This is what I think of the rehearsals from the first semi. I'm basing this purely on the staging, the vision and vocals (apparently not much as I have Poland 3rd). This ranking has nothing to do with my personal opinions of the songs themselves, otherwise I'd have Slovenia in 2nd place
Fantastic
01.
Ireland would have qualified even with the NF performance but this is a glow up. It looks absolutely perfect. I wouldn't be surprised if they win the semi to be honest. It can't win the contest because of the jury but don't be surprised when this really blows up big.
02
It's Ukraine. Incredible staging expected. It looks gorgeous and very eye-catching. I love the mountain.
03.
Ok, the vocals are really poor but once Sweden do that magical thing they like which is called drowning people in incredibly loud studio backing, this is going to kick absolute butt. The staging is unique, incredibly memorable. Charmingly wacky, I'd say. This is top 10 in the final once Luna's shaky vocals are drowned.
04.
Again, some really gorgeous staging here and one of the four standouts. This entry was more or less dead but now it has a fighting chance.
Good
05.
Worked well in the NF. Will work well again now. I found this entry overrated when it was picked and now weirdly despite my personal opinion on the song staying the same, I feel it's been forgotten and I'm confused as to why. It's more solid, contemporary and interesting than most of the bigger faves.
06.
Pretty nice, trippy staging. Beautiful actually with the gorgeous reds and oranges. Gives a very warm feeling. I feel the guy with the didgeridoo could have been incorporated better though as his entrance feels a bit.. odd or something? He just stumbles up there.
07.
Super cute with an awkwardness to it that's going to be very memeable. Most importantly it's a lot of fun and not taking itself too seriously. I was thinking Cyprus may have fell in this semi but their chances have strengthened.
Adequate.. sort of
08.
Same as the national final which I found hard to connect with. I think I've said this before but the all white makes it feel sterile. Other than that, Iolanda is kicking butt so it's a mixed bag for me.
09.
I really, REALLY disliked the old performance of this. It was so stern and cold. Seeing Natalia by herself on the stage both feels wrong as well as refreshing. I feel sad she hasn't got backup with her but at the same time she's good enough to command the stage herself, and the graphics are pretty.
10.
I like the outfit and all the gold. Hera really could have done with some dancers though. It feels just too static. She looks awkward and nervous on the platform. I hope the slow motion walk is still in so I can briefly stan and remember for 5 seconds that I am indeed a gay man.
11.
I don't know what to say about this. There's nothing necessarily wrong with the staging but nothing that stands out either. Extremely lucky to be closing the show.
Dodgy
12.
I try.. I really do but I'm still perplexed. The colour palette is ugly. The staging is tacky. It just looks and feels really naff. Blindfold me to the fandom and odds this year and I'd have this down as a borderline qualifier, maybe 20th or so if it made the final. Instead it's the 2nd favourite to win. In the words of the great Dana Gillespie, "what is happening to our world?" *judging eyes*.
13.
This looks and feels dead. The staging is nice. Right direction for the song but there's a disinterest to it that makes me not care. It's like she wants to be somewhere else, and so do I (despite it being a pleasant song).
Oh oh
14.
This is supposed to be hideous. It's why people will vote for it. Let's do absolutely everything wrong but attach it to a catchy, accessible piece of pop. My feelings for the staging mean absolutely nothing.
15.
Oh god. This had all the potential in the world for amazing staging and we get bright clouds. I feel it's totally missed the vibe the song creates. It's dark, opulent.. it's an imposing song. Considering how good the music video is, I had all the faith in them getting this right, although I was still nervous about the song's chances as it's somewhat risky. Now I'm terrified.
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