There was no messing about last night. Less than five minutes into the broadcast the first act was on stage. 18 songs this time around.<\/p>\n
I know I\u2019ve joked about the lesser-spotted backing singers, but I would question why this happens. There were loads of performances where they were absent from the stage (Albania, Ireland, Croatia, Russia, Azerbaijan\u2026). Why it is more interesting to have only the performer on stage unsupported and not interacting with anyone? Some of the performances were a bit boring as a result.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know what rehearsal footage I was watching for Malta, because what was on stage last night looked really different. I didn\u2019t like the wee box she was in front of \u2013 it looked odd set against the impressive expanse of a backdrop.<\/p>\n
They did tweak Denmark\u2019s performance, having Leonora climb the ladder rather than just float onto the big chair. Loved it, but I thought they\u2019d killed it off!<\/p>\n
Somehow I managed to get 9\/10 on my napkin of death (damn you North Macedonia!). How did you do \u2013 did your favourites make it through? I thought there was something missing from Sweden. The first time I haven’t had the wow factor from it – I think perhaps the camera shot’s aren’t as good as the Melodifestivalen, and it’s all a bit too dark in terms of lighting. \u00a0It\u2019s dropped back in the betting, and Australia now replaces it as second favourite. Somehow The Netherlands clings on, after what is a very dull performance. That said, it is a great song.<\/p>\n
So what did we learn form the second semi-final? \u2026<\/p>\n
There was a lot of spider-cam action again, as in the first semi-final (some peeps think it\u2019s being over-used)<\/em><\/p>\n What the sand artist was doing on the backdrop for Moldova didn\u2019t match what she was doing on the stage<\/em><\/p>\n Romania used every inch of the stage, not that it helped<\/em><\/p>\n Poor Ireland\u2019s performance was a hot mess, wasn\u2019t it<\/em><\/p>\n Some angel wings and a key change was a step too far for Croatia<\/em><\/p>\n Russia\u2019s Sergei looked like a Ken doll trapped in that box<\/em><\/p>\n There was an appearance of the lesser-spotted wind machine (I loves me some wind machine action)<\/em><\/p>\n The interval act was inspired (did you have a little tear?)<\/em><\/p>\n Latvia\u2019s singer Sabine\u2019s eye makeup was so on fleek\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n Overall another well-paced and well-produced show.<\/p>\n The ten countries progressing to the Grand Final are…<\/p>\n North Macedonia<\/strong> – Tamara Todevska with Proud<\/em><\/p>\n The Netherlands<\/strong> – Duncan Laurence with Arcade<\/em><\/p>\n Albania<\/strong> – Jonida Maliqi with Ktheju tok\u00ebs<\/em><\/p>\n Sweden<\/strong> – John Lundvik with Too Late For Love<\/em><\/p>\n Russia<\/strong> – Sergey Lazarev with Scream<\/em><\/p>\n Azerbaijan<\/strong> – Chingiz with Truth<\/em><\/p>\n Denmark<\/strong> – Leonora with Love Is Forever<\/em><\/p>\n Norway<\/strong> – KEiiNO with Spirit In The Sky<\/em><\/p>\n Switzerland<\/strong> – Luca H\u00e4nni with She Got Me<\/em><\/p>\n Malta<\/strong> – Michela with Chameleon<\/em><\/p>\n