Song 3: Belarus "Work your magic" Koldun
The first semi-final qualifier. Outstanding clarity of voice, powerful song. Great dance routine, I think it could have done with a bit of stomping in conjunction with "Work your magic". Top ten.
You can tell half these entries know full well they're going to get the votes politically... the first few songs have been bad and this Irish entry is terribly out of tune. But its all part of the fun, we're just as bad!
I really dont like the graphics this year. I think they should have continued using the heart theme for their graphics too, not just logo, to add consistancy.
Song 4: Ireland "They can't stop the spring" Dervish
Now for Ireland. A very Irish style song, sort of folk song cum ballad. Fiddles, flutes and bodhran drum abound for the intrumental break.
Didn't like the Irish song. Too folksy for my liking, and the female vocalist sounded like English wasn't her first language. Mind you, she did say "Slainte" at the end so they must be from a Gaeltacht area.
Watching on the interactive feed, and a pointless voiceover telling us about the text number has just drowned out Wogan
Song 5: Finland "Leave me alone" Hanna Pakarinen
The home nation squad now. A lively song but not my cup of tea. I take it this was a power ballad. More a "song" song than Hard Rock Hallelujah last year.
