Vienna 2015: Semi final 2 rehearsed!

This blogger is slightly behind... opps! The 17 acts in semi final two have all rehearsed now. The countries getting the best reactions seems to be Azerbaijan, Poland and I'd say San Marino. Call me crazy but their performance appeared to me really strong. A shock qualifier? Even though the song isn't the best, I'd still like to see the microstate qualify. Montenegro's rehearsal was awesome too. I think Azerbaijan are winning this semi final and who knows, maybe the final too? The dancers are amazing, the backdrop is superb... They've spent a lot of money on this y'all! Elnur apparently had some technical problems though but that can be ironed out. Switzerland looks great on screen too. Meanwhile, I think Iceland looks fab! And no dancers - thank God!

Slovenia has received mixed reactions. There's some work to be done there me thinks. Ireland also seems to be getting a mixed reaction. Molly's great - we know this - so why does she need backing singers behind her? It looks weird. Hmm.. I still hope to see Ireland qualify though!

Elsewhere we have Cyprus and Czech Republic. Both songs I didn't see qualufrying but I think (and hope) I'll be wrong. Especially in the Czech Republic's case. They're really bringing it.

I'm underwhelmed with Norway. The backdrop is boring and it still seems that Deborah is having nerves on stage.. Oh and I love Portugal's hats!! Finally, let's talk about Sweden! The song you either love or love to hate. Måns Zelmerlöw is one of the favourties to win but his rehearsal has so many dislikes online and it seems people's opinions on the song are changing. I'm think Sweden will do well but who knows?

So the first semi finalists have all rehearsed for the 2nd time today so stay tuned for more...

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: AZERBAIJAN!

Elnur Hüseynov is returning to Eurovision, after achieving 8th place in Belgrade with Samir. He won The Voice of Turkey last year so we know he'll be able to cut it live. Azerbaijan are considered on of the favourties to win. Baku 2016?

Ana: This song is AMAZING. It always gives me goosebumps and since I first listened to it I knew that this will be fighting for victory. I love the way it slowly builds in intensity and the sound of the orchestra. This is the best produced song and if to this we add Elnur’s voice, we have a winning combination. 10/10

Ilkar: Elnur is a great singer. The video and the song fit perfectly. I can totally relate to that hour of the wolf. I've been there. Unable to sleep, afraid to fall in sleep with fears and doubts. Waiting for the dawn. The song has a great melody, very interesting arrangement lines with the symphonic part but underneath a very tender rhythm going along with it. If only they manage to create this atmosphere on stage we might have a top contender here.... 10/10

Jack: Oh, isn't this gorgeous?! Elnur's effort in 2008 was weird and not in a good way.. but he's back with a beautiful sophisticated ballad. Fabulous! Following Azerbaijan's disappointing result last year, they will no doubt return to the top ten. And if staged correctly, Baku 2016 is very possible. The lyrics are also superb. 9/10

Jess: Elnur has such a brilliant voice, and the song is just wow! I can see this placing really well 9/10

John: Not a bad song - but not a remarkable one either - the entry from Azerbaijan will, if previous form is any guide, no doubt be a finalist and more than likely a Top 10 finisher. Good voice, pleasant tune but overall, for me, nothing special.  6/10

OUR VERDICT - 44/50
OVERALL SCORE - 8.8/10

ELNUR HÜSEYNOV TO REPRESENT AZERBAIJAN!

Elnur Hüseynov has been internally chosen to represent The Land of Fire in Vienna. The rumours were true! The song he'll be taking to Vienna is Hour Of The Wolf. He represented Azerbaijan in 2008, with Samir Javadzadeh, and placed 8th. Regarding Vienna, he says..

Eurovision 2015 is a great chance to present myself as a solo artist. I believe in my entry song as it has so many powerful messages. It is truly a song with great meaning of which the most important is ‘that every heart deserves a fight’ and we should never give up. We must fight for our happiness and for the better future. I’m going to the Eurovision to share this message with the European audience.

Listen to his entry on Soundcloud here. Thoughts?

Photograph - Eurovision.tv