I'm not quite sure whether this semi-final was stronger than the previous one, but it certainly had its surprises!

1. Lithuania: Inculto - Eastern European Funk:
I really really thought they'd get through to the finals! It was so nice to see them in shiny shorts, how sarcastic. In my opinion, one of the songs that really deserved to go through!

2. Armenia: Eva Rivas - Apricot Stone:
Eva Rivas is.... big! I've seen her perform at the New Wave of Five Star contest, and at one point she stood next to Alexandr Kireev and she looked like a giant! But one that has the looks of a star!!! That hair! Those cheekbones!! Her figure!!! Ehum... ok, now the song. Strong, beautiful, with some ethnic influences. This is definately top 5, maybe top 3, and MAYBE the WINNER?

3. Israel: Harel Skaat - Milim
A bit like 2 years ago, nice ballad, nice looking young man, a bit deja vu. Unfortunately, Harel didn't sing flawless and I can only hope he does his very best at the finals. I really want to see this song in the top 10. Just because it's Israel :)

4. Denmark: Chan'ee & N'evergreen - In A Moment Like This
This is a potential winner. Copenhagen 2011, well, it's been since 2000, so that would be nice. N'evergreen writes good sounding songs, it's weird he's not famous in Europe. The performance was very professional and was sung very well. If they win, I will only say: chapeau!

5. Switzerland: Michael von der Heide - Il Pleut De L'Or
Ugh... this is waaay to gaaay! The song isn't that bad, but... nah.

6. Sweden: Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
WHY is she not in the finals???????? I liked everything about this performance: the looks, the song, the way she sang, the melody.. WHY???

7. Azerbaijan: Safura - Drip Drop
Tipped as a possible winner, I can only say: Safura, honey, don't run and sing at the same time. And don't get on your knees, no need for at all. It's a strong song, a very good voice, perfect looks and... yes... it's all between Azerbaijan and Armenia this year. Unless, of course, Denmark wins.

8. Ukraine: Alyosha - Sweet People
I don't know why she has a boys name, but what a great singer she is! And what a great song. A real underdog. And so distinct. Wow, I'm very impressed by Ukraine's entry this year. Not a winner, but, hey, what a good song!!!

9. The Netherlands: Sieneke - Ik Ben Verliefd (Sha-la-lie)
Aaaaaaaaaah... poor Sieneke! She was like the ugly duckling of the contest. The whole performance had a big 70s ambiance, but even the backing vocals looked and moved better than Sieneke. Shalalie shalala is a song that is sticky and original, but... probably not for Eurosong. I feel sorry for her and once again, Holland is NOT in the finals! Such a shame, maybe next year Mala Vita?

10. Romania: Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire
I liked the setting and the female singer reminded me of Sabrina.. you know, Boys Boys Boys. The song is ok, at this moment I don't rememeber a bit of it, but it had a catchy rhythm. And the vocals were good. I don't know, I didn't consider them as a finalist, so not sure what to think about this entry.

11. Slovenia: Ansambel Zlindra & Kalamari - Narodnozabavni Rock
Noooooooo, did they really think they would get through with THIS???? Noooooooooooooooooo. The girl was good looking and good singing, but the total entry was crappy.

12. Ireland: Niamh Kavanagh - It's For You
WHY is THIS in the finals??????? She's in the finals and Sweden's not?!?
Scary woman in purple with a mediocre song. Ok, she's a good singer, but did the jury let this pass, just because someone really has to be at the bottom in the finals?

13. Bulgaria: Miro - Angel Si Ti
Well, I thought they'd make it. But no. Somehow, in the first semi-finals, 3 similar songs did go to the final, and this one didn't. It's not original, nor catchy, cuz I have already forgotten the tune. But still, as for me, I'd rather see this in the finals instead of Ireland or Cyprus.

14. Cyprus: Jon Lilygreen & The Islanders - Life Looks Better In Spring
Big surprise! But not a positive one. There's absolutely nothing interesting about that song. Ok, Jon is a good looking chap. That's it. How is THIS in the finals, and let's say, Malta is not?

15. Croatia: Feminnem- Lako Je Sve
Ugh, I remember them from some years ago... still as bad. Yugoslavian Via Gra with poor voices. Not. A. Chance.

16. Georgia: Sofia Nizharadze - Shine
I remember the fantastic red dress, I remember the strong voice, I remember the beautiful modern dance. I do NOT remember the song. Nuff said.

17. Turkey: maNga - We Could Be The Same
Hm... I've seen Turkey do better with a rock band. What's with the robocop girl evolving into a b/w butterfly or whatever that is supposed to be. This is a song for the middle, if not bottom of the finals.

OK, Saturday. Can't wait!!!

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