Eurovision: Your Country Needs You! MSN Eurovision Blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a much better performance second time around. In the semi-finals he almost forced the lyrics and lost his nerve by the second verse, but tonight he gave it his all. I love the fact that his performance is geniune and simple - No bells and whistles just a piano, but it must be so hard to go first...

 

 

 

Sorry, but I still don't like this. I didn't like the track the first time around and I'm still not sold. These gorgeous ladies look so dowdy in beige and black and the song is almost like a dirge. I feel like I'm watching The Addams Family. It doesn't help that the mirror-dancing is like something from a year 4 dance class... They have beautiful voices but no pizazz. Next!

 

 

 

 

Here she is. Patricia is a huge star in her own right and she's performed on this stage before - She's huge in Russia!

 

She approaches the mic like a pro, but I have to say I was expecting more. Her voice is enchanting, but her delivery is almost awkward. I've no doubt she's trying to add drama via that stance, but she looks more uncomfortable than edgy. The crowd are on their feet, they're obviously going on the vocal rather than the performance. I have to give her her due, her tone reminded me of Edith Piaff - very strong contender and a huge fan base.

 

 

 

Once again the vocal is amazing, but I have to admit Malena's expressions scare me. Her glare during the chorus is frightening and I'm not sure if that's the idea. Do you think she's trying some sort of Jedi mind trick to make us vote.

 

 

 

 

Speak up Igor! Once again you can only hear his first verse if you're a Noctuid Moth - Thank God for the chorus (and Andrea) or else I'd have nothing to say. Wow, he make up for it at the end with his ad libs though... Fantastic sound, but far too floaty a performance for me - A bit wet.

 

 

 

LOL! Here's Graham Norton's favourite.

Bless, he's just said during his commentary that he's concerned about being a fan. "I know they're in traditional dress and playing accordians but I just can't help it".

 

Is it just me or does the bongo player look like Bernard Breslaw.

 

I have to agree with Graham, this is such a feel-good song and although it's not in English it really doesn't matter. It's all in the delivery and boy does she sell it. Her voice is so sweet and the band are so happy. You feel like your part some sort of street festival!

 

 

 

I'm once again distracted by the frills and lace. Why on earth did they put a beautiful young girl in such a dire frock?

 

If you press your red buttons at home, you can read the lyrics on screen and this song is actually one of the better ones (as far as lyrics go). Eurovision's not really the place for deep lyrics but hey... That's why we love it.

 

 

 

Are you a fan? I'm sorry but all this wiggling does nothing for me.

 

The theme of the song is very similar to ours when you listen to it. It's all about that one moment and I'm really hoping that it's Jade's and not his. This guy is a massive star and I have to ask why Eurovision? Then again I could say the same about Patricia Kaas...

 

Why do we never have established acts who want to enter?
Eurovision has such a bad rep... it's a shame.

 

 

 

I've actually changed my mind about this track. I loved the performance in the semis (as I had no clue what the girls were saying) but now I have the lyrics on my release they're not that great. In fact, they're rather pants.

 

I love the costumes, the lighting, the melody all of it... But they've lost me on the lyrics.

 

"Without me you cannot be
Can’t you see?
We aren’t free
Fixed like a tree
To the holy ground
With my sound
I’ll be always around"

 

Nuff said...

 

 

 

Did you see the screen behind Anastasia during that performance? They had a close up of her face and she was growing old as the song went on - Amazing effect.

 

She sang passionately, but I'm not sure about the hook. I mean if you took Madonna's Papa Don't Preach and created more wordy version for mums, this would be it! You'd have to sing it Russian of course, but you get what I mean.

 

 

 
Aysel is just stunning isn't she? No wonder this is a huge favourite, it must be one of the only acts to get the guys picking up the phone!

 

The song is so catchy I'd have to place these two in the top five tonight. Naturally they receive the first standing ovation of the night.

 

 

 

I have no idea how Regina made it through the semi finals. How miserable is this song? It's just not inkeeping with Eurovision at all... What can I say that's positive? They managed to reflect the song in their performance - That's a positive.

 

In other words they all looked ruddy miserable as well! I'm sory but it's Eurovision, like one of my lovely readers said moments ago - "It's supposed to be fun!"

 

 

 

Beer anyone? Sorry I can't help it with those outfits!

I think that Nelly just might be one of the chirpiest people on the planet. Her vocals were much improved tonight and she seemed far less nervous than in the semis. 

