01 - Serbia
Artist - Tijana Bogićević
Song - In Too Deep
Comments - Serbia famously won Eurovision in 2007, their first time performing as a sovereign nation in their own right. Since then, they’ve failed to qualify twice, and didn’t participate in 2014, but have done relatively OK as well. So what is Tijana’s entry like this year? It’s certainly quite upbeat, which helps against a lot of the entries for this year. Decent vocals, decent lyrics, and the staging in the official video could transfer to the live performance quite well. If it gets to the final, then it could be one of those entries that does better in the final than the semi due to the wider range of countries available to vote. Also, I’m intrigued that it’s on first in the running order, but like Sweden in the first semi-final, it could be that the producers wanted the semi-final to start off with a strong entry. Can’t blame them, really. They were also the first country to perform in the second semi-final in 2012, where they went on to finish third in the final. Her live performance at Israel's preview party did seem a bit weak, though, which is a concern, and this might knock her down the rankings in the semi-final, which – if she does end up qualifying – could lead to her being given a less favourable slot in the running order for the final, which would be a shame, as it’s a pretty good song. However, she was better at Amsterdam, and she did manage to work the crowd quite well, so maybe Tel Aviv was just a blip.
02 - Austria
Artist - Nathan Trent
Song - Running on Air
Comments - Following Austria’s win in 2014 with Conchita Wurst’s ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’, Austria finished the following year with nul points, becoming the first ever host country to achieve this unwanted feat. Will Nathan Trent help them turn their fortunes around, like Zoë somewhat started to do last year? Well, the official video takes advantage of some stunning scenery, and Nathan’s got a lovely voice. It just feels a bit bland and doesn’t develop much, following pretty much the same chord pattern throughout the verse and the chorus. It’s pleasant to listen to, but it doesn’t scream potential Eurovision winner to me. It could be lucky to get out of the semi-finals, especially with it being second in the running order. Nathan’s good live, going off his performance at Amsterdam’s preview party, but I think he’ll be reliant on some good staging in Kiev to stand a decent chance of qualifying. Even then, I’m not confident that he will.
03 - Macedonia
Artist - Jana Burčeska
Song - Dance Alone
Comments - Macedonia don’t seem to do well at Eurovision, having qualified for the final only once in the past nine years, and with a top finish of 12th in 2006. They deserve a change in fortune, though does Jana deliver? Erm…Sort of. The song style does have a bit of a dance/house feel to it, which helps it stand out from a ballad-heavy year, and the vocals are pretty decent, too. The middle eight seems a bit weird and out-of-place from the rest of the track, and it does drag a bit towards the end. Despite that, I think it has a decent chance of making it through to the final. Originally, it was supposed to follow Russia in the running order, but since their withdrawal, Macedonia now follows on from Austria. Given their entry seems to be a bit on the bland side, I think Macedonia’s chances have increased a little bit. I really liked her live performance from Amsterdam’s preview party, and with some good staging, her chances should increase further.
04 - Malta
Artist - Claudia Faniello
Song - Breathlessly
Comments - As with Ireland, I’ve always had a soft spot for Malta. And it’s not just because Game of Thrones was filmed there. They’ve usually been relatively middle-of-the-table performers at Eurovision, so here’s to hoping that Claudia Faniello will give more of the same, if not more. Claudia’s vocals are lovely, and it’s got decent lyrics, but it’s a bit on the slow side to building and adding some extra depth to the backing music. I’m also a bit confused as to why the official video has the main plot (for want of a better term) being played in reverse. It doesn’t seem to make any sense to me. ‘Breathlessly’ is a pleasant enough song to listen to, but as with Austria, I’m a bit concerned that it’s not enough. One that could’ve been buried in the running order and therefore not have a good chance of going through to the final, but it’s not got terribly great songs being performed either side of it, so it may stand a better chance now. Claudia’s live performance at the Maltese national final was vocally solid, but I think it’s a song that could do with something like a low fogger to add something extra. I know it sounds a bit clichéd, but it might be what the song needs.
05 - Romania
Artist - Ilinca feat. Alex Florea
Song - Yodel It!
Comments - Romania were disqualified from last year’s contest only a couple of weeks before it took place due to the non-payment of debts by the broadcaster, TVR. This has been resolved, and they’ve returned for this year. You’d expect yodelling to take place in a typically Alpine country’s entry for Eurovision, such as Switzerland or Austria. But no, it’s appearing in Romania’s this time around. Ilinca’s dress in the video from the national final reminds me of what one would expect a stereotypical Irish leprechaun to wear, though the green on her dress is a fair bit darker. I just can’t understand why Romania seem to be so high up in the odds rankings. The vocal performances seem a bit out-of-tune in places, and there’s something about the entire package that I’m really not keen on at all. It might get through to the final, but I really don’t fancy its chances all that much. Then again, barring last year’s disqualification, they’ve got through to the final every time they’ve competed since the semi-finals were introduced, so they could well prove me wrong.
06 - Netherlands
Artist - O'G3NE
Song - Lights and Shadows
Comments - The Netherlands haven’t won since 1975. Since the semi-finals were introduced in 2004, they didn’t qualify for the final at all between 2005 and 2012. Their 2014 entry, ‘Calm After the Storm’, finished a surprise second in the final. To me, this was more than likely down to some great staging to go along with the song, which was performed beautifully by The Common Linnets. O’G3N3 are sisters and previous Eurovision winners, having won the Junior ESC in 2007. They were also the winners of the 5th season of The Voice of Holland, so they’re proven performers. The strength of the vocal performance is one of the best in this year’s Contest, with the harmonies between the three sisters being absolutely beautiful. However, it’s not easy to work out which of them is singing the main melody line, which isn’t a good thing if you want a memorable Eurovision song. The middle eight does serve as a nice contrast, and the start of the last chorus being performed largely a capella is also a lovely touch. Oh, and it’s also got a couple of key changes, which are worked in to the song quite nicely. Staging-wise, I’m not sure much can be done to help the song, which is a bit of a worry. Live at Amsterdam’s preview party, they were once again very strong vocally, and there seemed to be a much stronger vocal from one of the sisters during the harmonies, so it seems like they may have made some effort in sorting out that particular issue. I’m confident that it’ll get through, but it’d be a crying shame if it didn’t.
07 - Hungary
Artist - Joci Pápai
Song - Origo (Origin)
Language - Hungarian (Title is in Latin, and some phrases are in Romani)
Comments - Hungary have never won Eurovision, with their best finish being 4th in 1994. This year’s entry is…difficult to describe. Joci’s vocal performance is decent (even if what he’s singing is pretty much indecipherable, though it being in another language doesn’t help much – it almost sounds like he’s mumbling along), and I like the ethnic instruments, which gives it a bit more of an exotic feel. However, I don’t think the song really develops much, which is a disappointment. The song is supposed to be about the pain and torment Joci has suffered with being part of an ethnic minority, but I’m just not really getting it at all. As with Romania, I’m struggling to see how this entry is getting the odds that it is. The staging in the national final was good, though, with a belly dancer dressed in what I’m presuming is supposed to be a Romany gypsy outfit, which goes along with some phrases of the song being in Romani. It does stand out a bit from the rest, but not by much. Despite my views, I think it’ll probably qualify.
08 - Denmark
Artist - Anja Nissen
Song - Where I Am
Comments - Denmark won the contest in 1963, 2000 and 2013, but they’ve failed to get through the semi-finals for the past two years, which isn’t quite so good. Here’s to hoping that Anja will turn their fortunes around…Well, it makes use of a low fogger, and the staging is good, particularly the use of lighting and the backdrop for contrast between the chorus and verse. Anja also gives a solid vocal performance, though she does seem a little bit on the weak side in the middle eight. Regardless, she’s got time to polish things up for the semi-final in May, in which I think she will probably manage to get through to the final.
09 - Ireland
Artist - Brendan Murray
Song - Dying to Try
Comments - I’ve always had a soft spot for Ireland, the most successful country in Eurovision history, though they’ve not done quite so well in recent years, not qualifying for the final in the past three Contests. Still, I actually enjoyed Jedward’s entries (I cannot believe I just said that) in 2011 and 2012. They were a perfect act for Eurovision, really, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they ever made a return at some point. But anyway, onto this year’s contestant – Brendan Murray. He’s got youth on his side, and his vocal line is surprisingly high in places, but he’s only 20. It does work, but he does seem like he’s straining a bit when it comes to the high notes, especially after the key change. His live at Amsterdam’s preview party was a bit better, though. One difference to most other songs this year is that it’s in a 3/4 time signature as opposed to the relatively standard 4/4. It builds slowly, and then when the key change comes in, it really gets some much-needed oomph. If it’s staged well, it should get through to the final, but I still have those doubts over Brendan’s vocals. I’m desperate for Ireland to have a song in the final again, and I’m hopeful that this will be the song that gives them that slot.
