pressing the volume up and down buttons because the stream changes volume every ten seconds, very annoying :-( Visually this is all not too different from the Serbian final. Halfway we're getting on screen gameplay animations. <br /><br />At the end of the Serbian entry we see the Latvian guys on screen standing by to enter the stage. <br /><br /><b>4. 🇱🇻 Latvia</b><br />This starts off looking like a video with the big stage lights and quick shots. When the chorus kicks in it's more like a concert staging. Lots of cheers here as well from the audience. I may be biased as I'm a big fan of this song, but, apart from the bad sound, it looks pretty slick and it got a huge applause, best so far if the volume button is not deceiving me. Stage colours are mostly black and gold.<br /><br />Small break after Latvia, indeed involving a rap part with references to Valentina Monetta and Måneskin and the rest passed me by a little. After the rap part a fake Cheryl Baker (let's call her Cheryl Faker) makes an appearance next to a typical British phone booth. It's not a very long break though.<br /><br />yay, seems like they sort of fixed the sound a bit, fingers crossed<br /><br /><b>5. 🇵🇹 Portugal</b><br />I think Mimicat did a little Bettina Soriat after her first chorus. It's all very red. Halfway the song, during the slow break, Mimi walks down the catwalk which lights up in red, what else. They finish it altogether on the satellite stage. Again not too different from what we've seen before.<br /><br />Again we see the next contestants waiting, but it seems to be a bit random when we get to see those.<br /><br />There's a sudden eurovision.tv promotion after the Irish postcards which looks unplanned. Did they break a camera again? Alesha handles it professionally though, as if it were planned. <br /><br />Oh, we're now getting a ESC history video. So still no Wild Youth. Instead we see Jedward, La Foureira, Salvador Sobral, Scooch and others. Oh, there's Chanel at last!<br /><br /><b>6. 🇮🇪 Ireland</b><br />No postcard, since we already had it, so Alesha just shouts 'make some noise for Ireland' and they start. <br />They're clearly having earpiece issues and the singer (sorry forgot his name) looks very nervous and scared. Tajci style he visits all band members while singing. Before heading to the satellite stage where there's some (attempts at) engagement with the audience. For the last chorus there's lot of pyro's. To be fair, it looks better than I (we all?) expected. Sound is terrible but that may not be a real issue, just the stream.<br /><br /><b>7. 🇭🇷 Croatia</b><br />It's a mess, but that's nothing new. The problem with this song I think is that it takes way too long to get to the strong part. I'm getting most of all Leto Svet vibes from this performance I'm afraid, whereas I always thought it was a surefire televote qualifier. Hardly any audience reaction either.<br /><br /><b>8. 🇨🇭 Switzerland</b><br />Nice classy staging with blue and white lights featuring prominently. Remo sells this not so spectacular song the best he can. Later we also get lots of red lights and white smoke. And some pyros falling on the ground, not sure if that was planned? I don't understand the Sertabereneresque ribbons, but they don't hurt the performance too much.<br /><br /><b>9. 🇮🇱 Israel</b><br />Despite the bad sound quality of the stream, I think there's nothing wrong with Noa's vocals. Oh, judged too soon, in the second chorus there are some serious glitches. But all in all this staging looks very well thought out. Visually spectacular. The dance part though looks a bit as if belonging to a different song. Then we suddenly get to learn we need corn and it's suddenly suddenly suddenly finished. But yeah, good performance I think.<br /><br /><b>10. 🇲🇩 Moldova</b><br />No eyeballs for Switzerland but there's a scary eye in the backdrop for Pasha. At least in the beginning. Flute player is alone on the satellite stage but later joined by Pasha and the two female dancers. At one moment the backdrop looks like we're back on the Turin stage with a broken sun. Hard to summarize this performance, more happening on stage than in the song.<br /><br />We get another break by Julia and shouty Hannah. And we still don't know what kind of video we will get. So it's a blue screen here.<br /><br />After that Alesha enthousiastically announces Sweden and we get to see Loreen waiting to get on stage before her postcard starts.<br /><br /><b>11. 🇸🇪 Sweden</b><br />Just like in MF / Baku it's all filmed like a (widescreen/lowscreen) music video. No shots of the surrounding of Loreen's grill at all. There was a camera error halway, but really a split second. Hard to judge her vocals but I think it's totally fine. And no glitches like with Noa. At one point Loreen gets oxymated a bit in the smoke. But maybe that's intended. At least no slowflakes in sight this time. Great applause obviously.<br /><br />We then get a billboard trailer for what's to come next. Alesha then quickly announces Azerbaijan, so yes, there is a bit of extra time to get the grill back backstage but it goes rather quickly.<br /><br /><b>12. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan</b><br />Starting off in black and white, with split screens until the song itself starts. Like you've seen they are standing on a tiny broken-heart stage. Stage colours are bright yellow and purple and other bright colours, making a nice change from what we've seen before which was all pretty dark (except Malta). We get more split screen moments but with some of them containing just half a Turan or Tural, so that probably needs to be fixed still. Vocally I'm not totally sure about this. Audience seem to love it though!<br /><br /><b>13. 🇨🇿 Czechia</b><br />A performance that grabs your attention from the first note, well done for that. The six girls as you've seen are all in pink on a mainly white coloured stage. At one point they walk in line holding their tails walking towards to satellite stage. The song may not be for everyone, but yes, this looks impressive. Again, not sure about the sound, because the stream got worse at this point. Another huge cheer from the audience.<br /><br /><b>14. 🇳🇱 Netherlands</b><br />In the postcard the country seems to be called The Netherlands for a moment but in the graphics they thankfully dropped the 'The'. Dion starts of in what sounds like a low key so the switch to the higher pitch sounded a bit weird. It looks like two people completely doing their own thing at some points, and then suddenly they seem to notice they're both on the same stage. The 'Goodbye Old Life' change is very effective on screen though. I have an impression this got an even bigger cheer from the audience than Czechia! But it may be the ever changing volume. <br /><br />The cheers Käärijä gets before even cha chaing a note are even louder though.<br /><br /><b>15. 🇫🇮 Finland</b><br />Like expected there's a lot happening on stage. But the stream went terrible soundwise so it all sounded very underwhelming, but that may not be representative at all for how it sounds tomorrow. There's a nice shot where Käärijä's pink dancers seem to fly through the hall. That looked odd but cool. For the rest, you'll see for yourselves tomorrow. The stage turns green at one point for the schlager part and later we get all rainbowy. Not a huge applause I could hear surprisingly, but again I blame it on the abominable sound of this stream.<br /><br /><b>Recap </b>time, as usual with shots from the artists in the green room. They all seem to be here still for real, with flags and all.<br /><br />First impression on who grew and who shrunk in my estimation:<br />growers: Latvia, Ireland, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Malta<br />shrinkers: Norway, Serbia, Croatia (and a bit Finland)<br />just confused: Netherlands, Moldova</p><p><br />Tomorrow the ESC Nation team including myself will post their <b>qualifier prediction</b> but I'd say Norway may be unexpectedly in danger a bit there. And I can't see myself putting Croatia among those ten either.<br /><br />But let's continue, there's some more performances to follow, some competing, but first an interval by <b>Rebecca Fergusson and Alyosha</b>. They sing 'Ordinary World' (I think that's the title?) from Duran Duran and it sounds a bit off at times (but again, almost everything does tonight). Generally a nice and impressive performance with a lot of flags and in the end of course the stage turning blue and yellow.<br /><br />After that we get another recap without green room shots.<br /><br />Then it's time for a <b>Rita Ora</b> medley of her best love songs including a new song. I'm not familiar with her so I can't tell you which one is the new one. Okay in hindsight I guess it wasn't 'Praise You'.<br /><br />Followed by, as already covered by Jonas, the lookback to 2003 and UK/raine ESC history in general. After that it's time to close to televote. In a very shouty way.<br /><br />The music you hear whenever there is a break reminds me of the music used in 2005 which was obviously inspired by Wild Dances.<br /><br />We then get an interview with <b>Timur</b> including footage from him commentating in 2022 from a bunker in Ukraine. And then there's a fake <b>Dustin the Turkey</b> and the Q or NQ game. As Jonas described earlier today. Of course there's <b>Måns</b> because well, it's Eurovision and BBC, but also <b>Filomena Cautela</b>, quite randomly, though I don't complain. And there's a second reminder tonight that <b>Anna Bergendahl </b>never made it to an ESC final.<br /><br />The artists are still in the green room and Noa and Käärijä try to be finnomenal. Oh and there's also The Busker.<br /><br />At that point clearly we start to deviate from what we're going to see tomorrow as crew members get on stage announcing the three auto-finalists of tonight starting with France. La Zarra is lifted and cheered on while that happens. Again no postcard.<br /><br /><b>🇫🇷 France</b><br />Looks very effective for what it tries to do but I feel like that on itself is a bit too many times done before. I'm not a fan, maybe I'm biased. Vocally it wasn't bad but also not excellent. But of course it doesn't really matter tonight. During the 'Grande France' part the stage lights up in the French colours. Which, as a reminder, are the same as in the flag emoji.<br /><br /><b>🇩🇪 Germany</b><br />We don't get to see a postcard, but nevertheless it takes quite some time to set this up it seems. Stream sound is all over the place now. So it sounds awful, but maybe it's not just the stream. All in all, it doesn't really seem to connect at all or engange the crowth. It feels a bit like Blind Channel from Wish. No, this is not going to do much better for Germany than what we're used to by now I'm afraid.<br /><br /><b>🇮🇹 Italy</b><br />A very static opening focusing on Marco's face. In the background we see guys jumping a trampoline, but only occasionally and very small in the background. The hall is full of white lights. Effective enough staging but I think the trampoline guys don't add much. Flawless I think but again probably not giving it all.<br /><br />Acts are now told to get back to the green room, so we're probably going to get back to the actual rehearsal of tomorrow's show. We see Martin Österdahl. We haven't seen interviews with La Zarra, LOTL and Marco though, which usually would be part of the show, but maybe not this year?<br /><br />Ah, we're getting pre-recorded 'interviews' with tonight's <b>Big Three</b>, or more like, them randomly answering questions from fans it seems. I still feel it is a bit strange they get this extra attention the other artists don't get. After this, pretty boring, pre-recorded video they also get a personal (but thankfully very short) interview with Alesha followed by the usual one-minute preview. The artists are replaced by stand-ins though so tomorrow the interviews may be a bit longer.<br /><br />We also get a small look forward to semi 2 mentioning all the intervals and the other Big Three by name. Totally ignoring the sixteen contestants that it's actually about ...<br /><br />But yes, it's <b>qualifier time</b>. Only Julia and Hannah are on stage, thankfully. And they're good to go now. To be fair the green room only has stand-in artists too.<br /><br />And tonight's fake qualifiers are: Azerbaijan, Ireland, Switzerland, Czechia, Malta, (no interview break here apparently), Israel, Netherlands, Croatia, Portugal and ....... Norway!<br /><br />So sorry guys, Finland and Sweden both out :-(<br /><br />lol @ camera's still showing the excited Irish delegation (well, their flag) that already qualified. Also the split-screen idea seems to be dropped. It all looks totally like all the years before.<br /><br />After that we get the usual recap of the ten qualifiers, and that's it for tonight!<br /><br /><br /></p>Ben (NL)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08966705499117578506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-14849986473109895312023-05-08T14:02:00.044+02:002023-05-08T18:37:36.686+02:00Semi-final 1 - The first dress rehearsal (live blog)<p>Hello! </p><p>During the up-coming weeks our ESC Nation team will be watching and guiding you through the first dress rehearsals and the jury shows. I've been given the honour of starting off the week by following the very fist full-length show, which is scheduled to begin at <b>14:30 CEST.</b> </p><p>Today is the first time that members of the press will be able to see the full performances of the entries in this semi-final. I will do my best to describe them, especially if there are any changes to the shorter clips that we ave already seen. And I hope to also hopefully be able to shed some light regarding how they plan to announce the qualifiers. Rumours have been circulating that they might plan on having all 15 artists come up on the main stage before announcing which 10 of them that have made it through to the final, which has sparked some controversy. Hopefully they will be rehearsing this part of the show today (with stand-ins instead of the artists) and we will soon find out the truth.