Eurovision has returned with a bang this year, with two Semi-Finals that have set us up perfectly for the Grand Final later tonight.
Before our live coverage of the Final begins from 8pm, I thought we’d go through a quick round-up of the action from Eurovision week so far and discuss the big talking points.
So, without further ado, let’s start from Tuesday night!
Semi-Final 1
Probably the stronger semi-final of the two, Tuesday’s contest saw the real headline acts of the year take to the stage.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra obviously qualified to the Grand Final and were good value for it, with a performance that featured almost everything you can throw at it; acrobatic dance, loud ethnic costume and a teary projection onto the screen behind the band.
Norway’s Subwoolfer also delivered their outlandish entry ‘Give That Wolf a Banana’, with a superbly-choreographed dance to accompany the quirkiest song of this year’s contest.
Of course, they made it through too.
Elsewhere, there were upsets and plenty of intrigue in some decent efforts from the countries present.
I was a particular fan of the Netherlands’ S10 with her entry ‘De Diepte’, which may go under the radar this year but is certainly one of the stronger slow songs, boosted by a really captivating performance.
It was one of nine songs on the night at least partly in the nation’s home language, which is a positive trend for the contest if it wants to remain culturally inclusive.
Also worthy of mention were Lithuania’s Monika Liu and Armenia’s Rosa Linn, both of whom gave excellent vocal performances and captured the emotion of their songs to qualify against the odds.
There were very few entries that were obvious candidates not to qualify, and amongst those unfortunate not to reach the Final, I think Croatia’s Mia Dimšić, with ‘Guilty Pleasure’ and Austria’s Lumix and Pia Maria with ‘Halo’, would hold the greatest disappointment.
Semi-Final 2
A bigger Semi-Final – with 18 nations, to SF1’s 17 – Thursday night’s contest was a bit of long haul, and definitely had moments where the energy dropped.
Finland’s opener ‘Jezebel’, by the rock band – obviously – Rasmus was a fantastic introduction and earned its place in the Final on its production levels alone.
Among the early numbers, Israel’s superbly camp ‘I.M’, by Michael Ben David and San Marino’s no-holds-barred ‘Stripper’ by Achille Lauro were unlucky to fall by the wayside – perhaps losing out when paired with bigger countries on the night.
Azerbaijan and Australia went head-to-head for the classiest vocal performances of the night, with the former’s Nadir Rustamli winning on range but the latter’s Sheldon Riley definitely capable of bigger notes.
Weak pop songs from Cyprus, Ireland and Malta all saw their contestants eliminated, which could well be a loss to the United Kingdom in the Final if these Anglo-linked countries don’t now tune in.
North Macedonia and Montenegro were the only forgettable performances in a stacked second-half of the night, and as a result all others qualified; familiar faces Sweden, Belgium and the Czech Republic, plus dark horses from Poland, Estonia and Romania.
The strangest song of the night also made it through.
Serbia’s Konstrakta, with the Serb-Latin song ‘In corpore sano’, has entered an art piece, and with its unique nature in the field this year it gained the final available place.
It’s one that draws you in and leaves you thinking, certainly, but whether I’d vote for it, I’m not so sure.
Final Preview
I may be made to look a fool for this in a few hours’ time, but I actually think all of the Big Five – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – have entered properly decent tracks this year, for the first time in ages.
Hopefully it breaks the dichotomy that’s been seen in recent years, with at least three of these countries nailed to the back of the leader board and without much hope of turning things around.
In terms of the big contenders, Ukraine will certainly be up there. Factors could count against them – winning recently, qualms about whether ethno-pop really has broad appeal and quite where they would host next year – but they have a great chance of lifting the trophy.
I’d put Sweden, Australia and Norway in with a chance too, with their solid recent records and easily marketable songs this year both counting in their favour.
And who knows, maybe even the UK could do it!
Either way, it will be a great contest this evening.
Be sure to join us here from 8pm as we go through all the action as it happens in the biggest music event of the year.
Feature Image Credit: Eurovision Song Contest Website