Eurovision

Yes, it is that time of the year again! Last night was the first semifinal of the Eurovision song contest (a blog post in the New York Times about the phenomenon can be found here - especially entertaining is the discussion), and I spent it with my Icelandic friend Reynir, who also happens to be one of the 'reviewers' of the Eurovision contestants on the show 'Alla leið' on Icelandic TV (check him out here, and click on one of the links to the right if you are curious). It is brilliant to watch the show with someone who is so in to it! We watched, screamed, sang along, drank beer, were horrified, laughed, got goosebumps, the lot! The presenters were awful, but other than that it was a great show.

So, what do I think this year? Well, for the first time ever (!) I actually called in and voted. Obviously I voted for Sweden (one must have some national pride!). The artist - Malena Ernman - is super talented. The song, well, you either love it or hate it. I'm the first category, but don't think it will win. Doesn't matter. She's doing a good job.



The best performance was, however, Iceland (and I'm not just saying that because Reynir is twice my size). The girl who sang it was really good, and the song very pretty. Probably the best ballad this year, and will definitely be among the top songs in the final.



Other than that, my favourite song in this seminfinal was Portugal. I discovered Portugal as a Eurovision nation last year, but they have a pretty poor history in the contest (no wins). This song was both happy and sweet, and I liked the fact that the girl was so moved after her performance.



Among the other semifinalists to make it there were no great surprises. Turkey will end up high (with the obligatory 12 points from Germany - now, that is immigration politics!) but don't deserve it this year. They've performed better earlier years. Israel must have been the jury's vote - that was just too much politics and too little music.

Tomorrow is the second semifinal, but there is no doubt that Norway will make it through to the final. It would not surprise me at all if good old Norway were to win it all (and very well deserved).



I love it!!!