Second Rehearsals!: Day 5

Nothing massive has occurred today so I'm just going to wrap this up quickly. Rehearsal Videos can be found anywhere on YouTube or here.

• Montenegro: No major changes to report here. This setting itself up to be one of the stangest entries that we've ever seen on the stage. Unless Bjorn Ranelid.
• Iceland: There are some reports that Iceland were a little off key today but I reckon they will be back on form by Monday. They are after all very strong and consistent performers.
• Greece: Reports would suggest that this has made some marginal improvements. However overall it is still looking like an unlikely qualifier but I cannot rule Greece out of the final
• Latvia: All is working really well on stage but the dress is dire. No seriously, worse than that. Looks like something that would seem out of fashion in the 1970's
• Albania: Truly great song and performance. I'm looking forward to this more and more. I think this should qualify on a strong jury vote. Simple really is the aim of the game here and after Latvia this just works so well. 
• Romania: Like Iceland and Albania this is one of the stand out songs in this semi-final. You cannot really fault this song on anything and it is really starting to grow on me. I just wish she'd bring back the outfit from the national final.
• Switzerland: It's working really well on stage, but still not a qualifier in my books but I can't fully rule it out. 
• Belgium: Say what you want about this entry, it really is vocally strong. I think this is a dark horse for qualification.
• Finland: It definately now looks we are going with the green dress which I don't like personally but then again my mother makes out I have no sense of fashion. This is finally working for me but at this point in time it looks like it could get lost in a sea of more memorable songs. This song always makes me smile though.
• Israel: A little more movement would be welcome but overall this is looking well but its still a borderline qualifier.
• San Marino: OMG where did she get the outfit. (Awful...just awful). The run through looks good. The question is now can a Raphel Sigel song make the final. Sadly, I think not.
• Cyprus: Vocally this is a bit of concern but even though it seemed a little flat I think overall this is starting to add up to a nice little package. I still don't see this qualifying though. 
• Denmark: Well Denmark is Denmark, I'm think that this could very well in this semi, but that may be me being biased towards my favourite song. But still this is well worth watching and should surprise people on the night.

And Now We Know...(Day 1)

So as the sun sets over Paris [Only place I could think of where the sun might be setting right now]. But the day has come to an end and having looked at at least 100 photos of Eurovision Taxis as well as hours of rehearsal videos, we now know a lot more about Eurovision 2012. But in a nutshell what have we learned?

• Based on everyone's blog posts we now know it is not very easy to get to Baku, especially if you travel through Istanbul.
• Montenegro is as bad on stage as we first thought, however no one knew quite what to expect all the same.
• Iceland and Romania are the big winners from today, they are now much more favoured to win in the betting odds and reports from Baku about them are impressive.
• Greece has a very typical Eurovision entry. She is not able to sing it well enough live.
• Latvia continues to divide people between lovers who think it is a marginal qualifier and haters who think it is still a very bad song still and she is a good vocalist.
• Albania was as impressive as ever but I think it might be something that the ney sayers have to see live to believe. I really like this though.
• According to my friend the ESCInsider Switzerland far better looking in real life. As a hetrosexual I have no opinion but as they say - know your target market. Their diction as also improved.
• Iris from Belgium has a great pair of lungs. She really came up to the mark in rehearsals today.
• Finally Finland have dropped the dancer which is a great move on their part in my opinion.

Up until now I have avoided making predictions but I think at this stage that Iceland and Romania are the definite qualifiers and Albania is a very likely qualifier. My guess is that there will be one qualifier from either Switzerland, Belgium or Finland and since the rehearsal I am inclined towards Belgium, but that's very difficult to call. I think that Greece is the only other possible contender but if the vocals don't improve it could go the way of Turkey last year.

If you missed our earlier posts they are here:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Romania: Catsuits and Folk Music: The Review

There was little surprise when Mandinga won the Romanian national final earlier this year. Their song Zaleilah had already been a huge hit in Autumn of last year. Their song is very light and summery which may play to their advantage. I have a theory that because many songs are selected in the winter there is a distinct lack summer hits at Eurovision. I do thing that a (proven) summer hit can do very well at Eurovision. While Spain might be an example I thought that their song was a little cheap sounding.

To be honest I'm not sure how to judge Zaleilah, I'm not really a huge fan of summer songs and I think that might be why I find that it is a bit instant for the first third listens, then just becomes annoying. I know that many fans don't agree but that's just my view.

The advantage that this song has is that it is coming after a rather drab two songs (Latvia and Albania) - those will be tough swallows for the normal audience. Romania have a historical record of 100% qualification. Staging is the strange thing, with the lead singer in a leather catsuit surrounded by a selection of folk singers, all in all I'm not sure of this entry but I'd should qualify.

