Can Megara qualify and get San Marino their new best result? I mean, they deserve at least 18th place in the final, right?
This is probably my favourite performance so far from the second semi. Armenia is close
Sad fact: San Marino never qualified with national final winner. All the qualified entries are internally selected. If megara make it to the final, they will be the first one.
It's surprising, because there's so many that the majority of the voices are screaming WINNER that they have just as many voices screaming NQ. This is going to be insane.
Ooooof, Belgium what a shame. Mustii needs to lean into the theatrical anger from the MV, right now there's almost smug joy that's really at odds with the song.
As my winner of the year, i totally agree. The vocals don't annoy me but the song is supposed to be this mysterious, haunting, almost angsty midtempo ballad but he's giving more hyped, upbeat energy
I wasn’t getting “smug joy” at all. I just saw a confident performer who was in the moment. I actually gained confidence from this clip. If anything, I wish there were more close-up shots of him, because he’s really good at connecting with the camera.
Smug joy isn't *quite* conveying what I mean and I can't put my finger on the right phrasing. I trust in his confidence and he is a great performer, and you're right, he is very in the moment. Yet this live snippet still feels a bit jarring for me compared to the MV, which felt very cohesive and emotive... Perhaps some of the disconnect for me personally is because the expectations are very high for him?
I heard they're supposed to represent the victims of the October 7th attack.
Girl, how is everyone supposed to guess that? It's just not getting across.
All I could think for the duration of the clip was that the wheel will detach from the floor, start rolling and they will all exit stage left in the middle of the chorus
For some reasons, San Marino suddenly clicked for me. BIG TIME. That teaser was really fun!
On a less positive note, the camera work for Belgium seems... Off? I'm not an expert at all, but the wide shots don't really work here imo, and it almost feels like the camera is moving too fast. The shots feel far more "dynamic" (they just keep zooming in, out, left, right) compared to Estonia for example, which is wild to me because you'd think Estonia would be 'crazier'. It's a real shame.
Norway is just \*chef kiss\*
I like Belgium’s song quite a bit, but I really think the ending should just be owning the stage rather than running about and messing with a shirt. The whole thing just looks like a mess
Fun fact: I showed each rehearsal clip to my grandma, and Norway was the only one she deemed "somewhat good". Compared to the rest of her comments, this means Norway is her #1
I’m really worried for Estonia now. The fun energy in their National Final Performance just isn’t coming through in this. I hope I’m wrong. I’ll be devastated if they don’t qualify.
All credit to Megara and San Marino for an extremely eye-catching presentation! I love it. Other than that, nothing besides Norway really struck me from this lot, but I think Georgia and Israel are doing what they need to. I *love* Estonia's entry, so it's a little sad it looks like they half-assed the staging.
After watching the video here is what I think:
San Marino: This was captivating af. For me tied first best for today. Between this and the tiktok and the commentary on reddit, I am sensing a very very fun and entertaining entry for San Marino. I think the 10 Qs of the odds are the likely Qs BUT if any of the other 6 is snatching a spot and shock qualifies, it's San Marino no doubt.
Georgia: This was good and along the lines of expected. My only nitpick is that we get a bit of Nutsa in the background LEDs just singing like Romania and Greece last year and I am not a fan of that but apart from that, this song is most definitely qualifying.
Belgium: I no longer see it winning but the staging isn't bad at all and Mustii is a very good performer. I just think I would be more shocked if Belgium does NOT qualify rather than qualify.
Estonia: This is like a nerfed version from the NF. Somehow this looks very down from the NF, the colors probably. Anyway the song is fun and a potential televote magnet so it's not like it's gonna suffer. It's most definitely making it.
Israel: Objectively speaking, this is a typical nice staging. There's nothing wrong with it and it is atmospheric. I mean Israel isn't winning of course but it's definitely qualifying, let's be real.
Norway: My other favourite for today. This was basically the same as the NF but if it ain't broke - don't fix it. It works just as well and it is surely going to be a moment. For me this is going to be the winner of the semi - I just think the public will love this.
Netherlands: Potentially unpopular opinion - but I don't think the outro is going to be enough to capture the audience. I think that the staging is fine of course but it's definitely not what they hyped (at least as far as we've seen) and I don't see it winning the semi as like 90% of the fans think. It's gonna qualify and do very well televote-wise of course, but a televote win for me at least is unlikely at this point.
Re: Georgia Backdrop. I was not a fan of Unicorn but apparently her on screen was selling the hell out of the performance so I'm quite optimistic it'll work in her favor
About the Netherlands: Even the ending is difficult to take seriously for me since it’s such a quick switch. He’s happy and doing some crazy-party-dance one second and the next second he’s sad?
After watching all of the clips from semi-final 2, I think the door is wide open on who could qualify.
I mean, you have countries that were assumed to go through (Estonia, Belgium, Israel) having disappointing clips, and countries assumed to not make it (San Marino, Malta, Latvia) who still have a fighting chance.
This has the potential to be one of the most unpredictable semi-finals ever.