 

My only problem is that the start of the song is awful. All the "Na La Ta La Na La Ooohh"! No, no, no! 

 

 

 

I was hoping to say that Chiara sounded terrible and was off key, as I think she's Jades closest competition. Sadly I cannot... She was fabulous, she sold the song and was pretty much on point all the way through. From the shots of the crowd you could see they were mesmerized.

 

As I said before I think Chiara's song has a slight edge on Lloyd Webber's. It's about freedom for all whereas Jade's is about her moment, her time. Considering Chiara has come second and third before now, will the European public give her that top spot tonight? Will they see Jade's song as inward in comparison? I hope not!

 

 

 

Now I really am watching The Addams Family. Having spoke to pretty much everyone I know about Eurovision this week, I'm yet to find one person who likes this song. Who voted for it? Was it you?

 

I have two positives, I can't say she can't sing and the violinists are amazing. That's as polite as I can be... Not my bag at all and NOT Eurovision

 

 

 

Brinck rocks and I love this song. Well done to Ronan Keating for co-writing this cracker, the crowd are on their feet and they're dancing away. My only problem with his performance is that it's a little Stars In Their Eyes, he sounds just like Ronan!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, no, no. The silver Romans and the hamster wheels were 'interesting' the first time around. Now, in the final - They're just plain weird!

 

The song is catchy but I'm distracted by her swivelling hips and the whole Christina Aguilera thing she's attempting. I was impressed by the three guys flipping her over. Sadly that has nothing to do with the song...

 

 

 

The lyrics to this song are terrible and it's a real shame as the melody has promise. Her vocals had the odd tremble but other than that I couldn't fault her.

 

A shame they look like they belong in a children's book.

 

 

 
Here we go...

Well done Jade! A cracking performance.

What a thrill to have Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano too, I'm sure that'll land us a few extra votes (ahem!)

 

I was crossing my fingers at the end that she didn't go over the top. She held it together though and managed to smile through the nerves as the crowd erupted.

 

If I'm being honest there were a couple of teeny blips, but nothing I'd post because I'm totaly bias. LOL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, great vocals but I didn't like the ending. It was just too screechy, I was wincing.

 

I'm surprised to be honest as Soraya is successful artist in Spain. She's released four albums with Universal and was the most popular finalist of the TV programme "Operación Triunfo" - Not my bag.

 

So that's everyone...
Who do you think had the winning performance tonight?

Click here to leave your views...

 

 

Good Luck Jade and Andy!
Did I really just call Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Andy? Yes I did, we're on casual first name terms you know.

 

 

 

Spain gave us 10
Belgium gave us zip
Belarus gave us 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selena x

 

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So it's time for the second semi-final.
Who do you think will make it to the final and be Jade's ultimate competition?

 

Click F5 to refresh this blog and keep up as we go along and click 'add a comment' below to leave your views...

 

 

We have 19 acts tonight representing their respective countries and remember, don't vote. The UK are excluded from tonight's vote (as they voted on Tuesday) as you will be charged if you try, but it won't count.

 

Here's the 19 acts, I'll be adding my views as each performance takes place.

 

 

 

 

Mmm... I ruffled a few feathers yesterday by questioning why acts don't sing in English. It wasn't anything against the countries who want to perform in their own language, I just really wanted to understand what they were singing as most of the acts in question were really good. Igor and Anrdea are one such example, beautiful people, hypnotic vocals, note after note on point and even the styling was good - But I haven't a clue what the song was about! If I can't ask for English lyrics (without getting my head bitten off) can we at least have subtitles next year - Please!

 

 

 

 

Eek! Can you say Hannah Montana? Bless Sinead, she's trying to be 'rock' but she's just far to nice. She looks like she's in the wrong clothes and should be in a frock spinning out a ballad. It's a great song (though the chorus doesn't have enough for me) and the initial verse was far too quiet. I hope she makes it through to the final so she has chance to perform it again and give it her all. The nerves were there...

 

 

 

No, no, no. Now this is an example of a non-English song that would be pants even if I knew what they were saying. I mean where's the effort? The vocals are static, dull (and off key in places) and the girls in silver are like robots! They look like they are just going through the motions. You would think it's a rehearsal.