Verdict: It feel just a little thin to me but on the first couple of listens I'd say it should pick up a couple of televotes.

Grade: C

Verdict

The Highs And Lows Of National Final Season 2012 Part 2

With another national final season over us and me being away from blogging and technology for a few nights, we turn our attention back to remember the highs and lows of the national final season that was. While it is almost over it will leave us with some great memories. Part 2 continues our series.

Ireland holding a national final
That was a joke wasn't it. Since around October people were pretty sure that Ireland would be sending Jedward to the contest. It actually was slightly surprising to hear that there still would be a Late Late Show special. Anyhow to no ones surprise they won.

And the award for longest interval act goes to....Moldova.
After an huge national final of 22 (roughly, I can't remember) you'd think that they'd wrap it up quickly and get it over with. Oh no, instead Moldova went on the rampage with a 40 minute interval act. I'm not going to put a video of here. It seems pointless. Go and learn how to make an origami swan instead it would seem more useful.

Trackshittaz vs. Conchita Wurst
What a showdown that was in Austria between two guys (with a great song) shouting at people to shake their bottoms and well, Conchita. It really was the most unorthodox showdown of the year and Trackshittaz won by 51% which is really really close.


Loreen's Melodifestivalen Final Performance
Anyone who likes Loreen will understand just how good this amazing performance was. For me it was Melodifestivalen moment of the year.

Cringe performance in Romania.
We wouldn't have spotted this only for Eurovision Apolcalypse. (One of the best Eurovision blogs around). Anyhow I just loved Bianca Purcarea's studio version. However the vocals in her live performance could have been drowned out my rubbing nails on a chalkboard.

 We'll continue the series shortly.

All Round Delight In Euroland After Super Saturday

So Eurovision fans breath a sigh of relief as Loreen won Melodifestivalen with 268 points winning five international juries and topping the public televote with 32.7% - a historical record. We will have a full Analysis of the Melodifestivalen final and semi-final voting patterns later tonight or else tomorrow.

Next came the presentation of the Serbian song by Zelijo Joksimovic. It's a lot like his 2004 entry but I really don't think that it is nearly as good. For me this could be the Harel Saart or Amurary Vassi of 2012. Anyhow the song is called Nile Ljuvbav Stvar (I could only find the English version - sorry).

Romania came next with a song that sounds like a cross between Lily Allen and Shakira. While the song may be annoying after two months, I am loving the Leather Catsuit. Mandinga is the singer and her song (sung mostly in Spanish) is called Zaleilah.

In Portugal after the usual remarkably long voting have decided to send Filipa Sousa to Eurovision. Fairly unamazing song at the moment.

A Surprisingly Good National Final: Romania

Romania has a reasonably strong national final this year so let’s take a more in depth look at the songs.

Catalin Josan - It may be a little old fashioned but it is a great happy go lucky song. I really like this. Catalin actually looks like he has some music experience also. Grade: A-

Ana Mardane - The opening of this song sounds like a big Broadway musical number. However does develop away from this but really it is Broadway at heart. Grade: B

Vicky Red - By the looks of it this song has been on the go for some time and has racked up a reasonable number of views on YouTube. This is a really high quality song. Then comes the Disco. But so far the Romania seem to have a good selection so I don't know how outstanding this will seem on the night. Grade: A-

RPK - The band name could easily be confused as a broadcaster but aside from that this seems to be a little poorer than the songs that went before it. Grade: E+

Lucian Oros - Despite sharing a song title with a razor slogan this is an interesting song. However this song is a little predictable and boring. It's far from awful but could be better. Grade: D+

Raluca Ocneanu - It's got very artist and orginal sound to it but I'm not sure that this will bring in a vast number of votes. Grade: C-

Electric Fence - That's a strange band name. The music certainly starts off as strangely as the name would suggest. The very different sound might suggest something different but in reality it would come across as a little messy. Grade: D-.

Ovidiu Anton - It starts like it is going to burst into a massive disco remix. But oh no - here comes the self pitying guitar pop. It's is a reasonable song but you know – depressing. Grade: C

Miss Mary - This is a pretty good quality song which has huge potential but kinda falls a little flat at the times when you want it to push on it doesn’t. Grade: D

Mandinga - What is the back ground music? 15 seconds in it was answered. This is a piece of messy ethino pop music which has a great hook and actually though messy it's the best song so far. Grade: A

T&L - This may be Irish and I do subscribe to the whole "support Irish" concept, but this goes nowhere. The speaking/supposed rap is not very good. Yeah this is boring. Grade: E+