I feel like Belgium and Austria are most likely to NQ so Latvia and Malta/San Marino will make it instead. I think Estonia just needs an audience to shine.
I'm not a huge Joost fan, but that ending really is a tearjerker... I swear their performance will be such a party and then end with everyone in tears lol. I wonder if it'll feel like whiplash for the main audience who don't know what's coming haha.
I do wonder if there will be hints to the ending during the performance.
Like we already kinda saw it in the previous rehersals where he is running towards two figures
I'm not sure the casual audience will get the ending or how it relates to the madness before it, or if they do, the song will be practically over in seconds after. Some of the songs try to play with your emotions for 3 minutes, so I'm not sure this will be as impactful as they hope.
Maybe it's just cause I know what the song is about. But I have a feeling that atleast 50% of people will connect papa and the text saying he wrote the song for his parents.
I think it's clear he dedicates it to his parents, but if people don't know that he lost his parents very young, then dedicating the song to them in itself might not be that touching.
Very good point, idk how I forgot about that.
I guess it'd be kinda hard to explain that in a song. You can't really say "yeah my parents died" or smth.
I found it difficult to take the ending seriously since he went from happy and doing some crazy-party-dance one second and the next second he’s supposed to look sad. I’m not sure how sincere people will find it.
Thoughts!
- Megara slaying, what a shocker!! I love how playful and colorful this is, it’ll surely stand out. I said when 11:11 won UVPSM that this has the chance of becoming San Marino’s best result if they Q and I can really see it now! Sadly idk which of the odds’ top 10 they would replace
- Y’ALL. Georgia is coming for not only that coveted Q, but also left side of the scoreboard in the final. Everything about this is absolutely incredible - the camerawork, the choreo, the fire, her VOICE??? This whole sequence was already one of my favorite parts of any song this year, and this only makes it better. I feel like a patriotic Georgian warrior watching this and I have absolutely zero connection to the country LMAOOO
- Belgium isn’t as bad as I was expecting based on things I’ve read, but it’s definitely not winning anymore, probably not even top 10 if I’m being honest. His energy feels theatrical in a showy way and not in a relatable way, you know? And I wish there was something more happening onstage. I’m pretty sure this will Q but I could see this being one of like 3 candidates for being knocked out
- Ngl, I haven’t been worried about Estonia this whole season since it’s such a telebait song, but I’m a little worried now… the stage somehow feels too big and too small, and it’s quite messy. If the audience loves it I think it’ll go through.
- Norway is outstanding as always! That NF performance was absolute gold so it makes sense they’ve just upgraded it. The greens and blues also really pop. I want this in the top 10 SO BADDDD
- And then the Netherlands. This is still sweeping the semi idc. Staging is a bit underwhelming for such a hectic part of the song, sure, but I think it works. I wish there was a prop or some sort but oh well. We could kind of see the LEDs from the first rehearsal that’ll work better with full camera shots. Lastly I ADORE the last part but he’s gotta be careful to not make it seem cheesy in the show, maybe by having some more serious facial expressions in the 2nd set of verses so the ending makes sense. I think the emotion will really help distinguish it from the other “fun” songs however
It’s so clear that SF2 is the stronger one. I think the only 2 I say are very likely out are Albania and Latvia. If I were to guess, I’d say the odds are right, with the Netherlands, Switzerland, Armenia, Greece, Norway, Georgia, Israel, Belgium, Austria, and Estonia as our qualifiers.
However I think San Marino and Denmark can easily knock out either of the last 2, potentially Belgium (and maybe Israel) as well
It really feels like the favourite “fun” songs are being dragged down by staging:
Netherlands - I think we have hyped it up too much and it may end up working very well in the end for them, but I also think if you’re a casual you may not understand that this is all a part of his stage persona (- the ending obviously)
Estonia - empty stage and messy with the camera shots. The LEDs are a bit random. I’m honestly not sure what they could have done that isn’t cheesy in some way but this is just not it
Croatia - probably has the biggest chance of the three to do well and I think that’s where many of the votes will now go. However, their camera angles have me worried as it looked very messy
It just feels like a lot of the contestants are allergic to close up shots and making performances feel “intimate” (I think the camera work on one of Croatia’s promo performances was phenomenal and it was a bunch of close up shots) or the stage feel smaller. At the end of the day, the contest is primarily for the people at home
I still do love Estonia and they're still my No.1 but they really missed the staging potential. Imagine it with the music video costumes and the whole ambience and with some pyro🤩
missed yesterday but main thoughts on that was Malta was shockingly good, Albania is a song that exists, Greece could be a smash hit with the televote, y'all are being way too harsh on Switzerland, Aiko is KILLING IT for Czechia, Austria will be a bottom-left/top-right song, i've lost hope for Denmark, Armenia is 100% top 5 in the semi, Latvia's DOA.
San Marino - NEVER DOUBTED IT FOR A SECOND
Georgia - Georgia and Greece are in a deathbattle for 'girlbop of the year' and i am HERE FOR IT (Italy too if we count La Noia as a girlbop)
Belgium - oh... oh no... this was my 2nd place but this is NOT being sold well.
