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Semi-Final One
The First Semi-Final is without doubt the less competitive of the two, to
the extent that some songs which would be closer to the bottom of the scoreboard in the second would have a chance of qualifying
from the first. Definates for me, and most fans in the First Semi-Final include Russia, Armenia, Greece and Romania.
With a strong performance Azerbaijan should make a strong impact and the new system should give sound songs from Netherlands,
Poland and Andorra a strong chance of qualification. I've Sloevia as the last qualifier, but I reckon it could just
as easily be Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the situation that Norway don't make the top nine, I suspect they should get
through on the Jury Vote. For the first few in the running order I don't see big things and believe that with
a lack of neighbours, San Marino could see themselves wind up with the dreaded 'nul points'
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1st - Russia
Russia continue their recent trend of success with a string of already
popular artists, and just to ensure victory, we must endure Dima Bilan once again. I'm not a Dima fan, but former USSR
Europe is, and considering that Eurovision's biggest ever winners (Lordi) were all that kept him from victory in 2006,
I don't see much holding Russia back this year.
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2nd - Armenia
In their short but sweet history at Eurovision, Armenia have beaten the
odds and finished top ten on both occasions. With a much better, catchier and more contemporary sounding number, I'm
considering Armenia to be another definate qualifier for the Final.
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3rd - Romania
Until last year Romania were doing very well with dance tracks - but
this beautiful, sexy number proves that they've mastered ballads to a T as well. I'd imaging this will top the jury
vote, but I'm considering it a definate on the public vote regardless.
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4th - Greece
I think it's boring and has been done too often by Greece, but sticking
to what they're good at has worked, and with such a good draw at the end of the running order, 'Secret Combination' is bound
to stick in the minds of the voting public. They've been top ten every year since 2004, so I doubt this year will be
any different.
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5th - Azerbaijan
Despite choosing to perform 7th, Azerbaijan follow the worst
siz songs in the first Semi-Final, and hence, I would consider this our first qualifier on the night. It promises to
be a dramatic, visually effective performance, which always strikes a very important chord at Eurovision. Voters will
go for the spectacle, not the song.
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6th - Netherlands
This is one of the most professional sounding songs we've heard from
the Netherlands in recent years, and I reckon it'll pick up enough 5 and 6's to pull through. Good draw, good song and
experienced performer. Sounding so Turkish could work in Hind's favour, without the Turkish entry to vote for, those
Turkish immigrants throughout Western Europe will be looking for something they can vote for.
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7th - Poland
This is one of Poland's best entries, and one of my favourites this year.
Despite never having qualified, on each year that Poland have been in the Semi-Final they've finished in the top half of the
scoreboard. If they continue this trend, they're through, and I hope they make it.
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8th - Andorra
Last year Andorra proved that they can get enough votes not to wollow
at the bottom of the scoreboard, so sending a more established performer, I'd imagine Andorra should sneak their way
into most countries top tens, and earn enough to qualify. It's a good catchy song, and I hope Gisela does it justice.
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9th - Slovenia
'Vrag Naj Vzame' brings us back to the days when the Balkans sent good
old divas to the contest. This has a thumping beat and Rebeka's a strong singer, and as one of the more credible Balkan
entries this year, I'd imagine this should qualify.
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10th - Bosnia & Herzegovina
We haven't had very much like this from the Balkans in recent years so
it's very hard to say how it will do. I suspect that without the help of neighbours, Bosnia may just miss out on the
public vote, which wouldn't be a bad thing judging on the song.
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11th (Jury Vote) - Norway
Norway's entry isn't one of those that stands out and hits you straight
away, but it is professional and contemporary, so while I don't think it will pull through on the public vote, this is the
only song of the remainding 12 that I see making it through by the juries, so I'm predicting this will make up our ten.
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12th - Estonia
I don't like this sort of novelty entry, and without any neighbours,
I don't think Estonia have the support to make it through. I suspect even predicting 12th may be a bit too optimistic.
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13th - Belgium
Though different, I don't think this has what it takes to make the top
ten, althought I do think it's a great entry. With more western support than usual, Belgium should pick up enough points
for a placing slightly further away from the bottom of the scoreboard than what they're used to.
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14th - Finland
I don't think serious rock has what it takes to make it through.
Eurovision voters tend to go for something lighter, or more visually striking. I like the song, and I think the guys
are really good looking men, but I don't think that this will pick up many votes with just Norway to rely on.
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15th - Israel
With such a terrible draw, and a song which is good but not striking,
I think Israel will miss out on qualification yet again. I just don't think they have the support from around Europe
to pull off a song which doesn't have a great impact.
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16th - Ireland
I don't think very many around Europe will find Dustin the Turkey funny,
and again I think the Irish will suffer from having a lack of support around Europe.
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17th - Moldova
I think this is too laid back to make an impact, and while it's practically
guaranteed 12 points from Romania, I doubt Moldova will pick up many more. It doesn't appeal to me and I don't think
it has the impact to appeal to Europe.