</p><p><b>Intro:</b> The show starts off with an acted scene where a young Bitish boy is watching TV in his home and sees last year's Ukrainian winner and then the announcement that Eurovision is coming to his home-town Liverpool, then proceeds to run out and tell his neighbours. We continue seeing people around Liverpool celebrating this, as well as some Ukrainian refugees finding their place in the Liverpool society. </p><p>Next we go to the main stage where the same boy (I think) is standing in front of a doorway were a (I think) Ukrainian girl is standing on the other side. They dance a bit and mimic each others' moves, until they take each other by the hand and walk to the other part of the stage were lots of dancers in pink, yellow and blue and standing. This transforms into a performance by Julia in Ukrainian. It might actually be all of The Hardkiss. It's a bit hard to see what's going on.</p><p>Next a very British voice (basically sounds exactly like Lynda Woodruff) introduces the three female hosts, who then greets the viewers in English and also a bit of Ukrainian. Hannah eventually also speaks some French. She very much sounds as if she does not actually know how to speak French.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>1. 🇳🇴 Norway:</b> Postcard shows Alessandra among some big buildings. Then she goes to the library and picks up a book, followed by going on a ride on an electric scooter. That's about it.</p><p>She starts the performance with singing the Italian parts. Then goes back to English. The performance seems pretty much the same as in the national final. Unfortunately the sund quality of the stream is terrible so I cannot tell if her vocals are good or not. Or if the sound mixing is good. Both the picture and sound quality of this stream is a bit as if somebody filmed it on a cell phone in 2005.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>2. 🇲🇹 Malta:</b> In the postcard they're on a vintage bus in Malta. Then go to the beach and play with a frisbee.</p><p>The performance starts with a close-up of the cardboard cutout of Destiny. Then as it continues it's pretty much a very amped-up versin of the NF performance. More props, more LED backdrops, more graphics. Towards the end they all change to more glittery outfits. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>3. 🇷🇸 Serbia:</b> Luke is on a lawn in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade. Then he gets into fencing gear for a bit. </p><p>Also, yes, there are no flags on screen. </p><p>He's got his big bed-like prop on stage, with the four dancers connected to it by tubes on the sides. Again, the sound of this stream is not great, but it does sound as if the vocals are a bit off here. Especially in the intro. The stage starts off very black and monochrome, but towards the end it all goes red. Very red.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>4. 🇱🇻 Latvia: </b>In the postcard te band are running around on a snowy beach. They eventually take most of their clothes off and go into the water. It looks very cold.</p><p>The performance starts off with shots of the band dimly lit in front of the <i>Black Smoke</i>-lamps. Not much really changes. The stage is black with lots of gold/copper-coloured lights. It looks pretty, but sometimes it almost looks as if they're performing in 1983. </p><p><br /></p><p>The first <b>commercial break</b> is up now. Alesha is in the greenroom, talking a bit abut the Rest of the World-vote for it, among other things. Also a brief interview with a fake The Busker. Alesha is then trying to do some rapping about the contest being back in te UK, but she keeps having problems with not hearing the beat in her in-ear piece, so they're redoing it several times but still seem to struggle to get it right.</p><p>They finally get things right and she can complete the rap. Something about "25 years since Imaani to Mae", there are also mentions of pink bucket hats and Valentina representing San Marino four times. </p><p>Next up is Hannah by a red phone booth next to the greenroom, with a girl who is standing in for Cheryl Baker.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>05. 🇵🇹 Portugal:</b> Postcard is at the National Pantheon in Portugal. Mimicat also walks through some shopping street.</p><p>In the performance she's in her red dress and her hair is braided back in a short pony-tail. There is no sofa, but she and her dances manage to make the most of the choreography anyway. The stage is also very red. Everything is very red. In the bridge she walks out on the catwalk, which lights up in red like a red carpet. They all end out on the circle stage at the other end of the catwalk. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>06. 🇮🇪 Ireland:</b> The postcard shows them somewhere in the Irish nature. I didn't quite see where it was. The postcards do seem to include brief shots from places in the UK and Ukraine too, because I saw the text "Isle of Wight" flash by quickly. But these parts are very quick and it's not very noticeable that the postcard isn't all in the same location. Especially since the artists are only in the parts filmed in their home countries, which seems to make up the majority of the postcard.</p><p>Now the performance. The stage is again black and gold, like Latvia, but a lot brighter. Vocally they unfortunately seem to struggle a bit with the higher parts today (I specifically say "they", as there are quite a lot of parts where the other band members are singing but the lead singer isn't). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>07. 🇭🇷 Croatia: </b>They are fishing in the postcard. The performance as then all jumping and spinning and crawling and conga-lining all over the stage. The backdrop shows giant versions of them. I wonder if there might be some issue with the in-ear monitor, because at times it sounds as if he is a bit out of sync with the beat. Towards the end the lead singer opens his coat and reveals that he's wearing a diaper. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>08. 🇨🇭 Switzerland: </b>The postcard has a nice nod to the 1998 Swiss Postcard, as it starts off in Loch Ness, then moves to Lake Zurich where Remo is doing some kind of surfing. No Swiss flag eyeball, though :-(</p><p>Vocally he seems to sing this well. The staging is very dark and monochrome. He's in the centre surrounded by fur dancers pulling at ribbons attached to him. Everyone's dress in black. Remo's jacket has very wide and big shoulder pads, making his head look very tiny. Eventually the stage goes very red. Is the stage even able to show any other colours than black, gold and red this year?</p><p><br /></p><p><b>09. 🇮🇱 Israel:</b> In the postcard Noa is in the desert by Masada. Wearing a denim jacket. It looks warm. </p><p>She starts off inside her tunnel-prop with the flashing light rods. The stage is actually sometimes a bit purple! In the second verse she moves further ut and is joined by her five dancers. Vocally this is unfortunately far from perfect, though. She might be saving her voice. The dancing is spot on, though.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>10. 🇲🇩 Moldova: </b>The postcard is first a forest near Lviv, then the Sherwood forest, and eventually near a forest in Moldova where Pasha is planting a tree.</p><p>Pasha has his hair out rather than in a bun today, dressed in his long shawly robe and no shoes. Surrounded by the short flutist, two female backing singers with hair shaped like bird talons, and two drummers on each side of the stage. The stage is red. Very red. </p><p><br /></p><p>There is a <b>break</b> here. There will seemingly be some video clip shown which isn't ready, so we just get a blue screen with the text <i>"VT TO COME"</i>. Maybe it's something so secret that they don't want to reveal it yet?</p><p><br /></p><p><b>11. 🇸🇪 Sweden:</b> First shows a place called "Anti-Circe Island" <i>(Be my Valent-isle?) </i>in Ukraine, then St Catherine's Island in the UK and finally Enholmen Island in Gotland, Sweden. Where Loreen is loreening.</p><p>The performance starts off exactly like in Melodifestivalen. But without smoke (might just be because it's a rehearsal). Once the camera pans out more, it becomes obvious that the prop is a lot smaller. But otherwise it's pretty much the same. Vocally? She's not 100 %, though a lot better than what we heard in the previous 30 second clip. But again, it's only a rehearsal. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>12. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: </b>The twins are in Baku Boulevard. It looks very warm and springtimey. They're playing a giant game of chess. After the postcard the stage isn't quite ready after Loreen, so Alesha has to talk a bit. </p><p>The performance starts off in black and white with a 4-way split-screen (quite 1996) while one of them does the talking intro. As they start singing the screen goes back to normal and to colour. Occasionally we get different versions of split-screen effects again. In the chorus the blending of the harmonies sounds a bit off. Possibly inspired by Sahlene '02, the higher harmony seems to be a lot more dominant than intended. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>13. 🇨🇿 Czechia:</b> The postcard features them mostly in a bush maze. The performance begins with one of them playing drums at the back while the others are in front as the stage floor shows the lyrics of the song as they sing them. Quickly all six of them begin to dance together, though. And walk out to the catwalk stage holding their long braids. The stage is very white and black, while they are all wearing pink. One thing that does look a bit odd is that it's vey obvious that only three of them are singing, while the others have no microphones and seem to mostly be there as dancers. And it's quite obvious that they use a lot of pre-recorded vocals.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>14. 🇳🇱 Netherlands:</b> Dion and Mia are rolleskating by some canals <i>(shocking choice of scenery, I know!)</i></p><p>The performance starts with a close-up of Dion (but not in a scary Trijntje way). Then Mia appears for the first chorus. Visually it all looks nice with the revolving platform and the muted lights. The LED walls are not doing much at all, which works well for this. Vocally it's obvious that this version of the song works a lot better for them. Dion was maybe a little bit shaky in the first chorus where he's singing everything in a soft falsetto, but they both become more steady as the song progresses. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>15. 🇫🇮 Finland:</b> In the postcard Käärijä is in a sauna in a massive ferris wheel in Helsinki. He starts off in the big box, breaking out of it by breaking more and more of the boards until he climbs up to the top. Already in the second verse the dancers appears out of the box and start dancing around the floor, while Käärijä runds around the box. Vocally it's quite decent, although it's also obvious that big parts of the song are not sung live. He struggles a bit more with finding the right notes in the choruses near the end, but I assume it will be mostly drowned out in the mix once we get to hear this with proper sound. </p><p>This actually got quite a cheer from the few people in the arena after it was over. I don't remember hearing any cheering after any of the other songs. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Alesha, Julia and Hannah</b> are back on screen, and we immediately open up the voting and move on to a recap. It all feels very quickly after the last song was over. </p><p>The <b>recap</b> shows Ireland with a LOT of pyro. Portugal have chosen to feature the big notes at the end. Israel has only a part of the dancing (with no live vocals whatsoever). Azerbaijan's clip does not feature the chorus at all. Each recap bit is 15 seconds long. </p><p><br /></p><p>Some people have asked about the sound issues. This stream we are getting has very low quality audio, and the quality also keeps coming and going. Sometimes it's worse than at other times, sometimes it disappears completely. And the vocals all sound very exposed. So it really is hard to say much about the singing, so please do take everything I've said with a grain of salt as I'm only basing it on less than ideal sound.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now, we're getting an interval performance by <b>Rebecca Ferguson </b>(the singer, not the actress) and <b>Alyosha</b>. The theme seems to be refugees. I think it's some kind of medley of various songs, one being "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran. (Another subtle Eurovision 1998 reference, as it was in the French postcard)</p><p><br /></p><p>Now another recap. Shorter clips of each song this time. Followed by an interval performance by <b>Rita Ora</b> singing a medley of her greatest its as well as her latest single. </p><p><br /></p><p>Going to some clip about the year <b>2003</b>. First talking about general things happening back then (such as UGG boots being popular?) and then focusing on Eurovision. But sadly this is not about Jemini, but the fact that it was the first year Ukraine debuted. Then we move on to a brief history of the UK in Eurovision, how they won many times but around 2003 became very bad, while Ukraine became very successful instead. Eventually getting to Sam Ryder getting the UK's best result in a long time, only to be beaten by Ukraine. </p><p>The voting closes, and we get some various interviews with the Ukrainian commentator, Dustin the Turkey (yes, really, it seems like he's going to be in the greenroom!) and some game where Måns Zelmerlöw and Filomena Cautela get shown clips of past Eurovision songs and have to guess if the qualified for the final or not. (It's Switzerland 2007, San Marino 2022 and Sweden 2010). </p><p>Then some interviews with the artists from Israel, Finland and Malta, each of them being able to show how to dance the dance from their performance. (Though currently it's all just stand-ins, who make up their own dances). This is followed by Julia tying to teach Hannah how "to rock". </p><p>All of a sudden the've wheeled <b>La Zarra</b> onto the stage on her giant podium, so it seems like we might get some big 5 performances now. At the moment we mostly just see her standing there with crew people running around the stage around er. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>🇫🇷 France:</b> And yes, we do get a performance. (But no postcard). The massive dress is definitely attention-grabbing. I think the lowered the podium during the first chorus before taking off the big dress, and then raised the podium again during the second verse. So she wasn't 5 metres up the whole time. The stage is again quite black and gold, very 1983-ish at times. And a pyro curtain at the end! </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>🇩🇪 Germany</b> up next! This is very obviously a rehearsal, because the singer is in just a black turtle neck shirt, black comfy trousers and glasses and no make-up. (Unlike La Zarra who was in full hair, make-up and costume). Vocally it's good. And very red.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>🇮🇹 Italy</b> now. Though they let him stand on the stage for probably 5 minutes before starting off the actual performance rehearsal. He's wearing the leather trousers and another silvery top now, more in the shape of a regular tank top and with a regular glittery fabric rather than full of beads. Basically a more subtle version of what we've seen before. He's very clearly not struggling with the vocals, but also not giving it his all. </p><p><br /></p><p>Eventually Alesha is having a <b>tea-party </b>with these three big 5 artists in the greenroom. La Zarra talks about fangirling over Mr Bean. Chris of LotL talks about his love for all things Disney. Marco is asked how competing in 2023 compares to competing 10 years ago. This is also where we're getting the actual pre-recorded clips of their performances. France has the last part of the song. Germany is somewhere in the middle. Italy is from just before the bridge until the end. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now, it's time for the results. And yes, they do have all acts on the main stage, lined up waiting to find out if they qualify or not. They're all alone up there, no other delegation members with them. As their country ges called, they get shown briefly, then it cuts to the greenroom (where the rest of the delegation are presumably sitting) and the artist walks off stage.</p><p>After the first five countries have been announced, Alesha are interviewing them somewhere off the stage. </p><p>Before the 10th and final act to qualify, they show a split screen thing with the remaining 6 artists. After the final qualifier is announced, we don't get to see the non-qualifiers again. They're probably taken off the stage while the camera is filming something else.</p><p>Finally we get to see clips of the 10 qualifiers again. Then the show is over.</p><p><br /></p><p>While waiting for more Eurovision reports, check out this twitter thread of Eurovision 2023 singers and their Pokémon doubles. (Click it to see more)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p dir="ltr" lang="fi">🇫🇮Finland🇫🇮<br />Käärijä // Zarude <a href="https://t.co/MSsrn22vZ1">pic.twitter.com/MSsrn22vZ1</a></p>— ESC Nation (@ESCNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESCNation/status/1655220481421725700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Jonashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16559946110813918247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-43246954692918652662023-05-06T10:18:00.007+02:002023-05-06T10:19:47.605+02:00Who the Hell is Sonia?<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">One of the hallmarks of Scousers (people from Liverpool, or Liverpudlians) is a sense of pride in ‘our’ own. Liverpool has been a part of some tragic moments in history (the Titanic, the Slave Trade, Jemini…), and it is likely that its musical heritage contributed to Liverpool being awarded the hosting gig.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">According to completely unsubstantiated rumours, 1993 was 30 years ago. I was a young boy in the other room at my Nan’s house watching the penultimate one-artist UK National Final. Normally TV wasn’t allowed on a Sunday – not even for Songs of Praise – but Eurovision was an exception – especially when it was all about a local hero.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Back in those days, UK were pretty damn successful at Eurovision. The 30 years since – not so much. But who cares about them – today we have a simple question – Who the Hell is Sonia?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTwmAVuaWeaupnE3cvWnlYHxLKS-l6scxSdSh4E7SEs8FobZTBwcPHMrzkNMp9Ze3TtLLUnoxttQT4DqeRHvDDs51e00frL8dGJt8k2ql8TuiFIKjHk-tLoiHvgHqrd3P5xv68Lg-kImVATkxnFaFrJhM03OVxQ-Kdm1n1cuB1HBaTq-lomodjWlEJA/s1254/Screenshot%202023-05-06%20at%2010.16.55%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1254" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTwmAVuaWeaupnE3cvWnlYHxLKS-l6scxSdSh4E7SEs8FobZTBwcPHMrzkNMp9Ze3TtLLUnoxttQT4DqeRHvDDs51e00frL8dGJt8k2ql8TuiFIKjHk-tLoiHvgHqrd3P5xv68Lg-kImVATkxnFaFrJhM03OVxQ-Kdm1n1cuB1HBaTq-lomodjWlEJA/s320/Screenshot%202023-05-06%20at%2010.16.55%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">A very relevant question, because she will be popping up in the grand final next Saturday. Eurovision has come a long way since 1993, or even since 2013 – and there will be a lot of younger fans watching who have no idea of the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><div style="border-color: currentcolor currentcolor windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Sonia Evans (which sounds more like an Eastenders character than a singer) was born in 1971. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Famous UK songwriting and production trio Stock Aitken Waterman added her to their roster of acts they achieved success with (like Kylie, Dead or Alive, Rick Astley and more).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Her debut single "You'll Never Stop Me Loving You" reached No. 1 on the UK charts <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">SAW’s also have some dubious links to Eurovision – one of their earliest credits being production on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgTtmNS_g0" target="_blank">"Anna Maria Lena" </a>in 1984, and they would later contribute “That Sounds Good to Me” to UK’s Eurovision dark days, but the less on that the better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Sonia’s initial success and ‘winsome’ personality (as John Kennedy O’Connor would probably describe it) brought with it further success musically – becoming the first British woman to score 5 top 20 hits from the same album. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">She left SAW after her first album – possibly because she heard Anna Maria Lena –</span> but her follow up album with producer Nigel Wright.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">And I can tell you now that writing this article is probably more educational for me than the reader – as I just found out that Nigel Wright conducted the orchestra for the Iceland’s "Nei eða já" in 1992 – the year before our Sonia took him for her own entry – and also conducted the orchestra on ALW’s Eurovision: Your Country Needs You.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><div style="border-color: currentcolor currentcolor windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">This brings us nicely to Sonia’s Eurovision attempt. The BBC asked her to prepare 8 different songs, which were then revealed over 4 shows. Every song was then performed in a final on April 9, 1993, and televoting chose the winner. The winning song, "Better The Devil You Know" got more than twice the number of televotes to the runner up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmspc-KKDLNQyQ7ifjZf_bOsfKO0IWwDBV-MBhaGsafrW4czZSjI7fazFGlgHll16N45aitHMNQcbYO9EPjT2m9QLd7ZqkfzYj05ZDUkKvImsLsfrqsqnmRe6JDEvFQ6GptxL2v7xE0X6d-sYXJWMYbUmCGVBTNodavGiJ1JWXFD_3oSkOGMRJ7RLA/s1136/EyirkY6WQAIy7Rr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1136" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmspc-KKDLNQyQ7ifjZf_bOsfKO0IWwDBV-MBhaGsafrW4czZSjI7fazFGlgHll16N45aitHMNQcbYO9EPjT2m9QLd7ZqkfzYj05ZDUkKvImsLsfrqsqnmRe6JDEvFQ6GptxL2v7xE0X6d-sYXJWMYbUmCGVBTNodavGiJ1JWXFD_3oSkOGMRJ7RLA/s320/EyirkY6WQAIy7Rr.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The last place song, “It’s Just a Matter of Time” was co-written by Gary Benson, who has form at failing in UK pre-selections (last in 1974, 4<sup>th</sup> in 1975, 5<sup>th</sup> in 1977, 4<sup>th</sup> in 1981, last in preliminary heat in 1998).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The winning song charted only at #15 in the UK, and the album (featuring the top 4 ASFE entries) peaked at #32.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qqWOSycDMv4" width="320" youtube-src-id="qqWOSycDMv4"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">At Eurovision, Sonia had more luck. She received points from 22/24 competing nations – with only Greece and Malta not giving any points. Austria, Belgium, Iceland and Israel awarded the douze.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">However it was Niamh Kavanagh who beat her by 17 points with “In Your Eyes”, giving Ireland their second victory in a row and moving them to joint-top of the winners’ leaderboard with France and Luxembourg.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><div style="border-color: currentcolor currentcolor windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Sonia never recaptured her fame, despite countless single releases, and reality TV shows like Reborn In The USA (also featuring a similarly ginger and Eurofamous Gina G and a still-to-be 2008 NF hopeful Michelle Gayle – remember her?) and Celebrity 5 Go Caravanning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">She married in 1998 and had a daughter Gracie in 2010, but really her main role has been popping up every few years to remind people that she lost Eurovision by 1 point (she didn’t).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">As Liverpool prepare to host Eurovision 2023, you can spot Sonia in a lot of places. She’s in Hello Magazine, Hollyoaks, delivering a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrxwgqooLe9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">cheese and wine package</a> to a competition winner, and of course as part of the ‘Liverpool Songbook’ interval at Eurovision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">And on May 12<sup>th</sup>, you can find her around the city to win tickets to the Grand Final.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.visitliverpool.com/eurovision-2023/spot-sonia-competition/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.visitliverpool.com/eurovision-2023/spot-sonia-competition/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvXLzbzWAAIqkDR?format=jpg&name=medium" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvXLzbzWAAIqkDR?format=jpg&name=medium" width="353" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-54346754728334025892023-05-05T10:54:00.007+02:002023-05-05T11:14:57.538+02:00Auto Finalist Reharsals - a roundup<p>Alright mate!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/Fg1c5Z5XgAAasfK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="479" height="199" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/Fg1c5Z5XgAAasfK.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After a bit of a break for semi finalists' second rehearsals - and for me to travel over half of this year's participants by plane - we are back with the first rehearsals for those lucky 6 pre-qualified countries.<div><br /></div><div>Click to watch the TikTok, or as an MBer is worth a 1000 words, read their comments below instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229417521042967834" target="_blank">France</a> 🇫🇷</div><div><br /></div><div><div>- It's like they saw Moldova 2013 and thought... MORE.</div><div>- This looks potentially glorious! But yikes at the wobbly platform!</div><div>- If Barbara Pravi was the Louvre, this is EuroDisney</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1060.jpg?itok=1tSNqLIp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="264" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1060.jpg?itok=1tSNqLIp" width="395" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229412978179706138" target="_blank">Germany</a> 🇩🇪</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Well. Glad we only going to see this once</div><div>Watching without the sound this was quite headache inducing</div><div>I find it hard to predict this one - it looks and sounds as you'd expect and will have an audience</div></div><div><br /></div><div>3. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229414740961905947" target="_blank">Spain</a> 🇪🇸</div><div><br /></div><div><div>- Awesome! First winner vibes after Finland. Love the blinding hand thingie</div><div>- We can check her Benidrom performance to see all of the rehearsal</div><div>- I like this. But it will bomb on its arse, I'm afraid</div></div><div><br /></div><div>4. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229416790844099867" target="_blank">Italy</a> 🇮🇹</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1109.jpg?itok=IfxZmrcM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="264" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1109.jpg?itok=IfxZmrcM" width="397" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div>- A ‘no staging’ staging might actually be the smartest choice considering the stagings we’ve seen</div><div>- Can't stand the voice, the pants and shirt don't work together...but it's competent </div><div>- He's so pretty. Love his voice. And this doesn't need a big staging</div></div><div><br /></div><div>5. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229414321082600731" target="_blank">Ukraine</a> 🇺🇦</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1315-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=nnW-XCRg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="259" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230504_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1315-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=nnW-XCRg" width="388" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>- Looks and sounds very competent. Lower top 10, I'd say</div><div>- The oufits are hideous, everything else seems pretty good</div><div>- Ukraine just knows how to do Eurovision, this is very good</div></div><div><br /></div><div>6. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7229416418452753690" target="_blank">UK</a> 🇬🇧</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.04%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-3797.jpg?itok=rfppor8_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="256" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.04%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-3797.jpg?itok=rfppor8_" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div><div>- This is excellent. They've done a much better job than I was expecting. With good vocals this is top 10</div><div>- Sounds like they pre-recorded some extra backings, which I think works well</div><div>- That's just a small part. Cute graphics. Didn't we see the hands thing before?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So there we have it. Stand by for some extra content to tide you over the weekend, before I head to Liverpool on Monday to be your live correspondent, and our wider (rude) team brings you coverage of the full rehearsals next week, as well as hopefully our predictions and the usual fun!</div></div>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-30589707580810285102023-05-03T06:30:00.004+02:002023-05-03T06:30:35.179+02:00Third Day of Reharsals - a roundup<p> Alright love,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZrnyfFzUcmE/maxresdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZrnyfFzUcmE/maxresdefault.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><p>Today is the day (or shoul<span style="font-family: inherit;">d that say Yesterday?) [NO BEATLES REFS, PLEASE] when the remaining semi finalists take on their first rehearsal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can click the country name to view the TikTok, but why not be </span>lazy and let me select a few of my favourite descriptions from people on our message board who (presumably) watched the TikTok so we don't have to.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">1. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228569381771447579?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Estonia</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇪🇪</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- Lights! Arms! Hair! <br />- Is It True from Wish<br />- She seems fun, unlike her song </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">2. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228574716607335706?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Iceland</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇮🇸</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- This is giving me upgraded Svala vibes<br />- Kinda wish they would have done something else than to just put her alone on an empty stage. <br />- Ay ay ay. That jacket... </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">3. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228577350680677659?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Greece</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇬🇷</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- He got his mother’s voice (Dilja) and his father’s fashion sense (Theodor Andrei)<br />- He's so mature. Looks and sounds great, seems an easy Q<br />- Very nice and this changes as I had this as a NQ... changed my mind</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvHvriLWAAEIyXk?format=jpg&name=small" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="576" height="235" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvHvriLWAAEIyXk?format=jpg&name=small" width="351" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">4. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228582019054292251?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Poland</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇵🇱</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- This is my guilty pleasure and I'll probably secretly root for this - but that dance break makes zero sense<br />- Oh she has an Eleni moment<br />- Oh honey... you ain't no Chanel </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230502_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0607-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=YMxO9-PT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230502_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0607-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=YMxO9-PT" width="362" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px;">5. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228595383956507931?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Slovenia</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px;">🇸🇮</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Love how they didn’t tell the drummer the music’s prerecorded<br />- Bojan's so likeable. Doesn't seem like there's much going on but great energy<br />- Incredibly charismatic bunch of people. My guess is that they’re gonna do really well based on that alone.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">6. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228609625053121819" target="_blank">Georgia</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇬🇪</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- With those visuals and that voice you'd almost forget it lacks a proper song<br />- I LOLed at her flawless English, that was unexpected<br />- Basically like in the video. Hope the gibberish parts look good on screen as they are the best bits. </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">7. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228650358749318427" target="_blank">San Marino</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇸🇲</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- Not sure about the red/black/lips choice here. I'd have gone quirky and colourful to make it more tongue in cheek<br />- It feels like there's a lot of lying on the floor this year<br />- Clearly they had the graphics already made for Ice Eye before they unexpectedly got knocked out in the semi </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">8. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228651840525585690" target="_blank">Austria</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇦🇹</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- Love the "urgh" on the screen (is it reacting to San Marino?)<br />- Edgar makes it onto the screen at the end<br />- I'm a little surprised they haven't got the opera parts on the backing track. Would be an easy way to make it sound full</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230502_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1654.jpg?itok=KLbzITsJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="229" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230502_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1654.jpg?itok=KLbzITsJ" width="344" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">9. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228656496714829083?embed_source=121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_name&refer=embed&referer_url=cdn.iframe.ly%2Fapi%2Fiframe%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.tiktok.com%252F%2540eurovision%252Fvideo%252F7228656496714829083%253Fis_from_webapp%253D1%2526sender_device%253Dpc%2526web_id%253D7184759788449072646%26v%3D1%26app%3D1%26key%3D43fc2f68325641c200ecb2475af0eed0&referer_video_id=7228656496714829083" target="_blank">Albania</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇦🇱</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- Greece's 10 should be a nice comfort for the ride home<br />- Staging is a bit boring, but they are so gonna slay this<br />- They look much more comfortable than in FiK. I like it.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">10. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228658174306307355" target="_blank">Lithuania</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇱🇹</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">- Should be enough for final<br />- Some purple to break up all the red and orange \o/</div><div style="text-align: left;">[This is the least commented on rehearsal so far, so have a picture]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.02%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-1458.jpg?itok=IPuV9A8i" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="229" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.02%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-1458.jpg?itok=IPuV9A8i" width="344" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">11. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228674284141546778" target="_blank">Australia</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">🇦🇺</span></span></p><div>- Hairography!<br />- If My Calculations Are Correct, When This Baby Hits 88 Miles Per Hour, You're Gonna See Some Serious S***<br />- RUDE! [R] - VanessaAmorosi - 20:52:54 </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFu9rAzxZVQto3Hf_THU9Y9bom9Y0IvxrjWLtd0GHfCYRtAzqF5cmxK_BWVENtw5SfEBYfX9alU8CfxxFdU24Drqv2rTjzsZCAJu7hSo5Hsmp3-cROJiCb1PExIb85qRCKSrHLt7y7ENhedsQlb7bvmUmwW6OLOuQGMIvoZvDTy32NUbnwBb1LmxdPg/s794/Screenshot%202023-05-03%20at%2011.49.56%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="794" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFu9rAzxZVQto3Hf_THU9Y9bom9Y0IvxrjWLtd0GHfCYRtAzqF5cmxK_BWVENtw5SfEBYfX9alU8CfxxFdU24Drqv2rTjzsZCAJu7hSo5Hsmp3-cROJiCb1PExIb85qRCKSrHLt7y7ENhedsQlb7bvmUmwW6OLOuQGMIvoZvDTy32NUbnwBb1LmxdPg/w343-h193/Screenshot%202023-05-03%20at%2011.49.56%20AM.png" width="343" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Now everybody has rehearsed once, nobody is any the wiser.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Will Finland or Sweden win? (that depends which one you like more)</b></div><div><b>Will Latvia or Ireland come last? (that depends if you're Ron or YSB)</b></div><div><b>Will anybody get 10/10 qualifiers in Semi 2? (unlikely but we know What They Say)</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Sg9HkriWZ6E-l-xTjlNhSF68wiGDPFt_LT2lYYqWBfaUnhj30As5VTz_RTLKz9QEFdg3F9Of_6otI6PZvntYKYPPvN0PRhliha2-HzP45s9tB7vdJ2kHtsKbsUzbcJFWZKHysh4CmrO55oi2QGYurjX-dEYjviXTM2wcz1jXJUSTdhXyq7Z7jeHzqQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="894" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Sg9HkriWZ6E-l-xTjlNhSF68wiGDPFt_LT2lYYqWBfaUnhj30As5VTz_RTLKz9QEFdg3F9Of_6otI6PZvntYKYPPvN0PRhliha2-HzP45s9tB7vdJ2kHtsKbsUzbcJFWZKHysh4CmrO55oi2QGYurjX-dEYjviXTM2wcz1jXJUSTdhXyq7Z7jeHzqQ" width="319" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-17966220730003804242023-05-02T06:17:00.009+02:002023-05-02T06:17:59.312+02:00Second Day of Rehearsals - a roundup<p>Hiya chuck,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Cilla-Black-GettyImages-84880102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="141" src="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Cilla-Black-GettyImages-84880102.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p>Another day of trying to glean something significant from very little. What we can all agree on is that we're going to see some great shows on stage this year. And the Netherlands.</p><p>What did the MBers make of it all on the second day of first rehearsals? Scroll to find out.</p><p>As before, click the country link to see the TikTok footage.</p><p>1. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228180653198658842?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Israel</a> 🇮🇱</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-8431.jpg?itok=zwWR44fY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-8431.jpg?itok=zwWR44fY" width="385" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Wow! That’s a contender and she’s a hell of a performer.<br />- Looks very effective - and may I repeat she is so stunning<br />- Performance is the best bits of Fuego and SloMo combined; the difference is that this is far from effortless</div><p style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228188262983126298?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Azerbaijan</a> 🇦🇿</p><div style="text-align: left;">- So weird to see something like this, so simple and classy, from AZ<br />- Hmmm, i don´t find it particularly good tbh, even if i like the song. It´s a bit boring and worse sung that the studio<br />- Completely hopeless, I love it</div><p style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228208753835805978?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Czechia</a> (are we gonna do it? OK then) 🇨🇿</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Difficult to judge by so little but there seem to be goosebumpworthy moments there... and the vocals the little we hear seem okay<br />- That's a very cohesive look, I'll give them that<br />- If all goes right for them, I wonder whether this has the potential to be this year's Proud with the juries. And, like Proud, probably facing off at the top of the jury votes with Sweden.</div><p style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228217916435467547?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Netherlands</a> 🇳🇱</p><div style="text-align: left;">- I think this will look great, if anything<br />- The higher key will take some getting used to, but otherwise this seems fine. <br />- It does like they've spread a single jacket over the two of them</div><p style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228237952474811675?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Finland</a> 🇫🇮</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-9059.jpg?itok=9U1DMJWp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="249" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-9059.jpg?itok=9U1DMJWp" width="374" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">- I pity whoever comes after then in the final because they will be forgotten<br />- Love the backing singers' synchronised swimmer faces<br />- They've 'out-Loreened' Sweden here - this has way more impact</div><p style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228246515926551835?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Denmark</a> 🇩🇰</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Looks like he stole a bit if Ireland's suit, and a couple of their stairs<br />- It already looks million times better than in the NF<br />- His impression from the rehearsal seems to be 'not bad' and that's the sense I get, too.</div><p style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228253668402007323?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Armenia</a> 🇦🇲</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-9336.jpg?itok=e7_mlU14" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/2023.05.01%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-9336.jpg?itok=e7_mlU14" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">- I'm guessing this will look amazing on screen. (It will sound good, feel good, look good)<br />- This feels underwhelming<br />- This looks and sounds great, seems an obv top 3 in the semi, or even first </div><p style="text-align: left;">8. <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228266567371443482" target="_blank">Romania</a> 🇷🇴</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Pikachu is the mildest thing there:-D<br />- "Your delegation was so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should"<br />- ...and with this he probably scared away the last people on earth that still believed this can qualify</div><p style="text-align: left;">9. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7228272941631425818?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Belgium</a> 🇧🇪</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230501_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1853.jpg?itok=gpTrMMNZ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-05/230501_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1853.jpg?itok=gpTrMMNZ" width="366" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- He looks like a marshmallow:)<br />- Tbf this is his best look yet<br />- He does look like the 90's one hit wonder who's getting a chance to perform now that gen Z is having 90's revival</div><p style="text-align: left;">10. <a href="https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJuALVJk/ " target="_blank">Cyprus</a> 🇨🇾</p><div style="text-align: left;">- He actually sounds good - AND he's doing the high notes live!<br />- 'Let's throw all rain and fire in' situation. He looks good! <br />- He sounds good! The visuals are ok but basic, I guess they could work with great camera angles</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">And that's it for Day 2.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I'll leave you with this thought:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/image/2023-05/230430_CHLOEHASHEMI-EBU-0213.jpg?itok=BvQusQSO" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="246" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/image/2023-05/230430_CHLOEHASHEMI-EBU-0213.jpg?itok=BvQusQSO" width="369" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-87421084550360670332023-05-01T07:37:00.000+02:002023-05-01T07:37:15.473+02:00First Day of Rehearsals - a roundup<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Hiya and happy most wonderful time of the year!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYjJlNGY2OGItMTY1OC00NDQ0LTg4ZmEtNzMyNjAzNDBjMDIyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTUyODMyMw@@._V1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="478" height="206" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYjJlNGY2OGItMTY1OC00NDQ0LTg4ZmEtNzMyNjAzNDBjMDIyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTUyODMyMw@@._V1_.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As you probably know, there is a change to the procedure, and - wisely some might say - we humble Eurovision fans will only get access to </span>rehearsals from May 8th. Coincidentally, this is the day I arrive back in my hometown to lead ESC Nation's live coverage. As in 2010 (was it really that long ago?) my focus will be on doing things a little 'differently' and trying to bring the vibes, feelings and atmosphere of Eurovision 2023 through the screen and into your lives.</p><p>For now, the best place to access the appetite-whetting info from early rehearsals is the <a href="https://eurovision.tv/live-blog-sunday-30-april" target="_blank">official site</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision?lang=en" target="_blank">TikTok Eurovision channel</a>. As always, you are invited to join the conversation on our message board.</p><p>In that spirit, let's take a quick look at Day 1 - click the link to watch the TikTok footage, or just read about it in ESC Nationer's words:</p><p>1. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227820100953312539" target="_blank">Norway</a> 🇳🇴</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/2023.04.30%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-6643.jpg?itok=TsyugIFA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/2023.04.30%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-6643.jpg?itok=TsyugIFA" width="339" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>- She went with her NF outift instead of the video outfit </div><div>- It looks like the NF performance</div><div>- They do have glo sticks… outdoing them will be impossible<div><p>2. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227827857945267483?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Malta</a> 🇲🇹</p><div style="text-align: left;">- A huge colour and stage contrast with Norway<br />- Very colourful 'but' it could come across as rather Junior Eurovision<br />- They’re celebrating with past Maltese entrants, Destiny, Chiara and others are there (in cardboard cut-out form)</div><p style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227840274708303131?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Serbia</a> 🇷🇸</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Looks pretty much the same as in the NF, which is no bad thing<br />- It seems they change the “crab walk” choreo, the rest feels the same<br />- Why is he wearing a shirt like the Amish people do</div><p style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227853370101402907?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Latvia</a> 🇱🇻</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0377_0.jpg?itok=MMygd6AP" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0377_0.jpg?itok=MMygd6AP" width="357" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Maybe best we’ve seen today? [Ed: This was 4th on] The stage looks great! <br />- But their outfits don‘t! <br />- Good to see Ann Sophie's backing lights still find some use 8 years later</div><p style="text-align: left;">5. <a href=" https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227869290672737562?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Portugal</a> 🇵🇹</p><div style="text-align: left;">- The sofa is gone!<br />- She seems lovely and the lighting looks good<br />- She's painting the town red, Denmark 89-style</div><p style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227879553186794779?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Ireland</a> 🇮🇪</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Wtf has he got on?<br />- As expected. The progression from the steps to the satellite breaks down the repetitiveness a bit.<br />- He looks like he should be singing Telegram in a Silver Convention tribute band.</div><p style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227891194854903067?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Croatia</a> 🇭🇷</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0943.jpg?itok=AQIFWy-v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_0943.jpg?itok=AQIFWy-v" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- All the chaos I wanted from them... and a Croatian Costume Change! <br />- Grandpas going around with their underwear<br />- It's everything I wanted, and a little bit more </div><p style="text-align: left;">8. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227903691905387803?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Switzerland</a> 🇨🇭</p><div style="text-align: left;">- Hm, curious to see how this looks on screen. I was a bit sceptical, but it could work well<br />- A bit too gimmicky for a ballad? Always a risk to add in a load of choreography to a slow song<br />- What a hideous outfit.</div><p style="text-align: left;">9. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227909360943369499?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Moldova</a> 🇲🇩</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/2023.04.30%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-7937.jpg?itok=_5RLamSI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/2023.04.30%20Corinne%20Cumming%20-%20EBU-7937.jpg?itok=_5RLamSI" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Lots of kitchen sinks here<br />- Their outfits are epic and so Eurovison friendly. I think they are doing a Dotter moment with the flute player which I think it's very clever. Moldova will sail through<br />- The Moldovan method strikes again: They bring someone cute as a support to the main act </div><p style="text-align: left;">10. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurovision/video/7227934687505681691?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7194359599788623361" target="_blank">Sweden</a> 🇸🇪</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1521.jpg?itok=nh3vnkL4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://eurovision.tv/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_slider/public/media/image/2023-04/230430_Sarah%20Louise%20Bennett_EBU_1521.jpg?itok=nh3vnkL4" width="334" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>- The camerawork will probably be topnotch and it'll look supercool on TV but probably not as fun in the hall<br />- Wasn't there talk of some new elements to the staging? This one looks identical <br />- The prop has slightly different dimensions to the one from MF. No final for Sweden.</div></div></div><div><br /></div>Harrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527818050459906480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-35487144211488189992023-04-30T01:10:00.003+02:002023-04-30T11:00:09.288+02:00Liverpool?<p>(no, not Millstreet)</p><p>We are there! From next Monday, our Harrow will bring you juicy reports from the scene, and the rest of us will add in some rehearsal impression too - when available.</p><p>Stick with us, it's gonna be boss!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6lDAMvGumPvcU-j6VJJnQs53hFGGgnJZGbBsPmTsB5hghexbNcnOj-hgC2E0eKlgYYtFqRgeAW9rU9FrgH2TBJB_0FN7pZgpL6HtahKY8SSFxewixxZi69Vql3gDLwK5fuwatsgYWvrIxT4OIbbjFVFc8kFvvHm5fNf0nS8qaayohM75KAOBkOmRHAw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="651" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6lDAMvGumPvcU-j6VJJnQs53hFGGgnJZGbBsPmTsB5hghexbNcnOj-hgC2E0eKlgYYtFqRgeAW9rU9FrgH2TBJB_0FN7pZgpL6HtahKY8SSFxewixxZi69Vql3gDLwK5fuwatsgYWvrIxT4OIbbjFVFc8kFvvHm5fNf0nS8qaayohM75KAOBkOmRHAw" width="243" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Yairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02703434342572269193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-4614280676837933002022-05-15T12:49:00.003+02:002022-05-15T17:26:13.593+02:00Another edition is over<p>And it's been a Eurovision like no other (aren't they always?).</p><p>In January, we released ESC-Wordle. Google Analytics told us that it has been played in thousands of locations in many countries around the world. One of these in particular drew my attention - Bucha, Ukraine. 17 February. A few days before the horror unfolded.</p><p>It probably was a nerdy Eurovision fan just like me and you. I hope they survived. And I'd like to think that last night made them happy, because they need it most, and making people happy is what Eurovision does best.</p><p>It's time to thank the EBU and RAI for making it happen, our blogging team - and of course all of you for reading and commenting. ESC Nation will be here for you during the unknowns of the coming year.</p><p>For now, happy hangover!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWn2VtlWS3MrM8SM__JdWYj8ifodslyPPVlSJEY_f9S4l2_bao9J4mBKMsIGBCdwHlEZUPhTtGe4fBJeB8kIPNlsGyGMmNm1XXrWJur7n8OtzXsj8-fQOX7wTCvbchtyFmoyIfylPiPZug6D_b07WB-EqF7IgmSpmddD2Hl1i9bIXnLnorPjwMV_ijw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWn2VtlWS3MrM8SM__JdWYj8ifodslyPPVlSJEY_f9S4l2_bao9J4mBKMsIGBCdwHlEZUPhTtGe4fBJeB8kIPNlsGyGMmNm1XXrWJur7n8OtzXsj8-fQOX7wTCvbchtyFmoyIfylPiPZug6D_b07WB-EqF7IgmSpmddD2Hl1i9bIXnLnorPjwMV_ijw" width="206" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Yairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02703434342572269193noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-17312534300714322792022-05-14T13:08:00.002+02:002022-05-14T13:08:23.806+02:00Grand Final - Fishy Prediction<p>BURSDAG! No, wait, it's even better! (Also, it <i>is</i> BURSDAG, happy birthday, Anthi!)</p><p>It's finally time, almost exactly five months after we had our first entry chosen, that is incidentally also the first entry on stage tonight, Czechia (yes, I call it that). Once they qualified and drew first half, I think about 84 % of the fandom assumed it'd be the opener, as one of few upbeat but generic and harmless in it. And indeed!</p><p>But the main question tonight obviously seems to be whether Ukraine wins with AAAAALL TEH POINTS, even to the degree that it was debated on NRK's main daily debate show <i>Dagsnytt 18</i> yesterday. I've been of the conviction they won't all season, and even though the narrative that they will (not to mention the betting odds) have just seemed to be escalating and piling up the last few days, I think I'm going to stick with that conviction. But then I need to claim something else will win, don't I...