Semi 1 reactions and Semi 2 predictions!

So, last night we had Semi Final 1, and here is how we currently stand in terms of the allocation draw for Saturday's final (thanks to Eurovisionworld.com for the graphic). 6 spots remain open in the first half of the draw, while only 4 spots will be available in the second half.


Like many others, I predicted 9 out of 10 correctly. I had Croatia instead of Israel, but I'm pleased with the outcome of the first semi. Of course, everyone is saying Malta probably won this semi, and Destiny did give a super performance, but I think it could have been Ukraine who took the poll position.

Today began with the sad news that one of Gagnamagnið from Iceland has now tested positive for COVID, and that Daði has taken the decision that if they can't all perform together then they won't perform live during the semi final (and final, assuming they get there).  Instead a recording of their last rehearsal on the Ahoy stage will be used instead.  From the perspective of the viewers this will keep the continuity of the show and will only begin to look strange when they qualify and aren't there in the green room to scream and shout.  It will be even more bizarre if they go on to win on Saturday night!  Will someone take the trophy up to their hotel room?


Anyway, onto the first full run through today of the second semi final.  Lots more of the same from our genial hosts, and some nice segments, including the second part of the "previous winners" film, this time including Getty from Teach-In, Nicole, Ruslana and Izhar Cohen amongst others.

I think this semi is FAR more difficult to call the qualifiers for, so let's do this differently today.  First the dead certs for qualification, which I think are as follows:

ICELAND

BULGARIA

SWITZERLAND (despite still looking like a sofa having a fit)

FINLAND


SAN MARINO (barking - but Mr Rida is in Da House and he looked this afternoon like he was living his best fantasy!)


PORTUGAL (STUNNING presentation)

then we have the "almost certains"

DENMARK


AUSTRIA 

which leaves space for a further two, and I'm torn between Greece's shockingly tacky green screen presentation from 1982, Serbia's slut-pop realness, Moldova's "can't be arsed recreating my video - so here's my bland attempt at looking vaguely interested" show and Albania's "heaving bosoms of passion" extravaganza.  I think two of these are in, and two are out.  So I'm going to be bold and give my final two places to:

SERBIA (hairography and pouty lip banger)

and

GREECE (fab song - it's just "that" presentation!)


Firmly filling the slot for last place can only be Latvia, which is just too horrendous for words (I suspect she's been having singing lessons from Roxen).

So there you have it!  Performances from Mme Pravi (Magnifique),  Mr Canto (just, nah) and Mr Newman will appear.  Look out for Jame's new look as a gold foiled Easter Egg.  No... really!

I'll be back on Friday with reactions and thoughts about who should be runner-up to France on Saturday night.

Enjoy Semi 2.

Tot Ziens! 

Photo credits:  EBU/ Andres Putting/  Thomas Hanses



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