 

 

 

Classic Eurovision! Fun, lighthearted and catchy. The song wasn't in English but I knew what it was all about by the first chorus. They looked like they loved every minute and I though the animated 80's images of the lead with the 'fro' were genius. It gave the performance a funky retro feel - I was bouncing along, how about you?

 

Click here to leave your views... 

 

 

 

Wow, great voice and a truly touching song. Lidia is surrounded by spiralling fabric - Fantastic use of the rhythmic gymnasts with the ribbons!

The stars sparkle on the backdrop behind her and then transform into waterfalls. The whole performance was graceful and polished... with the set behind I'd go as far as to say heavenly.

 

 

 

Alexander's a cheeky young chap. He plays a mean violin, but speaks rather than sings. Rather predictably the songs about a girl he likes and if you ask me, I'm guessing he's Norway's answer to Zac Efron.

 

Paddy and Sara reveal that he's one of the hot favourites with the bookies.

 

 

 

Christina has an angelic voice and the song is pure as the driven snow. Then again, how can a song about a firefly sitting in the corner not be? It's metaphorical of course but you knew that right?

 

The only problem is that I can't stop thinking of that Fairies show on Nickelodeon? All she needs is a wand - or is that the point? If so, is this the place for fairies? I liked it until she did the little jump at the end and appeared to set her firefly free!

 

Firefly free = Twee!

 

 

 

These two are really good and they look the part, for sure. Their stage positioning is genius. I loved how they connected after being apart and so did the crowd, they're roaring! The Posh and Becks of the competition... Vocals were top notch, subtitles needed... but we got the gist.

 

 

 

Good Lord, how much does he sound like Ronan? You can tell he co-wrote this track it's classic Keating. Great hook, fantastic chorus, catchy guitar and more grins than you can shake a stick at! I loved it.

 

PS - To those who have emailed asking why Ronan didn't co-write the Irish entry, his polite reply was "They didn't ask me!" - So there you go, straight from the horses mouth. Me and Ronan, we're like THAT!

 

 

 

Like I said yesterday, I'm all for a bit of drama but I didn't expect her to stay behind the screen for half the song. To say she left it too long was understatement and it didn't help that after singing perfectly, she lost it when she came out. There was definite screeching from thereon in.

 

It also didn't help that she was wearing brown! I was expecting some impact.

 

Me, I quite liked the song and it seemed to go down well with the crowd but once again I would have liked subtitles.

 

 

 

Someone's been on the happy pills!

 

That was a great disco number and it really got the crowd going, but I'm not sure if the backing track was doing a lot of the work. He was doing far too much dancing and flipping to make some of those vocals.

 

 

 

I didn't know that Jennifer Metcalfe from Hollyoaks had entered Eurovision this year and she shakes it like Shakira too! I think the men prancing around in the purple skirts were a bit much, but the song was a hit. A bouncy crowd-pleaser and a finalist for sure - I'd give it a 8.

 

 

 

Eugh! I'd give this a 4. Talk about Ricky Martin wannabe! You just can't recreate those hips...

 

Sakis is a million-selling hearthrob in Greece, but the song (and the man) does nothing for me. I'm sure he'll get through on his fanbase alone but believe me, he does not 'bang'.

 

 

 

 

 

Woo! I feel like I should have a keg of Lowenbrau and a couple of steins! There's a pop beat there, but the lyrics are better suited to beer chugging. I can't take my eyes off the lead singers costume and it's distracting - I just want a beer! Eurovision to a T.

 

 

 

 

So we've had soap star lookalikes, disco divas, 80's throwbacks and now... Now we have warrior maiden in thigh high boots, with glitter gladiators. Yes, you heard me - Glitter gladiators ...and did I mention that she's spinning around in a huge hamster wheel? No?

 

The beat gets you moving, but there's that much heavy breathing I can't make out many of the lyrics, I think I caught 'sex', 'love' and 'bomb', no surprises there. It was a spectacular performance with a ton of pyro and pop. I'm sure they;ll get through...

 

Whoops, one of her gladiators nearly dropped her then!

 

 

 

Not in English and it didn't grab me. I was swaying at the start but then quickly switched off as there was too much violin and not enough vocal. Credit where it's due though, when there was a vocal it was brilliant. Eerily good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger

 

 

 

Eurovision stalwart Paddy O'Connell returns to provide commentary on his sixth Eurovision, whilst Sarah Cawood will be backstage with this year's UK act, Jade.

