Soon we will know who'll
be the best in the Euro
vision Song Contest
Bringing you all the news and gossip from the rehearsals in Basel
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Saturday, 23 May 2015
A small prediction
At this stage in proceedings I don't think I can manage to say very much that hasn't already been said after two weeks of scrutinising rehearsals, performances, clothes, graphics, lighting and trees.
But it is a blogger's duty to predict (and oh, btw, I had 10/10 on Thursday), and predict I shall:
Sweden will win.
I'd love for there to be a surprise but at this stage I can't see it happening. If it's not Sweden I expect it will be one of the other favourites, with the dark horses having become invisible on the blue backdrop.
And call me a crazy mad thing, but I've put my winnings from Thursday - Iceland not to qualify, since you ask - on the UK to receive not a single douze points tonight. Now watch the Albanian jury screw me.
Is it wine o'clock?
But it is a blogger's duty to predict (and oh, btw, I had 10/10 on Thursday), and predict I shall:
Sweden will win.
I'd love for there to be a surprise but at this stage I can't see it happening. If it's not Sweden I expect it will be one of the other favourites, with the dark horses having become invisible on the blue backdrop.
And call me a crazy mad thing, but I've put my winnings from Thursday - Iceland not to qualify, since you ask - on the UK to receive not a single douze points tonight. Now watch the Albanian jury screw me.
Is it wine o'clock?
Friday, 22 May 2015
FINAL - FIRST DRESS REHEARSAL (Part II)
GREECE
Professional, working all it has. We're not going to Thessaloniki which is a good thing for Greece and NERIT but she's giving it all she has and nailing it.
MONTENEGRO
I find it extremely hard as you know to write anything about this. It works. It's balkan. It passed to the final. It will end up probably bottom left or top right of the table. Everyone will go home and continue their life.
GERMANY
And of course, one more postcard I miss due to not paying attention. Oh well, surprise for tomorrow.
Ann Sophie has a new earring on her left. It's one of those songs which is good for radio but don't think it's doing too much on stage. Don't see it lighting up with points tomorrow night.
POLAND
Well, Poland was my missed country from last night's qualifyers - I obviouly put Malta instead.
No idea, it seems to be loved by many a person and I like it too - it was my 11th choice - but although a good song sung well, I don't see it setting the stage alight.
LATVIA
Now this is another story. I am extatic for Aminata and Latvia as a whole. It shows that if you don't give up and you try your best you will get results. Could this be a dark horse? Top 10 likely? Further up?
ROMANIA
And the kid is still there, not yet retuned to Romania. The song is performed well and Călin is charismatic with the camera. Should get mid tables.
SPAIN
Edurne goes sledging with huskies. Again, the huskies must have thanked their stars that this petite artiste was chosen for them.
Amazing! Trick of light so you don't see the first cape being ripped off ... well, you kinda do due to not great timing, but still great effect. Best performance we've seen from Spain to now. Things are working a lot better, camera angles, lighting ... should see this going up the rankings. Don't bet on a win or top 3 though.
HUNGARY
Boogying to Boggie was amazing during SF1. Solid performance again now. Came to be expected now though.
GEORGIA
Without all the make up Nina looks fresh and young. Doesn't help the effect she's trying to go for but she'll be all dolled up later on tonight and tomorrow no doubt.
Great vocals and attitude. It's a great follower to Hungary - brings back the energy to the arena and viewers. Left side of the board for sure.
AZERBAIJAN
Vocally competent but it's a repeat of what we've seen over the past few days. Last year we saw Azerbaijan does not need to be on the left. I think this will be high right.
RUSSIA
Only 8th in the Press Centre voting, Polina is nailing it. This is most likely her contest to lose.
There will be many comments whatever happens on the night, Russia win, look for the media mentioning Russia's rights and equality records, Russia lose, look at the Russian and spere media reporting on how Europe is playing a game which they will end up losing... who said there was no drama at Eurovision?
ALBANIA
Wearing a different black sparkly ensemble for the rehearsal, Elhaida looked to me in the beginning as if she had her bra straps showing - this is not the case, it's the netting of the dress.
Another good performance but not much twitching in the press centre sphere and the arena is not to be judged since they seem to be applauding and cheeing at everything.
ITALY
Another missed post card - talking about which delegations have already gone home and which not.
To be honest, coming after Russia and Albania just makes this lose it's potential. It seems like it's just *there*. Still will get to the top parts of the board but winner - maybe not so sure.
BREAK
Conchita talks to us and then the three other hosts are on stage to open the voting.
RECAP
INTERVAL ACT
A bunch of drums, and drummers for said drums, on stage. Ooh, and trumbones, and trumpets, and many other instruments.
There is a lot of commotion due to a certain angry Italian close to where I am sitting so I am missing some bits. It seems that the acts will be forming hearts. This is very weird. Have no clue what is going on. That is why the commentators have the notes from the broadcaster. There is a massive rainbow though.
Riverdance it is not. Emmelie de Forest it is not. Petra Mede it is not. This is about as memorable as the one from Belgrade. You know, the one with ... hmm... emm... yes, that one.
RECAP 2
Recap over, we have 60 seconds left to vote.
Countdown for the last 10 seconds.
Conchita sings You are Unstoppable. And continues with Firestorm.
We then speak to Conchita and later to Vincenzo who won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Italy back in November 2014. We see a clip of his performance and continue talking to him.
Arabella mentions Jan Ola Sand. "Hurry up Jan Ola! I'm coming!" she state! Hmm... be afraid!
And another issue. Seems like something was missed. Conchita runs back on stage to meet Alice and Mirjam who were there with the trophy.
Lots of commotion happening around me at the moment. I think Lys is here for interviews but can't see her - poor thing, she's such an old lady.
We then go through clips of winners past.
Arabella back in view. We see Jan Ola again and there is some awkward chat between the two. "This is where I say we have a result" explains Jan Ola. Ooh!
We're on the voting. For the rehearsals it's always in alphabetical order and usually the 12 get given to the next country in line. We should be going to our second voter, Armenia which just got 12 from Albania, but instead we have confusion and uncertainty.
When we call a country, we see a line, a Chain of Light if you will, from Vienna to the capital of the country which is voting. Apart from Vienna itself where thre is a big red light.
This will take a while so grabbing food.
OK, so food eaten but after 20 votes we seem to have stopped. Latvia was in the lead with Italy and Israel completing the top 3. There was a leaderboard showing you the full ranking at that point so no need to frantically count down to find out where our favourite is.
It seems that this is the end of the rehearsal. Which means we can pack up and get ready for the last night before our most sacred of nights is upon us again, and we find out where we will be flying, training or bussing to next year!
Professional, working all it has. We're not going to Thessaloniki which is a good thing for Greece and NERIT but she's giving it all she has and nailing it.
MONTENEGRO
I find it extremely hard as you know to write anything about this. It works. It's balkan. It passed to the final. It will end up probably bottom left or top right of the table. Everyone will go home and continue their life.
GERMANY
And of course, one more postcard I miss due to not paying attention. Oh well, surprise for tomorrow.
Ann Sophie has a new earring on her left. It's one of those songs which is good for radio but don't think it's doing too much on stage. Don't see it lighting up with points tomorrow night.
POLAND
Well, Poland was my missed country from last night's qualifyers - I obviouly put Malta instead.
