We have completed our coverage of the individual entries for the Eurovision Song Contest. Have we changed our mind on any of the songs from the second semi-final?
Rehearsals have already started in Copenhagen for next week's Eurovision Song Contest. Over the past month, Mike and I have taken an in-depth look at each of the 37 entries in the competition, and we're just about ready to offer our final predictions for each of the semi-finals. Before we get to those, it seemed like a good idea to review the second semi-final as a whole one last time, just to see if any opinion's changed since the last time we reviewed these. Here they are:
[table id=14 /]
Malta: Of the folksier entries this year, I think Malta has the best, but a static performance (which is what it looks like we're going to be getting) may sink their chances. Hopefully they're making good use of camerawork, otherwise Malta will definitely be going home.
Israel: I had previously said this song needed a dynamic performance to really secure its place in the final. Based on rehearsal footage, I think we're going to get that from Mei Feingold and company.
Norway: The studio version of "Silent Storm" is a lot stronger than the live version, mostly due to the quality of Carl Espen's vocals. I think it's definitely got a shot at the finals, but I'm not sure it's going to do as well as people are expecting it to (recent polls had it in 3rd) based on the live vocal performance.
Georgia: The Shin & Mariko have never been near the top of my list of entries, and time hasn't changed that. From previews, it looks like we're in for a mostly static performance, so I don't think their chances have improved.
Poland: This one's definitely grown on me as I've been listening to it. I'm a little disappointed that Poland seems to be using clips of the original viral video as part of the stage presentation, but it did rack up a lot of YouTube views
Austria: Conchita seems ready to give a Bond opening credits-worthy performance((that oddly enough, reminds me of Paul F. Tompkins singing "Skyfall")) to the B&W Hallerne, and I'm excited to see the final product.
Lithuania: There's something to be said for the different sound Lithuania is bringing to the competition this year. The song has grown on me, but I still think Vilijia's vocals are a little rough to carry the live performance. It doesn't seem to be well-regarded by many other listeners either, so I think it may be over for Lithuania this year.
Finland((The country where I'd like to be pony-trekking or camping, or just watching TV)): This one's been my favorite out of the second semi-final since I first heard it, and I think the energy Softengine brings will likely carry them to the finals.
Ireland: This one seems like a possible dark horse to me - the melody's catchy, and even though they haven't changed up the elements of the performance too much((including the completely redundant step dancers)), I like the way they're playing with the staging available to them and can easily see this making the final.
Belarus: I hate to admit this song has earwormed its way into my brain((mostly because I keep mishearing that Teo doesn't want to "be your twerpy hamster date")), and although I like the way they're playing with the staging available to them (even if the lighting seems too dim), the song itself seems out-of-date and likely to turn viewers off.
FYR Macedonia: I like this entry, and it's nice to finally hear Tijana's live vocals (since the initial impression we got was a lip-sync), but it feels like FYR Macedonia is under-using the resources available to them on stage. This, along with a lack of their voting buddies in the same final, looks likely to keep them out of contention.
Switzerland: The studio mix of this song has improved it greatly, but it's too wordy and Sebalter always seems out of breath while singing it. I don't see it making the finals without some sort of voting accident.
Greece: Greece is making the final. Greece always makes the final. At least this year, they're also bringing the possibility of a live on-air trampoline accident!
Slovenia: This one has been one of my favorites from the second semi-final, so I'd love to see it make the grand final. Tinkara seems a little static on stage, but I think Slovenia's making good use of the A/V resources available with the kinetic visualizations going on in the background.
Romania: This song is still a little manic for my taste, and I'm not in love with what I've seen of how this is being staged. A circular keyboard and less than dynamic performing put this one closer to the middle of the pack for me.