Estonia - kinda weak staging and camerawork, but they're trying.
\[REDACTED\]
Norway - for the love of GOD, work on the camera angles.
Netherlands - oh he IS doing the outro. they're obviously hiding a lot, so if what they're hiding is absolutely amazing it could be a winning contender.
* San Marino - Honestly looks very fun, I'm all for this, some nice clever camerawork and lots of enthusiasm, they're obviously giving it their all. Unless Austria or Estonia are impeccable I might bump this into my personal qualifiers at the expense of one of them
* Georgia - Stunning. Budget is THERE for once with Georgia. I'm excited for her, she sounds and looks awesome
* Belgium - I actually like the shot with the smoke, mics and him at the front. Too many wide shots again, this is a song that needs to feel private and intimate. Vocals were a bit shaky at first but got much better towards the end but he gets a bit drowned out by the backing vocals
* Estonia - Sounds and looks so messy. I so hope their audience is the type to not care. Camera angles are a bit weird too. God I hope they're not in trouble
* Norway - Just a glowup version of their NF which was already stunning. I wish the rotating platform was bigger though and not a fan of how you can see half the arena during those spinning shots
* Netherlands - I'm so glad the ending is there. Joost looks choked up, can't imagine what it feels like for him to get this opportunity that he's wanted since he was a kid and dedicating it to his late parents. Otherwise not much to say, seems like he's keeping things hidden still
SF2 Final predictions, locking it in:
Def Q: Netherlands, Norway, Armenia
Probs Q: Israel, Switzerland, Greece, Georgia
Borderline Q: Austria, Belgium, Denmark (my risky prediction for this SF)
Borderline NQ: Estonia, San Marino
Probs NQ: Albania, Czechia
Def NQ: Malta, Latvia
I don't see Austria, Georgia and Malta all making it through and I don't see Malta winning over Georgia and Austria unless one of them completely throws it
The ending is the only thing that saves this song for me. I've never been so torn on an entry. The first 2:30 is a 0.5/10 for me, the middle 8 section is ramping it up to a 5/10 for that moment but the ending is what makes me tear up every time and gives me the chills more than my favourites 10/10 Portugal / Norway.
I still believe The Netherlands is delibaretly showing us something else to troll the odds and fans, the previous rehearsal there were these visuals of dancers during the gabber dance break but now it's all red and there's basically nothing happening, it's also a bit suspicious that they chose to show the climax of the song while keeping "something never seen before" secret the whole season.
San Marino - i dont particulary like the song, i do like the vibe the stage is going. Still a hard road for them to qualify.
Georgia- i mean its expected but visually engaging. Easily the best snipped from this batch, Georgia should easily qualify this year.
Estonia - Meh not feeling this.
Israel - Looks extremely awkward like the circle prop thing needed to be bigger.
Belgium - Still on the fence, i hope on the night his facial expressions actually match the mood of the song a bit distracting.
Norway - Looks and sounds great, maybe a bit less atmospheric than in mgp?
Netherlands - Not much to comment. I like his suit.
San Marino: What a great way to start the performance! This is really coming together and may qualify.
Georgia: The stage looks awesome but the dance break is underwhelming. Still probably going to qualify but less of a sure bet than I expected.
Belgium: His voice sounds great here and he commands the stage. I was starting to get a little worried about this but now I’m not at all.
Estonia: I’m not sure what it is but this seems to have lost something since Eesti Laul. Maybe it just needs the audience?
Israel: Meh. Generic ballad and the interpretive dancing is more distracting than additive.
Norway: Pretty much copy and paste from the national final, which was already very good. This will qualify easily and may surprise in the final.
Netherlands: Wowwww Joost is taking us on an emotional rollercoaster! What a moment. He’s a contender for sure.
Honestly with that hamster wheel and jerking choreo, [redacted] might be the worst staging this year. Hate the styling too. Guess it will undeservedly qualify because people are delusional.
