The home straight

John for Cyprus is performing very well indeed and congratulations to the Cypriot delegation. This is staged so simply and beautifully matches the mood. Everything works but, as regular readers know, I really dislike the song itself. I find it quite clumsy lyrically and simple for simple’s sake and just ever so dull. I seem to be in the minority mind you and if he qualifies with a middling to late draw, this could be this year’s Tom Dice or Ott Lepland. Letting my personal distaste come in here, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cyprus didn’t quite make it but I’m seeing them make it now.

Slovenia next and Maraaya is more relaxed today (obviously after having a calming drink ette with me last night at the Montenegrin party, she didn’t drink but I had hers). The camera shots of the air violinist and the guy on the piano are tighter and slicker and she’s opening her eyes more and relaxing into the performance. I’m not entirely convinced of the way they’ve staged it but it’s enough to get it to the final.

That Monty is dragging me away to the Macedonian party on the promise of free food and booze. So I’m going to be unable to review my actual favourite entry of Poland. I am in a total minority in this regard but I always love the slightly ‘off radar’ ballad and I hope I’m going to see her qualify.

My work here is done Europe. Mission accomplished, Israeli backing boys papped.

Now there’s all your semi songs, who’s in your twenty qualifiers. If someone gets me some beer later I might do a prediction to video. And That Monty might be allowed to help…