So that’s that! I’m overjoyed for Sweden to win, especially with such a massive landslide of over 100 points. She totally nailed it tonight and I’m so pleased with the results.
Its late and I have had a lot to drink, so I’ll give my full report tomorrow, but I am so happy for good results for Estonia, Germany and Spain. I think Cyprus even managed to outdo Greece for the first time ever!
I’m fully intending to go to Stockholm 2013 for what promises to be an incredible show. Sweden is like the motherland for this contest, and a complete polar opposite to Azerbaijan.
Credit to the Azeris though, it was a great show!
I am totally floored by the support this blog has got in the run-up to tonight, but tonight’s stats are incredible. I am very moved and grateful to all of you xx
OH MY GOD IT’S FINALLY TIME! Can I finally make it to “Freshly Pressed”? I’m amazed at how Eurovision has been a lightning-rod for my blog over the last few months, and it seems it’s only getting bigger! I expect you to all abandon me after Sunday but it’s been a real ride and I love you all.
But enough about that, the semi-finals are DONE. The draw for the running order has been picked, so all that remains is for my wildly inaccurate predictions and commentaries on each of the countries. Deep breath… Oh remember you can click either the links on the country names, or the big “Eurovision 2012” tab at the top of the page to see my in-depth reviews of all 42 entries, as well as previews and post-mortems of both semi-finals. I’ll write up the final results as soon as I am able!
1. UNITED KINGDOM – Well the dubious honour of opening the show falls to veteran performer and holder of British hopes Engelbert Humperdinck. UK needs to get over its attitude problem towards Eurovision, and a good result I think is the only antidote. Not my first choice for a contemporary entry from one of the biggest music markets in the world, but we need some dignity and Engelbert is surely going to give us that. Prediction? An early start is tough, but if he pulls it off it will be a memorable entry. If not, it will be forgotten and relying on jury votes. Many are saying a top 10 finish, I think we would be lucky.
2. HUNGARY – Surprise qualifer from Tuesday, and unfortunately gets the ‘slot of death’. No song performing 2nd has ever won, but frankly just qualifying is quite an achievement. It’s a decent song but I think it’s got more than the slot of death to blame if this fails. Prediction? I think this is our first casualty, in the bottom 5.
3. ALBANIA – Hide your pets! It’s the scary Medusa lady! It seems to be the moment that people switched over to watch the semi-final on Tuesday, only to get terrified by her impressive but rather hardcore vocals. Should pick up some stray votes from its neighbours and the juries, but I think it’s too left-field to get too far. Prediction? Bottom 10.
4. LITHUANIA – Aided by the pimp slot in Thursday’s semi, Donny really made a little go a long way. Unfortunately his luck ran out in the running order, but since he is bordered by two less accessible songs, he might punch higher than his weight again. Prediction? Floundering again, bottom 10, possibly bottom 5 if his luck really stinks.
5. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – A surprise qualifier, given it’s not exactly a standout track. I do like it, but there’s not really much to it. Maybe it helps to know Bosnian (or Herzegovinian?), but it’s a little lost on me. It doesn’t quite have the climax that some of the other slower ballads have (though that didn’t see to help Slovenia). Prediction? Mid-table, because they usually do well, probably the late-teens.
6. RUSSIA – The grannies! Well I don’t want this to win at ALL, I think it would be calamitous for the contest that the only novelty song – an Eastern European one at that – could take the title. It would set the contest back several years to when Lordi won, and would shatter the fragile pieces of reputation it has pieced together over the subsequent years. I can’t go through that again. By all means enjoy the old infirm ladies hobbling around, but please put down the phone. Since I don’t trust you guys with that, I hope the juries sink this one. Prediction? A worrying top 5 finish.
7. ICELAND – I had hoped for a better slot for this one, and my feelings that this might challenge for victory seem shaky now. They hopefully did well on Tuesday but their performance was a little stiff, and they will look a bit po-faced after the Russian chaos. Still, hope they do well. Prediction? They might just sneak the top 10, though I hope they do better.
8. CYPRUS – Another dark horse, and gigantic Ivi wowed the crowds in the first semi, with whispers that they might even beat Greece this year, practically unheard of. I think it’s a great song, but might get a little forgotten after the amazing tracks afterwards. Prediction? Top 10 could really happen, but I think their slot might dash their top 5 hopes.
9. FRANCE – Big 5 time again, and the beautiful Anggun is flying the Tricolore this year. I LOVE this, very energetic and uplifting. I really hope they nail this one, France usually make a good effort each year to justify their automatic qualification, and this is particularly strong. Prediction? High teens I think, but it deserves better.
10. ITALY – And another hotshot, fresh off Italy’s runner-up position last year, people are whispering this might be the one to take out Loreen. Well it’s a great song with some great sexy energy to it, it’s certainly lightyears ahead of their previous entry, and look how well that did. Prediction? Top 3? Could it happen?
11. ESTONIA – OK the slot isn’t great, but Estonia will stand out after a string of uptempo ladies with his powerful ballad and handsome looks. Mercy! But yes, I’m not sure how it will work, it’ll either seem like a party-pooper, or a refreshing change for people who think it’s all got a bit too gay by this point of the evening. Prediction? I hope top 10, and with most of Estonia’s Baltic neighbours out of the running it might get a boost.
12. NORWAY – I think fierce Tooji would have wanted a better slot than this, but all things considered it’s not a bad place to be given his neighbours. He really needs to make his performance count, no space for slightly off-key notes that we got in the semis, but it could do really well. Prediction? Despite its promise, I think this might be one of those big pop injustices of the year, and it’ll flop in the bottom 10.
13. AZERBAIJAN – Is the contest in Azerbaijan? They didn’t mention it a million times. It seems they want to keep it there too, with another strong candidate. I think she’ll get a rapturous reaction from the crowd, and a good result for what is a pretty awesome ballad. Prediction? Top 10.
Oh so much text! Let’s break it up with a nice picture of Ell(e) and Nikki winning last year.
14. ROMANIA – Oh I had forgotten about these guys! It’s a pleasant enough song and guaranteed plenty of migrant worker votes from the West, but it lacks the sparkle of latter-day Romanian entries. Prediction? Might threaten the top 10, but I reckon high teens is more likely.
15. DENMARK – BORING. Hope this one finally gets its comeuppance, and lets Denmark know they can’t send any old dirge along to Eurovision and get away with it, they aren’t Turkey (oops!). Hate her voice, hate the outfits, the only really duff finalist I think. Prediction? – Better than it deserves, high teens.
16. GREECE – Oh oh oh ohhh ohhh … now Greece, it feels like they haven’t quite got the magic they’ve had in previous years, and the flashy set-pieces are gone too – even Cyprus had that clumsy looking rockery. They preserved their 100% qualification record, but I’m not sure their amazing run of top 10 finishes will continue. Give Cyprus a chance this year! Prediction? Probably top 10, but it would better suit the middle of the table.
17. SWEDEN – The big one to beat. I’m less convinced that Loreen slurring her way through such a magnificent pop song will necessarily win the day, no matter what the Swedophiles think. I DID think it was unstoppable, but I’m not basing it on what the bookies say, they were WAY OFF last year. I hope it does win, for Sweden’s sake, but it’s not the only choice for me. Prediction? I’d be a fool if I didn’t have this down as the winner, even if that nagging doubt isn’t going away. Just please don’t be the Russian grannies!
18. TURKEY – They really lucked out by qualifying, I don’t feel like it was a strong performance of the song, even if the song is growing on me. Can Bonomo seemed a little downbeat in the press conference afterwards, so if he is going to bring it on for his final performance, I hope he carries it off. Prediction? Turkey are strong contenders but I think this will get stuck mid-table.
19. SPAIN – OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. Spain have a pretty hopeless record at Eurovision, over 40 years since their last win, nearly 20 since their last top 5. If anyone can take out Loreen, I hope it’s Pastora. This song fills my black heart with a gloopy congested feeling that I suspect is love, and I want Europe to feel it towards Spain this year. Prediction? I am blinded by uplifting Celine-esque emotion and I have to hope they come top 3, or even win the whole damn thing.
20. GERMANY – Beautiful doe-eyed Roman has won me over, and this possibly boring ballad has grown into something beautiful for me. I think he might turn out to be a great performer, and could well take Germany to its third consecutive top 10 finish. Prediction? It could easily go wrong, but I think top 10 is a real prospect.
21. MALTA – Wow, what a turnaround. From cheapo Mediterranean dance song, his semi-final performance really won me over, so joyous and catchy, the stony-faced friends I was watching with were converted, as was my mum. That’s a good start. I hope Malta do the very best they can, it’s been a long time for them. Prediction? Oh PLEASE let it go top 10, it would warm the cockles of my hateful cold heart.
22. FYR MACEDONIA – Another surprise qualifer, and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea by any means, but Kaliopi really put everything into her performance in the semi-final, and she will surely attract a few friendly neighbourhood douze-points. Prediction? Bottom 10, but she should be proud.
23. IRELAND – After their massive momentum last year was hobbled by a poor slot (incidentally the one the Russian grannies have this year *cackle*), they have got a really hot slot this year. That water feature was amazing, and the boys have amazing energy that’s perfect for the atmosphere at Eurovision. Prediction? Could easily beat their 8th place peak of last year, but I think more likely they will match it – or thereabouts.
24. SERBIA – Wow, this is one to watch. Željko has a formidable Eurovision reputation, writing two top 10 finishes at previous contest, and coming 2nd in 2004 (though he didn’t write that). It’s an amazing slot for him that puts him firmly in contention for the win. I don’t really want it to win particularly, but it’s a powerful track and I hope it beats the rest of the Balkan entries. Prediction? Top 3, with a shot at the top.
25. UKRAINE – Amazing stage show, Ukraine really put a lot into their staging, and can often punch a lot higher than their weight. I think this has momentum, and while it’s a rather lyric-light 90s throwback, it’s a brilliantly fun and bright entry. Prediction? Top 10, wouldn’t write off a top 5 finish.
26. MOLDOVA – He really knows how to work a crowd doesn’t he? I think this never had a shot at winning, despite his slot closing the show, but it should give Moldova another surprisingly big finish, or surprising for those of us who assume Moldova is just small villages and turnips. Prediction? High teens.
PHEW. So that’s that! My predictions are likely to be terrible, I’m conscious that I may have predicted about 15 top 10 finishes, but no matter, you can make up your own minds. All that’s left for me to say now is that I hope you all enjoy the show, and just don’t forget about me when the music dies… *dramatic Albania face*
It’s half past midnight as I write this, and nobody has made a Youtube clip of all 26 finalists, so for now, enjoy all 42 finalists!
And that’s it! Ten more countries, in addition to the 10 qualifiers from Tuesday’s first semi-final, the host nation Azerbaijan and the “Big Five”, we have our 26 countries for Saturday’s big grand final.
QUALIFYING: Serbia, FYR Macedonia, Malta, Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Estonia, Norway, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania
I think this was one of the stronger semi-finals, but that doesn’t mean it was without its surprises. A lot of Balkan countries were in the mix tonight (and more importantly voting), but these songs didn’t sweep the board. In fact some of the stronger ones like Slovenia and (dare I say it) Slovakia took a dive. We also got rid of the last of the novelty hits as Georgia hit the skids.
Some of the losers were no-brainers. Netherlands have never qualified for a final since the semi-final system came in, and they didn’t break with tradition. It was a lovely song, but the poor position in the set-list was going to scupper their chances, at least until poor Joan did it herself by totally messing up the vocals, practically every note was off-key which was a real shame.
Belarus had horrific outfits that really distracted from what would have been one of their more mainstream selections. It could have been so much better. I still loved the song (moreso than Hungary on Tuesday) and the visuals, but it somehow seemed a bit of a mess. Bulgaria’s terrible qualification record continued, but despite a sparse/non-existent stage setup, Sofi really smashed those vocals (apart from the intro), and I thought they might have done enough.
Slovenia and Croatia, some gentle Balkan ballads (I’m not sure Slovenia is Balkan but it might as well be). Slovenia I thought would have a good chance, even if the staging seemed a bit lacking after the simple but effective national final performance. Croatia did itself no favours with one of the more subtle entries (that I loved) with black outfits and out-of-sync dancers, it just didn’t work.
Slovakia screamed their heads off, and turned what would have been a dark horse of a rock song into a mess. Georgia finally started to win me over with a much-improved live rendition of their novelty entry, but Europe weren’t buying it. Send a nice lady next time.
Onto the winners now. Sweden made light work of the semi-finals, but I’m still not entirely sure they are a dead-cert. But they would be a great winner. I just wish she would stop MUMBLING! It’s a great song, please SING IT!
Two qualifiers who made great effort with the vocals as well as spectacular visuals had to be Malta and Ukraine. Both were brought to life on the stage and really put them back in contention. I was particularly pleased to see Malta (and their penguin dance) qualify, they want it so bad! Ukraine really blew me away, very colourful, like a care-free happy clubbing version of Euphoria.