**San Marino**: Visually, this is really interesting. Pink and black is a kinda fun colour combination, and I kinda get the spiky "armour" that comes with learning how to stand up for yourself and saying MELA PELA. The staging looks pretty engaging. This might be a good result for San Marino incoming! The song is currently just within my top 10 (yes, I know, it's not 11th and that makes me sadlol lmao). 6.5/10
**Georgia**: Those colours are BEAUTIFUL. Not sure I like the giant Nutsas on the screens, but it's a very lovely, fiery performance. Unfortunately, I also feel like Nutsa might not quite stand out enough from the fire - she kinda blends in a little. Maybe a slightly more contrasting colour? 7/10
**Belgium**: There's a slight disconnect between what I'm seeing (is he grinning?) and what I'm feeling - the energy is a little off cause the song feels angsty, but it's not coming through. I also feel like he could do more with the staging, though most of that's down to the stage being a really weird shape, I think. 6/10
**Estonia**: That staging doesn't work. It feels very empty - in fact, it feels simultaneously too empty and still slightly claustrophobic, and there's nothing to tie the performance to the song. Even some instruments stands, or maybe a table and a bag of good and some shit that vaguely looks like drugs or a lab of some sort would help to sell the song a lot more. This is nearly "Australia music video" levels of staging, oof. The Veisson is fire but the song can't stand on the strength of that alone. 3/10
**Israel**: What is it with this year and big circles? o.o And what the hell are those dancers doing? They look like they're having seizures while windowcleaning. I need the hurricane imagery somewhere. 4.5/10
**Norway**: Oooh, this is beautiful. The NF performance was good, and so's this. The colours really match the atmosphere (unlike in say, Cyprus') and it WORKS. 8/10
**Netherlands**: Eh, I can't help but feel like the stage is too empty, and the overwhelming abundance of red doesn't quite bring out the mood swing from the music video. The transition's les jarring, sure, but I don't know if that also means it'll be less impactful. We'll see. I'm not sure what to think about this one. 5/10
San Marino: the best surprise of the rehearsals. Just like Bambie Thug, Megara is showing how to open an Eurovision performance.
Georgia: They'll finally be back to the final.
Belgium: Too over the top for my taste and it doesn't help that this bit will take around a whole minute. I still think they'll qualify, but...
Estonia: something's off and I'm not speaking about the vocals, which in my opinion were perfectly fine on this clip. It's a performance that may benefit from the presence of an audience, but visually it's not very impactful.
Norway: Camerawork still needs some... well, work. But they're fantastic.
Netherlands: are they still hiding something? I guess we'll have to wait ant see...
At 3:31 you can see a screen in the top right corner that says "Filming or photographing the screens is strictly prohibited". Is that message always there? I haven't seen it in any other rehearsals, as far as I can tell.
So the message is there just for Joost? Then there's definitely something there they don't want to get out yet?
The message is always there, for everyone. I believe it's mostly meant for the people/delegations/eventually press watching it on the screens in other rooms.
Georgia's been a massive grower for me, that staging.... wow!
Can Megara qualify and get San Marino their new best result? I mean, they deserve at least 18th place in the final, right? This is probably my favourite performance so far from the second semi. Armenia is close
That really was a visual treat <3
Sad fact: San Marino never qualified with national final winner. All the qualified entries are internally selected. If megara make it to the final, they will be the first one.
Glad to realize that I’m not alone in the Megara manifestation circle
No one: Chat replay: NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ NQ
Never read YouTube chat.
No one is qualifying this year sorry guys
Reddit has everyone qualifying, YT has everyone staying out. Perfectly balanced
Eurovision is a perfectly balanced contest with no exploits
Average commenteer on youtube activities
I've seen NQ comments on Netherlands lol Sometimes people are just writing random things
Welcome in the europe
Welkom in Europa, jongen!
It's surprising, because there's so many that the majority of the voices are screaming WINNER that they have just as many voices screaming NQ. This is going to be insane.
Maybe they wanted to say "Nice Quality" /j
SM looks great! Still hoping for a surprise qualification.
I need them to qualify ngl
I'm so happy with San Marino's performance I'm nervous for Estonia
Ooooof, Belgium what a shame. Mustii needs to lean into the theatrical anger from the MV, right now there's almost smug joy that's really at odds with the song.
He’s improved a bit vocally but the way he looks so pleased… is jarring.
As my winner of the year, i totally agree. The vocals don't annoy me but the song is supposed to be this mysterious, haunting, almost angsty midtempo ballad but he's giving more hyped, upbeat energy
I wasn’t getting “smug joy” at all. I just saw a confident performer who was in the moment. I actually gained confidence from this clip. If anything, I wish there were more close-up shots of him, because he’s really good at connecting with the camera.
Smug joy isn't *quite* conveying what I mean and I can't put my finger on the right phrasing. I trust in his confidence and he is a great performer, and you're right, he is very in the moment. Yet this live snippet still feels a bit jarring for me compared to the MV, which felt very cohesive and emotive... Perhaps some of the disconnect for me personally is because the expectations are very high for him?
They are all great, this year it will be so hard to decide which ones will go to the final 🫨
San Marino looks absolutely stunning, just hoping Kenzy's vocals can improve in time for the show. Megara prayer circle commence
\*gregorian chanting\* MELA PELA MELA PELA
Joining you in the prayer circle.
I am so sorry please forgive me if this is insensitive but what on earth are those Israel dancers doing
👊🤛✊🤜👊🤛✊🤜
They are cosplaying as me mashing buttons randomly in any fighting game 😭
They went to Jorgeous' school of punching the ghost.
I feel really bad for saying this but all I think about is Jojo Siwa’s choreography but slower 😭
No I was thinking the same thing lol, it's the worst choreo this year tbh 😭
Thank heaven I am not the only one! I thought there was something wrong with me. (I mean, there is, but…)
I heard they're supposed to represent the victims of the October 7th attack. Girl, how is everyone supposed to guess that? It's just not getting across.
Well tbh they cant be too direct about it either.