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18th - Montenegro
Possibly the most insignificant song in it this year. It's not
offensive and it's not inoffensive, it's just plain boring and I don't think this will pick up enough points to pass to the
Final.
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19th - San Marino
I suspect this to be Italy's little experiment, almost testing the water
for their own entry. Unfortunately, I don't think this will fare well, but the song is quite good. In order to
do well at Eurovision though, you need to have it all: Great song, good draw, impressive performance, wide appeal and friendly
neighbours. This has none of the afore mentioned, and I fear San Marino may be a candidate for 'nul points'.
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Semi-Final Two
For me and many others, this is the more competitive of the two Semi-Finals,
with all three fan favourites Sweden, Iceland and Switzerland performing early in the running order. Indeed,
I suggest that there are a few songs in this Semi that will miss out on qualification, but wouldn't have had they have been
in the first Semi-Final. The only definate for me in this Semi-Final is the Ukraine, and the only two songs
I'm sure won't qualify are Lithuania and Czech Republic. So that leaves it very open indeed. I'd be surer of Sweden,
Iceland and Switzerland if they weren't western, and if their draw was better, but as it stands, they all perform before number
eight in the running order. I'd say Latvia and Bulgaria both stand strong chances, with songs with an impact, and for
a nice change, Portugal have a stong ballad and a perfect draw at the end of the running order. Regarding Iceland, there's
always one fan favourite which misses out, and I think this could be it due to a lack of general European support. Sweden
and Switzerland are also iffy, but I hope they defy the odds as the songs are both very strong. I've put Denmark through
based on their unprecedented success with a similar song in 2005 and candidates for the jury vote include Iceland, Switzerland
and Hungary.
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1st - Ukraine
Just like Russia, the Ukraine are sending another well known artist across
Eastern Europe to continue their flush of success, and I'm sure it'll work. Despite a poor draw I'm positive Ukraine
will qualify - the song's great, it's visually impressive and Ani is a great performer. Add that together with an abundance
of friendly neighbours and you get Eurovision success.
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2nd - Portugal
Not one of my favourites this year, but this very European ballad
has an abundance of appeal, and with a Croatian composer, should easily reel in the votes from the Balkans. This is
certainly the first time Portugal have stood a very strong chance of qualification, with the possibility of attaining their
best Eurovision result to date.
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3rd - Denmark
Predicting that Denmark will do quite as well as this is probably one
of the bigger risks I've taken this year. My reasoning is based on their result in 2005 - with a song which didn't appeal
much to me or any other fans, but had a niche audience throughout Europe with this happy-go-lucky acoustic pop. Given
that they did so well with something very similar to 'All Night Long', I reckon this could pull a surprise in the Semi-Final.
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4th - Latvia
Every year without fail a novelty entry from the East does well, and
this year I'm favouring what Latvia have to offer. This one strikes you as soon as you watch and listen to it.
It's catchy, colourful and vibrant, and with so many props onstage as their promising, it really is one to look forward to.
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5th - Bulgaria
Despite the fact that the girl's vocal on this has never really been
very good, a dance track from the East always manages to make it through, and with a better draw, I'm favouring this to the
Icelandic entry.
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DJ Balthazaar & Deep Zone |
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6th - Sweden
I both think and hope Sweden can and might just win it with this this
year - on the grounds that it beats the odds of superstition and qualifies from the number two spot. Charlotte Perrelli
is a fabulous performer, with a brilliant song, and while I don't think this will win the Semi, it can't pull a worse draw
in the Final. So fingers crossed this one sticks out enough to get through.
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7th - Switzerland
I've always thought this was going to be one of the best entries this
year and I'm positive we'll see it in the Final - if it doesn't make it through on the public vote, it definately will on
the jury vote. I think this is brilliant, and everything a song in a song contest should be, energetic, vibrant, beautifully
sung and professional. This is a real corker, and I'll be very upset if it doesn't make it through.
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8th - Georgia
With an early draw and strong song Georgia managed to qualify last year,
so with what I think is still a strong song and an even better draw, I see no reason why this won't make it through.
Europe tend to like rocky peace anthems, and despite the fact that this may look a little messy onstage, I think Diana will
have enough former USSR support to make it through.
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9th - Malta
Malta are one of the hardest to predict this year, but alot of the countries
who tend to support them are present in the Second Semi-Final, and with a song that is instantly effective and a great draw
near the end of the running order, I suggest Malta will make it through.
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10th - Macedonia
Macedonia have sent yet another entry that stands a chance of qualification
but doesn't really deserve to. Many of the countries which have offered high points of late to Macedonia are in this
Semi, so there is a chance they could do much better than this, but their National Final performance was a mess and I think
the songs I've placed 1st-9th are much better than this.
