Twenty countries have managed to qualify through the semi finals for tomorrow nights big grand final. I have loved both shows even if I'm not 100% happy with the results.. We're always going to have some great songs that won't make it.. Find out what this blogger thought about the shows and the week so far below:
SEMI FINAL ONE
The first semi final was amazing! Albania made it, Russia made it.. Georgia made it! So did Estonia, Greece, Belgium... all amazing songs. I think Russia won this semi final and I think 10th place would've been either Hungary or Serbia. I'm a little shocked Hungary made it through but pleased. Boggie's performance brought a tear to my eye. Very touching. Armenia's entry could've been a disaster live but Genealogy impressed me. Moving away from the songs, the hosts are pretty good although not very memorable.. Does this make sense? I love Conchita hosting the green room! She's a natural :) and I also love it when the participants walk from the green room onto the stage during the opening.. That's a lovely touch. Talking of Conchita, this photo is beautiful! Love it!
Overall I was impressed with the results. My biggest disappointment was The Netherlands not qualifying though... Why ay ay ay didn't they make it? I'm also sad that we won't see Macedonia in the final. Daniel performed brilliantly and I now fear we may not see a Macedonian entry in next years contest... wasn't they close to withdrawing last year? Finland not making it was a shock. It wasn't my favourtie song - far from it - but I thought PKN deserved it.. Moldova, Denmark and Belarus deserved what they got. I got 7/10 right. I thought Denmark, Finland and The Netherlands wouldn't make it. Unfortunately I have read some comments saying Elhaida was vocally poor. I don't agree. She smashed it. I want Albania to be top ten but whether she will or not remains to be seen....
SEMI FINAL TWO
Now I was rather upset with some results from last nights semi. Czech Republic, Ireland and Malta all deserved to qualify! I am really sorry to see them miss out. Ireland's Molly is a true star. She's only 16 but her performance last night was one of the best. Also Amber really impressed me. And as for the Czech Republic.. Marta & Václav didn't just deserve the final, but they deserved top ten. Obviously the rest of Europe (and Australia) didn't agree with me. I'd be saddened but not shocked if they quit Eurovision. Even though I didn't think Portugal would make the final, I'm still upset Leonor failed to qualify. I'm not saying that I dislike the Cypriot song but I don't think they deserved to have qualified over some that missed out... but that's they way it goes. John was flawless vocally. I was underwhelmed with Iceland so it was no surprise to see Maria fail although I was a bit surprised about Switzerland's non qualification. San Marino's failure didn't surprise me. I got 9/10. I thought Iceland would make it and Latvia wouldn't. For once I am happy to be wrong!
With regards to the qualifiers, I'm thrilled Latvia and Israel finally qualified after all these years! Sweden, Azerbaijan and Norway are possible winners so it was no surprise to see them make it. I was a bit confused with the Azeri dancers are first but they did make the performance memorable. I hope Elnur won't flop like Dilara. Lithuania's performance featured three kisses, including a lesbian and gay kiss. Are Vaidas and Monika a couple? Knez qualified and I think Montenegro could achieve top ten tomorrow night. I think Sweden won this semi.
DRAMA!
Even though nothing is official, it seems the EBU are going to allow Australia to participate next year too and the year after.. I don't mind but this will do doubt get some people raging IF it turns out to be true. China have sent a delegation to Vienna and they're broadcasting it too - maybe we'll see them debut one year? A Moroccan delegation are also in Vienna it seems. Is this the end of EUROvision? Personally, I'd love to see as many countries as possible compete. One could argue Israel, Azerbaijan and Cyprus aren't European countries yet they're allowed to compete..
Elsewhere Michele from San Marino threw some shade in Måns's direction although did later say he was joking. Hmmm..
Apparently fake cheers will be used tomorrow after Russia's performance. I am not in Vienna so I don't know if it's true or not although I'm upset if it is. As much as I hate to see booing in Eurovision, the crowd still have a right to express how they feel. It's freedom of speech. I was so sad to see Dima booed in London although if that's how the masses feel. fine. Even though I don't agree with booing an act - I do agree with freedom of speech. If Polina wins - and it's very possible - expect some more controversy! Stay tuned for a special preview of the grand final!
Twenty countries have managed to qualify through the semi finals for tomorrow nights big grand final. I have loved both shows even if I'm not 100% happy with the results.. We're always going to have some great songs that won't make it.. Find out what this blogger thought about the shows and the week so far below:
Norway opted for Mørland & Debrah Scarlett to represent them in Vienna. They narrowly beat Erlend Bratland in the national final - did Norway make the right choice? Is Oslo 2016 a possibility? Here's our thoughts...
...and Norway opts for Mørland & Debrah Scarlett. Another brilliant choice from the Scandinavians tonight! And so that concludes the national final season. Of course we have some songs yet to be revealed - but this is the last actual show of the 2015 season. I must catch up with the full performances as I was watching Mello tonight :-)
It's the last weekend of the 2015 national final season. Sad times! Sweden and Norway will select their entries tonight; and tomorrow the entries from Azerbaijan, Russia and Albania will be presented. San Marino and Australia will follow on Monday....
Melodi Grand Prix will be a one night affair this year, on 14th March, and the eleven participating acts were revealed this morning. Check out the full lineup below:
Norway's entry for Eurovision 2015 will be selected on 14th March in Oslo Spektrum Arena. Melodi Grand Prix and Melodifestivalen will therefore both be held the same day. NRK, the Norwegian national broadcaster, will bring back the long-awaited orchestra to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision. The general director said:
Melodi Grand Prix was one of the strongest selections this year. The final took place on 15th March with eight participants, but it was always going to be a two horse race between Carl Espen and Linnea Dale.
The grand finale of Melodi Grand Prix 2014 was held on 15th March. It featured a number of great songs... My two favourites were Silent Storm by Carl Espen and High Hopes by Linnea Dale. I would have been delighted with either of them winning. It was Carl who eventually won - and the lovely Linnea came a very respectful 2nd. Carl Espen (aged 31) used to be a carpenter and has done a lot of volunteer work for cancer research. His performance in the Norwegian selection was very good, and hopefully he's improved even more for Copenhagen!
What a fantastic result! Carl Espen will fly the Norwegian flag - one of the best songs this year without a doubt. Many fans are saying Norway could win the whole thing in Copenhagen... I defiantly think he has a shot. Oslo 2015?
The grand final of "Melodi Grand Prix" will be held this evening. Norway always have great national selections and this year is no exception. I'm really looking forward to watching this tonight But who's going to be crowned the winner? My preference would be Carl Espen. His haunting ballad is without a doubt the big favourite to take the trophy tonight... My 2nd favourite is Linnea Dale. I have high hopes for her, too!
Mohamed Farah Abdi is one of the fifteen acts who hopes to represent Norway in Copenhagen. The Guardian has reported his personal struggles following the Utøya massacre in July 2011 where 69 people were killed. He managed to survive this terrifying ordeal although sadly lost his best friend.
The fifteen acts, which are in the running to represent Norway, have today been revealed in a special press conference! Adelén isn't going to return - although there was speculation she was going to make a comeback this year. Here are the lucky semi finalists!
