Eurovision 2018 Semi Final 2

 Good evening, Im back with my review of the second semi final of eurovision 2018!

As before, I'm watching on YouTube, so there will no doubt be adverts at every turn. What ever happened to You Tube? It seems to be a shadow of its former self.

Anyway, we are starting with the same fun video as the first semi final, showing us all what a lovely place Portugal is to go to on holiday (as if we didn't know that already). Our four lovely ladies are back to host, and I'm hoping they gel a bit better tonight. Filomena is absolutely the host of the evening, With Daniela providing some much needed serious hosting to keep things in check. Silvia and Catarina are nice, but they seem to be a little bit surplus to requirement.

We start the evening with the 1,500th song to be performed at the contest. And with such a milestone, it seems only fitting that the 2009 winner Alexander Rybak hack returned to represent Norway with the song "Thats how you write a song". And things seem to come crashing down around us. This is a cheap and rather cheesy song which just seems to be a cheap copy of the genius that was "Love love peace peace". Whats even more upsetting, is considering the conviction that he performed "Fairytale" with, is missing from this. It just feels like a former Disney star trying to make a comeback, and an unsuccessful one at that. I feel a little cheated by it.

Next up we have Romania with the song "Goodbye" Performed by The Humans. Its a little creepy with all the mannequins and the face marks. It seems to take an age to get going, but once it does, its not a bad song. The performance is a bit off,  I don't get why the energy seems to decrease as we hit the finale. I think with a few tweaks it could have worked better

Next up is Serbia, with the song called "Nova Deca", performed by Sanja Illic & Balkanika. From the first note I am hooked. The harmonies are brilliant, and then, the drums come in, and the song takes a different turn. The song seems to constantly evolve, with almost a dance backing beat to it. Ooft, I love this. Another brilliant entry from Serbia.

Jessika & Jennifer Bering are representing San Marino with the song "Who we are". I cant tell the two apart, and to be fair, you don't need to. The song is a flop. It doesn't make sense, I don't get the groups of robots about holding up signs. The song itself sounds like a college bands first written song. My highlight of the song was the robot dropping the sign, just before some very dodgy notes and riffs.  Thankfully it only lasts 3 minutes.

We have Rasmussen representing Denmark with the song "Higher ground". I did not know there was such a thing as Viking pop. It's almost like they are trying to threaten invasian again if they dont get any points. Theres a point in the song where I thought we were going to get our first ever Viking dance break. But alas, no. The last time there was such a sailing themed song in Eurovision, it was Latvia in 2008, and they were not only pirates, but they were better.

Russia is next, and we have the song "I won't break" performed by Julia Samoylova. I felt sorry for her, she was clearly being used a pawn in the previous contest. Shes not a bad singer to be fair, but she is drowned out by the baking singers, who seem to take over the song and never give it back fully. "Flame is burning" was a better song, and it marks the first time the Russia seems in danger of not qualifying.

And now we are back in the green room, for some more fun interviews. I personally would not want to be touching Rasmussen's beard.

And next up is Moldova. DoReDos are preforming the song "My lucky day" the first few seconds I m thinking this staging is odd, but then, it starts to come into its own, and before long, I'm enjoying it. Its so simple, yet so cleverly done. The song is fun too, and even gives us a fabulous meme in the middle.  It's fun, catchy and will do well. I wonder how many outtakes there are in the rehearsal footage.

Waylon is representing the Netherlands this year, and you'll recognise him form 2014, when he was part of the common linnets. He keeps the country theme going, although adding much harder, almost rocky sound to it. While its not "Calm after the storm", "Outlaw in 'em" is fun, if a little repetitive. The weird, almost seizure like dancing throws it off a bit performance wise though.

Another familiar face this year is Australia entrant, Jessica Muaboy. You'll also remember her as one of the interval acts from 2014, which sparked off Australia's direct involvement with the contest. The song "We got love" is fun and catchy, but a bit bland. And while she has a lovely voice, the song doesn't quite do it justice. I think she needed someone else with her stage through, and a dress that doesn't pose such a trip hazard. The song doesn't seem to get everyone in the arena going, as evidence by the lack of crowd participation in joining in the song. I hate it when artists do this at eurovision, most people at home don't know the song well enough to join in, and the arena isn't big enough or designed for the crowd to sing along loud enough to be heard by the audience at home. Rant over!

Georgia is up next, and this is one of those song where you just question why. Georgia has a habit of sending songs like this. (3 minutes to earth springs to mind) The entry this year is called "For you" performed by Ethno-jazz band Iraio. I think thats enough said.

Nothing says midlife crisis like our next entry from Poland. "Light me up" by Gromee feat Lukas Meijer. There's too many people on stage wearing hats and doing odd hand movements. This is one of of those sings they put on at the end of the night in a club, to try and make you leave. Perhaps it's better when you're drunk. I'll have to test that theory at some point. At least it seems to get people moving in the arena. 

Malta is next, and its an interesting entry. It starts off quick dark and interestingly staged. We then hit the bridge and chorus, and it looses me a bit, and we seem to go into a very almost trance, dubstep and dance sort of style song. And don't get me started on the lyrics, they don't really make any sense, rhyming cannibals with animals is hardly going to win you the contest.

Back in the green room, an you get a pastel da nata, you get a pastel da nata, everyone gets a pastel da nata! Filomena is much more likable than Oprah too. Maybe I have a crush on her? Stranger things have happened.

Hungry is next, represented by AWS, with the song "Viszlat Nyar". If you've got a lot of emotion to get out, this is the song to do it to! This succeeds where Australia and Poland fall, it seems to be the crowd absolutely riled up. Its not my cup of tea, but top marks for keeping the energy in the arena going. I'm surprised if there is any money left in the pyrotechnic budget after that performance.

