Dress to impress – volume one…

Today (Monday) I have registered at the Olympic Arena so that I can now provide you with the action as it happens.  The stage is only feet away from me – but getting through the ultra strict security makes it impossible unless you have delegation accreditation.  Here’s the view of the venue as I arrived…

This was an unplanned visit to the dress rehearsal – but Karen and I feel like we’ve beenhere for 24 hours, and we have had no contact with what’s going on, first hand.  So we snagged some tickets and I was in my seat (sound of harps) as Sweden took to the stage…

It is still mad as a box of frogs, but I’m still a fan – and hopefully not the kiss of death that I was last year?! 

Doesn’t the stage look stunning?  The set design for Armenia certainly makes the song sound better, for me…

Andorra offered us a perky performance…

Meanwhile, Switzerland rocked-out and used the dynamic set to stunning effect…

Just in case you don’t know where we are (the stage during an ad break)…

Again, Bulgaria used the stage to amplify an otherwise bizarre song (see what you think on Tuesday evening)…

For Karen, Apostolos and me the performance of the night was from Iceland.  A strong song with impressive stage presence.  I’ll be unkind about her frock on Boom Bang A Blog, so I’ll let the music do the talking until you see this song (and that dress) on stage…

Portugal were the sleeper of the Contest last year, and they might just repeat that in 2009.  My friends over dinner last night all love it – and they think that this is a sailing through to the final.  Once again, the art direction for this song uses the stage to full effect and really does add a little magic to the song…

 And finally from the first semi-final, keep an eye and an ear out for Chiara – a longtime fave of mine – and as you have heard earlier on this blog – let’s hope that Chiara does well on her third attempt. 

So, you might see me in the arena when the first semi-final is broadcast on BBC3 at 8.00p on Tuesday.  See if any of these songs tickle your ears and delight your eyes.

 😀