Eurovision Song Contest: 2nd Semi-final - Favorites

Now it's time to present the favorites for tomorrow's semi-final. If Russia was the favorite of the first, Russia's not so friendly neighbor, Ukraine, is the favorite of the second. Ukraine has already had one victory (12 years ago) and two 2nd places. This year's entry, sung by Jamala, is a political song, ostensibly about 1944, but in reality about the current situation. These kind of songs usually have a polarizing effect and although they often reach a high position, they rarely make it all the way to the top.

Here's the entry from Ukraine:

The second favorite of the day comes from the heart of Europe... Australia. Seriously though, if The Martian managed to win the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical, I don't see why Australia can't win Eurovision. Especially since it's a rather good song and the singer, Dami Im, is both charming and possseses a good voice. Australia's first appearance in the contest was last year and they came 5th.

Here's Australia's entry:

Serbia's short history in Eurovision includes one win and one 3d place. This year's singer, Sanja Vučič, has an uncanny resemblance to Kate Bush, although her singing style is that of a less throaty Bonnie Tyler. The song is OK, if the performance is good, it could achieve respectable placing.

Here's Serbia's entry:

Latvia's first time in Eurovision was in 2000, when they placed third. Two years later, they won the contest. Recently they had a bad streak, 6 consecutive years without qualifying for the final. Last year they had better luck and came 6th. This year, I don't know. Justs is a nice looking young man with a good enough voice and the song is not bad, but whether that's enough for it to get audience support, that remains to be seen.

Here's Latvia's entry:

Now, here's an out gay brother, Hovi Star, singing for Israel. He was recently on a promotion tour in Russia, where he made news when the officials destroyed his passport for no apparent reason other than being gay.

Israel appeared in Eurovision for the first time in 1973 and came fourth. They had two consecutive wins in 1978 and 1979 and a third one in 1998 with transgender artist Dana International. Could this be another win for a LGBTQI person from Israel? I hope so, because the song is among my favorites of the contest.

Here's Israel's entry:

Eight out of the nine times that Bulgaria took part in Eurovision, they didn't qualify for the finals. The one time they did qualify, they came in 5th. This year's song is catchy, although in a banal sort of way and Poli Genova is a fair singer and quite attractive. This goes to the "wait and see" ledger.

Here's the entry from Bulgaria:

Poland came 2nd in its first appearance in 1994. Since then they didn't have much luck with their songs. This year's entry is an earnest little song by Christlike Michał Szpak. The trouble is, it's a bit old-fashioned. However, that quality didn't seem to deter some of the past winners. People seem to like it and that's always a good sign.

Here's Poland's entry:

Belgium has been taking part in Eurovision from the very beginning. They have won in 1986 and since then came second in 2003 and last year they came in fourth. This year's entry, a dance song by Laura Tesoro, is neither very good, nor is it bad. The intro borrows liberally from Another One Bites The Dust, while the verse reminds me more than a little of Wishing Well by Terence Trent D'Arby. The chorus is funky and contageous enough. It's one of these songs that could go either way... I will know more after the semi-finals.

Here's the entry from Belgium:

Norway won the contest 3 times (the latest in 2009), in 54 participations. It also had 9 last places, 4 of those with 0 points. This year, it presents a generic Pop song sung by Agnete. I don't particularly care for it. It may make the final, but I don't see it placing near the top.

Here's the entry from Norway:

Ireland is the big winner of Eurovision: it was crowned victorious 7 times, out of 49 partcipations. In fact, some of its winners were among the best-selling Eurovision songs ever (All Kinds Of Everything, What's Another Year, Hold Me Now). The thing is, the best it did in the 21st Century was #6. Sometimes it felt like Ireland was throwing in the towel: in 2008 they sent the song Irelande Douze Pointe by Dustin the Turkey. It failed to qualify for the finals. This year, they're giving it another serious try, with former Westlife Alumnus Nicky Byrne. For those not familiar with Westlife, the Irish boy band (1998-2012), originally signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh, sold over 50 million records worldwide and achieved a total of 26 UK top 10 singles, 14 of which went all the way to #1. The song is typical boy band stuff. Not that it's bad, it's just not very original. Still, with Byrne's experience and charm, it may go a long way.

Here's the entry from Ireland: