What the ** happened?

Well this result really took me a few days to digest. Azerbaijan winning – not totally unexpected and I’m fine with it. Italy coming in second? I didn’t see that coming. And what about France, Hungary and Ireland? They should have been higher up. But Europe has decided, and were going to Baku next year. Which I’m sure will be awesome. Azerbaijan deserves to win – they take this competition very seriously and invests more money than anyone else, so I’m sure they’re going to put on one amazing event next year. I can’t wait. And Ell and Nikki said after the final that they want to bring Europe together. Now that’s adorable. Totally worth all our votes.

But I still don’t understand this result what so ever. Last year had a few surprises but this time it was just one shock after another. I think the worst part for me was Ukraine’s fourth place and Greece’ seventh. Totally undeserved. I actually vomited and went straight to bed right after the show ended. No joke. But nevertheless if this is what Europe likes I guess were all just going to have to adjust and come up with some really absurd and un-cool numbers next year. And I think we can establish once and for all that the ESC is its own genre.

Stay tuned for more evaluations throughout the week!

Victory for Ireland!!

Read my lips: Victory for Ireland!

My list:

1. Ireland

2. United Kingdom

3. Azerbaijan

4. France

5. Finland

6. Bosnia and Herzegovina

7. Sweden

8. Germany

9. Estonia

10. Moldova

11. Italy

12. Russia

13. Switzerland

14. Denmark

15. Hungary

16. Iceland

17. Switzerland

18. Lithuania

19. Austria

20. Serbia

21. Spain

22. Georgia

23. Ukraine

24. Spain

25. Slovenia

Second Semi-Final Top 10

Get ready for unicycles, shattering glass and two sets of identical twins: Were only a few hours away from the second semi-final and things are about to get pretty crazy. The first semi-final really proved that nothing is for certain in this competition, if Georgia can make it then so can everyone else. Here is my top ten list for tonight, and let me make it clear that it’s not the ten best songs but the ten songs I think will qualify for the big final. Alright here we go:

Ireland

Denmark

Estonia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ukraine

The Netherlands

Sweden

Moldova

Romania

Slovakia

I’ll be back during the break with a second prediction. I’ll mostly likely change my mind. I’m hoping for Israel of course, I can’t help but to be patriotic. However, as much as we all love Dana, I’m not sure that she will get enough votes from the public to make up for the jury votes she’s clearly not going to get. Anyways go Dana.

If I got to choose myself this would be the qualifiers:

Israel, The Netherlands, Ireland, Moldova, Latvia, Romania, Bosnia, Slovakia, Sweden and Denmark. These are not the best songs either, but they are all entertaining in their own way.

Best advice for tonight: The more you drink – the better the songs get. Cheers!

Short Review of Bulgaria, Bosnia, Ukraine, Romania, Cyprus, Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia and Estonia

Belarus: One of the better songs this year – and it’s a big shame that a catchy song gets totally ruined by such stupid lyrics. I love Belarus – yeah I wonder how many of Belarus inhabitants would get behind that message voluntarily.

2/6

Bosnia: A lot of people tend to like this song – one of the most famous artists in the Balkans. It’s sort of funny how they pretend to be playing instruments and the song is quite catchy, but not a personal favorite of mine. However I see how many Europeans could be charmed by this number.

4/6

Romania: Change has become a popular slogan these days, and although the message is cheesy and old I would still like to believe in it. It’s a happy song, which is most welcome in this sea of melancholia. Good number.

4/6

Cyprus: Christos Mylordos, already by just reading the name of the artist I have a feeling that this is going to be very dramatic and cheesy. This song has a lot of emotion, but unfortunately I can’t feel whatever it is that Christos is feeling. Totally pathetic and a big waste of everyone’s time

1/6

Estonia: One of the big favorites this year, but I don’t think Estonia will make the top five with this one. It's catchy and cute, and I’m sure she’ll make the final, but it all sounds a bit too much like the Junior ESC for my taste. Overrated.

3/6

Slovakia: This first set of identical twins in the semi-final are these two hot girls from Slovakia. The song is mediocre, not the worst and not the best, and I’m afraid it will be pretty forgettable. The twin factor might help though.

3/6

Ukraine: Very powerful number from the Ukraine. The song is not that strong, but since the Ukraine has a lot of good neighbors I’m sure they will qualify despite the lack of quality in this number.

2/6

Bulgaria: Girl rock in Bulgarian. I don’t know I a little bit bored by the song, but the singer is interesting and her performance is quite good, so I don’t think it’s chanceless. This will probably duell with Moldova for the rock votes, and I’m afraid Bulgaria will draw the shortest straw.

3/6

Macedonia: A totally pointless song which is very likely to grab the last place in this semi-final. Snack and bathroom break during this number.

1/6

Racism, Fascism and Alliances

Naturally yesterday’s elimination caused some anger among those countries that were eliminated. There were definitely a few surprises, like Georgia making it and Turkey getting eliminated, but then again it was a tough semi-final and it was very unpredictable. Norway was shocked, how could this funky little number fail to make it through? Clearly it must have been racism – caused by the Easter-European blockade. Or could it perhaps be that it didn’t qualify because it wasn’t good? Sorry Norway, but I believe that the ten songs that qualified were actually the songs that Europe liked. Perhaps it wasn’t a hundred percent fair, but then again life isn’t fair guys so you’ll just have to cry your bitter tears, fly back to Norway and forget about this. And maybe pick and artist that can actually sing next time?

Turkey is also out, which was an even bigger surprise. I personally hated that song, and I’m glad Europe agreed, it was terrible number and that caged dancer grossed me out. However, Turkey pretty much has a free pass to the final, but I guess this proves that you can’t just rely on previous merits and good friends. As for Finland- I really don’t get it. Do we really want to hear this song again?? This must have been a jury favorite, because I really don’t understand how people could vote for that. I was wrong about Armenia making it – I gladly admit. That one really caused the most laughter in my living room. Boom Boom Chaka Chaka and a giant boxing glove – you can’t expect anyone to take you seriously. And Portugal. I knew what was coming but I was shocked nevertheless.

The rest of the qualifiers were legit I suppose, and not very surprising. I’m worried about Hungary though. I was quite convinced that Kati Wolf would be the winner this year, but it didn’t look all that good on stage in the singing was a bit off. Something’s got to be done in the Hungarian camp if they want to take this home, that’s for sure. Basically I think I’ve had a change of heart about going to Budapest next year; it’s looking more and more like Paris, London or Dublin – again.

7/10 in this round – Thursday’s semi-final predictions should be easier though. And I’ll miss Malta on Saturday. What a fabulous performance – it just wasn’t meant to be L

Before the Results: Last Thoughts

So after having seen the first semi final, this is who I think will qualify:

Hungary

Norway

Russia

Lithuania

Azerbaijan

Turkey

Switzerland

Armenia

Serbia

Greece

I'm still hoping for Malta though!

First Semi-Final: My Top 10

The first semi-final is by far the most competitive round, and it is very hard to predict who’s gonna make and who’s gonna be out and forgotten.

Hungary

Azerbaijan

Russia

Armenia¨

Turkey¨

Norway

Serbia

Iceland

Greece

Malta

I have to admit that I’m very unsure about the four last ones. However, based on status and wishful thinking this is my final list – good luck to everyone tonight!