Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final 1: How They Stack Up

Let's take a look at ten of the first semi-finalists for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest and some personal thoughts on what might and might not qualify for the Grand Final on May 22.

1. Lithuania: The Roop - Discoteque

Like many of the artists this year, The Roop return and this, their 2021 effort, was one of the early favourites but has recently faded in the face of more supposedly-popular entries.

The whole concept showcases the quirkiness that the modern day Contest demands: crazy choreography and staging, bright costumes and a song that worms its way into your head whether you want it to or not!

Consequently, I can see this qualifying for the final with ease. Once there, it's the type of presentation and song that is likely to stick in the memory of the casual viewer. It should do well and a Top 10 place is not out of the question.

2. Slovenia: Ana Soklič - Amen

Ana is back in the competition too and has, unfortunately, been hidden away in position two by the producers - the notoriously difficult Eurovision starting place. 

Ana is no slouch in the vocal department though and sings Amen - a big, ballsy ballad - with great aplomb. The backing track emits some distinct gospel vibes throughout and Ana takes us and the song to church! 

However, although she is probably the one of the most accomplished vocalists in the competition, she is going to need some divine intervention to help her through to the final. This semi-final looks tough and I feel Ana will be one of its casualties.

3. Russia: Manizha - Russian Woman

Manizha replaces Little Big as Russia's Eurovision representative with an empowering anthem aggrandizing the development of the Russian Woman.

Even after hearing the song several times, it's still not one which has climbed my personal ranking very far. At first, I didn't care for it at all but once it reaches its 'Fiddler on the Roof' style refrain, it becomes a little more tolerable. 

Whether Europe will tolerate it enough to push it through to the final is debatable. Personally, I wouldn't miss it at all but Russia is one of those countries which somehow gets through to the final come what may. A borderline finalist.

4. Sweden: Tusse - Voices

Another production line entry from Sweden as young Congolese/Swedish singer Tusse confidently brings Voices to the Eurovision stage.

He is a product of the Idol factory, winning the country's version back in 2019 and has since successfully woven his way through the Melodifestivalen minefield.

Now, there's a lot to be said for Sweden's Eurovision selection process as the country's recent successes can attest. However, now and again, the technique can throw up something so formulaic it could have been written by a robot. Voices has that quality about it.

No surprises here from Sweden (even the obligatory key change), but with their track record, I've no doubt it will qualify and feature in the overall Top 10.

5. Australia: Montaigne - Technicolour

See the main page review here.

6.  North Macedonia: Vasil - Here I Stand

Vasil is another survivor from the 2020 contest and this time around he is singing Here I Stand, a song which he has also written for the event.

Now, there's no denying that Vasil can sing. He is a classically trained baritone which is more than evident from this somewhat overblown ballad. To be honest, you would more likely hear this on a Disney movie soundtrack or as part of a West End musical rather than on the Eurovision stage.

There is nothing wrong with it, per say. It's just likely to be forgotten among more striking up-tempo entries in what has become a tough semi-final. A non qualifier, I feel.  

7. Ireland: Lesley Roy - Maps

Ireland offers up Maps this year as its entry and the returning Lesley Roy should be heading in the direction to the final if her live vocals hold up.

It's a perky bop of a song which should get you strutting your stuff around the kitchen, even if you don't know what the heck Lesley is going on about.

Her diction isn't so great - or it might just be my aging ears - so it's tough to make out where her maps are taking her.

A berth in the final should be her final destination, but this is one of those entries that could just as easily be left at the starting gate.

8. Cyprus: Elena Tsagrinou - El diablo

Cyprus has decided to go with a bop-by-numbers composition called El diablo sung by Greek singer, Elena Tsagrinou - so expect 12 points from Greece!

The track ran into trouble early on when the Church of Cyprus and many members of the Cypriot public objected to the lyrics concerning love of "el diablo". Nothing came of it, but what's more surprising is that Lady Gaga hasn't had something to say about the song, as you would be forgiven for thinking that - in part - you're listening to Bad Romance.

Nevertheless, it's well executed and has become one of the favourites to raise the Eurovision trophy. A definite qualifier and a Top 5 pick.

9. Norway: TIX - Fallen Angel

TIX's win at this year's Melodi Grandi Prix upset all the KEiiNO fans but, hey, Fallen Angel (Ut av mørket) is the better song.

Written by the phenomenally successful TIX, the track is somewhat autobiographical, as it deals with his depression caused by childhood bullying over his affliction from Tourette Syndrome.