It's time for the opening ceremony and a huge bird of lights flies across the stadium. It lands and two children alight, they each hold half of a golden key... They connect their respective parts and run to an enormous tree (onstage in darkness). They both place the key into a hole in the trunk and the ceremony concludes as all participating flags light like fruit on the tree... 

Countries represented in the first semi-final are: Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, Israel, FYR Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Only 10 out of the 18 performing will make it through.
You can check out all of tonight's acts in my photo album.

...Good lord, sorry I just stopped to listen to the presenters and I'm so happy to have Paddy doing commentary. I don't think I could handle two hours of that guy's over-excitement! He's annoying me already...

So who's first?

1. Andrea Demirovich - Montenegro
Just Get Out Of My Life

Mmmm... Not the deepest lyrics are they? It's an inoffensive track, but repetitive and far too 'europop' for me. Love the dress and the handsome man though... What did you think?

2. Gypsy.cz - Czech Republic
Aven Romale

Crikey, is it a Queen tribute act? The lead singer looks like a cross between Superman, Austin Powers and Freddy Mercury - I can't believe he's big in his own country! Didn't like the song at all but loved that the act reminded me of Eurotrash, all it needed was naked ladies and rudely shaped veg. Animated, but awful!

3. Copycat - Belgium
Copycat

What an original title? Not! ...and there's nothing original about this. It's a cheesy Elvis tribute and to be honest, it's typical Eurovision. It's just not fair for those who take this competition seriously - I mean Jade's a serious act and it's always such a downer when the daft acts create hysteria (and then they win!) - By far the most spectacular set of the night though. It was like walking into the Little Less Conversation video.

4. Petr Elfimov - Belarus
Eyes That Never Lie

Can you Whitesnake? These guys are rockin' the stadium and the crowd are going wild, but the wind machines, bleached locks and skin tight trousers are sooo 1980's. They held the audience which is more than I can say for the other acts, so I guess they're doing something right.

5. Malena Ernman - Sweden
La Voix

The best voice so far, much more operatic than the other pop voices we've heard. Malena is a massive operatic star in Sweden and you can tell she's popular. The whole performance was polished and even the backing singers/dancers used masks to enhance the spectacle. Although there were a few shaky moments in the song, she held it together - It was a magical performance, it almost looked like she was glowing... A great choice of lighting and gown.

6. Inga & Anush - Armenia
Jan Jan

Now this I like! When they first stepped on stage I thought 'here we go', because they looked like your typical 'dress freaky to cover an awful song' but the beat caught me in seconds - It's funky, quirky and a little eerie too.

...A great use of traditional instruments, there's a fantastic twang to the melody.

The staggered tune and lyrics are making me jerk along. I don't think I've ever seen an act in traditional costume 'giving it some' during a laser light show, a breath of fresh air.

7. Susanne Georgi - Andorra
La Teva Decisió (Get A Life)

When I saw this girl on the promo shots she reminded me of Geri Halliwell. I really wanted to like this and her, but she was trying too hard. The song was both upbeat and pop, with a positive message - but it was all very 'stage school' and there was too much expression. I'm just glad that the chorus had a hook, at least that was something...

I liked her guitar. Does that count? Should I give her a point for that? LOL!

8. Lovebugs - Switzerland
The Highest Heights



No, no, no. The lead looks like Brian Adams on a bad hair day and it's just not my bag. The whole rock dirge thing will never win Eurovision and I don't know why they still enter these types of songs. The competition is all about joy and fun, not eyeliner, a loud band and lost vocals... His performance reminds me of Bono with all the hopping and reaching, but the music is so loud it's impossible to hear him. On a normal day I'd probably quite like it, not for Eurovision though.

9. Hadise - Turkey
Dum Tek Tek (The Beat Of My Heart)

This is exactly what I mean. In comparison to the last song, this is pure Eurovision. A gorgeous woman in next to nothing, shimmying away to a bouncy beat with dancers shaking their assets at the crowd - A song and dance spectacular!

My heart's going Dum Tek Tek, is yours? That was a Turkish Delight! (Sorry)

10. Noa & Mira Awad - Israel
There Must Be Another Way.

Mmm.. I wasn't sure about this one - I'm torn. The Lovebugs performed a slow and rather miserable number, this was slow but I found it far more uplifting.

Have you seen a performance that coud beat Jade yet?
Click 'add a comment' to leave your views...