LATVIA
Now this is another story. I am extatic for Aminata and Latvia as a whole. It shows that if you don't give up and you try your best you will get results. Could this be a dark horse? Top 10 likely? Further up?
ROMANIA
And the kid is still there, not yet retuned to Romania. The song is performed well and Călin is charismatic with the camera. Should get mid tables.
SPAIN
Edurne goes sledging with huskies. Again, the huskies must have thanked their stars that this petite artiste was chosen for them.
Amazing! Trick of light so you don't see the first cape being ripped off ... well, you kinda do due to not great timing, but still great effect. Best performance we've seen from Spain to now. Things are working a lot better, camera angles, lighting ... should see this going up the rankings. Don't bet on a win or top 3 though.
HUNGARY
Boogying to Boggie was amazing during SF1. Solid performance again now. Came to be expected now though.
GEORGIA
Without all the make up Nina looks fresh and young. Doesn't help the effect she's trying to go for but she'll be all dolled up later on tonight and tomorrow no doubt.
Great vocals and attitude. It's a great follower to Hungary - brings back the energy to the arena and viewers. Left side of the board for sure.
AZERBAIJAN
Vocally competent but it's a repeat of what we've seen over the past few days. Last year we saw Azerbaijan does not need to be on the left. I think this will be high right.
RUSSIA
Only 8th in the Press Centre voting, Polina is nailing it. This is most likely her contest to lose.
There will be many comments whatever happens on the night, Russia win, look for the media mentioning Russia's rights and equality records, Russia lose, look at the Russian and spere media reporting on how Europe is playing a game which they will end up losing... who said there was no drama at Eurovision?
ALBANIA
Wearing a different black sparkly ensemble for the rehearsal, Elhaida looked to me in the beginning as if she had her bra straps showing - this is not the case, it's the netting of the dress.
Another good performance but not much twitching in the press centre sphere and the arena is not to be judged since they seem to be applauding and cheeing at everything.
ITALY
Another missed post card - talking about which delegations have already gone home and which not.
To be honest, coming after Russia and Albania just makes this lose it's potential. It seems like it's just *there*. Still will get to the top parts of the board but winner - maybe not so sure.
BREAK
Conchita talks to us and then the three other hosts are on stage to open the voting.
RECAP
INTERVAL ACT
A bunch of drums, and drummers for said drums, on stage. Ooh, and trumbones, and trumpets, and many other instruments.
There is a lot of commotion due to a certain angry Italian close to where I am sitting so I am missing some bits. It seems that the acts will be forming hearts. This is very weird. Have no clue what is going on. That is why the commentators have the notes from the broadcaster. There is a massive rainbow though.
Riverdance it is not. Emmelie de Forest it is not. Petra Mede it is not. This is about as memorable as the one from Belgrade. You know, the one with ... hmm... emm... yes, that one.
RECAP 2
Recap over, we have 60 seconds left to vote.
Countdown for the last 10 seconds.
Conchita sings You are Unstoppable. And continues with Firestorm.
We then speak to Conchita and later to Vincenzo who won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for Italy back in November 2014. We see a clip of his performance and continue talking to him.
Arabella mentions Jan Ola Sand. "Hurry up Jan Ola! I'm coming!" she state! Hmm... be afraid!
And another issue. Seems like something was missed. Conchita runs back on stage to meet Alice and Mirjam who were there with the trophy.
Lots of commotion happening around me at the moment. I think Lys is here for interviews but can't see her - poor thing, she's such an old lady.
We then go through clips of winners past.
Arabella back in view. We see Jan Ola again and there is some awkward chat between the two. "This is where I say we have a result" explains Jan Ola. Ooh!
We're on the voting. For the rehearsals it's always in alphabetical order and usually the 12 get given to the next country in line. We should be going to our second voter, Armenia which just got 12 from Albania, but instead we have confusion and uncertainty.
When we call a country, we see a line, a Chain of Light if you will, from Vienna to the capital of the country which is voting. Apart from Vienna itself where thre is a big red light.
This will take a while so grabbing food.
OK, so food eaten but after 20 votes we seem to have stopped. Latvia was in the lead with Italy and Israel completing the top 3. There was a leaderboard showing you the full ranking at that point so no need to frantically count down to find out where our favourite is.
It seems that this is the end of the rehearsal. Which means we can pack up and get ready for the last night before our most sacred of nights is upon us again, and we find out where we will be flying, training or bussing to next year!
FINAL - FIRST DRESS REHEARSAL (Part I)
We've got 10 minutes before the first dress rehearsal for the final starts. Excitement aplenty!
Te Deum was playing in the background. We didn't have a screen view bbut now we have two guys on stage - the same which were prepping the audience up the last couple of days for the semi finals.
Seems like we're running a bit late, this is not part the of the show - unless we wer in Italy, it seems like something you would be able to see on Italia 1/Canale 5 or RAI1 on a weeknight.
The 'warm up' guys are still there ...
Still haven't started... nearly 10 mins late.
Te deum played by an orchestra in a marquee in the grounds of the Schlossbrun. We then get treated to a classical piece and then the intro to this years' building bridges.
Starting the show with another mix of last years' announcement of the winner - Austria.
We then go on a tour of Austira with the theme being circles - or at least that's the only connection I can see between the clips.
Circles, bubbles, running people, smiling children, all result in one sphere arriving at the Weiner Stadthalle and a real sphere travels down from the ceiling to the stage where it meets a violinist playing Merci Chérie and then flows into Rise like a Phoenix. During this performance the back of the stage opens up to reveal the orchestra.
Conchita rises up from under the stage.She sings the theme song of this year - Building Bridges.
Also joining her are the three other hosts - Arabella, Mirjam and Alice.
Conchita flies up into the airand is suspended over the audience moving from the podium to the main stage. In come the Vienna Boys' Choir. We move into a rap moment and the kids start waving Austrian and Australian flags. Really, this Australia stuff is starting to get to me - and I never really cared about them taking part, I thought it was a nice one off.
The stage is now for the 27 competing countries, however there was no announcement of the countries so the Slovenes were a bit 'do we, don't we' moment. They decide to take a leap and the camera moves on to Serbia, but the music is then stopped. Arabella then says "it seems that you don't need to rehearse but we do!"
"Good evening Europe!" and then music ... at the wrong time... so all three presenters laugh. Conchita looks pissed.
There is no mentioning of indicidual countries this time, just all come down at the same time.
Once all acts, flag bearers, remaining dancers and any other person wanting to go on stage has managed to get there, we continue singing Building Bridges. And the music stops.
"What a fantastic opening [...] thank you to our 265 artists here on stage"
Next we have the building bridges clips wich people were asked to submit. Not a "down down low" in sight.
Informing about the voting and we're about to start.
SLOVENIA
Extremely confident and compitent. Sounds like you're hearing the studio version. For someone who only qualified last night, Marjetka is doing very well. "Danke" and "Hvala".
FRANCE
Lisa is dressed in old Imperial robes and is having high tea. A picture is taken for her to keep.
The cameras failed right at the beginning. Director needs to be careful, rookie mistake. Still going on though, doesn't seem important enough to stop the show.
Lisa is not singing at her strongest, but we already know her philosophy - they need two good rounds, the one tonight and the one tomorrow. This is just a rehearsal.