That said, the song is an impressive composition in its own right; a soaring ballad with a memorable chorus and impactful presentation. It's the sort of package that Eurovision is all about, helped by the relatable back story which is very much an in focus topic.

The staging is a little overblown for my liking but I hope this entry does very well. A qualifier that deserves a Top 10 ranking at the least. 

10. Croatia: Albina - Tick-Tock

Having won Dora 2021, the Croatian preselection process, Albina's Tick-Tock faces off against its "banger" competitors in this semi-final.

In that quest, it could do really well as Croatia is presenting one of its strongest entries in years, courtesy of the attractive Albina. This anthemic dance track contains a very catchy chorus and feels like a radio hit, which I mean as a compliment. 

Croatia has not done well for several years, but if Tick-Tock progresses to the final – undoubtedly! – it could be on track to its strongest placing in more than a decade. Yeah, qualifier.

Lack of time has prevented any further reviews this year, but currently the bookies favour two of the Big Five countries to raise the winner's trophy: Italy or France. Could it be either of them or will we be heading to Valetta in Malta for the 2022 contest. All will be revealed on May 22!

Eurovision 2019: Abbreviated Song Reviews

Armenia  

Srbuk: Walking Out 

Strong chorus, weaker middle section. Srbuk gives a dynamic performance. Likely to be one of the casualties from semi-final 2, though.

Listen here

Austria

Pænda: Limits

Kate Bush meets Ellie Goulding. In any other environment, this would do well - but the Eurovision Song Contest doesn't feel like its natural home. Perhaps too delicate for the competition and another entry that could fail to qualify.

Listen here

Azerbaijan

Chingiz: Truth

Contemporary, catchy and radio-friendly. Combines ethnic flavours with modern Western sounds. Likely to qualify easily and, if there's any justice, climb high on the left-hand side of the scoreboard.

Listen here

Belarus

Zena: Like It

Typical Euro dance-pop delivered by a pretty young singer and which should bring the stadium to life in Tel Aviv. Whether that will translate to enough votes to allow it to qualify is debatable. Generic Eurovision fodder, though. Borderline qualifier.

Listen here

Belgium

Eliot: Wake Up

Another credible entry from Belgium although Eliot's vocal sounds rather laboured. It feels as if the song is about to take off but then suddenly stalls, the chorus somehow not rescuing it. It's good, just not spectacular. Likely to qualify, but could struggle at the Final.

Listen here

Croatia

Roko: The Dream

Roko sings The Dream well and the song possesses a stirring chorus. Nevertheless, it sounds like a failed national final entry from the 1980s. Got to hand it to Roko though, he has the balls to wear a pair of ridiculous wings. Sadly, they only add to the overall out-of-date whiff of stale cheese. Non-qualifier.

Listen here

Cyprus

Tamta: Replay

Cyprus continue the club theme already offered up by last year's Fuego. In some respects, it is a better example of the genre with its brass riffs and mesmerisingly catchy chorus. This should perform very, very well but it could hinge on the staging and Tamta's live vocal abilities. Easy qualifier and could finish in the Top 5.

Listen here

Denmark

Leonora: Love is Forever

One of the early front runners, Denmark has dipped back in the betting. Not surprising, really. The song is way too twee, formulaic and safe. Leonora is a little difficult to watch as well. Sitting on a oversized chair/platform high above the stage, I'm not sure if her fixed stare is from the fear of falling or the fear of failing. Very borderline.

Listen here

Finland

Darude ft Sebastian Rejman: Look Away

House music come to Eurovision courtesy of the highly successful DJ/record producer. If you've heard his Sandstorm then you kinda know what to expect. Unfortunately, this is way too repetitive but could still qualify from a weaker semi-final 1 (or from his credentials, alone). Can't see it doing too well in the Final, though.

Listen here

Georgia

Oto Nemsadze: Keep On Going

Already touted as the entry that will be stuck to the bottom of the scoreboard when all is sung and done. It goes without saying that Oto may have an uphill struggle to garner many votes - particularly from the public. The song is a dark, dramatic ballad sung at full tilt - there's no denying Oto has a set of lungs on him - but the song may suffer from being TOO ethnic as well as TOO difficult to love (and comprehend)! An easy non-qualifier, I feel.

Listen here

Greece

Katerine Duska: Better Love

Compelling voice, compelling vocal and compelling production. Co-written by Fame Academy winner David Sneddon, Better Love feels as if it has a Top 10 finish about it. As long as the ideas behind the video translate well to the Tel Aviv stage then Greece can expect a ton of votes. Compelling (of course!)