</p><p>I didn't watch the final dress rehearsal in full (just popped in and out between tanning and swims), so most of this prediction is based on what we saw in the semis, and of course mainly what we've known all along about the entries.</p><p><b>1 Sweden</b> | Does anyone not like it?</p><p><b>2 United Kingdom</b> | It feels sick to predict a UK entry at the top of the scoreboard... It sure wouldn't get there if I got to decide, and I still can't really see what everyone else is seeing, but when so many seem to see it, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. I think he sounds very "thin" on all his <i>MAAAAAN</i>s, and I find the song very tedious for most of it, but it comes together decently for the last minute when it gets all golden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wmTR1jDU066u3LqIvfmInBw28gzXgWBCZrbI4GSsS4YQ4ZRnEowwOYkGSQls2eer2tNfZwLevTljw-0Rl5OukVyR8th5XinlQIObiPQ5nNvpnaw284FvQlQKnZHxKgAqOpIHtEmmUx9GNGwI2RQ5mO2oZ_BSvSo9rX2OomvMSfbOT2bFhkBjmyu_yQ/s398/d1235d5b683b622a778111818b8aa72f2faedbdb4d94ca70be8a75fcf3344ddd.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wmTR1jDU066u3LqIvfmInBw28gzXgWBCZrbI4GSsS4YQ4ZRnEowwOYkGSQls2eer2tNfZwLevTljw-0Rl5OukVyR8th5XinlQIObiPQ5nNvpnaw284FvQlQKnZHxKgAqOpIHtEmmUx9GNGwI2RQ5mO2oZ_BSvSo9rX2OomvMSfbOT2bFhkBjmyu_yQ/w200-h200/d1235d5b683b622a778111818b8aa72f2faedbdb4d94ca70be8a75fcf3344ddd.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>3 Italy</b> | It deserves to win with AAAAALL TEH POINTS because of AAAAALL TEH GOOSEBERRIES, but it's probably not going to, is it? Y'all can just sit there loving UK, and I'll be lying here in a pile of melt from Blanco's <i>Tu</i>-verse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL0-Z3qoveG574TZKOXy6AoENUky1sJ0TkYZcwBoXck7bWA0x2V3g3Tr4_XImG8ANWnQhZvnsW91vn3IsPo9PcMeaEOXziYufTmYWlpUFBKl9ZsrMyWNsa0HmJw19MobW0tfVuCTZ6G-_GhQa7z9WDcAZ4e8qRIawj-qylAtaZwzrMXICW3LXJqIonQ/s398/97794176df7e22e031314aa3f3c5e1e420dd73e973deb82f1f33fb9e6eb79568.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL0-Z3qoveG574TZKOXy6AoENUky1sJ0TkYZcwBoXck7bWA0x2V3g3Tr4_XImG8ANWnQhZvnsW91vn3IsPo9PcMeaEOXziYufTmYWlpUFBKl9ZsrMyWNsa0HmJw19MobW0tfVuCTZ6G-_GhQa7z9WDcAZ4e8qRIawj-qylAtaZwzrMXICW3LXJqIonQ/w200-h200/97794176df7e22e031314aa3f3c5e1e420dd73e973deb82f1f33fb9e6eb79568.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>4 Ukraine</b> | Bold? Nææh. All season I've felt the entry itself would come 8th or so under "normal circumstances", but climbing to 5th or so in the current climate, and I'm sticking with that.</p><p><b>5 Serbia</b> | I think this is bolder, not at all sure it will manage to get this high, but after being quite underwhelmed by it until Thursday, it finally <i>clicked</i> for me in the semi. Don't forget to wash your hands!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdB_iAv3LgS3kaahVfyITOewgPkQxsv6qjH2p92NNbkz-UXyyFsy7ubtM0AVBGvdQrilEc1lFB5Q0ZEro803acGI6wOhrkJbk5fq_fd0hOdjZlYXq5KHCaexQp-sYchAdrsqHRjju99uwV_wRHbpceJPSY2jtpV-OArDDr4Wo01YCxUiCxiuA8mVoqg/s398/4ca90d0b61e17a49ef426c9c0f26fd794855b27a85268a2cd852a9f379fa0763.0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdB_iAv3LgS3kaahVfyITOewgPkQxsv6qjH2p92NNbkz-UXyyFsy7ubtM0AVBGvdQrilEc1lFB5Q0ZEro803acGI6wOhrkJbk5fq_fd0hOdjZlYXq5KHCaexQp-sYchAdrsqHRjju99uwV_wRHbpceJPSY2jtpV-OArDDr4Wo01YCxUiCxiuA8mVoqg/w200-h200/4ca90d0b61e17a49ef426c9c0f26fd794855b27a85268a2cd852a9f379fa0763.0.gif" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>6 Poland</b> | Whereas this has never clicked for me. Unless there's a hippo in that river he speaks of, it ain't doing so today either.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7i-Ny2-ycEKmPcsxrimu2_T4RDLY5o0He1iO45y9zyFF7awr5LPYJBeqlYUi2y4veor7HZ5ir5yYZ-151YTQqXbo0TnVvZvepXj07bnBQzRGzOnG4wZ6rEFD7HkslOgM-kK5EwyQCvG6woB_vhcfh74OQBVYkoaM_NJkNYD1MZtsWDmGlY6TcYRrig/s398/7a2bda847b870a4db61c3377001ab7bdca38de7a5d16f67ca84ca4c2c6927004.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7i-Ny2-ycEKmPcsxrimu2_T4RDLY5o0He1iO45y9zyFF7awr5LPYJBeqlYUi2y4veor7HZ5ir5yYZ-151YTQqXbo0TnVvZvepXj07bnBQzRGzOnG4wZ6rEFD7HkslOgM-kK5EwyQCvG6woB_vhcfh74OQBVYkoaM_NJkNYD1MZtsWDmGlY6TcYRrig/w200-h200/7a2bda847b870a4db61c3377001ab7bdca38de7a5d16f67ca84ca4c2c6927004.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>7 Spain</b> | A bit rude of her to steal Sam Ryder's outfit, but at least she didn't take all of it. Not much at all, really.</p><p><b>8 Norway</b> | Might get a bit lost so early in the draw, so I considered putting this a bit lower, but I've been thinking 8th pretty much since it was chosen, so if I did change my mind it'd just end up in the 8thest 8th place ever just to rub it in my face, wouldn't it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ-Z8pIANAbVX8wds4E6WcVIsEpsxMx-t3HL9uWE203LX5IsNSgS6--rdDO7l5sXJ99NFh1VBeSt83XpHZbGsX_OU-xhWEyLBv0hnwCtOxSGt4x6SdbzQtXjD4UHTZQDu9ba1ytO4l92x_6NJvhBtFATtYODq9bpqLDQ9ab9P2k5xhg4CIACa0FMAAw/s398/4cb9f3f194ebf605ec480bcdb9726db7598eff77df6bf99def8d6d2a2c63c945.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ-Z8pIANAbVX8wds4E6WcVIsEpsxMx-t3HL9uWE203LX5IsNSgS6--rdDO7l5sXJ99NFh1VBeSt83XpHZbGsX_OU-xhWEyLBv0hnwCtOxSGt4x6SdbzQtXjD4UHTZQDu9ba1ytO4l92x_6NJvhBtFATtYODq9bpqLDQ9ab9P2k5xhg4CIACa0FMAAw/w200-h200/4cb9f3f194ebf605ec480bcdb9726db7598eff77df6bf99def8d6d2a2c63c945.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>9 Moldova</b> | I really really really hope I'm wrong about this, I think it's the worst thing in here now that the hideous Georgian entry has finally left us.</p><p><b>10 Greece</b></p><p><b>11 Netherlands</b> | S10 was destined to be #10 in the running order and 10th on the night, but now she ended up as #11, that's clearly going to be the result too. I hope she changes her name to Seleven.</p><p><b>12 Finland</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTkBHFYumheEiNoMzO2Bn_DuMHeyW8tGcABafo3auHqresL5CoUeI-9lGdt1Z1Q_TMu9kDHU2hfGmX_aiO2NUv4sijY2WJKUkpvIxBQnhj-w4tKEh8RqLRnGXw9JQNW_Bh4jUpqE-cx2O0j9SegD6WB0vRtTlqJjDhva-2CaTeTyw18TU5AvDClHzYg/s398/d72bfdb9e8bdfd97fe6db4ec76082385c5e9db34b6d0532dc8c4022d1099ae18.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTkBHFYumheEiNoMzO2Bn_DuMHeyW8tGcABafo3auHqresL5CoUeI-9lGdt1Z1Q_TMu9kDHU2hfGmX_aiO2NUv4sijY2WJKUkpvIxBQnhj-w4tKEh8RqLRnGXw9JQNW_Bh4jUpqE-cx2O0j9SegD6WB0vRtTlqJjDhva-2CaTeTyw18TU5AvDClHzYg/w200-h200/d72bfdb9e8bdfd97fe6db4ec76082385c5e9db34b6d0532dc8c4022d1099ae18.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><b>13 Czechia</b> | For the first time ever I had actual feelings for this in the semifinal! They weren't <i>very </i>exciting feelings, and mainly thanks to RAI's excellent lighting, but still, I'll take it.<p></p><p><b>14 Lithuania</b></p><p><b>15 Armenia</b> | I hope she manages to pull the hole open tonight!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVbVbfv5OY8HvveIAmKRhdMshKLQ__rz5QYkFDFSjInIWzd1PNE5XeJQfzOng9hCMhbbGX1ESIdTs83dIipovtKe4AmwHu75c9dLWMlxM45U11DDwQiaWaEM8FCJdk6ElUlHEhHue0-oY4Ls-KkWq3xsUtrGS2t96YVVCYrG7utD3pnnFFklJYkKdA/s398/f304c9f8aef0e65bca9a077c30bcf4b9b32f0c477666487e4400a47240a8c3df.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVbVbfv5OY8HvveIAmKRhdMshKLQ__rz5QYkFDFSjInIWzd1PNE5XeJQfzOng9hCMhbbGX1ESIdTs83dIipovtKe4AmwHu75c9dLWMlxM45U11DDwQiaWaEM8FCJdk6ElUlHEhHue0-oY4Ls-KkWq3xsUtrGS2t96YVVCYrG7utD3pnnFFklJYkKdA/w200-h200/f304c9f8aef0e65bca9a077c30bcf4b9b32f0c477666487e4400a47240a8c3df.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>16 Estonia</b> | I must admit I like this a bit more now that Graham Norton apparently <i>despises</i> it. It doesn't have many other selling points, but it feels solid enough as a closer of the show.</p><p><b>17 Australia</b> | Hopefully the juries will find something else loud to vote for. And <i>surely</i> the televoters will?</p><p><b>18 Portugal</b> | It really felt like a <i>vibe</i> in the semifinal, but I think it'll get really lost in the final when it's on so early. Hopefully a bunch of jurors will still remember it though, it should be their job to have a slightly longer attention span than viewers, after all.</p><p><b>19 Azerbaijan</b></p><p><b>20 Romania </b>| Really happy it made it, as we need some silly in the final! But in this company it really is just that, a brief bit of silly without a chance. Bless his cotton socks and tinfoil (?) trousers.</p><p><b>21 Iceland</b> | I initially thought this could do a bit better (not actually <i>well</i>, but, like, 15th?), thanks to some Nordic support and such, but it'll surely be bottom of the pile for most of the Nordics, and there's quite a bit of other stuff that's bound to get above it in those televotes too.</p><p><b>22 Germany</b> | It's miles above some of their recent efforts, so it should do miles better. Which presumably just means 22nd, sadly, but hey ho, let's go. A third televoting zero in a row is actually not out of the question though, it really would be quite impressive if they manage!</p><p><b>23 Switzerland</b></p><p><b>24 France </b>| Watch out for random howls!</p><p><b>25 Belgium</b> | The day before the Belgian entry came out, I was silly enough to place a bet on it to win, as based on <i>him</i> they could be on to something. And I think there's a good idea in here somewhere, but it never really materialises. As it is, I think it was lucky to qualify, and he'll be lucky if he manages to avoid ending last.</p><p>I'm not feeling at all confident about this prediction, but then again, I felt quite confident about semi 1 and only got 8/10 right, but 9/10 in semi 2 which I thought was very tough, so maybe I'll be spot on? Or maybe Benin wins, with Ukraine last. Looking forward to the shocks and surprises either way!</p><p>And if you're not pleased with anything on offer tonight, have this cat instead - have a wonderful evening!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM28DjdHN7L-K5UmpQxxLlEuLpgxpLf-DRrfS3Yl5-K9adUBNzMMj_pbfRufWWWIcm3jUH5r4QXJQ7tmKKTlUX7Cymqe1OPjYiIWEWPoCvt-C0JJBqVaw5z7ITnI2xkVif-l9wHB7E5Mto-UM6LeNqNMcx8xjXQBwGOvcUOIJUqhPmcLMYiuItDHzAZA/s398/f6a603dd6091647f1d208a3553d2ed6e7847bc6ef7415cd721d02ff1fd3d3a39.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM28DjdHN7L-K5UmpQxxLlEuLpgxpLf-DRrfS3Yl5-K9adUBNzMMj_pbfRufWWWIcm3jUH5r4QXJQ7tmKKTlUX7Cymqe1OPjYiIWEWPoCvt-C0JJBqVaw5z7ITnI2xkVif-l9wHB7E5Mto-UM6LeNqNMcx8xjXQBwGOvcUOIJUqhPmcLMYiuItDHzAZA/w200-h200/f6a603dd6091647f1d208a3553d2ed6e7847bc6ef7415cd721d02ff1fd3d3a39.0.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Sildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03182888677083936160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-46411738654313546972022-05-13T20:56:00.174+02:002022-05-14T02:30:32.915+02:00Grand Final - Jury Rehearsal <p><i><b>Overview:</b> there's probably not going to be much to be said or written about the songs themselves, we've all seen them live, but I'll of course focus on the Big 5 and whatever shenanigans I find worth reporting.</i> </p><p>And we're off at 21:00 on the dot. Cool opening sequence, a group of musicians and people singing the Beatles <i>Give Peace a Chance</i> to the drum roll of <i>We Will Rock You </i>then going to the hall with a mass clap along. </p><p>Laura singing clad in orange and accompanied by drummers in orange too, then somehow she changes to white and sings another song. I imagine these are her Italian hits because the audience is eating this up. It's pretty cool, she's a great performer. And my feed froze but when it came back she's now in purple with purple accompanying dancers. Now we're in yellow. And now black and red with dancers doing cool Jazz hands movements. This is all very local home/arena audience centric but very enjoyable. </p><p><b>21:08</b> - they're introducing the countries. Very nice flag colour bursts on the backing LED's with the artists coming out. Huge applause for Finland. And insane cheers for Italy, but even more insane cheers for Spain(!). It's very 2019 with the dance breaks between country blocs. Nice welcome for Ukraine of course. Another big applause for Greece, Moldova and Sweden. You can tell who the audience faves are. UK getting a huge roar. This is very colourful and a lot of fun. People at home will enjoy this.</p><p><b>21:13 -</b> they're introducing the hosts. Laura is in a very chic silver glittery jacket and black pants, with Alessandro in a black glitter striped suit and Mika in white. He obviously likes his solids. The pace so far is very pleasing, they're getting right to it without too much nonsense.</p><p><b>Sun update: </b>still not moving</p><p><b>21:16 </b>- we're off to the first entry:<b> Czech Republic</b>. This is a great opener, and she's in top form nailing her vocals and the audience is cheering her along. Clever girl, she's covering her sweat with glitter. This is really getting the audience going, a fantastic choice to open. <b>Romania</b> up now and the clap/sing-along to the chorus is very effective, and another huge crowd pleaser. "Keep fighting for your freedom" ends the routine. Noted. <b>Portugal</b> goes next to a nice build-up by the audience and it's a nice contrast to the previous two, but I think it will get a bit lost. Have to point out that the audio balance and quality so far is flawless, which is emphasized by Maro's perfect vocal. <b>Finland</b> up next to a huge cheer and the audience is engaged from the first guitar riff and <i>Pennywise </i>balloon. The vocals aren't as sharp as last night, he's much more breathy here, but the audience is totally into this throughout the song with a giant cheer at the end. <b>Switzerland</b> is exactly the same as Tuesday but much like Portugal I fear the early draw and coming up after Finland will make this a bit forgettable.