ISRAEL
Nadav is not wearing his Golden Boy outfit - unless he wants to overly promote Nike t-shirts.
Some cameraman from NRK is blocking my view. But people seem to be clapping. It's good but maybe he's saving himself, maybe he partied too much last night ... maybe it's just getting a bit 'we've seen this already'? What am I saying? It's still fun!
ESTONIA
Something happened - so instead of listening to Estonia, we have facts about Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest read to us by Arabella. I am not sure if this is a rehearsal for 'should anything go wrong' or if it is actually just going wrong.
It seems it is going wrong. There is a technical (camera) issue. The three presenters are trying their best, but stand up comics they are not. Feel sorry for them. But oh well, it will be fine on the night.
Estonian postcard again - let's see if it works this time.
This time we get going.
Good performance, she doesn't cry but maybe it's not worth her while in this one.
UNITED KINGDOM
Bianca and Alex go flying drones at night with magical sticks - or at least that's whatt they want us to believe.
The pack has been covered by the fur throwover. Song is really not going anywhere. Need to grab that coffee? Why not use this as your break? Wouldn't be surprised if this came last. I think it will still receive points from Australia and Ireland but not many from anywhere else.
ARMENIA
Coming after the UK can only help Armenia. Another good performance and the circle is being nailed now. Should do decently well.
LITHUANIA
Harmless enough. Not going to do exceedingly well but not going to be really low in rankings either.
The more amazing thing I saw during this performance was that some delusional being has voted that the UK would win. I want whatever they're having please, and the suppliers' address. Danke.
SERBIA
Bojana is lovely, you can see she's enjoying every minute of that stage. And so are her backing. I do hope she does really well on Saturday.
NORWAY
Well, Debrah is trying on the Princess Merida look from the film Brave (2012). Good on ya girl! Why bother doing hair and make up for this... not like anyone is watching!
BREAK(Y)?
Not sure if this was a break or another issue. But we have a reminder of the voting numbers for the songs. And then we go to Måns. Is it just to build up suspence or is it to get the props on stage?
SWEDEN
Måns is also not worrying about costume. He's wearing a simple grey t which isn't as body hugging as his ensemble from yesterday but we get to see his arms which we enjoy.
He's not doing all the notes but that's could be for the usual two factors - tired from last night and saving for tonight. It's not an easy job doing this you know!
CYPRUS
Can Cyprus do another Lisa Andreas? This year probably not, but I can see this being top 10. Many artists are probably asking themselves the same question since thy didn't qualify last night or from Tuesday.
AUSTRALIA
Guy goes surfing in a freezing mountain river. He managed to get a cold because of it. But apparently recovered.
"This is one tough act to follow" until the EBU decide to bend all their rules when it suits them once more. I am not one for fairness and equality in the world but I am against two-faceism. If you have a rule, stick to it. Why don't we let the guys from FIFA manage - it seems they have the same ethos.
Having said that, this will do well, and if it wins so be it. But let us please keep it a one off.
BELGIUM
Again, this guy is amazing. He basically did the whole thing himself - song to choreography. And he is closing in on Italy in the betting odds. Expect good things fom this guy shortly. Could he be as big as Stromae?
AUSTRIA
Austrian postcard just shows us around Vienna. Nothing exceptional for the host country. Preferred some of the others.
The piano is on fire once more. Big cheer in the hall and press room - as can be imagined. Many 'mainstream' media representatives are now here and they are mainly Austrian.
BREAK
Arabella talks to Conchita - and congratulates her on a great job at the green room during the previous days. But, we also find out that she was at Eurovision previously - as part of the backing vocals for France 2008. We all laugh - not.
Te Deum was playing in the background. We didn't have a screen view bbut now we have two guys on stage - the same which were prepping the audience up the last couple of days for the semi finals.
Seems like we're running a bit late, this is not part the of the show - unless we wer in Italy, it seems like something you would be able to see on Italia 1/Canale 5 or RAI1 on a weeknight.
The 'warm up' guys are still there ...
Still haven't started... nearly 10 mins late.
Te deum played by an orchestra in a marquee in the grounds of the Schlossbrun. We then get treated to a classical piece and then the intro to this years' building bridges.
Starting the show with another mix of last years' announcement of the winner - Austria.
We then go on a tour of Austira with the theme being circles - or at least that's the only connection I can see between the clips.
Circles, bubbles, running people, smiling children, all result in one sphere arriving at the Weiner Stadthalle and a real sphere travels down from the ceiling to the stage where it meets a violinist playing Merci Chérie and then flows into Rise like a Phoenix. During this performance the back of the stage opens up to reveal the orchestra.
Conchita rises up from under the stage.She sings the theme song of this year - Building Bridges.
Also joining her are the three other hosts - Arabella, Mirjam and Alice.
Conchita flies up into the airand is suspended over the audience moving from the podium to the main stage. In come the Vienna Boys' Choir. We move into a rap moment and the kids start waving Austrian and Australian flags. Really, this Australia stuff is starting to get to me - and I never really cared about them taking part, I thought it was a nice one off.
The stage is now for the 27 competing countries, however there was no announcement of the countries so the Slovenes were a bit 'do we, don't we' moment. They decide to take a leap and the camera moves on to Serbia, but the music is then stopped. Arabella then says "it seems that you don't need to rehearse but we do!"
"Good evening Europe!" and then music ... at the wrong time... so all three presenters laugh. Conchita looks pissed.
There is no mentioning of indicidual countries this time, just all come down at the same time.
Once all acts, flag bearers, remaining dancers and any other person wanting to go on stage has managed to get there, we continue singing Building Bridges. And the music stops.
"What a fantastic opening [...] thank you to our 265 artists here on stage"
Next we have the building bridges clips wich people were asked to submit. Not a "down down low" in sight.
Informing about the voting and we're about to start.
SLOVENIA
Extremely confident and compitent. Sounds like you're hearing the studio version. For someone who only qualified last night, Marjetka is doing very well. "Danke" and "Hvala".
FRANCE
Lisa is dressed in old Imperial robes and is having high tea. A picture is taken for her to keep.
The cameras failed right at the beginning. Director needs to be careful, rookie mistake. Still going on though, doesn't seem important enough to stop the show.
Lisa is not singing at her strongest, but we already know her philosophy - they need two good rounds, the one tonight and the one tomorrow. This is just a rehearsal.
ISRAEL
Nadav is not wearing his Golden Boy outfit - unless he wants to overly promote Nike t-shirts.
Some cameraman from NRK is blocking my view. But people seem to be clapping. It's good but maybe he's saving himself, maybe he partied too much last night ... maybe it's just getting a bit 'we've seen this already'? What am I saying? It's still fun!
ESTONIA
Something happened - so instead of listening to Estonia, we have facts about Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest read to us by Arabella. I am not sure if this is a rehearsal for 'should anything go wrong' or if it is actually just going wrong.
It seems it is going wrong. There is a technical (camera) issue. The three presenters are trying their best, but stand up comics they are not. Feel sorry for them. But oh well, it will be fine on the night.
Estonian postcard again - let's see if it works this time.
This time we get going.
Good performance, she doesn't cry but maybe it's not worth her while in this one.
