Eurovision 2019 - 1st Semi-Final Qualifiers
So the first Semi-Final of the 64th Eurovision Song Contest is over! It was a good show even though I felt it lacked some energy. Best part of the show was the postcard montage of all participant countries!
We could see the production focused too much on visual effects and poorly connected with key elements in several songs. 17 countries tried to sing their hearts out to get one of the 10 spots available for the Big Final this Saturday, May 17th. I managed to get 6 qualifiers correct: Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Australia, Iceland, Czech Republic, with 3 surprises and a big WTF for the last one. So the other countries that got through were Serbia, Slovenia, Belarus and San Marino. San Marino, really? It's an ok, guilty pleasure-type of song, but he was off key and the only salvation was the chorus that took some focus out of his vocals.
As a portuguese and Eurovision lover I have to say that the production of this year's show failed to connect with the vision and message of Telemóveis by Conan Osíris. They favoured wide shots instead of keeping up with the singer and dancer that were telling a story with both the singing and dancing. I am looking forward to check out the voting to see if the Jury is also to blame for it not qualifying. I know I am going on a rant, but this song was pure quality, and innovative. Not rellying on shocking fashion or visual effects, but on a good musical production. I'm upset that once again Portugal won't be in the final and hope that the best song wins.
1st Semi-Final Qualifiers
- Cyprus - Tamta with Replay
- Slovenia - Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl with Sebi
- Czech Republic - Lake Malawi with Friend Of A Friend
- Belarus - ZENA with Like It
- Serbia - Nevene Božović with Kruna
- Australia - Kate Miller-Heidke with Zero Gravity
- Iceland - Hatari with Hatrið mun sigra
- Estonia - Victor Crone with Storm
- Greece - Katerine Duska with Better Love
- San Marino - Serhat with Say Na Na Na