10 - San Marino
Artist - Valentina Monetta & Jimmie Wilson
Song - Spirit of the Night
Comments - Ah, Valentina Monetta. San Marino’s seemingly default choice for Eurovision, having represented them for three years in a row between 2012 and 2014, getting the country to the final for the first time in 2014. This time, she’s singing alongside Jimmie Wilson. Both give good vocal performances, with the harmonies working and a decent melody that’s quite easy to follow. It’s certainly a lot more up-tempo and upbeat than some of what we’ve got this year. I like the key changes as well – they’re slotted in very smoothly – but they’re just a little bit on the late side for my liking. The odds on it seem to be annoyingly and appallingly bad, but I have a hunch that those odds will shorten when the rehearsals commence in Kiev at the start of May. Their performance at Israel’s preview party was good, with the on-stage interaction between Valentina and Jimmie working well. It’s entirely probable that they’ll get several votes because Valentina is back performing once again, so it might sneak through to the final on that basis alone. I really like it, despite the poor odds, and I think it could be one to watch out for.
11 - Croatia
Artist - Jacques Houdek
Song - My Friend
Languages - English, Italian
Comments - Croatia haven’t done so well recently, not qualifying for the final between 2010 and 2013, but they had a decent run between 1995 and 2001, finishing in the top 10 six times out of seven. Jacques Houdek must be hoping that he’ll be able to get them back on track with solid finishes. He’s got a very good vocal range, and sings both the English and Italian parts very well, though the high notes in the English parts just sound really weird. They remind me of the frankly bizarre vocal line from Axel Hirsoux’s 2014 entry for Belgium. Despite this, it’s also nice to have a bit of opera back in the contest, but it’s definitely no Il Volo from 2015. The key change is also good. I’m just not sure that the two styles gel together terribly well. It could be down to the Italian/opera bit being sung at a lower octave and with a deeper voice than the rest of the song. It’s one that should be helped along by some good staging in May, and I’m thinking there’ll be quite a focus on lighting for this song. Could sneak in to the final. Annoyingly, I can’t find any live performance, so it’s not going to be possible to have a clearer idea of how well it’s going to do until the rehearsals start in Kiev at the start of May.
12 - Norway
Artist - JOWST feat. Aleksander Walmann
Song - Grab the Moment
Comments - Norway have three victories in Eurovision, and generally do deliver good songs, but have finished in last place and gained nul points more than any other country, and haven’t qualified from the semis on three occasions. Let’s hope this year’s entry doesn’t leave them to the same fate. Aleksander Walmann gives a good lead vocal performance, and the vast majority of the song is perfectly decent, with a good contrast between verse and chorus. Just enough to make it clear what’s what. I also like the masks on the backing musicians – reminds me of Daft Punk! The song does have a slight Daft Punk feel as well. The main sticking point for me is the middle eight. It just feels so discordant and out-of-place with the rest of the song, though this will apparently be changed for May. It wasn’t changed for Amsterdam’s preview party, although this may be because it was still being worked on at the time. I think Norway should get through to the final, but I’m not expecting terribly great things from it.
13 - Switzerland
Artist - Timbelle
Song - Apollo
Comments - Switzerland have had two famous victories. Their first was in 1956, with the very first Eurovision Song Contest. They subsequently won again in 1988 with Celine Dion. Since the semi-finals were introduced, their best finish was 13th in 2014, and they’ve failed to even qualify for the final nine times, so they must be hoping that Timbelle will be able to give them the result they need. It seems catchy enough, with a solid chorus and some good vocals from Maruna Manescu, the lead singer, though her winning performance in the national final did seem a little bit nervy and slightly off-key in places. Still, I have a feeling she’ll probably get through, and a bit of improvement in the staging will certainly help, as it just feels a bit static as it is at the moment. I did like the rose petals that fell towards the end in the national final, though that might not be practical for Kiev, so they may end up using the backdrop to project something similar on instead as a compromise.
14 - Belarus
Artist - NAVI (also called Naviband)
Song - Historyja majho žyccia (Story of My Life)
Language - Belarussian
Comments - Belarus have only qualified for the final four times since their first appearance in 2004, with their best finish being 6th in 2007. Interestingly, this year is the first time Belarus’ Eurovision entry (or any Eurovision entry, for that matter) has been in Belarussian. This could potentially be a bit of an undoing for them, but I really like the song. Naviband’s vocals are good, with both Arciom and Ksienija complementing each other, and the melody’s easier to try and work out than that of the Dutch entry this year. It’s also quite upbeat – definitely one of the more cheerful-sounding entries this year – and, like the Irish entry, is also in 3/4 (though it could also be termed as 6/8 if you listen closely to the rhythm) as opposed to the more normal 4/4, which also helps it stand out. They could do with some backing dancers for the staging, and with the national final performance, neither singer really interacted with each other like they did in the official video, which was rather disappointing. Instead, they just stayed relatively static at their microphones, though there was some dancing from Ksienija, but she didn’t really move around the stage much. I really like the song, but the staging has so much more potential than is currently being realised, and I think it needs to improve. Still, I think it’ll make the final because it’s so much more upbeat than the other entries.