UNITED KINGDOM
Bianca and Alex go flying drones at night with magical sticks - or at least that's whatt they want us to believe.
The pack has been covered by the fur throwover. Song is really not going anywhere. Need to grab that coffee? Why not use this as your break? Wouldn't be surprised if this came last. I think it will still receive points from Australia and Ireland but not many from anywhere else.
ARMENIA
Coming after the UK can only help Armenia. Another good performance and the circle is being nailed now. Should do decently well.
LITHUANIA
Harmless enough. Not going to do exceedingly well but not going to be really low in rankings either.
The more amazing thing I saw during this performance was that some delusional being has voted that the UK would win. I want whatever they're having please, and the suppliers' address. Danke.
SERBIA
Bojana is lovely, you can see she's enjoying every minute of that stage. And so are her backing. I do hope she does really well on Saturday.
NORWAY
Well, Debrah is trying on the Princess Merida look from the film Brave (2012). Good on ya girl! Why bother doing hair and make up for this... not like anyone is watching!
BREAK(Y)?
Not sure if this was a break or another issue. But we have a reminder of the voting numbers for the songs. And then we go to Måns. Is it just to build up suspence or is it to get the props on stage?
SWEDEN
Måns is also not worrying about costume. He's wearing a simple grey t which isn't as body hugging as his ensemble from yesterday but we get to see his arms which we enjoy.
He's not doing all the notes but that's could be for the usual two factors - tired from last night and saving for tonight. It's not an easy job doing this you know!
CYPRUS
Can Cyprus do another Lisa Andreas? This year probably not, but I can see this being top 10. Many artists are probably asking themselves the same question since thy didn't qualify last night or from Tuesday.
AUSTRALIA
Guy goes surfing in a freezing mountain river. He managed to get a cold because of it. But apparently recovered.
"This is one tough act to follow" until the EBU decide to bend all their rules when it suits them once more. I am not one for fairness and equality in the world but I am against two-faceism. If you have a rule, stick to it. Why don't we let the guys from FIFA manage - it seems they have the same ethos.
Having said that, this will do well, and if it wins so be it. But let us please keep it a one off.
BELGIUM
Again, this guy is amazing. He basically did the whole thing himself - song to choreography. And he is closing in on Italy in the betting odds. Expect good things fom this guy shortly. Could he be as big as Stromae?
AUSTRIA
Austrian postcard just shows us around Vienna. Nothing exceptional for the host country. Preferred some of the others.
The piano is on fire once more. Big cheer in the hall and press room - as can be imagined. Many 'mainstream' media representatives are now here and they are mainly Austrian.
BREAK
Arabella talks to Conchita - and congratulates her on a great job at the green room during the previous days. But, we also find out that she was at Eurovision previously - as part of the backing vocals for France 2008. We all laugh - not.
Thursday, 21 May 2015
Interviews: Czech Republic, Cyprus and Slovenia
To complete the second semi finalists, here are our last three interviews! Hope you enjoy and share and tweet and post and do whatever it is you do in order to tell everyone how amazed you are at these performers and help them get to the final on Saturday!
SEMI FINAL TWO - THIRD DRESS REHEARSAL
Well, just like we did for the first, we will blog a bit about the rehearsal but only minimally. Will Portugal have to sing again? Will Iceland sound as bad as it has been? Will the 10 finalists be announced any slower?
Parade
Well, we already have a mistake - San Marino was called out but Montenegro stood up and was seen by the camera. The Slovenes are too slow so Polish Monika decides to overtake them in a move any F1 driver would be proud of!
LITHUANIA
No gay and lesbian kiss in this rehearsal again. Seems like they did it for the jury final so what are we to expect tonight?
IRELAND
Not sure what's going on with her hair with this one. Never really noticed it in any previous rehearsal so I'm assuming it's a new thing. Looks like he had a bee from the honey get stuck in it and she was scratching one part of her head to get it out. No dear. (San Marino intro ...) NO!
SAN MARINO
OH WHAT A SURPRISE! It seems we've been asked to switch the flashlight of the mobile phone on in this song. No one ever saw that one coming. Totally innovative idea.
MONTENEGRO
Knez has had a rough night it seems. He's never been looking like a spring chicken but it seems him and Lys could have been at school together here. Still, he still gets the song out.
MALTA
Apparently she was quite good in the jury final which should help. This is stronger than it was yesterday for sure. It will all depend on tonight I think.
BREAK
Green is the colour of hope "as you all know". I thought it was the colour of envy. But if Conchita says hope, it's hope. Obvi.
Conchita asks the same question to Michele as she did yesterday. This time he seems to have understood. Doesn't sound like a rehearsed answer at all. Molly from Ireland is cracking up at everything. What's you name? "HA!" Where do you come from "HA!" Where are you? "HA!" - OK, those were not the questions but answers were quite that.
NORWAY
LOVESH! Easily going through. He also stays moody for long enough at the end. Want to just give him a good long snog!
PORTUGAL
Ok, obrigado. Até já!
CZECH REPUBLIC
Great again, would love these to go through.
ISRAEL
Show me Tel Aviv baby! Come on, this has to go through!
LATVIA
And another sure qualifier if there is any justice in this world. Latvia is a class ahead of many this year. Unfortunately not sure about any problem-giving to the leaderboard, but a true song sung by a true artist.
AZERBAIJAN
Another decent rendition. Should be able to get through - although I just realised I said this for th past three songs. One of them will end up losing out probably - which unfortunately I would say is CZ *unhappy face :-(
ICELAND
Maria is a fairy in a stage play. She's light enough I guess, can't see Bojana having had this role. Although I would pay to watch that!
When not flying accross wooden planks supported by rigging, María is one step out of time. Well, she was yesterday, today it's not as terrible as it was. Seems like she managed to get it right at the end.
BREAK
Conchita small taks to Mørland (aka Kjetil) and then quickly move to talking fashion with Debrah. She then moves to Leonor who plays golf - of course she does. Why would she play anything else?
Charge your phones Europe!
SWEDEN
When something is good you don't change it. Congrats!
SWITZERLAND
The more I listen the more I like, but that's what happens with all the songs like is mentioned all the time. You cannot come here for two weeks and then not like every single one of them - or at least part of a song. Well, except Finland. That still hasn't had any likeable moment for me. Shame they've been kicked out *giggle with look of satisfaction*
CYPRUS
Simple, likeable - still needs to shave though. But if that is as bad as I can get on this then it's a good sign.
SLOVENIA
Camera angles are still a bit weird. Raay playing the airdrums, that random woman playing the air violin ... all a bit ... random. But in a good way? I love the song to bits, one of my favs, but watching it makes me feel stupid and confused - not nice. Then again, I'm in no way representative of European good taste so what the fook do I know.
POLAND
Still want some of that cake. There has been a sever lack of it here considering we're in Austria. Bad Vienna! WORST EUROVISION EVER!
Monika seems to have slept in coz there doesn't seem to be much make-up going on. It's before the watershed dearie, there are children watching! Still find myself singing along to this - harmless enough.
EUROPE (AND AUSTRALIA) START VOTING NOW!
RECAP an History moment etc.
Bit of an awkward pause after recap 2 since Conchita didn't get her moment right (only a few seconds late but it was noticeable). She tells us to go get a drink - we approve.
Voting closed.
