02 May 2015

Eurovision 2015: Semi-Final 1: Who Won't Qualify?


With forty countries participating and only twenty-seven spots available in the Grand Final, which songs will suffer the indignity of falling at the semi-final stage of Eurovision 2015?

It's never an easy task to predict how the public will vote at this point in the competition, but there are usually some strong contenders which you know will qualify - even if you are someone who is hearing the entire selection for the first time. What can be much harder is to pick out those six or seven songs which won't be heard again on the Eurovision stage. 

Much depends on the presentation and the live performances of course, but here are some thoughts about the possible casualties:

Semi-Final 1: Tuesday, 19 May (Six songs will not qualify)

1. Finland | Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät | Aina mun pitää

Much has been written about the developmental disabilities of the Finnish act and it seems that the song's qualification chances are more dependent on how the audience reacts to that fact, rather than the song itself.

Musically, this short punk anthem may appeal to some, but in Eurovision terms, it is unlikely to capture enough votes to progress.

2. Armenia | Genealogy | Face the Shadow

Whether there is any political motivation behind the song or not (it purportedly pays tribute to the Armenian Genocide victims - something vehemently denied by both Azerbaijan and Turkey), this well-intended mishmash of voices does not blend at all.

The idea may have been a good one, but the execution falls flat - as will Armenia's hopes of qualifying. Performing in the dreaded second spot does not bode well either.

3. Serbia | Bojana Stamenov | Beauty Never Lies

There is something about this song that has never really clicked. It sounds like two compositions which have been badly crow-barred together to produce a trashy, forgettable Eurodance concoction.  Lots of unfathomable wailing does not help the cause.

However, the whole package has Eurovision written all over it, so it will probably qualify and finish in the Top 10. Let's hope not.

4. Moldova | Eduard Romanyuta | I Want Your Love

The studio version of this song is not too bad, possessing a likable Britney Spears-vibe, as well as benefitting from an uptempo beat among the abundance of this year's ballads. However, Eduard's live rendition at Moldova's national final was atrocious.

Lousy vocals, and an even worse dance routine, did not endear his performance to many. A repeat of that, combined with taking the stage first, and he's likely to be taking an early bath.

5. Hungary | Boggie | Wars For Nothing

Another ballad and another song with a message. It has its heart in the right place, but unfortunately, the whole package lacks any sparkle. It looks and sounds old-fashioned and those that tune in to the semi-finals are likely to reject it.

Were it fortunate enough to progress to the Grand Final audience, it could possibly rank quite well. It's very doubtful that the song will get that chance, though.

6. Belarus | Uzari and Maimuna | Time

At this point, there are a couple (or three) songs that could be in the frame: Macedonia, The Netherlands or perhaps the entry from Belarus.

With Russia and a few of their other Eastern voting pals in this semi, Uzari and Maimuna could advance to the Final, but their violin-driven melody really doesn't deserve that honour.

Admittedly, it's a lot livelier than many of the other contenders, but its lyrical and creative deficiencies let it down.

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Naturally, everybody has their own opinions about the possible non-qualifiers from this semi-final and your thoughts are welcomed.

A full list of those countries participating in this semi-final can be found here.

Who Won't Qualify From Semi-Final 2? See here 


Semi-Final 1 Playlist (in draw order)

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