Estonia really brought the vocals too, and a rather handsome clean-shaven Ott (who managed to keep it in his trousers this time) belting out his song. I had this down for the sole heir of the Baltic empire for this year’s contest, but Lithuania managed to take full advantage of its slot closing the show, a backflip and a pretty solid track with great vocals. I think it might flounder a little bit in the final, but good on him for defeating some of the more potent Balkan nations. He was very pale though, do they get a lot of sun there?
Speaking of Balkans, juggernaut Serbia really smashed it, while FYR Macedonia surprised me with a great live performance. I thought it might be a bit screechy but it worked really well. Given Kaliopi’s history at the contest I am really pleased for her. I was stunned to see Bosnia & Herzegovina through though, especially over the more rousing Slovenian entry, but they’ve never missed a final yet. It’s not a bad song, but it doesn’t have the impact of many other ballads getting through.
Oh who’s left? Norway! It was touch and go, and his vocals were a little iffy, but it’s a great song. I expect it to do similarly to Russia last year (i.e mid-table if its lucky) but I’m glad to see them qualify after last year’s injustice. Finally, dependable Turkey get back on the road after last year’s disaster. The song is really growing on me, but I think it really wasn’t communicated well tonight. They should be lucky for all those migrant workers but I’m happy to give them a second chance. The crappy cloaks weren’t worth the human boat punchline, but at least they are trying. Maybe pop open a few buttons next time, Can, and lose the hat!
BBC3’s commentary happily went for the “less is more” approach and that made for a much more enjoyable show, thank GOD. And they let us see the looked-good-on-paper interval act that united the five previous winning acts: Dima Bilan, Marija whatshername, Ell/Nikki, Lena and Alexander Rybak. It was a string of ropey reprises of their winning songs with Azeri backing (though curiously not the Azeri winning song, probably saving that for Saturday), then a very uncomfortable rendition of ABBA’s Waterloo, which Marija seemed to hate. I don’t know WHAT Dima was singing along to though!
Other than the same nonsense with the golden ticket – which I might remind you had NO RELEVANCE to the contest other than a dramatic effect for the last finalist – it was a pretty slick show, better than the first one I think!
Ahead of Saturday’s big final, click “Eurovision 2012” at the top of the page. There you can read my reviews of all 42 finalists, as well as reactions to the semi-finals, and tomorrow a preview of the Grand Final. After the big event I will do a full post-mortem of the results, perhaps on Saturday night (late!) or more likely first thing Sunday.
I have been BLOWN AWAY by the incredible support this unknown blog has received by complete strangers, and I hope you don’t all desert me after Saturday, I will be doing a lot of retrospective stuff of older contests if you are into that, as well as my usual reviews of non-Eurovision albums, singles, movies and games that this blog used to be mostly!! Please “follow” me or “like” me if you have enjoyed my coverage, it would mean a lot to me, it makes it all worth while!! ❤
I just want to open by saying I’ve been totally blown away by the support for this blog, particularly in recent weeks, thanks so much, it means a lot to me and keeps me going on!!
But we are already on Wednesday of Eurovision week, so the second semi-final must be around the corner. In contrast to last night’s semi, there are a number of entries here that won’t go down without a fight. But they can’t all make it…
Remember you can read my individual reviews for the entries by clicking the country name, or clicking “Eurovision 2012” at the top of the page – my ESC2012 reviews are there too!
Serbia – Opening the show, Serbia are sending one of their Eurovision heavyweights into the ring. He came 2nd for Serbia & Montenegro, and wrote Bosnia & Herzegovina’s biggest hit (3rd), and Serbia’s entry for Belgrade’s contest – which he hosted! It’s a rousing track even without the benefit of English. Qualifier? Without a doubt, and a contender for the win, I think.
FYR Macedonia – Good luck following Serbia. Kaliopi might have been through a long journey to finally represent her country, but I’m not sure it’ll attract the voters outside the region. It’s a decent song but her vocals are an acquired taste, something it might take more than 3 minutes to achieve. Qualifier? FYRoM haven’t got a great history of qualifying, and I don’t think this will change that.
Netherlands – I love this one, described as “the ‘Smelly Cat’ of this year’s contest” by Måns Zelmerlöw. I totally get that, and it’s a gorgeous country-lite ballad, it’s catchy as hell, and I want it to qualify. Her outfit is a bit strange but it needs all the attention it can get, given its poor placing in the set-list. Qualifier? It will break my heart but I just don’t see it happening. I will be overjoyed if it gets through, as will the long-suffering Dutch.