Mix of the voting clips still makes me laugh. Love this clip.
Bianca and Alex from Electro Velvet are being interviewed by Arabella. Italy's Il Volo are next to be questioned, this time it's Alice with the microphone. Yodelling is left in the hands of Edurne and the Makemakes are last to be talked to.
Videos of the finalists.
Jan Ola confirms once more that the results are ready.
"Thank you very much Jan Ola."
Qualifiers:
01. Portugal
02. Poland
03. Iceland
04. Cyprus
05. Sweden
06. Lithuania
(this is going slower thankfully)
07. Malta
Arabella is informing us this is fake since there seems to be enthousiastic cheering in the hall. "But thank you for the cheering" says Alice.
08. Israel
09. Azerbaijan
"And the very last country to qualify for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is... "
10. SAN MARINO
Thank you and good night!
Parade
Well, we already have a mistake - San Marino was called out but Montenegro stood up and was seen by the camera. The Slovenes are too slow so Polish Monika decides to overtake them in a move any F1 driver would be proud of!
LITHUANIA
No gay and lesbian kiss in this rehearsal again. Seems like they did it for the jury final so what are we to expect tonight?
IRELAND
Not sure what's going on with her hair with this one. Never really noticed it in any previous rehearsal so I'm assuming it's a new thing. Looks like he had a bee from the honey get stuck in it and she was scratching one part of her head to get it out. No dear. (San Marino intro ...) NO!
SAN MARINO
OH WHAT A SURPRISE! It seems we've been asked to switch the flashlight of the mobile phone on in this song. No one ever saw that one coming. Totally innovative idea.
MONTENEGRO
Knez has had a rough night it seems. He's never been looking like a spring chicken but it seems him and Lys could have been at school together here. Still, he still gets the song out.
MALTA
Apparently she was quite good in the jury final which should help. This is stronger than it was yesterday for sure. It will all depend on tonight I think.
BREAK
Green is the colour of hope "as you all know". I thought it was the colour of envy. But if Conchita says hope, it's hope. Obvi.
Conchita asks the same question to Michele as she did yesterday. This time he seems to have understood. Doesn't sound like a rehearsed answer at all. Molly from Ireland is cracking up at everything. What's you name? "HA!" Where do you come from "HA!" Where are you? "HA!" - OK, those were not the questions but answers were quite that.
NORWAY
LOVESH! Easily going through. He also stays moody for long enough at the end. Want to just give him a good long snog!
PORTUGAL
Ok, obrigado. Até já!
CZECH REPUBLIC
Great again, would love these to go through.
ISRAEL
Show me Tel Aviv baby! Come on, this has to go through!
LATVIA
And another sure qualifier if there is any justice in this world. Latvia is a class ahead of many this year. Unfortunately not sure about any problem-giving to the leaderboard, but a true song sung by a true artist.
AZERBAIJAN
Another decent rendition. Should be able to get through - although I just realised I said this for th past three songs. One of them will end up losing out probably - which unfortunately I would say is CZ *unhappy face :-(
ICELAND
Maria is a fairy in a stage play. She's light enough I guess, can't see Bojana having had this role. Although I would pay to watch that!
When not flying accross wooden planks supported by rigging, María is one step out of time. Well, she was yesterday, today it's not as terrible as it was. Seems like she managed to get it right at the end.
BREAK
Conchita small taks to Mørland (aka Kjetil) and then quickly move to talking fashion with Debrah. She then moves to Leonor who plays golf - of course she does. Why would she play anything else?
Charge your phones Europe!
SWEDEN
When something is good you don't change it. Congrats!
SWITZERLAND
The more I listen the more I like, but that's what happens with all the songs like is mentioned all the time. You cannot come here for two weeks and then not like every single one of them - or at least part of a song. Well, except Finland. That still hasn't had any likeable moment for me. Shame they've been kicked out *giggle with look of satisfaction*
CYPRUS
Simple, likeable - still needs to shave though. But if that is as bad as I can get on this then it's a good sign.
SLOVENIA
Camera angles are still a bit weird. Raay playing the airdrums, that random woman playing the air violin ... all a bit ... random. But in a good way? I love the song to bits, one of my favs, but watching it makes me feel stupid and confused - not nice. Then again, I'm in no way representative of European good taste so what the fook do I know.
POLAND
Still want some of that cake. There has been a sever lack of it here considering we're in Austria. Bad Vienna! WORST EUROVISION EVER!
Monika seems to have slept in coz there doesn't seem to be much make-up going on. It's before the watershed dearie, there are children watching! Still find myself singing along to this - harmless enough.
EUROPE (AND AUSTRALIA) START VOTING NOW!
RECAP an History moment etc.
Bit of an awkward pause after recap 2 since Conchita didn't get her moment right (only a few seconds late but it was noticeable). She tells us to go get a drink - we approve.
Voting closed.
Mix of the voting clips still makes me laugh. Love this clip.
Bianca and Alex from Electro Velvet are being interviewed by Arabella. Italy's Il Volo are next to be questioned, this time it's Alice with the microphone. Yodelling is left in the hands of Edurne and the Makemakes are last to be talked to.
Videos of the finalists.
Jan Ola confirms once more that the results are ready.
"Thank you very much Jan Ola."
Qualifiers:
01. Portugal
02. Poland
03. Iceland
04. Cyprus
05. Sweden
06. Lithuania
(this is going slower thankfully)
07. Malta
Arabella is informing us this is fake since there seems to be enthousiastic cheering in the hall. "But thank you for the cheering" says Alice.
08. Israel
09. Azerbaijan
"And the very last country to qualify for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is... "
10. SAN MARINO
Thank you and good night!
Predicting part two
On Tuesday I said:
Albania and Macedonia are most certainly out.
So yeah.
Anyway I did get 8/10. Not sure if that will happen tonight as I really think it's Sweden + just about any of the others.
However, I'm going to daringly use my phrasing from Tuesday and say: Portugal and San Marino are most certainly out.
Here is the vote I did in the press centre the other day:
I was in a bit of a strange mood, I think. While I don't completely disagree with myself, I do think I was being a tad harsh on Norway, whose first rehearsals were very underwhelming and I still wonder if viewers might bore of it before the final chorus kicks in, especially during the awkward walking bit.
Montenegro has its fans, and I am starting to suspect that it will have enough of them to sneak in even though there aren't a great deal of obvious friends there.
Iceland is another odd one. She sings it pretty awfully and for me it's a huge non-song. But other people are clearly seeing and hearing something I'm not. Despite this I'll stick to my instinct that it will go the way of Denmark, meaning both Nordics will lose their 100% qualification record since the inception of the two-semi system.
I was having similar doubts about Latvia as with Belgium in semi one, but as Europe was discerning enough to vote Loic through, I'll hope the same happens tonight with Aminata.
Potential shock? Slovenia remains my favourite song this year, but it has been quite lacking in rehearsals and I don't know. I'm a little worried for it.
So I'll go for the following ten, in decreasing order of certainty:
Sweden
Azerbaijan
Cyprus
Poland
Lithuania
Israel
Latvia
Slovenia
Norway
Montenegro
This means I've dropped Ireland and Switzerland since the press centre prediction. From the point of personal preference, I hope that I was right then and wrong now.
Albania and Macedonia are most certainly out.
So yeah.
