Just finishing up at work (I am doing this on my lunch break) but in the words of one Katherine Janeway of the USS Voyager…..”it’s time to make the call and I am making it………Here are my predictions for the 2 semi-finals.

Semi final 1
Who I want to qualify
Norway
Serbia
Russia
Switzerland
Hungary
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Croatia
Turkey
and for the laugh Portugal

Who I think will qualify
Turkey
Russia
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Greece
Norway
Finland
Albania
Serbia
Switzerland ( I think this is magical and deserves to be here )

Semi final 2
Who I want to qualify
Ireland
Israel
Denmark
Slovenia
Estonia
Bosnia
The Netherlands ( dont like the song but they deserve a break after the fiasco that was last year with Sieneke and sha la lie)
Moldova
Romania
Slovakia ( I know but me likey )

Who I think will qualify
Ireland
Bosnia
Ukraine
Moldova
Sweden
Romania
Estonia
Denmark
Cyprus
and just by the skin on her newly veneered teeth Israel…yes the singing is pants yea the staging is poor yes the song is shite but I am quite nostalgic and I feel it would be a shame if a former winner was to fail and make it past the semi final stage…remember though she is Dana International so has a massive following already and I think she can work a stage like no one else .She will sell it like a bitch and the audience and televoters I hope hope hope they buy it.

And as for a winner ???

Its very very open and even though France is the clear front runner with everyone and I love the song I am not 100% sure that it will walk away with the title as many expect.
So anyone of these could take it Ireland , France , Norway , Estonia , Turkey , Russia , Azerbaijan .

Gun to my head NORWAY !!!!!!!!

So we have just seen the first final and the following countries have qualified for Saturday:

• Greece
• Albania
• Belgium
• Moldova
• Serbia
• Iceland
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Russia
• Portugal

If you look back at our prediction we get 8 out of 9 correct on the definite qualifiers and Portugal was one of the maybes. We were wrong about Slovakia, who were most likely beaten by Russia who were booed when the result came out. I cannot remember that happening before!

So who correctly guessed the results? no one! A few people were close, but no one got all ten correct!

The following people got 9 correct:

• Sheila Fits
• Styling Och Consulting
• Stephen S*

Well done guys!

Can we do better for the 2nd Semi-Final?

*yes that is me

So here is my preview a predictions for the second semi. This is a very strong semi and will also see Ireland’s entry compete! Part one is here. Norway and the UK will also be voting in this Semi.

1. Lithuania – InCulto “Eastern European Funk“

This is a nice funky start to this semi. Its upbeat and fun. Could do well.

2. Armenia – Eva Rivas “Apricot Stone“

This is a nice song from Armenia. But the curse of second place may come haunting…

3. Israel – Harel Skaat “Milim“ (?????, Words)

This is one of this years favourites and is currently third in the betting stakes. I can see why. Its a very powerful ballad, but it does stand out to the others. We see how it goes.

4. Denmark – Chanée and N’evergreen “In A Moment Like This“

This is my favourite of this years entries! There performance at this years Danish final was amazing! If they pull it off at Eurovision they are in strong contention to win. This just adds to my love of Danish entries at Eurovision!

5. Switzerland – Michael von der Heide “Il pleut de l’or“ (Its Raining Gold)

I don’t know what to make of this song… or him. Im totally confused…. I sort of like it though…

6. Sweden – Anna Bergendahl “This is my Life“

Wow, this is a very strong entry. I really enjoy it. A nice uplifting song. Fabulous vocals from Anna. Will do very well I think!

7. Azerbaijan – Safura Alizadeh “Drip Drop“

This another one of the favourites and I see why. It is a really good song. enjoyable and the backing dancers…. well….

8. Ukraine – Alyosha “Sweet People“

I am disappointed with the Ukraine’s entry this year. Gone are the energetic songs that they did so well with. I don’t like it.

9. Netherlands – Sieneke “Ik ben verliefd (Sha-la-lie)“ (I’m in Love (Sha-la-lie))

This seems to hark back to entries of bygone days for the Netherlands. Its a fun song though and different! I like it.

10. Romania – Paula Seling and Ovi “Playing with Fire“

This is a really cool song. You can see why this semi is a strong one now can’t you.

11. Slovenia – Ansambel Roka Žlindre and Kalamari “Narodnozabavni rock“

This song is a brilliant mix of modern rock and traditional balkan music. Its a bit of fun,and a good entry!

12. Ireland – Niamh Kavanagh “It’s For You“

Come on Niamh! This is a excellent entry from Ireland. Its catching ballad that really shows off Niamh vocal skills. Hopefully she will have the stage presence like she did in 1993!

13. Bulgaria – Miro -”Angel si ti“ (????? ?? ??, Your an Angel)

This is another good song. Fast paced and catchy.

14. Cyprus – Jon Lilygreen and The Islanders “Life Looks Better in the Spring“

This is a nice song. A gentle song with a nice chorus. I don’t think it will get out of the semi though.

15. Croatia – Feminnem “Lako Je Sve“ (Everythig is Easy)

So Feminnem are back. This time for Croatia, and this time with less of a pop song. It would seem that they have matured. Its a powerful song though.

16. Georgia – Sopho Nizharadze “Shine“

This is a nice gentle ballad. Sopho is an amazing singer.

17. Turkey – maNga “We Could be the Same“

Not a great fan of this song. Its okayish.

Prediction time! So ten of these entries will progress. My guesses are in no particlar order

1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. Israel
4. Ireland
5. Romania
6. Georgia
7. Slovenia
8. Azerbaijan
9. Croatia
10. Cyprus

What do you think?