Tonight: Semifinal 1

Ok, here I do what I was not planning to do as I always get it all wrong anyways. However, a short review and guesses how things will go tonight. For some reason I find it very difficult this time, even harder for this first semi than the second. Well, tonight I can again go with oohs and aahs and aaarghs when everything end with the unexpected. Anyways, everybody tonight have fun and enjoy the show!

MONTENEGRO is vocally strong and looks confortable on stage, a major improvement from very boring video. Could it be the surprise qualifier after all? My votes: ** Chances of qualification: ***
ISRAEL is kept wonderfully simple. Amazing vocals and hauntingly beautiful song. This MUST make the final or Europeans have somethign wrong in their ears. My votes: ***** Chances of qualification: ****
ESTONIA is not funny, not even by themselves it seems. Boring nonsense on stage and waste of time. My votes: * Chances of qualification: *
MOLDOVA offers something else with a nice homely staging. hard to think people would vote for this though. My votes: *** Chances of qualification: *
SAN MARINO offers an effective simple performance with good vocals. If lovers of Italian music are around this might just make it. Or will the juries pick this up? My votes: **** Chances of qualification: ***

BELGIUM is for me torture for both ears and eyes and I can only hope Europe will agree. Yet, this might appeal to all masokists all over Europe and make them vote for it. My votes: * Chances of qualification: ***

AZERBAIDJAN is debuting with a bang. Great vocals, visually stunning this is a sure finalist. My votes: **** Chances of qualification: *****

SLOVENIA seems to have been struggling with staging and vocals. If Rebeka gets her act together this might make it. One of my favourites anyways. My votes: ***** Chances of qualification: **

NORWAY is a favourite by many. I find it rather boring. My votes: ** Chances of qualification: ****

POLAND could well be the dark horse tonight if she delivers. Wonderfully performed festival ballad. My votes: **** Chances of qualification: ****

IRELAND will divide Europe, me thinks. A lot of high votes and a lot of zeros. Maybe. I like this in some weird way. One can't rule out a possible 8th Irish win. My votes: **** Chances of qualification: *****

ANDORRA offers rather boring Europop that could be saved by great vocals and performance. None of that is in offer judging the rehearsals. My votes: ** Chances of qualification: **

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA is considered a novelty act by some, a piece of art by some. My hate turned into love in a short time, and apparently I'm not alone. But is it enough for people who see this for the FIRST time tonight? My votes: **** Chances of qualification: ****

ARMENIA has managed 8th place twice with a lot poorer song than this one. She might be overdoing it and the stage act is not was expected. However, a possible winner. My votes: **** Chances of qualification: *****

THE NETHERLANDS has a good song and even better singer. It works on stage. Can they beat the immigrant votes? My votes: ***** Chances of qualification: **

FINLAND has either good chances to qualify or will fail completely, depending on heavyrock lovers watching tonight or not. The stage act is perfect for the song, the vocals are good so I say yes. My votes: ** Chances of qualification: ****

ROMANIA gives a good contrast after Finland. Well performed and a classic Eurovision love ballad. My votes: *** Chances of qualification: *****

RUSSIA is a top contender for victory. Dima knows when to deliver, the stage act is memorable. My votes: ***** Chances of qualification: *****

GREECE is also here to win. The stage act is good and she might be doing her part well if her nerves are ok. The song is a bore though. My votes: ** Chances of qualification: *****

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Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

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