Ioana Anuta - Usual pop/rock song that turns up at many ESC national finals. Girls Don't Cry is an interesting title and some of the lyrics provoke ideas to caustic to publish on this blog. However I can be a sucker for this kind of music. Grade: B

Tasha - Seriously club music here. However it is just a small bit boring. It just doesn't seem to go anywhere. Grade: D+

Bianca Purcarea - Starts as a relaxed and gentle ballad, and in fact it begs you to hear some more. So quiet. So gentle. So bueatiful. As I write this I am also keeping an eye on the primary results in the US. But really when you have great ballads like this who needs politics. Grade: A+

Ana Mardane - So she has two songs in the national final? That's a little strange. It is very different to her earlier song. I would perfer this one personally. Grade: B+

So if I have time after Melodifestivalen I will be dropping over to Romania to support Bianca Purcarea and her amazing song. 

And The Winner OF Eurovision 2011 Is.....?: Part: I can't remember :(

So to finish off our in depth series:
I wrote this in June so I am sorry if it is a little out of date.

Ireland

Ireland (My home country) is definitely had a mini comeback in recent years. RTÉ’s new mentor system is not a bad one given the fact everyone knows everyone else in the music industry in Ireland and this was proven by getting Jedward. What determines if this is a new era for Ireland or just a blip is where Ireland goes next. Certainly we could try to get U2 or The Script but they have better things to do. At this stage looking at Irish media it looks like our 2012 entrant is Jedward [And being on the ground in Ireland it certainly seems that way]. After performing for President Obama they are on a whirlwind of fame. While Louis Walsh was looking to Japan before but I think he could be changing the gear in favour of winning Eurovision and launching them on the European stage. If they put in a year trying to win Eurovision they surely can do it, but the need a more “Poppy” song more like Popular [Eric Saade] or Lay Your Love On Me [BWO], however what they need to do is release the song before Christmas and promote it in Ireland before they have to go to the National Final, then go to Europe. Looking away from Jedward, Imelda May would also be a very good choice – she’s a different Irish act, quirky enough to appeal at Eurovision but not over the top. Last year Jedward proved Ireland has a substantial vote base, even managing to stop Denmark and Sweden exchanging points.

Dublin 2013? Given Jedward’s popularity and the fact they could put a year’s work into Eurovision we can certainly say Ireland would be in with the strongest shout in years, particularly after . But if Jedward put in a middle of the road, last minute song it would be a very bad choice. Excluding Jedward if RTÉ were willing to get an act that is reasonably famous we would also have a good chance.

I can't remember if this was posted already:

Norway

After a landslide win in 2009 Norway seemed part of a new wave of western wins. However while their last two entries did well in predictions once picked they slide a lot when they hit the ESC stage. Norway can hardly be pleased with their last two results, but they should not lose hope. MGP is the second strongest national final system, in my opinion. However, while excellent songs are entered they still don’t take risks with more modern sounding entries, like Vardlokk or Not That Easy. They have the ability to get points across the board but are still supported by a strong Scandinavian Anglo-Irish block. However, after this year, if bland songs are going to do well in the contest then Tone Damli Aabarge may be a good choice.

Oslo 2013? Unless Norway steps out of its comfort zone they may find the Top 10 out of reach, let alone a win.

Romania

After seeming to peak in 2005/6 they made a comeback in 2010 and kind of lost it again. Romania has an unremarkable selection process and really I think they have as much chance as any country you care to mention. Their block is the outer Balkans who tend to not work as strongly as a normal block.

Bucharest 2013? Maybe

Conclusions this week.

Just a quick posting to convey my sympathies to the family and friends of Măllina Olinescu, who tragically commited suicide. 


She represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest1998 in Birmingham, UK.


While I don't know if this is required I'll put it up anyhow. 


Samaritans :

In the UK dial 08457 90 90 90.

In the Republic of Ireland dial 1850 60 90 90

Romania

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Hotel FM

Change

Change (Final version)

Change (Karaoke version)
Change (Live video at NF)

Change (Playback promo video)
Change (Videoclip)

Change (Live video at semi 2)
Change (Live video at Final)
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Finalists:

Adi Cristescu - One by one

Blaxy Girls - It's so fine

Claudia Pavel - I want u to want me

Dalma - Song for him

Dan Helciug - My facebook girl

Direcția 5 - Cinema love

Distinto, Ianna & Anthony Icuagu - Open your eyes

Hotel FM - Change

Laurențiu Cazan - We can change the world

Leticia - Dreaming of you

Mihai Alexandru feat. B-Body & Soul - Bang bang

Rallsa - Take me down

Silvia Ştefănescu - I can't breathe without you

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The 65 not qualified songs:

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

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