Anyway I did get 8/10. Not sure if that will happen tonight as I really think it's Sweden + just about any of the others.
However, I'm going to daringly use my phrasing from Tuesday and say: Portugal and San Marino are most certainly out.
Here is the vote I did in the press centre the other day:
I was in a bit of a strange mood, I think. While I don't completely disagree with myself, I do think I was being a tad harsh on Norway, whose first rehearsals were very underwhelming and I still wonder if viewers might bore of it before the final chorus kicks in, especially during the awkward walking bit.
Montenegro has its fans, and I am starting to suspect that it will have enough of them to sneak in even though there aren't a great deal of obvious friends there.
Iceland is another odd one. She sings it pretty awfully and for me it's a huge non-song. But other people are clearly seeing and hearing something I'm not. Despite this I'll stick to my instinct that it will go the way of Denmark, meaning both Nordics will lose their 100% qualification record since the inception of the two-semi system.
I was having similar doubts about Latvia as with Belgium in semi one, but as Europe was discerning enough to vote Loic through, I'll hope the same happens tonight with Aminata.
Potential shock? Slovenia remains my favourite song this year, but it has been quite lacking in rehearsals and I don't know. I'm a little worried for it.
So I'll go for the following ten, in decreasing order of certainty:
Sweden
Azerbaijan
Cyprus
Poland
Lithuania
Israel
Latvia
Slovenia
Norway
Montenegro
This means I've dropped Ireland and Switzerland since the press centre prediction. From the point of personal preference, I hope that I was right then and wrong now.
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Interiews: Montenegro, Malta and Portugal.
Shortly wrapping up our interview season for 2015, three of the
performers we got to talk to from Semi Final two are below. Remember to vote
for your favourite on Saturday night!
SEMI FINAL TWO - FIRST DRESS REHEARSAL
Opening is a mix of scenes from Semi Final 1. A voice introduces Mirjam, Alice and Arabella.
Fireworks, Wind Machene and quick costume change are mentioned!
But where are the artists? HELLO HI! Says Conchita from the green room.
Another parade in order of appearance from green room to stage.Waiting for how Monika is coming down. OK, she has helpers. But very tactfully, there is no big show of it. In fact, you need to be focusing to find it. Plus points.
All acts are now on stage "all good looking". Some more than others. We get a shout out to the direct finalists and a slight mention that 10 from the first semi have also joined. We get informed again on how to vote.
Pyro ready! Wind machene ready! And most importantly - VIENNA, ARE YOU READY?
LITHUANIA
Vaidas and Monika went bunjee jumping from a bridge over a river. And had a blast.
His vocals are a bit off but gets better. No kissing by backing but the lead singers do. And cheer! You can hear the kids in the arena cheering their heads off. This makes such a good opener for everyone. It is a decent enough performance. I've always managed to get Lithuania wrong. Say it will fail, it qualifies, say it qualifies it fails ... I'm not playing any more.
IRELAND
Molly gets taken to a bee farm - to continue her addiction to honey. Added to her addiction to chocolate she should stay away from:
Fireworks, Wind Machene and quick costume change are mentioned!
But where are the artists? HELLO HI! Says Conchita from the green room.
Another parade in order of appearance from green room to stage.Waiting for how Monika is coming down. OK, she has helpers. But very tactfully, there is no big show of it. In fact, you need to be focusing to find it. Plus points.
All acts are now on stage "all good looking". Some more than others. We get a shout out to the direct finalists and a slight mention that 10 from the first semi have also joined. We get informed again on how to vote.
Pyro ready! Wind machene ready! And most importantly - VIENNA, ARE YOU READY?
LITHUANIA
Vaidas and Monika went bunjee jumping from a bridge over a river. And had a blast.
His vocals are a bit off but gets better. No kissing by backing but the lead singers do. And cheer! You can hear the kids in the arena cheering their heads off. This makes such a good opener for everyone. It is a decent enough performance. I've always managed to get Lithuania wrong. Say it will fail, it qualifies, say it qualifies it fails ... I'm not playing any more.
IRELAND
Molly gets taken to a bee farm - to continue her addiction to honey. Added to her addiction to chocolate she should stay away from:
Simple enough staging for Ireland but is good for the song. It takes us back to how Ireland used to be when they used to simply win with a decent simple song sung exceedingly well. It's unfortunately a bit too early in the draw though I think. Molly smiles at the end, that simple sweet smile of a young artiste. Deserves good things.
SAN MARINO
Anita and Michele get taken to the Opera. They have a nice dance together dressed to impress.
The world is still spinning in the wrong way - which probably doesn't make much difference to people - but to me it does. IT'S WRONG. There is so much chemistry between these two. You can see they love eachother so much. Really, warms my heart and I can say I feel jealous. I wish someone cared for me as much as the spark between these. I also won the lottery three times in a row and have been told by HRH Prince Harry that William is thinking of leaving Kate for me.
MONTENEGRO
Knez goes finishing. Well, can't see him bungee jump or scale down buildings can we. Nice easy sport for him to do.
Well, this is still doing as well as any Željko song. I quite believe we will see it on Saturday. Staging, singing, lighting, performance - all works.
MALTA
Aber goes jumping out of a plane. She said she always wanted to do this ad it gave her the opportunity to do so. It was freezing.
Coming after Montenegro this just seems, lacking. It's a shame since she is such a sweetie but the Maltese will need all their Saints and Demons routing for them in order to get this through. Then again, a couple of people said it will qualify. So I choose to believe them.
BREAK
Conchita talks to Michele noting that she remembers him from last year - giving the points for San Marino. Michele doesn't understand the question. Fail.
Next in line for a Conchita question, is Molly who is asked about bingo (reference to numbers). Cinchita is shit at maths.
NORWAY
Kjetil and Debrah go on a lake using some (I guess) traditional wooden boats. They go meet some friends. No drowning anyone, still no clearer on what this terrible thing was that he did.
Pure class. The camera work is great. Now, think of how little you will see with the numerous flags in the way. Just a little bit of a smile too quickly on the ending, Kjetil needs to remain moody for just a couple of seconds longer for the effect to take hold.
PORTUGAL
Leonor goes rock climbing. And gets all the way to the top. Well, congrats dear.
It's grown on us. But it took the best part of three months. Three minutes will not be enough for the viewers at home. To get into it I mean, to switch over three minutes is more than enough.
CZECH REPUBLIC
They get a key and walk over a feckingly high suspension bridge to get to a castle. Václav is clad in a knights outfit including helmet.
Marta was at the euroclub last night and said that Václav was feeling a bit unwell but you wouldn't know this listening to the two. Works great and we so want them to qualify - from all the artists I think these are the ones who want it the most - just so they can show what the Czech Republic can do.
ISRAEL
Nadav is taken to spray paint a cable car. He does a good job and then enjoys a ride to the top of the mountain in his artwork.
The kids are loving this. When I first head this I was thinking no, just no. but now ... such a yes. Big fat yes.
LATVIA
Aminata goes running through the streets and forms 'art' with her and her friends aruond the town. They select parts of town, walls, corners, holes, and fill them with their body ... it will make sence when you see it - and it's a good idea.
Vocally it is great. Visually it's good. If Latvia do not get through with this then we know there is something very very wrong with Europe. What else do they need?