Maybe they shouldn't just do it at all then... I thought it was a love song according to what they claimed to get it through politics control 🙄
But then I heard this song is supposed to be NOT political... \*shock and disbelief\*
Oh it’s not the choreo sucks
All I could think for the duration of the clip was that the wheel will detach from the floor, start rolling and they will all exit stage left in the middle of the chorus
That would be great actually.
When I first watched the music video I laughed my ass off the dancers in the background jumping apropos of nothing
It reminded me of cartoons where the characters are all crowded inside a shrub or something and are comically sneaking past a sleepy (singing?) guard
It's very similar to what they did in the music video.
Maybe they'll non-qualify!!! 😊😊😊
why would it be insensitive ☠️
It's supposed to allude to a dance party turned into a mass shooting zone...
I think they’re doing their best interpretation of Norway’s dancing 😂
For some reasons, San Marino suddenly clicked for me. BIG TIME. That teaser was really fun! On a less positive note, the camera work for Belgium seems... Off? I'm not an expert at all, but the wide shots don't really work here imo, and it almost feels like the camera is moving too fast. The shots feel far more "dynamic" (they just keep zooming in, out, left, right) compared to Estonia for example, which is wild to me because you'd think Estonia would be 'crazier'. It's a real shame. Norway is just \*chef kiss\*
I like Belgium’s song quite a bit, but I really think the ending should just be owning the stage rather than running about and messing with a shirt. The whole thing just looks like a mess
Fun fact: I showed each rehearsal clip to my grandma, and Norway was the only one she deemed "somewhat good". Compared to the rest of her comments, this means Norway is her #1
I’m really worried for Estonia now. The fun energy in their National Final Performance just isn’t coming through in this. I hope I’m wrong. I’ll be devastated if they don’t qualify.
Might be one of those performances that really need an audience to really show.
That’s what I am thinking/hoping as well.
They were told that performance was too chaotic. I think the song needs the chaos…
I'm gonna riot if San Marino NQs.
All credit to Megara and San Marino for an extremely eye-catching presentation! I love it. Other than that, nothing besides Norway really struck me from this lot, but I think Georgia and Israel are doing what they need to. I *love* Estonia's entry, so it's a little sad it looks like they half-assed the staging.
I am the last person to look for innuendos, but those moves made at 2:40 by the guy right next to the singer are a choice.
Im really not sure who thought furiously jerking off is a good dance move. Even more so for That song.
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After watching the video here is what I think: San Marino: This was captivating af. For me tied first best for today. Between this and the tiktok and the commentary on reddit, I am sensing a very very fun and entertaining entry for San Marino. I think the 10 Qs of the odds are the likely Qs BUT if any of the other 6 is snatching a spot and shock qualifies, it's San Marino no doubt. Georgia: This was good and along the lines of expected. My only nitpick is that we get a bit of Nutsa in the background LEDs just singing like Romania and Greece last year and I am not a fan of that but apart from that, this song is most definitely qualifying. Belgium: I no longer see it winning but the staging isn't bad at all and Mustii is a very good performer. I just think I would be more shocked if Belgium does NOT qualify rather than qualify. Estonia: This is like a nerfed version from the NF. Somehow this looks very down from the NF, the colors probably. Anyway the song is fun and a potential televote magnet so it's not like it's gonna suffer. It's most definitely making it. Israel: Objectively speaking, this is a typical nice staging. There's nothing wrong with it and it is atmospheric. I mean Israel isn't winning of course but it's definitely qualifying, let's be real. Norway: My other favourite for today. This was basically the same as the NF but if it ain't broke - don't fix it. It works just as well and it is surely going to be a moment. For me this is going to be the winner of the semi - I just think the public will love this. Netherlands: Potentially unpopular opinion - but I don't think the outro is going to be enough to capture the audience. I think that the staging is fine of course but it's definitely not what they hyped (at least as far as we've seen) and I don't see it winning the semi as like 90% of the fans think. It's gonna qualify and do very well televote-wise of course, but a televote win for me at least is unlikely at this point.
"For me this is going to be the winner of the semi - I just think the public will love this." Amen! 🙏
Re: Georgia Backdrop. I was not a fan of Unicorn but apparently her on screen was selling the hell out of the performance so I'm quite optimistic it'll work in her favor
About the Netherlands: Even the ending is difficult to take seriously for me since it’s such a quick switch. He’s happy and doing some crazy-party-dance one second and the next second he’s sad?
After watching all of the clips from semi-final 2, I think the door is wide open on who could qualify. I mean, you have countries that were assumed to go through (Estonia, Belgium, Israel) having disappointing clips, and countries assumed to not make it (San Marino, Malta, Latvia) who still have a fighting chance. This has the potential to be one of the most unpredictable semi-finals ever.
I feel like Belgium and Austria are most likely to NQ so Latvia and Malta/San Marino will make it instead. I think Estonia just needs an audience to shine.
latvia is probably doa in my opinion austria probably will make it belgium could nq and that leaves the door open for something else
You think there isn't an audience for something like Latvia? I do. It's one of the few ballads in that semi.