Malta – Another one with the whiff of cannon fodder about it. Malta are struggling at the moment, but this is a clear progression from last year’s entry. It might be a bit generic and hasn’t got a lot to say, but it’s a fun up-tempo, the first of this semi. Qualifier? I am always rooting for Malta, and it might just make it this year.
Belarus– After a fantastic mess last year, they are sending a pretty great pop-rock-dance effort this year. It’s benefitted from a post-selection remix, and I think this could be a good year for Belarus. Qualifier? Well if Hungary can manage it…
Portugal– What was I saying about cannon fodder? A real toilet-break this time I’m afraid, I just can’t see this getting anywhere. Portugal have an unparalleled record for poor results in Eurovision, 45 entries with not even a top 5 finish. It’s still managed a few qualifications since the semi-finals came in, but I don’t think this is another. Qualifier? No way, José.
Ukraine– Ukraine have a great track record, 100% qualification from the semis, and often do even better once they get to the final. For this reason I’m confident they’ll make it through, but the song itself – a lyric-lite 90s dance throwback – is joyous enough (especially after Portugal), but not up to their usual standards. That said, I think it’s strong enough to make it through. Qualifier? Don’t bet against it.
Bulgaria– Going an extra mile to please the neighbours, this song says “I love you” in an impressive 10 languages, including the first usage of Azerbaijani in the contest, something even Azerbaijan haven’t done yet! This could be a hot mess, and Bulgaria’s terrible qualification record put it on shaky ground instantly, but it could well outshine Ukraine with Sofi’s vocal range singing a difficult melody. Qualifier? In a just world, it would, but it’ll need a lot of those countries to say “I love you” back…
Slovenia – Another Eastern-European ballad, and she has surprising magnetism in the performance I saw. Staging is everything for something like this, I think it’ll take more than her great vocals to win over Europe, but I hope she makes it. Qualifier? A poor qualification record, but they’ve shown they can do it with the right song, which this could well be.
Croatia– A dignified Balkan ballad now, and I really like it. The visuals in the video really helps so I think this could work on the stage given the right choices, but I worry its lack of big notes and its subtle beauty will be lost, or outshone by Slovenia. Qualifier? I’m not sure, but I hope it does.
Sweden– The juggernaut is here, and all eyes will be on Loreen to blow everyone away like she did at the Globen theatre in March. I’m concerned that her ‘art’ will get in the way of an amazing pop song, and her recent habit of barely pronouncing the words is infuriating for such a strong song. Sweden could land their first win for 13 years with this one, don’t mess it up. Qualifier?Surely it must, or cause one of the biggest shocks in recent Eurovision memory.
Georgia – Time to lighten the mood, Sweden is likely to be a bit po-faced. But maybe not with this, really gaudy and horrible. There’s a catchy melody in there, but this weirdo is putting me off it. Novelties didn’t play well in the first semi-final (bye bye, Montenegro, Austria, San Marino) and I don’t think this is the one to break that trend. A real shame, Georgia have sent some great entries in their short history. Qualifier? God I hope not.
Turkey– Never bet against Turkey – at least that’s what I thought until they deservedly crashed out in the semis last year. This year’s guy has some strange quality to him, and with Moldova a safe distance in the other semi, this is a distinctive pop song that’s bound to get people back on-side. Qualifier? Turkey are back in form, probably not a winner, but at least a qualifer.
Estonia– Finland and Latvia are already out, so it’s up to Estonia (and Lithuania but who are we kidding) to fly the flag for the Baltic bloc, with a powerful ballad. I think this really has a shot of looking and sounding great, and with a nice late position in the set-list, I hope this one gets through. Qualifier? Semi 1 was a Baltic disaster but I think this might make it through, along with his rampant genitalia.
Slovakia– And now for something completely different. A real rocky number, not sanitised for Europe. But there’s a really strong melody under there, and I think it will benefit hugely from being an authentic rock track, as several countries have learnt in recent years. Expect this to do well. Qualifier? I have a funny feeling about this one, it may well smash Slovakia’s previous best result.
