Eurovision.tv this morning has an artists impression of this year's set in MOscow. Lots of LED screens. Designed by John Casey, he designed RTÉs 1997 set and was involved in 1994 and 95 as well.
http://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/news/2009/stageESC2009.png
Interesting - it reminds me of some of the Irish staging.
The LED could look great - I wonder if it all moves? Looks like there is enough height separation to avoid major lighting compromises. Wonder if they're all solid screens as in the artist impression or if some of them will be mesh (and so able to sort of disappear or become transparent)
Also I wonder how flexible the floor layout will be. One of the things I've missed in recent years (with a few notable exceptions) is variable height staging and moving set pieces (though Kyiv in 2005 had some interesting LED cylinder stuff that broke up in some sequences).
Last year's MF set was interesting in the breaking up the flat performance surface regard - though when you have 40+ different acts to provide a performance space for - some single performers, some bands, some high-energy dance performances, you need a large flat space somewhere. I do like a set with a "run out" into the crowd though - MF has used these well, as have some previous Eurovision sets.
Sound dreadful. After being so excited it's a bit of a comedown
Unusual for there not to be at least one member of Schlager royalty in an MF heat. Had hopes for Anna Sahlene & Maria Haukaas Storeng as Maria was great representing Norway last year...
** EDIT : Just listened to this week's four properly. Don't think it is Eurovision (and I don't think older ladies have done that well of late) - but Susanne Alfvengren has a lovely voice and I really like the song. ***
Not sure who I want to win at the moment. I really liked the Måns and EMD tracks and production (though EMD's vocals are very weak), and will always have a soft spot for Alcazar and BWO (though neither are great tracks IMHO) EMD sound very Backstreet Boys/*NSync-ish - which isn't much of a surprise given how much of those groups output were produced by Scandinavian teams.
I immediately thought Eurovision 1995 when I saw that picture - definately some influence there! I bet the overhead screens move - also very 1995! But it looks great. I hope it looks as deep and wide in reality.
So last night was Andra Chansen for this years Melodifestivalen 2009, with Sarah Dawn Finer - "Moving On" and Caroline af Ugglas - "Snälla, snälla" selected for the final (which is next week). The International Jury went to Sofia - "Alla"
Lets hope for a rather enjoyable final. I wonder who the winners will be! There are a couple of good songs in there.
Yep - seeing the recap of the songs already in the final last night reminded me that there were quite a lot of good songs. Most of them much better than anything the UK has entered for years...
I don't predict it will win MF, but I think 'La Voix' could be a BIG hit over the summer.
It seems like a very strange final this year. I can't stand af Ugglas, and wonder what on earth possessed the jury to send Sofia to the final. I also wonder what will become of Molly (this year's Empty Room or For Att Du Finns?) and Mans' song (it seems so much better a composition than 'Hero').
I don't predict it will win MF, but I think 'La Voix' could be a BIG hit over the summer.
It seems like a very strange final this year. I can't stand af Ugglas, and wonder what on earth possessed the jury to send Sofia to the final. I also wonder what will become of Molly (this year's Empty Room or For Att Du Finns?) and Mans' song (it seems so much better a composition than 'Hero').
Who do you want to win?
I praying that Alcazar will win it, such a good song and superb choreography.
Also I'm glad that Sofia got through, it's a great song and it beats Rough Diamond any day.
I think it'll be close between Baby Goodbye (which was number 1 on Swedish iTunes on Saturday), Mans and Alcazar.
