We are now at the penultimate event of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. The second Semi-Final of 19 countries went without a hitch to select last 10 performers who will be added to the other 15 to make up the Final 25 singers on Saturday. The show was broadcast live from the Olimpiyskiy Arena in Moscow. Just like the First Semi-Final, it was presented by Natalia Vodyanova and Andrey Malakhov. Some fans have been complaining that they are a bit bland but they seemed to have been better tonight. The theme of the Second Semi-Final was that of modern people, comedy and irony, as well as the stereotypes people still have about Russia and Russians. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with an array of different flags and colours being waved in every corner, the excitement was almost tangible.
All 19 countries, plus France and Russia, voted for their favourite songs, awarding points ranging from 1-8, 10 and 12 to their top 10 singers. This is the second time in the history of the contest that Semi-Finals have been introduced and I believe that, with the increasing number if countries showing interest each year, this elimination round will become normal. In fact, this new system has kept most of the countries in the competition up to the last two days which keep the countries interest in place, a far better way than before, So this is likely to be the format for the future. The actual Final, including voting, usually takes about three hours - a very long time without breaks or adverts as it is aired by the BBC.
My tips for tonight's top 10 were:
* Croatia
* Poland
* Norway (tipped to win this semi-final)
* Denmark
* Slovenia
* Lithuania
* Azerbaijan
* Moldova
* Netherlands
* Estonia
ACTUAL QUALIFIERS
* Croatia
* Ukraine
* Norway
* Denmark
* Albania
* Lithuania
* Greece
* Moldova
* Azerbaijan
* Estonia
Six of my selections 10 got through, down 10% on Tuesday's correct predictions! I guess we can't win 'em all but it is funs seeing the difference. Almost all my favourites are in Saturday's Final which, I believe, will be won by either the UK, Norway, Turkey, or Boznia herzegovina. So far, everything seems to be favourable and most participants who were not selected appeared to have had a good time.
Now for May 16th in Moscow. I can't wait!
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Ms CYPRAH's All-Time Eurovision Top 5:
No. 2: Ein Bibchen Frieden (A Little Peace) sung by the demure Nicole representing Germany, 1982.
(Nicole sang an extremely popular song because she sang the chorus in English and French as well which meant even more people could relate to it. But it was a beautiful tune in its own right with wonderful global empathy. Her nearest rival, Israel, trailed behind with 100 votes to her 161.)
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Eurovision Watch
To follow the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) taking place on March 16 in Moscow, and see ALL the videos of tonight's semi-finalists, click on Meet the 42 Participants, then Click on PREVIEW VIDEOS, and you will be able to get a better flavour of potential winners and make your own choices.
To enjoy some of the old winners in excellent sound, visit the Eurovision Song Contest archives . The site has some really interesting information and great performances, as well as some old classics from Bob Dylan and such like.
Enjoy!
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