15 - Bulgaria
Artist - Kristian Kostov
Song - Beautiful Mess
Comments - Bulgaria have only qualified twice since they started at Eurovision in 2005, but managed 5th in 2007 and a best performance of 4th last year. Last year’s entry was one of my favourites, too! So it seems that when Bulgaria have a good entry, it’s a very good one. So what’s Kristian Kostov’s ‘Beautiful Mess’ like? Well, the odds are pretty good, for starters. He was also a finalist in the first season of The Voice Kids Russia, and the runner-up of season four of The X Factor Bulgaria, so he’s quite well-versed in singing competitions. And he’ll be 17 when the Contest rolls around in Kiev, so the youngest contestant this year. The song’s yet another ballad, but Kristian does a very good job with the vocals in both the official video and his live performance at London’s Eurovision preview party. He may look like he’s about 12, but his voice really makes you think he’s much, much older. The song builds slowly, but there isn’t much contrast between verse and chorus, and there’s just something about it that I’m still not 100% sold on. It just feels a bit too subtle and understated for my liking. Its placing in the running order isn’t too bad, and given it’s followed by what I think is this year’s worst Eurovision entry, it’ll probably get through to the final.
16 - Lithuania
Artist - Fusedmarc
Song - Rain of Revolution
Comments - Lithuania have never won Eurovision, with only two top 10 finishes. So not exactly great. As for this year’s entry? Oh dear. The backing music is cheesy. The graphics on the staging are good as well. And…that’s where the good bits end. The lead vocalist, Viktorija, sounds out of tune in places, and almost like she’s shouting as well. The backing vocalists are a bit better, but not by much. Also, whoever decided to choreograph Viktorija needs firing, as she’s just awful. Unless this has some big changes, and I’m struggling to work out what could be changed to make it better other than ripping the entire thing up and starting again, I honestly can’t see this song anywhere near the grand final.
17 - Estonia
Artist - Koit Toome & Laura
Song - Verona
Comments - Since the semis were introduced in 2004, Estonia have only qualified for the final on five occasions, but have managed three top 10 finishes on those occasions, so they can produce good entries. Both Koit and Laura have good vocals, but I’m really not sure on the staging at all. From the performance in the national final, we only see them singing together on camera after about 1m40s, with the initial period being just cuts between the two of them. I’ve seen one comment online saying that the staging should be changed so it’s more like Romeo singing to Juliet on a balcony à la Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and I think there may be something there. Sure, it’s a bit clichéd, given the song title, but it could work. The song itself is decent, with good harmonies between the two, but the staging could do with being changed a bit in order for it to end up with a better chance of making it through to the final.
18 - Israel
Artist - Imri
Song - I'm Alive
Comments - Since 1998, Israel have had four top 10 finishes, but have failed to qualify six times, including four consecutive years between 2011 and 2014. They could do with a bit of a change in fortune, really. Imri’s a decent singer, and there’s a good build up to the chorus, but there’s not as much of a ‘drop’ (for want of a better term) when the chorus does hit, which isn’t exactly great for something of a dance track. The ending just seems to feel a bit flat and abrupt, too, which is a bit of a downer. Furthermore, the lyrics come across as a bit ‘me, me, me’, and I’m not too keen on that. May get through to the final, especially given it’s last in the running order, but I’m not going to get my hopes up too much.
WITHDRAWN - Russia
Artist - Julia Samoylova
Song - Flame Is Burning
Comments - The whole situation surrounding Russia this year is complicated, but it's been summarised elsewhere. Though it's safe to say it doesn't make either Ukraine, Russia or - to an extent - the EBU look terribly good. But anyway, onto Russia's song. One thing that should be noted is that Julia uses a wheelchair due to her losing the use of her legs as a child because of spinal muscular atrophy. Her speech has been affected as a result of this, and her diction in the song isn't great. The song's pleasant to listen to, and does have something of an uplifting message, but there's not much else going for it. I did like the use of a low fogger in the official video, and I would've expected them to throw one in for Kiev if they hadn't gone and withdrawn. As with so many entries this year, I would've expected this to qualify and finish mid-table.OK, that's Semi-Final 2 done and dusted. The automatic qualifiers and my overall concluding thoughts will follow shortly.
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