Vienna 2015: Semi final one rehearsed!

Is Polina our winner?

Unfortunately, this blogger isn't in Vienna although I have been paying close attention to the rehearsals. The 16 countries who will compete in the first semi final  have now all rehearsed and it seems Russia are the most popular. Polina looks stunning - the staging is amazing and damn, A Million Voices is a friggin' awesome song! I'm going to be so annoyed if she gets booed next week.....

Elhaida from Albania also rehearsed today and it's still looking like Albania might get their best placing ever. Georgia and Romania also look really promising. With regards to yesterday, I think Estonia and Armenia are looking the strongest. They'll both be in the final. Finland is so just bizarre and random that I'm actually liking it now. Are PKN going to make the final? Greece is also looking very strong - I just hope the song will be memorable enough... the overall reaction of Greece's rehearsal was very positive though.

Now everyone's talking about Trijntje's dress. My first reaction was huh? but hey, she looks gorgeous and she's confident in her own body - so that's all that matters. I'd take my hat of to her if I had one. The staging is apparently a bit random so there's some work to be done it seems... Why ay ay ay couldn't they keep it simple?

Belgium looked good but maybe there's too much happening? It might be messy. And I'm afraid Serbia won't be qualfirying. Maybe 15 years ago that song would've fared better. Or maybe not. So judging from the first rehearsals I think; Russia, Estonia and Georgia are the best. Georgia could be a dark horse. Love the eye!!! And maybe even Romania?! Voltaj were fab! The song has a message that'll touch a lot of people.  I hate to say it but Serbia really is looking awful.. Bojana is much better than the song. Hungary looks okay but the song? Me thinks viewers will fall asleep halfway through their performance. But we won't be failing asleep during Moldova! Whether you like Eduard's song or not, they're putting on one heck of a show! More to follow in the coming days....

Photos from Eurovision.tv

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: ESTONIA!

Elina and Stig won Estonia's national selection with an overwhelming 79% of the vote and Estonia are among the favourites to take the title in Vienna. But is their song good enough to go all the way?

Ana: This is considered one of the best entries and I can understand it since the song is modern and fresh and the lyrics are really good. Probably, they haven’t the best voices of this year Eurovision but it won’t be a problem for them because they have a good song, a good staging and above all, lots of fans. 8/10

Ilkar: I love the retro 60's arrangement, the deep lazy way of Stig's singing in contrast to Elina's more crispy voice. They are telling a story and the song is like a little melancholic play. Loved it since the first time I heard it. It also sticks out from the other countless duets this year. 10/10

Jack: After failing to qualify last year, Estonia are back with a little cracker! Goodbye To Yesterday is one of my favourites and I really think they will do well in Vienna. A possible winner if they perform it well. Tallinn 2016 is more than possible... 10/10

Jess: This song is so brilliant and the way Elina & Stig perform is so magical. It is a big favourite of mine! 8/10

John: A strong melody is the saviour of this song. The live vocals sound at times flat - almost tuneless - but might well have improved by the time the big event comes round. This could be a dark horse. 7/10

OUR VERDICT - 43/50

OVERALL SCORE - 8.6/10

ELINA BORN & STIG RÄSTA TO REPRESENT ESTONIA!

YES! Moments ago, Elina Born & Stig Rästa won Eesti Laul and therefore will indeed represent Estonia in Vienna. They were in the 'Super-final' with Daniel Levi and Elisa Kolk. It was an amazing show tonight - and the best song defiantly did win. Tallinn 2016? Don't rule it out.

The moment they won....

Estonia: Here are the finalists for Eesti Laul 2015!

The line-up for Estonia's national final is complete! Check out who made it below:

• Elina Born & Stig Rästa "Goodbye to Yesterday"
• Daniel Levi "Burning Lights"
• Triin Niitoja & John4 "This is Our Choice"
• Kali Briis Band "Idiot"
• Luisa Värk "Minu päike"

They will join last weeks qualifiers:

• The Blurry Lane "Exceptional"
• Maia Vahtramäe "Üle vesihalli taeva"
• Robin Juhkental & The Big Bangers "Troubles"
• Elephants From Neptune  "Unriddle Me"
• Elisa Kolk "Superlove"

Of course I am thrilled to see Elina Born & Stig Rästa qualify. Now let's hope Estonia send them!!

Estonia: "Eesti Laul" entries revealed!

Elina Born & Stig Rästa

Eesti Laul once again proves to be the most interesting and diverse national selections. Elina Born & Stig Rästa's entry is the immediate favourite and I do love it. The Estonian selection will start on 7th February. Take a listen to all the entries here. Ten songs are in Estonian and that's fantastic! In 2012, Estonia sent a song in their native tongue and still managed to achieve 6th place. Language is no barrier for good music.

Estonia: Eesti Laul 2015 contestants revealed!

Elina Born will duet with Stig Rästa

Estonia's national final is fast approaching and today, the twenty participating acts were officially revealed!

• Daniel Levi – Burning lights (Daniel Levi Viinalass)
• The Blurry Lane – Exceptional (Kristina Bianca Rantala)
• Elina Born & Stig Rästa – Goodbye to yesterday (Stig Rästa)
• Liis Lemsalu & Egert Milder – Hold on (Liis Lemsalu, Madis Lett, Egert Milder, Henri Kuusk, Rob Montes)
• Kali Briis Band – Idiot (Alan Olonen)
• NimmerSchmidt – Kellega ma tutvusin? (Fredy Schmidt, Andero Nimmer)
• Miina – Kohvitassi lugu (Miina Rikka)
• Mari – Kolm päeva tagasi (Mariliis Jõgeva)
• Bluestocking – Kordumatu (Maria Soikonen)
• Demie feat. Janice – Kuum (Raimo Ugast, Jaanika Merelaht)
• Wilhelm – Light up your mind (Anett Kulbin, Paul Neitsov, Jorven Viilik)
• Luisa Värk – Minu päike (Mikk Tammepõld, Luisa Värk)
• Karl-Erik Taukar – Päev korraga (Karl-Erik Taukar, Mark-Eric Kammiste, Fred Krieger)
• Airi Vipulkumar Kansar – Saatuse laul (Urmas Kõiv, Anneli Kõiv)
• Elisa Kolk – Superlove (Vahur Valgmaa)
• Triin Niitoja & John4 – This is our choice (Jaanus Saago, Triin Niitoja)
• Kruuv – Tiiu talu tütreke (Allan Kasuk)
• Robin Juhkental & The Big Bangers – Troubles (Robin Juhkental & The Big Bangers)
• Elephants From Neptune – Unriddle me (Jon-Arnold Mikiver, Robert Linna, Rain Joona, Markko Reinberg)
• Maia Vahtramäe – Üle vesihalli taeva (Olav Osolin)

Listen to the songs here!