If Semi Final 1 gave the impression that Eurovision was becoming tame or, God forbid, more professional, then the second Semi Final put any such fears to rest, and brought back the true spectacle that is Eurovision.
Semi Final 1 also saw little controversy with the acts that made it through to the Finals, where the second Semi Final led to much debate about whether more worthy acts should have made it through. But we all know that Eurovision isn’t necessarily about the best song. It’s about what appeals to the audience (remember the Finnish band dressed as monsters) and nationalistic preferences.
What a fantastic way to begin the show, with an upbeat, poppy number from Latvia sung by men in silver clothing. This was great, I haven’t seen keyboards played like guitars since Pseudo Echo.
San Marino was a great act; catchy song, interpretative dancers, crystal ball, loads of flowy fabric and one of the audience favourites. Although its beginning on the floor made the first part a little difficult to see. Some members of the Australian contingent had been backing the song since it was first announced as a contender and were still shell shocked the following day that they did not make the final.
F.Y.R Macedonia was represented by an interesting group, but one that didn’t really gel, and a song that wavered between pop and ethnic without really reconciling the two.
Azerbaijan had all the ingredients for a memorable Eurovision: an irresistibly catchy tune and a guy dancing in a Perspex box.
Finland brought some politics and controversy to the event, although in a very upbeat and poppy way, with their song in support of gay marriage. This song had amazing audience support, which I guess is not surprising given the predominant demographic. The Finnish fans dressed as brides, but people from other nations also wore little veils along with their own national colours. Apparently some countries edited the lesbian kiss out of their broadcasts.
The multitalented, singing doctor from Malta delighted the audience with his folky song, ‘Tomorrow’. Perhaps some of the lyrics were inspired by the song from ‘Annie’, but any song that has a catchy chorus with few words and lots of ‘oh-ohs’ is bound to be a Eurovision hit. It was enough to get Malta through to the finals for the second year in a row.
It’s not often that you see a lead singer who plays the drums, (particularly one who has much more hair than Phil Collins) but Bulgaria had a strong percussion element which added loads of drama and spectacle to their performance.
In recent years, the Icelandic entry has generally been an upbeat folk or dance tune, but this year, they went with a more traditional entry, a solo singer singing a song in Icelandic. This was a huge risk, and could have been an epic fail, but Eythor Ingi is one talented performer with loads of stage presence, who managed the seemingly impossible by keeping the whole live audience enraptured during his performance, with no need for fireworks, glitter, or even wind machine. He also managed to teach the world three words of Icelandic, ‘Ég Á Lif’ or ‘I Am Alive’ (not even a swear word).
Greece produced an irresistible crowd favourite. OK, maybe it’s not the best song, but how could people in party mode not dance and sing along to a Greek style folk tune with the lyric ‘Alcohol is Free’?
Israel was also marred by politics with a very un-Eurovision protest in Malmö several days before over their choice of act. Still, it was a good song, and saw the return of both Nana Mouskouri style glasses and the Diana Ross style fishtail dress. (But what was with the Mel Gibson joke in the green room? Awkward!)
Armenia had a lead singer who looked like Johnny Depp, but their song fell flat live. Still, it somehow got through to the finals.
Hungary went hipster-style this year with a very casual lead singer who managed to turn up and sing his song on time.
Norway was represented by a lovely blonde girl in a very tight, white dress. Yes, that was enough to get her through to the finals.
Albania were robbed! Seriously, how could any act featuring a pyrotechnic guitar not make it through to the Eurovision finals?
Georgia produced the glamour duet of this year’s Eurovision. It’s a great song, but no ‘Running Scared’.
Switzerland seemed to be hedging its bets this year, with a folk tune, lots of instruments, attractive, young people and a really old person (possibly inspired by the success of last year’s Russian grannies).
Romania was definitely the most memorable and talked about act of this year’s Eurovision. It started out as a poppy tune, then bizzarely turned into opera with a pop beat while the audience was distracted by dancers who appeared to be naked. He also borrowed Moldova’s growing dress, but at least wore the black version, hopefully avoiding any backstage bickering.