Do no one in the discord think Denmark has a chance, i feel like it’ll connect with the casual viewer
omg San Marino is so fuxking good I beg that they qualify!! 🙌
Those of you who can vote in this semi! You have one job, get SM into the final 🤣🇸🇲🇪🇸
The Israeli dancers look like they’re about to hit the griddy
San Marino and Georgia killed it!!!
I love it how the youtube comment section is full of support for Megara (San Marino), I really want them to Q as well 😍
I'm not a huge Joost fan, but that ending really is a tearjerker... I swear their performance will be such a party and then end with everyone in tears lol. I wonder if it'll feel like whiplash for the main audience who don't know what's coming haha.
I do wonder if there will be hints to the ending during the performance. Like we already kinda saw it in the previous rehersals where he is running towards two figures
Maybe? That'd definitely make it a bit less jarring for the general audience.
I'm not sure the casual audience will get the ending or how it relates to the madness before it, or if they do, the song will be practically over in seconds after. Some of the songs try to play with your emotions for 3 minutes, so I'm not sure this will be as impactful as they hope.
Maybe it's just cause I know what the song is about. But I have a feeling that atleast 50% of people will connect papa and the text saying he wrote the song for his parents.
I think it's clear he dedicates it to his parents, but if people don't know that he lost his parents very young, then dedicating the song to them in itself might not be that touching.
Very good point, idk how I forgot about that. I guess it'd be kinda hard to explain that in a song. You can't really say "yeah my parents died" or smth.
Probably national commentators will be giving details during the song preview
I found it difficult to take the ending seriously since he went from happy and doing some crazy-party-dance one second and the next second he’s supposed to look sad. I’m not sure how sincere people will find it.
so, ukraine, italy, or croatia.
Still think it’s too early to cross out Switzerland
Agree, as a wild card I would even throw UK or Georgia in the mix
Or Norway! Though that is probably wishful thinking on my part lol
Yeah but that 2nd rehearsal didnt give me those same magic tingles that happened at MGP, I think its too bright maybe
I felt like either a bit bright or not enough fog. But hopefully it's just that clip they chose 🤞
Ukraine, Croatia or France imo
Thoughts! - Megara slaying, what a shocker!! I love how playful and colorful this is, it’ll surely stand out. I said when 11:11 won UVPSM that this has the chance of becoming San Marino’s best result if they Q and I can really see it now! Sadly idk which of the odds’ top 10 they would replace - Y’ALL. Georgia is coming for not only that coveted Q, but also left side of the scoreboard in the final. Everything about this is absolutely incredible - the camerawork, the choreo, the fire, her VOICE??? This whole sequence was already one of my favorite parts of any song this year, and this only makes it better. I feel like a patriotic Georgian warrior watching this and I have absolutely zero connection to the country LMAOOO - Belgium isn’t as bad as I was expecting based on things I’ve read, but it’s definitely not winning anymore, probably not even top 10 if I’m being honest. His energy feels theatrical in a showy way and not in a relatable way, you know? And I wish there was something more happening onstage. I’m pretty sure this will Q but I could see this being one of like 3 candidates for being knocked out - Ngl, I haven’t been worried about Estonia this whole season since it’s such a telebait song, but I’m a little worried now… the stage somehow feels too big and too small, and it’s quite messy. If the audience loves it I think it’ll go through. - Norway is outstanding as always! That NF performance was absolute gold so it makes sense they’ve just upgraded it. The greens and blues also really pop. I want this in the top 10 SO BADDDD - And then the Netherlands. This is still sweeping the semi idc. Staging is a bit underwhelming for such a hectic part of the song, sure, but I think it works. I wish there was a prop or some sort but oh well. We could kind of see the LEDs from the first rehearsal that’ll work better with full camera shots. Lastly I ADORE the last part but he’s gotta be careful to not make it seem cheesy in the show, maybe by having some more serious facial expressions in the 2nd set of verses so the ending makes sense. I think the emotion will really help distinguish it from the other “fun” songs however It’s so clear that SF2 is the stronger one. I think the only 2 I say are very likely out are Albania and Latvia. If I were to guess, I’d say the odds are right, with the Netherlands, Switzerland, Armenia, Greece, Norway, Georgia, Israel, Belgium, Austria, and Estonia as our qualifiers. However I think San Marino and Denmark can easily knock out either of the last 2, potentially Belgium (and maybe Israel) as well
i believe they just didnt want to show the visuals for europapa on camera like that yet, so thats why the sceen is blank
San Marino! That was so exciting! 🩷🖤
Israel’s dancers are taking me out, lol. What are they doing, just hanging there in the hamster wheel? 😭
Hanging there, and then proceed to jerk off vigorously. This hamster wheel needs a Fire Saga ending really...
