It's the first Eurovision semi final tonight, in case anyone didn't know. It's the weaker of the two semis, but still better than anything last year's contest had to offer. Few agree with that by the way.

I'd usually be getting ready to go to the venue by now, probably via a restaurant where all the seasoned old Eurohacks put their money where their mouths are and predict the outcome. So just for old times sake, I'll have a go anyway, since I usually stick my neck out on this site. I think the ten qualifiers will be: Moldova, Russia, Latvia, Serbia, Poland, Belgium, Albania, Greece, Belarus amd Iceland.

This year's ready made excuse is the fact I have only listened to all the songs a couple of times.

Enjoy the show!

Only wrong on Latvia and Poland Ant.

The Belarus Butterflies costumes are impressive and I must admit to giggling at the Serbians.

My friend Pete's Icelandic entry (he writes the English lyrics) has become joint favourite - a very plump lady with two plump backing singers, a bit Weather Girls. Don't hear it myself but would love him to win (we've been mates since I started Eurovisioning in 1995 and he visited me several times in Maidstone nick since his Mum lives near there).

JK2006 wrote:
My friend Pete's Icelandic entry (he writes the English lyrics) has become joint favourite - a very plump lady with two plump backing singers, a bit Weather Girls. Don't hear it myself but would love him to win (we've been mates since I started Eurovisioning in 1995 and he visited me several times in Maidstone nick since his Mum lives near there).

I liked Iceland and it reminds me how much I miss Julie !

I think Belgium is a potential winner of the contest, certainly with the juries anyway, but I still have Azerbaijan down as the winner even though I haven't seen it yet.

Is there anyone you dont know JK?

mikemacca wrote:


I think Belgium is a potential winner of the contest, certainly with the juries anyway, but I still have Azerbaijan down as the winner even though I haven't seen it yet.
I hope you're right about Belgium, Mike, as I've had a few quid each way. Thought his performance was a bit lacklustre actually. Azerbaijan is certainly the one to beat, but I will be interested to witness the live performance tomorrow. I have dozens of friends out there having their wealth eroded by the ludicrously high Norwegian cost of living, and they assure me my reservations about the singer's voice and accent are ungrounded, but experience has taught me only to trust my own eyes and ears.

I'm with JK on Iceland. That sort of derivative Europop doesn't float my boat at all any longer, but now I know Pete is involved, I shall give it my support nonetheless.

I'll be back tomorrow, with my thoughts and predictions on Semi 2.