TV: She is ready for the first semi-finals of Eurovision. This year, Italy is the host country and the competition kicks off at the Pala Albitor in Turin. Norway is 16th in the Dolphins Final tonight.
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Albania: “Secret” – Ronja Hajati
It shouldn’t have to do with the funny attitude and looks of Albania Runga. But the first commandment when participating in a competition like this should be to present a song that either has a good melody, is original or puts on a performance that excites you. The secret is at best plump, devoid of charm and performed by a singer who just can’t maintain a clean tone.
2 – Latvia: “Eat Your Salad” – City Zine
Then there is at least a little more momentum in the Latvian elements, although not the musical dynamite the Baltic nation serves. It’s mostly about display, color, and power. Like the remnants of a sweaty ’80s nightclub. It can also work. Especially when it tends to get very heavy. No more, no less.
3 – Lithuania: “Feelings” – Monica Liu
Monica Liu is in no hurry. It offers fluttering rhythms, bold vocals, and a song that envelops you in soft velvet. Quiet in his movements and stands up well in all his simplicity and warmth. There may be a little lack of it on the chorus side. It lacks the hook and melody line that rests in the brain. But the element in Lithuania is far from bad.
4 – Switzerland: “Boys Cry” – Marius Behr
Snorkeling stories rarely have anything to do with this competition. Marius Bear has such a nice and warm voice, but maybe he should reconsider what he should be using it for. The melody is so flat and uninspiring that it’s as boring as waving a fork in the open air – somehow you don’t get something that tastes good for stomach or soul.
5 – Slovenia: “Disco” – LPS
What not to give for a little sour copper and a little disco funk? So anemic and desperate that the band’s name – Last Pizza Slice – seems to be inspired by a measure of what the band offers musically. One should not stand against the group of these young boys that they competed in Eurovision, but what did the Slovenian people think? Here, nothing is sitting where it should.
6- Ukraine: “Stefania” – Kalush Orchestra
It is hard not to have war as a background when writing about Ukraine’s contribution to Eurovision. If you still have to put politics aside for a few minutes, it’s entirely possible to think that this feature is worth going away, despite some of the musical weaknesses in the rap department. Aside from its slightly choppy rap, Kalush’s Orchestra has individuality, conduct and some great musical ideas that the audience obviously knows how to appreciate. The mood isn’t surprisingly cheerful and we’re not too surprised if the Kalush Orchestra is going to fight over the top on Saturday.
Bulgaria: “Intention” – Smart Music Project
Vocalist Ronnie Romero has in recent years made a career as a heavy metal singer in the legendary Rainbow. He has an impressive voice, but Romero undoubtedly has better songs to work with when he faces off against Ritchie Blackmore’s squad. This is a general solid rock without enough power to raise the ceiling or implant it well in the ear. It doesn’t look very clean either.
8- Holland: “Depth” – S10
The S10 dispenses with mental health and leaves all staff and performances alone to give the message the focus it deserves. Really. “De Diepte” feels real, warm and original. Portugal won emotional and gold two years ago. The Netherlands is unlikely to get that far. To this element it’s cut for the introvert, but the song for the S10 is definitely worth borrowing the ear.
9- Moldova: “The Coach” – Zdoub, Zdoub and Advahov Brothers
Then we were in the cross corner again. Moldova’s response to Rednecks unites barn dance, folks with happy punk and rock ‘n’ roll. As so often before, it’s more fun than really good craftsmanship. But at the same time, you need to be moody so as not to be enthusiastic about this moody ballet.
10- Portugal: “Saudade, Saudade” – Maru
It is clear that Portugal gained more self-confidence after they ran away with their victory in 2018. They proved that they could have been humble, different and still superior to all. Maru is warm and warm, and the song is almost dark and simple. But there is still the x factor and something about it that makes you indulge in it. Saudade, Saudade is beautiful, welcome and ok.
11- Croatia: “Guilty Pleasure” – Mia Demcic
Mia takes pleasure in the guilt, but her song of the same name is unlikely to be so very Many. Therefore, it is very anonymous and meaningless. This is the regular med pop. She sings quite appropriately, but not enough to be remembered long after she left the stage.
12- Denmark: “The Show” – Reddy
It is doubtful whether our Danish friends inspired Mansken, who won Italy in the previous round. Here there is percussion, twisting explosions, and loud guitar guidance. The song is not bad at all. The chorus fits well on the ear and the band on stage clearly enjoys what they’re doing and conveying. As long as you provide something that stands for and something that is original, it comes up quickly and does it here.
13- Austria: “Halo” – Lumix feat. Pia Maria
This is actually written by a Norwegian, more specifically Anders Nielsen. We won’t judge Nielsen that this is likely to result in a complete failure. If this is the outcome, then Pia Maria alone will be blamed. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing so foolishly at Eurovision. This may not be entirely true, but it is at least cruel and unforgivable. The song itself should have enough punch and speed to make the foot vibrate.
14- Iceland: «With the sunrise» – sister
Iceland has proven itself to be a steady Eurovision in recent years. Here they impress once again. Who does not go far from the harmonious and warm pop-pop music. Systur offers competent voice work, good song craftsmanship and plenty of soul. They don’t do much of themselves, the girls on stage, but the smiles and charisma say it all. excellent.
15. Greece: “Die Together” – Amanda Georgiadi
Here we are probably talking about a favorite to assert itself. At least, Amanda ticked many boxes for a successful participation in “Eurovision”. The song is big and full of emotion. The sturdy arrangement means he can easily slip into James Bond movie captions. They are also focused and purely melodic from a financial point of view. Thrilling.
16- Norway: “Give this wolf a banana” – Subwoolfer
Love her or hate her. In any case, it’s no lie to say that Norway’s advantage is the shiniest feature so far in the semi-finals. In “Eurovision” you should never miss this aspect. In terms of song, I’ve never gone off track with “Give That Wolf A Banana,” but there’s not much I can complain about about the performance here. The energy level is at its peak, the duo meticulously sings and the choreography sits like a shot. So can’t things go so wrong for Norway? I’d be surprised if Subwoolfer doesn’t describe this well in the port.
17- Armenia: “Snap” – Rosa Linge
When we first talk about choreography. Rosa Lynn’s choreography consists of ripping pieces of fabric off the wall. Or is it paper dope? The song is a cheerful, rambling summertime ballad that glides softly into the ear canal and rips back on the other side without making much noise in flight. Perhaps this means that he did not leave such a terribly strong impression either in the positive or negative directions.
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