Latvia follows, and you couldn't have had two more different songs next to each other. "Funny girl" performed by Laura Rizzotto is a sultry, almost musical style inspired number that paints a beautiful image of smelling your cheating partners perfume, everyone's worst nightmare. She has a great voice, and the song is good. Its just a shame its not a bit more memorable, especially the ending.

Sweden is up next, represented by Benjamin Ingrosso. The song is "Dance you off" and it is perfection. The staging is incredible. The dark opening, the bars of light that make you feel like you are alone with him in a crowded nightclub. The subtle backing vocals just add to the effect, rendering this a fantastic song that keeps your focus on it the whole time. The long shot is the only bit I don't like, it breaks that illusion of being together in the club. All together though, this is one of the entries to beat.

"Inje" is the Montenegrin song, performed by Vanja Radovanvic, we all love a good Balkan ballad, but this one doesn't quite hit the heights of some of our favourites (Molitva, Oro, Rijek biz ima, Nije Ljubav stvar, Lelja) Its a nice song, but but doesn't elevate itself to make it memorable.

And now, for a memorable song. "Hvala Ne!" Is Slovenia's entry, performed by Lea Sirk. It's a song I never thought I would ever hear in my life, and I have been enriched by it's existence. Lea performs so well, with fun but edgy choreo full of attitude, and the song is still one of my favourites years later. You could tell they didn't think it was going to qualify, hence why the music break changed in the grand final. They didn't need it, I was living for the song. They also make great use of the performance space. Petition to be one of Lea Sirks friends!

Our final entry of the night is Ukraine. If Ukrainian vampires is your thing, then you are in for a treat. Melovin performs the song "Under the ladder" so well, he rises from his grave inside a white piano. The song is catchy, and you know that memorable staging is a hallmark of a Ukrainian Eurovision entry.  I don't think there has ever been a time when the Ukrainian staging has missed the mark. What I love about this song is the use of high's and lows, there's a beautiful moment at the piano where you find yourself leaning in to see what's going to happen next, and the next thing you know the steps are ablaze, and it feels like hell is about to arrive on stage. My minor picks are you don't see many close up's of his face, especially when he returns to the piano, the one blue eye is a real focal point. Also, the backing vocal needed to go up a notch for the final part. Am I being picky? Yes of course.

And thats it, all 18 entries have been performed, and its time to decide who will go through to the final. We have our recap to remind you of who performed what, and in some cases, how well. 

I do enjoy the esclopedia segment, its nice seeing some entries of yesteryear. Seeing what did well, what didn't so well, and what became part of Eurovision folklore. Filomena's look of horror is priceless when she learns she's about to dance. This feels a bit naff, except for a fun part of ripping off some trousers a lad bucks fizz. But Filomena brings it all back with a stunning rendition of both euphoria and riverdance.

And thats it, voting has closed. Did you vote for your favourites? While the votes are being counted, we get to see a rather fun and quite charming video of the postcards being filmed of this years competitors. We then get another episode of Plant Portugal, which is not as good as the one n the first semi-final.

Next up, we hear about how Eurovision makes a change, not just about music, but about ordinary life. There's a great video about Portugal in the 1974 contest, which anyone outside of Portugal would assume Abba winning is the highlight. But in Portugal, the song performed by Paulo Di Carvalho, sparked the carnation revolution, which brought democracy to the nation. Not bad for a song contest eh?

Now it's time to meet the other half of the big 5, France, Germany and Italy. We start by meeting Madame Monsieur, and we start with a beautiful piece of singing. Wow this lady can sing! We get a preview of "Mercy". This is a really nice song, with a great message and performed well. Also love the simplistic arm movement, that the audience can join in with. I am looking forward to seeing this fully on stage.

Germany up next, and the interview is nice, but host Daniela obviously wasn't expecting him to burst into song, and neither was the cameraman, who appears to be in the wrong place. The song has a nice message, but seems dull. The staging is nice with the graphics though.

We now meet the Italian entrants, and frustratingly, there's no onscreen graphics to tell you who they are. They seem to be a weird pairing, they don't seem to look like they belong together. Interesting to see if they have chemistry while performing. The song has an interesting quality to it, a sort of slow build with occasional bursts of heavier music. Again, great use of the on screen graphics which brings a bit more to the song & performance. Another one that will be interesting to see the full performance.

Jon Ola Sand gives us the go ahead to start, and the first to qualify is Serbia! Absolutely love this song.

Next to qualify is Moldova, Hungary & Ukraine, all I expected to qualify.

Sweden is next to qualify, closely followed by Australia and Norway. Again, no surprises there.

With only three spots left, its getting tense. Eighth to qualify is Denmark (I was a little surprised at this)

Slovenia is next to qualify, and I'm so glad as its my favourite song of the evening. And finally, our last qualifier is the Netherlands. And now, our grand final is complete! And what a line up we have as well. Can't wait for the grand final, its going to be a good one!

And of course, as promised, here is my votes for the second semi final!

1 Point is for Romania

2 Points are for Latvia

3 Points are for Hungary

4 Points are for Australia

5 Points are for the Netherlands

6 points are for Moldova

7 Points are for Ukraine

8 Points are for Sweden

10 Points are for Serbia

and finally, my 12 Points goes to....Slovenia!

If you're wondering how this would change the semi final scoreboards, here's what it looks before, and after my votes.

So no, not many changes! Sweden closes the gap on neighbours Norway, but otherwise, my votes changed nothing. Never mind!

Join me on Saturday night, where I will be reviewing the Grand Final. Find out what my votes are, and if they change anything (they probably wont)