Eurovision 2012: Semifinal Voting Thoughts

So here's some initial thoughts on the semi-finals.  Obviously there will be more, as well as thoughts on the finals.  However, so far, we've had a few good performers, songs, or acts that for whatever reason don't succeed.  Some highlights (or lowlights):

Joan Franka - "You and Me" (Netherlands)

The song grew on me over the past few weeks.  It's kind of sweet, and girl with guitar can go over really well (see, eg, Soluna Samay).  But Eurovision is about 3 minute presentations and most people were probably scratching their head at the bad 1980's-Cher head dress and didn't vote for her.  It probably didn't help that the closest neighbors and traditional supporters were all in the other semifinal either.  And that's kind of a shame.

Max Jason Mai - "Don't Close Your Eyes" (Slovakia)

This was the only true rock song, and one of the better entries in my opinion.  So what happened?  Slovakia was in the semi-final with a lot of former Yugoslav and Soviet states.  Whether it was all bloc voting or just a few guitar solos too much for older voters, it just couldn't get the support it needed.  It might have fared a little better in the first semi-final, which featured more of its neighbors.

Nina Badric - "Nebo" (Croatia)

Croatia was exactly where it wanted to be:  A good song, great performer, and in a semifinal with 4 other former-Yugoslav states.  I figured three of them would get in, and I was right.  Unfortunately, when it came down to it, Croatia and Slovenia were on the outs with FYR Macedonia sneaking in.  Bloc voting giveth, and bloc voting taketh away.

Filipa Sousa - Vida Minha (Portugal)

This was the complete opposite boat than Croatia.  A nice song with great traditional overtones, in a semi-final of Eastern European countries.  Neighbor Spain voted in the other semi-final, which probably didn't help Portugal break up the eastern blocs.

Pernilla Karlsson - "När jag blundar" (Finland)

A rather pretty little song from Finland (we've come a long way from Lordi) that against just didn't get the support it needed.  While Greece and Iceland have given Finland a lot of points over the years, it probably didn't help that Sweden, Norway, and Estonia (other traditional supporters) were in the other semi-final.  Also am I the only one who thought the first semi-final was pretty stacked?

Valentina Monetta - "The Social Network Song" (San Marino)

Again, my bias is showing, but I loved this song.  It was fun, cheeky, upbeat, and satirical, and Monetta was great to watch in the lead up.  Obviously the voters just didn't get it.  Europe's loss.

I'm sure we can analyze the voting until the cows come home.  What are your thoughts?

Eurovision 2012 Preview: Pot 1

So we've talked about politics and voting, but let's be honest, what you're really here for is the music.  So here we go, our first look at the 2012 contestants, with some facts, trivia, and our thoughts.  Feel free to share your own!

Albania

First Appearance:  2004

Highest Place:  7th (2004)

Rona Nishliu - "Suus"

She has a great voice and she really captures the pain and emotion of the lyrics (translation available here).  She's definitely relying on those high notes to carry her through.  Quick bit of trivia, this is the first Eurovision song to feature Latin lyrics, as well as the first Armenian entry to feature a singer born in Kosovo (stay tuned for a Politics of Eurovision post discussing Kosovo, the EBU, and Eurovision).

Bosnia and Herzegovina

First Appearance:  1993

Highest Place:  3rd (2006)

Maya Sar - "Korake Ti Nzam"

Maya Sar is no stranger to the Eurovision stage, having provided backing vocals in 2004 and 2011, as well as playing keyboard in 2011, all for Bosnia and Herzegovina.  With the gorgeous vocals and heartbreaking lyrics (translated here), she's definitely got the Adele vibe going on.  Plus, we're a sucker for someone who plays her own instruments.

Croatia

First Appearance:  1993

Highest Place:  4th (1996, 1999)

Nina Badrić - "Nebo"

Our third contestant in a row singing in a language other than English (translation available here)!  A bit more pop than the previous two songs, but catchy on its own, and the video definitely makes use of the wind machine and half naked hunks.  And how can we not root for someone who writes her own lyrics and music?

F.Y.R. Macedonia

First Appearance:  1998

Highest Place:  12th (2006)

Kaliopi - "Crno i Belo"

Kaliopi released her first single at the age of 18, and previously represented Macedonia in Eurovision in 1996, although she failed to pass out of the pre-qualifying round.  With great vocals, lyrics by the singer (translation available here) and the sexiest playing of a sting instrument this side of Yo-Yo Ma, the song deserves to place higher than it likely will.

Montenegro
First Appearance:  2007
Highest Place:  11th in the Semi-Finals (2009)

Rambo Amadeus - "Euro Neuro"

This song is cool like a swimming pool (do you see what I did there?).  It may win points for creativity and for a completely bizzare/awesome video that for some reason you can't stop watching.  But I'm not sure it will make it into the finals.  There's always next year, Montenegro.

Serbia

First Appearance:  2007
Highest Place:  1st (2007)

Željko Joksimović - "Nije Ljubav Stvar"

Another familiar face,  Joksimović competed in 2004 (for Serbia and Montenegro, placing 2nd), produced 3 other Eurovision entries, and co-hosted the 2008 competition in Belgrade.  The song features great vocals as well as what appears to be nearly a full orchestra (translation of the lyrics available here).  Current Eurovision odds place Serbia in the top 10, and with is previous success, look for a high placement.

Switzerland
First Appearance:  1956
Highest Place:  1st (1956, 1988)

Sinplus - "Unbreakable"

Giving us our first song in English, Switzerland seeks 12 points with this pop rock offering by brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggini.  The song is catchy on the first listen and soon you'll find yourself rocking out with your headphones in.  If you're worried about the accent, it didn't hold Lena back in 2010 (or 2011 for that matter), and you can't ever discount the country that gave us Céline Dion.  Eurovision odds put them behind fellow sibling act Jedward, which is a shame.

So there you have it, your first 6 acts.  If we have to pick, our vote goes to Bosnia, but quite frankly, there's not much in here that we wouldn't mind seeing have a good showing.

What is your favorite act from Pot 1?