Spillers Semi 2 Preview and Prediction

So tomorrow sees the Second Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. For us in Ireland it is extremely important as Jedward will be flying the flag for Ireland and of course we get to vote! As well as the 19 countries that will be battling it out France, Germany and Italy will be voting in this Semi.

So who are we up against?

01 Bosnia and Herzegovina Dino Merlin “Love in Rewind“

An interesting entry from Bosnia. A nice love song. It did impress me. Should qualify.

02 Austria Nadine Beiler “The Secret Is Love”
Austria also enter a Love song. This is a strong modern ballad, which has a bit of Disney influence. Nadine is a good singer and with very few ballads in the competition it may do well. A lot of ballads qualified last year, so it looks good for Austria

03 Netherlands 3JS “Never Alone”
This year the Netherlands are sending 3JS. This three piece band have a nice sound. It is very mainstream Pop/Rock. Its very hit and miss for the Netherlands lately and the early draw means it may be forgotten about with the uptemp songs still to come.

04 Belgium Witloof Bay “With Love Baby”
This year Belgium are entering an Acapella song after an experimental national final. Not the first acapella song in Eurovision, Latvia did enter one in 2006. This reminds me a bit of that entry, but this been a male and female group gives it a different sound. I am not a fan of it, but it may grow on me.

05 Slovakia TWiiNS “I’m Still Alive”
This is a fantatsic pop song from Slovkia. I really enjoyed it. Should be a strong contender. Definately will qualify.

06 Ukraine Mika Newton “Angels”
A modern ballad from Ukraine. A nice entry, but may find it hard to stick out with the uptemp songs to come.

07 Moldova Zdob si Zdub “So Lucky”
I must say I always look forward to Moldova’s entry as they are always entertaining. This year is no exception. I have no idea how to describe the band apart from they were here before with their Grandmother! But it is an uptempo rock number that is full of energy! Should provide a great perfromance on the night.

08 Sweden Eric Saade “Popular”
Eric Saade finally makes it to Eurovision! I must say I have been a fan of his since last year’s Melodifestivalen. And hes a ride! (back on topic spiller! – ed) This song is a really uptempo pop number and very different to last years entry which didnt do so well. This is a strong contender to qualify. (Though some do disagree!)

09 Cyprus Christos Mylordos “San Aggelos S’Agapisa”

Cyprus has entered a very traditional meditterean song. I for one am not impressed with it. Also with the UK, Greece and Turkey missing from this Semi, Cyprus could find it hard to qualify.

10 Bulgaria Poli Genova “Na Inat”
Bulgaria have entered an excellent song this here in “Na Inat”. I really enjoy this number. With a number of “neighbours” in this semi (Romania and Moldova) could do well and qualify.

11 Macedonia Vlatko Ilievski “Rusinka“
Macedonia have gone modern this year! Normally they enter very traditional Balkan songs, but this year, while sounding traditional, it is quite modern. They have learned from their Greek neighbours. Could do well going by Greece last night

12 Israel Dana International “Ding Dong”

Shes back! The Girl who opened the closet on Eurovision! She is repeating the tactic of singing in English and Hebrew and it sounds good, but will the song let her down? Its a fun song, but is that enough this year?

13 Slovenia Maja Keuc “No One”
And here we have a Ballad from Slovenia. Its a very strong ballad. Though Ballads can get lost on the massive stage in Düsseldorf. Though this is nice an with Switzerland getting through, it might bode well for Slovenia.

14 Romania Hotel FM “Change“
This song has grown on me a lot since the National Final in Romania. This is really good song and one that I think will definately qualify!

15 Estonia Getter Jaani “Rockefeller Street“
This is one of the Pre-Contest favourites and for good reason! A really uptempo and cool song! I personally love this one! It has my vote!

16 Belarus Anastasia Vinnikova “I Love Belarus”
So Belarus have decided to enter a song that will also feature on their tourist ads? Or just one to sing to their dictator? This song is a fun rock song. Though Belarus could find it hard to qualify with Russia being missing from this semi.

17 Latvia Musiqq “Angel in Disguise”
Now if this doesnt qualify, there is something wrong with the presentation on the night. I am loving this song.

18 Denmark A Friend In London “New Tomorrow“
This is a nice song, though sandwiched between two uptempo songs, but it is distinctive enough and should be impressive on stage and may sneak through!

19 Ireland Jedward “Lipstick”
At the start I was not enamoured by this song at all, but now I love it! I think they can go all the way! Go on JEDWARD!

So that is 19 entries. So which ten will qualify? My ten are:

• Ireland
• Estonia
• Sweden
• Latvia
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Ukraine
• Israel
• Macedonia

Do you agree? Disagree? Have a go yourself!

Remember to tune into RTE 2, BBC 3 or BBC HD to watch the show from 8pm BST tomorrow night!

Related articles

• The First Qualifiers (escireland.com)
• Liveblogging and Predicting the Eurovision! (escireland.com)
• How to take part in our liveblog! (escireland.com)
• My Predictions (escireland.com)