Eurovision 2014 preview: Semi 1

[passionpop]

so the first semi is a few days away and the rehearsals are progressing nicely. this is the running order of the first semi. SPOILER WARNING: this has links to rehearsal clips and comments on the rehearsals.

Armenia: this years favourite to win starts off the event. his face contorts like he is constipated in rehearsal
Latvia: the bookies don't rate this. the presentation looks like it has potential for the TV audience, but could be better
Estonia: this is still in the middle of the pack according to the bookies, but I said from the start if she can carry the song while dancing, this could be a chance... and it appears that she can. Amazing
Sweden: the second favourite with the bookmakers and has been closing in. fvcking boring as batshit performance
Iceland: The bookies don't rate this but I think it is fun. They use the inner backdrop very well though they are a bit pitchy at the end I think, though this is only a rehearsal
Albania: again not rates by the bookmakers. in the rehearsal, what is it with singers standing there doing nothing this year? and the backing singers mics need to be turned down a bit
Russia: mid range odds. This act has been compared with soft porn and not just because they were child stars. If those 1950s nighties are their outfits... well...
Azerbaijan: top ten with the bookies and well-rated with other performers. at least she doesn't stand completely still, and the trapeze isn't sand girl (from Ukraine in 2011) but she will do.
Ukraine: top 5 in the odds, and Ukraine shows how Europe can make up for the energy they will lose if Russia wont supply them with a massive hamster wheel.
Belgium: out of the top ten according to the bookmakers and for the hearing impaired there is interpretive dance to explain the song...
Moldova: the bookies don't rate this and nor do the fans. will be a miracle if this qualifies. it appears she does not have a single backing singer so points for that, just not many.
San Marino: this doesn't even make the betting sheet. it deserves better but wont get it. ANOTHER PERSON STANDING IN THE SAME SPOT. move damn it!
Portugal: Suzy and the backing singers strut out like they are on a catwalk. the backing singers turn and walk back and suzy stands there a few seconds before turning to see they are gone. possibly one of the better performances but the bookies don't rate it.
The Netherlands: the bookies think more highly of this than I do and they have it 13th from the bottom.boring as batshit performance.
Montenegro: they are talking this as Montenegro's first ever qualifier for the grand final and if it makes it, it will be just. the bookies consider this 2 above the Netherlands, though they have ice skating on stage and that won for Russia once
Hungary: my favourite this semi and top ten with the bookies. There are obviously two rehearsals cut into this one and I love how they integrate the dance with the rest of the performance and the song. this is 7th with the bookies atm. it could do better

so I think Hungary and Estonia have the best performance this semi and the Netherlands and Moldova are auto non-qualifiers