Norway– Recent winner Norway had a rude shock when Stella Mwangi crashed hard in the semis last year, but they are pulling no punches this time. Seeing Eric Saade’s success in Dusseldorf proved that modern dance-pop could pay dividends, and so we have Tooji grinding his hips to an ultra-modern but ethnically tinged dancefloor stomper. With a late performance slot, I think Norway could get through comfortably. Qualifier? I hope so, he needs to nail these vocals though, and try not to be TOO gay (though apparently he isn’t)
Bosnia & Herzegovina – Another tender Balkan ballad, and it would probably get lost earlier in the slow. It’s a lovely song, and B&H have a 100% qualification record. I fear the Balkan block voting in this semi will more likely turn its attention to Serbia and Slovenia, but it’s a good effort. Qualifier? A great slot but not sure it’s got the power to get through, perhaps for the same reason Finland didn’t make it.
Lithuania – Not a big one to finish on, and Lithuania certainly have a difficult time of getting through to the final. This one is a little too slow getting going, but turns into a vaguely modern dance track later on. He’s going to need more than a backflip and a blindfold to get this through. I suspect the juries helped Lithuania’s shock qualification last year, but I don’t think they will bail this one out. Qualifier? If he raised his game for the performance, his great slot might sneak a qualification, but he’ll need all the luck he can get.
Phew!! Well that’s the lot, 10 of these 18 tracks will make it through, but which ones?
My predictions: Serbia, Malta, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, Estonia, Slovakia, Norway.
Hope you guys enjoy the show, and I’ll do a results/reaction piece as soon as I can after it’s over!
So one semi-final down, and we have ten countries that will join the “Big Five” and host nation Azerbaijan in Saturday’s final:
QUALIFYING – Iceland, Greece, Albania, Romania, Cyprus, Denmark, Russia, Hungary, Moldova & Ireland
OUT – Montenegro, Latvia, Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, Israel, San Marino, Austria.
It was a pretty solid semi-final, but perhaps there were few standout hits. There were certainly some standout misses, and fortunately these were eliminated. Montenegro was worse than I could have imagined. San Marino had the catchy tune and the backdrop but the delivery was lacking in sparkle. Israel was an oddball entry that I was warming to but Europe didn’t.
Switzerland and Belgium both gave better performances than I was planning, but sadly it wasn’t enough. Belgium certainly I thought had a great shot. I LOVE Latvia and Finland, but there was a sad inevitability when they didn’t get through, but they certainly gave it their best.
As for the winners, despite a nail-biter for Jedward, the last four announced qualifiers were as expected. I was braced for a shock defeat for Greece but it seems their 100% record lives on, but will they make the top 10 for a ninth year running? Cyprus outshone them in a rare moment, and I really think they have a shot at a great result.
The Russian grannies were the best I’ve seen them, but that still left me bemused and concerned at the prospect of a victory. I’m struggling to see any of the other qualifiers as winners, though I feel Iceland, Cyprus and Ireland may have done very well.
As for the others, not quite shocking but I had to raise an eyebrow at Hungary and Albania making the cut. Hungary outperformed my expectations with the song, but it was a good show. Albania could have gone either way, but fortunately it’s paid off. As a finalist it’s a total wildcard, but I think coming from a vocal-lite semifinal is one thing, but in the final they have to face off against Spain and probably one of the big Balkan ballads.
Denmark were just as expected, I don’t really rate the song, it’s a bit dreary and I hope it doesn’t do too well on Saturday (love the country though, Danish readers!). Romania and Moldova predictably rounded off the 10 qualifiers with entertaining efforts with widespread Euro-appeal, but I don’t think they have the killer instinct to take on the big songs in the final.
All in all, no major upsets, though I would have liked Latvia to have made it over Hungary, and Belgium over Denmark, but you can’t have it all.
The show was a bit clunky on the presenting, but happily upstaged the TERRIBLE commentary and interviewing provided by BBC3. Conscious of not being able to compete with Germany or Russia’s massive budgets, they packed plenty of amazing visuals into Crystal Hall, and it was a pretty slick show. Love the hall being lit outside with the countries’ flags!
The presenters looked a little uncomfortable, and that whole nonsense with the “golden ticket” (which didn’t have any significance to the results other than being the last random selection) was a bit odd. Did Elgar miss one of the Big Five too, the first time?
I managed 7/10 qualifiers at least, God knows why I thought San Marino were going to get through though! Well, you live and learn…
Semi-final two is on Thursday night, which promises to be a bit higher-stakes as Sweden take to the stage as well as a slew of potent Balkan efforts. Read up on the semi-finalists and other entries by clicking “Eurovision 2012” at the top of the page.
Verbal Diarrhoea 