Listen here

Hungary

Joci Pápai: Az én apám (My Father)

Joci returns to Eurovision with a mid-tempo ballad that captures elements of Hungarian folk music. Enhanced by his plaintive vocal, the song relates the joy and sadness of his boyhood memories. It's one of the few entries to be sung in a native language, thus could accomplish a reasonable result. Joci achieved ninth in 2017 and this latest effort could do as well or better.

Listen here

Iceland

Hatari: Hatrið mun sigra (Hatred Will Prevail)

One of possibly two entries with its own USP (possibly Portugal as well). BDSM techno/punk comes to Eurovision and it has really divided listeners/viewers. Very much a Marmite song, Hatari try to deliver shock visuals - writhing women in chicken wire together with sex shop rubber gear - alongside snarling shouty vocals over an, admittedly, irresistible backing rhythm. Entries with bizarre USPs tend to do well these days, although how the more conservative voters in Eastern Europe will react is anyone's guess. Could do very, very well or fall flat on its face!

Listen here

Thanks for reading!

Fuego / Eleni Foureira / Cyprus | Review

After having made several attempts to represent Greece at Eurovision, Eleni Foureira has now been internally selected to sing for Cyprus in Lisbon. She has enjoyed a career as not only a singer but also as a dancer, actress and television personality amassing impressive record sales in both Cyprus and Greece. In early March her Eurovision entry Fuego (Fire) was revealed.

It's gonna get Hot in Lisbon!

The song is a classic Euro-pop dance track written by another serial Eurovison composer, Alex P. Based in Stockholm, the half-Greek half-Swedish producer has been behind such entries as Always (Azerbaijan 2009), Yassou Maria (Greece 2007) and La La Love (Cyprus 2012), so you know what to expect from Fuego.

If the video is anything to go by, Eleni is highly likely to send the temperature skywards, particularly if she decides to "wear" something similar to what can be seen below. She’s certainly dripping with Mediterranean sensuality and is likely to increase the heart rate of a good slice of the audience by just watching her performance.

Although Foureira may have the visuals sewn up, what of the song? In many ways, it's the type of upbeat composition Eurovision fans would anticipate hearing at the Contest. In fact, much of the hardcore fandom went wild for it once the song went public. Composed by a Swede, one would probably expect to have heard it during Melodifestivalen as it is somewhat generically constructed - although it tries hard to shroud itself in Greek embellishment.

As such, one would assume that it will easily score well with Greece and Albania – both in their semi final and both of which are in the habit of voting favourably for Cyprus. In addition to that, and considering the excitement already shown for Fuego, it'll probably have wide enough appeal to make it to the Grand Final.

However, for all its soft porn leanings, the proof of the pudding will be in the vocals. A lot of auto-tuning is evident in the video, so the live performance will prove interesting. Not this year's winner but a low Top 15 placing is a possibility.

Cyprus 

Artist: Eleni Foureira

Song: Fuego 

Semi-Final 1 | Second Half

Eurovision 2016: Review: Cyprus: Minus One: Alter Ego

Minus One will fly the Cypriot flag in Stockholm

Having failed to win the ticket to the Eurovision semis in 2015, rock band Minus One have been picked internally to represent Cyprus in 2016 with the co-composed Thomas G:Son track, Alter Ego.

Cyprus's fortunes since the introduction of the semi-finals have been, to say the least, patchy. Just three final appearances in nine attempts, including last year's plaintive ballad from Giannis Karagiannis called One Thing I Should Have Done.

Minus One will hope to continue where Karagiannis left off and climb the scoreboard further - albeit with a completely different sound. Where last year's somewhat comatose entry may have been guilty of sending you to sleep, the driving pop/rock of Alter Ego is likely to hold your attention, particularly if it is staged well.

It's liable to be compared to the type of song that Imagine Dragons or The Killers may have tucked away on one of their albums. No bad thing, to be honest. It's commercial and well produced. Indeed, as you would expect, with contributions from some of the Swedish Eurovision gentry, the sound is slick and radio-friendly, if otherwise rather sanitised.

Of course, this judgement is based on the polished video take of the song. On stage, Minus One are known for their unrelenting energy and  remarkable chemistry, so a more unrestrained presentation in Stockholm may win over any non-believers.

Regardless, Alter Ego should lift the roof off the Ericsson Globe in May by effortlessly engaging the flag-waving crowd. If there's any justice, a Top 10 placing could easily be achieved - if not a berth in the Top 5.

One of 2016's best offerings. What do you think?

