2 countries to fight it out...

 ...it's going to be a bloodbath between two massive nations...

For LAST PLACE!

After an absolutely dire second rehearsal today, during which very few of the correct notes were sung, it sadly looks like the UK is facing a last place battle with Spain.  And Spain is cheating by giving their song a complete and utter revamp to the point that it's virtually unrecognisable from the version of the song on the official album.  Don't get me wrong, it's still pants.  It's just that these are shinier pants.

Italy brought another really strong performance again this morning.  And whether you like the rockier style that they bring or not (and, I'm certainly NOT a fan), you can't deny that they bring a raw power and a fresh feel to this 65 year old contest.  Fab outfits too!!!

As far as the bookies are concerned we are now looking at France Vs Italy at the top of the table, and thankfully Barbara brought another flawless performance this morning.  It's very simple, and relies totally on the power of her voice.  It's still my personal favourite!

Jendrik was as jolly as ever, and I sense this is going to do quite well for Germany.

and finally we had the brilliant Dutch entry once again from Jeangu.  Now this really is a STUNNING home entry and the whole performance gels together into a coherent and moving piece.  This is going to bring in HUGE votes from the juries, I think.  It's unlike anything we've ever had in Eurovision and again, it brings a fresh perspective and something very special to the stage.

At the end of each press conference today, the artists randomly selected which half of the final they would perform in.  To be honest, winners have been pretty much split between first and second halves over the past decade, so I don't think the draw is quite as important as it once was.  But anyway, here's how things shaped up:

Italy - SECOND HALF

Germany - SECOND HALF

Netherlands - 23rd (based on the draw from last year)

France - SECOND HALF

United Kingdom - FIRST HALF

Spain - FIRST HALF

Personally, I'm hoping that the producers put James on first, as the world is currently coming out of the embers of Coronavirus, so as a message it would be spot on!  It may actually help us in the long run too... Ha!  Take THAT, Spain!!!

OK, so tomorrow is a quiet day, with only the opening party happening in the evening, so I'm going to take a day away from the online press room, but I'll be back on Monday afternoon after the first full run though of the First Semi, and I'll be giving my predictions for the 10 qualifiers.