All of this year’s songs have been selected, which means it’s time to start the countdown (cue Final Countdown) for the 2015 edition of our beloved Contest! I’ll be tackling the semis & the final in alphabetical order – on the menu today: Azerbaijan, Cyprus & Czech Republic from semi 1!
AZERBAIJAN
The Song: And again, Azerbaijan takes the rather classy road. And classic as well, as this type of song isn’t ground breaking or even surprising. A good gospel hymn it is, just not my cup of tea. I can, however, see its broad appeal.
The Voice: Keeping his performance in 2008 in mind, I’m not in the least bit worried – he can handle this.
The Performance: Will be rather dramatic, I presume?
In one line: There could have been a bit more ‘were’ to this wolf
PERSONAL TOTAL: 66%
PREDICTION: Most probably qualifying, can go either way in the final
CYPRUS
The Song: Throw Rock’n Roll Kids & Be With You by Mr Big in a blender, add a clumsy bridge et voilà: Cyprus 2015. Love the atmosphere, annoyed by the resemblance to Mr Big and absolutely hate that bridge. Other than that, easily one of Cyprus’ best in the last decade.
The Voice: Giannis sure knows how to work his way around the notes (carefully not taking the annoying bridge into account though). And he knows how to set the mood while doing so. Does give a tad too much boyband-reject feeling to the table.
The Performance: I wouldn’t change too much, actually. Maybe something in the backdrop (especially during the bridge *coughs*), but please don’t add any dancers or whatnot.
In one line: I get a Tom Dice vibe here. Do not rule this out.
PERSONAL TOTAL: 70%
PREDICTION: In the mix for a spot in the final. Could easily see it going top ten there.
CZECH REPUBLIC
The Song: Now thère’s a power ballad for ya! Haunting melody, sadly a tad too ‘musical’ for its own good I fear.
The Voice: Curious to hear this live. Wonder if they’ll sound as powerful as they’re trying to sell it in the studio version. If they go big, this can go big. Too bad about the poor English pronounciation…
The Performance: I expect a lot of drama for this one as well.
In one line: Romania 2002, version 2.0
PERSONAL TOTAL: 73%
PREDICTION: Depending on the performance – based on the studio version I’d say they finally might be in with a shot to reach the final.
Current Standings:
Total:
- Estonia – 84
- Belgium – 81
- Czech Republic – 73
- Denmark – 71
- Cyprus – 70
- Romania – 69
- Netherlands – 67
- Azerbaijan – 66
- Georgia – 65
- Armenia – 64
- Moldova – 63
- Albania – 62
- Finland – 60
- Serbia – 55
- Greece – 53
- Belarus – 52
- FYR Macedonia – 51
- Russia – 38
- Hungary – 32
Semi 1:
- Estonia – 84
- Belgium – 81
- Denmark – 71
- Romania – 69
- Netherlands – 67
- Georgia – 65
- Armenia – 64
- Moldova – 63
- Albania – 62
- Finland – 60
- Serbia – 55
- Greece – 53
- Belarus – 52
- FYR Macedonia – 51
- Russia – 38
- Hungary – 32
Semi 2:
- Czech Republic – 73
- Cyprus – 70
- Azerbaijan – 66
Tomorrow: Iceland, Ireland & Israel
Dimivision 