We’re running up to the 2012 Contest, all entries for Baku have been chosen and it’s time to take a closer look at what we can expect to see and hear at the end of May. I’m reviewing everything in order of draw: I’ll first give my general thoughts on the countries’ choices, then I’ll subject them to the DIMI test and finally I’ll score them, accompagnied by a predicition of how I think they’ll do in Baku. I’ll be tackling them in pairs & on the menu today: Switzerland & Belgium.
7. SWITZERLAND – Unbreakable
And I thought Dima Bilan’s accent was awful! Sinplus provide us with an okay pop-rock song about following your wildest dream and all I hear is “you can’t do it” – not helping the message they try to get across. The ever returning title helps though and as far as modern sounding songs go this does an okay job even though it lacks that bit of umph to really get there. They look cool, perhaps that’ll help. Borderline for me.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? The accent is.
Intriguing? The accent is. The song could feature on any skate compilation really.
Modern? In certain circles I suppose.
International? Sure, if they get rid of that accent.
Personal score: 11/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi
8. BELGIUM – Would you?
Following the same path Tom Dice did, surrounded by the same people even, and I guess there might be some truth in the saying ‘never change a winning team’. They sure did a good job in preparing young Iris for our national final (if that’s what you can call it) but I feel there’s still long ways to go yet. She’s got to master those high notes or they’ll just vaporize in the Crystal Hall and those facial expressions have got to be toned down a bit. But I quite like this mid-tempo song that suits her age very well and which will come across a lot better in a large venue than in that small studio. Now keep your knees together and stay calm, young lady, and you just might get us to the final again.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Her current ‘choreography’ is.
Intriguing? The way she puts a lot of air on her high notes is, I suppose a bit of vocal coaching will solve that come May.
Modern? Does what it says on the mid-tempo tin.
International? If Portugal could do it in 2010 then why can’t we? Don’t see it setting charts on fire though.
Personal score: 13/20 – Prediction: Final
Tomorrow: Finland & Israel
Dimivision 
Switserland: indeed what a shame about the accent: “seen against the swim, following your wildest rim” … that’s what I hear. I’m usually not a fan of the rocky songs in eurovision, but this one is ok… but just ok, nothing more 10/20
Belgium: I should love this one, but I’m still upset we choose the wrong song of the two *sigh* I have no clue if this will score, it looks like a difficult song for her to sing. I hope you are right about the final Dimi *crossing fingers and toes* 12/20