AZERBAIJAN
Always seems to be one postcard I totally miss due to some reason or another. Unfortunately this time it was the Azeri one.
The act is second to none. Great backdrop and the story flows and makes sence. Elnur sings well, and the backing accompanies him well. Should find it easy to qualify.
ICELAND
Mistake. The yshowed the postcard for Austria instead of the postcard for Iceland.
Awkward start. Starts too low. María gets back in eventually. You'd think we had northern lights every day in Iceland. She's not managing to get many of the important notes. Has she broke? How will she become unbroken?! Comic genious I am!
BREAK
Apparently, 99% of Icelandic TV viewers watched ESC last year. Great.
Norway is next to be interviewed. Conchita then shuffles her way to the Portuguese table. Her Portuguese is a bit rusty - as is Leonor's answer.
4 famous words - EUROPE, CHARGE YOUR PHONES. Only a few more songs to go.
"Hej to Sweden!"
SWEDEN
Måns is dressed in somethin that looks like a spacesuit. He is accompanied through a cave inside a mountain. The scenery does look moonline - which is why I guess the suit is there.
He is a bit too quick singing the first verse. The package is still exceedigly good, but with songs like Russia and France what will be chosen on Saturday? We are taking it for granted he is there. Huge roar of cheers from audience in hall and in press centre.
SWITZERLAND
Mélanie went ice hockey playing on a frozen lake. Lovely. Frosty the Mascot and all.
Her time to shine - apparently. I think Europe will disagree.
CYPRUS
John goes paddle boarding down a river. He seems thrilled about it. Good ol' John.
Another performance which went simply well. Will it be enough to see him through to Saturday though? Bets are open.
SLOVENIA
Where would they take the Slovenes if it wasn't going to be with Lipizzaner horses? Raay and Marjetka laugh and pet the horsies and then these go galloping though the field.
It's a great song but some of the camera work is a bit - well, not my taste. It looks like there is just something a bit missing. It will still qualify though.
POLAND
Monika gets taken to make tier cakes. We approve. Now let us taste it please.
Nice camera work and strong vocals from Monika but I don't know if this is enough to be in the top 10 on Thursday - which is a shame.
BREAK
"Europe start voting". Recap over we go back to have information melanges about Eurovision and Austria. Austria seems to have invented the world. I thought that was the Greeks. I was mistaken it seems.
Plugging of the DVD and CD. And off to recap number two.
After the recap, jus over 60 seconds left to vote.
We love Arabella: "If you haven't voted yet, you only have ... wait ... look... blablabla seconds left to vote!" She can stay.
Arabella and Alice close the voting after a countdown.
Mirjam then takes us to a mix of clips of when voting went wrong or the best moments from the voting past - you couldn't leave out "I don't have it". Loving this.
We then have a chat with Monika from Poland. Well, her stand-in anyway. No pun intended, that's what they're called. Then on to John from Cyprus. And Måns also will get a quick interview.
Arabella talks to Amber, while Alice then talks to Maraaya. "Thank you and good luck".
Back to the seven direct finalists. Alice announces the big 5, the special guest and the winner of last year.
The cut to the video for these did not work.
They then need a microphone and start talking in German. Since I don't speak it ...
This was the light check and now that it's done we can continue. "Question is, with what?" asks Arabella - again, I need to be her fan.
Repeat of the dialogue previously covered, and videos now work.
Mirjam is with us once the videos are over. She asks Jan Ola if the results are ready. He tries to say something but she doesn't hear him. He repeats that the results are ready.
"That sounds good" replies Mirjam. Arabella and Alice are on stage behind the podium ready to inform us of the 10 qualifiers. Alice speaks in German so no idea what she is going on about.
01. Latvia
02. Switzerland
03. Sweden
still too fast
04. Slovenia
05. Norway
06. Lithuania
07. Iceland
08. Portugal
09. Ireland
"... and the very last country that made it to the grand final of the Eurovisio Song Contest 2015 is ... "
10. Montenegro
It is the largest final ever with 27 countries competing. They do the whole "Good morning Australia, Good night Europe." and it's done.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
SEMI FINAL ONE - THIRD DRESS REHEARSAL
Apologies, got in a bit late today. No, I'm all here after the fantastic Israeli party but just was having a bit of a lie in. At the party yesterday we had Amber, Kurt Calleja, María Ólafs, Il Volo, Michele & Anita, Elnur (who sang part of Hava Nagila) and some others. Always a party not to miss.
So, what have we seen up to now today:
MOLDOVA
Still sings competently well. Qualifier - likely.
ARMENIA
THEY GOT THE CIRCLE! THEY GOT THE CIRCLE! And it didn't look weird! Now let's hope they can repeat tonight. Qualifier - likely
BELGIUM
Another greatt rendition. Qualifier - likely
NETHERLANDS
Trijntje is in the same dress as yesterday afternoon - so we assume she's keeping this now. Qualifier - unsure.
FINLAND
I have decided to refrain from commenting on this. It seems whatever anyone says about this it ends up being taken too much to heart by people so it's not worth the drama. Qualifier - you decide.
BREAK
Interview Loïc and Trijntje.
GREECE
Much wind, many light, breath. Qualifier - yes.
ESTONIA
Well, it seems the crying is part of the act since she cried again now! No need to worry, it's all part of it. Qualifier - yes.
FYR MACEDONIA
Again, this is not bad. It's just not attractive enough to make it an easy qualifier. Unlikely.
SERBIA
Gone are the days when clothing ripped off during a performance magically disappeared from stage. Bojana's white robes litter the ground making it look messy. Beauty may not lie but cleanliness is supreme. Qualifier - too close to call. It could go either way.
HUNGARY
Nothing else needed - yes.
BELARUS
Just like with FYR Macedonia, this is a decent enough song, just not strong enough in the semi. Unlikely.
RUSSIA
Absolute belter! Top 3 in the final is hers, or it's ROBBED!
BREAK
Talking to Elina and Stig. Elina shows she doesn't only sing cute puppy-eye songs. Then off to Bojana.
Reminder again for the DVD and CD and #eurovision.
DENMARK
One of the other difficult ones to judge. It's Danish enough to make it work but in a year like this will being "Danish enough" mean anything?
ALBANIA
i assume she's saving her voice. Did not sound as good as it has been in the past rehearsals. She did the same yesterday so there is a trend. I would like to say yes but it also falls in the question mix.
ROMANIA
All over again. The more I watch and listen the more I realise how I have no fecking clue of what is going to happen with half of these songs. The message is good, the song is mediocre. Hungary beats Romania on the combination of the two - but is Europe willing to have two of these on Saturday?
GEORGIA
Finally, something that doesn't make me judge my capabilities of having my own thoughts and opinions. Not that my thoughts and opinions are much different to anyone else's on this song but at least I know it's a qualifier. Unlike yesterday, she sings it as it should be - last warm up before the big night.
RECAP
Slight glitch with the graphics which had the rolling 'telephone numbers' sequence going on when the voting hadn't been opened yet. No need to redo so we continue with the actual recap once the voting is open.
Noting different to yesterday so just read that one if you need. No hiccups, no champagne, no petits fours, NOTHING!
"QUALIFIERS"
01. Greece
And again a technical issue.Mirjam is a lier. Apparently.
So now...
