Semi Final 2 - May 27th

[Gavster]

This is the final update before the semi final

updated 22/05/2010

Note:

This is pretty much how I see it now. Ukraine looking vulnerable, which opens the door for Ireland with their Titanic penny whistle and dodgy harmonies. This is a really strong group, but if you want a good e/w winner, try Turkey; their performance is mesmerising. Denmark are in danger of going out as their rehearsals have been disgusting. The juries watch the next one, so they'll have to improve 500%.

You Tube

You Tube

Recap rehearsal video of songs in semi final order

[Beanie]

Great work Gav...even across all those songs there's not much I disagree with.

Dont think Slovenia or Lithuania will make it, although I have only got 9 likely qualifiers noted at the moment(Armenia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Israel, Sweden, Croatia, Ireland, Romania, Turkey) so space for one more.

Dont like Denmark but with Sweden and Norway voting here its got friendlies, and its probably just about different enough in a ballad heavy semi to make it, not by much though, dont understand the market support at all.

[Gavster]

I'm not sure Denmark has enough friendlies here to call upon, which is why I think Ukraine may sneak through. But god knows why some bookies have Denmark as a favourite!?!?!

I like Slovenia, but as I said in the chart, much depends on whether people at home get it. I think it's brilliant, and being late on in the show (regardless of new voting) it may surprise. It will be difficult to follow Romania though.

I am with you on Azerbaijan - just too much support!

[MickeyPaul]

I didn't realise how tough this semi was. Fuck. If it was up to me.... I'd have Sweden, Ukraine and Slovenia and no one else. Possibly Armenia although she can't sing. edit: I've confused Slovenia with Slovakia again haven't I? Ah, reading back - I hate Slovenia with a passion. Sweet. I can take them out and put in Denmark then.

Romania I wouldn't be surprised to see not make it (I'll take Ukraine over that one please). Finland too. And Ireland. I'm not saying they won't - just that it wouldn't shock me. I'd love to see Azerbaijan not qualify to be honest.

[Gavster]

The way I see it Mickey is that it's all songs that are green should go through with the addition of Ukraine. I still reckon Denmark is on shaky ground, and wouldn't be surprised to see a Bloc member sneak through ahead of it.

[MickeyPaul]

You're right about the Danes I think gavin - not understanding their odds at all although as I said in the thread, it's decent in the chorus. I was just looking at what you had in bold there and was thinking I could drop Slovenia and Romania quite easily. I've actually forgotten Georgia and Cyrpus completely so I'm guessing they didn't impress me much.

edit: listening to Georgia and I personally think it's better than Ireland. Still pretty dull though.

[Gavster]

Romania is a crowd pleaser though. In the context of the whole group, it really stands out. Yes it's trying to tick too many boxes, but it's a fantastic arrangement. Slovenia, I like also. Great singing, nice comedy element, and a killer Brian May guitar solo!

I really think only those with a yellow highlight are in the running for the final place.

[MickeyPaul]

You mean green? Oh, I see. Look at me getting all confused again. hahaha.

Ok, I'll go with, based on what I've seen so far:

Armenia
Israel
Denmark
Sweden
Azerbaijan (spit)
Ukraine
Ireland or .... I can't decide yet
Croatia
Georgia
Turkey

[Gavster]

Georgia is a good call, but only on the basis of them adding more to the performance and arrangement. Her voice is a bit shaky in parts too.

I have to agree with your assessment of Ireland too. Too good not to go through, but so many other songs that could make it through Bloc voting

[MickeyPaul]

Nah, I think Ireland is average enough to be a very close call (most of them are to be fair). This is certainly a tough year with very few standing out and lots of entrants around the same kind of level for performance and song. I hate to say I'll probably end up trying to use politics to seperate some of them. What have I become!?

[Gavster]

Semi final 2 is easy enough to decide upon though. Georgia is the only one with dodgy politics in my opinion. (last year's putin jibe).

Semi final 1 is the difficult call.

[MickeyPaul]

Is it easy enough? I've just flicked over to the other chart and they both look hard to me. I'll go switch threads though.

[MickeyPaul]

bet365 qualifying odds

[Gavster]

Well judging by the Russian result, Ukraine should coast it!!

[MickeyPaul]

I think Ukraine is good enough though. It's just..... really gloomy. She's a great singer which helps. And it's Ukraine. I suppose that also helps.