</p><p><b>21:37 -</b> break, with Green Room banter between Alessandro and Mika. Thine may pee. Oops, I take it back. Don't, because we're immediately on to <b>France</b>. First time seeing this for me, what an interesting language. The performance is all very <i>Voda </i>and the audience is clapping along, the stage effects are beautiful in green with a ton of fire everywhere on stage, and it's another big crowd pleaser. Moving along quickly, still keeping a good pace and we're on to <b>Norway</b> which is exactly as before with lots of audience engagement. <b>Armenia</b> up next sponsored by 3M. Actually, not, the Armenian postcard is followed by Mika in the Green Room doing the rounds with some artists. He's about to chat with Maro, but then leaves her and introduces the song..awkward. Same same presentation with the Post-It's and the pleasant vocals but this time she destroys the paper circle in one push. Thatta girl! </p><p><b>21:51 </b>- back to the hosts, with banter by Laura, who changed into a purple dress, and Mika. They're introducing a one minute rundown clip of the semis, set to some cool electronic music. Then back to the Green Room for the three of them, and introducing<b> Italy</b> to a huge roar. Mahmood in a sleeveless navy kimono top and Blanco in a glittered black suit. This is gorgeous, with the audience singing along throughout. Any hint of holding back in the rehearsals is gone, this is an incredible performance, worthy of a top 2 result - at least so far. Another huge crowd pleaser, <b>Spain</b>, is up now, and it's fantastic! More sing alonging by the audience, they came prepared knowing many of the lyrics, and they're going berserk! What a cheer at the end, it's going on and on even surpassing the home entry. A huge contrast now with <b>The Netherlands</b> which is even better than her Tuesday performance, with sharp vocals from the getgo. The audience is engaged and cheering her on with singing along and clapping to the<i> ooo-ooo ahh-ahh</i> bits. So far this is an excellent Final! All-time odds faves, <b>Ukraine</b>, are up now and not missing a beat. Big clapping along and cheering at the last part of the song and of course a giant cheer as they end. </p><p><b>22:10 - </b>back to a brief Green Room break with Alessandro and Mika and right on to <b>Germany</b>. His postcard is the arena, which is cool. The set-up is intimate and fitting to the song with rugs and studio equipment like it's a jam session. This is really different than anything before it, in a good way. I hope it stands out for the voters as it deserves, he's so completely one with the song. Moving along to the cool jazz club vibe of <b>Lithuania</b>, which is even better hearing it a second time, she's such a natural with her facial and hand gestures. On to <b>Azerbaijan</b>, the audience is getting a bit more quiet now and seems less engaged. Guessing the juries put him through and they'll probably be liking this. This string of Azerbaijan and now <b>Belgium </b>doesn't seem to be exciting the audience too much. No different than last night and another competent performance. </p><p><b>22:28</b> - another Green Room break with chatting and flagging of the official CD, followed by another clip medley of the semis. <b>Greece </b>up now as flawless as on Tuesday, and the vocal and audio seems even better. The break serves this well, it doesn't get lost in the slower few songs before it.<b> Iceland </b>follows next, and has the audience clapping along to the verses, and the vocal blend is beautiful as is the presentation. I think juries will like this lots. <b>Moldova</b>, as expected, wakes up the arena to a huge cheer from the first second. What a fantastic draw for them, they couldn't have hoped for a better slot. Great contrast for <b>Sweden</b>, with some nice singing along in the arena to start it off. She's just as great as before and of course the contender it always was, and the audience loved it. </p><p><b>22:48</b> - more Green Room breaking while they set up for <b>Australia</b> which gets a bit lost coming after Sweden, and I expect will be blown away by that who will follow. We now have a video break promoting tomorrow's acts followed by another Green Room break while they set up for the <b>UK</b>. They're now doing a <i>Volare</i> singalong, which I guess they had to fit it in somewhere, but on the plus side it gets the audience enthused for Sam. Oh man, this is incredible! He's nailing every note and engaging the camera at every angle. This is the best thing I've heard tonight, and a worthy winner if I ever heard one. </p><p><b>23:00 </b>- you guessed it, more breaking, chit chat with artists and we're ready for <b>Poland</b>. This is probably well served by the break because coming immediately after the UK powerhouse would bury it. Vocally perfect, with the same dancers in rags pushing and poking him about. No break !!yay!! and we're right on to <b>Serbia </b>which is greeted to huge cheers. The clapping along is magnificent, and everything about this is wonderful, and a giant roar by the audience at the end. This should do very very well. The show closes with Graham Norton's fave, <b>Estonia</b>, which seems completely paled to me by Serbia, but he sells it as best as he can encouraging the audience to sing and cheer with him. There are some effective audience shots clapping along with him. </p><p><b>23:15 </b>- voting banter and recaps. I'm loving the huge cheer for Italy's recap followed by an even bigger cheer for Spain. Quite muted for Ukraine. Notable cheering for Lithuania, Greece and building to a roar for Moldova, Sweden and of course the UK. Serbia gets a clever clap recap which engages the audience. </p><p>The intermission starts with dancers doing Italian hand gestures, with the hosts explaining what they are, followed by a bit in sign language. Italy's Int'l Space Station astronaut says hi, then we get Maneskin, who are lip-synced by other artists. Mmmmkay. The audience doesn't seem pleased and Alessandro addresses the lead as <i>Fake Damiano</i>, then asks the audience to stop booing 😂 Another fake Maneskin song, actually a half-song, this time a ballad and the audience isn't even pretending to like it. This is a weird segment, which I hope they'll sharpen by tomorrow.</p><p><b>23:35</b> - Back to another recap. The audience seems tired and isn't really cheering anything until Italy and Spain, which even they are subdued. All is forgiven as<b> Gigliola Cinquetti </b>graces the stage, as flawless and beautiful as always, singing <i>Non ho l'età</i>. Gorge! Wish there was more of this than the other unnecessary fodder. We then get a clip of past Eurovision entries, celebrating their creativity.</p><p>Now we get Mika singing his greatest hits, which is a lot of fun. Gotta hand it to him, the guy is energetic at this time of night after doing all he's been doing this far. And one more recap, followed by one more clip of building up to the winner from previous years.</p><p><b>00:05 - Breaking news: </b>the sun has moved! It's a backdrop for the voting stand and it looks gorgeous...what a waste and missed opportunity not to have used it up until this point. Opening the voting with The Netherlands and Jeangu with the first fake 12 going to Australia. Right😂. The hosts have zero patience for the banter that follows with the next spokesfolk, will be hilarious if it's like this irl tomorrow. Fwiw, Ukraine gave fake <i>20</i> to the UK.<br /></p><p>And with that I bid thee a buona notte. Thank you for following, and have fun tomorrow. There's a great show to look forward to 💖<br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02547969607628175409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-28400134251100246332022-05-13T17:09:00.000+02:002022-05-13T17:09:50.727+02:00Grand Final - Dress Rehearsal 1<p> While Jonas is not allowed to leave his room until he's finished watching Eurolaul 1993, I'm watching the first dress rehearsal and bringing you the highlights. You're already seen the songs performed so there's no point talking about each one of them, so let's talk about: What surprises RAI have for us? What does the scoreboard look like? Will Blanco be there? Does Moldova suddenly feel like a surefire winner after 83 ballads in a row?</p><p>13:01 The screen has gone all blank. Scandalous behaviour by RAI. I hope Italy never host again. Oh wait, that was arcticandy pressing the wrong button on the remote. Well they haven't started - there's a UK flag projected on the floor, so possibly still rehearsing prop changeovers.</p><p>13:11 And we're about to start - Laura will not be here, she's "taking a rest" but will join us for the interval act, according to the MC.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWXbFgcaQYkjAA76HdaiA9lR1LCPnQ32lwN-YhxnhOLKtSFGENDhF8DSwWwnhQ7l7VbPmIxdWqSxnyVBRoNuXgVKE30s0JPG_qhy0Og2LQEtnR-16c_qUnRgjxbbY46YXLKxiNkupLmBUSUclGRvCcHawfLVpVsC2N2tk3lX5cZgQuYo2dl2tF3-Ez5w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="405" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWXbFgcaQYkjAA76HdaiA9lR1LCPnQ32lwN-YhxnhOLKtSFGENDhF8DSwWwnhQ7l7VbPmIxdWqSxnyVBRoNuXgVKE30s0JPG_qhy0Og2LQEtnR-16c_qUnRgjxbbY46YXLKxiNkupLmBUSUclGRvCcHawfLVpVsC2N2tk3lX5cZgQuYo2dl2tF3-Ez5w" width="135" /></a></div><br /><p>13:49 The intro wasn't streamed, and now we see <b>Switzerland</b>. Marius is singing higher notes that we've heard in the last chorus. Is he planning to do this tomorrow?</p><p>13:56 <b>France</b> took a long time to set up and Mika had to improvise. Some very messy camerawork and they'll need those rehearsals to get things right by tomorrow.</p><p>14:02 There was no break between <b>Norway </b>and <b>Armenia</b>. They managed the allegedly complicated changeover during the 40 second postcard. And the <b>break </b>will be <i>after</i> Armenia.</p><p>14:09 <b>Mahmood </b>is in shorts, boots, and a kimono. That's... a look. Will he be wearing it tomorrow? Nobody knows.</p><p>14:17 You probably knew it already, but the contrast between <b>Spain</b> and <b>Netherlands</b> is the contrastiest contrast ever.</p><p>14:20 We're getting the UK postcard for <b>Ukraine</b>. Well they're similar names I guess, easy mistake to make. I'm not really getting winner vibes, but there's no audience now and it can make all the difference.</p><p>14:26 A green-room break before <b>Germany</b>, which is somehow working better than I anticipated. </p><p>14:33 Another quick break before <b>Lithuania</b>, don't think this one is planned. Monika is without her wig(?) looking more like Kateryna from Go_A. I actually prefer this look.</p><p>14:39 <b>Belgium</b> is on. As some of you know me, I'm a hopeless ballad lover, but even I'm struggling in this section of the lineup. This is followed by a <b>break</b>, the fake Laura is promoting the official CD and DVD.</p><p>14:52 <b>Greece</b> was the same. <b>Iceland</b> is on and all Systur are wearing shades. Probably a tribute to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW08oPJtL88" target="_blank">Magnús Kjartansson</a>.</p><p>14:55 Anyone who wandered off to the kitchen will be summoned back by the opening HEY HO of <b>Moldova</b>. This is out-contrasting the earlier contrastiest contrast ever. </p><p>14:59 Now I get the running order. "Now that we have your attention, here's the <i>good</i> ballad". Oops, <b>Corneila </b>is having yet another technical problem and has to stop. Alessandro for the rescue.</p><p>15:11 <b>Australia </b>was the sa... identical to what we've seen. Followed by another break.</p><p>15:20 The <b>UK</b> prop is obviously causing headaches for the hosts, having to extend and improvise breaks before and after. Sam himself has polished his act and does just the right amount of adlibs.</p><p>15:26 <b>Poland</b>'s splash is followed by <b>Serbia</b>'s towels and I see what you did there RAI.</p><p>15:31 I can see why <b>Estonia</b> is closing - a crowd pleaser with no props. And the real Laura is here!</p><p>15:43 A snabbis followed by the hosts introducing us to the wonders of Italian hand gestures 🤏✋👌🤙 with the help of some dancers. Very much work in progress at this stage. Some of the gestures they're teaching us are basically identical to Serbia's choreography.</p><p>15:46 A <i>real </i>astronaut this time, an Italian one greeting us from the International Space Station. There's a lot of space this year. All we're missing is Elon Musk, but there's still an hour or so to go.</p><p>15:49 This is the Måneskin bit. With stand-ins. They will perform a song (not sure what, the stand-ins didn't really sing), followed by an interview (in which they didn't really speak). Then another song.</p><p>15:58 Another snabbis. Spain chose the "ooooooo" part for theirs with very little actual song, which I think is a terrible idea.</p><p>16:02 Alessandro is in space. He is space. He's a galaxy. SO MUCH SPACE TODAY</p><p>16:03 Gigliola Cinquetti is here, looking more like Py Bäckman. Non ho l'età is performed in full, which means this is the first time we get to see it in full in Eurovision, not destroyed by Danish archive fires or interrupted by Toto.</p><p>16:09 a video section about fashion in Eurovision history (Gisela is there, nuff said) followed by Mika singing his hits with big hearty flags, an LED piano and a lot of dancers. And another piano. Oh no he took his shirt off. Oh no it's just a very tight skin-colour body suit, the kind that only Blanco should be allowed to wear.</p><p>16:25 Yet another snabbis. It's been nearly an hour and the votes are still open. I should have been used to this from recent Eurovisions, but it surprises me every time. And now Laura is in glittery gold giving us a countdown, some fancy graphics with the numbers turning into dust.</p><p>16:31 A short clip and straight to the voting. All three hosts will be doing the voting. Taking a while to get to the Dutch spokesperson standing in front of a Friet van Piet. The spokespersons are Italian stage workers who haven't been briefed about what they need to do. This will be entertaining (or exhausting). I should add that the scoreboard looks like... a scoreboard, just with this year's colour schemes.</p><p>16:47 Mika is yawning, they were fed up so they just skipped to the televote part. France won the jury vote with Azerbaijan last.</p><p>16:57 The televote reveal is ongoing. We get different sound effect depending on if the country scored well ("prrrrring!") or poorly ("pffpffpff"). UK wins the fake voting, much to the delight of the fake Sam (a stage worker who has to cut short her phone call)</p><p>And we're done - overall it's going to be a great show, despite the BALLADY SEQUENCE OF DOOM. Much thanks to the hosts being a lot of fun.