01. Moldova (reminds me of Igor's voting method)
02. FYR Macedonia (this time with FYR mentioed)
03. Hungary
04. Georgia
05. Estonia
06. Belarus
07. Armenia
Small talk for suspence.
08. Greece
09. Denmark
Last finalist from the first semi final of 2015.
10. The Netherlands. Les Pays Bas.
RECAP
Again, in order of appearance not announcement.
End of show. Only a few hours until the show begins!!!
So, what have we seen up to now today:
MOLDOVA
Still sings competently well. Qualifier - likely.
ARMENIA
THEY GOT THE CIRCLE! THEY GOT THE CIRCLE! And it didn't look weird! Now let's hope they can repeat tonight. Qualifier - likely
BELGIUM
Another greatt rendition. Qualifier - likely
NETHERLANDS
Trijntje is in the same dress as yesterday afternoon - so we assume she's keeping this now. Qualifier - unsure.
FINLAND
I have decided to refrain from commenting on this. It seems whatever anyone says about this it ends up being taken too much to heart by people so it's not worth the drama. Qualifier - you decide.
BREAK
Interview Loïc and Trijntje.
GREECE
Much wind, many light, breath. Qualifier - yes.
ESTONIA
Well, it seems the crying is part of the act since she cried again now! No need to worry, it's all part of it. Qualifier - yes.
FYR MACEDONIA
Again, this is not bad. It's just not attractive enough to make it an easy qualifier. Unlikely.
SERBIA
Gone are the days when clothing ripped off during a performance magically disappeared from stage. Bojana's white robes litter the ground making it look messy. Beauty may not lie but cleanliness is supreme. Qualifier - too close to call. It could go either way.
HUNGARY
Nothing else needed - yes.
BELARUS
Just like with FYR Macedonia, this is a decent enough song, just not strong enough in the semi. Unlikely.
RUSSIA
Absolute belter! Top 3 in the final is hers, or it's ROBBED!
BREAK
Talking to Elina and Stig. Elina shows she doesn't only sing cute puppy-eye songs. Then off to Bojana.
Reminder again for the DVD and CD and #eurovision.
DENMARK
One of the other difficult ones to judge. It's Danish enough to make it work but in a year like this will being "Danish enough" mean anything?
ALBANIA
i assume she's saving her voice. Did not sound as good as it has been in the past rehearsals. She did the same yesterday so there is a trend. I would like to say yes but it also falls in the question mix.
ROMANIA
All over again. The more I watch and listen the more I realise how I have no fecking clue of what is going to happen with half of these songs. The message is good, the song is mediocre. Hungary beats Romania on the combination of the two - but is Europe willing to have two of these on Saturday?
GEORGIA
Finally, something that doesn't make me judge my capabilities of having my own thoughts and opinions. Not that my thoughts and opinions are much different to anyone else's on this song but at least I know it's a qualifier. Unlike yesterday, she sings it as it should be - last warm up before the big night.
RECAP
Slight glitch with the graphics which had the rolling 'telephone numbers' sequence going on when the voting hadn't been opened yet. No need to redo so we continue with the actual recap once the voting is open.
Noting different to yesterday so just read that one if you need. No hiccups, no champagne, no petits fours, NOTHING!
"QUALIFIERS"
01. Greece
And again a technical issue.Mirjam is a lier. Apparently.
So now...
01. Moldova (reminds me of Igor's voting method)
02. FYR Macedonia (this time with FYR mentioed)
03. Hungary
04. Georgia
05. Estonia
06. Belarus
07. Armenia
Small talk for suspence.
08. Greece
09. Denmark
Last finalist from the first semi final of 2015.
10. The Netherlands. Les Pays Bas.
RECAP
Again, in order of appearance not announcement.
End of show. Only a few hours until the show begins!!!
And the qualifiers are
But really, how should I know? I am usually the worst predictor among the ESC Nation bloggers, and obviously feel the burden of responsibility to maintain this position!
So in declining degree of certainty:
Russia
Estonia
Greece
Romania
Hungary
Georgia
Armenia
Finland
Netherlands
Belgium
Belgium really should, but I'm still worried it could be a bit too leftfield and will look strange on screen. Serbia and Denmark could certainly sneak in, Albania and Macedonia are most certainly out.
In comparison this is what I handed in to the press centre poll the other day (as you can see I decided that taste should prevail with Belgium in instead of Moldova).
So in declining degree of certainty:
Russia
Estonia
Greece
Romania
Hungary
Georgia
Armenia
Finland
Netherlands
Belgium
Belgium really should, but I'm still worried it could be a bit too leftfield and will look strange on screen. Serbia and Denmark could certainly sneak in, Albania and Macedonia are most certainly out.
In comparison this is what I handed in to the press centre poll the other day (as you can see I decided that taste should prevail with Belgium in instead of Moldova).
Interview: FYR Macedonia
Our final interview from Semi 1 contestants. This time the
lovely Daniel Kajmakovski. This guy is amazing, don't know where he gets his
energy from. If I only had half of his I would be quite pleased with myself.
Unfortunately we didn't get to do the quick round questions but let's see what
he had to say for our other ones.
Monday, 18 May 2015
Interview: Armenia
Although we have all seen certain less than flattering comments about the concept of how the Armenian representatives have been selected and the song's topic of choice but if this was not a Eurovision entry it wouldn't have received such queen comments. Trying to look at it from a distance and keeping a level of unbiased opinion it is not half bad. Armenia is always one of those countries you need to keep an eye out for and even though this year sees their odds are less favorable than normal, we know things have surprised in the past. Could this be one of those?
We managed to get a short chat with the group composed of Essai Altounian (FRA), Tamar Kaprelian (USA), VaheTilbian (ETH) , Stephanie Topalian (JPN), Mary-Jean O'Doherty Vasmatzian (AUS) and Inga Arshakyan (ARM).
One thing I do have to mention here, with all the manic journalists and fans you need to deal with as Press officer for any delagation, I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to Ruzanna Pilosyan of the American University of Armenia. She is in charge of handling all the request, all the post shots and trying to keep the calm between the masses wanting interviews and promo materials. Always giving her most, she showed that even when under difficult circumstances you can still smile and give a great impression of yourself and a great representation of your country. Sadly, this cannot be said for all this year.
I would like to apologise in advance for any shaky camerawork. It was a bit of a quick rush and having the group spread out was a bit difficult to pan out and get the best shots when working solo. I hope you enjoy!
We managed to get a short chat with the group composed of Essai Altounian (FRA), Tamar Kaprelian (USA), VaheTilbian (ETH) , Stephanie Topalian (JPN), Mary-Jean O'Doherty Vasmatzian (AUS) and Inga Arshakyan (ARM).
One thing I do have to mention here, with all the manic journalists and fans you need to deal with as Press officer for any delagation, I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to Ruzanna Pilosyan of the American University of Armenia. She is in charge of handling all the request, all the post shots and trying to keep the calm between the masses wanting interviews and promo materials. Always giving her most, she showed that even when under difficult circumstances you can still smile and give a great impression of yourself and a great representation of your country. Sadly, this cannot be said for all this year.
I would like to apologise in advance for any shaky camerawork. It was a bit of a quick rush and having the group spread out was a bit difficult to pan out and get the best shots when working solo. I hope you enjoy!
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