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Tamara ft. Vrcak & Ajdrijan |
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11th - Iceland
There's always one song which is a fan favourite but misses out in the
Semi due to a bad draw and a lack of support around Europe, and I reckon this could be it. It's sung and performed well,
but with Bulgaria competing with another dance track in the same Semi, I'm suggesting this is less likely to pick up those
Eastern votes. It could however, make it through on the Jury Vote.
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12th (Jury Vote) - Hungary
Hungary have one of my favourite ballads this year, but I'm not sure
if it's strong enough to make a surefire qualifier. I do however think this has the calibre to do well on the Jury Vote,
so I'm suggesting it will make up the top ten in Semi-Final Two.
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13th - Turkey
Turkey always do well on their diaspora vote. Last year, without
the guranteed 12's from Germany, Netherlands and Belgium they would have dropped five places to 9th, so I suggest that without
that support, this isn't good enough to make a strong impression.
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14th - Belarus
If this were in the first Semi-Final, I'd have it in my top five, but
as it stands in the second Semi-Final, I fear it may get lost amongst bolder, more polished competition. A good entry
though.
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15th - Albania
Despite being the only Balkan Ballad on offer in this Semi-Final, I don't
think this is strong enough to stand out from the crowd, and I'd imaging they'll finish outside the top nine.
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16th - Croatia
I think this is by far the worst and least credible entry in the contest
this year, and am disguisted to find that other online reviewers have referred to it as 'nice' or in some cases 'good'.
I think it's pantz - and I'll be very cross should it qualify.
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Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cents |
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17th - Cyprus
I don't particularly mind the Cypriot entry this year, but I'm not really
convinced that it's all that good. I don't think this will pick up enough points to qualify, despite being something
different and having a good draw. I just don't think Europe will get it and they don't have Greece to help them along
the way.
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18th - Lithuania
I don't see this standing out at all, and at the National Final, Jeronimus'
vocal wasn't all that good. I often wonder how bad the other songs in the National Final must have been if
this managed to win. Nonetheless, support from Latvia is all I see here.
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19th - Czech Republic
Only picking up one vote last year, it's hard to know where Czech Republic
will gain support from. I like this song, but I didn't think the National Final performance was great in any way, shape
or form, and I suggest Czech Republic could pick up nothing at all points wise this year.
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The Grand Final
This is how I reckon the Grand Final could, and might just turn out.
There are six countries in contention for victory this year - an upbeat eastern disco number from Ukraine, a touching ballad
sung by a pop sensation from Russia, the good old Balkan ballad we've become so accustomed to from Serbia, typical Eurovision
schlager performed by a former winner from Sweden, Eastern flavoured pop on behalf of a 'well supported' Eurovision nation
in the form of Armenia, and a beatiful and well performed power ballad from Romania. Any of these could vy for victory
and bring the trophy home. No hopers include the UK, France and Germany, who I feel are all candidates for nul points,
with very poor songs. It really is very open however this year - any of the outsiders could qualify for the Final, meaning
the crown could go to anyone. I'm glad I got these in in time for the Semi-Final tonight! Enjoy!!
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1st - Ukraine
With a good draw Ukraine have this stomper in the bag. It's a great,
energetic performance and they have enough friends to help them through.
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2nd - Serbia
The home nation have what I think is the best Balkan ballad we've heard
at Eurovision to date. Last year's presentation wasn't very ethnic, so this could be the first time a true ethnic ballad
wins the whole thing. I'm not sure I particularly want Serbia to win though, I'd much rather head to Kiev or Stockholm
in 2009.
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3rd - Russia
Another possible contender for the crown is Russia, and while I'm not
overly fond of the song, they have been trying really hard lately, and Dima Bilan is one of, if not, the biggest artist in
Russia at the minute, so credit to them.
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4th - Sweden
Despite not predicting that Charlotte would make a huge impact at the
top of the scoreboard in the Second-Semi-Final, she can't pull as bad a draw as she has done in the Semi. In fact, an
early draw could even be a good thing in the Final - either opening the show or performing between two of the weakest entries
- the UK and Germany. I love this, and hope it does well.
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5th - Armenia
Armenia is another great entry that will benefit from friendly, neighbourly
and diaspora votes. I don't however, think that it's going to win, but it's certainly a contender.
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6th - Romania
Romania have a corker of a song this year, and reports from the rehearsals
insist that this will walk into the final - possibly over Dima Bilan. I think it's great, and it's my outside winner
for this year's Eurovision.
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7th - Latvia
Latvia have a great novelty entry, and anyone who believes Eurovision
should be fun, as well as voting children, will give this top marks. It stands out and should easily make the top ten.
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8th - Bulgaria
I think Bulgaria's chances could be scuppered by whether or not Iceland
make the Final. Either way though, I'd say they're sound contenders for the top ten.
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Deep Zone ft. DJ Balthazaar |
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9th - Greece
Greece always make the top ten, and it seems the presentation of 'Secret
Combination' will be visually effective, so I'd say it's definately in contention for the top ten, maybe even the top five.
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