Well the opening bash was as expected spectacular in the old presidential palace in all it’s splendor. I apparently became much better acquainted with several of this year’s participants and presenters as well as the many weird and wonderful forms of Serbian alcohol … Probably best if I keep a low profile for the rest of the week though there is photographic evidence…..
Onto the show. Started 10 minutes late and the technical problems continued throughout with many of the postcards being silent. The postcards are really good though it has to be said. The presenters need a bit of polish as they’re looking a bit amateurish at the moment, but they wouldn’t be the first….
The songs
Montenegro – OK and gets a cheer but a surefire failure
Israel – badly out of tune but the presentation is OK
Estonia – initially got a cheer until they realised how weird it was!
Moldova – badly out of tune and lifeless
San Marino – I love it but it’s doomed. It makes absolutely no impression
Belgium – the surprise package. Went big in the hall. I’m now seeing this as a qualifier.
Azerbaijan – big, bombastic and a surefire qualifier
Slovenia – not even the local support is going to save this
Norway – This really benefits from having crap things before it and is easily through.
Poland – This one has slipped out of the running for me now. It just doesn’t come across. Only the jury could save it
Ireland – a complete shambles. Forget it
Andorra – never seriously in the running
Bosnia – the start of a run of qualifiers
Armenia – big in the hall and through
Netherlands – ordinarily I’d have said no but it’s fortunate to find itself in semi 1 and should qualify
Finland – one of the most effective and popular
Romania – easily through
Russia- ditto
Greece – is going through but sound like a cat in pain
So in summary ten qualifiers:
Belgium
Azerbaijan
Norway
Bosnia
Armenia
Netherlands
Finland
Romania
Russia
Greece
Of course tomorrow we’ll no doubt find out we’re completely wrong….