The first semi-final of the 2013 Eurovision season concluded with some unexpected results. A couple of the contestants even appeared surprised by the outcome.
If your name is Andrius Pojavis, you're probably thinking the same thing as the rest of us: "How the hell did that happen?" For some time, the song from Lithuania has been voted the one least likely to qualify. That prediction was blown out of the water. But how? While Eurovision pundits had written off Andrius and his dancing eyebrows, they were forgetting the composition of the semi-final. Lots of former Soviet republics were performing in this one - and dare I say it - giving them the opportunity to vote for their neighbours. Who'd have thought it?
While the "old school" countries have complained about tactical voting in the past, it was ironic to note the remarks seen on social media from those residing in the republics of the former Yugoslavia. All four of those taking part in this semi-final failed to qualify and now they cry foul. Really? Haven't we always been told that it's all about the quality of the song?
Slovenia failed because the live performance was simply bad. Croatia's group sang well, but bored too many people. Rap never does well at Eurovision, so Montenegro's spacemen were bound to fall to Earth. Finally, Serbia's presentation was just too amateur and trashy...and the song was not that great either.
The real casualty in all of this was, I feel, Austria. Natália had the burden of beginning the semi-final and, while there was nothing wrong with the song, the presentation did not really "shine". There has never been a hint that Austria would win the competition, but I would have preferred to listen to that track again over the offering from Lithuania.
What is pleasing to see is the reemergence of the low countries. The Netherlands has returned to the Final for the first time since 2004 and, surprisingly for many this year, Belgium also made the cut.
So, will there be more surprises to come in the second semi-final tomorrow?