11. Krassimir Avramov  - Bulgaria
Illusion

Okay, I've heard of fusing genres but this is getting ridiculous! We have a bollywood-disco look, with an operatic vocal. It's a little screechy, but I quite like the melody. I just wish I could understand a word... Far too high for my ears, I'm sure the dolphins are loving it though.

12. Yohanna - Iceland
Is It True?

Yohanna has a sweet, pure voice and it's a beautiful song, but I think they've smothered the performance with sugar.

Paddy points out that she's only 18 and it's obvious that that's the focus. She's on stage in a pale blue conservative gown with tassles and frills, beaming backing singers coo, ooh and ahh on demand and there's even clouds floating behind her... and don't even get me started on the galleon? 

It's angelic but a little more sickly than sweet...

13. Neshto Shto Ke Ostane  - FYR Macedonia
Next Time

Who let Jon Bon Jovi enter Eurovision? It's a catchy beat but it's not in English so I can't comment on the song. I still think it's ridiculous performing in any language other than English for Eurovision. You might as well cut your phone line, it just alienates so many voters.

14. Elena - Romania
The Balkan Girls

From the dancers costumes, I'm guessing she's supposed to be the queen of the nymphs?

In a change from the previous (rather virginal) song, this track is a little more saucy. Elena repeats 'My hips are ready to glow' at one point and the crowd are on their feet. It was great until they held hands and started all that kick-dancing - So wrong. The Okey Cokey went out with the ark!

15. Waldo's People - Finland
Lose Control

I'm not sold on the rapping element, but the female vocal was on point. Personally, I couldn't understand a word he was saying - I don't think he could get the mic any closer to his lips without having to pass it tomorrow morning. They performed well as a group but I'd have prefered to see the girls alone.

Good for them for making it to number one in Finland!
Why don't we ever have established acts as our entrant?

16. Flor-de-lis - Portugal
Todas As Ruas Do Amor

Love the guitar and the folk group look... Hate the performance in portuguese - She has a beautiful voice and I really want to know what she's singing. Please sing in English! The folk band feel went down well and bless her, she's in tears by the end of her performance. She's obviously thankful for this opportunity...

17. Chiara - Malta
What If We?

 
Oooh... If you ask me, she's the first direct competition for Jade, female soloist and big ballad - I have to say I'm quite impressed. She raised the roof and the crowd loved her, but she'll need to watch those stray notes in the final. It's amazing how someone can hold their top range and then fall flat on the basics.

Then again, it's hard to lose when you have a song titled What If We.. Could Be Free? It just screams winning anthem doesn't it?

Fingers crossed that Europe vote her out (not likely) and then Jade doesn't have to give her a second thought (gulp!)

18. Regina - Bosnia and Herzigovina
Bistra Voda

That was just plain weird wasn't it? Or was it just me?

Again, not in English - I'm guessing they were dressed in uniform as it had something to do with the track. I'm hoping that standing in formation and staring out at the crowd had something to with the song too, otherwise we need to call someone. Then again they're already men in white coats!

I'm all for a bit of drama, but staring at the crowd throughout the instrumental break was a bit much. I think this is the first entry where I can't find anything positive to say. I didn't like any of it.

I wasn't sure if they were going for American Civil War or French Revolution - any suggestions?

VOTING STARTS:

While the votes are cast, I'm pondering Chiara's song and I have to say she's got a real chance of winning. It's PC, it has a message of hope, it's uplifting and it's directed out to the world - It poses a question and makes you think. I'm a little concerned that Jade's song may be perceived as 'inward' in comparison. Rather than addressing the world she's singing about her moment.

Back to the semis...

The first ten through to the final are:

Turkey (The belly dancers...)
Sweden (The opera star) 
Israel (Noooo!)
Portugal (I guess the tears worked!)
Malta (Gulp!)
Finland (The rapper - Grrr!)
Bosnia and Herzigovina (What are they thinkng?)
Romania (The wood nymph)
Armenia (Yes! The jerky quirky number!)
Iceland (The 18 year old)

Apart from Bosnia, I think the public did pretty well. I really wasn't a fan of their song, but it just goes to show that the voters ARE still calling for non-english performances. There's a fair few in there after all...

What do I know? LOL!

Who did you think stood out tonight?
Click 'add a comment' below to leave your views and I'll be back on Thursday at 8pm for the second semi-final.

Selena x