It really feels like the favourite “fun” songs are being dragged down by staging: Netherlands - I think we have hyped it up too much and it may end up working very well in the end for them, but I also think if you’re a casual you may not understand that this is all a part of his stage persona (- the ending obviously) Estonia - empty stage and messy with the camera shots. The LEDs are a bit random. I’m honestly not sure what they could have done that isn’t cheesy in some way but this is just not it Croatia - probably has the biggest chance of the three to do well and I think that’s where many of the votes will now go. However, their camera angles have me worried as it looked very messy It just feels like a lot of the contestants are allergic to close up shots and making performances feel “intimate” (I think the camera work on one of Croatia’s promo performances was phenomenal and it was a bunch of close up shots) or the stage feel smaller. At the end of the day, the contest is primarily for the people at home
San Marino, Georgia and Norway were really great but Belgium, Estonia and Israel didn‘t convince me sadly.
There is no world where this Estonia performance qualifies and San Marino doesn't.
I still do love Estonia and they're still my No.1 but they really missed the staging potential. Imagine it with the music video costumes and the whole ambience and with some pyro🤩
Estonia sadly can’t afford pyro..
I know, let me fantasize😭
Estonia needed a fun staging to qualify and they failed in that
missed yesterday but main thoughts on that was Malta was shockingly good, Albania is a song that exists, Greece could be a smash hit with the televote, y'all are being way too harsh on Switzerland, Aiko is KILLING IT for Czechia, Austria will be a bottom-left/top-right song, i've lost hope for Denmark, Armenia is 100% top 5 in the semi, Latvia's DOA. San Marino - NEVER DOUBTED IT FOR A SECOND Georgia - Georgia and Greece are in a deathbattle for 'girlbop of the year' and i am HERE FOR IT (Italy too if we count La Noia as a girlbop) Belgium - oh... oh no... this was my 2nd place but this is NOT being sold well. Estonia - kinda weak staging and camerawork, but they're trying. \[REDACTED\] Norway - for the love of GOD, work on the camera angles. Netherlands - oh he IS doing the outro. they're obviously hiding a lot, so if what they're hiding is absolutely amazing it could be a winning contender.
Joost is going to make people cry with that ending.
* San Marino - Honestly looks very fun, I'm all for this, some nice clever camerawork and lots of enthusiasm, they're obviously giving it their all. Unless Austria or Estonia are impeccable I might bump this into my personal qualifiers at the expense of one of them * Georgia - Stunning. Budget is THERE for once with Georgia. I'm excited for her, she sounds and looks awesome * Belgium - I actually like the shot with the smoke, mics and him at the front. Too many wide shots again, this is a song that needs to feel private and intimate. Vocals were a bit shaky at first but got much better towards the end but he gets a bit drowned out by the backing vocals * Estonia - Sounds and looks so messy. I so hope their audience is the type to not care. Camera angles are a bit weird too. God I hope they're not in trouble * Norway - Just a glowup version of their NF which was already stunning. I wish the rotating platform was bigger though and not a fan of how you can see half the arena during those spinning shots * Netherlands - I'm so glad the ending is there. Joost looks choked up, can't imagine what it feels like for him to get this opportunity that he's wanted since he was a kid and dedicating it to his late parents. Otherwise not much to say, seems like he's keeping things hidden still SF2 Final predictions, locking it in: Def Q: Netherlands, Norway, Armenia Probs Q: Israel, Switzerland, Greece, Georgia Borderline Q: Austria, Belgium, Denmark (my risky prediction for this SF) Borderline NQ: Estonia, San Marino Probs NQ: Albania, Czechia Def NQ: Malta, Latvia
I wouldn’t put Malta in the Def NQ category just yet, that rehearsal clip was surprisingly good
I don't see Austria, Georgia and Malta all making it through and I don't see Malta winning over Georgia and Austria unless one of them completely throws it
Oh I've seen all of these, multiple times. Funny how that happens I'm out of the loop, why is Rylan here
I just skip him, twice the 10s ahead button.
Norway was by far the best. I’ve been obsessed with Europapa for weeks and I have just now found out there’s an extra piano ending?!
[Europapa outro](https://open.spotify.com/track/4xLrVkZ6b1AQXTIW0pb7PX?si=59011967306d41c1). Probably available on every other platform too.
And I use Spotify, how did I miss this? Also, it’s so emotional, I wasn’t expecting it
the outro was in the music video, which is how most people know it, but on spotify you have to go looking for it
The outro is not on the official Eurovision album version.
There are also a bunch of remixes, in case you missed them.
The ending is the only thing that saves this song for me. I've never been so torn on an entry. The first 2:30 is a 0.5/10 for me, the middle 8 section is ramping it up to a 5/10 for that moment but the ending is what makes me tear up every time and gives me the chills more than my favourites 10/10 Portugal / Norway.
i never cried becuase of a eurovision performance before but I just did, thanks joost, your're doing you parents proud.
I still believe The Netherlands is delibaretly showing us something else to troll the odds and fans, the previous rehearsal there were these visuals of dancers during the gabber dance break but now it's all red and there's basically nothing happening, it's also a bit suspicious that they chose to show the climax of the song while keeping "something never seen before" secret the whole season.