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Review: Cyprus: Eurovision 2015: Giannis Karagiannis

Giannis Karagiannis will sing for Cyprus (Facebook)

Channelling a look that combines both Elvis Costello and ByeAlex and sounding similar to Belgium's Tom Dice, 20-year-old singer Giannis Karagiannis (aka John Karayiannis) won the ticket to represent Cyprus at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

He will perform a guitar-based ballad written by English composer Mike Connaris called One Thing I Should Have Done.

The song was chosen at the national final on Sunday from among six competing candidates, following a lengthy elimination process that started late last year. Connaris previously wrote Stronger Every Minute, performed by Lisa Andreas, the Cypriot entry at the 2004 edition which gave the country one of its best ever results in the contest: a fifth place.

One Thing I Should Have Done is constructed in a similar vein to that 2004 entry. It's a quiet, plaintive ballad, but this time it recounts the regret of a missed opportunity following the break-up of a relationship. Karagiannis handles the somewhat complex phrasing tenderly, with a voice that is both strong and clear, yet he caresses the lyrics when the vocal requires it.

Like similar tunes at the Contest before it, this composition will have to rely upon regular playback to be fully appreciated. It has already divided opinion among the "Eurovision community" - some calling it mediocre and forgettable while others - who dislike the Eurodance songs the Contest always seems to churn out - call it brave and refreshing.

I tend to side with the latter opinion, although One Thing I Should Have Done did not have overwhelming support from either the Cypriot public or its jury. It ranked as the runner-up in both votes, with different songs from the final six preferred by one and the other.

So, while it's great to see Cyprus back in the Contest, their comeback song may struggle to qualify - particularly as seven songs are eliminated from the second semi-final. However, should it make it to the Saturday night final, it may just surprise us all and fly into the Top 10 like the country's 2004 effort.

What do you think?

Cyprus: Ivi Amadou Releases New Single - Ponane Oi Agapes

The 2012 Eurovision representative for Cyprus, Ivi Amadou, has released a new single called Ponane Oi Agapes [Love Hurts : Πονάνε οι αγάπες].

Summery Greek pop, the song flows rhythmically and is sure to fill dance floors in both Greece and Cyprus this year. Whether it will climb the the national music charts is another thing. Ivi's last four releases have all flopped with only La La Love, her 2012 Eurovision song, making any impression early last year.

Ponane Oi Agapes will be included on the forthcoming Greek language album, Eho Ourano.

What do you think of the song?

Image: By Pridevisitor12 [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Eurovision 2013: Cyprus: An Me Thimase

On Valentine's Day this year, Cyprus presented its entry for Eurovision 2013: An Me Thimase (Αν Με Θυμάσαι) to be sung by Despina Olympiou.

Despina is a well established singer in Cyprus who has previously studied music in London. Her career began in the early 1990s, when her talent was called upon as a musical collaborator with a number of Greek artists. Since then, she has released six albums, all of which have met with tremendous success in her homeland and across in Greece.

This led to her selection as the singer of the Cypriot entry by the local broadcaster. An Me Thimase (English:  If You Think of Me) is a simple love ballad that would not be amiss if it was heard on a country music radio station in the US. It has a beautiful melody and for most of the song Ms Olympiou is accompanied by just a guitar, with the occasional presence of a piano.

While its simplicity and beauty are evident, it is not strong enough for Eurovision. There is a hook, but that hook is not going to land the voters of Europe, I believe. It's possible that it may make it through its semi-final and if it should, I foresee it being left in the dust by stiff competition. 7/10.

Cyprus presents its song in 14th place of the first semi-final on May 14th.

What do you think of Cyprus's chances?



The English version:

 

The Spanish version:

 

Eurovision 2012: Ivi Amadou: La La Love

Ivi Amadou will be singing La La Love for Cyprus in the second half of the first semi-final on May 22 at Eurovision 2012.

Only 18, she is another representative who has formerly competed in The X-Factor, this time in Greece. Having been picked by the national broadcaster in Cyprus, Ms Amadou presented three songs for selection and La La Love was the one that won out in the end.

It's not difficult to see why. The song is a catchy, upbeat Euro dance number which will typically pick up a number of votes from around Eurovision Land. To be honest, any song with "la la" in its title and which is repeated several times is bound to do well. Not to mention that Ivi Amadou's looks, gyrations and dress sense will pull in a lot of votes too.

I can see this one doing pretty well, progressing from its semi-final to the Final on May 26. From there, it's anyone's guess. I don't see it being the winner, but I'll bet my house on the fact that it will get twelve points from Greece!

What do you think?