</p>Yairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02703434342572269193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-85858262055489365032022-05-12T17:54:00.000+02:002022-05-12T17:54:48.776+02:00Semi 2 - Team Prediction<p> After having been struck down for a sexist consequence to the first semi prediction that does not belong in the 21st Century, there will be no dishwashing this time. Instead, the loser of this prediction has to watch Eurolaul 1993.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikfsxyzW8BK8htVaQZ-ggDLz_A0eKaKVSPwE6v6TRGWQgjCoJJ9jdlYaaj7xVkzPULiaxtv5OL7MLmn7mkmTfiGQDsoE_kFl9EqW8dbppVGFPUiJdmoD2PcNnopGW_VPpEJEo8r5qmK4JZT-lLM--nyBwCJsFs67A0_qkPKD3vfJaQRmF_Jju_m8XB_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="835" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikfsxyzW8BK8htVaQZ-ggDLz_A0eKaKVSPwE6v6TRGWQgjCoJJ9jdlYaaj7xVkzPULiaxtv5OL7MLmn7mkmTfiGQDsoE_kFl9EqW8dbppVGFPUiJdmoD2PcNnopGW_VPpEJEo8r5qmK4JZT-lLM--nyBwCJsFs67A0_qkPKD3vfJaQRmF_Jju_m8XB_A" width="320" /></a></div><br />What do you think?<p></p>Yairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02703434342572269193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-32246048243405494352022-05-12T17:53:00.000+02:002022-05-12T17:53:42.777+02:00Semifinal 2 - Fishy PredictionIs it okay if I just predict seven entries to qualify tonight...? I'm somehow struggling to find enough entries that feel like actual qualifiers, but I guess someone will just have to do it, Isis Gee style. Just with less teeth.<div><br /></div><div>Let's attempt anyway - can I beat the 8/10 I got on Tuesday?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5voew4t4pZdMGJQ1s8vRLX0mm--VyPeR8TQbUSsnadUJ1RewhhXh6Bxr1VXSij2PHAUOJiGoaFAjIVdxk2oaurjJdiB0Fxt7sBwSb_hsJbd68Z2jfooGM7V7VFP3HWU0hwowD5shtBPJlVnmSH9vsNv2Uh2BY_YIkxqUaO1i-MXnS4PzQ9kjOcNsB7w/s398/59e8dde6d5a4c16bc2d96cc9522d3237d845e2d3cb01d438c90f755621f4f77f.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5voew4t4pZdMGJQ1s8vRLX0mm--VyPeR8TQbUSsnadUJ1RewhhXh6Bxr1VXSij2PHAUOJiGoaFAjIVdxk2oaurjJdiB0Fxt7sBwSb_hsJbd68Z2jfooGM7V7VFP3HWU0hwowD5shtBPJlVnmSH9vsNv2Uh2BY_YIkxqUaO1i-MXnS4PzQ9kjOcNsB7w/w214-h214/59e8dde6d5a4c16bc2d96cc9522d3237d845e2d3cb01d438c90f755621f4f77f.0.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achille Sildefisk</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /><b>1 Sweden</b> | It's just miles above the others today, if it's not winning this semi you can call me a tapir with a dentist appointment. That bit in the second verse where the beat kicks and the blinking lights - soooo good, get your geese out!<br /><b>2 Poland</b> | Watching the whole thing at yesterday's dress rehearsals I actually thought there were much less effects than I'd expected, but I guess that's got more to do with my expectations. The song and performance leaves me relatively cold, but juries will surely love all the pseudo-artsyness. And we've seen what Poland can manage in a televote too when it clicks. <br /><b>3 Estonia</b> | This leaves me quite cold too, but I need <i>something</i> to put third... I imagine it will do well tonight, only to get completely forgotten in the final, which is about what it deserves too. Competent and forgettable.<br /><b>4 Australia</b> | Usj. Barely a song. But at least he didn't rehearse the cry yesterday. Very well sung, so all those jurors that think Eurovision is like Idol will surely send him through very safely. Particularly since it's Australia. Hopefully televoters will have more sense!<br /><b>5 Finland</b> | Less well sung, but also needs it less.<br /><b>6 Serbia</b> | I'm less taken by this than most seem to be, but it's quite mesmerising either way.<br /><b>7 Romania</b> | It's absolute rubbish of course, but delightfully silly and cheerful, and could sneak through thanks to televoters being that way inclined.<br /><b>8 Cyprus</b> | Now it's starting to get tough... I've really liked this all season, assumed it as a safe qualifier (despite <i>not</i> being an UPTEMPO BOP), and think the whole shell thing looks quite nice on stage. But she looks very very bored, and isn't exactly packed with charisma. Could it lose out after all?<br /><b>9 Azerbaijan</b> | Not much of a song and not much light, but it does have a great drama-build towards the end. Instinctively I'd say it's a non-qualifier, but the juries need <i>something</i> to vote for...<br /><b>10 Belgium</b> | Surely another jury save, I wasn't at all convinced by this in the dress rehearsal.<br /><br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">11 Israel</strike> | Very nearly put this in, as it is rather struttastic while also being complete garage. Oh, did I say garage? I meant garbage.<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">12 San Marino</strike> | Seems to be the one gaining some momentum over the last few days, but it is still the same rather lame song it's been all along. I'll be relatively pleased to be wrong though, it's colour tv of the highest order, so would be a decent addition to the final. And I'm not going to be that person that compares it to Måneskin, nor that person that says "well <i>actually</i> he was around long before them".<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">13 Czechia</strike> | 🥒<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">14 Malta</strike> | She's not doing anything wrong, and I like it quite a bit, but at the dressrehearsal it mainly struck me as <i>long</i> (hvis det er lov å si).<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">15 Georgia</strike> | I didn't think it was possible, but it's actually worse than Black Mamba.<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">16 Ireland</strike> | It'd be nice for them if they qualified, and it's all perfectly decently done, but urgh, the song is really getting on my nerves. It's... just not very good, is it?<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">17 North Macedonia</strike> | Repeating my Bulgaria strategy here - it's just too obviously coming last to manage to come last.<br /><strike style="font-weight: bold;">18 Montenegro</strike> | :-(( My second favourite tonight, and unlike Denmark, where we were at least two people, I think I'm literally alone in the world on this :-((</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03182888677083936160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423379045644825646.post-23402733365085711622022-05-11T20:51:00.050+02:002022-05-11T22:56:44.118+02:00Semi Final 2 - Jury Rehearsal<p>Welcome to the live blog of the jury rehearsal of the second semi final. This is the moment of truth for another bunch of participants hoping to make it to the final. Tonight, they can make a first step and I’ll be here to praise and bitch about anything I see. Buckle up - and let’s get started!</p><p>Shocker, EBU intro is still the same.</p><p><b>Opening</b></p><p>We see one of the hosts backstage pretending everything is organized and we’re all set to go. Why don’t you fix the sun if everything’s so well-organized, eh? Opening on stage consists of various lush Italian men in suits dancing.Very cheeky. People in green cat suits joining now and I’m not sure why because there seem to be no special effects. </p><p>Hosts (minus one) walking in and welcoming everyone (and the four excited fans in the audience). Laura Pausini looks better than during the first semi. The other hosts now notice the one host who made sure everything is well-organized is now back from his well-organizing.</p><p>The other hosts have now been impressed by Mika’s French and we’re off to go. And so ESC has begun.. again?</p><p><b>Finland</b></p><p>Lead singer still has a huge forehead and going for that Chucky look. Singing is solid. Not too keen on the stage that has been filled with huge balloons. Overall the basic “look at us being rocky” vibe. Should probably qualify.</p><p><b>Israel</b></p><p>Yas, gurl. Opening has a runway show vibe. Graphics on the floor and the use of props is rather slick. Dancing is on point. This brings much needed fun to the stage, especially after Finland. If Israel was in last night’s semi, this would’ve made it. I suspect it might struggle tomorrow night.</p><p><b>Serbia</b></p><p>Brilliant or bizarre? I’d say brilliant, but I was wondering how they’d translate the brilliance on screen. The answer: the lyrics are subtitled. Despite that, will the audience get the meaning in between grabbing snacks (nom nom) and drinks (a dry white wine please) though? If not, I’m afraid people will tend to get bored easily.</p><p><b>Azerbaijan</b></p><p>I see Azerbaijan has copied Farid’s stage choreo, removed the transparent cage and purchased stairs. There’s nothing wrong with the staging, but there’s also really not that much that makes it stand out. It’s all a bit impactless. Vocals are solid and should receive a fair share of points from the juries tonight.</p><p><b>Georgia</b></p><p>On par with the awfulness they brought to Rotterdam, but at least Tornike was easy on the eyes. Oh right, eyes.. eyes, mouths and possibly other body parts are part of the graphics projected on the LEDS. But of course you knew that already because this is the gazillionth rehearsal. To me this is as hopeless as Bulgaria was yesterday.</p><p><b>Malta</b></p><p>First impression: gorgeous staging, Emma looks stunning. But at the same time: oy, shaky vocals. It’s a pity because I think the song has potential to do better than it’ll probably do. Shaky went to terrible real bad in the meanwhile. It sounds like they’re only making use of the on track backings, while she probably could’ve used the help of some singers om stage as well. I’m afraid this is a non-qualifier. Unless they paid the juries a little extra of course.</p><p><b>Small break</b></p><p>Did I say Laura looks good? Haha, silly me. We’re getting some information about the San Remo Festival now and some cringe lines from the hosts.</p><p><b>San Marino</b></p><p>This is so pretentious and ridiculous it becomes amazing. Achille brings the Måneskin appeal without the song or talent. The staging is everything every average Eurovision viewer expects from Eurovision; glitter, glammer and pyro. This will do really well in televoting, I imagine. Crazy thought, could this go Top 10 on Saturday? He sounded solid too.</p><p>Short break again, before we move on to <b>Australia</b></p><p>I was expecting quite a lot going by the fact this is pretty high up in the odds, but I find it a tad.. irritating? I’m not buying the fashionable look, the song is mediocre at best and his endless whaling makes you forget the nice features there are to this performance real bad and remember. Juries will probably save this, but I doubt many people will pick up their phone for this. Marija Serifovic ain’t winning again this year.</p><p><b>Cyprus</b></p><p>Dodgy vocals and she seems to be off from the track a little in the beginning. Ouch. Nice prop, but really doesn’t add anything to the performance. A complete waste of a great song. She completely blands into her prop which makes her stand out even less. There’s as much charisma on stage as there are visitors in the audience. Emma’s vocals sound fine now.</p><p><b>Ireland</b></p><p>A nice surprise after the Irish screw-up of last year. Is it unique and total awesomeness? No. It *is* a very welcome breath of fresh air after the line-up we’ve seen so far. Vocally solid’ish. She could really use some help from backings. I’d say this has a good chance to make it into the televoting Top 10. I’m afraid all in all the juries will keep this out of the final though.</p><p><b>North Macedonia</b></p><p>Anyone who’s followed the news around her can’t help but feel sorry. I’m a little confused here.. she sounds bad? Is she purposely not making a proper effort? I thought she was a better singer. I’m a little baffled. She better asks for political asylum in her last sentence.</p><p><b>Estonia</b></p><p>Stefan is looking very lush and sounding very stable. The staging is sufficient, nothing too special, but it’ll do the trick. Pretty safe qualifier, I’d say. He’s actually the first one who manages to hype up the audience. </p><p>And yet another break, Mika is going on about alarm clocks for some unapparent reason.</p><p><b>Romania</b></p><p>Romania brings some much needed fun to the line-up, although it’s surprisingly tame. Vocals aren’t great and therefore I’m afraid the juries will bury this. As a Eurovision fan though, I’m really digging this and hoping the televoters will pick it up. </p><p><b>Poland</b></p><p>I can see why this allegedly received so many applause from within the press centre. The staging is well done, although it has some really rough parts of incredibly cheap on-screen graphics and effects. My problem with this isn’t so much the staging or the song, but rather him. He has the charisma of a sandwich and hardly ever makes a connection with the camera. I suppose this will qualify, but no freaking way this is coming anywhere near winning.</p><p><b>Montenegro</b></p><p>First impression: gorgeous staging and Vladana looks beautiful as well. If she sounded anything like on the studio this was a sure qualifier. Now, with these vocals, it’ll be tough, but not as unlikely as the current odds might suggest.</p><p><b>Belgium</b></p><p>From the very first few notes Jérémie shows he’s vocally very capable. Capable is how I’d describe the staging as well. I can’t really find anything wrong with this apart from the fact it’s all a bit repetitive and therefore boring. A few notes off towards the end as well in his eagerness to vocally impress. I’m fearing for Belgium’s qualification.</p><p><b>Sweden</b></p><p>Whatever you saw at Melodifestivalen. Flawless. The first real contender for victory on Saturday. Head and shoulders above anything else.</p><p><b>Czech Republic</b></p><p>I was afraid this would be this semi’s Austria, but the staging is slick, her vocals are much more stable and the song definitely belongs in the Top 10 here as well. Qualifier.</p><p>Going through to the final:</p><p>🇫🇮 🇷🇸 🇸🇲 🇦🇺 🇪🇪 🇵🇱 🇲🇪 🇧🇪 🇸🇪 🇨🇿 </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05263281594153293278noreply@blogger.com0