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: Moldova & Ireland. Plus an overview of Semi 1!
17. MOLDOVA – Lăutar
Just a hint of Edward Norton in Pasha Parfeny! Fishing in the same pond as Israel basically with this folksy Balkan pop song and I’m happy this kind of song is finding a place in Eurovision. The atmosphere in the official video is relaxed and they should keep it like that and chuck away that chaotic routine from the national final – what a mess! It’s Serbia 2010 all over again! Not too keen on the lyrics but it’s all light and airy so it doesn’t bother me too much. Again an interesting musical approach from Moldova but I pray they keep it simple…
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Down to earth happy rather.
Intriguing? Not really – its lighthearted nature makes me enjoy it for the full three minutes though. With my eyes closed.
Modern? It’s fresh rather, certainly for Eurovision.
International? Could be, although that Balkan sound might be too much for some Western ears.
Personal score: 12/20 – Prediction: Final
18. IRELAND – Waterline
I think we’re collectively disappointed with the song Jedward picked as the follow-up for Lipstick. Instead of another bouncy little number we get this schlager that Linda Bengtzing wouldn’t even consider for MF and which doesn’t really suit the twins’ energy – and vocal capabilities. There’s only so much the backings can absorb now! I still like their way of performing but it doesn’t suit this song at all, it’s just a terrible match overall and while everyone sees them qualifying by default I’m gonna go out on a limb and say: I don’t think so. Too bad though, I like them.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? They still are. The song isn’t.
Intriguing? Not in the slightest.
Modern? Not in the slightest, despite the pumping base.
International? Perhaps, based on their reputation. Don’t see it happening though.
Personal score: 12/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi
So, to wrap things up: here is the Official Dimivision List Of Qualifiers – the ones in bold are both on my personal ànd prediction list, the ones in italic I believe will be replaced by the countries I’ve added at the bottom:
- Finland
- Israel
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Austria
- Latvia
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Moldova
I think Hungary, Latvia & Cyprus will be replaced by Romania, Greece & Russia – but all will depend on live performances of the six of them.
Semi 1 is very cruel, much unlike semi 2…
Tomorrow we kick off semi 2 with Serbia & FYR Macedonia!
Dimivision 
Moldova: silly silly silly, even if Colin Farrell is singing it; I for one am NOT happy these kind of songs find their way to eurovision 6/20
Ireland: I don’t care how tight their pants are, this song is made of thin air, Lipstick was so much better and boys, learn some new moves please. 10/20