Day 2 of rehearsals in Rotterdam and the World and it's dog is waiting for one performance... Destiny from Malta. Former Junior Eurovision winner, and current bookies' favourite to take the trophy in this contest.
But, she's on last, so we need to see what the second half of the First Semi performers have to offer. Starting with Cyprus and their ode to the black arts, "El Diablo".
Elena looked hot in her bejewelled bodice with matching lip gloss and delivered a superb performance with both vocals and energetic routine that, in my opinion, out Fuegoed Fuego! She's sailing into the final.
Norway's TIX gave a solid performance which differed very little from his MGP winning package. But it was his press conference which touched me the most. I actually sobbed as he talked of his fight against bullying due to his Tourette's when he was growing up, and how he had no friends, so sought solace in the playing and production of music. TIX is a beautiful soul, and you couldn't help but warm to his lovely personality.
Croatia was colourful and well performed, whilst Belgium was dark, edgy and moody and went down well with the assembled online press.
Despite not rating the song, I was impressed by Eden's energy and drive as she ploughed through the Israeli entry, and Azerjibin was competent vocally, if a little lacklustre in the visual performance.
Then there was Romania. Now, you'll remember my less than complimentary comments on Ireland's delivery yesterday... Romania is almost worse! She runs about the stage being chased and pawed by what I can only assume are members of the Wiwi press core. They cavort and prance around her doing what appears to be some kind of horrendous mating ritual, whilst Roxen murders every note over the course of three VERY long minutes. Romania and Ireland certainly want that coveted last place in Semi 1.
When Destiny finally took to the stage of the Ahoy we were greeted by what can only be described as a fringed bodice in Hot Pink Blancmange with accompanying suede thigh length boots (which seemed to be having trouble staying up on our Queen elect's considerable thighs).
Vocally it was great - no problems there - but visually... it was just a bit... meh! It feels kind of half-baked and just doesn't deliver the wow factor that everyone was waiting for. As it stands, this is not our winner.
...and partly, that's also because of the song which was performed directly before it.
Ukraine delivered an absolutely STUNNING performance both visually and vocally. Whilst this techno-turbo-folk will not be everyone's cup of tea - I sat there open mouthed watching the screen and just kept saying "wow!" over and over again. This really is THAT GOOD! At the end of the first screened performance the chatroom of the online press centre erupted with thunderous applause and comments of surprise, excitement and joy! All of a sudden, THIS was the one to beat!
Of course, these were only the first run-throughs of all the songs, but based on these I think Ukraine is very clearly the winner of this Semi, with Lithuania close behind and then probably Malta and Cyprus.
Tomorrow we start the first half of the acts competing in Semi Final 2. Join me then for a bit of Uku action, Moldovan Sweetener and Icelandic tallness.
All photos (C) EBU
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