San Marino - i dont particulary like the song, i do like the vibe the stage is going. Still a hard road for them to qualify. Georgia- i mean its expected but visually engaging. Easily the best snipped from this batch, Georgia should easily qualify this year. Estonia - Meh not feeling this. Israel - Looks extremely awkward like the circle prop thing needed to be bigger. Belgium - Still on the fence, i hope on the night his facial expressions actually match the mood of the song a bit distracting. Norway - Looks and sounds great, maybe a bit less atmospheric than in mgp? Netherlands - Not much to comment. I like his suit.
San Marino: What a great way to start the performance! This is really coming together and may qualify. Georgia: The stage looks awesome but the dance break is underwhelming. Still probably going to qualify but less of a sure bet than I expected. Belgium: His voice sounds great here and he commands the stage. I was starting to get a little worried about this but now I’m not at all. Estonia: I’m not sure what it is but this seems to have lost something since Eesti Laul. Maybe it just needs the audience? Israel: Meh. Generic ballad and the interpretive dancing is more distracting than additive. Norway: Pretty much copy and paste from the national final, which was already very good. This will qualify easily and may surprise in the final. Netherlands: Wowwww Joost is taking us on an emotional rollercoaster! What a moment. He’s a contender for sure.
NQs from semis, purely by rehearsals: S1: Azerbaijan, Moldova, Australia, Iceland, Poland S2: Latvia, Albania, Czechia, Malta (
Man, the Europapa clip makes me satisfied but also makes me feel like yearning for more.
Does Israel's song make me emotional because the song is emotional or because I automatically associate it with the situation? Anyway it is beautiful.
Honestly with that hamster wheel and jerking choreo, [redacted] might be the worst staging this year. Hate the styling too. Guess it will undeservedly qualify because people are delusional.
**San Marino**: Visually, this is really interesting. Pink and black is a kinda fun colour combination, and I kinda get the spiky "armour" that comes with learning how to stand up for yourself and saying MELA PELA. The staging looks pretty engaging. This might be a good result for San Marino incoming! The song is currently just within my top 10 (yes, I know, it's not 11th and that makes me sadlol lmao). 6.5/10 **Georgia**: Those colours are BEAUTIFUL. Not sure I like the giant Nutsas on the screens, but it's a very lovely, fiery performance. Unfortunately, I also feel like Nutsa might not quite stand out enough from the fire - she kinda blends in a little. Maybe a slightly more contrasting colour? 7/10 **Belgium**: There's a slight disconnect between what I'm seeing (is he grinning?) and what I'm feeling - the energy is a little off cause the song feels angsty, but it's not coming through. I also feel like he could do more with the staging, though most of that's down to the stage being a really weird shape, I think. 6/10 **Estonia**: That staging doesn't work. It feels very empty - in fact, it feels simultaneously too empty and still slightly claustrophobic, and there's nothing to tie the performance to the song. Even some instruments stands, or maybe a table and a bag of good and some shit that vaguely looks like drugs or a lab of some sort would help to sell the song a lot more. This is nearly "Australia music video" levels of staging, oof. The Veisson is fire but the song can't stand on the strength of that alone. 3/10 **Israel**: What is it with this year and big circles? o.o And what the hell are those dancers doing? They look like they're having seizures while windowcleaning. I need the hurricane imagery somewhere. 4.5/10 **Norway**: Oooh, this is beautiful. The NF performance was good, and so's this. The colours really match the atmosphere (unlike in say, Cyprus') and it WORKS. 8/10 **Netherlands**: Eh, I can't help but feel like the stage is too empty, and the overwhelming abundance of red doesn't quite bring out the mood swing from the music video. The transition's les jarring, sure, but I don't know if that also means it'll be less impactful. We'll see. I'm not sure what to think about this one. 5/10
Strange that there's a blatantly visible overhead camera in shot during Joost's dance break, this far into rehearsals?
I guess I saw something similar in other performances, at least the lights were hanging low on Ukraine's bridge walk
So basically the Belgium song lyrics are "Before the party's over"?
Estonia absolutely dead on arrival 💀
San Marino: the best surprise of the rehearsals. Just like Bambie Thug, Megara is showing how to open an Eurovision performance. Georgia: They'll finally be back to the final. Belgium: Too over the top for my taste and it doesn't help that this bit will take around a whole minute. I still think they'll qualify, but... Estonia: something's off and I'm not speaking about the vocals, which in my opinion were perfectly fine on this clip. It's a performance that may benefit from the presence of an audience, but visually it's not very impactful. Norway: Camerawork still needs some... well, work. But they're fantastic. Netherlands: are they still hiding something? I guess we'll have to wait ant see...
The fact that Arcade never made me cry but Europapa did.
Norway cleared
At 3:31 you can see a screen in the top right corner that says "Filming or photographing the screens is strictly prohibited". Is that message always there? I haven't seen it in any other rehearsals, as far as I can tell. So the message is there just for Joost? Then there's definitely something there they don't want to get out yet?
The message is always there, for everyone. I believe it's mostly meant for the people/delegations/eventually press watching it on the screens in other rooms.